Robert De Niro is widely regarded as one of the best actors of his generation, so it may surprise you to learn how long he went without making a truly great movie. (Sure, we all laughed at “Meet the Parents” back in 2000, but "Meet the Parents" is no “The Deer Hunter.”) The Oscar nomination De Niro earned with his supporting role in last year's "Silver Linings Playbook" is his first since 1991, when he played that crazy guy who clings to the bottom of Nick Nolte's car in "Cape Fear." And he hasn't won an Academy Award since 1981, when he portrayed the tormented boxer Jake Lamotta in "Raging Bull."
If you want an idea of how long ago that was, here is a video of a young De Niro accepting his award from Sally Field:
If you want a few more ideas, keep reading.
On the day Robert De Niro...
If you want an idea of how long ago that was, here is a video of a young De Niro accepting his award from Sally Field:
If you want a few more ideas, keep reading.
On the day Robert De Niro...
- 1/30/2013
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
It seems 2013 may very well be the year for Chilean directors. First Pablo Larraín’s critically acclaimed historical drama “No” receives a nod from the Academy for Best Foreign Language Film and now Santiago-born Sebastián Silva takes home the Directing Award for World Cinema Dramatic at the Sundance Festival for his drug-infused comedy “Crystal Fairy.”
While Silva also presented his thriller “Magic Magic” at the festival earlier this month, it was the film about a drug-loving Jaime (Michael Cera), a very nude woman known as Crystal Fairy (Gaby Hoffmann), and a trio of brothers’ journey around Chile in search of a hallucinogenic cactus that won audiences over.
“I think Silva always probably writes stories based on the emotional elements -- and that's really happened to him with "Crystal Fairy.” So he had the experience in his mind and I think he knew that the story he wanted to tell was an emotional one,...
While Silva also presented his thriller “Magic Magic” at the festival earlier this month, it was the film about a drug-loving Jaime (Michael Cera), a very nude woman known as Crystal Fairy (Gaby Hoffmann), and a trio of brothers’ journey around Chile in search of a hallucinogenic cactus that won audiences over.
“I think Silva always probably writes stories based on the emotional elements -- and that's really happened to him with "Crystal Fairy.” So he had the experience in his mind and I think he knew that the story he wanted to tell was an emotional one,...
- 1/28/2013
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
This is what it's like to sit at a restaurant table with Amy Poehler and Adam Scott during the after-party for "A.C.O.D" (which stands for "Adult Children of Divorce"), the pair's well-received indie comedy that debuted at the Sundance Film Festival.
It was a popular table. More than once, onlookers approached and tried to talk with Poehler and Scott. (I can only imagine this happens to them a lot.) One man, an employee at the restaurant, told Poehler that he'd worked with her at another restaurant, in Chicago, circa 1994 -- long before Amy Poehler became Amy Poehler. Poehler recognized her former co-worker immediately, even though she hadn't seen him in 19 years.
Poehler and Scott, who star on "Parks and Recreation" as the newly engaged Leslie Knope and Ben Wyatt, enjoy an easy rapport with one another. (Their timing was so impeccable that Poehler almost had me believing...
It was a popular table. More than once, onlookers approached and tried to talk with Poehler and Scott. (I can only imagine this happens to them a lot.) One man, an employee at the restaurant, told Poehler that he'd worked with her at another restaurant, in Chicago, circa 1994 -- long before Amy Poehler became Amy Poehler. Poehler recognized her former co-worker immediately, even though she hadn't seen him in 19 years.
Poehler and Scott, who star on "Parks and Recreation" as the newly engaged Leslie Knope and Ben Wyatt, enjoy an easy rapport with one another. (Their timing was so impeccable that Poehler almost had me believing...
- 1/25/2013
- by Mike Ryan
- Huffington Post
David here, bringing you news from Sundance on everyone’s favourite subject… actresses! ‘Under-famous’ actresses, to borrow a phrase from Nathaniel. But that doesn’t mean we don’t love these ladies!
Juno Temple and Kathryn Hahn in 'Afternoon Delight'
Kathryn Hahn zoomed up my favourites list when she delivered such consistent apathetic hilarity in Parks and Recreation last season, and now she might have been given her moment in the sun with a new dramedy about a troubled marriage. Mike Ryan agrees that we’ve waited a while for Hahn’s big moment:
I've often thought that Kathryn Hahn deserves more attention. I think Afternoon Delight proves that point. #sundance
— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) January 22, 2013
Afternoon Delight also stars Juno Temple, who’s apparently in every other movie at Sundance, and playing some sort of sex-imp in them all… [Temple, Hahn, January Jones & Robin Weigert after the jump]...
Juno Temple and Kathryn Hahn in 'Afternoon Delight'
Kathryn Hahn zoomed up my favourites list when she delivered such consistent apathetic hilarity in Parks and Recreation last season, and now she might have been given her moment in the sun with a new dramedy about a troubled marriage. Mike Ryan agrees that we’ve waited a while for Hahn’s big moment:
I've often thought that Kathryn Hahn deserves more attention. I think Afternoon Delight proves that point. #sundance
— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) January 22, 2013
Afternoon Delight also stars Juno Temple, who’s apparently in every other movie at Sundance, and playing some sort of sex-imp in them all… [Temple, Hahn, January Jones & Robin Weigert after the jump]...
- 1/24/2013
- by Dave
- FilmExperience
Michael Cera has two films debuting at the Sundance Film Festival: "Crystal Fairy" and "Magic Magic." The former was supposed to be Cera's other Sundance feature, but festival audiences took a shine to the shaggy-dog drug comedy about an American buffoon (Cera, in full jerk mode) traveling around Chile with a trio of brothers and a free-spirited woman named Crystal Fairy (a very-naked Gaby Hoffman) in search of a hallucinogenic cactus called San Pedro. And to think, it almost didn't even happen: According to Cera, "Crystal Fairy" was initially a film that he and director Sebastián Silva made while waiting for financing to come through for "Magic Magic."
I met Cera and Hoffman at a makeshift studio on Main St. here in Park City, Utah. Cera was friendly enough, as one would expect; Hoffman, however, was quite interesting. As a child, Hoffman appeared in films like "Field of Dreams," "Uncle Buck,...
I met Cera and Hoffman at a makeshift studio on Main St. here in Park City, Utah. Cera was friendly enough, as one would expect; Hoffman, however, was quite interesting. As a child, Hoffman appeared in films like "Field of Dreams," "Uncle Buck,...
- 1/21/2013
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
As we mentioned, when Mike Ryan published his article about the origins of El Generico, we were thinking about starting a wrestling section, here on Sound on Sight. Based on the enthusiastic response to that article and announcement, it is no longer a case of will we we do it, but how quickly will we do it. We are trying out a few new writers on critical reviews of the weekly Raw and Smackdown shows. This is the first of those auditions by Michael Dunbar. Let us know what you think!
We are Smackdown opened with a fiesta, mariachi band and all, celebrating Alberto Del Rio’s victory over the Big Show for the World Heavyweight Championship on last week’s Smackdown. One day the world of wrestling will stop playing in to stereotypes, but judging from the crowds reaction, that day won’t be any time soon. Myself, I...
