Disney Gearing Up Hovercar Again

Superman Returns' Dan Harris scriptingThe trend for turning to young adult novels as likely source material for the hungry development machine shows no sign of abating with Disney thrusting a version of Matthew Riley's Hover Car Racer back into active development and hiring X2 / Superman Returns writer Dan Harris to craft the script.Simply titled Hovercar, the film version will still follow young hero Jason Chaser who enters an international school that trains up drivers for futuristic hover car races. Good thing his surname wasn't Slug Waste Cleaner Smith, then...It's not the first time that the Mouse House has attempted to shove Riley's book through the development process: it snapped up the rights back in 2004 and several writers, including David DiGilio, John Sayles and Blaise Hemingway have taken a whack at the script. Now the Disney team will be hoping Harris is the man to make it work with I Am Number Four co-writers Miles Millar and Alfred Gough on hand to oversee things as producers.There's no word on a director or any cast yet, but those will slot into place assuming the script is up to snuff...

McKenzie Westmore isn't just a significant Face Off Host

McKenzie Westmore Since the daughter of award-winning The Exorcist: Generation X makeup artist Michael Westmore, cleaning cleaning soap vet McKenzie Westmore produces a perfect host of Syfy's eye-popping competition, Face Off, which starts round 2 tonight at 10/9c. Because she didn't just develop inside the biz, she also arrived at experiment within it! TV Guide Magazine: OK, the opener is actually good!Westmore: I realize, right? I am dying to find out more footage. I am chomping within the bit with [production], like please throw us a bone! TV Guide Magazine: The talent these makeup artists exhibit inside the premiere's Wizard of Oz challenge is dazzling.Westmore: I didn't be familiar with background on many of them, to start to see the finished products? I used to be amazed with the equality of talent incorporated within this. This season's likely to be tough because you will never select a front-runner. TV Guide Magazine: And as opposed to some reality shows, the idol idol judges are legit, too.Westmore: And they're current! Glenn Hetrick has labored with Rhianna, Ve Neill just finished The Hunger Games and Patrick Tatopolous is coming initially from off [the remake of] Total Recall which is pointing something this summer season. The legal right to judge will there be. TV Guide Magazine: Did your father use you want one if you were a young child?Westmore: Oh God, did he! [Laughs] I am unable to inform you the amount of occasions I used to be his experimentation. It's a part of what my family members is. I wasn't only the model, I obtained being hands-on. The Cardassians on The Exorcist: TNG? I used to be instrumental in aiding design people. That's something nobody knows. TV Guide Magazine: So hosting a show similar to this is suitable within your wheelhouse.Westmore: It's my job to had such respect for my family members, nevertheless it wasn't until this show showed up that we recognized this is where I must be. It's my legacy and If only to see it keep on. TV Guide Magazine: Its probable you've known the crazy effects if you were on Passions.Westmore: I'd a great deal respect that they have to do as well as the time crunches. Because i had been really the only cleaning cleaning soap that did have prosthetic work...and so they understood they may throw me straight into that. After they switched my character in to a guy around the program, I used to be like, "This can be awesome!" TV Guide Magazine: Will you have a favorite artist using this season up to now?Westmore: It truly is such a game title title of "who's next?" The talent pool is actually fantastic. Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!

CBS Boss Downplays Controversies on 2 Broke Women, Talk and Person of great interest

