Here’s a plotline: A movie producer learns a lesson about life after his child’s wish that he can’t litigate for two years comes true. Nah! Never’ll happen! Aaron Russo, who produced a half a dozen hits in the ’80s, is suing Imagine Entertainment for $25 million, claiming that producer Brian Grazer stole his idea for the Jim Carrey smash, Liar, Liar. If the suit goes to court, Russo will have produced more lawsuits (at least one) in the last five years than movies (zero). He has, however, found time to run for the Governorship of Nevada. Aha! He wanted to be a big league politician. And in the land of casino gambling, no less. Call Jim Carrey! I smell a sequel!
Never slowed by lawsuits, Imagine is gearing up behind director/co-owner Ron Howard to make Ed TV, a movie that may finally offer a character stupid enough for Matthew McConaughey to bring to life realistically. The story is about a kind of MTV’s “The Real World” spin-off (another lawsuit to come) in which a video store employee named Ed agrees to have his life filmed 24/7 by a cable network. (also sounds like the premise of The Truman Show — another lawsuit!) Wackiness ensues.
If you’re depressed because your lawsuit fails, try calling Dial-A-Wife. It’s not only a real business (no, I don’t have the number), but it’s soon to be a major motion picture. Twentieth Century Fox purchased the rights to a New Yorker article about the business which sends women to perform wifely duties without any emotional connection (in show business, that’s just called marriage). They also bought “life rights” to Beth Berg, the proprietor of the business. Fox left her payment on the bedside table and Ms. Berg took it without emotion.
Ever had an idea for a movie that was stolen by a big, bad studio? Let me know via email.