Another actor is leaving “State of Play.” Edward Norton who is being replaced by Ben Affleck, if talks come to an agreement.

 As I mention at Screenhead before Thanksgiving. Brad Pitt left the film because of script conflicts. Apparently, Norton is leaving because of scheduling conflicts. He has another film commitment — “Leaves of Grass,” an independent comedy.

“State of Play” goes before the lens in Mid-November to January of 2008.

Russell Crowe replaced Pitt. Now, the studio is solving Norton’s exit with Affleck.

If all goes well, Affleck plays a fast-rising politician embroiled in a murder conspiracy. Crowe plays a journalist who orchestrates a newspaper’s investigation into the murder.

The cast still includes Robin Wright Penn, Jason Bateman and Helen Mirren,

Jim Carrey plays a conman in prison who falls in love with another cellmate, Ewan McGregor. His character breaks out of prison four times to be with his lover, McGregor.

From what I understand, it is a dark comedy based on a fact-based story from a book called Houston Chronicle by crime reporter Steve McVicker.

Alex Baldwin joins the cast of “My Sister’s Keeper.” Other cast members include Cameron Diaz, Elle Fanning, Dakota Fanning. Nick Cassavetes directs the film based on Jodi Picoult novel.

Baldwin will play the attorney who represents a child (Elle Fanning) after she sues her parents for emancipation on the grounds they bred her to be a genetic match who could prolong the life of her cancer-ridden sister (Dakota Fanning). The girl’s mother played by Diaz is a former trial lawyer and represents herself in court, according to Variety.

Look at this cast!!

And, if you have ever seen this Broadway hit, you know you are in for a treat at the movie theaters!

Universal Pictures has debuted the theatrical trailer for the musical romantic comedy Mamma Mia! starring Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, and Amanda Seyfried. Meryl Streep leads the all-star cast in this

feature-film adaptation of the beloved musical that has been seen by more than 30 million people in 160 cities and 8 languages around the world! Mamma Mia! brings the timeless lyrics and melodies to movie audiences in the Summer 2008 - the season for Mamma Mia!

Check out the official site at Mamma Mia to watch the trailer and view vibrant new images from the film. Mamma Mia! is in theaters nationwide on July 18, 2008!

“Dragonball” adds a beauty who can sing to its cast. Emmy Rossen whose credits include “The Phantom of the Opera” and “Poseidon.”

It not quite clear if Rossen sings in the film as she takes on the role of Bulma, whose father’s Dragon Ball is stolen by Piccolo; but I wouldn’t mind hearing her sing during the movie.

The film goes to the lens in Mexico and Los Angeles.

James Wong directs the film which he penned after Ben Ramsey wrote an earlier draft.

I wish Stanley Kubrick made more movies because his films never seem to be enough for me. I would have loved to see him direct a musical.

I was too young to enjoy his first films: “Lolita,” “Paths of Glory” and “Spartacus.”

Today, viewing these films I see rich, fulfilling stories while each frame engages.

Kubrick was a true master.

He ended his career with “Eyes Wide Shut,” which I saw twice in the movie theater because of the intricacies of his direction and story telling. Although the audiences didn’t react enthusiastically to the picture as I did, I must admit, I loved the humor and pace of the film. Strangers in the Night playing as background music for masquerade party of naked people. Hilarious. Or, Tom Cruises character running from the enemy stops at a kiosk to look back for his assailants his hand touches a newspaper with a headline, “Man Being Chased.” Hilarious.

Art best describes Stanley Kubrick, and I highly recommend the latest release Warner Home Video Director’s Series: Stanley Kubrick Collection (DVD)

“The new Stanley Kubrick Collection includes five of the great director’s masterpieces in stunning all-new digital transfers, restored picture and new digital audio. Titles include: 2001: A Space Odyssey, A Clockwork Orange, Full Metal Jacket, The Shining, Eye’s Wide Shut. Also included is the bonus, Stanley Kubrick: A Life In Pictures.”

Although this collection doesn’t include Kubrick’s early films, it’s an ideal gift for any Kubrick fan or enthusiastic film lover.

“The Waterdance” (1992) is a great little film, which first introduced me to Wesley Snipes. Snipes plays a paraplegic who was a ladies man, along with actor Eric Stoltz and Helen Hunt, who played Stoltz’s girlfriend. Snipes and Stoltz played well off each other. A true heart-felt story.

I then followed Snipes to “Blade,” which I thought was a fun, scary and entertaining movie. “Blade” launched Snipes career as well as screenwriter, now producer and director, David S. Goyer, whom I interview shortly after “Blade” opened to box office success.

For the past decade or so, Snipes has been having some troubles, which I don’t necessarily like to highlight. I rather bring light to his successes. “Passenger 57″ is a great popcorn DVD rental.

However, you should find out what Snipes has to say. Out on the stands this Monday, Entertainment Weekly, “…the actor speaks out on Hollywood, lawsuits, and his decade of woe.”

Here is a sneak peak for your weekend pleasure,Snipes Speaks Out.

I love what John Travolta says about being nominated for Best Supporting Actor and of course there is John McAovy words, too. Both these actors are great and honest about their nominations.

Then, Aaron Sorkin, whose been on my top screenwriter list since “A Few Good Men,” offers some great words about working with director Mike Nichols on “Charlie Wilson’s War.”

What David Cronenberg (Eastern Promises) says about working with Viggo Mortensen is fabulous, a true lesson on directing with a professional. They worked once before on “The History of Violence,” which I loved.

Nominees Speak

George Clooney appeared at the showing of his political film “Michael Clayton” for the Dubai Film Festival. He was immediately interviewed by the press who asked him political questions.

Due to the Middle East flavor of the location. In Variety.com it was reported that Darfur, U.S. foreign policy and Hollywood’s depiction of Arabs all came up repeatedly in an energetic hour-long Q&A session.

“We panic at times in our country but what we’re very good at is fixing those panics. We are now in the process of righting some of the mistakes that our country has made over the last few years,” said Clooney. “I am not going to come to Dubai and call the president of the United States a terrorist. That’s not my goal in life.”

Good job George!!

“Knowing” caught Nicolas Cage’s attention to star in the thriller directed by Alex Proyas. Production starts on St. Patrick’s Day, 2008 in Melbourne. (Cage, you’ll love the fruits and vegetables! They taste awesome in Australia.)

According to Variety.com, Cage will play a teacher who examines the contents of a time capsule unearthed at his son’s elementary school. Startling predictions in the time capsule that have already come true lead him to believe the world is going to end at the close of the week and that he and his son are somehow involved in the destruction.