Is it just me, or has famed director Woody Allen hit a rough patch with comedy over the last few years? Sure, his dramas are still bringing in good reviews, but it seems like his recent comedies just haven't worked with audiences like they used to -- and believe me, it pains me to say this considering I think he's one of the funniest people on the planet. The Bad and Ugly has posted some new on-set photos from Allen's latest (and yet to be titled) comedy starring Evan Rachel Wood and Larry David (Curb Your Enthusiasm). In the photos, everyone looks to be enjoying themselves, and while there is nothing earth shattering going on, it's nice to see Allen back at work in New York, after working the crowds at Cannes for Vicky Cristina Barcelona.

Like most of Allen's projects, not much is known about the story. Judging from what we've seen so far, it looks like Allen is going back to May-December romances and all the complications they can entail -- something the writer-director has plenty of real life experience with. But as much as I love the man, it has always been a bit of a struggle to overlook his somewhat 'lecherous leanings'. I know he has always had a thing for 'ingénues', but back in the day it was actresses like Diane Keaton and Dianne Wiest. These days, however, it's Scarlett Johansson and Evan Rachel Wood, and I'm not convinced that they even belong in the same category. Are you?

A comfortable and charming cinematic couple will reunite in two forthcoming comedies, but which will come first? At the end of March, Monika Bartyzel passed on the news that Steve Martin and Diane Keaton would re-team for the first time in more than a decade for the family comedy One Big Happy. Martin and Keaton were attached to the pitch from Party of Five creators Chris Keyser and Amy Lippman, which Paramount Pictures bought. Keyser and Lippman have other projects in various stages of development and no production timeline was mentioned.

Now, according to Variety, Paramount has bought another comedy pitch, this time from Steve Martin. Producer Robert Simonds presented Martin's idea for a comedy entitled From Zero to Sixty to all the major studios last week and Paramount was the "most aggresive in taking it off the table." Martin and Keaton would play a couple, but no other plot details emerged. Variety says production could start in the fall, but that's assuming a writer can be signed and the script completed very quickly. It may be that Paramount wants to fast track From Zero to Sixty because the script for One Big Happy will take a while to complete because of the writers' other projects.

Martin and Keaton starred together in Father of the Bride in 1991 and then followed that up with the sequel in 1995. Those films were very silly and forgettable, and I imagine these two new comedies will follow a similar path to box office success.

It has been over ten years since Diane Keaton and Steve Martin last starred in a film together -- Father of the Bride Part II. Now Variety reports that they're getting back into the family way for Paramount Pictures' comedy called One Big Happy. The pitch is the brainchild of Party of Five creators Chris Keyser and Amy Lippman, and while they are being tight-lipped about the premise, Variety sources say that it's "a family comedy about a couple and a family reconnecting amid various obstacles."

The question is: can this possible live up to hopes? A handful of years ago, I might have said yes, but in the wave of crappy films from Diane Keaton, it's hard not to worry that this will just be another one. Then again, maybe this will mark a turning point for the actress. Perhaps she can reinvigorate her career with the help of a little white-haired Martin. She has to have it in there somewhere, buried deep below Mad Money, Because I Said So, and some of her other recent films... To be fair, Martin has had some questionable flicks in there as well, but since I really enjoyed both Novocaine and Shopgirl, he gets some slack.

Now if they can get Martin Short for an even bigger Father of the Bride reunion, I'll definitely check it out.

I have this theory that on the set of 1991's Father of the Bride, Steve Martin and Diane Keaton turned to each other and said, "You know what? From here on out, let's just keep doing this. Let's just play cute, cuddly versions of our formerly edgy and interesting selves -- slightly goofy mothers and fathers, that kind of thing -- and watch the cash roll in!" Then they high-fived and fell into an awkward, melancholy silence.

Through one unchallenging project after another, Keaton has served up the same old eye rolls, squeals, and stutters until you can't really tell one role from another. And what's really frustrating about watching her squander her talents is that -- as with Martin -- no matter how embarrassing the performance, you can't help but love her anyway. She's at her most unhinged in Mad Money, and painful as it is to watch at times, she does -- just barely -- manage to keep the film afloat.

