***First Images from THE HOBBIT Feature Martin Freeman as Bilbo and Ian McKellan as Gandalf ***New Trailer and Images from ONE DAY ***Kerry Washington On The Shortlist For Lead Female Role In Django Unchained ***EXCLUSIVE: Cameron Diaz Talks Bad Teacher

New Trailer and Images from ONE DAY

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: June 23rd, 2011

A new trailer for director Lone Scherfig’s (An Education) adaptation of One Day has been released. The film stars Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess, and centers on two friends who continue to meet on July 15th–the anniversary of the day they met at their college graduation–over the course of twenty years. While the first trailer wasn’t great, the international trailer and this new trailer show some promise. I’m intrigued by the story, and Scherfig’s proven her talent behind the camera.

Hit the jump to watch the trailer. One Day hits theaters August 19^th.  http://collider.com/one-day-movie-trailer-images/98277/

First Images from THE HOBBIT Feature Martin Freeman as Bilbo and Ian McKellan as Gandalf

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: June 23rd, 2011

The first images from Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit have been released. We get our first look at Martin Freeman as Bilbo, as well as a look at Ian McKellan as Gandalf (nostalgia swoon). Freeman looks perfect, and seeing McKellan in his Gandalf garb again instills an immediate need to revisit The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Also included in the batch is a set image featuring Jackson and Freeman.

Hit the jump to check out the images. The two-part film is currently shooting in New Zealand and stars Freeman, McKellan, Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, Elijah Wood, Orlando Bloom, Andy Serkis, Luke Evans, Benedict Cumberbatch, Evangeline Lilly and Stephen Fry. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey will be released on December 14^th, 2012, with The Hobbit: There and Back Again hitting theaters on December 13^th, 2013.  http://collider.com/the-hobbit-movie-images/98262/

Kerry Washington On The Shortlist For Lead Female Role In Django Unchained

published: 2011-06-23 13:23:27 Author: Katey Rich
Amid the flurry of stories confirming yesterday that Jamie Foxx is probably the star of Quentin Tarantino's next film Django Unchained, it was easy to miss one intriguing detail in Variety. They report that Kerry Washington has met with Tarantino, and is one of the top contenders to play Broomhilda, the wife of the titular character Django who's been kidnapped by her owner, to be played by Leonardo DiCaprio. There aren't a ton of African American actresses as famous as Foxx, DiCaprio or co-star Christoph Waltz , or in the right age range to play Foxx's wife, so it makes sense that Washington would pop up on the list.

And yet, it's also really exciting to see her in contention. Washington is one of those actresses who's ridiculously talented but who flies so often under the radar, thanks to strong performances in underseen movies like Mother and Child, Night Catches Us and For Colored Girls, and the general challenge of being an African-American actress in an industry that still skews heavily white. I'm curious about who else might be meeting with Tarantino for the part-- maybe Washington's For Colored Girls co-star Anika Noni Rose, or an unknown actress?-- but without even having read the widely circulated script, I'm dying to see Washington take on the challenge. http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Kerry-Washington-On-The-Shortlist-For-Lead-Female-Role-In-Django-Unchained-25373.html

EXCLUSIVE: Cameron Diaz Talks Bad Teacher

Jun 24, 2011 by B. Alan Orange

Some teachers just don't give an F! Bad Teacher stars Cameron Diaz as a foul-mouthed, stoned out, ruthless teacher vying to win over a handsome substitute (Justin Timberlake) in the hopes of never having to work again. Jake Kasdan directs this raunchy R rated comedy, which also stars Jason Segel and Justin Timberlake. David Ozanich recently caught up with the Bad Teacher herself, Cameron Diaz, for a 1:1 exclusive chat about the film. He also met with her co-stars Lucy Punch, Phyllis Smith, and Thomas Lennon. To check out all of our interviews, click on the clips below. http://www.movieweb.com/news/exclusive-cameron-diaz-talks-bad-teacher

25 may; HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Born Today

Ian McKellen (72)

 

Mike Myers (48)

 

Cillian Murphy (35)

 

Anne Heche(42)

 

Jacki Weaver (64)

 

Ethan Suplee 35

 

 

Molly Sims 38

 

Jamie Kennedy 41

 