Kat Dennings "We'd an incredible year, an extraordinary year," CBS Entertainment Leader Nina Tassler told reporters in the Television Experts Association winter TV previews Wednesday. But regardless of the network's success - it's no. one in both total audiences as well as in the grown ups 18-49 demographic with the first half of year and effectively relaunched 2 . 5 Males - CBS has produced a little of debate with shows including 2 Broke Women and also the Talk.Obtain the scoop around the midseason must-see new showsThe greatest critical complaint about breakout hit comedy 2 Broke Women may be the show's sometimes offensive humor and it is broad racial stereotyping from the figures Max (Kat Dennings) and Caroline (Janet Behrs) use in the diner. Tassler lined in the outcry towards the freshness from the show."Like every in our new shows, you need to do have a take a step back and also you allow them to understand,Inch Tassler stated. "Our large hits... once they first began, you've multiple figures to service. You need to make certain the crowd has time to find the concept, obtain the emotional arc and extremely build relationships the associations. After which with time you build out and dimensionalize another supporting figures. "Tassler added that nobody demographic has been selected on. "[The show] is definitely an equal-chance offender. Everyone will get digs," Tassler stated. "Our comments and dialogue with [creator Michael Patrick King], is, yes, still dimensionalize, continue to obtain more specific, still build [the figures] out. Our history shows we understand how to build comedy hits... and we'll continue doing by using 2 Broke Women."Tassler seemed to be requested concerning the transformed selection around the panel from the Talk, which didn't bring original co-hosts Carol Robinson Peete and Leah Remini back for any second season.Tassler didn't address more knowledge about your decision, but in comparison it to altering the cast on any scripted show. "Any show in the first season experiences multiple changes," Tassler stated. "Ultimately, i was searching in a dynamic, for any quality within the relationship along with a quality within the commentary. This content from the show has transformed and also the audience is reacting to that particular,Inch Tassler ongoing. "The most crucial factor may be the content. It is important that the subjects are relevant which the discussion stays spirited which there's great chemistry involving the hosts."Have more scoop from TCAFinally, Tassler addressed Taraji P. Henson's role on Person of great interest, which Tassler stated the network felt was initially too peripheral within the overall story from the show. "We requested if [the producers] were available to getting Carter in to the super hero cave, for a moment,Inch Tassler stated. "It had been an agenda they'd in position, but more toward the finish of year. We requested them when they were available to moving that up. We felt which was a real key component to letting the show build and expand. Between your brains of Finch and also the brawn of Reese, we're feeling the Carter character adds one's heart element. Artistically, they have got the best dynamic in position and that we have high wants the show."A couple of other highlights from Tassler's executive session: The Great Wife is within a great put on Sundays. "The show feels as though a much better fit on Sunday evening," Tassler stated. "We are thrilled using the critical response and also the honours and also the attention the show will get. More to the point, the crowd that does watch the show is extremely trendy, very female and they are very engaged. We're feeling it had been an excellent move."So how exactly does NCIS, now in the ninth season, remain this type of rankings giant? "It is constantly on the evolve," Tassler stated. "I do not think a show ever takes itself as a given. They are individuals who arrived at work very committed. I seem like they've really accomplished an excellent balance in tone [and] style. Getting a show that's mature and is constantly on the build audience even just in its old age is proof of the writing from the show. They provide the fans what they need.InchHave more of present day latest newsWhat was that people learned about a brand new cop drama known as New york city 22? Don't worry, Tassler stated the show continues to be coming, although not until late spring. "Area of the reason it's later within the months are we'd a really effective fall," Tassler stated. "As audiences keep growing for that shows we released this fall, you want to make certain we fortify the crowd. [We would like] to make certain we still offer the new shows after which give its very own special launch later early in the year, using basketball like a platform to produce it."Can any show find success within the publish-Large Bang Theory timeslot? Regardless of the problems both $#*! My Father States and just how to become a Gentleman have experienced for the reason that slot, Tassler remains devoted to getting a compatibleshow. "Large Bang is really a monster hit," she stated. "When you are carrying out a reveal that has that loyal followers and rankings as huge as Large Bang has, it might take time for you to find its right companion. We are devoted to doing the work and we'll make it happen eventually."Would CBS dip its toes in to the musical waters? In line with the success of Glee and NBC's starting of Smash, is CBS interesting in getting some singing and dancing to the air? "Considering development for all of us in to the fall, we have got a bit of really unique, clever ideas - some with music, some not," Tassler stated, observing her passion for musical theater. "But what's most significant is ... as systems we still explore, expand and check out something totally new but continually be very sincere of audience and our concentrate on ensuring we fortify the present hits and make new hits each season."

