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Hollywood rolls the dice on board games

Jun 19, 2007, 05:22 PM | by Chris Schonberger

Categories: Film

Scarjo_l Movie theaters are littered with movies based on comic books, video games, and even amusement-park rides, so it's not surprising that studio execs are on the lookout for the next big nostalgia-laden product to milk. But seriously: Are the board games of yesteryear really the blockbusters of the future? Didn't anyone see Clue?   

Apparently, toymakers like Hasbro and Mattel think they can follow Marvel's lead — and with some guidance from the William Morris agency — they've announced plans to give classic board games like Candyland and Trivial Pursuit the big-screen treatment. The Sunday Times of London has even reported that Ridley Scott will direct a film based on...Monopoly. The game may seem hopelessly old school, but Hasbro wants to sex up its image and is said to be targeting Scarlett Johansson (pictured) and Kirsten Dunst for the lead roles. (They'd just better hope that Herbie is available, or else they'll be hard-pressed to find another talking car.) I have no idea how the film will turn out, but if it's anything like the Monopoly games I'm used to, it will most certainly end in tears. Also, for some reason I can't stop thinking, ''Wall St. meets Erin Brockovich meets Jumanji,'' which actually sounds pretty incredible. 

While it's easy to dismiss a Monopoly movie as an absurd plea for relevancy from aging toymakers, I'm sort of intrigued to see what Scott will do with Rich Uncle Pennybags. Is anyone else at all excited for this? If Monopoly's not your style, what other board games could you see working on film?

elle Wed, Jun 20, 2007 at 03:14 PM EST

Doesn't Candyland: the movie = Willy Wonka?

Ricky Wed, Jun 20, 2007 at 03:13 PM EST

Immediately a huge feud develops pitting family member against family member. The car would be a race car driver, the battleship a Navy admiral, the thimble would be a Martha Stewart type, the boot a hobo, and so on. Imagine if the race car driver bought Boardwalk and it made the Admiral so mad he bombards it with his battleship. Make the cannon an Army General and the feud could become all out warfare. The Thimble could be arrested for insider trading and sent to jail (do not pass go, do not collect $200.00). It would be the ultimate rags to riches to rags to riches movie.

Ridley Scott should just let me write the script.

Ricky Wed, Jun 20, 2007 at 03:11 PM EST

WOW! I've never seen so many people come to the defense of a movie. And what a movie it is. Clue is one of the all time great comedies.

I think a Monopoly movie could work, if done right. It would be an outrageous comedy along the lines of "It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, World" and "Rat Race." Uncle Moneybags has kicked the bucket and his family and friends have gathered to inherent his fortune. Slight catch. He only wants the wisest and smartest to collect. Uncle Moneybags started with nothing but $200.00 in his pocket and built his empire of wealth and real estate. He has set up a contest where his heirs must do the same thing. Everyone is giving $200.00 to start with and whoever has the biggest fortune after 30 days will inherent Uncle Moneybag's estate.

David Wed, Jun 20, 2007 at 03:09 PM EST

Next on the list:

The Hungry, Hungry Hippos vs Big Momma

Mousetrap: The Movie

Risk

Bikini Bottom Spongebob and the Game of Life

David Wed, Jun 20, 2007 at 03:03 PM EST

I'm assuming it will be a movie about how the Monopoly board consists of clues to a secret treasure hidden by the Parker Brothers...ala National Treasure or DaVinci Code. :)

johnny utah Wed, Jun 20, 2007 at 02:47 PM EST

Way to go Hollywood! Another brilliant idea. Please Ridely do not touch this peace of crap.

johnny utah Wed, Jun 20, 2007 at 02:47 PM EST

Way to go Hollywood! Another brilliant idea. Please Ridely do not touch this peace of crap.

johnny utah Wed, Jun 20, 2007 at 02:47 PM EST

Way to go Hollywood! Another brilliant idea. Please Ridely do not touch this peace of crap.

