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The Blu-Ray Review: Easy Rider
4 November 2009 8:59 AM, PST
While I definitely acknowledge that Easy Rider is a classic film, that doesn't mean I think it's very good. Confusing? Perhaps, but it doesn't have to be.
To me, a "classic" is anything that stands the test of time and remains enjoyable after many years or that made a significant impact upon the genre. I'd argue that Rider doesn't qualify in the former category but that it certainly meets the latter criteria. When I watched the original DVD, it was the third time I saw Easy Rider. I first viewed it on VHS about 15 years earlier and I absolutely loathed it. Since I didn't really experience the Sixties firsthand - I only lived through two and a half years of that decade, so for some strange reason, my memories of it remain few - I have to rely on the media's depictions to give me knowledge of it. Rider perfectly »
- Paul
Sigourney Weaver, John C Reilly and Alia Shawkat head to the Rapids
4 November 2009 8:51 AM, PST
Sigourney Weaver, John C. Reilly and Alia Shawkat have joined Ed Helms and Anne Heche in director Miguel Arteta's Cedar Rapids. The film is set up at Fox Searchlight.
In the film, Helm plays a sad-sack insurance agent who goes to an industry convention to try and save the jobs of his colleagues.
Weaver plays Helms' former seventh-grade teacher, according to the trade Variety. Phil Johnston wrote the script for the film which is already shooting. »
- Paul
Helen Mirren sees Red with Bruce Willis and Morgan Freeman
4 November 2009 8:47 AM, PST
Helen Mirren will star opposite Bruce Willis and Morgan Freeman in the thriller Red, according to Variety.
The film, housed over at Summit Entertaiment, is based on the WildStorm/ DC comic book of the same name.
The three-book series, published in 2003 and 2004, follows a former black-ops CIA agent who lives a quiet life in retirement until the day a high-tech assassin shows up intent on killing him.
The film is set to go into production in January in Toronto and Louisiana. It has a release date set for Nov. 19, 2010. »
- Paul
Chuck Russell's Arabian Nights... In 3D!
4 November 2009 8:43 AM, PST
Chuck Russell, he who brought films like The Mask and Eraser to the screen is set to direct a new 3-D version of the classic Arabian Nights story for cinemas.
Variety reports that in a new spin on the classic, the story follows a young commander who, after his king is killed in a palace coup, joins forces with Sinbad, Aladdin and his genie to rescue Scheherazade and her kingdom from dark powers. The budget for the film is set at around $70 million.
"Through the use of a new generation of visual technologies, we will be able to quite literally take audiences around the world on a magic carpet ride," Russell said to the trade paper.
The flick, set to go before cameras in April 2010, is finaced entirely by Inferno Entertainment.
Russell co-wrote the script with Barry P. Ambrose. »
- Paul
Hugh Grant's films make him feel suicidal
4 November 2009 2:41 AM, PST
Hugh Grant said most of his films leave him feeling "suicidal".
The 'Love Actually' actor told how when he has saw the first cuts of a number of his films - which include the hugely successful 'Bridget Jones's Diary' and 'Notting Hill'- he felt so bad about his performances he wanted to die.
He said: "Normally, when I see the first cut I'm suicidal. I want to go to that euthanasia clinic in Switzerland, Dignitas, and have myself put down."
Despite his negativity, the actor was pleasantly surprised when he saw an early version of his latest film, comedy 'Did You Hear About The Morgans?' in which he stars alongside Sarah Jessica Parker.
Hugh, 49, added: "This film looks a lot better. This one is quite beautiful."
The self-proclaimed "reluctant actor" has threatened to quit Hollywood many times and to give up acting, even claiming he »
- Paul
A Christmas Carol star Jim Carrey wouldn't like time travel
4 November 2009 2:38 AM, PST
Jim Carrey wouldn't want to travel through time.
The Hollywood funnyman - who was in London's Leicester Square last night (04.11.09) for the world premiere of his latest film Disney's 'A Christmas Carol', based on the Charles Dickens story - has revealed he wouldn't want to revisit his past or see into the future even if he had the chance.
He said: "There are some important physicists who now are telling us that all time is happening only once. So I think now is a good time."
The 47-year-old actor - who was sporting a very full and bushy beard - was joined on the red carpet with his movie co-stars Colin Firth, Bob Hoskins and a host of celebrity guests as the British city was turned into festive spectacle with Christmas trees and fake snow.
He told Bang Showbiz: "This is overwhelming - even for my ego. This is amazing. »
- Paul
Michael Caine hopes for an Oscar for Harry Brown
4 November 2009 1:32 AM, PST
Michael Caine hopes he performance in 'Harry Brown' is worthy of a Best Actor Oscar.
The veteran British actor - who has twice won Oscars for Best Supporting Actor, in 1986 and 1989 - said he gave his absolute best performance in the film, and said if it's not worth an Oscar, he'll never top it.
He said: "There was one very difficult scene when the police tell me my friend has died. I'm completely straight-faced, then the moment they leave I burst into tears.
"That's very difficult to do, and when I finished that take I told the director, 'You've got to use that' He asked why. I said 'Because that's the best I can do. I'm not saying it's the best anyone can do; it's the best I can do.' "
Referring to an Oscar by euphemism, he added: "Now whether that's good enough to win the O-word, »
- Paul
50 Cents did Dead Man Running because of Brenda Blethyn
4 November 2009 1:29 AM, PST
50 Cent only signed up for 'Dead Man Running' because of Brenda Blethyn.
The 'Crimewave' rapper said he was assured of the quality of the film when he found out the 63-year-old 'Atonement' actress would be cast alongside him in the British gangster film.
He said: "I only go for films which have a certain level of artistic integrity and I knew I would be safe in Brenda's company."
Brenda, meanwhile, has said she has enjoyed the boost to her "street cred".
She added: "My street cred has rocketed since I have been in a film with 50 cent."
The rapper - real name Curtis Jackson - also said his greatest character to date has been his aggressive rap persona, and added that people are always surprised by how polite he is in the flesh.
He added: "People say, 'wow he was so nice!' when I come around and there's normalcy. »
- Paul
More on that Owen Wilson Marmaduke casting
4 November 2009 1:21 AM, PST
Owen Wilson is set to play the voice of a dog in canine comedy 'Marmaduke'.
The star whose recent dog-themed movie 'Marley and Me', in which he starred in alongside Jennifer Aniston, grossed $240 million dollars at the box office - is going one step further with his next film, and playing the dog.
The movie, based on a popular comic strip, will follow Marmaduke's owners as they relocate to Florida with their Great Dane.
Other dog voices will be provided by Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie, comedian Steve Coogan and the Wayans brothers, whilst humans are played by Judy Greer, Lee Pace and William H. Macy.
40-year-old Owen has already done some voice work in the upcoming animated Wes Anderson film 'Fantastic Mr. Fox.'
'Marmaduke' is set for a June 2010 release.
George Clooney has also been linked to another Fox Searchlight movie this week, »
- Paul
Hilary Swank: Learning to fly is like reading a book
4 November 2009 1:17 AM, PST
Hilary Swank says learning to fly is like reading a book.
The actress took piloting lessons to prepare for her role as famous aviator Amelia Earhart in upcoming movie 'Amelia', and says the experience of trying a new skill transported her back to childhood.
Hilary said: "Putting my hands on the wheel for the first time was a rush. After a certain age, there's not many firsts you experience in your life, so learning to fly reminded me of the childlike feeling of exhilaration when you first ride a bike or read a book."
Hilary, 35, was disappointed to be banned by film bosses from completing her full pilot training and plans to continue working towards her license in future - even though she struggled to get to grips with some elements of the course.
She explained to The Scotsman newspaper: "I'd like to get my licence and continue »
- Paul
Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin will host the Oscars in 2010
3 November 2009 4:41 PM, PST
Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin will host the 2010 Academy Awards. Trade paper Variety have posted the breaking news on their website. The duo will serve as cohosts of the 82nd annual Academy Awards, which will air live March 7 on ABC.
Martin has hosted the Oscarcast twice before. Baldwin, star of NBC's "30 Rock," was a supporting actor nominee in 2003 for "The Cooler." »
- Paul
Paranormal Activity to get a sequel
3 November 2009 3:55 PM, PST
Paramount Pictures are reportedly greenlighting a sequel to this year's break out super-sleeper hit Paranormal Activity. The film was made for a platry $15,000, but went on to make a huge $84.6 million at the Us box-office alone!
The Hollywood Reporter reports:
Given that a follow-up release wouldn't have the same element of surprise as "Paranormal," it will be key to craft a smart approach to a sequel, he said. "Our team will come up with the right creative and marketing approach to make sure that we benefit from a sequel," Dauman said.
More here. »
- Paul
Thn interviews the Film of the Month winner Sjors Vervoort for his film Cardboard
3 November 2009 1:50 PM, PST
Every month here on The Hollywood News, we feature an interview with an up and coming student filmmaker, and we sponsor the Film of the Month contest over on ReelShowInt.com, the best place for online student film.
This past month Sjors Vervoort won the Film of the Month contest for his short Cardboard. Here, I sit down for a quick Q+A about his filmmaking process, his inspirations and future plans. You can watch Cardboard in full over here. Hi, tell me a little bit about your background. What got you into filmmaking, and who do you draw your inspiration from?
After graduating my multi media course I went to Disneyland Paris, and during my stay there I purchased a book called "the illusion of life", an animation book which explains all the aspects and principles of animation (I can definitely recommend it). I got really excited about traditional »
- Paul
Disney's A Christmas Carol premieres in London
3 November 2009 1:28 PM, PST
The premiere of Disney's A Christmas Carol took place in London's festive West End tonight. Jim Carrey, Bob Hoskins and Colin Firth all turned up to promote the movie at the star-studded premiere in Leicester Square.
Alice Temperly, Daniel Merriweather, Denise Van Outen, Faryl Smith, Lisa Butcher, Little Boots, Meg Matthews, Ozwald Boateng, Peter Andre, Phil Tufnell, Richard Hammond, Saffron Aldridge, Spandau Ballet, Taio Cruz, The Noisettes, The Saturdays and more celebs turned up to celebrate the launch of the film, which also coincided with the turning on of London's Christmas lights.
Ebenezer Scrooge (Jim Carrey) begins the Christmas holiday with his usual miserly contempt, barking at his faithful clerk (Gary Oldman) and his cheery nephew (Colin Firth). But when the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come take him on an eye-opening journey revealing truths Old Scrooge is reluctant to face, he must open his heart to »
- Paul
Robert Downey Jr and Ben Stiller turn down Oscar presenting gig
3 November 2009 11:52 AM, PST
The word on the street at the moment is that both Robert Downey Jr. and funnyman Ben Stiller recently turned down the chance of hosting next year's Academy Awards. According to Nikki Finke, the two passed on the thankless task of doing the gig after being offered it by producers Bill Mechanic and Adam Shankman.
Hugh Jackman has also turned down the job (after doing an amazing one last year), so who will host the Oscars 2010? We'll keep you posted.
Downey Jr and Stiller starred opposite each other in last year's Tropic Thunder.
»
- Paul
The Blu-Ray Review: Land of the Lost
3 November 2009 7:55 AM, PST
If you'll pardon the pun, Will Ferrell's movie career has become a decidedly hit or miss proposition. He still churns out successes like 2008's Step Brothers, but he also stars in duds like that same year's Semi-Pro.
Plop 2009's Land of the Lost in the "bomb" category. Given its huge budget and summer blockbuster expectations, Lost definitely disappointed. $49 million isn't total disaster territory, but it's far below the levels achieved by the average summer hit. I like Ferrell, so I hope he rebounds soon. A loose remake of the 1970s Sid and Marty Krofft TV series, Lost introduces us to paleontologist Dr. Rick Marshall (Ferrell). He advocates the existence of time warps and touts them as a solution to energy problems.
His peers view him as a crackpot, but it turns out that Marshall's tachyon amplifier actually works. Down on his luck, Rick doesn't believe in himself of his invention, »
- Paul
Owen Wilson to voice Marmaduke
3 November 2009 4:17 AM, PST
Owen Wilson is set to voice Marmaduke in the film of the same name from director Tom Dey and Fox.
The film follows a family named the Winslows who move from Kansas to Orange County with their dog Marmaduke, a slobbery pooch who creates chaos wherever he goes.
Judy Greer, Lee Pace and William H. Macy play the humans in the film, while Fergie, Emma Stone, George Lopez, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Steve Coogan, Damon Wayans, Marlon Wayans supply all of the voices.
The film is set for a June 4, 2010 release. »
- Paul
George Clooney is in talks for The Descendants
3 November 2009 4:11 AM, PST
George Clooney is in talks to star in Alexander Payne's new movie The Descendants, a family dramedy for Fox Searchlight.
Variety reports that the film centers on a wealthy landowner who takes his two daughters on a search for his wife's lover in the hopes of keeping his family together. The film is Payne's first feature in five years, and is scheduled to begin shooting in February in Hawaii.
Clooney is currently shooting The American for director Anton Corbijn. The Descendants is written by Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, based on Kaui Hart Hemmings' debut novel of the same name.
Clooney stars in The Men Who Stare At Goats which is release in the UK on November 6th. »
- Paul
Mel Gibson names his new child
3 November 2009 4:02 AM, PST
Mel Gibson has named his new child.
The 'What Women Want' star - whose girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva gave birth on Friday (30.10.09) - has announced the couple plan to call the infant Lucia.
A representative for Mel confirmed: "Oksana Grigorieva and Mel Gibson welcomed the arrival of a baby girl named Lucia on Friday, Oct. 30, 2009, at an undisclosed hospital in Los Angeles."
Mel, 53, took a break from filming 'The Beaver' while Oksana was in hospital and was given a rapturous welcome when he returned to the set on Monday (02.11.09).
A source on set said: "Everyone sang 'For He's A Jolly Good Fellow' and he blushed."
A friend added: "Everything is great! They couldn't be happier. Everyone's healthy and thrilled. He loves it!"
Although this is their first child together, both Mel and Oksana, 39, are already parents.
The 'Braveheart' star has six sons and a daughter »
- Paul
Watch the new trailer for Prince of Persia
3 November 2009 3:59 AM, PST
Disney have just sent over information that that the new trailer for Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time has just gone online.
From the team that brought the "Pirates of the Caribbean" trilogy to the big screen, Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer Films present Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time, an epic action-adventure set in the mystical lands of Persia. A rogue prince (Jake Gyllenhaal) reluctantly joins forces with a mysterious princess (Gemma Arterton) and together, they race against dark forces to safeguard an ancient dagger capable of releasing the Sands of Time--a gift from the gods that can reverse time and allow its possessor to rule the world.
Directed by Mike Newell ("Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire") with a cast that includes Sir Ben Kingsley and Alfred Molina, and a screenplay by Doug Miro & Carlo Bernard from a screen story by Jordan Mechner and Boaz Yakin, »
- Paul
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