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    <title>The Onion Movie's Recent Activity - Spout</title>
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      <title>The Onion Movie's Recent Activity - Spout</title>
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      <title>Film:The Onion Movie</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/films/The_Onion_Movie/243742/default.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<table width='100%' style='font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><tr><td><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s243742.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' /></td>
<td>
<strong>Title:</strong> The Onion Movie<br/>
<strong>Year:</strong> 2005<br/>
<strong>Director:</strong> Mike Maguire, Tom Kuntz<br/>
<strong>Plot:</strong> America's most popular satirical newspaper makes the leap from the printed page to the silver screen in this political comedy that explores what happens when journalistic integrity is compromised by corporate sensibility. Onion News anchorman Norm Archer (<a href="http://www.spout.com/players/P____10920/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Len Cariou</a>) is s principled journalist, so when he's asked to bend to the will of his corporate overlords he decides to strike back with a fury unheard of in the world of network news. Nothing is sacred as the creative force behind The Onion unleash an unrelenting barrage of satire on such subjects as pop stars, prisoners, peace talks, and blockbuster action films. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide<br/>
<strong>Times Tagged:</strong> 7<br/>
<strong>Number of Lists:</strong> 2<br/>
<strong>Number of blog posts:</strong> 3<br/>
<strong>SpoutRating:</strong> 3<br/>
</td></tr></table>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 28 Aug 2008 15:00:45 GMT</pubDate><spout:Title>The Onion Movie</spout:Title><spout:Year>2005</spout:Year><spout:Director>Mike Maguire, Tom Kuntz</spout:Director><spout:Plot>America's most popular satirical newspaper makes the leap from the printed page to the silver screen in this political comedy that explores what happens when journalistic integrity is compromised by corporate sensibility. Onion News anchorman Norm Archer (&lt;a href="http://www.spout.com/players/P____10920/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Len Cariou&lt;/a&gt;) is s principled journalist, so when he's asked to bend to the will of his corporate overlords he decides to strike back with a fury unheard of in the world of network news. Nothing is sacred as the creative force behind The Onion unleash an unrelenting barrage of satire on such subjects as pop stars, prisoners, peace talks, and blockbuster action films. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide</spout:Plot><spout:TimesTagged>7</spout:TimesTagged><spout:taglevel>Taggedy Taggged (6-10)</spout:taglevel><spout:Numberoflists>2</spout:Numberoflists><spout:NumberOfBlogPosts>3</spout:NumberOfBlogPosts><spout:SpoutRating>3</spout:SpoutRating><spout:FilmCoverURL>http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s243742.jpg</spout:FilmCoverURL><spout:SpoutFilmDetailURL>http://www.spout.com/films/The_Onion_Movie/243742/default.aspx</spout:SpoutFilmDetailURL><spout:type>Film</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: 10 Other Websites That Need Their Own Movie</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/blogs/spoutblog/archive/2008/8/28/34492.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s243742.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/9325/default.aspx'>SpoutBlog</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/blogs/spoutblog/default.aspx'>SpoutBlog on spout.com</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 8/28/2008 11:00:45 AM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> 
So, Aaron Sorkin, writer of such films as A Few Good Men, The American President and Charlie Wilson’s War, and, of course, creator of TV’s The West Wing, is apparently now working on a movie about Facebook for Sony Pictures and producer Scott Rudin (No Country for Old Men). Yes, that’s right, a Facebook movie. News comes to us directly from the social networking site, as Sorkin himself announced the project by admitting that he has absolutely no clue what Facebook is. And I guess he’s looking for assistance or questions or something. Obviously he’s the perfect guy to be scripting a film about the founding of the site.
I’m drawing a blank right now as to whether or not any websites have officially spawned movies (does AOL count?), but I do recall an idea from 3 years ago to make an internet dating movie sponsored by Friendster, which was to be directed by Harold Ramis and star Topher Grace. I guess the fact that Friendster faded from popularity in favor of MySpace and then Facebook ruined those plans. But is it possible that this new project will fare any better? Social networking sites have a habit of falling out of fashion rather quickly. Oh well, if Facebook: The Movie doesn’t work out, Rudin and Sorkin are welcome to go with any of these other ideas:
10. Friendster - Just because the other Friendster project didn’t pan out doesn’t mean the site can’t still inspire another movie. This one would be all about how Friendster rose to the top quickly and lived the good life until attempts to get even higher went awry and its fans abandoned it. You know, the age old story of celebrity. Sorkin might be interested because of the way it could parallel his hit stage play (and upcoming film) The Farnsworth Invention.