Frank Oz 67

http://www.imdb.com/search/name?birth_monthday=05-25

***Ian McKellen, Judi Dench, Gillian Anderson, and Mark Williams to Star in 18th Century Zombie Film THE CURSE OF THE BUXOM STRUMPET ***Mel Gibson in Talks for SLEIGHT OF HAND ***Ryan Reynolds to Choose Between "Deadpool" and "The Flash" ***Todd Phillips Says "The Hangover" Will be a Trilogy

Ian McKellen, Judi Dench, Gillian Anderson, and Mark Williams to Star in 18th Century Zombie Film THE CURSE OF THE BUXOM STRUMPET

by Matt Goldberg   Posted: May 18th, 2011 at 8:40 am

It looks like Pride and Prejudice and Zombies isn’t the only period-piece/zombie flick mash-up in town.  ScreenDaily reports that Ian McKellen, Judi Dench, Gillian Anderson, and Mark Williams (Arthur Weasley from the Harry Potter films) are attached to star in Matthew Butler’s The Curse of the Buxom Strumpet.  The film is based off Butler’s 2010 short comedy E’gad Zombies, which also starred McKellen.  The plot of Buxom Strumpet, co-written by Tori Hart, is about the “inhabitants of a small seaside town who are struck down with a deadly illness.”  No details are provided on that deadly illness, but I imagine it involves glassy eyes, coming back to life, and a hunger for human flesh.
While I’m a fan of this cast, I’m still not sold on the appeal of these movies beyond the novelty they provide.  I can understand Butler using the premise for a short film, but I’m worried that the joke becomes stale when stretched out to feature length.  Hit the jump to read a synopsis of E’gad Zombies and to see a trailer for the short.
http://collider.com/ian-mckellen-judi-dench-curse-of-the-buxom-strumpet/91508/

Mel Gibson in Talks for SLEIGHT OF HAND

by Brendan Bettinger   Posted: May 17th, 2011 at 10:32 pm

Mel Gibson is in talks to star opposite Kiefer Sutherland, Gerard Depardieu, and Thomas Jane  in the heist comedy Sleight of Hand.  According to Variety, the story centers on “a bunch of bungling burglars in Paris who inadvertently steal a rare gold coin belonging to a gangster.”  Til Schweiger, Johnny Hallyday, Jon Lovitz, and Eric Cantona also star.  The initial announcement at the Cannes Film Festival indicates Sleight of Hand will be shot entirely in Paris from July to September.  Brad Mirman (The Confession) will direct from his own script.
It’s hard not to think of every news item involving Gibson as a step in his public image rehabilitation, but I have nothing insightful to say about this possibility.  Everyone loves a good heist film, especially if you let the crew loose in Paris.  I like that the cast skews a bit older, and Gibson seems like a fine fit in however big a role he plays. (See, banal.)
Gibson has How I Spent My Summer Vacation in the can, but the action movie is still in search of distributor for a domestic release.  (The rights to most international territories sold quickly.)  Read the official synopsis for Sleight of Hand after the jump. http://collider.com/mel-gibson-sleight-of-hand/91497/

Ryan Reynolds to Choose Between "Deadpool" and "The Flash"

Posted: May 19th, 2011 by WorstPreviews.com Staff


Ryan Reynolds played Deadpool in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," which is why it was surprising that Warner Bros hired the actor to play the title role in "Green Lantern."

But there were also talks of Reynolds playing The Flash, which may be difficult to do if Green Lantern and The Flash both appear in the upcoming "Justice League of America" movie.

We know that the actor has been prepping "Deadpool," which Reynolds says may be the reason why he will have to pass on "The Flash." "I always thought if I did a 'Deadpool' film, I wouldn't do a 'Flash' movie," he told CBR, adding that he's comfortable with playing Deadpool after playing Green Lantern because the characters are so different. "The [Deadpool] movie we're working on is more of a deconstruction of superhero movies."

Source: CBR



Read more: http://www.worstpreviews.com/headline.php?id=21709&count=0

 

 

 

Todd Phillips Says "The Hangover" Will be a Trilogy

Posted: May 19th, 2011 by WorstPreviews.com Staff


During a press conference for "The Hangover Part 2," director Todd Phillips confirmed that he would like the franchise to become a trilogy if audiences come out to see the second film.

"We always envisioned it as a trilogy," he said. "The third would very much be a finale and an ending. The most I could say about it, and I haven't discussed it with these actors, is that it is not following that template but very much a new idea."

When asked where he would like "The Hangover Part 3" to take place, Phillips joked: "I'm very open, like the Olympic committee, to being pitched and presented cities. Flown around with wine and women and bribed and then I will make my decision."

