The American Cinema Editors (Ace) has announced its new board. Current president Kevin Tent will serve another two-year term.
Lillian Benson will continue to serve alongside him as will vice president Sabrina Plisco and treasurer Andrew Seklir. Former associate board members Dana Glauberman and Nancy Richardson have been bumped up to the board, replacing outgoing members Anita Brandt-Burgoyne and Michael Ornstein.
“On behalf of American Cinema Editors, we are proud to welcome our newly elected Board Members to the Ace leadership team,” stated Tent.
Tent is best known for his collaboration with filmmaker Alexander Payne. They first worked together on the 1996 film “Citizen Ruth.” He was elected to the board in 2020 and was nominated for both an Ace Eddie and an Academy Award for editing Payne’s film “The Descendants,” starring George Clooney. He won the Ace Eddie Award for best edited drama film that year.
Says Tent, “As Ace...
Lillian Benson will continue to serve alongside him as will vice president Sabrina Plisco and treasurer Andrew Seklir. Former associate board members Dana Glauberman and Nancy Richardson have been bumped up to the board, replacing outgoing members Anita Brandt-Burgoyne and Michael Ornstein.
“On behalf of American Cinema Editors, we are proud to welcome our newly elected Board Members to the Ace leadership team,” stated Tent.
Tent is best known for his collaboration with filmmaker Alexander Payne. They first worked together on the 1996 film “Citizen Ruth.” He was elected to the board in 2020 and was nominated for both an Ace Eddie and an Academy Award for editing Payne’s film “The Descendants,” starring George Clooney. He won the Ace Eddie Award for best edited drama film that year.
Says Tent, “As Ace...
- 11/23/2022
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Monday, Dec. 8 Ryan Phillippe, Tom Pelphrey to Lead ‘American Murderer’
The Traveling Picture Show Company and GiGi Films have cast Tom Pelphrey as con man Jason Derek Brown in “American Murderer,” alongside Ryan Phillippe playing the FBI agent tasked to hunt him down.
Idina Menzel and Academy Award nominee Jacki Weaver have also been cast. AFI alumnus Matthew Gentile wrote the script and will direct, with principal photography commencing in Salt Lake City. Kevin Matusow and Carissa Buffel will produce for Tpsc alongside Gia Walsh and Kara Baker under the GiGi Films banner, in line with Utah state and SAG-AFTRA Covid-19 protocols.
“American Murderer” is based on the true story of Brown – a charismatic conman who bankrolls his luxurious lifestyle through a series of scams. When his funds run low and his past catches up with him, he plots his most elaborate scheme yet and, in the process, becomes the...
The Traveling Picture Show Company and GiGi Films have cast Tom Pelphrey as con man Jason Derek Brown in “American Murderer,” alongside Ryan Phillippe playing the FBI agent tasked to hunt him down.
Idina Menzel and Academy Award nominee Jacki Weaver have also been cast. AFI alumnus Matthew Gentile wrote the script and will direct, with principal photography commencing in Salt Lake City. Kevin Matusow and Carissa Buffel will produce for Tpsc alongside Gia Walsh and Kara Baker under the GiGi Films banner, in line with Utah state and SAG-AFTRA Covid-19 protocols.
“American Murderer” is based on the true story of Brown – a charismatic conman who bankrolls his luxurious lifestyle through a series of scams. When his funds run low and his past catches up with him, he plots his most elaborate scheme yet and, in the process, becomes the...
- 12/7/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Oscar nominated film editor Kevin Tent, a longtime collaborator of Alexander Payne on movies including Election, Sideways and The Descendants, has been elected to a two-year term as president of honorary society American Cinema Editors.
He succeeds Stephen Rivkin, the Oscar-nominated editor of Avatar who served as president since 2016 and has reached his term limit. Rivkin is currently working on Jim Cameron’s Avatar sequels.
The election results, announced Saturday during Ace’s virtual holiday party, also saw Lillian Benson re-elected as secretary. Anita Brandt Burgoyne, Dorian Harris, Sabrina Plisco, Tatiana Riegel, Andrew Seklir, and Rivkin were elected or re-elected to the ...
He succeeds Stephen Rivkin, the Oscar-nominated editor of Avatar who served as president since 2016 and has reached his term limit. Rivkin is currently working on Jim Cameron’s Avatar sequels.
The election results, announced Saturday during Ace’s virtual holiday party, also saw Lillian Benson re-elected as secretary. Anita Brandt Burgoyne, Dorian Harris, Sabrina Plisco, Tatiana Riegel, Andrew Seklir, and Rivkin were elected or re-elected to the ...
- 12/5/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Oscar nominated film editor Kevin Tent, a longtime collaborator of Alexander Payne on movies including Election, Sideways and The Descendants, has been elected to a two-year term as president of honorary society American Cinema Editors.
He succeeds Stephen Rivkin, the Oscar-nominated editor of Avatar who served as president since 2016 and has reached his term limit. Rivkin is currently working on Jim Cameron’s Avatar sequels.
The election results, announced Saturday during Ace’s virtual holiday party, also saw Lillian Benson re-elected as secretary. Anita Brandt Burgoyne, Dorian Harris, Sabrina Plisco, Tatiana Riegel, Andrew Seklir, and Rivkin were elected or re-elected to the ...
He succeeds Stephen Rivkin, the Oscar-nominated editor of Avatar who served as president since 2016 and has reached his term limit. Rivkin is currently working on Jim Cameron’s Avatar sequels.
The election results, announced Saturday during Ace’s virtual holiday party, also saw Lillian Benson re-elected as secretary. Anita Brandt Burgoyne, Dorian Harris, Sabrina Plisco, Tatiana Riegel, Andrew Seklir, and Rivkin were elected or re-elected to the ...
- 12/5/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
In the cornball kiddie tradition of his “Scooby-Doo,” “Beverly Hills Chihuahua,” and “Smurfs” films, director Raja Gosnell’s “Show Dogs” combines live-action actors with real and CGI talking creatures in service of groan-worthy comedic adventure. The hero in question here is Max, an NYPD police pooch (voiced by Chris “Ludacris” Bridges) who’s forced to partner with Will Arnett’s FBI agent while going undercover as a pageant contestant. Think of it as “Miss Congeniality” for dogs, replete with the sort of slapstick humor, puerile gags and for-adults-only pop-culture references required of such endeavors. Its frantic pace should make it a mildly amusing diversion for the younger set, but its juvenile imagination (or lack thereof) is likely to drive anyone over the age of 7 barking mad.
