T.V. movies-turned-feature-films had mixed results over the years. A perfect example would be last summer with the releases of SEX & THE CITY and THE X-FILES: I WANT TO BELIEVE. While SEX was a monster hit, the latter suffered near instant death at the box office. The speculation of the failure came from the fact that upon its release the series had been off the air for over six years. (The series first feature-length film THE X-FILES: FIGHT THE FUTURE came out in 1998, in between seasons 5 and 6). However, another key reason (in criticism from both critics and moviegoers alike) was that its storyline and execution seemed more appropriate, ironically enough, back on the small screen.
If there's one series that seems ready made for the silver screen it would have to be Fox's 24. Despite a protracted storyline, each hour-long episode promises numerous plot twists, gunfire and explosions to fill a Michael Bay film. Lead character "Jack Bauer" (played by an ultra-cool Kiefer Sutherland) has saved the world (not to mention L.A.) more times than can be counted on an abacus. His clever (and nearly always brutal) tactics have now made his name synonymous with fellow asskicking covert operatives Jason Bourne and James Bond.
Now as the hit series prepares to kick off a new season come January (after having been delayed an entire year due to the Writer's Strike) the producers are also hoping for a 24 feature-film. But before that comes an two-hour prequel that will fill in the gap between season's six and the upcoming seventh. The producers are, in fact, urging fans to tune into T.V. movie when it airs in late November because its ratings will be a key factor in whether the big screen venture will become reality.
Executive producer Howard Gordon tells the New York Post, "I would look at (the TV movie) as a dry run for a theatrical release.
Depending on how well the DVD sells, and how high the ratings are, I think that would be an indicator to the feature film department about what the business prospects for a potential film might be. We really did this on a television budget (and) it looks spectacular."
Personally speaking, I would love to see this happened. I've been a fan since Day One and, despite a few stumbles, over the years, the show has proved itself to not only be exciting but smart too. Speaking of exciting, here's hoping that if the movie does happen the producers will include the return of delicious eye-candy Elisha Cuthbert, who plays Jack's daughter, Kim.
In addition to being supernaturally hot Cuthbert is also a talented actress. For proof of this check her out (as an almost unrecognizable brunette) in the overlooked gem HE WAS A QUIET MAN starring Christian Slater (also nearly unrecognizable as a balding, middle aged schmoe).
"You shouldn't be staring like that. My
dad's watching at the top of the page
and has kind of a bad temper"
January 28, 2008, 02:13:17 AM