Source: Collider



Read more: http://www.worstpreviews.com/headline.php?id=21703&count=0

 

***Release Date for ONE DAY Starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess Moved to July ***Andy Serkis and Ian McKellen Join THE HOBBIT ***Principal Photography Begins on Zhang Yimou’s 13 FLOWERS OF NANJING Starring Christian Bale

Release Date for ONE DAY Starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess Moved to July

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: January 10th, 2011

Lest you think the summer is just for big budget movies about fighting robots, Focus Features has moved the release date of their romantic comedy One Day up to July 8^th. The film stars Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess and marks the much anticipated follow up of An Education director Lone Scherfig. We brought you the first images from the film back in December. One Day “follows two friends who meet during their graduation in 1998 and reunite only on the anniversary of that day for the next 20 years.” Variety reported the schedule move for the film, which was originally going to be released in the fall.

The release date move pits the film against The Zookeeper starring Kevin James and Katherine Heigl’s new “comedy” One for the Money, in which she’s probably very unlikeable. The film opens only one week after Transformers: The Dark of the Moon hits theaters (on Fourth of July weekend, of course), and one week before Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 is released.

http://collider.com/one-day-release-date/69305/

Andy Serkis and Ian McKellen Join THE HOBBIT

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: January 10th, 2011

Hot off the heels of the news that Elijah Wood will be reprising his role as Frodo in Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit movies, Andy Serkis and Ian McKellen are now set to reprise their roles of Gollum and Gandalf the Wizard, respectively, from The Lord of the Rings trilogy.  In addition to the casting of Serkis, Deadline reports that Christopher Lee (Saruman) and Ian Holm (old Bilbo Baggins) are also in talks to return to Middle Earth once again.

THR broke the news of McKellen’s return, and reports that the offer for Orlando Bloom to return as Legolas is still out, but it’s not yet known if a deal can be made before the film starts shooting. Production on both 3D films is set to begin in February in New Zealand. Martin Freeman stars as young Bilbo Baggins, with Cate Blanchett and Hugo Weaving also confirmed to appear. The Hobbit Part I is scheduled to be released in December 2012, with The Hobbit Part II set to follow in December 2013.

http://collider.com/andy-serkis-ian-mckellen-the-hobbit-movie/69296/

Principal Photography Begins on Zhang Yimou’s 13 FLOWERS OF NANJING Starring Christian Bale

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: January 10th, 2011

Principal photography has begun on Zhang Yimou’s first multi-lingual film, 13 Flowers of Nanjing (formerly Nanjing Heroes).  As we previously reported, likely future Oscar-winner Christian Bale will play an American trapped in a Church compound in Nanjing, China during the Sino-Japanese war.  The film is Yimou’s follow-up to the curious A Woman, a Gun, and a Noodle Shop, and Under the Hawthorn Tree, the latter of which has yet to be released in the U.S.  Bale is also reportedly attached to star The Last Photograph, and, of course, The Dark Knight Rises.

Hit the jump for the full press release, which includes a synopsis for 13 Flowers of Nanjing.

Here’s the press release:

PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY BEGINS ON ACCLAIMED FILMMAKER ZHANG YIMOU’S FIRST MULTI-LINGUAL FILM

13 FLOWERS OF NANJING STARRING CHRISTIAN BALE

HONG KONG – January 10, 2010 – Principal photography has begun at Nanjing Studios outside of Nanjing, China on 13 Flowers of Nanjing starring Christian Bale, the next film from master filmmaker Zhang Yimou.

13 Flowers of Nanjing is set in 1937 in Nanjing, China during Sino-Japanese war, where a few brave refugees find sanctuary in a Church compound.  The group, thrown together by the terrible chaos of war, risks their lives for the Church’s school children as they struggle to survive the violence and persecution brought on by the violent invasion of the city.  Through tremendous adversity, heroism presents itself among the least likely individuals as they bravely navigate their treacherous surroundings to try and save themselves and each other.  13 Flowers of Nanjing is a story of heroism and love: for those around you, for one’s family, and the love between an unlikely couple which fate brings together.  Christian Bale will play John, an American, trapped thousands of miles from home and seemingly, with nowhere to turn.