Handlers: Composer agents and managers

AIR-EDEL US8687 Melrose Avenue ninth Floor La, CA 90069Phone: 310-967-2388Fax: 310-854-4848Executives: Becca Nelson, agent Cory Schuelke, mind of accountingAIR-EDEL UK18 Rodmarton St. London W1U 8BJ U.K. Phone: +44-20-7486-6466 Fax: +44-20-7224-0344 Email: air-edel@air-edel.co.uk Check out the WebsiteExecutives: Maggie Rodford, controlling director Mark Lo, agent & home based business manager Alison Wright, agent & music supervisor Trevor Best, ads & new mediaCHL ARTISTS 13547 Ventura Blvd., Suite 192 Sherman Trees, CA. 91423-3825 Phones: 818-501-0240 http://chlartists.com/">Click for that WebsiteExecutives: Christopher Ling, manager CORE MUSIC AGENCY 201-402 West Pender St. Vancouver, BC V6B 1T6 Canada Phones: 1-866-784-3222 604-708-1967 Fax: 604-872-1926 Check out the WebsiteExecutives: Ari Wise, Owner/Agent Jacquelyn Brioux, Mind of Music Certification/Agent Matthew Safran, Agent CREATIVE ARTISTS AGENCY 2000 Avenue in the Stars La, CA 90067 Phone: 424-288-2000 Check out the WebsiteAgents: John Loucks, agent Christine Belden, agent Stephanie Langs, agentEVOLUTION MUSIC PARTNERS1680 N. Vine St., Suite 500 Hollywood, CA 90028 Phone: 323-790-0525 Email: info@evolutionmusicpartners.comClick for that WebsiteExecutives: Seth Kaplan, partner/agent Christine Russell, partner/agent Jon Steingold, agent Bianca Bhagat, creative manager Alex Gradinger, methods manager Todd Harapiak, media manager Veronica Lehman, assistantFBI/FOUR BARS INTERTAINMENT 220 Magnolia Dr. Rio Vista, CA 94571 Phone: 707-374-0074 Email: bobrice@fourbarsintertainment.comClick for that WebsiteExecutives: Bob Grain, Boss S.L. FELDMAN & Affiliate marketers 1505 W. Second Ave., Suite 200 Vancouver, BC V6H 3Y4, Canada Phone: 604-734-5945 Fax: 604-732-0922 Email: Natasha@slfa.comClick for the site Professionals: Natasha Duprey, Director of Music Supervision FIRST ARTISTS MANAGEMENT4764 Park Granada, Suite 210Calabasas, CA 91302Phone: 818-377-7750Fax: 818-377-7760Click for that WebsiteExecutives: Vasi Vangelos: Partner & Agent Robert Messinger: Partner & Agent Wealthy Jacobellis: Agent Randy Gerston: Agent Patty Macmillan, AgentFORMAN BROS. Tracks / PARC & LAURIER MUSIC / FORMAN BROS. Worldwide NEIGHBORING Rights / ZELIG MUSIC15315 Magnolia Blvd., Suite 113Sherman Trees, CA 91403-1173Phone: 818-782-4692 Fax: 818-267-5745 Email: info@formanbros.comClick for that WebsiteExecutives: David Forman, prexy, Forman Bros. Holdings Mark Hill, V . p . creativeGORFAINE/SCHWARTZ AGENCY 4111 W. Alameda Ave., Suite 509 Burbank, CA 91505 Phone: 818-260-8500 Fax: 818-260-8522 Email: clusey@gsamusic.comClick for that WebsiteExecutives: Michael Gorfaine, partner & agent Samuel H. Schwartz, partner & agent Cheryl Tiano, agent Maria Machado, agent Kevin Korn, agentGREENSPAN KOHAN MANAGEMENT2164 Sunset Plaza DriveWest Hollywood, CA 90069Phone: 323-650-2602Email: Mail@GreenspanKohan.comClick for that WebsiteExecutives: Anita Greenspan, prexy Neil Kohan, agentICM (La) 