We are Smackdown opened with a fiesta, mariachi band and all, celebrating Alberto Del Rio’s victory over the Big Show for the World Heavyweight Championship on last week’s Smackdown. One day the world of wrestling will stop playing in to stereotypes, but judging from the crowds reaction, that day won’t be any time soon. Myself, I...
- 1/21/2013
- by Michael Ryan
- SoundOnSight
The Joseph Gordon-Levitt at the Sundance Film Festival is different from the Joseph Gordon-Levitt you've seen in films like "Looper," "Lincoln," "The Dark Knight Rises" and "Premium Rush." Gordon-Levitt wrote, directed and stars in "Don Jon's Addiction," an early hit at the prestigious film fest, and his emotional stake in the film's end result was apparent in our interview from the get-go.
I've spoken with Gordon-Levitt before, and he has always been cordial, if slightly restrained. I don't mean this with any overt negative connotations; Gordon-Levitt has always done a nice job of maintaining a business-like approach to his interactions with the press. Thanks to "Don Jon's Addiction," however, it appears that may become slightly harder. During our chat Sundance, he was animated about "Don Jon."
In the film, Gordon-Levitt plays the title character Jon, a bartender who lives in New Jersey. His prowess with the opposite sex earns him the nickname "Don Jon,...
I've spoken with Gordon-Levitt before, and he has always been cordial, if slightly restrained. I don't mean this with any overt negative connotations; Gordon-Levitt has always done a nice job of maintaining a business-like approach to his interactions with the press. Thanks to "Don Jon's Addiction," however, it appears that may become slightly harder. During our chat Sundance, he was animated about "Don Jon."
In the film, Gordon-Levitt plays the title character Jon, a bartender who lives in New Jersey. His prowess with the opposite sex earns him the nickname "Don Jon,...
- 1/20/2013
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
The "McConaissance" -- a word coined to describe the recent renaissance, if you will, of Matthew McConaughey's career -- has officially now steamrolled into Park City, Utah. The actor, who starred in four wildly different films last year ("Magic Mike," "The Paperboy," "Bernie" and "Killer Joe") is at the Sundance Film Festival with new film, "Mud," which has already garnered some serious buzz.
McConaughey and I met on the roof-deck of a Park City restaurant. When you first meet Matthew McConaughey, he is both cordial and charming. When he speaks to you, he leans in and looks you dead in the eye. McConaughey, with a tight haircut -- and looking healthy again after loosing a considerable amount of weight for his upcoming film, "Dallas Buyers Club" -- is not the type to offer bullshit. He's keenly self-aware of what you think of some of his romantic comedies and is...
McConaughey and I met on the roof-deck of a Park City restaurant. When you first meet Matthew McConaughey, he is both cordial and charming. When he speaks to you, he leans in and looks you dead in the eye. McConaughey, with a tight haircut -- and looking healthy again after loosing a considerable amount of weight for his upcoming film, "Dallas Buyers Club" -- is not the type to offer bullshit. He's keenly self-aware of what you think of some of his romantic comedies and is...
- 1/20/2013
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
As a continuation of the "Texas Chainsaw" storyline, "Texas Chainsaw 3D" fell painfully short of its iconic predecessors. From weak acting to undeveloped characters and a tired plot, critics found numerous faults in the first wide-release film of 2013. Even HuffPost Entertainment's Mike Ryan had his own "urgent questions" after watching the film. "Gangster Squad" was marked negatively for its gratuitous violence as well as a shapeless storyline that Rick Groen said left the film "disposable." And when it came to "A Haunted House," not even the Wayans brothers could save the comedic mess.
In music, Conor Maynard's "Contrast" received some of the strongest reviews of the week. He was praised for a pop-friendly sound that brought him comparisons to Justin Bieber. But many critics felt Maynard had diluted his talent. Black Veil Brides' "Wretched And Divine: The Story Of The Wild Ones" appears to have been mislabeled as a metal album and the robust,...
In music, Conor Maynard's "Contrast" received some of the strongest reviews of the week. He was praised for a pop-friendly sound that brought him comparisons to Justin Bieber. But many critics felt Maynard had diluted his talent. Black Veil Brides' "Wretched And Divine: The Story Of The Wild Ones" appears to have been mislabeled as a metal album and the robust,...
- 1/11/2013
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
"ParaNorman" began its production in 2009 -- which should give you a rough idea of just how long it takes to produce a stop-motion animation film. Three years later, the film -- a mild box-office success about a young boy who can communicate with the dead, a trait that helps him save his hometown -- was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards alongside blockbusters like "Brave" and "Wreck-It Ralph." So, yes, when we spoke to "ParaNorman" co-director and screenwriter Chris Butler on Thursday, the change in his voice was audible when he stated that, today, he felt "vindication" with the film's nomination.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
Personally, I felt pretty sure "ParaNorman" would get a nomination. But were you nervous?
Yes. I was. I was crapping myself. You just never know. We know that, critically, we got some really good buzz. But, in a year that 21, I think, were...
Congratulations.
Thank you.
Personally, I felt pretty sure "ParaNorman" would get a nomination. But were you nervous?
Yes. I was. I was crapping myself. You just never know. We know that, critically, we got some really good buzz. But, in a year that 21, I think, were...
- 1/10/2013
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
I was going to title this post "My Favorite Sketches From 2012," but I started thinking how I've gotten up early, every post-"SNL" Sunday morning, on my day off, to write "SNL" Scorecard (which, I will note, I haven't missed once since it started in 2010 - I'm strangely proud of that) only to be yelled at by half of you, each and every time, for my admittedly subjective ranking system. (It's fine! Keep doing that because that is the point.) Because of this, I thought, well, just maybe, I've earned a "Best Sketches" title for my trouble? I mean, no, it's not a true title. These are certainly not the best ten sketches of 2012 (going back to the last half of the 2011-2012 season), because they are only my favorite ten sketches. Regardless, I decided to keep the title of "best sketches" even though it's a lie. Here they are:...
- 12/28/2012
- by Mike Ryan
- Aol TV.
The internet is a wonderful place, and it's only richer by people like Samuel L. Jackson. During his recent interview with The Huffington Post's Mike Ryan for "Django Unchained," Jackson set off a string of truth bombs better than any meme or fake eagle-grabbing-baby video.
The topics of conversation varied from Jackson's desire to be an extra on "Breaking Bad" to his feelings about the later oeuvre of his "Unbreakable" director M. Night Shyamalan.
We sampled some of Jackson's choicest quotes after the jump, but please do yourself a favor and read the entire thing over at HuffPo.
[When asked about hearing good buzz on his "Django" performance]
—"Apparently not, because the Golden Globes didn't think so."
[About getting turned down for "Reservoir Dogs"]
And I couldn't figure out who these two horrible actors were that these people had hired to audition people. I left the audition and I was like, [whispers] What the f--k? Either I look so great that I was overacting or these guys are...
