The folks over at MGM are currently working on a project titled The Zookeeper. The information we have about this project to date is next to nothing. The official line from the studio is that the film is about a lonely zoo keeper who decides to leave his job because he can’t meet a girl and the animals who intervene and teach him nature’s secrets.” It will be a romantic comedy, written by Jay Sherick, David Ronn, and Scot Armstrong. The director currently attatched is Frank Coraci. If you don’t know who that is, don’t feel too bad. Even I had to look up the guy. Apparently he is a member of the “leech off of Adam Sandler” club. But we haven’t even gotten to the best part. The lead currently slated to star in this film is none other than the Mall Cop himself, Kevin James. After seeing Paul Blart: Mall Cop, I couldn’t agree with this casting choice any more than I currently do. IF this project ends up shooting with James still playing the zookeeper, and it’s early enough in the process for this to fall through, then Kevin James will forever be known for playing the love able, bumbling idiot and stereo-typical fat guy.
If that is what he wants, than that’s his choice. But I know Kevin James from his time as a stand up comedian first and foremost, and it’s sad for me to see him head down this road. The guy is hilarious on stage and can really work a crowd. His stand up routine does typically include jokes that make him come across as the “bumbling idiot” but I refuse to believe that Kevin James wants to be forever pidgeon-holed into that character for the rest of his career. Who would? I’m sure he could pull off other character types, if given the chance. But Zookeeper is the film that will seriously shape the rest of his career. For his sake, I hope that he drops this project A.S.A.P. The movie may or may not be good, it’s way to early to tell how the final project will end up. It is not too early to see what this character will be like. A Zookeeper who listens to, and talks to, the animals in the zoo where he works? A guy who can’t seem to get a girl, and he needs the help of zoo animals? You don’t have to be a movie expert to see what this character will be like. I guess we’ll have to wait and see what happens.
The project is slated for release some time in 2010.
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February 16, 2009
#1
Didn’t we already see this in Dr Dolittle??
I love Kevin James, a real talent on stage and on screen, it will sad to see him go down this path, he deserves a lot better than that. IMO, he has the potentail to be the next Robin Williams, in his acting. I see him playing a real serious dramatic role and nailing it, but if he wants to continue doing mindless comedy, then that will be up to him, but for the love all things holy, plese be selective and don’t do everything thats handed to you. To date , as far as i know, his comedy ventures outside TV and standup, only one has been really good, which was HItch. He was the only thing that really made Chuck and Larry worthwhile, but it still sucked and Mall Cop i have yet to see, but it looks completely retarded. Find something that showcase your talent, while making look like you are as good as you are.
February 17, 2009
#2
the next Robin Williams? that is somewhat of an I insult if you ask me.
February 17, 2009
#3
@Stan
How is that an insult? I happen to think that Kevin James, has that much talent that he could be a great comedian that is veristile enough to pull off a serious dramatic role, similiar to that of Robin Williams, thats why i don’t really think of it as insult. I think an insult would be more along the lines of Chris Farley, as mush as I loved Chris Farley, i could never picture Farley in any serious or dramatic role.
February 17, 2009
#4
I just don’t like robin Williams too much. ever since he quit doing coke I just don’t think he is funny. cadillac man is one of my favorites but his newer stuff is crap.
February 17, 2009
#5
I will agree, his newer stuff, like RV, have been pure crap. But i was speaking more interms of Williams Dramatic roles, in particular (my personal fav) Dead Poets Society, Good Will Hunting, One Hour Photo and Insomnia. I felt that Williams was brilliant in all those roles.
February 17, 2009
#6
I guess I have just never gotten into the drama genre. I had high hopes for man of the year, but sadly I found myself bored out of my mind watching it.
February 17, 2009
#7
Man of the Year actaully surpirsed me, I thought i was going to be watching a comedy and it turned out to be a conspiracy drama, I enjoyed, I though Walken and Lewis Black were amazing. Williams really was not impressive, but neither was he horrible. he was about in the middle.
February 17, 2009
#8
aw thats so sad!!! I think kevin james will not beat his stand-up. I hope for his sake that he gets out of that type of character too. Hes like michael cera, good at that one role. I wanna see the both of them branch out and durprise me with something sensational! like will smith in the pursuit of happyness. its refreshing to see an actor play something totally different than what theyre used to.
February 17, 2009
#9
Robin Williams has faded into obscurity, but he used to be a pretty good draw. I loved Death to Smoochie and One Hour Photo. Dead Poets Society and Cadillac Man were also great. But I just don’t care about the guy anymore.
It happens way too frequently. Talented actors (especially comedic actors) tend to get pidgeon holed into one character type if they play it more than once and are damn good at it. I think Michael Cera is funny, but he’ll never be more than what he is now. Not a knock on him though. His thing is that he really IS like that. He doesn’t like being famous. He’s quiet and shy and awkward. That’s who he is. And he wouldn’t care if he stopped making movies right now. But I would like to see him do something else. I just don’t think it’s ever gonna happen.
February 19, 2009
#10
I am not fully sold on Cera yet. Maybe after a couple more films. I think i was the onky ine in the world that thought Juno was overated, it was ok, but not as great as everyone said it was.
February 19, 2009
#11
onky=only ine=one
Trying to speak German i think
February 19, 2009
#12
So RV, not that good Metallicat ???
Let me take that off my Netflax list…
Kevin James fanbase are the 4 through 14 year old range. He’s not gonna risk losing that goldmine. Lol
He would make a good sidekick in an action film but only after loosing 60 pounds.
February 19, 2009
#13
I’d adjust Kevin James’ fanbase to something more like 6-18. But definitely the younger, less refined audiences. I’m not sure if that’s because he can’t do anything else or not, but you are spot on. That’s what he does.
February 20, 2009
#14
death to smoochie was funny! i love edward norton. when i think of him i think of that very first episode of stella. when david falls in love with his wife. lol CLASSIC!
that was totally off the subject… lol
October 30, 2009
#15
I just don't like robin Williams too much. ever since he quit doing coke I just don't think he is funny. cadillac man is one of my favorites but his newer stuff is crap.