10250 Constellation Blvd. La, CA 90067 Phone: 310-550-5000 Check out the WebsiteExecutives: Brice Gaeta, composers agent Tad Lumpkin, composers agentTHE KAUFMAN AGENCY 12007 Laurel Terrace Drive Studio City, CA 91604-3617 Phone: 818-506-6013 Fax: 818-506-7270 Check out the WebsiteExecutives: Rob H. Kaufman, film music agent & consultantKORDEK MANAGEMENT Phone: 818-399-3276 Professionals: Linda Kordek, managerKRAFT-ENGEL MANAGEMENT 15233 Ventura Blvd., Suite 200 Sherman Trees, CA 91403 Phone: 818-380-1918 Email info@kraftengel.com Fax: 818-380-2609Click for that WebsiteExecutives: Richard Kraft, agent /partner Laura Engel, agent /partner MANNERS MCDADE ARTIST MANAGEMENT2nd Floor, 21 Great Chapel Street, Soho, London W1F 8FP United states . KingdomPhone: +44-20-7928-9939 Email: info@mannersmcdade.co.ukClick for that WebsiteExecutives: Catherine Manners, Director Nicole Prutch, Creative Manager Bob McDade, Director David McCleery, Posting ManagerMARKS MANAGEMENT1030 Mission Ridge Road Santa Barbara, CA 93103 Phone: 805-882-1116 Fax: 805-882-9116 Professionals: Lawrence B. Marks, owner SANDRA MARSH & Affiliate marketers 9150 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 220 Beverly Slopes, CA 90212 Phone: 310-285-0303 Check out the WebsiteExecutives: Jason Karten, Project Coordinator MUSIC FOR FILMS Forester's Lodge, School Lane Bawdsey Suffolk, IP 12 3AR U.K. Phones: +44-78-9999-3670, 323-850-4470 Professionals: Make the most of GoldPARADIGM 360 N. Crescent Drive Beverly Slopes, CA 90210 Phone: 310-288-8000 Fax: 310-288-2000 Check out the WebsiteExecutives: Sara Ramaker, agent Joel Roman, agent THE DEREK Energy COMPANY/KAHN Energy PICTURES,Corporation 818 N. Doheny Drive, Suite 1003 West Hollywood, CA 90069 Phone: 310-550-0770 Check out the Artists4Film WebsiteClick for that Music4Film WebsiteExecutives: Derek Energy, manager Ilene Kahn Energy, manager Jeremy Kahn, V . p . new media Trevor Finn, V . p . DevelopmentSMA TALENT LIMITEDAddress 1: 3rd Floor, 207 Regent Street,London W1B 3HHPhone: 020 7307 5958Address 2: The Cottage, Chapel St. Fressingfield, Suffolk IP21 5PA U.K. Phones: +44-1379-586734 Cells: + 44 -778717-7263 & +44-778717-7261 Fax: +44-1379-586131 Email: olav@smatalent.com & carolynne@smatalent.comClick for that WebsiteExecutives: Olav Wyper, Boss Carolynne Wyper, controlling directorSOUNDTRACK MUSIC ASSOCIATES1460 4th St., #308Santa Monica, CA 90401310-260-1023310-260-1048Email: info@soundtrk.com">Click for that WebsiteExecutives: John Tempereau, sr. partner & agent Roxanne Lippel, agent Michael Horner, business matters Mike Kozarec, agent Koyo Sonae, agent Alison Potoczak, assistantWILLIAM MORRIS ENDEAVOR ENTERTAINMENT 9601 Wilshire Blvd. Beverly Slopes, CA 90210 Phone: 310-859-4265 Fax: 310-248-5565 Check out the site Professionals: Julie Colbert, agent Amos Newman, agent WINOGRADSKY/SOBEL12650 Riverside Drive, Suite 200Studio City, CA 91607Phone: 818-761-6906Fax: 818-761-5719HERE Will Also Be ARTICLES Recommended FOR YOU

