Everything’s set to go for “Syrup,” which will be author Max Barry’s first big screen production of his debut novel. The very favorably-reviewed book will be directed by Aram Rappaport (upcoming “Summer Song” starring “Spy Kids” Alex Vega) and be lead by Shiloh Fernandez from the abhorrent “Red Riding Hood” (and the relatively interesting “Skateland“) and Amber Heard from the anticipated, but seemingly long-delayed Hunter S. Thompson flick “The Rum Diary.”
Although the talent is rather unknown, the source material seems to be an insane delight: Marketing grad Scat (Fernandez) discovers the idea for a new soda beverage, effectively named ‘Fukk Cola.’ After pitching this to the production manager at Coke, 6 (yes, her name is 6, played by Heard), she agrees that it has potential to make the company and the creator boatloads of money. Scat’s roommate Sneaky Pete sees this opportunity for wealth and corporate ascension, and in an act that his name subtly suggests, steals the idea and takes it the bigwigs himself. Scat and 6 then devise their own way to battle Sneaky Pete and get the glory.
Barry’s print features appearances by Brad Pitt, Winona Ryder, Tom Cruise, and a deus-ex-machina in the form of… Gwyneth Paltrow. Seeing as this is a relatively modest production, you can probably count those moments out, but the rest seems just as insane and should prove to be a fun experience. However, with this kind of zaniness, it’ll be easy to drop the ball so let’s hope Rappaport has been sharpening his skills eating Dino Pebbles, analyzing Savage Steve Holland movies, and sleeping to Adult Swim programs.
Shooting will begin this summer in New York.