The Internet is an amazing thing... It really is.

I mean, who would have thought 20 years ago that we'd be reading movie news and interacting with each other via a computer whilst in different countries? It was total science fiction, but look at us now - I'm in England, writing this story, and you are... well, you are wherever you are.

But as cool as the Internet is, it also has its problems. Don't worry, this isn't going to turn into a rant about the negative side of the Internet, I'm not that type of guy, I love my Google, but when reporting movie news, the Internet can be a dangerous thing. It's not "Hannibal Lecter" dangerous, or even "Hitler" dangerous, but it is "crazy rumor" dangerous. Take, for example the news from AICN that Al Pacino may have a role in Quantum of Solace.

Is it true or is it false? Who the hell knows, but that's the problem with the Internet.

It started out on AintItCool.com, where they actually called it a rumor when they posted it, and now more and more websites are picking up the story, and each new site that writes about it is lending more and more weight to it based on no new information.

If I wanted to, I could spread a crazy film rumor - it wouldn't have to be true. Let's say something totally crazy, like Heath Ledger's Joker will be digitally replaced with Christan Slater in The Dark Knight. Someone, somewhere would read that, take it as true, and before you could say Baron Munchausen it would become "fact".

Which brings us to the Al Pacino rumor: It could be true, but to me it stinks of some fanboy's dream casting. It is a pretty cool rumor - Pacino is a great actor, and the guy is prone to popping up in strange films, see Dick Tracy, Gigli and Ocean's 13.

What makes me doubt this rumor however, is the fact that it is a James Bond film. Bond films have never gone for casting huge stars in the villain role. Even the actor who plays Bond is (to begin with) not a star. So I find it strange, that in this latest Bond movie they'd opt for Pacino. Even if it's just a cameo, it would be too jarring for the film. Also, Casino Royale was the highest grossing film in the series, so they don't have to rely on stunt casting to bring in audiences.

All that said, it could still turn out to be true. If you had told me six months ago that Christian Bale would be playing John Connor in McG's new Terminator film, I would have said you were on crack.

For all I know, Pacino could be a huge James Bond fan, and it could be a dream role for him. However, remember: The Broccoli family (the producers of the Bond films) have, in the past turned down Steven Spielberg and Quentin Tarantino when they asked to be involved in the iconic film franchise.

It's something that I will try and find out more about, and as soon as I do, I will, as always let you know!

Quantum Of Solace opens on November 7, 2008.

Source: Aintitcool.com