9. MySpace - Not to be confused with the user-generated MySpace movie project, or the parody video titled Myspace The Movie, this would be more of a thriller involving sexual predators. Because even if this social networking site, which was once the cool alternative to Facebook when that site started sucking, is one day completely left behind, it will at least be remembered in internet history books as synonymous with pedophilia and child safety legislature.
8. Funny or Die - More than just inspired by the website, the movie would actually involve its founders, Will Ferrell and Adam McKay, as well as the other hilarious celebrities that provide content to the site, such as Judd Apatow and James Franco. Hell, even Steve Guttenberg can make an appearance. It could either be a movie about the start of the site or a sketch compilation — as long as it’s more Kentucky Fried Movie than The Onion Movie.
7. MapQuest - It would take place around the turn of the century, when GPS wasn’t so common and people still depended on printed-out directions from the newly popular MapQuest. Chevy Chase and family get lost, though, when it turns out the directions aren’t actually that dependable. Either the details are confusing, or construction, street name change or new roads complicate matters.
6. Wikipedia - Take any event in history and make a movie based solely on its Wikipedia page. Even when the site was new and less dependable than it is now, such a film still wouldn’t have been as loose with facts as most “historical” films from Hollywood.
5. Flickr - An art film consisting of only still images, each randomly picked from the website. The filmmakers will arrange the pictures in an intended order, yet the finished product will feature no direct narrative, so the viewer is free to interpret the story as he or she wishes.
4. YouTube - I don’t care what the plot is or if it’s even shot amateur style. All I know is that it has to be distributed exclusively on YouTube and it must only be available as 10 separate clips, each no more than 10 minutes in length, and it can’t even be that easy to find when you search for it.
3. Napster - I thought there was supposed to be a movie about Napster founder Shawn Fanning, but I must have dreamed it, because I can’t find any sign of such a project ever pitched. But it would make a great film, anyway. Of course, it would only be appropriately watched after downloading it illegally.
2. Mr. Skin - This would be the most popular movie ever. And again it doesn’t matter what the plot is. Basically, the point would just be to get as many well-known actresses together in one movie and have them all bare some skin. They don’t all have to even get naked. One actress could just be topless, another may just flash one breast or just her butt. Nicole Kidman would be the star, though, and would just be completely naked throughout the entire film.
1. Spout - Obviously. Who wouldn’t want to see a movie starring Karina Longworth? I should let her comment with what it would entail, but I imagine it being directed by Joe Swanberg and mostly consisting of Karina watching Turner Classic Movies and providing commentary. I predict it’ll be #1 at the box office for 5 straight weeks, and it’ll out-gross The Dark Knight, too. Originally posted on:SpoutBlog<br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 28 Aug 2008 15:00:45 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>SpoutBlog</spout:postby><spout:postto>SpoutBlog on spout.com</spout:postto><spout:postdate>8/28/2008 11:00:45 AM</spout:postdate><spout:body>
So, Aaron Sorkin, writer of such films as A Few Good Men, The American President and Charlie Wilson’s War, and, of course, creator of TV’s The West Wing, is apparently now working on a movie about Facebook for Sony Pictures and producer Scott Rudin (No Country for Old Men). Yes, that’s right, a Facebook movie. News comes to us directly from the social networking site, as Sorkin himself announced the project by admitting that he has absolutely no clue what Facebook is. And I guess he’s looking for assistance or questions or something. Obviously he’s the perfect guy to be scripting a film about the founding of the site.
I’m drawing a blank right now as to whether or not any websites have officially spawned movies (does AOL count?), but I do recall an idea from 3 years ago to make an internet dating movie sponsored by Friendster, which was to be directed by Harold Ramis and star Topher Grace. I guess the fact that Friendster faded from popularity in favor of MySpace and then Facebook ruined those plans. But is it possible that this new project will fare any better? Social networking sites have a habit of falling out of fashion rather quickly. Oh well, if Facebook: The Movie doesn’t work out, Rudin and Sorkin are welcome to go with any of these other ideas:
10. Friendster - Just because the other Friendster project didn’t pan out doesn’t mean the site can’t still inspire another movie. This one would be all about how Friendster rose to the top quickly and lived the good life until attempts to get even higher went awry and its fans abandoned it. You know, the age old story of celebrity. Sorkin might be interested because of the way it could parallel his hit stage play (and upcoming film) The Farnsworth Invention.

