· I guess that George Lucas being out of ideas barely counts as news, but for the record: There's still no real peg to hang Indiana Jones 5's story on. Or, in Lucas's words: "I told [Steven Spielberg] about the story, but I really haven't found the MacGuffin yet. I mean, I know what it's about, but I just have to find a MacGuffin that fits into the arena we're working in." Poor George is stumped! Can anybody out there help old Stumpy MacGuffin? [Vulture]
· "STUNNER! Legendary Pictures Postpones January Start Of Alex Proyas-Directed Paradise Lost," shouts the headline at our sister site Deadline. I mean, totally! Why would anyone think twice about letting Alex Proyas go a reported 15 percent over a $120 million budget to adapt John Milton's poem with **Bradley Cooper **in the lead? Come on! Be stunned, already. [Deadline]
· I'm no conspiracy theorist, but... Oh, who the hell am I kidding: The timing of this slur campaign against My Week With Marilyn -- in which the son of Marilyn Monroe's former manager calls the film's source material "a complete lie" and even prompts skepticism from lead actress Michelle Williams herself -- is a little strange as critics awards and the Golden Globes hammer out their favorites of 2011. Of course, The Weinstein Company has both this film and the Best Actress frontrunner The Iron Lady. Harvey wouldn't sabotage one for the other's sake, would he? [LAT via Moviefone]
· Also experiencing the early stages of backlash: The Artist. Here's Glenn Kenny: "[T]he fact that this movie is being proclaimed the Best Film of 2011 by various critics' groups is literally -- there's no other word for it -- insane." Worth a read, and don't worry: No Uggies were harmed in the writing of this review. [Some Came Running]
· Universal, which has ridden the Angelina Jolie express to both box-office glory (Wanted) and Oscar-night recognition (Changeling), is back in business with the superstar and director Luc Besson. The studio will distribute the duo's untitled "large-scale dramatic thriller" -- with sci-fi elements -- which commences shooting next spring. [Deadline]
· This tribute to Charles Grodin's late-night TV legend is the best possible procrastination device I can offer you today. The Johnny Carson exchange alone --"I'm just looking for warm bodies!" -- will brighten your day immeasurably. [Splitsider]