Hey all!
McEric here with some news out of Tinseltown from our friends at IFC Films. Franco the Younger - Dave Franco (THE DISASTER ARTIST, 21 JUMP STREET) has his directorial debut coming this summer! Now I would never be one to say that nepotism doesn't run rampant in the film scene and its effects are not always favorable, but I admit that I like the younger Franco. Seeing him for the first time in 21 JUMP STREET, I admit, I wasn't terrifically impressed. It's like when you first spotted Casey Affleck in the back seat of the car in GOOD WILL HUNTING. Did you think that guy would go on to make MANCHESTER BY THE SEA or GONE BABY GONE? But Dave Franco has gone on to do some solid work, and I really enjoyed his role as Greg Sestero in THE DISASTER ARTIST.
Having read the book before seeing the film (before I ever imagined it would be a film), I went in to THE DISASTER ARTIST with pages full of subtext and expectations. Honestly, seeing Dave share the screen with his brother James was eerily reminiscent of Greg's charge into the flames with Tommy. James Franco (THIS IS THE END, FLYBOYS) is a polarizing character; he's been nominated for an Academy Award, won a Golden Globe, and is apparently a certified genius. Which is not to say he hasn't made any missteps. (Did you see SPRING BREAKERS? I didn't.) Seeing Dave partner up with James on his ambitious production of THE DISASTER ARTIST was art imitating life imitating art, and it could've been a horrible misfire. Luckily for everyone, especially us, it wasn't.
So I can say that I'm interested to see what Dave will offer as co-writer and director of THE RENTAL (which is pretty much like saying THE ROOM, isn't it?). Here is the blurb we got from the press release:
"Two couples looking to celebrate their seed money from a new business venture, embark on a weekend getaway to a seemingly perfect house they’ve booked online. But what begins as a festive weekend for the four close friends turns into something far more sinister as secrets they’ve kept from each other are exposed and paranoia grows that they may not be alone. Co-written by Dave Franco and Joe Swanberg (DRINKING BUDDIES, Netflix's "Easy"), THE RENTAL features an all-star cast including Dan Stevens (COLOSSAL, TV's "Downtown Abbey"), Alison Brie (THE POST, TV's "Community"), Sheila Vand (A GIRL WALKS HOME ALONE AT NIGHT, TV's "Snowpiercer") and Jeremy Allen (TV's "Shameless", Cocaine's MOVIE 43). The film also marks the directorial debut of Dave Franco. IFC Films will release THE RENTAL in theaters and on demand July 24th."
Now I know we may be seeing the Hollywood nepotism rear its head again in the casing of Franco's wife Brie in the film but again I am unbothered. She's been a delight in just about everything I've seen her in and I'm interested in watching her sink her teeth into this role. I am up in the air on what the tone of this picture might be, but the stills provided give it the appearance of an all-out nailbiting thriller. We'll have to wait unitl the film releases on Jul 24, 2020 to know for sure. (or at least until we get a trailer which I will definitely share with you all)
Until such time, keep being safe and we'll chat again soon.
-McEric, aka Eric McClanahan-
