Odd List Ryan Lambie Simon Brew 13 Mar 2014 - 05:44
Our voyage through history's underappreciated films arrives at the year 2011, and a great year for lesser-seen gems...
Even a cursory glance at the top 10 grossing films of 2011 reveals something strange: nine of the entries are sequels. Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 brought the fantasy franchise to a close with a staggering $1.3bn haul. Transformers: Dark Of The Moon wasn't too far behind with just over $1.1bn. On Stranger Tides continued the Pirates Of The Caribbean series' wave of success, despite mixed reviews.
Elsewhere in the top 10, you'll find another Twilight, a fourth Mission: Impossible, a second Kung Fu Panda, a fifth Fast, another Hangover, and further Cars. Standing alone on the list is The Smurfs, the adaptation of Peyo's Belgian comic strip. In fact, 2011 saw the release of no fewer than 28 sequels - the most we've yet seen in any given year.
Our voyage through history's underappreciated films arrives at the year 2011, and a great year for lesser-seen gems...
Even a cursory glance at the top 10 grossing films of 2011 reveals something strange: nine of the entries are sequels. Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 brought the fantasy franchise to a close with a staggering $1.3bn haul. Transformers: Dark Of The Moon wasn't too far behind with just over $1.1bn. On Stranger Tides continued the Pirates Of The Caribbean series' wave of success, despite mixed reviews.
Elsewhere in the top 10, you'll find another Twilight, a fourth Mission: Impossible, a second Kung Fu Panda, a fifth Fast, another Hangover, and further Cars. Standing alone on the list is The Smurfs, the adaptation of Peyo's Belgian comic strip. In fact, 2011 saw the release of no fewer than 28 sequels - the most we've yet seen in any given year.
- 3/12/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
It’s the start of another week, so you know what that means – more DVD and Blu-ray releases to swallow up all your hard-earned cash! So here’s the rundown of what’s available to buy from today, October 10th 2011.
Pick Of The Week
Bunraku (DVD/Blu-ray)
In a world without guns, a mysterious drifter (Josh Hartnett) arrives in a strange town terrorised by the ruthless Woodcutter (Ron Perlman) and his army of thugs, headed by the vicious Killer #2 (Kevin Mckidd). The drifter is forced to trust a young samurai (Japanese superstar Gackt) looking to restore his family’s honour, and the local bartender (Woody Harrelson) with his own secret score to settle, as they team up to destroy the Woodcutter’s tyrannical and corrupt regime. Review.
And the rest…
Red White & Blue (DVD)
A relentless and harrowing revenge horror starring Noah Taylor (Submarine, The Proposition) and Amanda Fuller (Buffy the Vampire Slayer...
Pick Of The Week
Bunraku (DVD/Blu-ray)
In a world without guns, a mysterious drifter (Josh Hartnett) arrives in a strange town terrorised by the ruthless Woodcutter (Ron Perlman) and his army of thugs, headed by the vicious Killer #2 (Kevin Mckidd). The drifter is forced to trust a young samurai (Japanese superstar Gackt) looking to restore his family’s honour, and the local bartender (Woody Harrelson) with his own secret score to settle, as they team up to destroy the Woodcutter’s tyrannical and corrupt regime. Review.
And the rest…
Red White & Blue (DVD)
A relentless and harrowing revenge horror starring Noah Taylor (Submarine, The Proposition) and Amanda Fuller (Buffy the Vampire Slayer...
- 10/10/2011
- by Phil
- Nerdly
To mark the release of The Beaver on DVD 10th October, Icon Home Entertainment have given us three copies of the movie to give away. Not only that, but you’ll also win a beaver hand puppet! The Beaver is directed by Jodie Foster and stars Mel Gibson, Anton Yelchin and Jennifer Lawrence.
Written by Kyle Killen, The Beaver is an emotionally compelling story about a man who embarks on a journey to re-discover his family, and re-start his life. Plagued by his own demons, Walter Black (Gibson), formerly a successful toy exec and family man, suffers from a severe form of depression. No matter what he does, Walter can’t seem to get himself back on track – until a beaver hand puppet enters his life.
In what will surely go down as one of the performances of his career, Mel Gibson perfectly epitomizes the split personality of Walter Black and The Beaver hand puppet,...
Written by Kyle Killen, The Beaver is an emotionally compelling story about a man who embarks on a journey to re-discover his family, and re-start his life. Plagued by his own demons, Walter Black (Gibson), formerly a successful toy exec and family man, suffers from a severe form of depression. No matter what he does, Walter can’t seem to get himself back on track – until a beaver hand puppet enters his life.
In what will surely go down as one of the performances of his career, Mel Gibson perfectly epitomizes the split personality of Walter Black and The Beaver hand puppet,...
- 9/30/2011
- by Competitons
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
DVD Playhouse—September 2011
By Allen Gardner
In A Better World (Sony) Winner of last year’s Best Foreign Film Oscar, this Danish export looks at two fractured families and the effect that the adult world dysfunction has on their two sons, who form an immediate and potentially deadly bond. Director Susanne Bier delivers another powerful work that maintains its drive during the films’ first 2/3, then falters somewhat during the last act. Still, well-worth seeing, and beautifully made. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Deleted scenes; Commentary by Bier and editor Pernille Bech Christensen; Interview with Bier. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-hd 5.1 surround.
X-men First Class (20th Century Fox) “Origins” film set in the early 1960s, traces the beginnings of Magento and Professor X (played ably here by Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy), and how the once-close friends and colleagues became bitter enemies. First half is slam-bang entertainment at its stylish best,...
By Allen Gardner
In A Better World (Sony) Winner of last year’s Best Foreign Film Oscar, this Danish export looks at two fractured families and the effect that the adult world dysfunction has on their two sons, who form an immediate and potentially deadly bond. Director Susanne Bier delivers another powerful work that maintains its drive during the films’ first 2/3, then falters somewhat during the last act. Still, well-worth seeing, and beautifully made. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Deleted scenes; Commentary by Bier and editor Pernille Bech Christensen; Interview with Bier. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-hd 5.1 surround.
X-men First Class (20th Century Fox) “Origins” film set in the early 1960s, traces the beginnings of Magento and Professor X (played ably here by Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy), and how the once-close friends and colleagues became bitter enemies. First half is slam-bang entertainment at its stylish best,...
- 9/11/2011
- by The Hollywood Interview.com
- The Hollywood Interview
The Flick:
Regretfully, I didn’t see The Beaver in the theater. I read reviews by Roger Ebert, and various others that didn’t paint a pretty picture of the flick. When the film finally made its way onto Blu-ray I received a screener and decided to take a crack at it myself instead of sending it to one of my dedicated writers. Thankfully I gave the film a chance, because all of the other critics that didn’t care for this film are terribly wrong.
Life isn’t easy. Every day we wake up and face a multitude of challenges. We struggle to find our own voices, to find someone to love us, to fit in, to turn our passions into something tangible. We look to those around us for guidance, when in truth they are struggling themselves. Are any of us truly happy, and if the answer to that question is yes,...
Regretfully, I didn’t see The Beaver in the theater. I read reviews by Roger Ebert, and various others that didn’t paint a pretty picture of the flick. When the film finally made its way onto Blu-ray I received a screener and decided to take a crack at it myself instead of sending it to one of my dedicated writers. Thankfully I gave the film a chance, because all of the other critics that didn’t care for this film are terribly wrong.