Cablers ready to produce a statement

TNT will resurrect 'Dallas' having a couple of of the original stars. Historys 'Cajun Pawn Stars.'Discoverys 'Bering Sea Gold.' With 2011 inside the books, cablers want ahead. Mining the next "Falling Skies" or "Teen Mother 2" -- impressive scripted and reality skeins, correspondingly, that opened up a year ago -- remains a No. 1 priority.This can be a have a look in a couple of from the key newcomer series available by cable nets over the following 12 several days:A&EWith Westerns resurgent, A&E jumps aboard with "Longmire." Professional produced by, among others, "The Closer" team of Greer Shephard and Michael Robin and starring Robert Taylor, Katee Sackhoff and Lou Gem Phillips, "Longmire" will use end up being the net's third effective scripted series, following "The Glades" and "Breakout Nobleman."AMCAMC will probably be focusing lots of its efforts on reality inside the year. Author-director Kevin Cruz will premiere his "Comic Males" in February, and "The Pitch" -- an authentic-existence "Mad Males" through which agencies compete to promote and pitch their wares to media shops -- will arrive sometime in the year.BravoTrying to keep their hands on its "Top Chef" aud, Bravo premieres "Around the globe in 80 Plates" -- the network's foodie version of "The Astounding Race." Chefs will test their capabilities in most likely probably the most challenging restaurants all over the world.Laughter Central"The Nick Show Kroll"will focus on sketch material, with Kroll -- an ordinary on FX's "The League" and HBO's toon "The Existence and Occasions of Tim" -- playing numerous crass figures. Also coming initially from from Comedy Central is certainly an untitled two-guy sketch show from "Mad TV" alums Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele.DiscoveryNet brings some reality shows for the fold: "Bering Sea Gold," where salty figures look for treasures, and "Frozen Planet," an in-depth have a look at Earth's polar regions. Seven-part series will probably be read by Alec Baldwin.HistoryWhile History includes a few new reality series coming -- "Cajun Pawn Stars," "Full Metal Jousting" and "Mudcats" -- network topper Nancy Dubuc is developing a bold move by shifting into scripted fare with miniseries "The Hatfields and McCoys." Starring Kevin Costner, Forces Boothe and Bill Paxton, "Hatfields" is really a large litmus test for your surging internet.FXFeeling buoyed through the wealth of toon "Archer," Foreign exchange returns for the animated fold with "Not being watched.Inch Series, about some teenage boys trying to complete what's right without any parental guidance, arises from the authors in the net's extended-running comedy "It Definitely Is Sunny in Philadelphia."HBOOn the drama side, Cinemax has arranged numerous high-powered authors, with David Milch penning equine-racing skein "Luck" and Aaron Sorkin examining the personas who toil inside a politically centric cabler in "The Newsroom." Half-hour laffers "Women" -- from author, director and actress Lena Dunham -- and Julia Louis-Dreyfus' "Veep" will use fill the comedy void left with the recently canceled "Hung," "Bored to Dying" and "Making It in the united states.InchLifetimeTelepic "The Client List" will be the backdoor pilot for just about any series, as well as the femme-focused internet could really take advantage of the breakout hit. Internet is wanting "Ghost Whisperer" star Jennifer Love Hewitt retains enough attract bring new, youthful audiences for the fighting cabler.MTVWill auds who may be tiring on "Jersey Shoreline" antics stay updated to spinoffs starring Pauly D, Snooki and JWoww? MTV is betting about it which is at the same time wanting "The Most Effective My Pants Back," which opened up following a "Video Music Honours," and U.K. import "The Inbetweeners" might boost the scripted bar for 2012.ShowtimeHaving acquired with 2011 newcomer series "Homeland," the pay cabler would happily see new Don Cheadle laffer "House of Lies" generate numerous so great will too. Reality series "Inside Comedy," through which David Steinberg sits and chats with masters in the genre, looks to own great potential.StarzStarz developed a large wager on "Boss," creating a couple-season order before it even launched, now the Chris Albrecht-introduced internet has high wants "Miracle City" too. Starring Jeffrey Dean Morgan just like a hotel owner with ties for the mob, the series is produced by Starz -- unlike "Boss," that's from Lionsgate -- meaning "Magic's" failure or success will probably be elevated bigtime.SundanceThe first wholly possessed scripted series inside the net's history, "Rectify" originates from creator-author Ray McKinnon (recognized for his roles on "Deadwood" and "Sons of Anarchy"). The six-episode series examines the presence of the man released after serving 19 years on Georgia's dying row, and also the assimilation into society whilst some still believe he's guilty.TBSNo internet may be in will require popular than fighting The very best spinner's, which is wanting "The Wedding Band" may stem the viewer erosion. Skein, about several males who use escape the stress of existence by acquiring instruments, stars John Austin Eco-friendly and "Lost" vet Harold Perrineau.TLCThis year is really a busy one at TLC, having a slew of programs on tap. A docuseries on Niecy Nash will generate some mind lines, and there's also an U.S. adaptation of "My Large Body body fat Gypsy Wedding," the Southwest Airline carriers skein "Rapidly" and "Randy can provide relief,Inch about bridal guru Randy Fenoli.TNTNobody will probably be asking who shot J.R. this time around around around, but Ray Hagman will probably be co-starring inside the Turner net's refurbished and anticipated "Dallas," which will premiere in summer season. Other scripted series beginners are "Perception," through which Eric McCormack plays an eccentric neuroscientist, and "The Closer" spinoff "Major Crimes," starring Mary McConnell. Whether it's a large year for TNT, that's searching to develop by having an already-strong scripted slate.USAThe No. 1 entertainment cabler has high anticipation for buddy cop dramedy "Common Law," the internet gone after summer season in the planned debut within the month of the month of january. Together with a big change to comedy and the simple truth is also inside the works, getting a Nathan Lane starrer from creator Doug McGrath and "Paging Dr. Freed" vulnerable to debut later this year. Contact Stuart Levine at stuart.levine@variety.com

REVIEW: Cameron Crowe Tries, and Fails, to Freshen a Treacly Tale in We Bought a Zoo

