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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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James Franco to Play Hugh Hefner?

James FrancoJames Franco is in negotiations to play Hugh Hefner in Lovelace.

The 127 Hours actor may portray the Playboy magazine founder in the movie starring Amanda Seyfried as Linda Lovelace - best known for her starring role in porn movie Deep Throat - after passing on the opportunity to play her husband Chuck Traynor.

The role would be a cameo and only require one day of shooting, but talks have not yet been completed to find a date suitable for him, according to The Hollywood Reporter. A heavy-hitting cast including Sharon Stone, Peter Sarsgaard, Chris Noth and Juno Temple are already signed on to star.

Production on the project is already underway, with shooting in Los Angeles beginning last week. Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman are directing the picture.

James - who earlier this year put in a turn as presenter when he hosted the Academy Awards with Anne Hathaway - has a number of movies coming up, including Wizard of Oz prequel Oz: The Great and Powerful and Spring Breakers.


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This Week on DVD and Blu-ray: December 7, 2010

Inception Blu-rayHere are some of the options available this week:

  • Absence of Malice: DVD
  • Cronos: DVD, Blu-ray
  • The Fisher King: DVD
  • Hugh Hefner: Playboy, Activist and Rebel: DVD
  • Inception: DVD, Blu-ray
  • Jagged Edge: DVD
  • Lost in Translation: Blu-ray
  • Restrepo: DVD, Blu-ray
  • Rush Hour: Blu-ray
  • Shrek Forever After: DVD, Blu-ray
  • St. Elmo's Fire: DVD, Blu-ray

Make sure to also check out the options for this week.

Read More | Amazon

In Theaters This Weekend: July 30, 2010


Here are a few selections in theaters this weekend:

Click to continue reading In Theaters This Weekend: July 30, 2010


Will Robert Downey Jr. Take on Hugh Hefner?

Hugh HefnerRobert Downey Jr

At this time last year, we told you a biopic of Hugh Hefner was in the works. The movie, which had no writer yet attached to it, would detail the life of the Playboy founder starting with his upbringing in Illinois.

Now the Chicago Sun Times is reporting that an actor may have been chosen for the project: Iron Man. The 82-year-old entrepreneur reportedly signed off on the casting choice after seeing ‘s recent work in the action film. But whether Downey will be able to don the the iconic robes is another question. Assuming he’s even interested, his schedule might not allow him to take on the role. His recent success may have him tied down with sequel work for some time to come.

Although (Rush Hour) was originally scheduled to helm the project, the film is currently without a director. If a script is completed soon, production could begin as early as next summer.

Read More | Chicago Sun Times

Hugh Hefner Approves Biography in ‘Playboy’

Hefner pipeThe ever-suave social activist and founder of Playboy magazine, who sold the rights to his life story several years ago, has recently given the green-light to a film version.  Directed by Brett Ratner (X-Men: The Last Stand, Rush Hour), the movie will focus on all major aspects of Hef’s life: his humble upbringing; his advocacy for free speech; a near-death experience in the 1980s; and, of course, his rampant sexual exploits.

Brain Grazer (A Beautiful Mind, The Da Vinci Code) is set to produce the film, and a script is already in the works, though the writer has yet to be announced.

I can only ask myself, “What took so long?”  The man has been a social icon for decades, has sex (presumably all day) with beautiful women, and speaks out against censorship — this has “movie” written all over it.  Hopefully, the filmmakers weren’t just waiting for him to die, because there’s something they should know: Hugh Hefner is a bona fide superhero, and he’s not going anywhere.

The obvious second question that remains in my mind is, “Who will play Hugh?”  My vote is for Greg Kinnear.  Or how about Vincent Gallo?  That’d be interesting.

Read More | Reuters

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