The topics of conversation varied from Jackson's desire to be an extra on "Breaking Bad" to his feelings about the later oeuvre of his "Unbreakable" director M. Night Shyamalan.
We sampled some of Jackson's choicest quotes after the jump, but please do yourself a favor and read the entire thing over at HuffPo.
[When asked about hearing good buzz on his "Django" performance]
—"Apparently not, because the Golden Globes didn't think so."
[About getting turned down for "Reservoir Dogs"]
And I couldn't figure out who these two horrible actors were that these people had hired to audition people. I left the audition and I was like, [whispers] What the f--k? Either I look so great that I was overacting or these guys are...
- 12/19/2012
- by Kevin P. Sullivan
- MTV Movies Blog
Lesson learned: if you refer to a plot point in a Quentin Tarantino movie as "harebrained," Quentin Tarantino just might want to speak to you about your observation. You see, I wasn't supposed to interview Tarantino -- those duties had fallen to my esteemed editor. But while I was at the press day for "Django Unchained" to speak with Christoph Waltz and Samuel L. Jackson, my editor and I were both informed that Tarantino would speak only to me. Seems he had read my review of "Django" and wanted to discuss some of the specifics with me (e.g. the aforementioned "harebrained" comment). What resulted was a spirited debate that (A) not many filmmakers would openly invite and (B) subverted the traditional interview format. We were basically just two film fans arguing over a movie -- only in this case one of the arguers created the movie in question.
Since...
Since...
- 12/18/2012
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
Like any "SNL" that features cavalcade of guest stars, it becomes a tough week to get significant airtime -- and that's not even taking into account that there were only nine segments that involved the cast. And everyone wants to be a part of the holiday episode because of (A) Those aforementioned guest stars and (B) It's the last new "SNL" for over a month, which also means that this is your last Relevancy Poll for over a month. (And, yes, someone is looking forward to having his weekends off, at least temporarily.)
1. Bill Hader (Last Week: 7) Hader has been an interesting case so far this season. For whatever reason, he's not been the dominating force on the show that a lot of us assumed he would be after Kristen Wiig's departure. That's not to say that he's not around, but it's strange that for most of the season,...
1. Bill Hader (Last Week: 7) Hader has been an interesting case so far this season. For whatever reason, he's not been the dominating force on the show that a lot of us assumed he would be after Kristen Wiig's departure. That's not to say that he's not around, but it's strange that for most of the season,...
- 12/17/2012
- by Mike Ryan
- Aol TV.
Unlike the "d" in "Django Unchained," the film's reviews are no longer silent. The review embargo on "Django Unchained" lifted at midnight on the East Coast on Tuesday, meaning all forms of praise and criticism about "Django" were dropped online by aggressive film critics when many were already asleep.
"'Django Unchained,' writer-director Quentin Tarantino's latest film, is in many ways also his best film, combining his maniacal style of mashed-up fragments from the cultural canon with a seriousness of intent that turns 'Django' into a discussion of both pop and politics," wrote BoxOffice.com critic James Rocci in a five-star review.
"Django Unchained" stars Jamie Foxx as a freed slave who, with the help of a bounty hunter played by Christoph Waltz, looks to get revenge on the men who have captured his wife (Kerry Washington). Leonardo DiCaprio, Samuel L. Jackson and Walton Goggins are among the...
"'Django Unchained,' writer-director Quentin Tarantino's latest film, is in many ways also his best film, combining his maniacal style of mashed-up fragments from the cultural canon with a seriousness of intent that turns 'Django' into a discussion of both pop and politics," wrote BoxOffice.com critic James Rocci in a five-star review.
"Django Unchained" stars Jamie Foxx as a freed slave who, with the help of a bounty hunter played by Christoph Waltz, looks to get revenge on the men who have captured his wife (Kerry Washington). Leonardo DiCaprio, Samuel L. Jackson and Walton Goggins are among the...
- 12/12/2012
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
Quite surprisingly, it has been almost 13 years since Jamie Foxx last hosted "SNL." With the barrage of shows to open the season -- taking advantage of the election -- "SNL" is returning for only two December shows before disappearing for almost another month. It's hard to build momentum with that much time off and, without a major news story or scandal this week, this felt like a show with no purpose and no momentum. This wasn't Foxx's fault, who, with a sketch comedy background, is certainly a talented enough host, but this was a show devoid of anything particularly memorable. (Well, except for a warped version of Maine and Dermot Mulroney, of all people.) Let's just get on to the Scorecard, shall we?
Sketch of the Night
"Maine Justice" (Jamie Foxx, Jason Sudeikis, Aidy Bryant, Bobby Moynihan, Charlie Day) During the second season of "Survivor," a friend and myself used...
Sketch of the Night
"Maine Justice" (Jamie Foxx, Jason Sudeikis, Aidy Bryant, Bobby Moynihan, Charlie Day) During the second season of "Survivor," a friend and myself used...
- 12/9/2012
- by Mike Ryan
- Aol TV.
Narrowing down the best movies of 2012 is a more difficult task than you might assume. This year was one of the strongest in recent memory, with well-crafted indies like "Moonrise Kingdom" and "Beasts of the Southern Wild" succeeding alongside major studio films like "Les Miserables," "Argo" and "Lincoln." There wasn't a "J. Edgar" or "War Horse" to be found among the anticipated fall releases, making it nearly impossible to keep a list of best 2012 movies to 10 entries. Which is why HuffPost Entertainment has listed the 30 best movies of 2012 for your reading pleasure.
As compiled by Huffington Post executive arts and entertainment editor Michael Hogan, entertainment editor Christopher Rosen and senior writer Mike Ryan, these 30-plus films represent the best of 2012's narrative offerings. (To keep the list at a manageable level, documentaries were left off, but 2012 had its fair share of great ones, including "How to Survive a Plague," "Searching for Sugarman,...
As compiled by Huffington Post executive arts and entertainment editor Michael Hogan, entertainment editor Christopher Rosen and senior writer Mike Ryan, these 30-plus films represent the best of 2012's narrative offerings. (To keep the list at a manageable level, documentaries were left off, but 2012 had its fair share of great ones, including "How to Survive a Plague," "Searching for Sugarman,...
- 12/7/2012
- by Christopher Rosen
- Huffington Post
We won't know for sure how the moviegoing world will receive The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in Hfr (or 48 fps) until the film officially hits theaters next week. The word from most critics, who I feel tend to reject major technological changes when it comes to the world of filmmaking, is that it definitely takes some getting used to. Some hate it and think it removes the ability for an audience member to lose themselves in the movie because everything is so clear and real that it feels like you're watching actors on sets and not characters in Middle-earth. Others, most notably those from a younger generation, are welcoming the change and excited by the prospects of what's to come. So... what's to come? In a great interview with our buddy Mike Ryan at the...
Read More...
Read More...
- 12/6/2012
- by Erik Davis
- Movies.com
Even during "Mad Men" episodes that don't heavily feature Roger Sterling, it's now conventional wisdom that star John Slattery will provide one laugh-out-loud moment per show. Perhaps as an audience we're being trained to appreciate Slattery, even in small doses; even during a screening of "Iron Man 2," there was an audible gasp of excitement when Slattery appeared briefly appeared onscreen as Tony Stark's father. John Slattery just has a way of making you want to see more John Slattery.