Life isn’t easy. Every day we wake up and face a multitude of challenges. We struggle to find our own voices, to find someone to love us, to fit in, to turn our passions into something tangible. We look to those around us for guidance, when in truth they are struggling themselves. Are any of us truly happy, and if the answer to that question is yes,...
- 9/6/2011
- by Donny Broussard
- Killer Films
In recent years, Mel Gibson has been down, shall we say a rather dark and awkward path. After directing the religiously controversial film The Passion of the Christ and several drunken encounters and rants that offended pretty much everyone, the man just can’t seem to stay out of trouble. This however, has not prevented him from continuing to act which is news you may either hate or feel pretty nonchalant about. His latest film, the Jodie Foster-directed dramedy The Beaver is now out on Blu-ray and this subtle piece of cinema is actually worth checking out.
Walter Black (Mel Gibson) is a struggling toy company's depressed CEO whose wife, Meredith (Jodie Foster), is fed up with him and kicks him out of the house. Walter, having hit rock bottom, attempts to commit suicide. Failing to do so, he soon comes across a beaver puppet in a local dumpster.
Walter Black (Mel Gibson) is a struggling toy company's depressed CEO whose wife, Meredith (Jodie Foster), is fed up with him and kicks him out of the house. Walter, having hit rock bottom, attempts to commit suicide. Failing to do so, he soon comes across a beaver puppet in a local dumpster.
- 8/30/2011
- by Randall Unger
- JustPressPlay.net
Chicago – If there was one film this year that I wished had found a wider audience more than any other it is definitely Jodie Foster’s “The Beaver,” a daring, challenging piece that would have had an uphill battle at the box office even if the personal life of its star, Mel Gibson, hadn’t made that climb even steeper. The film didn’t even break $1 million domestically, meaning most of you haven’t seen it. You should.
Blu-Ray Rating: 4.5/5.0
One of the many things that “The Beaver” does well is present a picture of depression as more than just a bad mood. Depression is a disease. It can be debilitating. It can kill. And it looks like it’s going to kill Walter Black (Gibson), a man so deep in his own personal hole that he can no longer see the sun. The film opens with Walter’s suicide attempt.
Blu-Ray Rating: 4.5/5.0
One of the many things that “The Beaver” does well is present a picture of depression as more than just a bad mood. Depression is a disease. It can be debilitating. It can kill. And it looks like it’s going to kill Walter Black (Gibson), a man so deep in his own personal hole that he can no longer see the sun. The film opens with Walter’s suicide attempt.
- 8/29/2011
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
.It.s very big in Sweden.. I sat down to watch the Beaver with my kid.s stuffed beaver toy. When it was over I asked him for his thoughts on the film. It just stared at me blankly and refused to help me with the review. It didn.t even make cracks like trying to blame the Jews or .I thought when you told me we.d be seeing Jodie Foster.s beaver, I had a different film in mind.. Damn stuffed animals. Walter Black (Mel Gibson) is depressed. So much so that all he does is sleep and his inherited toy company is failing. His wife Meredith (Jodie Foster) is more concerned with conducting business interviews with Tokyo, dulled...
- 8/27/2011
- by Jeff Swindoll
- Monsters and Critics
Hey everyone! Here's this weeks choices to watch!
Win Win
Paul Giamatti headlines writer/director Tom McCarthy's comedy drama centering on a beleaguered attorney and part-time wrestling coach who schemes to keep his practice from going under by acting as the legal caretaker of an elderly client. Mike Flaherty (Giamatti) thinks he has discovered the perfect loophole to keep his practice in business. But his brilliant plan hits an unexpected hitch when his client's troubled grandson shows up looking for a place to stay. With his home life in turmoil and both of his careers in jeopardy, Mike quickly realizes that he'll have to get creative in order to find a way out of his current predicament.
This movie is what I call a Dramedy. It has some really funny parts but is definitely a drama. This movie is very real and to these characters nothing comes easy, which...
Win Win
Paul Giamatti headlines writer/director Tom McCarthy's comedy drama centering on a beleaguered attorney and part-time wrestling coach who schemes to keep his practice from going under by acting as the legal caretaker of an elderly client. Mike Flaherty (Giamatti) thinks he has discovered the perfect loophole to keep his practice in business. But his brilliant plan hits an unexpected hitch when his client's troubled grandson shows up looking for a place to stay. With his home life in turmoil and both of his careers in jeopardy, Mike quickly realizes that he'll have to get creative in order to find a way out of his current predicament.
This movie is what I call a Dramedy. It has some really funny parts but is definitely a drama. This movie is very real and to these characters nothing comes easy, which...
- 8/24/2011
- by Mars
- GeekTyrant
Blu-ray Review
The Beaver
Directed by: Jodie Foster
Cast: Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, Anton Yelchin, Jennifer Lawrence
Running Time: 1 hr 30 mins
Rating: PG-13
Due Out: August 23, 2011
Plot: To deal with his depression, a family man (Gibson) interacts with the world only with a puppet he found in the garbage.
Who’S It For? The Beaver is one of the more curious projects to come from Hollywood as of late. It’s certainly one of the more bizarre. I challenge anyone curious about Gibson’s performance, or even curious about watching Gibson “redeem himself,” to see this movie. In general, I challenge all regular moviegoers to give this movie a chance, and to look past tabloid presentations of an actor. Instead, let him speak for himself. Even if it’s through a puppet.
Movie:
One of the most unusual and ultimately special movies released so far this year, The Beaver is...
The Beaver
Directed by: Jodie Foster
Cast: Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, Anton Yelchin, Jennifer Lawrence
Running Time: 1 hr 30 mins
Rating: PG-13
Due Out: August 23, 2011
Plot: To deal with his depression, a family man (Gibson) interacts with the world only with a puppet he found in the garbage.
Who’S It For? The Beaver is one of the more curious projects to come from Hollywood as of late. It’s certainly one of the more bizarre. I challenge anyone curious about Gibson’s performance, or even curious about watching Gibson “redeem himself,” to see this movie. In general, I challenge all regular moviegoers to give this movie a chance, and to look past tabloid presentations of an actor. Instead, let him speak for himself. Even if it’s through a puppet.
Movie:
One of the most unusual and ultimately special movies released so far this year, The Beaver is...
- 8/23/2011
- by Nick Allen
- The Scorecard Review
This week: Mel Gibson goes a little madder, Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau's classic '90s bromance makes its high-def debut and a bizarre Norwegian monster movie. The Beaver If you can get beyond the outlandish premise that a depressed CEO has a break from reality and starts communicating with the world via a hand puppet with a thick cockney accent, you might have the temperance to tolerate director Jodie Foster's dysfunctional family drama. Gibson stars as Walter Black—the aforementioned toy company CEO who sleeps most of his days away due to a crippling depression. His wife, Meredith (Foster), finally has enough and sends Walter packing. Walter tries to off himself in a hotel and ends up being knocked out by a falling TV. When he wakes up, the beaver hand...
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- 8/23/2011
- by Movies.com
- Movies.com
No one can accuse director Jodie Foster's "The Beaver" of being just another dysfunctional-family drama when it features Mad Max himself (Mel Gibson) on the verge of madness as he communicates with others via a beaver hand puppet. Foster, who has been a good friend of Gibson's for the past 15 years, obviously believed in the troubled actor enough to give him one of the most unusual -- and challenging -- roles of his career.
Gibson stars as Walter Black, the successful CEO of a toy company and family man, who has fallen into a crippling depression. He nods off during family portraits, basically ignores his two sons and sleeps most of his days away. His wife, Meredith (Foster), finally has enough and sends Walter packing. Walter tries to off himself in a hotel and ends up being knocked out by a falling TV. When he wakes up, the beaver...
Gibson stars as Walter Black, the successful CEO of a toy company and family man, who has fallen into a crippling depression. He nods off during family portraits, basically ignores his two sons and sleeps most of his days away. His wife, Meredith (Foster), finally has enough and sends Walter packing. Walter tries to off himself in a hotel and ends up being knocked out by a falling TV. When he wakes up, the beaver...
- 8/23/2011
- by Robert DeSalvo
- NextMovie
Your Weekly Source for the Newest Releases to Blu-Ray Tuesday, August 23rd, 2011
Bambi II: Special Edition Blu-Ray/DVD Combo (2006)
Synopsis: Bambi, one of the silver screen.s most cherished characters, makes his triumphant return. The eagerly awaited next chapter of Bambi.s unforgettable story continues for a whole new generation in a film that.s sure to delight your entire family. Join Bambi as he reunites with his father, the Great Prince, who must now raise the young fawn and teach him the ways of the forest. But in the adventure of a lifetime, the proud parent discovers that there is much that he can learn from his spirited young son. Thumper, Flower, Owl, and your favorite characters return . and you.ll meet some wonderful new friends . as Bambi.s magnificent legacy continues. Illustrated in the breathtaking animation style of the original classic and bursting with new songs, Bambi II...
Bambi II: Special Edition Blu-Ray/DVD Combo (2006)
Synopsis: Bambi, one of the silver screen.s most cherished characters, makes his triumphant return. The eagerly awaited next chapter of Bambi.s unforgettable story continues for a whole new generation in a film that.s sure to delight your entire family. Join Bambi as he reunites with his father, the Great Prince, who must now raise the young fawn and teach him the ways of the forest. But in the adventure of a lifetime, the proud parent discovers that there is much that he can learn from his spirited young son. Thumper, Flower, Owl, and your favorite characters return . and you.ll meet some wonderful new friends . as Bambi.s magnificent legacy continues. Illustrated in the breathtaking animation style of the original classic and bursting with new songs, Bambi II...
- 8/22/2011
- by Travis Keune
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The Beaver
Arrives on Blu-ray. and DVD August 23rd
Critically Acclaimed Drama Stars Academy Award® Winners Jodie Foster and Mel Gibson, Anton Yelchin and Academy Award Nominated Jennifer Lawrence
Two-time Academy Award® winner Jodie Foster (Silence of the Lambs, The Accused) directs and co-stars with two-time Academy Award® winner Mel Gibson (Braveheart - Best Picture and Best Director) in The Beaver, a compelling and original film, slated to arrive on Blu-ray. and DVD August 23rd from Summit Entertainment.
The Beaver — which Rolling Stone calls .heartfelt and often painfully funny. . tells the emotional story of a once successful man named Walter Black (Gibson) so plagued by his own demons that he resorts to the use of a beaver hand puppet in order turn his life around and reconnect with his family. Academy Award nominee Jennifer Lawrence (Winter.s Bone) and Anton Yelchin (Star Trek) co-star in the film which is both...
Arrives on Blu-ray. and DVD August 23rd
Critically Acclaimed Drama Stars Academy Award® Winners Jodie Foster and Mel Gibson, Anton Yelchin and Academy Award Nominated Jennifer Lawrence
Two-time Academy Award® winner Jodie Foster (Silence of the Lambs, The Accused) directs and co-stars with two-time Academy Award® winner Mel Gibson (Braveheart - Best Picture and Best Director) in The Beaver, a compelling and original film, slated to arrive on Blu-ray. and DVD August 23rd from Summit Entertainment.
The Beaver — which Rolling Stone calls .heartfelt and often painfully funny. . tells the emotional story of a once successful man named Walter Black (Gibson) so plagued by his own demons that he resorts to the use of a beaver hand puppet in order turn his life around and reconnect with his family. Academy Award nominee Jennifer Lawrence (Winter.s Bone) and Anton Yelchin (Star Trek) co-star in the film which is both...
- 7/30/2011
- by Melissa Howland
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The Beaver
Stars: Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, Anton Yelchin, Jennifer Lawrence | Written by Kyle Killen | Directed by Jodie Foster
When watching The Beaver, you have to exercise a certain amount of suspension of disbelief, as a great deal of the film is simply Mel Gibson talking to himself in alternate Yank/Aussie accents, and enjoyment of this hinges on how seriously you take his performance.
As you may or may not know, the film follows depressed CEO Walter Black (Mel Gibson) as he tries to recover from an incredibly melancholic state which has alienated him from his family, among them wife Meredith (Jodie Foster, who also directs) and teenage son Porter (anton Yelchin), who’s getting into his own trouble writing classmates’ essays for cash. At Walter’s lowest point he comes across the titular hand puppet, which proceeds to take control of Walter’s life and begins the process of rebuilding it for him,...
Stars: Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, Anton Yelchin, Jennifer Lawrence | Written by Kyle Killen | Directed by Jodie Foster
When watching The Beaver, you have to exercise a certain amount of suspension of disbelief, as a great deal of the film is simply Mel Gibson talking to himself in alternate Yank/Aussie accents, and enjoyment of this hinges on how seriously you take his performance.
As you may or may not know, the film follows depressed CEO Walter Black (Mel Gibson) as he tries to recover from an incredibly melancholic state which has alienated him from his family, among them wife Meredith (Jodie Foster, who also directs) and teenage son Porter (anton Yelchin), who’s getting into his own trouble writing classmates’ essays for cash. At Walter’s lowest point he comes across the titular hand puppet, which proceeds to take control of Walter’s life and begins the process of rebuilding it for him,...
- 6/23/2011
- by Mark Allen
- Nerdly
There were moments of chutzpah but for the most part Foster fluffed it. And should Mel Gibson really have been cast?
The Beaver isn't a turkey. There are moments of genuine emotional depth, ideas of thought-provoking, anarchic chutzpah and the best performance Mel Gibson has delivered since he convinced us all he was a great guy in Braveheart.
At the same time, this tale of Walter Black, the suicidal depressive who can only communicate through his hand puppet, is cloyingly sentimental, riddled with stereotypes and ultimately a directorial shambles. Which makes it one of the most frustrating films I've seen in years. In the right hands, it could have been audacious, compelling, challenging, a real triumph. So the question I keep asking myself is: who should have directed The Beaver?
The big problem with the film is that it doesn't have the courage of Walter's eccentric convictions. It can't match...
The Beaver isn't a turkey. There are moments of genuine emotional depth, ideas of thought-provoking, anarchic chutzpah and the best performance Mel Gibson has delivered since he convinced us all he was a great guy in Braveheart.
At the same time, this tale of Walter Black, the suicidal depressive who can only communicate through his hand puppet, is cloyingly sentimental, riddled with stereotypes and ultimately a directorial shambles. Which makes it one of the most frustrating films I've seen in years. In the right hands, it could have been audacious, compelling, challenging, a real triumph. So the question I keep asking myself is: who should have directed The Beaver?
The big problem with the film is that it doesn't have the courage of Walter's eccentric convictions. It can't match...