During a Manhattan sting operation gone awry that puts him in direct conflict with federal agent Frank (Arnett), street-wise Rottweiler Max fails to save...
During a Manhattan sting operation gone awry that puts him in direct conflict with federal agent Frank (Arnett), street-wise Rottweiler Max fails to save...
- 5/17/2018
- by Nick Schager
- Variety Film + TV
“We never lose our demons, we only learn to live above them.”
From Marvel Studios comes Doctor Strange, the story of world-famous neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), whose life changes forever after a horrific car accident renders his hands useless. When traditional medicine fails him, he travels to the remote Kamar-Taj in search of a cure, but instead discovers the mystical arts and becomes a powerful sorcerer battling dark forces bent on destroying our reality. You can now bring Home The Mystifying, Mind-Bending Journey!
Marvel Studios’ “Doctor Strange,” the story of Dr. Stephen Strange, Master of the Mystic Arts, has mesmerized both audiences and critics, pulling in more than $658.3 million at the worldwide box office to date and earning a 90% critics consensus on Rotten Tomatoes. The biggest single-character introduction in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (McU), it also carries on Marvel Studios’ winning streak as the 14th consecutive...
From Marvel Studios comes Doctor Strange, the story of world-famous neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), whose life changes forever after a horrific car accident renders his hands useless. When traditional medicine fails him, he travels to the remote Kamar-Taj in search of a cure, but instead discovers the mystical arts and becomes a powerful sorcerer battling dark forces bent on destroying our reality. You can now bring Home The Mystifying, Mind-Bending Journey!
Marvel Studios’ “Doctor Strange,” the story of Dr. Stephen Strange, Master of the Mystic Arts, has mesmerized both audiences and critics, pulling in more than $658.3 million at the worldwide box office to date and earning a 90% critics consensus on Rotten Tomatoes. The biggest single-character introduction in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (McU), it also carries on Marvel Studios’ winning streak as the 14th consecutive...
- 3/5/2017
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Doctor Strange his home video tomorrow and DIsney has released two deleted scenes show a few darker moments that were cut from the movie. They focus on Kaecilius and the Zealots that follow him, so, along with concept art where you can see how this character was developed.
The film boasts an award-winning cast, including Benedict Cumberbatch (The Imitation Game, Black Mass) as Dr. Stephen Strange, Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave, Serenity) as Mordo, Rachel McAdams (Spotlight, Southpaw) as Dr. Christine Palmer, Benedict Wong (The Martian, Prometheus) as Wong, Michael Stuhlbarg (A Serious Man, Steve Jobs) as Dr. Nicodemus West, Benjamin Bratt (Traffic, Piñero) as Jonathan Pangborn, and Scott Adkins (El Gringo, The Expendables 2) as Lucian/Strong Zealot, with Mads Mikkelsen (The Hunt, Casino Royale) as Kaecilius and Academy Award® winner Tilda Swinton (2007 Best Supporting Actress, Michael Clayton; Julia) as The Ancient One.
Bonus Features (Bonus features may vary by retailer.
The film boasts an award-winning cast, including Benedict Cumberbatch (The Imitation Game, Black Mass) as Dr. Stephen Strange, Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave, Serenity) as Mordo, Rachel McAdams (Spotlight, Southpaw) as Dr. Christine Palmer, Benedict Wong (The Martian, Prometheus) as Wong, Michael Stuhlbarg (A Serious Man, Steve Jobs) as Dr. Nicodemus West, Benjamin Bratt (Traffic, Piñero) as Jonathan Pangborn, and Scott Adkins (El Gringo, The Expendables 2) as Lucian/Strong Zealot, with Mads Mikkelsen (The Hunt, Casino Royale) as Kaecilius and Academy Award® winner Tilda Swinton (2007 Best Supporting Actress, Michael Clayton; Julia) as The Ancient One.
Bonus Features (Bonus features may vary by retailer.
- 2/13/2017
- by ComicMix Staff
- Comicmix.com
Own the critically acclaimed blockbuster with 80+ minutes of extras highlighting the award-winning cast.
Marvel Studios’ Doctor Strange, the story of Dr. Stephen Strange, Master of the Mystic Arts, has mesmerized both audiences and critics, pulling in more than $658.3 million at the worldwide box office to date and earning a 90% critics consensus on Rotten Tomatoes. The biggest single-character introduction in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (McU), it also carries on Marvel Studios’ winning streak as the 14th consecutive McU film to debut at #1 at the domestic box office.
©2016 Marvel. All Rights Reserved.
On Feb. 14, Doctor Strange fans can bring home the critically acclaimed blockbuster early on Digital HD/3D and Disney Movies Anywhere, or on Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray, Digital Sd, DVD and On-Demand on Feb. 28.
The Blu-ray and Digital releases come packaged with over 80 minutes of fascinating, never-before-seen bonus materials, including five behind-the-scenes featurettes, five deleted scenes, hilarious outtakes,...
Marvel Studios’ Doctor Strange, the story of Dr. Stephen Strange, Master of the Mystic Arts, has mesmerized both audiences and critics, pulling in more than $658.3 million at the worldwide box office to date and earning a 90% critics consensus on Rotten Tomatoes. The biggest single-character introduction in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (McU), it also carries on Marvel Studios’ winning streak as the 14th consecutive McU film to debut at #1 at the domestic box office.
©2016 Marvel. All Rights Reserved.
On Feb. 14, Doctor Strange fans can bring home the critically acclaimed blockbuster early on Digital HD/3D and Disney Movies Anywhere, or on Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray, Digital Sd, DVD and On-Demand on Feb. 28.
The Blu-ray and Digital releases come packaged with over 80 minutes of fascinating, never-before-seen bonus materials, including five behind-the-scenes featurettes, five deleted scenes, hilarious outtakes,...
- 1/9/2017
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Burbank, Calif. — Marvel Studios’ Doctor Strange, the story of Dr. Stephen Strange, Master of the Mystic Arts, has mesmerized both audiences and critics, pulling in more than $658.3 million at the worldwide box office to date and earning a 90% critics consensus on Rotten Tomatoes. The biggest single-character introduction in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (McU), it also carries on Marvel Studios’ winning streak as the 14th consecutive McU film to debut at #1 at the domestic box office.