Fortunately, for Slattery fans, there's plenty of him in the new indie drama "In Our Nature." Slattery plays Gil, a successful lawyer who accidentally brings his girlfriend (Gabrielle Union) to his upstate New York vacation home the same weekend that his estranged son, Seth (Zach Gilford), and his son's girlfriend, Andie (Jena Malone), happen to be there, too. This leads to more than a few terse moments between the two men,...
Fortunately, for Slattery fans, there's plenty of him in the new indie drama "In Our Nature." Slattery plays Gil, a successful lawyer who accidentally brings his girlfriend (Gabrielle Union) to his upstate New York vacation home the same weekend that his estranged son, Seth (Zach Gilford), and his son's girlfriend, Andie (Jena Malone), happen to be there, too. This leads to more than a few terse moments between the two men,...
- 12/3/2012
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
On Tuesday, Bryan Singer tweeted that Sir Ian McKellen and Sir Patrick Stewart will both reprise their roles as, respectively, Magneto and Professor X in the next X-Men movie, "X-Men: Days of Future Past."
Earlier on Thursday, we spoke to Sir Ian about another one of his iconic roles, Gandalf in "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," (the full conversation will publish closer to the release of "The Hobbit"), but McKellen did comment on his return to the X-Men universe and his opinions on Michael Fassbender as Magneto.
Bryan Singer announced that you're playing Magneto again. Is that something you've been wanting to do? This will be your fourth movie with Bryan Singer, did that help persuade you?
What a gas! I mean, Patrick Stewart and I have been have just been playing "Waiting for Godot" throughout England and in the West End of London. So, we've stayed in touch. We...
Earlier on Thursday, we spoke to Sir Ian about another one of his iconic roles, Gandalf in "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," (the full conversation will publish closer to the release of "The Hobbit"), but McKellen did comment on his return to the X-Men universe and his opinions on Michael Fassbender as Magneto.
Bryan Singer announced that you're playing Magneto again. Is that something you've been wanting to do? This will be your fourth movie with Bryan Singer, did that help persuade you?
What a gas! I mean, Patrick Stewart and I have been have just been playing "Waiting for Godot" throughout England and in the West End of London. So, we've stayed in touch. We...
- 11/29/2012
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
Earlier on Tuesday, "Silver Linings Playbook" -- the shockingly sweet (at least for a David O. Russell directed film) comedy-drama starring Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper -- was nominated for five Independent Spirit Awards, including a Best Director nod for David O. Russell. We spoke to Russell shortly after the nominations were announced for his reaction and to have a (much) longer discussion about his Oscar contender of a film (the full interview will publish on Wednesday). Also of note: Last night at the Gotham Awards, he and Matt Damon exchanged public declarations about their individual interest in working with each other, with Damon joking, "You're like a wolf, and I'm like Sarah Palin in a helicopter." Apparently that conversation continued after the ceremony.
Congratulations on your five Independent Spirit Award nominations.
Thank you.
In Toronto you mentioned that you like being the underdog, this isn't helping your plan. "Silver Linings Playbook...
Congratulations on your five Independent Spirit Award nominations.
Thank you.
In Toronto you mentioned that you like being the underdog, this isn't helping your plan. "Silver Linings Playbook...
- 11/27/2012
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
I never would have guessed that Ray Liotta hasn't seen "Field of Dreams," in which he plays Shoeless Joe Jackson. It's true that some actors don't enjoy watching their own performances, but "Field of Dreams" is an extreme example because that's a really hard movie to avoid. I also never would have guessed that Frank Sinatra's daughter sent a horse's head autographed by Warren Beatty to Liotta before he portrayed the Chairman of the Board in "The Rat Pack." Then again, these are the kinds of things you learn when you spend a healthy amount of time talking about a film -- in this case, Andrew Dominik's quite excellent "Killing Them Softly" -- with a veteran actor whose role isn't all that terribly large. (Even Brad Pitt, the star of the movie, doesn't show up until 30 minutes in.)
In "Killing Them Softly," Liotta plays Markie, a man who...
In "Killing Them Softly," Liotta plays Markie, a man who...
- 11/27/2012
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
Film.com Our friend Joe Reid debuts his Oscar column and explains why Oscars are good for us
Winnipeg Free Press interviews Kim Morgan on her Marilyn Monroe essay for Playboy
Huffington Post will Les Misérables virgins enjoy the film? Mike Ryan did.
Actors & Crew the best iPhone apps for filmmaking
Natasha Vc Feel all your feelings about James Spader (now appearing in Lincoln)
NY Times extensive audio & text piece on the sound design of Killing Me Softly. I love educational web goodies
The Atlantic worries that the conversion to digital will cost us deeply when it comes to the classics. Some of them may never look or sound the way they were intended to again. (With commentary from the brilliant editor Thelma Schoonmaker)
In Contention Can Beasts of the Southern Wild return to the Oscar fray?
In Contention The "Oscar Bait" got good
Coming Soon photos from the set...
Winnipeg Free Press interviews Kim Morgan on her Marilyn Monroe essay for Playboy
Huffington Post will Les Misérables virgins enjoy the film? Mike Ryan did.
Actors & Crew the best iPhone apps for filmmaking
Natasha Vc Feel all your feelings about James Spader (now appearing in Lincoln)
NY Times extensive audio & text piece on the sound design of Killing Me Softly. I love educational web goodies
The Atlantic worries that the conversion to digital will cost us deeply when it comes to the classics. Some of them may never look or sound the way they were intended to again. (With commentary from the brilliant editor Thelma Schoonmaker)
In Contention Can Beasts of the Southern Wild return to the Oscar fray?
In Contention The "Oscar Bait" got good
Coming Soon photos from the set...
- 11/27/2012
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
Universal Pictures has released a classy looking new French poster for Tom Hooper's Les Miserables, which recently had a couple of press screenings. The movie has been blowing up with positive buzz, so anyone that's looking forward to the film will be happy to know that you'll most likely end up really liking it. It sounds like most people believe that Anne Hathaway has the Best Supporting Actress award in the bag with this one. I've included some of these reviews from around the internet for you to read through.
The musical epic also stars Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Aaron Tveit, Samantha Barks, Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen.
Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption—a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Jackman plays ex-prisoner Jean Valjean,...
The musical epic also stars Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Aaron Tveit, Samantha Barks, Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen.
Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption—a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Jackman plays ex-prisoner Jean Valjean,...
- 11/27/2012
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
On Nov. 21, 2012, a movie titled “Red Dawn” was released into movie theaters. On Aug. 10, 1984, another movie with the title “Red Dawn” was released into movie theaters. Both movies are about a small group of American freedom fighters, called the Wolverines, fighting back against an invading foreign army. Here, we compare the Cold War-era sorta-classic to the sorta-new (“Red Dawn” was filmed in 2009), revamped version that you probably won't see. (Spoilers ahead, if you care.)
Mike Ryan is senior writer for Huffington Post Entertainment. You can contact him directly on Twitter.
Mike Ryan is senior writer for Huffington Post Entertainment. You can contact him directly on Twitter.
- 11/21/2012
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
Suraj Sharma's debut film was no easy task: Not only does he play the title character in "Life of Pi," he has to share most of his screen time with only a computer-generated tiger as his co-star.
Sharma stars in Ang Lee's adaptation of Yann Martel's best-selling book as Pi, a young man who must learn to survive on a small boat in the Pacific Ocean after the ship carrying his family sinks near the Mariana Trench. Oh ... and the other passenger on this small boat is that aforementioned beast, a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. Needless to say, Pi and Richard Parker aren't really friends, but an interesting relationship between the two begins to develop.
When Sharma spoke to me at the swanky Mandarin Oriental Hotel on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, he was charming, but also understandably nervous: After all, before "Life of Pi" Sharma...
Sharma stars in Ang Lee's adaptation of Yann Martel's best-selling book as Pi, a young man who must learn to survive on a small boat in the Pacific Ocean after the ship carrying his family sinks near the Mariana Trench. Oh ... and the other passenger on this small boat is that aforementioned beast, a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. Needless to say, Pi and Richard Parker aren't really friends, but an interesting relationship between the two begins to develop.
When Sharma spoke to me at the swanky Mandarin Oriental Hotel on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, he was charming, but also understandably nervous: After all, before "Life of Pi" Sharma...
- 11/20/2012
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
Jeremy Renner isn't what you would call the "prototypical 'SNL' host," but, bless his heart, he tried his best. As he admitted in his monologue, he's not known for comedy (but, hey, neither was Jon Hamm when he first hosted) and, as far as I can tell, Renner really isn't promoting anything at the moment. ("Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters," a movie that actually exists, doesn't come out until January.) Unfortunately, this show was just off from the start. An almost shockingly boring cold open (with perhaps the tamest "Live from New York ..." in the show's history) followed by a monologue with technical glitches -- resulting in Renner even audibly admitting that it's not a good way to start a show -- set a tone that never fully recovered. In other words: today's Scorecard is forlorn ...
Sketch of the Night
"The Standoff" (Jeremy Renner, Taran Killam, Boby Moynihan,...
Sketch of the Night
"The Standoff" (Jeremy Renner, Taran Killam, Boby Moynihan,...
- 11/18/2012
- by Mike Ryan
- Aol TV.
It's "Twilight" day we're told... we're not sure what that means. Must have something to do with the sun setting earlier and earlier or something. At any rate, since that's what simply everyone will be talking about today, Jimmy Fallon dedicated his newest Late Night Hashtag to spoiling it good and proper... albeit with a whole bunch of lies.
Of course, if it's real insight on "Twilight" you want, jump on over to Mike Ryan's hilarious running diary.
Of course, if it's real insight on "Twilight" you want, jump on over to Mike Ryan's hilarious running diary.
- 11/16/2012
- by Carol Hartsell
- Huffington Post
Is Kristen Stewart Being Booed At Breaking Dawn – Part 2 Screenings? Put Your Reporter Hats On, Fans
The HuffPo has published a running diary of a Breaking Dawn – 2 screening in New York on Wednesday that wasn’t so much interesting for the story — it’s rather snarky for our taste — but because of the descriptions of the fans’ reaction to the movie. It’s important to know how fellow Twi-hards are responding to this movie to end all movies. Like, we’d be wolf whistling every time Taylor Lautner came on screen. It’s going to happen, so future seat-mates, beware. “As the lights dim, a young female lets out a very loud audible groan,” the post’s author Mike Ryan writes. “Not a groan of displeasure, one of, ‘I physically can’t wait one more second.’ “ That young female is now our soul sister. Someone who really is not our soul anything is this guy or girl: “As Kristen Stewart‘s name is displayed across the screen,...
- 11/15/2012
- by Ambika Muttoo
- TheFabLife - Movies
Since the last time Guillermo del Toro directed a film (2008's "Hellboy 2: The Golden Army") he's been attached to a lot of projects that never came to fruition -- at least with del Toro involved. Let's see, there was "The Hobbit," "At the Mountain of Madness," "Haunted Mansion," "Slaughterhouse Five" ... you get the point. This is why it was so exciting that footage of next summer's robot-versus-monster movie, "Pacific Rim," debuted at Comic Con in July: It meant there was now undeniable proof that del Toro was actually directing a movie.
I met with an upbeat del Toro at his Upper West Side hotel room to discuss the last four years of frustration -- though, as del Toro points out, it's not like he hasn't been busy: He has produced numerous movies, including next weekend's new animated adventure, "Rise of the Guardians," an "Avengers"-style film about Santa Claus...
I met with an upbeat del Toro at his Upper West Side hotel room to discuss the last four years of frustration -- though, as del Toro points out, it's not like he hasn't been busy: He has produced numerous movies, including next weekend's new animated adventure, "Rise of the Guardians," an "Avengers"-style film about Santa Claus...
- 11/14/2012
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
I hope you’re not sick of hearing about who might direct Star Wars: Episode VII, because the speculation will not end until someone is named for the job. Today, or at least this minute, our eyes fall on Captain America: The First Avenger director Joe Johnston.
Mike Ryan at the Huffington Post reached out to Johnston and the director had this to say when asked if he would like to direct it:
“A lot would depend on what ‘it’ is. I am very glad to see Lucasfilm cranking up to get productive again, regardless of who ends up doing it.”
As Ryan mentions, that isn’t a “No”, but it’s hardly a confirmation.
Johnston does have a history with Lucasfilm and Star Wars. He worked in the art department on all three films in the original trilogy. Hell, the dude even designed Boba Fett’s suit.
What...
Mike Ryan at the Huffington Post reached out to Johnston and the director had this to say when asked if he would like to direct it:
“A lot would depend on what ‘it’ is. I am very glad to see Lucasfilm cranking up to get productive again, regardless of who ends up doing it.”
As Ryan mentions, that isn’t a “No”, but it’s hardly a confirmation.
Johnston does have a history with Lucasfilm and Star Wars. He worked in the art department on all three films in the original trilogy. Hell, the dude even designed Boba Fett’s suit.
What...
- 11/14/2012
- by Philip Sticco
- LRMonline.com
On this past week's "Saturday Night Live," a rather strange pre-taped short aired titled "The Legend of Mokiki and the Sloppy Swish." In the segment, Mokiki (played Taran Killam) does a strange, yet strangely infectious dance called the Sloppy Swish around New York City, which culminates with a flood of green "venom" on host Anne Hathaway's face.
It is one of the most bizarre things to ever air on "SNL," yet, the next day, everyone was talking about the Sloppy Swish. (I swear that I am not making this up: I've already been invited to a Sloppy Swish-themed karaoke party.) Where did the Sloppy Swish come from? Who is Mokiki? Killam took some time out of his hectic "SNL" schedule to answer these pressing questions for us.
So ... the "Sloppy Swish," where does something like that come from?
The move came first. And it was always just sort of a creepy,...