What's the craziest thing you've ever done for money? Queen Latifah says she worked at a Burger King when she was 15 ... before they had the counters where you can make your own drinks! Yes, two of the three stars from the comedy heist Mad Money (opening this weekend) sat down for another installment of Moviefone's highly-enjoyable Unscripted series (where stars answer your questions, as well as some of their own). And in case you were wondering, yes, Katie Holmes does indeed delve into the one thing we're all dying to know more about -- Dawson's Creek! Joey, we still love ya! Anyway, Katie talks a little about the "bambina," Latifah gives up her off-screen nickname and we also find out which one of the two might be heading to the Broadway stage real soon.

Check out an exclusive clip from their chat above (that you won't see in the Unscripted piece), then head on over to Moviefone to watch the rest. Starring Queen Latifah, Katie Holmes and Diane Keaton, Mad Money arrives in theaters later this week.

Breaking news, hold onto your seats, people. The folks at Fox have just announced (well, late last night) that the release date for 27 Dresses is changing from January 11 to January 18. I know, it's gonna screw up your movie-going plans for next weekend, but don't blame us.

Apparently it's taking a while for the news to filter down, though -- as I was sitting down to write this, I was IMing with a colleague who was watching The View (no, I'm not telling which of my male colleagues watches that show, that would be cruel) and he saw an ad for 27 Dresses that still has the release date as January 11. Someone better get their ads changed out. Anyhow, here's the new artwork with the date change reflected, so you can rest easy knowing that you, at least, are better informed than people who watch The View.

The date change is moderately interesting for a couple of reasons: first, the date change squares 27 Dresses and Katherine Heigl off against another film targeted at about the same demographic, Mad Money, which stars Queen Latifah, Diane Keaton, and Katie Holmes. There was nothing really competing against 27 Dresses for the chick demographic group on the 11th -- the only films opening then are The Bucket List (depressing film about dying with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman) and In the Name of the King (directed by Uwe Boll, so what are the chances that one will be any good, really?).

With the move to the 18th, 27 Dresses will now be facing off against Cloverfield (scary monster) and Teeth (scary vagina)so it will be interesting to see how the box office numbers fall out. I'll be immersed in Sundance at that point, so I wouldn't be going to any of them anyhow, but which film are you most likely to check out that weekend?

Back before she became Mrs. Tom Cruise, and way before she became mom to the Most Photographed Baby in the World, Katie Holmes used to, you know, act and stuff. And while we haven't seen her on-screen (large or small) since Thank You for Smoking, little Joey Potter's back, starring in the upcoming comedy Mad Money with Diane Keaton and Queen Latifah.

Keaton's the nominal lead as a middle-class housewife who, when her husband (Ted Danson) gets laid off, is forced to take a job as a janitor at the Federal Reserve Bank. And what do you do when you're working as a janitor at the Federal Reserve? Why, try to rob it, of course! Latifah and Holmes play her fellow employees and partners in crime -- and if you think it sounds like Thelma and Louise meets, uh, Quick Change, that's no surprise; it's directed by Callie Khouri, who won an Oscar for her very first screenplay: Thelma and Louise.

The movie opens on January 18, but on January 12, Holmes, Keaton and Latifah will be gracing the Moviefone studios for a mad, mad, Mad Money Unscripted interview -- and they'll need your questions to do it. So hit us (them) up with whatever you want to ask them ... though I can tell you right now, any questions containing a word that starts with "S" and ends in "ology" ain't gonna be making the cut. That's right, no sociology questions, you hear?

To submit a question for Katie Holmes, Queen Latifah or Diane Keaton, leave it here in the comments and please provide your first name and your city and state. If you're looking for inspiration, then take a look at some of our past Unscripted interviews here. Good luck.

The new website for the heist comedy Mad Money has gone live with its first full-length trailer. It is pretty much what you would expect from a harmless little comedy, so if you are looking for a hard-edged crime flick, you are definitely in the wrong place. Along with the trailer, the website has the usual photo galleries and downloads (you can check out Cinematical's exclusive gallery here). There is even the chance to win a little of your own 'mad money' in a sweepstakes. Directed by Callie Khouri, the film stars Katie (or Kate; I can never keep it straight) Holmes, Queen Latifah, Diane Keaton, and Ted Danson. The story centers on three employees of the Federal Reserve who pull together for a plot to steal the money that is going to be taken out of circulation.