- 6/23/2011
- by Jane Graham
- The Guardian - Film News
Let’s just forget about Mel Gibson and the controversy that has surrounded him of late. In the ensuing drama many people have forgotten what a quality actor that Gibson is. Well, if it does anything at all, The Beaver will remind you that Gibson is a genuinely gifted actor and has still got a great presence about him. The Beaver (directed by Jodie Foster) tells the story of Walter Black, a husband and dad and all round successful company owner. That is, until depression sets in and Black spends most of his days sleeping. And sleeping. And sleeping. So much so, that his wife (played by Jodie Foster) can’t take any more of the shambles of a marriage they have and kicks him out. So Walter ends up attempting suicide which involves ties, shower curtains, balconies and a TV. When that fails he discovers a beaver puppet in a dumpster.
- 6/17/2011
- by vicbarry@gmail.com (Vic Barry)
- www.themoviebit.com
Having not directed since 1995's Home For The Holidays and 1991's Little Man Tate, Jodie Foster returns with a screenplay from a relatively new writer and backing from Steve Golin. Producer and founder of Propaganda Films, Golin is responsible for quirky, out-of-the-box films such as Being John Malkovich and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, so the perfect man for The Beaver's eccentricities.
An introductory cockney voice-over tells us what we're looking at is a “picture of Walter Black – a hopelessly depressed individual” who no longer has any coping mechanisms. A once dynamic family man and creative business man at toy company JerryCo, Walter self-prescribes “puppet therapy” after finding a discarded beaver puppet and surviving a disastrous suicide attempt. Having already been forced by his wife, Meredith, to move out of the family home, Walter uses the puppet to try to create “a distance between [himself] and [his] negative psychological aspects”.
An architect designing roller-coasters,...
An introductory cockney voice-over tells us what we're looking at is a “picture of Walter Black – a hopelessly depressed individual” who no longer has any coping mechanisms. A once dynamic family man and creative business man at toy company JerryCo, Walter self-prescribes “puppet therapy” after finding a discarded beaver puppet and surviving a disastrous suicide attempt. Having already been forced by his wife, Meredith, to move out of the family home, Walter uses the puppet to try to create “a distance between [himself] and [his] negative psychological aspects”.
An architect designing roller-coasters,...
- 6/17/2011
- Shadowlocked
This is the Pure Movies reviews of The Beaver, directed by Jodie Foster and starring Mel Gibson, Cherry Jones, Jodie Foster, Anton Yelchin, Riley Thomas Stewart, Zachary Booth, Jennifer Lawrence, Jeff Corbett and Baylen Thomas. Walter Black (Mel Gibson) is depressed. He has stopped seeing his psychiatrist and his frustrated wife (Meredith, played by Jodie Foster) has asked him to move out. Walter’s employees – he has inherited a toy manufacturing company from his late father – and his teenage son Porter (Anton Yelchin) think he is a joke. His younger son Henry (Riley Thomas Stewart) has realised that daddy doesn’t want to play anymore. He ends up in a motel and attempts suicide twice, failing even at that. That is until the Beaver makes an appearance. Walter is woken up in the morning by his new furry friend - a discarded puppet he found in a dumpster the night before.
- 6/16/2011
- by Natalie Peck
- Pure Movies
Mention Mel Gibson’s new film The Beaver, and the standard retort is, “who wants to see that?” after what the actor’s said in public. Reminiscent to loathing a political party, based on a figurehead’s opinions and actions, fallen star Gibson has a lot of campaigning to do. But putting all the less-than-attractive Gibson character traits aside, and merely looking at The Beaver as a relationship story about coping with mental illness, it does highlight what a great actor Gibson is – a pity, considering his name will put some off considering this as a viable cinema choice.
The Beaver, directed by and co-starring Jodie Foster, is an emotional story about a man called Walter Black (Gibson) with an escalating mental illness who wants to get better and rebuild his family, but initially feels he can only live in the real world through the aid of a discarded puppet called the Beaver.
The Beaver, directed by and co-starring Jodie Foster, is an emotional story about a man called Walter Black (Gibson) with an escalating mental illness who wants to get better and rebuild his family, but initially feels he can only live in the real world through the aid of a discarded puppet called the Beaver.
- 6/16/2011
- by Lisa Giles-Keddie
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Mel Gibson stars in The Beaver, a surprisingly uncompromising drama about mental illness and glove puppets. Here’s Ryan’s review...
The Beaver wasn't the film I was expecting to see. I was expecting an offbeat drama with hints of black comedy, a story of redemption, with quirky, eccentric characters at its core. This is certainly what the trailer hinted at, if I remember rightly. What Jodie Foster has served up is far more stark, far more harsh and far more uncompromising than I was prepared for.
Mel Gibson stars as Walter Black, a middle-aged man at the absolute nadir of depression. Craving only alcohol and sleep, his emotional numbness has seen him drift far from his wife, Meredith, and his two sons, young Henry (Riley Thomas Stewart) and teenager Porter (Anton Yelchin).
Separated, drunk and alone in a hotel room, Walter makes a fumbling attempt to take his own life,...
The Beaver wasn't the film I was expecting to see. I was expecting an offbeat drama with hints of black comedy, a story of redemption, with quirky, eccentric characters at its core. This is certainly what the trailer hinted at, if I remember rightly. What Jodie Foster has served up is far more stark, far more harsh and far more uncompromising than I was prepared for.
Mel Gibson stars as Walter Black, a middle-aged man at the absolute nadir of depression. Craving only alcohol and sleep, his emotional numbness has seen him drift far from his wife, Meredith, and his two sons, young Henry (Riley Thomas Stewart) and teenager Porter (Anton Yelchin).
Separated, drunk and alone in a hotel room, Walter makes a fumbling attempt to take his own life,...
- 6/14/2011
- Den of Geek
Two-time Academy Award winner Jodie Foster directs and co-stars with two-time Academy Award winner Mel Gibson in The Beaver – an emotional story about a man on a journey to rediscover his family and re-start his life. plagued by his own demons, Walter Black was once a Successful toy executive and family man who now suffers from depression. No matter what he tries, Walter can’t seem to get himself back on track….until a beaver hand puppet enters his life.
I caught up with Jodie Foster in San Francisco this week, were I found out the challenges of directing herself and how she came about hiring Mel Gibson.
The Beaver hits UK cinemas 17th June and also stars Anton Yelchin & Jennifer Lawrence. Check out our review of the movie here.
I caught up with Jodie Foster in San Francisco this week, were I found out the challenges of directing herself and how she came about hiring Mel Gibson.
The Beaver hits UK cinemas 17th June and also stars Anton Yelchin & Jennifer Lawrence. Check out our review of the movie here.
- 6/13/2011
- by Daniel Waller
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
From Hollywood's Blacklist to Cannes, via Development Hell and one very public meltdown … the inside story of The Beaver
In August 2009, with shooting about to start on The Beaver, Kyle Killen wrote a letter to the foetus in his wife's womb. He'd sold the screenplay, his first, only a few months earlier, and with Jodie Foster directing and Mel Gibson starring, his life was about to change completely. "The important thing to remember," Killen wrote on his blog, "will be that no matter how it turns out and no matter what people say or spray-paint on our house, it will be the reason you have a room to sleep in."
He didn't know the half of it. Killen didn't guess, for example, that the A-list star his little indie script had snagged would suddenly become one of the most vilified men in Hollywood. But he was getting used to hiccups.
In August 2009, with shooting about to start on The Beaver, Kyle Killen wrote a letter to the foetus in his wife's womb. He'd sold the screenplay, his first, only a few months earlier, and with Jodie Foster directing and Mel Gibson starring, his life was about to change completely. "The important thing to remember," Killen wrote on his blog, "will be that no matter how it turns out and no matter what people say or spray-paint on our house, it will be the reason you have a room to sleep in."
He didn't know the half of it. Killen didn't guess, for example, that the A-list star his little indie script had snagged would suddenly become one of the most vilified men in Hollywood. But he was getting used to hiccups.
- 6/10/2011
- The Guardian - Film News
The Beaver is not a very good film, and I'd love nothing more than to lay the blame at the foot of the middle-aged white man who plays Walter Black, the depressed individual at the center of the movie. That performance is outstanding, maybe the best of the actor's career, but it doesn't save The Beaver from its pat predictability, its trite sentimentality, and the narrative cheats that director Jodie Foster takes. There is a good script at play here, and one hell of a remarkable lead performance, but Foster slaughters the film, turning what should've been a biting black comedy into a simpering family drama.
Walter Black, the CEO of his late father's struggling toy company, is suffering from depression. He can't get out of bed. His eldest son, Porter (Anton Yelchin), loathes him. His wife, Meredith (Jodie Foster) loves him, but doesn't want Walter's dark presence around their children anymore.
Walter Black, the CEO of his late father's struggling toy company, is suffering from depression. He can't get out of bed. His eldest son, Porter (Anton Yelchin), loathes him. His wife, Meredith (Jodie Foster) loves him, but doesn't want Walter's dark presence around their children anymore.
- 5/25/2011
- by Dustin Rowles
In this recent interview at Cannes, actor Mel Gibson talks with Variety about his film “The Beaver” by director Jodie Foster and starring Mel Gibson, Anton Yelchin, Jennifer Lawrence, Cherry Jones and Jodie Foster. Click Here for more photos, news and videos from The Beaver. Synopsis: Two-time Academy Award winner Jodie Foster directs and co-stars with two-time Academy Award winner Mel Gibson in The Beaver – an emotional story about a man on a journey to re-discover his family and re-start his life. Plagued by his own demons, Walter Black was once a successful toy executive and family man who now suffers from depression. No matter what he tries, Walter...
- 5/19/2011
- by Brian Corder
- ShockYa
Much-maligned actor stays silent, but director Jodie Foster believes her film The Beaver will improve his public image
Rarely has the Cannes film festival been the scene of so daring a plan: the attempted resuscitation of Mel Gibson's shattered career.
But even the assertion by Jodie Foster that he was "the most loved actor in Hollywood" and a "kind and loyal and thoughtful" friend is unlikely to help revive his ailing reputation.
Foster, his director and co-star in The Beaver, which received a special screening at Cannes, said: "I can't excuse Mel's behaviour. Only he can explain that. But I do know the man that I know, who is somebody who has been a friend for many years, who is probably the most-loved actor in Hollywood."
She went on to describe a character far from the figure suggested by recent scandals, which have included his being put on probation...
Rarely has the Cannes film festival been the scene of so daring a plan: the attempted resuscitation of Mel Gibson's shattered career.
But even the assertion by Jodie Foster that he was "the most loved actor in Hollywood" and a "kind and loyal and thoughtful" friend is unlikely to help revive his ailing reputation.
Foster, his director and co-star in The Beaver, which received a special screening at Cannes, said: "I can't excuse Mel's behaviour. Only he can explain that. But I do know the man that I know, who is somebody who has been a friend for many years, who is probably the most-loved actor in Hollywood."
She went on to describe a character far from the figure suggested by recent scandals, which have included his being put on probation...
- 5/18/2011
- by Maev Kennedy, Charlotte Higgins
- The Guardian - Film News
All the latest news, reviews, comment and buzz from the Cannes film festival, as it happens
7.01pm: Peter Bradshaw's (approving) review of The Artist is here, as promised, alongside his verdicts on Michael and the aforementioned Footnote. We've also got a new gallery of photos up.
Charlotte Higgins delivers the news from post-Malick Cannes, with more of what Brad Pitt had to say.
That's it from me for the day, I'm afraid. Hope you'll drop in again tomorrow, possibly for a slice of Beaver. Thanks for your comments and emails; you've been very pleasant company.
5.45pm: "Almost ridiculous, always sublime." Xan posts his video review of the Malick. Includes some contrasting audience reaction, some intriguing clips from the film and a taste of the magic of a Brad visit. Xan says it's about a family who "alight in Eden and then manage to tear it down". One festivalgoer, lacking Xan's enthusiasm,...
7.01pm: Peter Bradshaw's (approving) review of The Artist is here, as promised, alongside his verdicts on Michael and the aforementioned Footnote. We've also got a new gallery of photos up.
Charlotte Higgins delivers the news from post-Malick Cannes, with more of what Brad Pitt had to say.
That's it from me for the day, I'm afraid. Hope you'll drop in again tomorrow, possibly for a slice of Beaver. Thanks for your comments and emails; you've been very pleasant company.
5.45pm: "Almost ridiculous, always sublime." Xan posts his video review of the Malick. Includes some contrasting audience reaction, some intriguing clips from the film and a taste of the magic of a Brad visit. Xan says it's about a family who "alight in Eden and then manage to tear it down". One festivalgoer, lacking Xan's enthusiasm,...
- 5/16/2011
- by Ian J Griffiths
- The Guardian - Film News
Is it possible to write a review about “The Beaver” without getting into Mel Gibson’s troubles? The things he’s done recently get more press than his career as a whole. Well I don’t know but I’m going to try.Jodie Foster’s first directorial effort since “Home For The Holidays” starts off with Gibson as Walter Black laying on an inflatable cushion in his pool, looking lifeless as if any direction...
- 5/16/2011
- by Ben K
Hello friends, ill-wishers and people that clicked over here by accident.Is the ad to the right of the page cutting off the last words of the line for you, or is my browser being crappy on weekly basis? Not that I'm particularly eloquent or a fan of complete sentences. I write like a constipated man feasting on Taco Bell: brief potent nuggets followed by the run(on-sentences)s.Anywho. Some videos to share, some Cheesy Double Decker tacos to pass. It's all good! [The Beaver] I’m not sure when, if ever, having seen The Beaver will result in any content from me. So I might as well say my piece now, as The Beaver is in limited release. The Beaver (insert vagina joke here, just in case you haven’t heard them all, which I have, so I won’t) was written by Kyle Killen and was a former Black List script,...
- 5/13/2011
- LRMonline.com
Jodie Foster is back at the directorial helm with this poignant look at the dysfunctional family. Walter Black is a severely depressed man estranged from his wife Meredith, hated by his eldest son Porter and mildly amusing to his youngest son Henry. Just when Walter is hitting rock bottom with his battle, he stumbles onto a discovery that changes his view of the world, his outlook on life, and most importantly his relationship with his family. Enter ‘The Beave’ or Beaver; a hand puppet that Walter uses (or is it the other way around?) to channel his inner psychiatrist and help release the vibrant personality hidden beneath his outwardly gruff and depressed exterior. With the beaver’s Scottish-toned voice of charm and confidence leading the charge, Walter finds renewed passion with his distant workaholic wife, a workable relationship with his two sons Porter and Henry and manages to pull his...
- 5/13/2011
- by Rock Young
- Atomic Popcorn
Whether The Beaver is about an unstable personality who talks through a beaver puppet or an obnoxious beaver puppet with a Mel Gibson sticking out of its butt, it’s a ludicrous mess; a misguided, wrongheaded movie that’s just mostly bad, mostly wrong and mostly dull. I have to say it’s not the scenes of Gibson talking through his fuzzy surrogate self that are the worst parts of the film. Gibson’s actually quite good and shows a spark of something worthwhile that could have been made from this material. The problem with The Beaver is pretty much everything else; a poorly-handled premise, first-timer Kyle Killen’s mawkish hot-potato script, and Jodie Foster’s earnest but bland direction. Gibson stars as Walter Black, a profoundly depressed CEO of a faltering toy company who attempts to exorcise his inner demons by creating an Aussie-accented alter ego for himself in...
- 5/13/2011
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
A score soundtrack album for Jodie Foster’s drama The Beaver has recently been released digitally. The album includes 19 tracks of Marcelo Zarvos‘ original score from the movie. To download the album, visit Amazon. Also check out the audio clips from all tracks on the album below. The Beaver starringMel Gibson, Jodie Foster, Anton Yelchin and Jennifer Lawrence opened select theaters last weekend and is expanding to more cities in the next couple of weeks. Check out the official movie webpage to learn more about the film.
Amazon.com Widgets
Here’s the album track list:
1. Walter and Beaver Jogging
2. Walter Meets the Beaver
3. Rise of the Beaver
4. The Beaver Becomes a Phenomenon
5. The Beaver Medley
6. Today Will Set You Free
7. Wipe the Slate Clean
8. A Breakthrough
9. Leaving Home
10. Porter At the Station
11. Nora’s Speech
12. The Balcony
13. I Don’t Want to Sleep Anymore
14. Meet Walter Black
15. Porter’s...
Amazon.com Widgets
Here’s the album track list:
1. Walter and Beaver Jogging
2. Walter Meets the Beaver
3. Rise of the Beaver
4. The Beaver Becomes a Phenomenon
5. The Beaver Medley
6. Today Will Set You Free
7. Wipe the Slate Clean
8. A Breakthrough
9. Leaving Home
10. Porter At the Station
11. Nora’s Speech
12. The Balcony
13. I Don’t Want to Sleep Anymore
14. Meet Walter Black
15. Porter’s...
- 5/10/2011
- by filmmusicreporter
- Film Music Reporter
Jodie Foster has revealed that she cast Mel Gibson in The Beaver because he was "charming and funny" enough to be convincing when playing with a puppet. The actress-director's film centres on Gibson's character Walter Black, who escapes his depression by speaking through a cockney beaver hand puppet. She told Latino Review: "He can be charming and funny, and I knew he would be able to handle the beaver stuff, puppeteering and give it that affability in the beginning of the film." Foster added that Gibson had similar interests to his character, making (more)...
- 5/9/2011
- by By Zakia Uddin
- Digital Spy
Leave it to beaver to save a man’s life, take him out of his chronic depression, and help him reunite with his family. This is the compelling story of Walter Black, portrayed flawlessly by Mel Gibson, who hits absolute rock bottom, finds a beaver hand puppet and starts speaking to everyone through the puppet, with a comedic cockney accent. Essentially, the puppet becomes an outlet, allowing a confident Walter to emerge temporarily from his deep pain and reconnect with life. Brilliantly directed by Jody Foster, who also plays his supportive wife, The Beaver showcases her extraordinary ability to transform an otherwise dark movie, into a emotional drama, which everyone can empathize with. Furthermore commendable, are the outstanding performances by Anton Yelchin and Jennifer Lawrence, both specifically chosen by Foster for their parts. The Academy Award winning actress, is clearly passionate about her craft. Well-respected among her peers, Foster is...
- 5/9/2011
- LRMonline.com
A new international trailer for Jodie Foster’s The Beaver starring Mel Gibson has just been released. The film opened in 22 theaters across North America this past Friday, and hasn’t done nearly as well as hoped. Early box office results say the film only made $30,000 its first night, meaning the film could finish off the weekend with a total close to $100,000. Those numbers aren’t stellar, and one could blame Gibson’s current status in the public’s eye as the reason why the film did so poorly.
I’ve heard good thing about the film, and the trailer’s haven’t looked too shabby. Give this new one a go, and lets us know what you think in the comment section. You can reach both of those after the jump.
The Beaver stars Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, Anton Yelchin, Zachary Booth, Jennifer Lawrence and Michael Rivera. Jodie Foster...
I’ve heard good thing about the film, and the trailer’s haven’t looked too shabby. Give this new one a go, and lets us know what you think in the comment section. You can reach both of those after the jump.
The Beaver stars Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, Anton Yelchin, Zachary Booth, Jennifer Lawrence and Michael Rivera. Jodie Foster...
- 5/8/2011
- by Ryan Laster
- If It's Movies
Given Mel Gibson’s largely acrimonious rhetoric of late, there is certainly valid reason to avoid his art and, thus, any support of his actions. Yet, somehow, Gibson’s off-screen tirades and generally erratic behavior inform and supplement what is the finest performance of his career; a mentally unstable father who, despite his efforts to change, is his own worst enemy.
A haggard Gibson plays Walter Black, a suicidally depressed toy company executive unable to stem his perpetual slide into dangerous self-loathing. Pills, hypnosis, even drum circles couldn’t reverse a slump that has pushed his business to the brink of bankruptcy and cost Walter his wife, Meredith, (played by the director and two-time Oscar winner Jodie Foster) and their sons, who disowned him and his negative influence.
One night, in a drunken, suicidal stupor, Walter collapses on the floor of his hotel room and finds himself face-to-face with a beaver,...
A haggard Gibson plays Walter Black, a suicidally depressed toy company executive unable to stem his perpetual slide into dangerous self-loathing. Pills, hypnosis, even drum circles couldn’t reverse a slump that has pushed his business to the brink of bankruptcy and cost Walter his wife, Meredith, (played by the director and two-time Oscar winner Jodie Foster) and their sons, who disowned him and his negative influence.
One night, in a drunken, suicidal stupor, Walter collapses on the floor of his hotel room and finds himself face-to-face with a beaver,...
- 5/7/2011
- by Jeff Leins
- newsinfilm.com
Watch a brand new international movie trailer for the upcoming film “The Beaver” by director Jodie Foster and starring Mel Gibson, Anton Yelchin, Jennifer Lawrence, Cherry Jones and Jodie Foster. Click Here for more photos, news and videos from The Beaver. Synopsis: Two-time Academy Award winner Jodie Foster directs and co-stars with two-time Academy Award winner Mel Gibson in The Beaver – an emotional story about a man on a journey to re-discover his family and re-start his life. Plagued by his own demons, Walter Black was once a successful toy executive and family man who now suffers from depression. No matter what he tries, Walter can’t seem to get...
- 5/7/2011
- by Brian Corder
- ShockYa
The Beaver Review (A Second Opinion)
Like a jury in a high profile case, audiences are supposed to lean on the concept of suspended disbelief just long enough to separate the artist from whatever his latest transgressions may have been caught on camera phone...or answering machine. While many Gibson supporters attribute some of his actions to a momentary loss of sanity, "The Beaver" tackles one man's battle with depression and his unique form of self medication. The Beaver doesn't so much offer a cure for mental illness as much as question the strength of a family dealing with it. Meet Walter Black (Mel Gibson), a man at the end of his rope...or shall I say shower curtain. The formerly happy father of two and loving husband has fallen into a deep depression. Nothing seems to work for Walter and he's tried it all from traditional therapy to multisyllabic drugs to self help books.