Jon Wed, Jun 20, 2007 at 01:05 PM EST

Well, there's already movie about role-playing games like "Dungeons & Dragons." It's called "Fellowship of the Dice". It's pretty funny. http://www.fellowshipofthedice.com. I guess after this and Monopoly, I guess a TV miniseries of 'Connect Four' can't be too far behind.

silv Wed, Jun 20, 2007 at 01:02 PM EST

Seems they already went to board games for movie ideas...
rock'em sock'em robots = Rocky
Hissssss= snakes on a plane
Battleship = Tora!Tora!Tora!
Sorry = Farenheit 9/11
Don't Break the Ice = Day After Tomorrow......


furry_tom Wed, Jun 20, 2007 at 12:49 PM EST

Wow, was Ball Buster for real? It looks like something out of Kentucky Fried Movie.

mark in nyc Wed, Jun 20, 2007 at 12:46 PM EST

whynot make the Monopoly movie but give it a different board game name, like SORRY.
As in, Sorry I am not going to watch a crappy movie based on a board game!

Coming Summer 2008, two sides divided, fighting for ultimate control......CHECKERS starring whatever celebrity has the best publicist that year.

Leslie Wed, Jun 20, 2007 at 12:40 PM EST

How about Ball Buster? What a great movie that would be! "The object of the game is to bust your opponents balls"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=946e7p18D3s

furry_tom Wed, Jun 20, 2007 at 12:40 PM EST

Wilford Brimley! When he's visiting them in jail he can bring them a piping hot bowl of instant oat meal.

mikey Wed, Jun 20, 2007 at 12:28 PM EST

I've long thought that Wilford Brimley would be a great Rich Uncle Pennybags.

furry_tom Wed, Jun 20, 2007 at 12:20 PM EST

As far as Rich Uncle Pennybags, I'm betting the movie's going to be live action since they're aiming it at teens, so maybe they should go with Mickey Rooney. He's short and roundish like RUP. Then again, Sam Elliott has the mustache.

Here's that Hungry Hungry Hippos Robot Chicken clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxugMEmjoAs

wayne Wed, Jun 20, 2007 at 12:07 PM EST

Clue was awesome and needs to be done again, definately.

Scotty Wed, Jun 20, 2007 at 12:03 PM EST

I too have to add my disappointment over your snarky comment about Clue. It is one of my favorite movies of all time (and was the cause of a huge childhood crush on Lesley Ann Warren).
To be honest, the idea of a movie based on Monolopy actually sounds quite interesting if put in the right hands. I can't comment on the casting of Scarlett and Kirsten as I have no idea what they would be doing. And, too, I could see a pretty good kids movie made out of Candyland. So, let's just sit back and see what they come up with.

OperaGal Wed, Jun 20, 2007 at 11:34 AM EST

Clue is one of the most hilarious comedies ever made. Every performance was brilliant, and it's totally worth BUYING even if you haven't seen it yet. The Clue Quotes are woven into our family vernacular permanently!

No more Clue hating, Schonberger!

GeeMoney Wed, Jun 20, 2007 at 11:14 AM EST

Everyone forgot Operation: The Movie! Let's see if someone can remove a funny bone in one piece without jacking up the surgery. If you cut the wrong nerve, you get a 1000 watt shock in the a** or something.

Craig Wed, Jun 20, 2007 at 11:03 AM EST

I love Monopoly, play it all the time. But I have no idea what they could base a movie on. Just when you think Hollywood has reached an all time low......they release a Monopoly movie. Crazy

luvhoney Wed, Jun 20, 2007 at 10:27 AM EST

Not so sure about a Monopoly movie. I haven't played it in years, but I remember it being boring and looong. It would be interesting to see what plot they would make from that.

I have never seen Clue, but based on all the love it's getting from the posts I may need to check it out.

Andie Wed, Jun 20, 2007 at 10:22 AM EST

I love the movie Clue.

Tipper Wed, Jun 20, 2007 at 10:16 AM EST

Actually, I think it could be a great idea. Clue was a hilarious movie, one of my favorites, and, as someone said, if they can make something amazing out of a theme park ride, why not this? Way I see it, I'm not going to knock it until I see it. And if they want to go the way of Clue, i.e. make it funny, imagine how awesome it would be to use today's kings and queen's of comedy in this one - Steve Carrell, Vince Vaughn, Will Farrell, Jenna Fischer, Lauren Graham, etc. Why not?

kats Wed, Jun 20, 2007 at 10:10 AM EST

Michael you got it! Star Wars Monopoly the movie. It was a movie, it was a game, it's a movie of the game, it's a game of the movie of the game of the movie..... Kind of like "Pirates" but different!

kats Wed, Jun 20, 2007 at 10:00 AM EST

Ugh Hollywood can't you find anyone with any creativity and imagination at this day and age? My kids (5 and 3) could easily come up with movie ideas better than Monopoly! On the other hand, I have to admit I rather enjoyed "Clue".....