Cameron Crowe can be a big old cheeseball, but he’s never been a filmmaker to come across as cynical or calculatedly manipulative. That’s one of the reasons We Bought a Zoo doesn’t leave your heartstrings feeling brutally manhandled, despite being a treacly tale about how a widower in search of a fresh start buys and moves to a struggling animal park with his two beautiful, sad children. The other reason is Matt Damon, who underplays the role of still-grieving dad Benjamin Mee as much as possible and brings an edge of genuine frustration to his relationship with his teenage son Dylan (Colin Ford). Though overall the film’s still as honey-toned as the golden sunshine that slants through most of its scenes, the occasional glimpse of a rough human edge means this isn’t just an exercise in mawkishness, though it’s also nowhere near as emotionally resonant as it strives to be. We Bought a Zoo is based on a book by the real-life Mee, a former Guardian columnist who with his family bought and reopened the Dartmoor Zoological Park in southwestern England. The film transports the action to Southern California, where Damon’s Benjamin finds himself unable to move on with his life, running into memories of his dead wife all over his Los Angeles neighborhood. He decides it’s time for a move, and in his search for a new home for his family, he stumbles onto a gorgeous 18-acre space with a slight complication — it’s also a zoo that contains 200 animals, some endangered, and it has to be brought up to standard or dismantled. Benjamin is a reporter at the LA Times and knows nothing about animal care, but one glimpse of his cherubic daughter Rosie (Maggie Elizabeth Jones) communing with some peacocks and his mind’s made up. He quits his journalism gig, packs up his kids and heads off to head up Rosemoor, a slightly shabby attraction that nevertheless boasts a bear, some tigers and love interests for both him and the sulky Dylan (the film’s working title presumably being We Bought a Zoo and Some Girlfriends). We Bought a Zoo is Crowe’s first narrative film since the big-hearted mess that was 2005’s Elizabethtown, and it finds the director working off an adapted screenplay originally written by Aline Brosh McKenna, the writer behind slightly cruel chick-flick fare like I Don’t Know How She Does It, 27 Dresses and The Devil Wears Prada. The film has the feel of something deeply conventional that Crowe, who’s also credited as a screenwriter, has tried with very mixed success to punch up with personality. The tentative start of a romance between Benjamin and his gruff, overworked zookeeper Kelly Foster (Scarlett Johansson), for instance, has a subdued, prickly sweetness once the pair get past her exasperation that a stranger has taken up as an apparent hobby something of great importance to her. But the puppy love that sparks between Dylan and Kelly’s sheltered young cousin Lily (Elle Fanning) seems extraneous, other than as the latest showcase of how good Fanning is: She conjures out of little material a girl of heartbreaking vulnerability and openness. Damon has already played one struggling but quietly heroic single father this year, with the stakes considerably higher in Contagion, and his clashes and reconciliations with Dylan are the film’s strongest scenes, all-too-recognizable examples of how two people fight when they have more in common than they’d like to admit. It’s unfortunate that so many other relationships in the film feel underdeveloped — Thomas Haden Church, playing Benjamin’s brother, is there to deliver exposition and offer doubt, Peter MacCready (Angus Macfadyen), who’s developed the zoo’s animal enclosures, is a broad caricature, and the glimpses we get of Benjamin’s late spouse are glowingly idealized (best of luck competing with that, ScarJo). Benjamin himself tends toward the blurry — as a reporter, the film’s introduction insists, he embarked on adventures around the world, but always as an observer. This is meant to be his first real adventure — except running a zoo is a business, not a jaunt through the woods, and the magic fails to materialize. Instead, he finds himself having to do things like shell out bankruptcy-worthy amounts of money to fix up the park and make the difficult decision as to whether or not to put an aging, ailing animal to sleep (a call the movie clumsily tries to connect with his need to let go of the memory of his wife). We Bought a Zoo is the story of a nice guy, which is the kind of story in which Crowe has specialized. But despite moments of promise it never kicks into gear, never gets us attached to either the animal park or the family trying to save it. and never convinces us of the wild moment of giddy conviction needed to make a decision like the one in the title. Buy a zoo? Unlikely. Sublet, maybe. Follow Alison Willmore on Twitter. Follow Movieline on Twitter.

'The Hobbit' Trailer: Bilbo Baggins and the Many Dwarves Head Out on an Unexpected Journey

Awesome trailer week rolls on! Just one day after the first trailer for 'The Dark Knight Rises' released online and two days before 'Prometheus' arrives, Warner Bros. has unveiled the first teaser for 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.' So, how does it look? Like 'Lord of the Rings,' but with Tim from 'The Office' (UK version, natch), Young Gandalf and Cate Blanchett. Also, dwarves singing! You crazy for this one, Peter Jackson. Head over to Apple to watch in HD or check it out below. Starring Martin Freeman (that's Tim), Ian McKellen, Cate Blanchett and precious Andy Serkis, 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' arrives in theaters on Dec. 14 2012. Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook