ecorazzi.com :: the latest in green gossip

October 13th 2008

New Info On Kilmer’s Eco-Horror Flick ‘The Thaw’

Filed under: film-tv, movies — michael @ 2:04 pm

Back in May, it was announced that Val Kilmer would be starring in a new eco-horror film called The Thaw. In the flick, some scientists come across a thawing Woolly Mammoth in a melting ice cap. Supposedly, rising world temperatures due to global warming are behind the discovery. Anyways, that Woolly is packing a deadly parasite that has laid dormant (and hungry we might add) for thousands of years. As you can deduce, everyone becomes infected and all hell breaks loose.

There were those that were suspicious whether or not this film would ever get made — but it looks like we’re now in for a 2009 release. Smallville’s Aaron Ashmore recently commented on the flick saying, “It’s an eco-thriller, something’s basically melting up in the north and they’re doing research up there and stumble on it.” That something is the deadly parasite. “Do we let it go,” he continued, “and have hundreds of thousands of people die yet change everybody’s opinion of global warming? Or, do we quarantine it and save lives? It’s a moral dilemma.”

Adding to that choice is the revealing info that Val Kilmer plays a former eco-terrorist. Obviously, his character’s opinion on the world’s need for environmental stewardship might weigh heavily on the outcome.

Should be a good scare — look for The Thaw sometime in 2009!

September 18th 2008

Will Val Kilmer Bring Eco-Awareness To New Mexico’s Governor’s Mansion

Filed under: politics — parrish @ 11:52 am

In case you haven’t been hanging out around by the lockers, the word on the street is that Val Kilmer might run for Governor of New Mexico in 2010. Sure you could say that Kilmer doesn’t have enough experience to handle a major political position, but I’d argue that these days that doesn’t really seem to matter (see also: Sarah Palin). Oh and might I also remind you that he played Batman and that any person who saves Gotham City can certainly run Mexico City.

But on a more serious note: here at Ecorazzi we’re curious about Kilmer from an environmental standpoint. What eco-qualifications does this dude posses?

RedGreenAndBlue.org points out that Kilmer owns a 6,000 acre ranch near Sante Fe and raises the more environmentally friendly type of animal: bison. Ugh…okay Kilmer, but I need more than that. On his website, Val shows his more charitable side.  Val says, “the Wildlife Center is a charity that I have donated to for over ten years. We have released over one hundred wild animals on our wilderness retreat that Dr. Ramsey has PERSONALLY treated. Please check it out.”

Finally, one could assume that Kilmer at least believes in global warming (again, unlike Palin) by his recent decision to star in two movies with global warming tie-ins – The Thaw, and The Steam House.

So what do you think Ecorazzi readers? Is Kilmer green enough for your vote? Chime in and share your thoughts!

September 10th 2008

Val Kilmer, A Bathhouse, And Global Warming? It’s His Next Movie!

Filed under: film-tv, movies — michael @ 2:53 pm

Reports are streaming in that Val Kilmer has signed on for the indie film The Steam Experiment — which revolves around six people trapped and terrorized in an urban Turkish bathhouse. For many of you, that’s a typical family vacation, but the idea behind this particular instance is that the terrorizing is being done to make a point about climate change. Apparently, Kilmer’s character, a professor, is convinced that overheating his hostages will prove that humans will devolve into chaos under the pressures of global warming. The only way he’ll reveal where his kidnapped hostages are is if his hypothesis is printed as the local paper’s front page headline.

Jeesh — doesn’t this guy know about blogging?

Filming has already started and The Steam Experiment is expected to fog up theaters next year. Look for Kilmer’s other global warming-themed film The Thaw to also hit in 2009.

Interested in some of the other green-themed movies that have or will be coming out soon? Check out our gallery below!

June 10th 2008

The Smurfs And Fraggle Rock To Hit The Big Screen! Go Green?

Filed under: green and famous — michael @ 4:54 pm

Moving ever-forward on their quest to recycle every 80s classic television show for the big screen, the entertainment industry has announced the development of films based on The Smurfs and Fraggle Rock. Depending on how this all turns out, it could be either mind-blowingly awesome or simply another smack to your inner-child’s appreciation for these fine franchises. 

For a moment, let’s talk green themes. It’s all the rage — from Val Kilmer battling previously-frozen global warming parasites to a cute animated robot searching for electronic love and the key to removing pollution on planet Earth. Hell, even Cameron Diaz is lobbying for Shrek 4 to go green beyond the ogre! So, there are reasons to believe. Let’s tick ‘em off. 

 The Smurfs live in mushrooms. Some innovative students in the real world have recently created home insulation made from Oyster mushrooms. We think we know where their inspiration came from…

 There’s a smurf called Nat Smurf that can talk to animals and “loves all things to do with nature and the environment.” 

Gargamel and his cat Azrael hates the Smurfs and everything about them — which we assume includes their love for eco-friendly insulation, vegetarian lifestyle, and forest-loving ways. 

Click here to continue reading, learn why the Fraggles are vegans, and rock out to the theme song…

May 19th 2008

While You Were In Cannes Grabbing A Tan And Sipping Cristal…

Filed under: animals, donations, green and famous — michael @ 8:35 am

We understand that most of our readers were yacht-bound this week for the Cannes Film Festival in France. So, in an effort to keep you informed on the latest green gos, here’s a breakdown of some of the highlights from last week.

We launched a cool contest to party with Ludacris and Tommy Lee at the final taping of Planet Green’s Battleground Earth.

Rapper DMX pulled a Michael Vick.

Madonna pulled an Oprah.

Pierce Brosnan celebrated his 55th birthday this week and revealed that he’s donated over $1 million to various environmental initiatives over the years. He’s also really good at composting.

Heather Mills’s divorce settlement may have cost McCartney an arm and a leg, but she’s certainly not interested in passing on the limb-love to those previously promised aid.

Space robots love cats. Even if they’re not robot cats. From space.

Indiana Jones’ crystal skulls may look great in your goth-themed kitchen — but did you know they may also save the world?

Louis Vuitton decided a lawsuit was the best way to get involved with the Darfur crisis.

FOX News concluded that Al Gore is the reason for high food prices. And cancer.

Edward Norton went off to Washington to discuss sustainable building. If Inhofe had been in the room, we would have seen a live-action preview of Norton’s upcoming HULK movie. SMASH!

You voted for our Today Show urban hippie couple, right?

Val Kilmer is planning on battling global warming bugs, while Adrian Grenier embraced his new show, Alter Eco, and green squeeze Isabel Lucas.

May 16th 2008

Val Kilmer To Do Battle With Deadly Global Warming Parasite!

Another day, another eco-monster for the masses.

Filed under: film-tv, movies — michael @ 10:32 am

Move over deadly plants! The world is about to get a taste of a previously frozen nasty unleashed due to global climate change.

Such is the plot for the new Indie-horror movie The Thaw — which has just signed on actor Val Kilmer in the lead role. The film also stars Martha MacIsaac (Michael Cera’s high school flame in Superbad) as Kilmer’s daughter. So how does this all go down?

Well, apparently, a group of student-scientists stumble upon a thawing Woolly Mammoth in a melting ice cap. Unfortunately, the Mammorth is packing a deadly parasite that had laid dormant (and hungry we might add) for thousands of years. One-by-one, everyone becomes infected, all hell breaks loose, and well, you get the picture. According to the synopsis, “soon the survivors are left with only one choice - to make the ultimate sacrifice and burn everything to the ground… including themselves.” Toasty.

So, expect a happy ending.

Ed Note: Val, c’mon, I’m still waiting for The Saint II. Bring back the guy that played Boris, Elizabeth Shoe, and all the cool gadgets. Eco-parasites are cool and all, but it would be better to see you dress of up in 10 different disguises and screw with people. Thanks!

February 7th 2008

Val Kilmer Is Now The New Voice Of Knight Rider’s KITT

Filed under: film-tv, television — michael @ 1:02 pm

Odd how this all pans out.

Originally, Will Arnett from Arrested Development was set to play the voice of KITT for the upcoming Knight Rider movie. However, Arnett has also lent his talents to General Motors — as the voice of GMC Trucks. Well, the new solar/hybird KITT is a Ford Mustang — and once GM heard Arnett was the soul behind the metal, they got all discombobulated and asked him to step off. Enter Val Kilmer. Yes, that Val Kilmer.

Frankly, I couldn’t be happier with this choice? Why — well one, I dig Val Kilmer. Not only does he have a treehouse, but he’s also planning an eco-village and his own organic foods empire. Might as well throw in voicing the coolest talking car on the planet. (Sorry, Herbie)

Kilmer’s got his work cut out for him. Knight Rider premieres on NBC on February 17th.

via ign

October 20th 2007

Val Kilmer’s Treehouse Is Pretty Damn Cool

Filed under: buildings and construction — michael @ 6:26 pm

We mentioned Val Kilmer’s treehouse back in July — but I’d just like to comment on a few additional eco-elements of this cool pad. First off, Kilmer commissioned treehouse artisan (they truly exist) Roderick Romero to do the job. This guy is known for his attention to the health of the trees involved — as well as eco-sourcing of the building materials.

Val’s creation is built into the side of a mountain on his ranch and supported by five oak trees. The structure was built with wood from an old barn, as well as limbs and fallen trees from the property. Metal was taken local salvage yards. Kilmer specifically wanted the structure to blend in with the surroundings — staying true to his eco values. This treehouse is located on the same 6,000 acres of land that the actor wishes to build a massive eco-village on. From the article,

“Kilmer eventually will ‘build a new house here by the river, have some organic gardens to farm what I need and just get back to the land. In a way, this treehouse is my first step in that direction. Look at this tree. It’s so solid and yet so fragile that it moves with the wind,” he says, grasping one of the oaks. “There’s a sense of freedom and wonderment up here.”

A fast-moving afternoon storm starts to lay siege. Within minutes, rain drops are pounding the treehouse’s tin roof while lightning zigzags ominously nearby. And Kilmer is going exactly nowhere. ‘In places like this,’ he says, ‘I can figure out what I’m all about.’

Sounds pretty cool to us. Hit this link to check out additional pics of Val’s hideaway.