Natalie Portman Producing And Starring In Stoner Comedy Best Buds
Natalie Portmanhas developed a pretty good ‘four for me, one for them’ approach to picking roles, withV for Vendetta,Mr. Magorium’s Wonder EmporiumandThorbeing her big studio films since escaping theStar Warsprequels, and many an indie or picture in between. Her production company Handsome Charlie Films has got movies likeHesherandPride and Prejudice and Zombiescoming down the pipe, confirming her dedicated indie approach to filmmaking. Not sure where a stoner road trip comedy fits in, but one is now reportedly on the slate as well, as Portman will produce and star in a weed-oriented film calledBest Buds.Pajibahas the news about the film, which is based on a script by actressJamie Denbo. The plot follows “two best female friends who take a road trip to their friend’s wedding in order to save her by bringing her weed.” No word yet on who’ll direct and who’ll play the other friend. (Probably not Denbo, who has appeared in the pilot forRonna & BeverlyandWeeds, though maybe she’ll play the friend who is getting married.)More important, there aren’t yet details on what’s really in the script that makes it interesting. I can deal with the stoner comedy (Pineapple Express: good,Land of the Lost: better) but expect there’s a bit more going on here. Or maybe not: the script is said to be along the lines ofHarold & KumarandHalf Baked.Portman has long since wrappedYour Highness, the high-concept, medieval-setDavid Gordon Greencomedy that has ’80s fantasy movie references and some vague stoner underpinning. (Portman is co-starring there with James Franco, Danny McBride and Zooey Deschanel.) That’ll be out this year, as will (hopefully)Black Swan, theDarren Aronofskyfilm that also recently wrapped.(Speaking ofPineapple Express, James Francosays"practical steps are being taken" to make a sequel happen, whatever that means.)
