Shady Ladies, Gangsters and Gumshoes conquer the Egyptian's giant screen when the American Cinematheque presents Side Streets and Back Alleys: The 6th Annual Festival of Film Noir (April 1 - 11, 2004).

Nineteen sexy, sinister mystery and crime films from the 1940s & 1950s will be shown over 8 nights. The series is highlighted by in person appearances by actresses Patricia Morison, Marsha Hunt, Joan Leslie and screenwriter Stanley Rubin as well as by Tributes to novelists and screenwriters James M. Cain, Dashiell Hammett, Raymond Chandler, Cornell Woolrich, Dorothy B. Hughes, W.R. Burnett, Harry Kleiner, Eric Ambler, David Goodis, Steve Fisher, William P. McGiven and John C. Higgins, plus a brand-new noir short, "Lonely Place," based on a classic 1965 short story. Author and film noir expert Eddie Muller will once again host programs, offering historical background on the productions, filmmakers and actors that brought the films to life. All guests are subject to their availability.

All screenings are at the newly renovated Lloyd E. Rigler Theatre at the historic 1922 Grauman's Hollywood Egyptian (6712 Hollywood Boulevard between Highland and Las Palmas) in Hollywood. Visit http://www.egyptiantheatre.com for more information.

Ain't It Cool News posted the trailer links for the Will Smith starrer I, Robot. AICN made a good point about it though, seems like Isaac Asimov's classic may clash with Will Smith's MIB schtick. Check 'em out here - these are quicktime links:

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Medium version
Small version

Several months ago we ate our words when we saw Charlize Theron's version of serial killer Aileen Wuornos in Monster. If you remember back about a year or so ago, we pounced on that casting announcement as ludicrous -- in our defense, who knew she could be so damn ugly? We kid because we love. She was phenomenal in that movie, it wasn't just her appearance, her acting was amazing and trust us when we say the flick definitely ranks as horror.

Anyways, it looks like her next movie should kick ass -- she'll be starring as the futuristic assassin Aeon Flux in the live-action movie (remember that amazing animated series?).

As prep continues for the production's start of filming in July, Theron is taking three months to get into shape for the part. She's being trained in acrobatics, one of the physical traits that the animated Aeon is known for. [Source: Variety]

Superhero Hype reports Lions Gate Films corrected last week's removal of the Man-Thing from their theatrical schedule. The Marvel Studios film is now scheduled for sometime this fall.

Meanwhile, Warner Bros.' Constantine, starring Keanu Reeves, has been moved back from September 17 to February 11, 2005.

Figures.com reports that to coincide with the June 11th debut of the Chronicles of Riddick, SOTA Toys will introduce a full assortment of extremely articulated and detailed action figures. Laser scanned for accurate likeness, SOTA's Riddick collection will consist of the following Universal Pictures approved collectibles:

*Riddick (Heavily case packed. Will also feature removeable goggles with Riddick's shining metallic eyes beneath.)

*Lord Marshal

*Lensing Necro

*Vaako

*Kyra

There'll also be a Riddick Box Set containing Riddick in "Battle Gear" and a "Hellhound" creature. Click here to get a look at Figures.com

In you're in the LA area, French horror thriller "Haute Tension" will be aired at the eighth annual City of Lights, City of Angels film fest in Hollywood, which is kicking off March 29 and running at the Directors Guild through April 3.

Isabella Rossellini has been cast in the Sci Fi Channel miniseries Earthsea, the epic chronicle of a young wizard in a mystical land.

She will play High Priestess Thar, a pivotal role in the four-hour project, which is scheduled to air over two nights in December.

The miniseries is adapted from author Ursula K. Le Guin's "Earthsea" novels. The first in the series, "A Wizard of Earthsea," was published in 1968. [Source: The Hollywood Reporter]