9. MySpace - Not to be confused with the user-generated MySpace movie project, or the parody video titled Myspace The Movie, this would be more of a thriller involving sexual predators. Because even if this social networking site, which was once the cool alternative to Facebook when that site started sucking, is one day completely left behind, it will at least be remembered in internet history books as synonymous with pedophilia and child safety legislature.
8. Funny or Die - More than just inspired by the website, the movie would actually involve its founders, Will Ferrell and Adam McKay, as well as the other hilarious celebrities that provide content to the site, such as Judd Apatow and James Franco. Hell, even Steve Guttenberg can make an appearance. It could either be a movie about the start of the site or a sketch compilation — as long as it’s more Kentucky Fried Movie than The Onion Movie.
7. MapQuest - It would take place around the turn of the century, when GPS wasn’t so common and people still depended on printed-out directions from the newly popular MapQuest. Chevy Chase and family get lost, though, when it turns out the directions aren’t actually that dependable. Either the details are confusing, or construction, street name change or new roads complicate matters.
6. Wikipedia - Take any event in history and make a movie based solely on its Wikipedia page. Even when the site was new and less dependable than it is now, such a film still wouldn’t have been as loose with facts as most “historical” films from Hollywood.
5. Flickr - An art film consisting of only still images, each randomly picked from the website. The filmmakers will arrange the pictures in an intended order, yet the finished product will feature no direct narrative, so the viewer is free to interpret the story as he or she wishes.
4. YouTube - I don’t care what the plot is or if it’s even shot amateur style. All I know is that it has to be distributed exclusively on YouTube and it must only be available as 10 separate clips, each no more than 10 minutes in length, and it can’t even be that easy to find when you search for it.
3. Napster - I thought there was supposed to be a movie about Napster founder Shawn Fanning, but I must have dreamed it, because I can’t find any sign of such a project ever pitched. But it would make a great film, anyway. Of course, it would only be appropriately watched after downloading it illegally.
2. Mr. Skin - This would be the most popular movie ever. And again it doesn’t matter what the plot is. Basically, the point would just be to get as many well-known actresses together in one movie and have them all bare some skin. They don’t all have to even get naked. One actress could just be topless, another may just flash one breast or just her butt. Nicole Kidman would be the star, though, and would just be completely naked throughout the entire film.
1. Spout - Obviously. Who wouldn’t want to see a movie starring Karina Longworth? I should let her comment with what it would entail, but I imagine it being directed by Joe Swanberg and mostly consisting of Karina watching Turner Classic Movies and providing commentary. I predict it’ll be #1 at the box office for 5 straight weeks, and it’ll out-gross The Dark Knight, too. Originally posted on:SpoutBlog</spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: 10 Movies That Came Out Too Late</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/blogs/spoutblog/archive/2008/7/24/33020.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s243742.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/9325/default.aspx'>SpoutBlog</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/blogs/spoutblog/default.aspx'>SpoutBlog on spout.com</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 7/24/2008 11:01:19 AM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> 
Earlier this year, I thought that it was way too late for a Sex and the City movie. But then it made a ton of cash, so I guess I was wrong. Still, I’m going to continue similarly thinking it’s too late for another X-Files movie. And even if I’m proven wrong and the masses get out to theaters this weekend in search of the truth, I’ll keep on believing that X-Files: I Want to Believe is way past its time.
To celebrate Mulder and Scully’s tardiness, here are 10 other movies that came out too late:

The Godfather Part III (Released in: 1990; Should have been released in: 1976) - Never mind the fact that had this third installment been made years earlier, Sofia Coppola wouldn’t have been cast and therefore wouldn’t have given her terribly infamous performance. The more important matter is that sequels arriving more than a decade after the previous installment are almost always doomed. The longer the wait, the higher the expectations, and the greater the disappointment. Of course, not everyone agrees that it was also too late for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Live Free or Die Hard, Rambo, Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, etc.

Snakes on a Plane (Released in: 2006; Should have been released in: 2005) - By the time it finally hit theaters, there was already a major backlash to the hype behind SoaP, and that backlash was apparently well-deserved when audiences saw just how lame the movie ended up being. It was an early indicator that a lot of internet buzz and popular viral marketing does not necessarily equal a lot of money at the box office. More than a year later, though, fears of another SoaP-like disappointment came with the hype behind Cloverfield, yet the monster movie fared much better. Of course, no movie seemed to be more ridiculous a web sensation than The Dark Knight, the record-breaking success of which could still prompt more SoaP-type disasters in the future.