On Feb. 14, Doctor Strange fans can bring home the critically acclaimed blockbuster early on Digital HD/3D and Disney Movies Anywhere, or on Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray, Digital Sd, DVD and On-Demand on Feb. 28. The Blu-ray and Digital releases come packaged with over 80 minutes of fascinating, never-before-seen bonus materials, including five behind-the-scenes featurettes, five deleted scenes, hilarious outtakes, part two of the comical mockumentary “Team Thor,” audio commentary, and an exclusive look at...
On Feb. 14, Doctor Strange fans can bring home the critically acclaimed blockbuster early on Digital HD/3D and Disney Movies Anywhere, or on Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray, Digital Sd, DVD and On-Demand on Feb. 28. The Blu-ray and Digital releases come packaged with over 80 minutes of fascinating, never-before-seen bonus materials, including five behind-the-scenes featurettes, five deleted scenes, hilarious outtakes, part two of the comical mockumentary “Team Thor,” audio commentary, and an exclusive look at...
- 1/8/2017
- by ComicMix Staff
- Comicmix.com
Since Doctor Strange began filming in November, fans have been waiting for a glimpse at the magical new Marvel movie. Today, the curtain was pulled back by the folks at EW, who debuted new images of Benedict Cumberbatch as the neurosurgeon turned necromancer.
Directed by Scott Derrickson (Sinister, Deliver Us From Evil), Doctor Strange is slated for a November 4th, 2016 theatrical release.
Previous press release: "Burbank, Calif. (November 24, 2015)—Marvel Studios announced today that production has begun on “Doctor Strange,” starring Benedict Cumberbatch (“Black Mass,” “The Imitation Game”), Chiwetel Ejiofor (“12 Years a Slave,” “The Martian”), Rachel McAdams (“Southpaw,” “Sherlock Holmes”) and Michael Stuhlbarg (“Steve Jobs,” “A Serious Man”) with Mads Mikkelsen (“Clash of the Titans,” “Casino Royale”) and Academy Award® winner Tilda Swinton (“Michael Clayton,” “The Grand Budapest Hotel”). The film, which opens in U.S. theaters on November 4, 2016, is directed by Scott Derrickson (“Sinister,” “The Exorcism of Emily Rose”). The...
Directed by Scott Derrickson (Sinister, Deliver Us From Evil), Doctor Strange is slated for a November 4th, 2016 theatrical release.
Previous press release: "Burbank, Calif. (November 24, 2015)—Marvel Studios announced today that production has begun on “Doctor Strange,” starring Benedict Cumberbatch (“Black Mass,” “The Imitation Game”), Chiwetel Ejiofor (“12 Years a Slave,” “The Martian”), Rachel McAdams (“Southpaw,” “Sherlock Holmes”) and Michael Stuhlbarg (“Steve Jobs,” “A Serious Man”) with Mads Mikkelsen (“Clash of the Titans,” “Casino Royale”) and Academy Award® winner Tilda Swinton (“Michael Clayton,” “The Grand Budapest Hotel”). The film, which opens in U.S. theaters on November 4, 2016, is directed by Scott Derrickson (“Sinister,” “The Exorcism of Emily Rose”). The...
- 12/28/2015
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Marvel Studios has announced that production has officially started on Doctor Strange, directed by Scott Derrickson and starring Benedict Cumberbatch:
Burbank, Calif. (November 24, 2015)—Marvel Studios announced today that production has begun on “Doctor Strange,” starring Benedict Cumberbatch (“Black Mass,” “The Imitation Game”), Chiwetel Ejiofor (“12 Years a Slave,” “The Martian”), Rachel McAdams (“Southpaw,” “Sherlock Holmes”) and Michael Stuhlbarg (“Steve Jobs,” “A Serious Man”) with Mads Mikkelsen (“Clash of the Titans,” “Casino Royale”) and Academy Award® winner Tilda Swinton (“Michael Clayton,” “The Grand Budapest Hotel”). The film, which opens in U.S. theaters on November 4, 2016, is directed by Scott Derrickson (“Sinister,” “The Exorcism of Emily Rose”). The film will be shot in several locations around the world, including London, New York, Hong Kong and Kathmandu, Nepal.
“Doctor Strange” follows the story of neurosurgeon Doctor Stephen Strange who, after a horrific car accident, discovers the hidden world of magic and alternate dimensions.
Burbank, Calif. (November 24, 2015)—Marvel Studios announced today that production has begun on “Doctor Strange,” starring Benedict Cumberbatch (“Black Mass,” “The Imitation Game”), Chiwetel Ejiofor (“12 Years a Slave,” “The Martian”), Rachel McAdams (“Southpaw,” “Sherlock Holmes”) and Michael Stuhlbarg (“Steve Jobs,” “A Serious Man”) with Mads Mikkelsen (“Clash of the Titans,” “Casino Royale”) and Academy Award® winner Tilda Swinton (“Michael Clayton,” “The Grand Budapest Hotel”). The film, which opens in U.S. theaters on November 4, 2016, is directed by Scott Derrickson (“Sinister,” “The Exorcism of Emily Rose”). The film will be shot in several locations around the world, including London, New York, Hong Kong and Kathmandu, Nepal.
“Doctor Strange” follows the story of neurosurgeon Doctor Stephen Strange who, after a horrific car accident, discovers the hidden world of magic and alternate dimensions.
- 11/24/2015
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Marvel Studios announced today that production has begun on “Doctor Strange,” starring Benedict Cumberbatch (“Black Mass,” “The Imitation Game”), Chiwetel Ejiofor (“12 Years a Slave,” “The Martian”), Rachel McAdams (“Southpaw,” “Sherlock Holmes”) and Michael Stuhlbarg (“Steve Jobs,” “A Serious Man”) with Mads Mikkelsen (“Clash of the Titans,” “Casino Royale”) and Academy Award® winner Tilda Swinton (“Michael Clayton,” “The Grand Budapest Hotel”). The film, which opens in U.S. theaters on November 4, 2016, is directed by Scott Derrickson (“Sinister,” “The Exorcism of Emily Rose”).
The film will be shot in several locations around the world, including London, New York, Hong Kong and Kathmandu, Nepal.
“Doctor Strange” follows the story of neurosurgeon Doctor Stephen Strange who, after a horrific car accident, discovers the hidden world of magic and alternate dimensions.
“Doctor Strange” is the latest film in Phase 3 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Phase 3’s goal—over the course of four years and nine...
The film will be shot in several locations around the world, including London, New York, Hong Kong and Kathmandu, Nepal.
“Doctor Strange” follows the story of neurosurgeon Doctor Stephen Strange who, after a horrific car accident, discovers the hidden world of magic and alternate dimensions.
“Doctor Strange” is the latest film in Phase 3 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Phase 3’s goal—over the course of four years and nine...
- 11/24/2015
- by Kellvin Chavez
- LRMonline.com
Even though we've already seen footage of stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Chiwetel Ejiofor on set, Disney just sent us a press release announcing the start of production on Marvel's Doctor Strange. They also confirm the major cast members, which include Cumberbatch, Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, and Michael Stuhlbarg along with Mads Mikkelsen and Academy Award® winner Tilda Swinton. It's a mostly boilerplate release, but there are a few little things worth pointing out. First up, the official description of the movie:
“Doctor Strange” follows the story of neurosurgeon Doctor Stephen Strange who, after a horrific car accident, discovers the hidden world of magic and alternate dimensions.
And there's also a full list of the main behind-the-scenes talent involved with the movie:
Director Scott Derrickson’s creative team also includes director of photography Ben Davis, B.S.C. (Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy”); production designer...
“Doctor Strange” follows the story of neurosurgeon Doctor Stephen Strange who, after a horrific car accident, discovers the hidden world of magic and alternate dimensions.
And there's also a full list of the main behind-the-scenes talent involved with the movie:
Director Scott Derrickson’s creative team also includes director of photography Ben Davis, B.S.C. (Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy”); production designer...
- 11/24/2015
- by Ben Pearson
- GeekTyrant
Marvel Studios announced today that production has begun on Doctor Strange, starring Benedict Cumberbatch (“Black Mass,” “The Imitation Game”), Chiwetel Ejiofor (“12 Years a Slave,” “The Martian”), Rachel McAdams (“Southpaw,” “Sherlock Holmes”) and Michael Stuhlbarg (“Steve Jobs,” “A Serious Man”) with Mads Mikkelsen (“Clash of the Titans,” “Casino Royale”) and Academy Award winner Tilda Swinton (“Michael Clayton,” “The Grand Budapest Hotel”).
The film, which opens in U.S. theaters on November 4, 2016, is directed by Scott Derrickson (“Sinister,” “The Exorcism of Emily Rose”). The film will be shot in several locations around the world, including London, New York, Hong Kong and Kathmandu, Nepal.
Doctor Strange follows the story of neurosurgeon Doctor Stephen Strange who, after a horrific car accident, discovers the hidden world of magic and alternate dimensions.
Doctor Strange is the latest film in Phase 3 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Phase 3’s goal—over the course of four years and nine...
The film, which opens in U.S. theaters on November 4, 2016, is directed by Scott Derrickson (“Sinister,” “The Exorcism of Emily Rose”). The film will be shot in several locations around the world, including London, New York, Hong Kong and Kathmandu, Nepal.
Doctor Strange follows the story of neurosurgeon Doctor Stephen Strange who, after a horrific car accident, discovers the hidden world of magic and alternate dimensions.
Doctor Strange is the latest film in Phase 3 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Phase 3’s goal—over the course of four years and nine...
- 11/24/2015
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The Academy has announced the new class of invited members for 2014 and, as is typical, many of which are among last year's nominees, which includes Barkhad Abdi, Michael Fassbender, Sally Hawkins, Mads Mikkelsen, Lupita Nyong'o and June Squibb in the Actors branch not to mention curious additions such as Josh Hutcherson, Rob Riggle and Jason Statham, but, okay. The Directors branch adds Jay and Mark Duplass along with Jean-Marc Vallee, Denis Villeneuve and Thomas Vinterberg. I didn't do an immediate tally of male to female additions or other demographics, but at first glance it seems to be a wide spread batch of new additions on all fronts. The Academy is also clearly attempting to aggressively bump up the demographics as this is the second year in a row where they have added a large number of new members, well over the average of 133 new members from 2004 to 2012. As far as...
- 6/26/2014
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is extending invitations to join the organization to 271 artists and executives who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to theatrical motion pictures.
Those who accept the invitations will be the only additions to the Academy’s membership in 2014.
“This year’s class of invitees represents some of the most talented, creative and passionate filmmakers working in our industry today,” said Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs. “Their contributions to film have entertained audiences around the world, and we are proud to welcome them to the Academy.”
The 2014 invitees are:
Actors
Barkhad Abdi – “Captain Phillips”
Clancy Brown – “The Hurricane,” “The Shawshank Redeption”
Paul Dano – “12 Years a Slave,” “Prisoners”
Michael Fassbender – “12 Years a Slave,” “Shame”
Ben Foster – “Lone Survivor,” “Ain’t Them Bodies Saints”
Beth Grant – “The Artist,” “No Country for Old Men”
Clark Gregg – “Much Ado about Nothing,” “Marvel’s The Avengers”
Sally Hawkins – “Blue Jasmine,...
Those who accept the invitations will be the only additions to the Academy’s membership in 2014.
“This year’s class of invitees represents some of the most talented, creative and passionate filmmakers working in our industry today,” said Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs. “Their contributions to film have entertained audiences around the world, and we are proud to welcome them to the Academy.”
The 2014 invitees are:
Actors
Barkhad Abdi – “Captain Phillips”
Clancy Brown – “The Hurricane,” “The Shawshank Redeption”
Paul Dano – “12 Years a Slave,” “Prisoners”
Michael Fassbender – “12 Years a Slave,” “Shame”
Ben Foster – “Lone Survivor,” “Ain’t Them Bodies Saints”
Beth Grant – “The Artist,” “No Country for Old Men”
Clark Gregg – “Much Ado about Nothing,” “Marvel’s The Avengers”
Sally Hawkins – “Blue Jasmine,...
- 6/26/2014
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Michael Fassbender and Lupita Nyong’o of 12 Years a Slave were two of the 271 artists and industry leaders invited to become members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which determines nominations and winners at the annual Oscars. The entire list of Academy membership—which numbers about 6,000—isn’t public information so the annual invitation list is often the best indication of the artists involved in the prestigious awards process. It’s worth noting that invitations need to be accepted in order for artists to become members; some artists, like two-time Best Actor winner Sean Penn, have declined membership over the years.
- 6/26/2014
- by Jeff Labrecque
- EW - Inside Movies
Pop quiz: What do Chris Rock, Claire Denis, Eddie Vedder and Josh Hutcherson all have in common? Answer: They could all be Oscar voters very soon. The annual Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences invitation list always makes for interesting reading, shedding light on just how large and far-reaching the group's membership is -- or could be, depending on who accepts their invitations. This year, 271 individuals have been asked to join AMPAS, meaning every one of them could contribute to next year's Academy Awards balloting -- and it's as diverse a list as they've ever assembled. Think the Academy consists entirely of fusty retired white dudes? Not if recent Best Original Song nominee Pharrell Williams takes them up on their offer. Think it's all just a Hollywood insiders' game? Not if French arthouse titans Chantal Akerman and Olivier Assayas join the party. It's a list that subverts expectation at every turn.
- 6/26/2014
- by Guy Lodge
- Hitfix
Production has begun on Columbia Pictures’ and Sony Pictures Animation’s live-action/computer animated hybrid 3D family comedy The Smurfs® 2, the sequel to the 2011 worldwide hit that took in over $560 million at the worldwide box office.
Returning from the first film for an all-new adventure that takes the Smurfs to Europe are Director Raja Gosnell, Producer Jordan Kerner, Executive Producer Ezra Swerdlow, and stars Neil Patrick Harris as Patrick Winslow, Jayma Mays as Grace Winslow, Sofia Vergara as Odile, and Hank Azaria as Gargamel. Brendan Gleeson joins the cast as Patrick Winslow’s stepfather, Victor Doyle. Behind the microphone, as the voices of the Smurfs, all of the principal voice cast members will reprise their roles, including Katy Perry as Smurfette, Jonathan Winters as Papa Smurf, Alan Cumming as Gutsy, Fred Armisen as Brainy, George Lopez as Grouchy and Anton Yelchin as Clumsy; in addition, John Oliver, who took a...
Returning from the first film for an all-new adventure that takes the Smurfs to Europe are Director Raja Gosnell, Producer Jordan Kerner, Executive Producer Ezra Swerdlow, and stars Neil Patrick Harris as Patrick Winslow, Jayma Mays as Grace Winslow, Sofia Vergara as Odile, and Hank Azaria as Gargamel. Brendan Gleeson joins the cast as Patrick Winslow’s stepfather, Victor Doyle. Behind the microphone, as the voices of the Smurfs, all of the principal voice cast members will reprise their roles, including Katy Perry as Smurfette, Jonathan Winters as Papa Smurf, Alan Cumming as Gutsy, Fred Armisen as Brainy, George Lopez as Grouchy and Anton Yelchin as Clumsy; in addition, John Oliver, who took a...
- 4/26/2012
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Sony Pictures announced soon after the release of the first movie, that they were going to be making a Smurfs sequel...and I died just a little bit inside. Well, Sony has now announced that they've made good on that promise and production on the second film has officially started.
I haven't enjoyed any of the cartoons turned live-action hybrid movies that have come out (Yogi, Chipmunks, and Smurfs). They felt hollow to me and a mere shadow of what made the original cartoons such classics. Part of that is the writing/story, but it's also in the fact that they're taking them out of the cartoon setting and into the 'real' world.
The worse part, for me, is that the damn things keep making a lot of money! So the studios are encouraged to keep pumping them out. Anyway, the press release came out this morning that production had commenced on the film,...
I haven't enjoyed any of the cartoons turned live-action hybrid movies that have come out (Yogi, Chipmunks, and Smurfs). They felt hollow to me and a mere shadow of what made the original cartoons such classics. Part of that is the writing/story, but it's also in the fact that they're taking them out of the cartoon setting and into the 'real' world.
The worse part, for me, is that the damn things keep making a lot of money! So the studios are encouraged to keep pumping them out. Anyway, the press release came out this morning that production had commenced on the film,...
- 4/26/2012
- by feeds@themoviepool.com (Jordan Maison)
- Cinelinx
Columbia Pictures have provided us with a new photo from The Smurfs 3D, a full reveal of all the small blue characters in New York City's Central Park. Hit the jump to see the photo in full. Click the image to enlarge. [1] Official Info: Audiences everywhere are in for a Smurfy good time as the Smurfs make their first 3D trip to the big screen. When the evil wizard Gargamel chases the tiny blue Smurfs out of their village, they tumble from their magical world and into ours – in fact, smack dab in the middle of Central Park. Just three apples high and stuck in the Big Apple, the Smurfs must find a way to get back to their village before Gargamel tracks them down. The film is set for release August 3, 2011. Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays, Sofia Vergara, and Hank Azaria star on camera opposite an all-star voice cast.
- 12/22/2010
- by Peter Sciretta
- Slash Film
A few new movie posters have hit the multiplex today, and are online for all the enjoy. Hit the jump to check out the first one-sheets for The Smurfs, Battle: Los Angeles, The Green Hornet, and a better poster for The Fighter. The Smurfs (via: Ropeofsilicon [1]): [2] Official Info: Audiences everywhere are in for a Smurfy good time as the Smurfs make their first 3D trip to the big screen. When the evil wizard Gargamel chases the tiny blue Smurfs out of their village, they tumble from their magical world and into ours – in fact, smack dab in the middle of Central Park. Just three apples high and stuck in the Big Apple, the Smurfs must find a way to get back to their village before Gargamel tracks them down. The film is set for release August 3, 2011. Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays, Sofia Vergara, and Hank Azaria star on camera opposite an all-star voice cast.
- 12/17/2010
- by Peter Sciretta
- Slash Film
Principal photography began Friday, March 26, in New York on Columbia Pictures’/Sony Pictures Animation’s hybrid live-action and animated family comedy, The Smurfs, it was announced today by Bob Osher, president of Sony Pictures Digital Productions, Hannah Minghella, president of Sony Pictures Animation and Doug Belgrad, president of Columbia Pictures.
Audiences everywhere are in for a Smurfy good time as the Smurfs make their first 3D trip to the big screen. When the evil wizard Gargamel chases the tiny blue Smurfs out of their village, they tumble from their magical world and into ours – in fact, smack dab in the middle of Central Park. Just three apples high and stuck in the Big Apple, the Smurfs must find a way to get back to their village before Gargamel tracks them down. The film is set for release August 3, 2011.
Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays, Sofia Vergara, and Hank Azaria star on...
Audiences everywhere are in for a Smurfy good time as the Smurfs make their first 3D trip to the big screen. When the evil wizard Gargamel chases the tiny blue Smurfs out of their village, they tumble from their magical world and into ours – in fact, smack dab in the middle of Central Park. Just three apples high and stuck in the Big Apple, the Smurfs must find a way to get back to their village before Gargamel tracks them down. The film is set for release August 3, 2011.
Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays, Sofia Vergara, and Hank Azaria star on...
- 4/6/2010
- by Allan Ford
- Filmofilia
Even after the studios confirmed the news, a lot of people on the web never actually believed that it was happening... but it is. There is an honest to goodness live action Smurfs movie on the way.
To drive the point home even more, Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures put out a press release today confirming that production on the film actually began Today:
“The Smurfs” Begins Production In New York
Hank Azaria Stars As Gargamel; Neil Patrick Harris And Jayma Mays Take Live Action Lead Roles;
Anton Yelchin, Comedy Legend Jonathan Winters, Pop Starlet Katy Perry, Alan Cumming, Fred Armisen, And George Lopez Are The Voices Of The Smurfs
Culver City, Calif., April 5, 2010 - Principal photography began Friday, March 26, in New York on Columbia Pictures’/Sony Pictures Animation’s hybrid live-action and animated family comedy, The Smurfs, it was announced today by Bob Osher, president of Sony Pictures Digital Productions,...
To drive the point home even more, Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures put out a press release today confirming that production on the film actually began Today:
“The Smurfs” Begins Production In New York
Hank Azaria Stars As Gargamel; Neil Patrick Harris And Jayma Mays Take Live Action Lead Roles;
Anton Yelchin, Comedy Legend Jonathan Winters, Pop Starlet Katy Perry, Alan Cumming, Fred Armisen, And George Lopez Are The Voices Of The Smurfs
Culver City, Calif., April 5, 2010 - Principal photography began Friday, March 26, in New York on Columbia Pictures’/Sony Pictures Animation’s hybrid live-action and animated family comedy, The Smurfs, it was announced today by Bob Osher, president of Sony Pictures Digital Productions,...
- 4/5/2010
- by amcsts@gmail.com
- AMC - Script to Screen
Even after the studios confirmed the news, a lot of people on the web never actually believed that it was happening... but it is. There is an honest to goodness live action Smurfs movie on the way.
To drive the point home even more, Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures put out a press release today confirming that production on the film actually began Today:
“The Smurfs” Begins Production In New York
Hank Azaria Stars As Gargamel; Neil Patrick Harris And Jayma Mays Take Live Action Lead Roles;
Anton Yelchin, Comedy Legend Jonathan Winters, Pop Starlet Katy Perry, Alan Cumming, Fred Armisen, And George Lopez Are The Voices Of The Smurfs
Culver City, Calif., April 5, 2010 - Principal photography began Friday, March 26, in New York on Columbia Pictures’/Sony Pictures Animation’s hybrid live-action and animated family comedy, The Smurfs, it was announced today by Bob Osher, president of Sony Pictures Digital Productions,...
To drive the point home even more, Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures put out a press release today confirming that production on the film actually began Today:
“The Smurfs” Begins Production In New York
Hank Azaria Stars As Gargamel; Neil Patrick Harris And Jayma Mays Take Live Action Lead Roles;
Anton Yelchin, Comedy Legend Jonathan Winters, Pop Starlet Katy Perry, Alan Cumming, Fred Armisen, And George Lopez Are The Voices Of The Smurfs
Culver City, Calif., April 5, 2010 - Principal photography began Friday, March 26, in New York on Columbia Pictures’/Sony Pictures Animation’s hybrid live-action and animated family comedy, The Smurfs, it was announced today by Bob Osher, president of Sony Pictures Digital Productions,...
- 4/5/2010
- by amcsts@gmail.com
- AMC - Script to Screen
This review was written for the theatrical release of "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium."
One of the central characters in "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium" longs to achieve the "sparkle" that shows she's inspired and expressing her highest potential. The film, presumably, aims for that same glow. But for all its playful touches and neat-o nostalgia for nondigital entertainment, the whimsy feels forced.
In the director's chair for the first time, Zach Helm juggles some of the same themes he brought to his script for "Stranger Than Fiction" -- the process of storytelling, fear of death and the need to live life to the fullest. As in that movie, there's less here than meets the eye, but without the former's Charlie Kaufman Lite layers of metafiction, the emptiness is often glaringly evident. Helm's slender tale doesn't quite know what to do with its four characters; what might have been pleasing simplicity instead feels thinly conceived. As family-friendly fare starring Dustin Hoffman and Natalie Portman, the fantasy drama should conjure up decent, if not magical, boxoffice.
Divided into storybook chapters, the film begins at "the beginning of the end" for Mr. Magorium, who, at age 243, is preparing to depart this earthly plane because -- well, enough is enough, and he's out of shoes. For the past 113 years he has run the titular establishment, a sort of enchanted indie FAO Schwarz. Hoffman plays the toy impresario in teased 'do and unruly eyebrows and with a wispy, silly voice. The performance isn't a flat-out miscalculation like Johnny Depp's Willy Wonka, but as oddities go, it's more distracting than compelling.
Magorium plans to bequeath his shop, a storefront/house sandwiched between skyscrapers, to its manager, Molly Mahoney (a convincingly tentative Portman). At 23, she's a onetime musical prodigy who feels stuck, unable to complete the concerto she's been trying to compose. She has a fondness for Emporium regular Eric (Zach Mills), a sweetly geeky 9-year-old who has a knack for invention and troublemaking friends. He tries out his nascent social skills on Henry Weston (Jason Bateman), the accountant Magorium has hired to put his finances in order. Being an accountant, Henry is necessarily an impassive skeptic who can't accept that magic exists. He will, of course, be convinced.
For her part, Molly can't accept that her beloved boss is leaving. Neither can the store, whose red walls begin turning gray -- decor body language for a sulk. The books and stuffed animals start acting out, too, until full-fledged magic mayhem forces Magorium to close shop temporarily.
Within the Crayola-hued profusion created by production designer Therese DePrez and costumer designer Christopher Hargadon, there are lovely fillips, and visual effects designer Kevin Tod Haug brings high-spirited contributions to the low-fi fantasy. There's not a PlayStation 3 in sight but plenty of such delightful diversions as a squeak-toy gavel, a nervous Slinky, a room full of bouncing balls and a particularly expressive sock monkey.
Until the final sequence, though, the phantasmagoria is mildly charming rather than wondrous. That wouldn't be a problem if the characters had more substance. Chanting a pop-psych carpe diem mantra, the film can't find its own pulse. Helping to set a pace is the lush score by Alexandre Desplat and Aaron Zigman, but its ooh-ahh insistence isn't enough to truly entrance.
MR. MAGORIUM'S WONDER EMPORIUM
Fox
Mandate Pictures and Walden Media presenta FilmColony production in association with Gang of Two
Credits:
Screenwriter-director: Zach Helm
Producers: Richard N. Gladstein, Jim Garavente
Executive producers: Joe Drake, Nathan Kahane
Director of photography: Roman Osin
Production designer: Therese DePrez
Music: Alexandre Desplat, Aaron Zigman
Co-producer: Barbara A. Hall
Costume designer: Christopher Hargadon
Visual effects designer: Kevin Tod Haug
Editors: Sabrina Plisco, Steven Weisberg
Cast:
Mr. Edward Magorium, Avid Shoe-Wearer: Dustin Hoffman
Molly Mahoney, the Composer: Natalie Portman
Henry Weston, the Mutant: Jason Bateman
Eric Applebaum, the Hat Collector: Zach Mills
Bellini, the Bookbuilder: Ted Ludzik
Mrs. Goodman, Who Wants the Store: Kiele Sanchez
Running time -- 94 minutes
MPAA rating: G...
One of the central characters in "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium" longs to achieve the "sparkle" that shows she's inspired and expressing her highest potential. The film, presumably, aims for that same glow. But for all its playful touches and neat-o nostalgia for nondigital entertainment, the whimsy feels forced.
In the director's chair for the first time, Zach Helm juggles some of the same themes he brought to his script for "Stranger Than Fiction" -- the process of storytelling, fear of death and the need to live life to the fullest. As in that movie, there's less here than meets the eye, but without the former's Charlie Kaufman Lite layers of metafiction, the emptiness is often glaringly evident. Helm's slender tale doesn't quite know what to do with its four characters; what might have been pleasing simplicity instead feels thinly conceived. As family-friendly fare starring Dustin Hoffman and Natalie Portman, the fantasy drama should conjure up decent, if not magical, boxoffice.
Divided into storybook chapters, the film begins at "the beginning of the end" for Mr. Magorium, who, at age 243, is preparing to depart this earthly plane because -- well, enough is enough, and he's out of shoes. For the past 113 years he has run the titular establishment, a sort of enchanted indie FAO Schwarz. Hoffman plays the toy impresario in teased 'do and unruly eyebrows and with a wispy, silly voice. The performance isn't a flat-out miscalculation like Johnny Depp's Willy Wonka, but as oddities go, it's more distracting than compelling.
Magorium plans to bequeath his shop, a storefront/house sandwiched between skyscrapers, to its manager, Molly Mahoney (a convincingly tentative Portman). At 23, she's a onetime musical prodigy who feels stuck, unable to complete the concerto she's been trying to compose. She has a fondness for Emporium regular Eric (Zach Mills), a sweetly geeky 9-year-old who has a knack for invention and troublemaking friends. He tries out his nascent social skills on Henry Weston (Jason Bateman), the accountant Magorium has hired to put his finances in order. Being an accountant, Henry is necessarily an impassive skeptic who can't accept that magic exists. He will, of course, be convinced.
For her part, Molly can't accept that her beloved boss is leaving. Neither can the store, whose red walls begin turning gray -- decor body language for a sulk. The books and stuffed animals start acting out, too, until full-fledged magic mayhem forces Magorium to close shop temporarily.
Within the Crayola-hued profusion created by production designer Therese DePrez and costumer designer Christopher Hargadon, there are lovely fillips, and visual effects designer Kevin Tod Haug brings high-spirited contributions to the low-fi fantasy. There's not a PlayStation 3 in sight but plenty of such delightful diversions as a squeak-toy gavel, a nervous Slinky, a room full of bouncing balls and a particularly expressive sock monkey.
Until the final sequence, though, the phantasmagoria is mildly charming rather than wondrous. That wouldn't be a problem if the characters had more substance. Chanting a pop-psych carpe diem mantra, the film can't find its own pulse. Helping to set a pace is the lush score by Alexandre Desplat and Aaron Zigman, but its ooh-ahh insistence isn't enough to truly entrance.
MR. MAGORIUM'S WONDER EMPORIUM
Fox
Mandate Pictures and Walden Media presenta FilmColony production in association with Gang of Two
Credits:
Screenwriter-director: Zach Helm
Producers: Richard N. Gladstein, Jim Garavente
Executive producers: Joe Drake, Nathan Kahane
Director of photography: Roman Osin
Production designer: Therese DePrez
Music: Alexandre Desplat, Aaron Zigman
Co-producer: Barbara A. Hall
Costume designer: Christopher Hargadon
Visual effects designer: Kevin Tod Haug
Editors: Sabrina Plisco, Steven Weisberg
Cast:
Mr. Edward Magorium, Avid Shoe-Wearer: Dustin Hoffman
Molly Mahoney, the Composer: Natalie Portman
Henry Weston, the Mutant: Jason Bateman
Eric Applebaum, the Hat Collector: Zach Mills
Bellini, the Bookbuilder: Ted Ludzik
Mrs. Goodman, Who Wants the Store: Kiele Sanchez
Running time -- 94 minutes
MPAA rating: G...
- 11/15/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
One of the central characters in Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium longs to achieve the "sparkle" that shows she's inspired and expressing her highest potential. The film, presumably, aims for that same glow. But for all its playful touches and neat-o nostalgia for nondigital entertainment, the whimsy feels forced.
In the director's chair for the first time, Zach Helm juggles some of the same themes he brought to his script for Stranger Than Fiction -- the process of storytelling, fear of death and the need to live life to the fullest. As in that movie, there's less here than meets the eye, but without the former's Charlie Kaufman Lite layers of metafiction, the emptiness is often glaringly evident. Helm's slender tale doesn't quite know what to do with its four characters; what might have been pleasing simplicity instead feels thinly conceived. As family-friendly fare starring Dustin Hoffman and Natalie Portman, the fantasy drama should conjure up decent, if not magical, boxoffice.
Divided into storybook chapters, the film begins at "the beginning of the end" for Mr. Magorium, who, at age 243, is preparing to depart this earthly plane because -- well, enough is enough, and he's out of shoes. For the past 113 years he has run the titular establishment, a sort of enchanted indie FAO Schwarz. Hoffman plays the toy impresario in teased 'do and unruly eyebrows and with a wispy, silly voice. The performance isn't a flat-out miscalculation like Johnny Depp's Willy Wonka, but as oddities go, it's more distracting than compelling.
