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Latest Video: FilmCrunch 067: Hairspray, Chuck & Larry, Premonition reviewed

Veronica Santiago and Neil Estep review Hairspray, Chuck & Larry, and Premonition in this episode of FilmCrunch.
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Brad Pitt, Edward Norton Reunion A Bust

Brad Pitt and Edward NortonIt was probably one of the most buzzed about reunions since and were brought back together again.  Now it looks like we might have to wait another 8 years to see it happen.

Back in September, it was announced that and would join forces for the political drama, .  The two, last seen together in 1999’s , were next set to spar in the political arena.  Pitt was cast as former campaign manager-turned-reporter while Edward was scheduled to play a congressman whose research assistant is murdered.  I use the word ‘was’ because Play’s two core stars have since dropped out. 

Unhappy with the final script, Pitt eventually backed out of the film.  Although had agreed to step in, his late arrival pushed the starting date from November to January.  This change unfortunately posed a scheduling conflict for Norton, who was then forced to exit as well.  It is now hoped that will slide in his place.  (I for some reason doubt the Crowe/Affleck chemistry could even come close to the original pairing’s.)

Assuming no other last minute changes are made, the movie - an adaptation of a British mini-series - will also feature , , and .

Read More | Variety

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Golden Globe Nominations (Film)

Assuming the ongoing doesn’t put a wrench into everyone’s plans, the 65th Annual ceremony is scheduled to air on Sunday, Jan. 13th. (The telecast will come just 9 days prior to the nominations.)

Here are the most notable omissions/additions in this year’s list of film honorees:
Atonement

(Click below for the full list of film nominees; click here for the TV nominations.)

Click to continue reading Golden Globe Nominations (Film)

Read More | Hollywood Foreign Press Assocation

In Theaters This Weekend (12/7)

The Golden Compass

Here are some possible suggestions for your upcoming weekend:

In Theaters This Weekend (11/30)

Awake
  • Awake (R):  starring Hayden Christensen, Jessica Alba, Terrence Howard (directed by Joby Harold)

  • Badland* (R):  starring Jamie Draven, Linda St. George, Linda Naney (directed by Francesco Lucente)
  • Chronicles of an Escape* (R):  starring Rodrigo De La Serna, Pablo Echarri (directed by Adrian Israel Caetano)
  • Divine Intervention* (R):  starring Wesley Jonathan, Jazsmin Lewis, James Avery (directed by Van Elder)
  • The Diving Bell and the Butterfly* (PG-13):  starring Mathieu Amalric, Emmanuelle Seigner (directed by Julian Schnabel)
  • Oswald’s Ghost* (NR):  (directed by Robert Stone)
  • Protagonist* (R):  starring Hans-Joachim Klein, Mark Pierpont, Joe Loya (directed by Jessica Yu)
  • The Sasquatch Gang* (NR):  starring Jon Gries, Jeremy Sumpter, Justin Long (directed by Tim Skousen)
  • The Savages* (R):  starring Laura Linney, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Philip Bosco (directed by Tamara Jenkins)
  • Sex and Breakfast* (R):  starring Macaulay Culkin, Alexis Dziena, Eliza Dushku (directed by Miles Brandman)
  • Teeth* (R):  starring John Hensley, Jess Weixler, Hale Appleman (directed by Mitchell Lichtenstein)

*limited and/or gradual release


Don’t Rush to Theaters for ‘August Rush’

August Rush ScreenshotFrom the first time I saw the trailer, I had a bad feeling about the dramatic, music-themed , which doesn’t seem to have a strong cast or even a believable storyline. Early reviews are in, and so far the criticism isn’t good.

plays a young boy with innate musical talent, who embarks upon a quest to find his parents. That, in a nutshell, is the plot. There is one scene were the young boy stands in a field and hears music on the breeze, which inspires him to head to the big city of New York to find his mom and dad (because that’s a highly likely thing for a boy under fifteen to do). His parents are played by Jonathan Rhys Meyers (you know, Henry VIII), and (I know, who?), both musicians themselves, who meet and conceive a baby. The mother’s father has the resulting baby (Highmore) given up for adoption, telling his daughter the baby died. But don’t let this soap operatic plot be the thing that deters you – be deterred by over-the-top acting instead.