Home on the Range (Released in: 2004; Should have been released in: 1994) - When you Google the words “ill-timed” “release” and “film”, this is the first thing that comes up, probably because it’s legendary for marking the (temporary) end of 2-D Disney animation. It actually came out almost a decade after the first Pixar feature signaled the doomed future of these kinds of films, and a number of 2-D animations were actually quite successful in that ten years. But Home on the Range is notable for both having begun preproduction before the release of the first Toy Story and for having been announced as the last traditionally animated Disney feature. Now, of course, the studio has changed its mind, so we’ll just have to see if Home on the Range was indeed too late or simply too bad.
Infamous (Released in: 2006; Should have been released in: 2005) - One of many unfortunate movies to come out on the heels of another film dealing with the same subject. Similarly late, similarly redundant efforts include Deep Impact, Mars Attacks!, Volcano, The Forbidden Dance, Red Planet, Wyatt Earp and Valmont. But Infamous seemed more the loser of its race because of Phillip Seymour Hoffman’s Oscar win for Capote.
The Simpsons Movie (Released in: 2007; Should have been released in: 1997) - It may be funny enough, but this movie still suffered a bit from being past the TV series’ prime. A lot more people would have been a lot more excited about the spin-off if it had come out ten years earlier.
The Onion Movie (Released in 2008; Should have been released in: 2003) - Should this not be included because it actually never came out in theaters in the U.S.? Whatever. I’m still accepting it as one of the worst examples of shelving a film for way too long. From the unbearable bits I attempted to watch, the jokes were quite dated, though I have to admit they might not have been all that funny when (mostly) filmed five years ago. As an alternate, in case you don’t accept this title: The Adventures of Pluto Nash, which was also shelved for a few years, but which was probably made too late anyway.
Get Smart (Released in 2008; Should have been released in: 1978) - When it opened earlier this summer, I wrote a list about how this movie was obsolete before it was even made. Check out those 10 reasons here.
Eyes Wide Shut (Released in: 1999; Should have been released in: 1998) - It may still have been received as poorly, but if this film had been able to be finished and to come out before Stanley Kubrick’s death, it might have at least been a stronger work.
Angela’s Ashes (Released in: 1999; Should have been released in: 1995) - How long is too late for a film adaptation of a best-selling book? Considering there are still successful movies based on works such as “The Iliad” and “Beowulf”, there’s apparently no limit. But for some reason this cinematic version of Frank McCourt’s wildly popular memoir bombed at the box office. I guess compared to those early works, “Angela’s Ashes” had been read by everyone in America by the time the movie arrived, and few of its fans needed to go through the depressing events a second time.
Glitter (Released in: 2001; Should have been released in: 1991) - Maybe if it had opened before 9/11, as it was supposed to, instead of directly following the tragedy. Or, better yet, maybe if it had opened in the mid ’90s before people stopped giving a damn about Mariah, it wouldn’t have bombed so horribly. Actually, because Mariah eventually became popular again, and thanks to VH1, so did the 1980s, Glitter may also be considered a movie that was too early. Perhaps one day it can find success as a Broadway show, a la Xanadu.
 Originally posted on:SpoutBlog<br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:01:19 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>SpoutBlog</spout:postby><spout:postto>SpoutBlog on spout.com</spout:postto><spout:postdate>7/24/2008 11:01:19 AM</spout:postdate><spout:body>
Earlier this year, I thought that it was way too late for a Sex and the City movie. But then it made a ton of cash, so I guess I was wrong. Still, I’m going to continue similarly thinking it’s too late for another X-Files movie. And even if I’m proven wrong and the masses get out to theaters this weekend in search of the truth, I’ll keep on believing that X-Files: I Want to Believe is way past its time.
To celebrate Mulder and Scully’s tardiness, here are 10 other movies that came out too late:

The Godfather Part III (Released in: 1990; Should have been released in: 1976) - Never mind the fact that had this third installment been made years earlier, Sofia Coppola wouldn’t have been cast and therefore wouldn’t have given her terribly infamous performance. The more important matter is that sequels arriving more than a decade after the previous installment are almost always doomed. The longer the wait, the higher the expectations, and the greater the disappointment. Of course, not everyone agrees that it was also too late for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Live Free or Die Hard, Rambo, Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, etc.