Like a jury in a high profile case, audiences are supposed to lean on the concept of suspended disbelief just long enough to separate the artist from whatever his latest transgressions may have been caught on camera phone...or answering machine. While many Gibson supporters attribute some of his actions to a momentary loss of sanity, "The Beaver" tackles one man's battle with depression and his unique form of self medication. The Beaver doesn't so much offer a cure for mental illness as much as question the strength of a family dealing with it. Meet Walter Black (Mel Gibson), a man at the end of his rope...or shall I say shower curtain. The formerly happy father of two and loving husband has fallen into a deep depression. Nothing seems to work for Walter and he's tried it all from traditional therapy to multisyllabic drugs to self help books.
- 5/6/2011
- by Billy Tatum
- We Got This Covered
Getty Images Jodie Foster
Before directing “The Beaver,” which opens in limited release today, Jodie Foster hadn’t stepped behind the camera since 1995′s “Home for the Holidays” – though it wasn’t for a lack of trying.
“I’m always actively looking to direct; it just took me 15 years to find the right one,” Foster said. “It’s hard developing personal films — they’re hard to get off the ground; they’re hard to get right; and they’re hard...
Before directing “The Beaver,” which opens in limited release today, Jodie Foster hadn’t stepped behind the camera since 1995′s “Home for the Holidays” – though it wasn’t for a lack of trying.
“I’m always actively looking to direct; it just took me 15 years to find the right one,” Foster said. “It’s hard developing personal films — they’re hard to get off the ground; they’re hard to get right; and they’re hard...
- 5/6/2011
- by Michelle Kung
- Speakeasy/Wall Street Journal
Director: Jodie Foster Writer: Kyle Killen Starring: Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, Anton Yelchin, Jennifer Lawrence "The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation." Sure this Henry David Thoreau quote probably gets thrown around too much but if so, only because it rings so true. And it was those words that kept going through my head while viewing Jodie Foster's The Beaver, a movie that masterfully shines a spotlight on the horrific results of years of quiet desperation. Walter Black (Mel Gibson) is "hopelessly depressed." That crushing depression has led him to run his family toy business into the ground and his 20-year marriage to his wife Meredith (Jodie Foster) is careening along just behind. His older son Porter (Anton Yelchin) is filled with angst towards his father and his young son Henry (Riley Thomas Stewart) is becoming isolated and bullied at school due to his father's diminished presence.
- 5/6/2011
- by Linc Leifeste
- SmellsLikeScreenSpirit
Source: FilmShaft - Mel Gibson Drama The Beaver Gets A UK Poster
Mel Gibson has teamed up with Jodie Foster for a new black comedy drama about a depressed man who uses a puppet to communicate with the world. The Beaver is Foster's first time behind the camera since 1995's Home for the Holidays and given Gibson's off-screen derailment, surely a must-see.
The film is showing out of competition at Cannes and will receive a UK release in June. Whether people head out to see it remains to be seen. Gibson's recent troubles haven't exactly endeared him to his once loving public. Still he's a brilliant actor and director and maybe Jodie Foster has remembered that when many rather wouldn't.
We've got two new posters - basically the same image - in one-sheet and quad format. Simple and effect stuff. Interestingly for a film about depression with some dark themes...
Mel Gibson has teamed up with Jodie Foster for a new black comedy drama about a depressed man who uses a puppet to communicate with the world. The Beaver is Foster's first time behind the camera since 1995's Home for the Holidays and given Gibson's off-screen derailment, surely a must-see.
The film is showing out of competition at Cannes and will receive a UK release in June. Whether people head out to see it remains to be seen. Gibson's recent troubles haven't exactly endeared him to his once loving public. Still he's a brilliant actor and director and maybe Jodie Foster has remembered that when many rather wouldn't.
We've got two new posters - basically the same image - in one-sheet and quad format. Simple and effect stuff. Interestingly for a film about depression with some dark themes...
- 5/6/2011
- by Martyn Conterio
- FilmShaft.com
Two-time Academy Award winner Jodie Foster directs and co-stars with two-time Academy Award winner Mel Gibson in The Beaver – an emotional story about a man on a journey to re-discover his family and re-start his life.
Thanks to the folks at Icon we have you first look at both the one-sheet And quad poster for the film which is showing out of competition at this years Cannes Film Festival.
Plagued by his own demons, Walter Black was once a successful toy executive and family man who now suffers from depression. No matter what he tries, Walter can’t seem to get himself back on track…until a beaver hand puppet enters his life.
The Beaver, which also stars Anton Yelchin and Jennifer Lawrence, is released in the Us on May 20th, and the UK on June 17th 2011.
Thanks to the folks at Icon we have you first look at both the one-sheet And quad poster for the film which is showing out of competition at this years Cannes Film Festival.
Plagued by his own demons, Walter Black was once a successful toy executive and family man who now suffers from depression. No matter what he tries, Walter can’t seem to get himself back on track…until a beaver hand puppet enters his life.
The Beaver, which also stars Anton Yelchin and Jennifer Lawrence, is released in the Us on May 20th, and the UK on June 17th 2011.
- 5/6/2011
- by Phil
- Nerdly
Critics find it difficult to separate Mel Gibson's personal life from troubled character.
By Kara Warner
Mel Gibson in "The Beaver"
Photo: Summit Entertainment
After release date changes and several other unrelated misfortunes, "The Beaver" is finally bowing in New York City and Los Angeles, with other cities to follow May 20. Starring Mel Gibson, Anton Yelchin, Jodie Foster (who also directed) and Jennifer Lawrence (in a supporting role), the film revolves around Walter Black, a once stellar CEO suffering from severe depression, until he discovers a Beaver puppet he uses as a therapeutic tool to help him reclaim his former self.
So what do the critics think? Of the 70-plus reviews up on Rotten Tomatoes, 51 deemed it "fresh," giving it a 70 percent fresh rating. The most interesting aspect is how each reviewer chooses to address the subject of the "Gibson drama."
The Story
" 'The Beaver' is almost successful,...
By Kara Warner
Mel Gibson in "The Beaver"
Photo: Summit Entertainment
After release date changes and several other unrelated misfortunes, "The Beaver" is finally bowing in New York City and Los Angeles, with other cities to follow May 20. Starring Mel Gibson, Anton Yelchin, Jodie Foster (who also directed) and Jennifer Lawrence (in a supporting role), the film revolves around Walter Black, a once stellar CEO suffering from severe depression, until he discovers a Beaver puppet he uses as a therapeutic tool to help him reclaim his former self.
So what do the critics think? Of the 70-plus reviews up on Rotten Tomatoes, 51 deemed it "fresh," giving it a 70 percent fresh rating. The most interesting aspect is how each reviewer chooses to address the subject of the "Gibson drama."
The Story
" 'The Beaver' is almost successful,...
- 5/6/2011
- MTV Movie News
Critics find it difficult to separate Mel Gibson's personal life from troubled character.