It is one of the most bizarre things to ever air on "SNL," yet, the next day, everyone was talking about the Sloppy Swish. (I swear that I am not making this up: I've already been invited to a Sloppy Swish-themed karaoke party.) Where did the Sloppy Swish come from? Who is Mokiki? Killam took some time out of his hectic "SNL" schedule to answer these pressing questions for us.
So ... the "Sloppy Swish," where does something like that come from?
The move came first. And it was always just sort of a creepy,...
- 11/14/2012
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
In the never-ending online debate to find a new "Star Wars" director, a name that has been surprisingly muted -- at least comparatively -- is Joe Johnston. (The "Captain America: The First Avenger" director did receive an impassioned show of support from Movies.com editor Erik Davis this week.) You see, Johnston has been a disciple of George Lucas for some time, making his bones as an effects illustrator on the original "Star Wars" and as art director on "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi." This is the man who designed Boba Fett's costume, for crying out loud! I reached out to Johnston for comment and, obviously, as with anyone in possible contention, he had to remain fairly mum on the subject -- but he certainly didn't rule it out.
First, some backstory: Back in May, Johnston participated in our tribute to "Star Wars'" for its 35th anniversary.
First, some backstory: Back in May, Johnston participated in our tribute to "Star Wars'" for its 35th anniversary.
- 11/13/2012
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
Jason Sudeikis said goodbye to his interpretation of Mitt Romney on Saturday night. Actually, when Sudeikis then showed up in the monologue, I admit that there was a passing thought of, Wait, is tonight his last show? (Rumors still persist that Sudeikis' departure will be coming sooner rather than later.) Regardless, it wasn't, which is good because he would have been overshadowed by the Sloppy Swish. Because, really, Saturday's show was all about the Sloppy Swish.
1. Taran Killam (Last Week: 9) No joke, I have already been invited to a Sloppy Swish themed karaoke party.
2. Jason Sudeikis (Last Week: 6) Sudeikis seems to have a renewed energy that he was missing the last two seasons. It's a shame that this will be his last.
3. Bobby Moynihan (Last Week: 2) He never makes the headline, but he's always near the top of the poll.
4. Kate McKinnon (Last Week: 1) The Kate McKinnon train keeps rolling onward.
1. Taran Killam (Last Week: 9) No joke, I have already been invited to a Sloppy Swish themed karaoke party.
2. Jason Sudeikis (Last Week: 6) Sudeikis seems to have a renewed energy that he was missing the last two seasons. It's a shame that this will be his last.
3. Bobby Moynihan (Last Week: 2) He never makes the headline, but he's always near the top of the poll.
4. Kate McKinnon (Last Week: 1) The Kate McKinnon train keeps rolling onward.
- 11/12/2012
- by Mike Ryan
- Aol TV.
With Harrison Ford now throwing hints that he might be interested in appearing as Han Solo in a Disneyfied new series of Star Wars films, it's worth noting he didn't always feel that way. In an interesting article for The Huffington Post, writer Mike Ryan chronicles how Ford was initially enthused about his character and the promotions for the first two films in the series but seemed to sour on the franchise with his last appearance in Return of the Jedi.The article contains fascinating vintage filmed interviews with Ford that show his changing attitudes about Star Wars and Han Solo over the decades. Ryan's conclusion: that Ford may only be changing his tune now in order to secure a major pay check. Click here for more ...
- 11/10/2012
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Only nine segments aired on the Louis C.K.-hosted "Saturday Night Live." What's even more remarkable is that a grand total of five sketches were killed after dress rehearsal. So it goes without saying (but I will anyway, for some reason) that airtime was at a premium this week. On to the sixth Relevancy Poll of the season we go ...
1. Kate McKinnon (Last Week: 12) Slowly but surely, Kate McKinnon is filling in the gap that Kristen Wiig left behind.
2. Bobby Moynihan (Last Week: 5) Just as Chris Christie is looking ahead to 2016, it's pretty obvious that Bobby Moynihan is, too.
3. Cecily Strong (Last Week: 7) Even today, I can't turn on a television without seeing her rendition of Michael Bloomberg's sign language interpreter, Lydia Callis.
4. Aidy Bryant (Last Week: 6) This makes two solid shows in a row for Bryant. I will predict that we have not seen the last of her social media expert.
1. Kate McKinnon (Last Week: 12) Slowly but surely, Kate McKinnon is filling in the gap that Kristen Wiig left behind.
2. Bobby Moynihan (Last Week: 5) Just as Chris Christie is looking ahead to 2016, it's pretty obvious that Bobby Moynihan is, too.
3. Cecily Strong (Last Week: 7) Even today, I can't turn on a television without seeing her rendition of Michael Bloomberg's sign language interpreter, Lydia Callis.
4. Aidy Bryant (Last Week: 6) This makes two solid shows in a row for Bryant. I will predict that we have not seen the last of her social media expert.
- 11/5/2012
- by Mike Ryan
- Aol TV.
On Thursday, Variety reported that Jamie Foxx is in talks with Sony to star in "The Amazing Spider Man 2" as Electro, the film's villain. Shortly after, Foxx himself tweeted the not-at-all cryptic joke, "Dressed up as Electro for Halloween last night. Costume fit well." Then, shortly after that, we spoke to the director of "The Amazing Spider-Man 2," Marc Webb, and asked him for his thoughts on this story. (You can read the full conversation on Friday.) Obviously, Webb has to remain mum, but that didn't stop him from making a joke of his own and expressing how much he likes Foxx.
Did you see Jamie Foxx's tweet?
[Laughs] I did see Jamie Foxx's tweet.
What's your opinion of Jamie Foxx's tweet?
I think Jamie Foxx ... I think he's electrifying.
Ok, that's not a bad joke.
I just said that.
Yep, you did.
I'm sorry.
Totally understandable. Is this official or still preliminary?...
Did you see Jamie Foxx's tweet?
[Laughs] I did see Jamie Foxx's tweet.
What's your opinion of Jamie Foxx's tweet?
I think Jamie Foxx ... I think he's electrifying.
Ok, that's not a bad joke.
I just said that.
Yep, you did.
I'm sorry.
Totally understandable. Is this official or still preliminary?...
- 11/1/2012
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
John C. Reilly has enjoyed one of the most fascinating career shifts of any actor working today. Once know for dramatic roles -- Reilly appeared in "Boogie Nights," "Magnolia," "Gangs of New York," "The Hours" and was Oscar-nominated for "Chicago" in 2002 -- things changed after he co-starred with Will Ferrell in 2006's "Talladega Nights: The Legend of Ricky Bobby." Or, as Reilly says, "the cat came out of the bag on that one." Not that Reilly doesn't star in dramas anymore -- for example, last year's disturbing, "We Need to Talk About Kevin" -- it's just that he's now a comedy fixture.
In keeping with that trend, Reilly stars in the new video-game-inspired animated film, "Wreck-It Ralph." The actor voices the title character in the film, the antagonist in a fictional arcade game called "Fix-It Felix Jr." Ralph decides that he no longer wants to be the villain, a career...
