Variety reports that, early this morning, Jerry Weintraub threw two darts. The first was aimed at a board marked "Franchises that no one's really interested in but meet the name-recognition criteria necessary for a summer blockbuster". The second at "Directors that have no specific talent or vision but will deliver a formula product". We came so, so close to having Renny Harlin's "Rock 'em Sock 'em Robots" but, instead, we have to settle for Stephen Sommer's "Tarzan."

Co-writing with Stuart Beattie (who also wrote "G.I. Joe" for the man), Sommers is the latest in a line that once included far, far more interesting choices; Everyone from Guillermo del Toro to the Coen brothers.

Truth be told, I like Tarzan just fine and would be happy with a new franchise that blended action and humor with some style and class. Something tells me this ain't it. 

Meanwhile, the band Crash Test Dummies continues in their  17-year long reminder to Warner that their interests should really be served by focusing on Superman. Sadly, they heard the "Superman never made any money" bit and will be sticking with apes for the time being.