By Kara Warner
Mel Gibson in "The Beaver"
Photo: Summit Entertainment
After release date changes and several other unrelated misfortunes, "The Beaver" is finally bowing in New York City and Los Angeles, with other cities to follow May 20. Starring Mel Gibson, Anton Yelchin, Jodie Foster (who also directed) and Jennifer Lawrence (in a supporting role), the film revolves around Walter Black, a once stellar CEO suffering from severe depression, until he discovers a Beaver puppet he uses as a therapeutic tool to help him reclaim his former self.
So what do the critics think? Of the 70-plus reviews up on Rotten Tomatoes, 51 deemed it "fresh," giving it a 70 percent fresh rating. The most interesting aspect is how each reviewer chooses to address the subject of the "Gibson drama."
The Story
" 'The Beaver' is almost successful,...
By Kara Warner
Mel Gibson in "The Beaver"
Photo: Summit Entertainment
After release date changes and several other unrelated misfortunes, "The Beaver" is finally bowing in New York City and Los Angeles, with other cities to follow May 20. Starring Mel Gibson, Anton Yelchin, Jodie Foster (who also directed) and Jennifer Lawrence (in a supporting role), the film revolves around Walter Black, a once stellar CEO suffering from severe depression, until he discovers a Beaver puppet he uses as a therapeutic tool to help him reclaim his former self.
So what do the critics think? Of the 70-plus reviews up on Rotten Tomatoes, 51 deemed it "fresh," giving it a 70 percent fresh rating. The most interesting aspect is how each reviewer chooses to address the subject of the "Gibson drama."
The Story
" 'The Beaver' is almost successful,...
- 5/6/2011
- MTV Music News
The Beaver
Directed by: Jodie Foster
Cast: Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, Anton Yelchin
Running Time: 1 hr 31 mins
Rating: PG-13
Release Date: May 6, 2011
Plot: To deal with his depression, a family man (Gibson) interacts with the world only with a puppet he found in the garbage.
Who’S It For?: The Beaver is one of the more curious projects to come from Hollywood as of late. Or, one of the most bizarre. Either way, I challenge anyone curious about Gibson’s performance, or even curious about watching Gibson “redeem himself,” to see this movie.
Expectations: While I abstained from previews, I did know the premise. The concept of Mel Gibson speaking through a beaver puppet was compelling enough alone to make me want to check this one out.
Scorecard (0-10)
Actors:
Mel Gibson as Walter Black: It’s one of the most remarkable performances we may see this year,...
Directed by: Jodie Foster
Cast: Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, Anton Yelchin
Running Time: 1 hr 31 mins
Rating: PG-13
Release Date: May 6, 2011
Plot: To deal with his depression, a family man (Gibson) interacts with the world only with a puppet he found in the garbage.
Who’S It For?: The Beaver is one of the more curious projects to come from Hollywood as of late. Or, one of the most bizarre. Either way, I challenge anyone curious about Gibson’s performance, or even curious about watching Gibson “redeem himself,” to see this movie.
Expectations: While I abstained from previews, I did know the premise. The concept of Mel Gibson speaking through a beaver puppet was compelling enough alone to make me want to check this one out.
Scorecard (0-10)
Actors:
Mel Gibson as Walter Black: It’s one of the most remarkable performances we may see this year,...
- 5/6/2011
- by Nick Allen
- The Scorecard Review
Jodie Foster directs and co-stars with Mel Gibson in the fictional story of Walter Black, the head of an ailing toy company who suffers from depression. That is, until he finds a beaver hand puppet in the dumpster outside his local liquor store and channels a gruff alter ego through the toy… A tragi-comedy is a delicate balancing act -- and The Beaver falls off the beam. It almost feels as if Foster attempted to mimic American Beauty: pensive piano strokes, forlorn teens, a turning point in a garage, an unexpected burst of violence, a melancholy shot of a roller coaster ride. And despite a heavy-hitting cast and producer Steve Golin’s wonderful record of offbeat gems Being John Malkovitch and Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind, Beaver proves a chore to watch.
- 5/6/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Jodie Foster directs and co-stars with Mel Gibson in the fictional story of Walter Black, the head of an ailing toy company who suffers from depression. That is, until he finds a beaver hand puppet in the dumpster outside his local liquor store and channels a gruff alter ego through the toy… A tragi-comedy is a delicate balancing act -- and The Beaver falls off the beam. It almost feels as if Foster attempted to mimic American Beauty: pensive piano strokes, forlorn teens, a turning point in a garage, an unexpected burst of violence, a melancholy shot of a roller coaster ride. And despite a heavy-hitting cast and producer Steve Golin’s wonderful record of offbeat gems Being John Malkovitch and Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind, Beaver proves a chore to watch.
- 5/6/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Jodie Foster directs and co-stars with Mel Gibson in the fictional story of Walter Black, the head of an ailing toy company who suffers from depression. That is, until he finds a beaver hand puppet in the dumpster outside his local liquor store and channels a gruff alter ego through the toy… A tragi-comedy is a delicate balancing act -- and The Beaver falls off the beam. It almost feels as if Foster attempted to mimic American Beauty: pensive piano strokes, forlorn teens, a turning point in a garage, an unexpected burst of violence, a melancholy shot of a roller coaster ride. And despite a heavy-hitting cast and producer Steve Golin’s wonderful record of offbeat gems Being John Malkovitch and Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind, Beaver proves a chore to watch.
- 5/6/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Jodie Foster directs and co-stars with Mel Gibson in the fictional story of Walter Black, the head of an ailing toy company who suffers from depression. That is, until he finds a beaver hand puppet in the dumpster outside his local liquor store and channels a gruff alter ego through the toy… A tragi-comedy is a delicate balancing act -- and The Beaver falls off the beam. It almost feels as if Foster attempted to mimic American Beauty: pensive piano strokes, forlorn teens, a turning point in a garage, an unexpected burst of violence, a melancholy shot of a roller coaster ride. And despite a heavy-hitting cast and producer Steve Golin’s wonderful record of offbeat gems Being John Malkovitch and Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind, Beaver proves a chore to watch.
- 5/6/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Mel Gibson in The Beaver
Photo: Summit Entertainment Depressing, occasionally disjointed and somewhat overly sentimental, Jodie Foster's The Beaver remains a solid film thanks to a fitting lead performance by Mel Gibson, considering the man's all too public, private life, which caused this film to sit on the shelf for nearly a year.
Originally designed as a comedy for Steve Carell, Foster came on board and found darker corners to explore, which isn't all that surprising considering the roles Foster has gravitated toward throughout most of her career. Here she tells the story of Walter Black (Gibson), a man so depressed he's ready to check out. His family life has fallen apart and his eldest son, Porter (Anton Yelchin), hates him to the extent he's taken the time to note all the negative similarities he shares with his now aimless father. What's Walter to do?
For Walter the choice is obvious,...
Photo: Summit Entertainment Depressing, occasionally disjointed and somewhat overly sentimental, Jodie Foster's The Beaver remains a solid film thanks to a fitting lead performance by Mel Gibson, considering the man's all too public, private life, which caused this film to sit on the shelf for nearly a year.
Originally designed as a comedy for Steve Carell, Foster came on board and found darker corners to explore, which isn't all that surprising considering the roles Foster has gravitated toward throughout most of her career. Here she tells the story of Walter Black (Gibson), a man so depressed he's ready to check out. His family life has fallen apart and his eldest son, Porter (Anton Yelchin), hates him to the extent he's taken the time to note all the negative similarities he shares with his now aimless father. What's Walter to do?
For Walter the choice is obvious,...
- 5/6/2011
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
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