In keeping with that trend, Reilly stars in the new video-game-inspired animated film, "Wreck-It Ralph." The actor voices the title character in the film, the antagonist in a fictional arcade game called "Fix-It Felix Jr." Ralph decides that he no longer wants to be the villain, a career...
- 11/1/2012
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
The announcement of "Star Wars: Episode VII" is barely one day old, but the internet is already filled with enough rumors and speculation about its plot to fill the pages of an old "Starlog" magazine.
TheWrap spoke to Dale Pollock, the author of an unauthorized biography of George Lucas, who said he was given permission to read the "Episode VII," "Episode VIII" and "Episode IX" story treatments back in the 1980s.
"It was originally a 12-part saga," Pollock told TheWrap. "The three most exciting stories were 7, 8 and 9. They had propulsive action, really interesting new worlds, new characters. I remember thinking, 'I want to see these 3 movies.'"
As TheWrap notes, despite interviewing Lucas over 80 times, Pollock and the director no longer have a relationship, and Lucas wasn't pleased with the book. (Hence why it's unauthorized.)
How things have developed over the 29 years since Pollack read those treatments remains to be seen,...
TheWrap spoke to Dale Pollock, the author of an unauthorized biography of George Lucas, who said he was given permission to read the "Episode VII," "Episode VIII" and "Episode IX" story treatments back in the 1980s.
"It was originally a 12-part saga," Pollock told TheWrap. "The three most exciting stories were 7, 8 and 9. They had propulsive action, really interesting new worlds, new characters. I remember thinking, 'I want to see these 3 movies.'"
As TheWrap notes, despite interviewing Lucas over 80 times, Pollock and the director no longer have a relationship, and Lucas wasn't pleased with the book. (Hence why it's unauthorized.)
How things have developed over the 29 years since Pollack read those treatments remains to be seen,...
- 10/31/2012
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
There was once a rumor, for an upcoming movie titled "The Empire Strikes Back," that Han Solo -- not known for his lightsaber skills -- would find himself in a duel with Darth Vader. During this duel, the two combatants' lightsabers would become fused, with an end result of Han and Vader's "life forces" combining -- creating quite the conundrum for Luke Skywalker. (If Luke kills Vader, then he would also kill his friend Han.)
There was also another rumor about "The Empire Strikes Back": Mick Jagger would compose the score.
Obviously, those outlandish rumors never happened -- but they are the kind of crazy development story that one might find on the Internet today. If you don't believe me, maybe go back and check out some of those "The Dark Knight Rises" rumors. In the late 1970s, however, there was no Internet to accelerate or decelerate unfounded rumors such as the examples above.
There was also another rumor about "The Empire Strikes Back": Mick Jagger would compose the score.
Obviously, those outlandish rumors never happened -- but they are the kind of crazy development story that one might find on the Internet today. If you don't believe me, maybe go back and check out some of those "The Dark Knight Rises" rumors. In the late 1970s, however, there was no Internet to accelerate or decelerate unfounded rumors such as the examples above.
- 10/24/2012
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
Based on a couple of moments during the show, I can't help but get the feeling that more than one cast member said at some point this week, "You know, Bruno Mars could be our new Justin Timberlake." Timberlake's quite popular hosting style was obviously the blueprint for the evening: Timberlake was even mentioned during the monologue and Mars starred in a sketch that Timberlake had previously performed. Admittedly, I was dreading this show. Musical performers who are thrust into hosting duties have a, let's say, mixed history of success. But, yeah ... maybe Bruno Mars (with a little help from Tom Hanks) really is the next Justin Timberlake? (Ok, not quite, yet.) So, the host was great, what about the sketches? That is a slightly more complicated answer. In other words: Bruno Mars was the best host of the season, but this was not the best show of the season.
- 10/21/2012
- by Mike Ryan
- Aol TV.
The last time Christina Applegate hosted "SNL" was 19 years ago when she was part of the now quite extremely famous original Matt Foley, Chris Farley sketch, which she mentioned in the monologue. You know the one, where Applegate and David Spade cannot keep a straight face, while somehow Phil Hartman does keep a straight face because that's just what Phil Hartman used to do. Applegate was a terrific host because she blended into the cast and when that happens, "SNL" becomes a streamlined machine -- which it was last night. I'm already looking forward to when Applegate hosts again in 2031. Brace yourself kids, it's time for a quite jovial Scorecard ...
Sketch of the Night
"Cold Open: Vice Presidential Debates" (Jason Sudeikis, Taran Killam, Kate McKinnon, Usain Bolt) I mean, they even nailed Paul Ryan's widow's peak. As opposed to last week's it's-a-stretch-but-we-don't-know-what-else-to-do angle for the first presidential debate, the vice-presidential...
Sketch of the Night
"Cold Open: Vice Presidential Debates" (Jason Sudeikis, Taran Killam, Kate McKinnon, Usain Bolt) I mean, they even nailed Paul Ryan's widow's peak. As opposed to last week's it's-a-stretch-but-we-don't-know-what-else-to-do angle for the first presidential debate, the vice-presidential...
- 10/14/2012
- by Mike Ryan
- Aol TV.
Ben Affleck's career is back on the upswing thanks to this weekend's well-reviewed new thriller "Argo." Affleck stars and directs the film, which tells the true story of six American foreign service workers trapped in Iran after the takeover of the American embassy in 1979, and how their escape was procured by, in part, a fake film known as "Argo." The film provides Affleck with the opportunity to play a character we've not quite seen him as before, much like the 2000 film "Boiler Room." Affleck played a small but memorable role in the financial drama, a shady brokerage firm recruiter who gives a series of inspirational monologues. (The performance drew comparisons with Alec Baldwin's monologue in "Glengarry Glen Ross.")
In a bit of an addendum to Monday's full interview with Affleck, here he explains why his role in "Boiler Room" is a lot like what we'll see from him in his next film,...
In a bit of an addendum to Monday's full interview with Affleck, here he explains why his role in "Boiler Room" is a lot like what we'll see from him in his next film,...
- 10/9/2012
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
Liam Neeson has taken the weekend box office with "Taken 2."
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Neeson's "Taken 2" grossed $50 million in the Us and $55 million overseas. The sequel grossed about $25 million more than the original "Taken" did during its opening weekend in 2008.
In "Taken 2," Neeson stars as Bryan Mills, a retired CIA agent. Maggie Grace returns as Bryan's daughter Kim and "X-Men's" Famke Janssen plays Lenore, Bryan's ex-wife.
"Hotel Transylvania," last week's No. 1 movie, came in at No. 2 with $27 million.
"Pitch Perfect" opened in wide release and came in third at the box office with $14.7 million, according to TheWrap. Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bruce Willis' "Looper" fell to fourth place with $11.8 million. Disney's "Frankenweenie" opened with $11.5 million, placing it in fifth place.
Read Mike Ryan's take on "Taken 2" here.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Neeson's "Taken 2" grossed $50 million in the Us and $55 million overseas. The sequel grossed about $25 million more than the original "Taken" did during its opening weekend in 2008.