Click to continue reading Don’t Rush to Theaters for ‘August Rush’

Read More | MSNBC

British Film About John Lennon Comes to U.S.

John Lennon is planning to distribute three movies in the U.S., new to States viewers but already old hat to British audiences. Two are comedies, but one is a thought-provoking documentary-style flick that focuses on one of the terrible events in American (and British) history.

focuses on Mark David Chapman’s actions in 1980 which robbed the world of a beautiful musical genius. Even two decades after his death, is still rich fodder for movie makers of all kinds.

The flick is set to be released stateside January 8, exactly twenty-seven years and one month after the former member was assassinated. 

Read More | Yahoo! News

In Theaters This Holiday Weekend (11/21)

Enchanted

Here are some possible suggestions for your holiday enjoyment:

2007 Holiday Movie Guide

FilmCrunch logoThe music, the décor, the treats…the weather. The holidays are drawing near, and that can only mean one thing: lots of sappy heart-wrenchers are going to start appearing in our movie theaters. Even the films couched as comedies are sure to evoke a deeper meaning, all in an effort to open our holiday hearts.

Whether you want tears, laughter, or good old-fashioned family entertainment, this year Hollywood is running the gamut on movies designed to tempt you away from the malls and into the theaters. But will you actually see any of them?  Get the scoop on all the upcoming movies being released this holiday season.

Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium

I saw the trailer and immediately dismissed this movie out of hand. Never mind that it has and Natalie Portman (a big star cast if ever there was one); this is a movie about a magic toy shop. HUH? Who actually got Hoffman and Portman to agree to this? Designed especially for kids and family, is about an inventor (Hoffman) and his manager’s (Portman) attempts to keep the shop open, despite intervention from an accountant ().

This one’s for the little tykes, people. Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium comes to theaters November 16.

Click to continue reading 2007 Holiday Movie Guide

Read More | AOL Movies

Review: ‘American Gangster’

Go see American GangsterAmerican Gangster is based on the true story of Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington), an African American drug kingpin in 1970s Harlem who smuggles heroin in the caskets of dead soldiers returning from Vietnam. Lucas buys the drug wholesale from the source and sells a more purer form at half the price, effectively putting his competition out of business and making him one of the most powerful men in New York. Russell Crowe plays Detective Richie Roberts, a straight-laced cop who is assigned to solve the city’s drug problem.

Bottom line: Ridley Scott turns a spellbinding American story into a riveting three hours of cinema. I foresee Oscar nominations abound for this flick.

Check out my detailed review after the jump and find out which Goonie put out one hell of a performance.

Click to continue reading Review: ‘American Gangster’


Box Office Breakdown: A Gangbusters Weekend for Washington, Crowe

American Gangster

Combine and star-wattage and you’re bound to get a hit.  But did anyone expect a $43 million debut for ?  Why did these Oscar-winners do so well when others have only done okay?  How did an R-rated film beat out an animated PG flick?  Why didn’t the movie’s long running-time (157 minutes) turn people away?

Gangster’s #1 spot was just one of the film’s many weekend achievements.  The movie also marked the biggest opening weekend for both lead actors (Russell’s Gladiator earned $35 million; Washington’s Inside Man grossed $29 million).  It also had the 2nd best debut for a drama in November (right behind 2002’s 8 Mile).

Unfortunately, all this good news was lost on comedian —the hardest working self-promoter of 2007.  Even though spent countless hours of airtime sucking up to its former Golden Boy, Seinfeld’s was stung with a 2nd place finish.  Although $38 million take is nothing to complain about, I expect next week’s will slide right in to become the week’s best-grossing comedy.

Click to continue reading Box Office Breakdown: A Gangbusters Weekend for Washington, Crowe


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