The Movie We've All Been Waiting For

I think everyone has been involved in a conversation where somebody states their desire to see a movie based on the classic board game Monopoly. Well, the wait is almost over as plans have been announced to produce a feature film based on the decades old Parker Bros. game. There aren't many details about the film yet except that it's being directed by Ridley Scott (Alien) and it's set for a 2011 release date. There's so much that they can get wrong here...and being Hollywood - they probably will.

• First, this needs to be a comedy. Basing a movie on a real estate game is a silly idea so you might as well make the movie silly. Plus, it will be easier to incorporate more of the game into a comedy movie. They are talking about incorporating the real life real estate situation into the movie...nobody wants to see that!
• Milburn Pennybags (the Monopoly guy) has to be a main character. He doesn't have to be the central character but he should play a major role in the film. He should be played by an old guy with a big white moustache and he should always be dressed in a tux, unless there is a scene at his his mansion at night in which case he should have pajamas with dollar signs all over them.
• Real Monopoly money should be used in the movie. The money is the backbone of the game, we want to see big colorful bills being used on the silver screen.
• There should be a strip joint in the movie called "Community Chest"
• There should be a good fight scene that takes place on Baltic Ave.
• The thimble and the dog must somehow be worked into the story.
• I suppose a tie-in with McDonald's is inevitable.

But wait...there's more! Monopoly isn't the only movie in the works based on something from the game isle at the toy store. They are also working on a big-budget cinematic version of CandyLand! And if that ain't enough for ya, will you line up to see the movie of Battleship? Two big name actors yelling out "C-9" and "G-2" for two and a half hours, it's coming. There is also a movie based on the Ouija board coming out. And if you think that's stretching it, as we speak Hollywood is in production of a Stretch Armstrong movie. Wow!

I guess when Transformers 2 and G.I. Joe makes millions of dollars at the box office this summer, film makers will be combing the isles of Toys R Us again for the next big summer blockbuster.

Speaking of Monopoly, check out my visit to the world's largest Monopoly board.