Ep Sato Wed, Jun 20, 2007 at 08:59 AM EST

Don't forget to check out the sequel to "Connect 4, the movie". It's called "Connect 4: Rise of the Evil Dr. Parcheesi and his Sorry(!) band of Hungry Hippos".

It's sure to give the Fantastic Four's next sequel a good bashing at the box office.

Won't Candyland get some hate from parents groups because it promotes bad teeth and obesity?

And the watchdogs better look out for Tarrantino's violent adaptation of "Twister".

Wed, Jun 20, 2007 at 08:27 AM EST

How dare you insult the beauty that is Clue? flames, flames, on the side of my face, heaving, heaving

No Brand Woman Wed, Jun 20, 2007 at 08:23 AM EST

I think it takes a special kind of person to even finish a game of Monopoly.
I think the idea of a Monopoly movie sounds incredibly lame, but I like the suggestion of a Candyland movie. I think that's the one boardgame movie I would actually see! And I apparently need to see Clue because everyone tells me it's great.

furry_tom Wed, Jun 20, 2007 at 07:45 AM EST

I guess they could adapt Trouble. The pop-o-matic bubble could be like the Rovers from The Prisoner.

Michael Wed, Jun 20, 2007 at 07:04 AM EST

Really Monopoly? Why would anyone ever want to see a movie on that horrible game. I hope seeing the movie leaves you just as confused as playing the game. The rules are obnoxious! I've started that game so many times and never finished it. I hope that the sequels are going to be based on other franchises. I'd love to see a Star Wars Monopoly movie or even a Dogopoly one. Whatever on the Monopoly. They should totally make a movie about Hungry Hungry Hippos.

Valerie Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 10:52 PM EST

If the movie Monopoly is anything like the games at MY house, it will last forever and finally be interrupted because we just can't be bothered to finish it...

Ceballos Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 10:21 PM EST

All right! I'm glad I have so much backup on the "Clue" love...i'll throw in two fave lines from Mr. Green:


Wadsworth: ...like the Mounties, we always get our man.
Mr. Green: Mrs Peacock was a man?!


Mr. Green: Chief, take 'em away. I'm gonna go home and sleep with my wife.

Em Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 09:51 PM EST

Have to add to the Clue lovefest with a couple of my own favorite quotes: "Communism was just a red herring", "To make a long story short...too late", "Well, I had to stop her screaming", "I didn't do it". A movie too brilliant to explain in such a short space, so if anyone here hasn't seen it, go and rent it now!

jcarla Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 09:50 PM EST

I can't believe nobody has mention the skit from 'Robot Chicken'. It starts off saying hollywood ran out of ideas and then showed trailers for Hungry Hungry Hippos, Chutes and Ladders and Candyland. That was to be parody, not a forecast.

actingup Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 08:46 PM EST

Is it April Fool's Day? Seriously - isn't this story a joke?

EM Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 08:27 PM EST

hooray for all this solidarity on the Clue-front. Also one of my favorite movies...

"one plus one plus two plus one"

Melanie Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 07:48 PM EST

Seriously... no need to hate on Clue!

sarah Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 07:46 PM EST

I like this idea...but I also like the idea of a live-action Jetsons movie. No, seriously, a live action Jetsons movie would be the coolest thing ever. I wish Robert Rodriguez was still making that shoot.

mikey Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 07:12 PM EST

The most important thing about a Monopoly movie is that Scarlett must make one of my nice orange hotels her first stop every time she gets out of jail. I'd even be willing to let her persuade me to float her a deal on the rent.

Actually I could a Monopoly movie working as a fun, screwball comedy a la "Clue" (much love), or (with a different cast) as a drama like "Wall Street" set in the world of real estate speculation.

jonathan Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 07:01 PM EST

my vote is for Hi-Ho Cherrio, though I am not sure how trees and cherrios will come into play.

daisyj Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 06:48 PM EST

Of course, I didn't think that a movie based on a theme park ride could work either, and then "Pirates of the Carribean" came along and proved me wrong. And then "Haunted Mansion" came along and proved me right, so I'm not sure where that leaves us.

daisyj Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 06:46 PM EST

Coming soon! Yahtzee: The Movie, starring Adam Sandler and Jessica Alba, with a special appearance by Will Ferrell as the letter "P".

Juba Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 06:33 PM EST

Love me some Clue...

