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The Happytime Murders sounds like one of the most innovative projects currently in development, mixing film noir with comedy and puppets, a blending of genres that has so much potential to be absolutely genius if done well.

Cameron Diaz was in talks to star back in 2010, but Katherine Heigl is now set to take her place. Two early pieces of concept art have now surfaced, via Collider, and they look beyond brilliant.

“In a world where puppets co-exist with humans as second class citizens, puppet private eye and disgraced ex-cop, Phil Phillips, is hot on the trail of the serial killer who murdered his brother and is now targeting the cast members of the famous 80s television show, “The Happytime Gang.” As the killings continue, Phil’s former flame, Jenny, is next on the list. It’s up to Phil and his ex-partner, Detective Edwards, to find the culprit, but...

When I think of Jackie Chan I think of him doing dipsy-doos with chairs and goofing around with Chris Tucker. I don't think of him as a serious actor, though he turned in a decent performance in The Karate Kid. However, he is going beyond playing Mr. Miyagi in a new film he stars in and co-directed with first time director Zhang Li who worked as director of photography on John Woo's Red Cliff. The film is titled 1911 and will be released by Well Go USA and Variance Films in limited theaters on October 7.

Starring alongside Chan are Joan Chen (The Last Emperor, Lust, Caution), Lee Bing Bing (The Forbidden Kingdom), Winston Chao and Chan's 28-year-old son Jaycee Chan who voiced Young Monkey on the direct-to-video feature Kung Fu Panda: Secrets of the Furious Five.

The story begins at the beginning of the 20th century with China split into warring factions,...

Kung Fu Panda 2

Directed by: Jennifer Yuh

Starring: Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan

Rating: PG

Release Date: May 26, 2011

Trailer Score: 8/10

Thoughts by Tsr:It’s a rarity that I get this excited about an animated sequel. in fact, I feel like it’s safe to say that I rarely ever see animated sequels. What’s refreshing about Kung Fu Panda 2 is that it’s very much aware of the movie that came before it.

Rather than cash in on that previous movie’s success, it looks like it actually builds off of it. What’s that? Character development in an animated movie? believe me, I was as shocked as you, but I think it might be one of the few examples. I was surprised that directors Mark Osborne and John Stevenson didn’t return for this second installment, but what is their loss seems to be Jennifer Yuh’s gain.

Kung Fu Panda 2: The Kaboom of Doom

Directed by: Jennifer Yuh Nelson

Starring: (voices) Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Jackie Chan, Angelina Jolie, Seth Rogan, David Cross, Gary Oldman, Michelle Yeoh, James Woods, Jean-Claude Van Damme, etc.

Rating: PG-13

Release Date: May 26, 2011

Trailer Score: 7/10

My Thoughts: It’s short and sweet and frustrating, because the old gang’s all here and I want to see some actual scenes! My philosophy – diametrically opposed to Bayer’s – is “show me as much of the movie in the trailer as you possibly can and I still won’t feel ripped off.” Especially when I’m this hyped about a sequel. I Loved the first Kung Fu Panda, which combines two of my most favoritist genres: kid’s movies and martial arts movies. The action in the first movie was tremendous from the get-go and I have exceedingly high hopes for the sequel.

If everything goes according to plan, The Muppets may be on the verge of a major comeback over the next couple of years. We already know that Jason Segel is starring in a new Muppet Movie that he also co-wrote (tentatively titled The Greatest Muppet Movie Ever Made), and there has been a lot of talk about a potential Jim Henson biopic [1] based on an acclaimed screenplay that topped the 2009 Black List. But wait, that's not all! A couple of years ago The Henson Co. picked up a spec script for an adult-oriented Muppet murder mystery [2] in development from Jim Henson's son Brian. It turns out that project is now also finally moving forward, with Lionsgate announcing this week that they have officially acquired the rights. It's time to play the music and time to light the lights! According to The Hollywood Reporter [3], Lionsgate will team up with The...

In what is believed to be an industry first, Paramount Home Entertainment is bundling its upcoming home video release of "Kung Fu Panda" with a direct-to-video companion film and will release the package on a Sunday, Nov. 9, instead of the traditional Tuesday.

Most of the major studios are actively producing direct-to-video sequels to major theatrical hits, but never before has one come out on home video the same day as the original. While studios occasionally have released titles on a Friday or Monday, this is the first time a new release will arrive in stores on a Sunday.

"Kung Fu Panda," a DreamWorks Animation hit that grossed $213.8 million North America this summer, is the big kid-vid release of the holiday season. It will be available on DVD and Blu-ray Disc.

The companion film, "Secrets of the Furious Five," is slugged, "The 'Kung Fu Panda' story continues." The film...