Snakes on a Plane (Released in: 2006; Should have been released in: 2005) - By the time it finally hit theaters, there was already a major backlash to the hype behind SoaP, and that backlash was apparently well-deserved when audiences saw just how lame the movie ended up being. It was an early indicator that a lot of internet buzz and popular viral marketing does not necessarily equal a lot of money at the box office. More than a year later, though, fears of another SoaP-like disappointment came with the hype behind Cloverfield, yet the monster movie fared much better. Of course, no movie seemed to be more ridiculous a web sensation than The Dark Knight, the record-breaking success of which could still prompt more SoaP-type disasters in the future.
Home on the Range (Released in: 2004; Should have been released in: 1994) - When you Google the words “ill-timed” “release” and “film”, this is the first thing that comes up, probably because it’s legendary for marking the (temporary) end of 2-D Disney animation. It actually came out almost a decade after the first Pixar feature signaled the doomed future of these kinds of films, and a number of 2-D animations were actually quite successful in that ten years. But Home on the Range is notable for both having begun preproduction before the release of the first Toy Story and for having been announced as the last traditionally animated Disney feature. Now, of course, the studio has changed its mind, so we’ll just have to see if Home on the Range was indeed too late or simply too bad.
Infamous (Released in: 2006; Should have been released in: 2005) - One of many unfortunate movies to come out on the heels of another film dealing with the same subject. Similarly late, similarly redundant efforts include Deep Impact, Mars Attacks!, Volcano, The Forbidden Dance, Red Planet, Wyatt Earp and Valmont. But Infamous seemed more the loser of its race because of Phillip Seymour Hoffman’s Oscar win for Capote.
The Simpsons Movie (Released in: 2007; Should have been released in: 1997) - It may be funny enough, but this movie still suffered a bit from being past the TV series’ prime. A lot more people would have been a lot more excited about the spin-off if it had come out ten years earlier.
The Onion Movie (Released in 2008; Should have been released in: 2003) - Should this not be included because it actually never came out in theaters in the U.S.? Whatever. I’m still accepting it as one of the worst examples of shelving a film for way too long. From the unbearable bits I attempted to watch, the jokes were quite dated, though I have to admit they might not have been all that funny when (mostly) filmed five years ago. As an alternate, in case you don’t accept this title: The Adventures of Pluto Nash, which was also shelved for a few years, but which was probably made too late anyway.
Get Smart (Released in 2008; Should have been released in: 1978) - When it opened earlier this summer, I wrote a list about how this movie was obsolete before it was even made. Check out those 10 reasons here.
Eyes Wide Shut (Released in: 1999; Should have been released in: 1998) - It may still have been received as poorly, but if this film had been able to be finished and to come out before Stanley Kubrick’s death, it might have at least been a stronger work.
Angela’s Ashes (Released in: 1999; Should have been released in: 1995) - How long is too late for a film adaptation of a best-selling book? Considering there are still successful movies based on works such as “The Iliad” and “Beowulf”, there’s apparently no limit. But for some reason this cinematic version of Frank McCourt’s wildly popular memoir bombed at the box office. I guess compared to those early works, “Angela’s Ashes” had been read by everyone in America by the time the movie arrived, and few of its fans needed to go through the depressing events a second time.
Glitter (Released in: 2001; Should have been released in: 1991) - Maybe if it had opened before 9/11, as it was supposed to, instead of directly following the tragedy. Or, better yet, maybe if it had opened in the mid ’90s before people stopped giving a damn about Mariah, it wouldn’t have bombed so horribly. Actually, because Mariah eventually became popular again, and thanks to VH1, so did the 1980s, Glitter may also be considered a movie that was too early. Perhaps one day it can find success as a Broadway show, a la Xanadu.
 Originally posted on:SpoutBlog</spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: The Onion Movie Trailer</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/blogs/spoutblog/archive/2008/3/4/25850.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s243742.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/9325/default.aspx'>SpoutBlog</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/blogs/spoutblog/default.aspx'>SpoutBlog on spout.com</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 3/4/2008 1:01:00 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> 


I had nearly forgotten about The Onion Movie. The sketch-comedy-formatted film spin-off of the brilliant newspaper satire was made about four years ago and then was abandoned by original distributor Fox Searchlight. According to Wikipedia, it performed badly with test audiences, and when it was shelved and then dropped by the studio, the filmmakers — co-directors Tom Kuntz and Mike Maguire and screenwriter Robert Siegel (formerly editor of The Onion) — also walked away from the project. It spent the next few years involved in attempted rescue operations by New Regency and actor-writer Scott Aukerman (Run Ronnie Run!). Now, finally this trailer has shown up on the DVD of Fox Searchlight’s The Darjeeling Limited, implying that the studio will be dumping it to DVD sometime this year.