Jarett Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 06:30 PM EST

I popped into the comments to defend my beloved Clue and lo and behold, tens of people had already jumped to its defense!!! Stand proud Clue fans--and to anyone who criticizes us fans for standing on rooftops and shouting about how fantastic Clue is, all I have to say is: "I'm not shouting! All right, I am. I'm shouting, I'm shouting, I'm shou.."

Cisco22 Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 06:11 PM EST

You all know it doesn't matter what kind of movie it turns out to be, towards the end, someone will accuse the other of stealing money from the bank, and then all the houses and hotels will be scattered everywhere.

Wings Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 06:06 PM EST

CLUE is one of the funniest, fun movies out there. Not sure if other board games would fare as well, but don't knock a great one!

Phil Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 06:05 PM EST

Well at least we can look forward to McDonald's serving up Scarlett Johansson toys in their happy meals if she does sign on for the movie! haha

Red Johandaughter Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 05:41 PM EST

Actually, I'd rather see Scarlett play strip poker.

Ellipsian Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 05:39 PM EST

I'm so glad to see my fellow PopWatchers rally around the cinematic comic genius that is "Clue"! I LOVE that freaking movie! I still quote from it all the time..."Flames, flames...on the side of my face." "Let us in! Let us in!...Let us out! Let us out!"

BrandonK Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 05:39 PM EST

"Clue" is on of my favorite movies, and I can't think of anyone I know who has seen it that hasn't liked it. That said, I'm not that excited about these other ideas. Candyland would be a good kids movie, I guess, but Trivial Pursuit? There's no story line to that game, it's a trivia game!

whol Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 05:33 PM EST

Hey...LAY OFF CLUE! That movie delivers the funny. How can you dislike a movie in which Madeline Khan camps it up?

Luke Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 05:27 PM EST

Um, Clue rocks my world. It's a great movie.

Anyway, I think Monopoly would work better as a miniseries on HBO or something. Like Ceballos said, Chutes and Ladders could possibly work.

Here are some of my ideas. Risk (or any strategy related game), Operation (not really a board game, but could be about an inept doctor), Battleship, Hungry Hungry Hippos (something like Lake Placid?), and Payday.

furry_tom Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 05:26 PM EST

"[Hasbro] wants the film to feature 'sexy young people' in an attempt to attract teenagers to board games."
So basically it's going to be an hour and a half long commercial aimed at teenagers. It's like Mac and Me or the Wizard for the next generation.

Kate Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 05:12 PM EST

Awww Elizabeth beat me to it. :)

Kate Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 05:12 PM EST

Is this movie also going to last like 15 hours?

furry_tom Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 05:07 PM EST

I'm imagining that the Monopoly characters are going to represent the various game pieces by having the actors using them as accoutrements. Someone will have a dog, another will wear a top hat, one that likes to sew, one that... fires a canon.

Gina Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 05:06 PM EST

Was that comment of your's implying Clue wasn't a good film? REALLY? That has got to be one of the funniest movies ever, it's a classic. If anything, no other board game could be made so well into a movie like that one was. And please - Madeline Kahn, Tim Curry, Leslie Ann Warren, Christopher Lloyd...you can't touch that cast. So, really, the question is: Did YOU see Clue?

Todd Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 05:01 PM EST

Yeah, leave "Clue" alone. Did you see "Clue"? Wait, let me rephrase that. Did you see the awesomeness that is "Clue"? I love that movie.

With that said, "Monopoly"? Really?

Ceballos Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 04:53 PM EST

First off...please, lay off "Clue"...Tim Curry delivers! (plus that movie has Madeline Kahn, Michael McKean, Christopher Lloyd, a sexy Leslie Ann Warren etc...nothing wrong with that)


I could see the game of "Life" as a board game...or a really kinetic visually interesting "Chutes and Ladders"


Oh, who are we kidding, this item was just an excuse to post a pic of Scarlett Johansson...and I'm not complaining.

mike Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 04:40 PM EST

Kirsten will live on Boardwalk and Scarlett will live on Baltic Ave. Or vice versa. As long as I get two hundred dollars everytime I pass the concession stand.

Andy Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 04:36 PM EST

So will Scarlett or Kirsten be playing the thimble?

Chris Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 04:28 PM EST

How the hell do Dunst and Johansson have anything to do with Monopoly? Don't old rich people fit it better?

Elizabeth Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 04:28 PM EST

If it's anything like *my* Monopoly games, the movie will be 8 hours long. I hope at least the dog is cute.

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