In "Taken 2," Neeson stars as Bryan Mills, a retired CIA agent. Maggie Grace returns as Bryan's daughter Kim and "X-Men's" Famke Janssen plays Lenore, Bryan's ex-wife.
"Hotel Transylvania," last week's No. 1 movie, came in at No. 2 with $27 million.
"Pitch Perfect" opened in wide release and came in third at the box office with $14.7 million, according to TheWrap. Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bruce Willis' "Looper" fell to fourth place with $11.8 million. Disney's "Frankenweenie" opened with $11.5 million, placing it in fifth place.
Read Mike Ryan's take on "Taken 2" here.
- 10/7/2012
- by Chris Harnick
- Huffington Post
Last year, during the press rounds for "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," director David Fincher told me that Daniel Craig was quite funny. I took Fincher at his word -- but the thought, Wait, really? did pop into my head at least twice.
As host of "Saturday Night Live," Craig seemed raring to go -- he was practically screaming, "I want to prove to you that I am funny! No, really, I am!" Unfortunately, for the most part, the material just wasn't there. (Put it this way: In the three-year history of "SNL" Scorecard, this is the longest I've just stared at my computer thinking, Well, I guess I have to pick something to be "Sketch of the Night," right?) I hate second-guessing (even though that's what I'm paid to do here, I suppose), but I think the better strategy with Craig might have been to let him play...
As host of "Saturday Night Live," Craig seemed raring to go -- he was practically screaming, "I want to prove to you that I am funny! No, really, I am!" Unfortunately, for the most part, the material just wasn't there. (Put it this way: In the three-year history of "SNL" Scorecard, this is the longest I've just stared at my computer thinking, Well, I guess I have to pick something to be "Sketch of the Night," right?) I hate second-guessing (even though that's what I'm paid to do here, I suppose), but I think the better strategy with Craig might have been to let him play...
- 10/7/2012
- by Mike Ryan
- Aol TV.
Charlie Tahan wasn't like most preschoolers. The 14-year-old star of "Frankenweenie" was into Monty Python and Tim Burton when he was 3, a far cry from people like me, who enjoyed "Sesame Street," "The Electric Company" and, sometimes, "Zoom" at that same age.
In "Frankenweenie," Tahan voices Victor, a young boy who discovers a way to bring his dog, Sparky, back to life after a traffic accident. Unfortunately, this has unexpected repercussions, something that Victor -- along with his parents (voiced by Martin Short and Catherine O'Hara) -- are charged with resolving. Here, Tahan explains what it was like to be directed by his childhood idol and why he wasn't scared by another movie that he was in, "I Am Legend."
I've always wondered this: When you audition for an animated film, how to you beat out others when everyone is just trying to sound "like a kid"?
Well, I used my normal voice.
In "Frankenweenie," Tahan voices Victor, a young boy who discovers a way to bring his dog, Sparky, back to life after a traffic accident. Unfortunately, this has unexpected repercussions, something that Victor -- along with his parents (voiced by Martin Short and Catherine O'Hara) -- are charged with resolving. Here, Tahan explains what it was like to be directed by his childhood idol and why he wasn't scared by another movie that he was in, "I Am Legend."
I've always wondered this: When you audition for an animated film, how to you beat out others when everyone is just trying to sound "like a kid"?
Well, I used my normal voice.
- 10/4/2012
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
Patricia Clarkson is top-lining the cast for "Last Weekend," which Tom Dolby and Tom Williams are directing, the producers announced in a statement on Wednesday. The dark comedy also stars Zachary Booth, Joseph Cross, Devon Gray, Jayma Mays, Chris Mulkey, Alexia Rasmussen and Rutina Wesley. Mike Ryan is producing with Mark Johnson executive producing. The film takes place over a four-day summer holiday at Celia and Malcolm Green's Northern California estate overlooking Lake Tahoe, where their two sons and assorted friends have been invited for a long weekend. As a series of...
- 10/3/2012
- by Liza Foreman
- The Wrap
It was about 2:30 in the afternoon yesterday when my phone rang. The Caller ID was blocked, so I picked up the receiver and said, "Hello?"
"I'm looking for Mike Ryan," a raspy yet oddly familiar voice replied. "This is?" I said, sheepishly, hoping that our conversation wouldn't be followed by a knock at my door and a summons. "Hey, this is Bruce Willis," the voice responded. This would have been a perfectly reasonable start to an interview ... if I had known that I was interviewing Bruce Willis.
The day before, I had been told that Bruce Willis might be available for interviews in support of his new time-travel thriller, "Looper." That's it. Smash cut: He's calling my cell phone with no warning. (Apparently, he decided to bypass the studio press office and handle this round of interviews personally, John McClane-style.) Normally, I would have prepared pretty intensely for an interview like this.
"I'm looking for Mike Ryan," a raspy yet oddly familiar voice replied. "This is?" I said, sheepishly, hoping that our conversation wouldn't be followed by a knock at my door and a summons. "Hey, this is Bruce Willis," the voice responded. This would have been a perfectly reasonable start to an interview ... if I had known that I was interviewing Bruce Willis.
The day before, I had been told that Bruce Willis might be available for interviews in support of his new time-travel thriller, "Looper." That's it. Smash cut: He's calling my cell phone with no warning. (Apparently, he decided to bypass the studio press office and handle this round of interviews personally, John McClane-style.) Normally, I would have prepared pretty intensely for an interview like this.
- 10/3/2012
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
Not much is known about Wes Anderson's next film, "The Grand Budapest Hotel" -- Anderson has been coy about plot details, simply referring to is as "Euro" -- but one thing that seemed to be known was the lead, Johnny Depp. We spoke to Anderson on Saturday (who is currently in Italy working on a project) to discuss the Blu-ray release of "Moonrise Kingdom." During our conversation (the full interview will publish next week), "The Grand Budapest Hotel" was discussed and Anderson is still being coy about the details. Except one: It won't be starring Johnny Depp. (Though, rest assured, it will star Bill Murray.)
The rumor appears to have stemmed from a Deadline.com report in July, and was widely carried on a number of entertainment news sites, including HuffPost Entertainment. But Anderson says the story was without merit.
Your next movie is The Grand Budapest Hotel," which...
The rumor appears to have stemmed from a Deadline.com report in July, and was widely carried on a number of entertainment news sites, including HuffPost Entertainment. But Anderson says the story was without merit.
Your next movie is The Grand Budapest Hotel," which...
- 9/29/2012
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
Earlier this year, Wes Anderson had the second-biggest hit of his career with Moonrise Kingdom , a coming-of-age comedy that had many people feeling the movie may be remembered during the upcoming awards season. A couple of months after that, the elusive Anderson was ready to announce his next movie, The Grand Budapest Hotel , and a couple of sources reported that Johnny Depp would be starring in said movie. Turns out that this won't be the case. While speaking with Mike Ryan of The Huffington Post earlier today, Anderson stated that Depp would not be starring in his next feature after all. As he told them: "You know, the Internet has a way of announcing things on its own [laughs]. You will find that even though I'm very aware of the cast that has been...
- 9/29/2012
- Comingsoon.net
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