Khouri is probably best known as the writer for another famous female 'buddy film'; Thelma and Louise. Money is a pretty light-hearted flick so I doubt we'll be seeing Keaton, Holmes, and Latifah going over a cliff in a protest of patriarchal control. Mad Money will be Holmes' first big-screen role since Batman Begins and Thank You for Smoking back in 2005. As we all know, Holmes wasn't invited back for The Dark Knight and there were even a few thinly veiled shots directed towards her in the press over the whole matter. Since all that Wonder Woman talk never panned out either, for the sake of her career I only hope that comedy vets like Keaton and Danson can help keep Mad Money afloat at the box-office. Maybe then, Holmes will get credit for being something other than Mrs Tom Cruise. Mad Money hits theaters on January 18th.

(Left to Right.) Katie Holmes, Queen Latifah, Diane Keaton star in Overture Film's Mad Money.

Cinematical was just handed a batch of exclusive stills (click on the image above to head to our gallery) for Overture Film's upcoming Mad Money, starring Katie Holmes, Queen Latifah and Diane Keaton. The film marks Katie Holmes' first big-screen appearance since giving birth to her and Tom Cruise's baby Suri, and we haven't seen her toss on the acting gloves since 2005 when she appeared in both Thank You for Smoking and Batman Begins. In Mad Money, all three women play employees of the Federal Reserve who hatch a plan to steal money that's about to be destroyed. Mad Money is based on a British film called Hot Money which, apparently, was based on a real-life story about a group of women who stole money and hid it in their bras. Interesting. Callie Khouri (who wrote another bad girls-type flick back in 1991 called -- you may have heard of it -- Thelma and Louise) directs, and the film is due out in theaters on January 25, 2008.

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I can't think of a more odd on-screen trio than Queen Latifah, Katie Holmes and Diane Keaton. The three ladies were recently cast in a new comedy called Mad Money (thankfully, there's no relation to that Jim Cramer show; just the thought of watching that guy scream his brains out up on the big screen for two hours has me wanting to invest in a warehouse of aspirin) The casting choices are odd, yes, but definitely smart -- with those three women, you hit almost every demographic. And when there's something for everyone, a number one opening at the box office is fairly certain. Seeing as those three women alone probably cost a pretty penny (or three), the rest of the cast will have to come at a bargain. Case in point: the Hollywood Reporter tells us that Ted Danson has signed on to co-star; he'll be joined by Roger Cross, Stephen Root (Milton!), Adam Rothenberg, J.C. MacKenzie, Chris McDonald and Finesse Mitchell.

Pic will revolve around three Kansas City co-workers (Holmes, Keaton and Latifah) who devise a plan to steal a bunch of money that's scheduled to be destroyed at the Federal Reserve Bank. Now, there's something interesting to do during your lunch break -- "Hey, instead of going to the diner again, how about you grab that Scientology chick and we'll go knock off a bank?" If you listen to those rumors around the water cooler, this is the film Katie Holmes chose (or should I say hubby Tom) over The Dark Knight. No word yet on who Danson will be playing (please let it be a bartender), though I imagine he'll take on the role of office manager. Callie Khouri (Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood) wrote and will direct, with shooting to begin today in Shreveport, La. No release date has been set; chances are Mad Money will hit screens early next year.

I'm not a complete Woody Allen snob, but I am picky and I haven't been satisfied with any of his films since Sweet and Lowdown. For me to have liked even Match Point I would have had to lower my standards and expectations, and in the end I decided it didn't work for me. One of my problems with it is Scarlett Johansson, who I may never be able to enjoy as an actress. As a handbag model she's great, sure, but as someone who has to portray any feelings on the big screen she can't get my attention. I don't avoid her work, though, because some of her films are good despite her. I couldn't bother with Allen's Scoop, but now the filmmaker has cast the actress in another film, his untitled Spanish project, which I'm at least intrigued about.

So far we had learned that Allen would be shooting in Barcelona and Asturias this summer with the great Spanish actors Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz. His new additions include Johansson and her co-star from The Prestige, Rebecca Hall. This will now be Johansson's third film for Allen, putting her closer to the level of collaboration as Louise Lasser, Diane Keaton and Mia Farrow, all of whom Allen had been involved with romantically. I'm not saying that Soon-Yi should be worried, at least if she doesn't mind Allen simply looking, but it is a bit strange. Following this film, Allen will return to England for his next film, which will go into production in 2008, hopefully without Johansson.

