'The Reel Panel' Exclusive - the 2016 film; Grimsby. Subscribe to The Reel Panel - giving YOU the front row ticket on everything film. Grimsby is an upcoming American spy-comedy film directed by Louis Leterrier and written by Sacha Baron Cohen, Phil Johnston and Peter Baynham. The film is scheduled to be released on February 26, 2016, by Columbia Pictures in accordance with four by two films. Plot: Looking first to the plot for the film. The plot is as follows; A story about a British black-ops spy (Mark Strong) whose idiotic brother is a football hooligan (Sacha Baron Cohen). Cast: • Sacha Baron Cohen • Mark Strong • Isla Fisher • Rebel Wilson • Annabelle Wallis • Ian McShane • Gabourey Sidibe • David Harewood • Johnny Vegas • Penélope Cruz • Scott Adkins Production: Looking now to the production of the film. In October 2013, Sacha Baron Cohen was spotted attending a football match between Grimsby Town and Cambridge United. Cohen who was dressed in a Grimsby shirt was also spotted talking with Town fans in a nearby pub after the game. On December 3, 2013, Louis Leterrier was set to direct. On April 24, 2014 Mark Strong joined the film to play a British black-ops spy and brother of Cohen's character. On April 25, Annabelle Wallis joined the cast of the film. On June 11, Ian McShane, Gabourey Sidibe, David Harewood and Johnny Vegas joined the cast. On June 12, Baron Cohen's wife Isla Fisherjoined him in the film to play a female supporting role. On June 12, Rebel Wilson joined the cast and on July 9, Penélope Cruz joined the film's cast. Filming: On June 3, 2014 Sacha was spotted doing kicking practice to film some football scenes. The principal photography of the film commenced on June 4, at North Weald railway station and around the Epping Forest area in Essex, England. The shooting will last for six weeks in UK and then move to South Africa. On July 10-11, Cohen was filming Grimsby in a small town Tilbury, which was turned into 1980s Grimsby/ On August 17, Baron Cohen and Wilson were spotted filming the kissing scene in Cape Town, South Africa. Shooting was primarily undertaken in Cape Town, South Africa. Controversy: A number of residents of Grimsby were angry with Cohen portraying their town as a rubbish-strewn, violent ghetto in which drunks urinate from windows and mothers hand children cans of beer in the street. Local politicians have complained the film suggests Grimsby football fans are violent and overweight Adding to the controversy is the fact that English football culture will almost certainly take a beating, possibly insulting various English football groups. Budget: I predict that the budget for the film will range between; 30 to 35 million. This is deduced from looking at budget for previous films in which Sacha Baron Cohen has both starred or produced; such as: Borat, Bruno and the Dictator. Rating: In comparing to previous popular Sacha Baron Cohen films, such as Ali G - In the House, which rates at 56% on rotten tomatoes, Borat which boasts a 91% approval rating, Bruno which holds a 68% approval rating and the Dictator, which holds a disappointing 56%, I predict that this film will see an approval rating ranging between 60 to 65%. This is for several reasons, firstly this film is seemingly a lot more action focused, to satisfy the "spy" aspect of the film - I am unsure if this type fo storyline complements Cohen's style of comedy and acting. Further, the premise for the film does not feel like a typical Sacha Baron Cohen comedy film - it might lack that comedic, satirical and original edge that saw Borat rate so highly. Thanks for watching guys, hope you feel well informed about this new film. A trailer or teaser release date is yet TBA, but I look forward to keeping subscribers and viewers updated. Leave your comments and thoughts about the film in the comments section below, would love to hear your opinions. And remember, subscribe to "The Reel Panel - giving you the front row ticket on everything film".

• published: 31 Jan 2015
• views: 6