Magorium plans to bequeath his shop, a storefront/house sandwiched between skyscrapers, to its manager, Molly Mahoney (a convincingly tentative Portman). At 23, she's a onetime musical prodigy who feels stuck, unable to complete the concerto she's been trying to compose. She has a fondness for Emporium regular Eric (Zach Mills), a sweetly geeky 9-year-old who has a knack for invention and troublemaking friends. He tries out his nascent social skills on Henry Weston (Jason Bateman), the accountant Magorium has hired to put his finances in order. Being an accountant, Henry is necessarily an impassive skeptic who can't accept that magic exists. He will, of course, be convinced.
For her part, Molly can't accept that her beloved boss is leaving. Neither can the store, whose red walls begin turning gray -- decor body language for a sulk. The books and stuffed animals start acting out, too, until full-fledged magic mayhem forces Magorium to close shop temporarily.
Within the Crayola-hued profusion created by production designer Therese DePrez and costumer designer Christopher Hargadon, there are lovely fillips, and visual effects designer Kevin Tod Haug brings high-spirited contributions to the low-fi fantasy. There's not a PlayStation 3 in sight but plenty of such delightful diversions as a squeak-toy gavel, a nervous Slinky, a room full of bouncing balls and a particularly expressive sock monkey.
Until the final sequence, though, the phantasmagoria is mildly charming rather than wondrous. That wouldn't be a problem if the characters had more substance. Chanting a pop-psych carpe diem mantra, the film can't find its own pulse. Helping to set a pace is the lush score by Alexandre Desplat and Aaron Zigman, but its ooh-ahh insistence isn't enough to truly entrance.
MR. MAGORIUM'S WONDER EMPORIUM
Fox
Mandate Pictures and Walden Media presenta FilmColony production in association with Gang of Two
Credits:
Screenwriter-director: Zach Helm
Producers: Richard N. Gladstein, Jim Garavente
Executive producers: Joe Drake, Nathan Kahane
Director of photography: Roman Osin
Production designer: Therese DePrez
Music: Alexandre Desplat, Aaron Zigman
Co-producer: Barbara A. Hall
Costume designer: Christopher Hargadon
Visual effects designer: Kevin Tod Haug
Editors: Sabrina Plisco, Steven Weisberg
Cast:
Mr. Edward Magorium, Avid Shoe-Wearer: Dustin Hoffman
Molly Mahoney, the Composer: Natalie Portman
Henry Weston, the Mutant: Jason Bateman
Eric Applebaum, the Hat Collector: Zach Mills
Bellini, the Bookbuilder: Ted Ludzik
Mrs. Goodman, Who Wants the Store: Kiele Sanchez
Running time -- 94 minutes
MPAA rating: G...
In the director's chair for the first time, Zach Helm juggles some of the same themes he brought to his script for Stranger Than Fiction -- the process of storytelling, fear of death and the need to live life to the fullest. As in that movie, there's less here than meets the eye, but without the former's Charlie Kaufman Lite layers of metafiction, the emptiness is often glaringly evident. Helm's slender tale doesn't quite know what to do with its four characters; what might have been pleasing simplicity instead feels thinly conceived. As family-friendly fare starring Dustin Hoffman and Natalie Portman, the fantasy drama should conjure up decent, if not magical, boxoffice.
Divided into storybook chapters, the film begins at "the beginning of the end" for Mr. Magorium, who, at age 243, is preparing to depart this earthly plane because -- well, enough is enough, and he's out of shoes. For the past 113 years he has run the titular establishment, a sort of enchanted indie FAO Schwarz. Hoffman plays the toy impresario in teased 'do and unruly eyebrows and with a wispy, silly voice. The performance isn't a flat-out miscalculation like Johnny Depp's Willy Wonka, but as oddities go, it's more distracting than compelling.
Magorium plans to bequeath his shop, a storefront/house sandwiched between skyscrapers, to its manager, Molly Mahoney (a convincingly tentative Portman). At 23, she's a onetime musical prodigy who feels stuck, unable to complete the concerto she's been trying to compose. She has a fondness for Emporium regular Eric (Zach Mills), a sweetly geeky 9-year-old who has a knack for invention and troublemaking friends. He tries out his nascent social skills on Henry Weston (Jason Bateman), the accountant Magorium has hired to put his finances in order. Being an accountant, Henry is necessarily an impassive skeptic who can't accept that magic exists. He will, of course, be convinced.
For her part, Molly can't accept that her beloved boss is leaving. Neither can the store, whose red walls begin turning gray -- decor body language for a sulk. The books and stuffed animals start acting out, too, until full-fledged magic mayhem forces Magorium to close shop temporarily.
Within the Crayola-hued profusion created by production designer Therese DePrez and costumer designer Christopher Hargadon, there are lovely fillips, and visual effects designer Kevin Tod Haug brings high-spirited contributions to the low-fi fantasy. There's not a PlayStation 3 in sight but plenty of such delightful diversions as a squeak-toy gavel, a nervous Slinky, a room full of bouncing balls and a particularly expressive sock monkey.
Until the final sequence, though, the phantasmagoria is mildly charming rather than wondrous. That wouldn't be a problem if the characters had more substance. Chanting a pop-psych carpe diem mantra, the film can't find its own pulse. Helping to set a pace is the lush score by Alexandre Desplat and Aaron Zigman, but its ooh-ahh insistence isn't enough to truly entrance.
MR. MAGORIUM'S WONDER EMPORIUM
Fox
Mandate Pictures and Walden Media presenta FilmColony production in association with Gang of Two
Credits:
Screenwriter-director: Zach Helm
Producers: Richard N. Gladstein, Jim Garavente
Executive producers: Joe Drake, Nathan Kahane
Director of photography: Roman Osin
Production designer: Therese DePrez
Music: Alexandre Desplat, Aaron Zigman
Co-producer: Barbara A. Hall
Costume designer: Christopher Hargadon
Visual effects designer: Kevin Tod Haug
Editors: Sabrina Plisco, Steven Weisberg
Cast:
Mr. Edward Magorium, Avid Shoe-Wearer: Dustin Hoffman
Molly Mahoney, the Composer: Natalie Portman
Henry Weston, the Mutant: Jason Bateman
Eric Applebaum, the Hat Collector: Zach Mills
Bellini, the Bookbuilder: Ted Ludzik
Mrs. Goodman, Who Wants the Store: Kiele Sanchez
Running time -- 94 minutes
MPAA rating: G...
- 11/15/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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