Because I Said So isn't a movie, as such; it's a poster, a trailer, a pitch, a marketing plan. A movie has a script; Because I Said So doesn't have one of those. Instead, it's got a collection of bland situations, silly dialogue and unnecessary complications. I don't think anyone actually wrote Because I Said So; I think that some Hollywood artificial intelligence think-tank instead fed DVD box sets of The Gilmore Girls and Sex and the City into a computer, along with Pottery Barn catalogs for roughage, and this movie -- where the character's wardrobes are given more thought than their motivations, and where the look and accoutrements of their apartments are better-defined than their back stories and desires -- is what came out the other end.

Daphne (Diane Keaton) is a successful businesswoman who's raised three daughters -- oldest Maggie (Lauren Graham), middle daughter Mae (Piper Perabo) and youngest Milly (Mandy Moore). Maggie and Mae are married; Milly's romantic life is a dreadful roller-coaster of ups and downs, giddy possibilities and glum dumpings. Daphne does what any person in a cliché romantic comedy would do -- namely, posting an online personal ad so that she can interview candidates to be involved with her daughter and then help them meet Milly in carefully-engineered 'coincidences' so that Milly will be unaware her mom is playing both Cupid and Cyrano.

I've never really been able to reconcile the two competing images I have in my head of Queen Latifah; one is of her being one of the most important women in hip-hop and the other is the star of mediocre comedies like Bringing Down the House and Last Holiday. Latifah has gone from starring in a so-so sitcom to an Academy award nomination, which is a pretty impressive feat, but for me she'll never be cooler than she was in Ladies First. I guess I shouldn't be surprised -- I mean, if Ice Cube can go from Straight Outta Compton to cuddly family man, then I guess anything is possible.

Production Weekly reported Latifah is currently in negotiations to star in the remake of the British comedy Hot Money. The story is based on the true events of three night cleaners who decide to rob the British Treasury. Marketed as a female Ocean's 11, the US version will be called Mad Money and also star Diane Keaton. The production is set to start filming in March on location in Louisiana. On board to direct is Callie Khouri, who won an Academy Award for her Thelma and Louise screenplay ... so I'm hoping this one won't end with Keaton and Latifah flying off a cliff in a classic car.

Even though Annie Hall is * 20 years old, Diane Keaton is still remembered for creating one of the best female characters in film history. The simple fact she managed to make a neurotic flake into a full-fledged icon deserves some respect. While only occasionally being offered dramatic film roles, notably in Marvin's Room, lately Keaton has been camped out in comedy, and there is no denying she has a flair for it so you can't blame her.

Universal Pictures has launched the website for the comedy Because I Said So, starring Keaton, Mandy Moore, and Lauren Graham from TV's Gilmore Girls. The site includes photos, the trailer, and for some reason wallpaper and AIM icons for download -- so you can be the first kid on your block with a Lauren Graham icon. Because I Said So looks like your typical mother-daughter feel-good comedy with some romance thrown in for good measure. Keaton plays the single mom of three adult daughters who is a little too involved in their love lives and not enough in her own. Luckily Keaton has enough charm to improve any movie, otherwise I could have never made it through The First Wives Club. So, while it may not be the most original plot, if you like your comedy warm and fuzzy, Because I Said So opens February 2nd.

* Correction: My math skills obviously aren't what they used to be, Annie Hall was released in 1977 so that makes it 30 years old.

[via JoBlo.com]

Back in 1981, Warren Beatty was still known as an unrepentant ladies man and party boy. Having made his name in films like Splendor in the Grass and Shampoo, Beatty was still the go-to guy when a romantic lead was required. Everyone was happy with the arrangement -- except Warren Beatty. Tired of being a sex symbol, he wanted to make films with substance and a point of view, and Reds was the perfect opportunity. After the success of Heaven Can Wait, he could pretty much call the shots on his next project and of course, what he really wanted to do was direct.

Written and directed by Beatty, Reds was considered the ultimate vanity project; at over 200 minutes long, the film is the story of American journalist John Reed and his coverage of the Russian Revolution. Critics thought that Beatty was in way over his head, but they were wrong; the film became a hit and garnered 21 Oscar nominations, including three wins; Beatty (as director), Maureen Stapleton, and Vittorio Storaro (cinematography). The film also starred some of Reed's famous friends; Diane Keaton (Louise Bryant), Jack Nicholson (Eugene O'Neil), and Paul Sorvino (Louis Fraina).

Check out this great video with Warren as he discusses Reds and why its subject matter is still important 25 years later.

[via Yahoo! Movies-DVD]