As you can see, there was good reason for Fox to have initially distanced itself from the movie. It makes the similar-structured The Kentucky Fried Movie look like a masterpiece (I understand it’s considered a classic for some, but it’s by no means a masterpiece). And, well, it even makes the recent parody films like Epic Movie and Meet the Spartans seem like masterpieces. Considering that after 20 years in print and 12 years online, the actual newspaper is consistently intelligent, cutting-edge, relevant and, most of all, hilarious, it’s quite disappointing to see how stale are the gags in the film. While it may be funny to see the decapitation caused by a neckbelt, the concept as a whole is illogical and unimaginative. And the smoking ban joke? Maybe topical in 2004, but even then the gag would have been put to better use in a Tonight Show monologue.
 (more…) Originally posted on:SpoutBlog<br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 04 Mar 2008 18:01:00 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>SpoutBlog</spout:postby><spout:postto>SpoutBlog on spout.com</spout:postto><spout:postdate>3/4/2008 1:01:00 PM</spout:postdate><spout:body>


I had nearly forgotten about The Onion Movie. The sketch-comedy-formatted film spin-off of the brilliant newspaper satire was made about four years ago and then was abandoned by original distributor Fox Searchlight. According to Wikipedia, it performed badly with test audiences, and when it was shelved and then dropped by the studio, the filmmakers — co-directors Tom Kuntz and Mike Maguire and screenwriter Robert Siegel (formerly editor of The Onion) — also walked away from the project. It spent the next few years involved in attempted rescue operations by New Regency and actor-writer Scott Aukerman (Run Ronnie Run!). Now, finally this trailer has shown up on the DVD of Fox Searchlight’s The Darjeeling Limited, implying that the studio will be dumping it to DVD sometime this year.
As you can see, there was good reason for Fox to have initially distanced itself from the movie. It makes the similar-structured The Kentucky Fried Movie look like a masterpiece (I understand it’s considered a classic for some, but it’s by no means a masterpiece). And, well, it even makes the recent parody films like Epic Movie and Meet the Spartans seem like masterpieces. Considering that after 20 years in print and 12 years online, the actual newspaper is consistently intelligent, cutting-edge, relevant and, most of all, hilarious, it’s quite disappointing to see how stale are the gags in the film. While it may be funny to see the decapitation caused by a neckbelt, the concept as a whole is illogical and unimaginative. And the smoking ban joke? Maybe topical in 2004, but even then the gag would have been put to better use in a Tonight Show monologue.
 (more…) Originally posted on:SpoutBlog</spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:comedy</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/comedy/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/comedy/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>comedy</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 1087</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 253</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 1342</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:38:30 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>1087</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>253</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>1342</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:satire</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/satire/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/satire/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>satire</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 170</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 55</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 120</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:27:25 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>170</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>55</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>120</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:america</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/america/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/america/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>america</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 1215</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 26</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 87</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 2009 03:08:42 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>1215</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>26</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>87</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:news</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/news/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/news/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>news</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 499</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 15</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 29</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 27 Sep 2009 06:31:12 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>499</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>15</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>29</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:integrity</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/integrity/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/integrity/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>integrity</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 55</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 12</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 13</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2009 13:02:43 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>55</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>12</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>13</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:stereotypes</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/stereotypes/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/stereotypes/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>stereotypes</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 7</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 8</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 10</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 22 Aug 2009 10:20:15 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>7</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>8</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>10</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:anchorperson</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/anchorperson/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/anchorperson/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>anchorperson</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 133</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 6</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 7</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:05:08 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>133</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>6</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>7</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:anchorman</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/anchorman/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/anchorman/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>anchorman</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 2</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 2</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 2</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2009 19:17:02 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>2</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>2</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>2</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:network</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/network/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/network/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>network</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 58</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 2</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 2</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2008 22:13:46 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>58</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>2</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>2</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:television-news</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/television-news/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/television-news/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>television-news</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 1</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 1</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 1</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 10 Jun 2008 04:59:15 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>1</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>1</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>1</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
  </channel>
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