Produced by Zhang Weiping and Bill Kong, the film will incorporate both Chinese and English dialog into its narrative.  Zhang Yimou will be reuniting with Beijing New Pictures and Edko Films Limited for the project.  David Linde will executive produce. The team has also tapped Xiaoding Zhao as director of photography (House of Flying Daggers, Curse of the Golden Flower); renown special effects supervisor Joss Williams (Aliens, The Bourne Ultimatum, Munich); production designer Yohei Taneda (Kill Bill Vol. 1); composer Qigang Chen (Under The Hawthorn Tree); production and costume designer William Chang (In The Mood of Love, 2047) ; and costume designer Graciela Mazon (The Legend of Zorro, From Dusk Till Dawn).

Director Zhang Yimou is one of the most renowned Chinese directors working today.  He has won countless international awards and honors during the span of his career for films like Raise the Red Lantern, To Live, Hero, House of Flying Daggers, and Red Sorghum, the first film he directed in 1987.  In 2008, he directed the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympic Games in Beijing.

Currently, versatile and renowned actor Christian Bale is receiving rave reviews for his portrayal of Dicky Eklund in The Fighter, where he stars alongside Mark Wahlberg for director David O’Russell. Bale’s acting credits also include both commercial and critically lauded films such as Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, Terminator Salvation, The Machinist, Rescue Dawn, 3:10 to Yuma, American Psycho, Metroland and Velvet Goldmine among many others.

Yimou, Kong and Linde previously worked together on Yimou’s House of Flying Daggers and the Oscar® nominated action film Hero which grossed over $200 million worldwide.  Kong and Linde have a long relationship working together in both distribution and production including Ang Lee’s four-time Oscar winning film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon which grossed over $120 million domestically.

http://collider.com/principal-photography-begins-on-zhang-yimous-13-flowers-of-nanjing-starring-christian-bale/69236/

***Elijah Wood Confirmed for THE HOBBIT ***Elijah Wood to Cameo in THE HOBBIT? Ian McKellen, Andy Serkis and Orlando Bloom In Talks As Well ***Armie Hammer Offers Details on Clint Eastwood’s J. EDGAR

Elijah Wood Confirmed for THE HOBBIT

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: January 7th, 2011

Yesterday, we told you about the rumor that Elijah Wood would possibly be appearing in Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit films. For once, it looks like the rumors may be true. Wood is apparently now set to reprise his role as Frodo Baggins in both films. We now even know in what capacity he will appear, but since many of you want to remain spoiler-free, we’ll leave that until after the jump.

Wood joins Ian McKellan, Andy Serkis and Orlando Bloom on the growing list of actors from the Lord of the Rings trilogy that are reportedly in talks to appear in Jackson’s Hobbit films. Hit the jump for the details of Frodo’s involvement.

Again, if you want to remain free and clear from plot points regarding The Hobbit, stop reading now.

TheOneRing.net reports that Frodo will apparently appear in the opening sequence of each of The Hobbit films, setting the flicks up as a frame story. As the audience is being told the tale of Bilbo Baggins’ adventures, Frodo will be hearing the story as well. Personally, I think this is a great way for Jackson to bridge The Hobbit films with his LOTR trilogy. Wood’s appearance should serve as nice bookends, and I can only assume that if he appears at the end of the second film I’ll have a burning desire to rush home and throw on The Fellowship of the Ring as quickly as possible.

Not only does this provide an accessible frame story through which the audience can be told Bilbo’s story, it also paves the way for more actors from LOTR to appear in The Hobbit, should Jackson choose to do so. There’s been no confirmation of fellow hobbits Sean Astin, Dominic Monahan or Billy Boyd making an appearance, but it remains a feasible possibility.

So far, the only actors from the LOTR trilogy that have been confirmed to appear in The Hobbit are Cate Blanchett and Hugo Weaving. Martin Freeman stars as Bilbo Baggins and Howard Shore is returning to score the films.  The Hobbit Part I is scheduled to be released in December 2012, with The Hobbit Part II set to follow in December 2013. Peter Jackson will shoot the films in 3D using the new RED EPIC cameras. Click here to catch up on all things Hobbit.

http://collider.com/elijah-wood-the-hobbit-2/68683/

Elijah Wood to Cameo in THE HOBBIT? Ian McKellen, Andy Serkis and Orlando Bloom In Talks As Well

by Jeff Ames    Posted: January 6th, 2011

Will Elijah Wood be in The Hobbit? According to Deadline the answer might be a resounding yes. File this under rumor for now, but supposedly conversations have opened up between the Lord of the Rings star and Warner Bros. regarding a possible Frodo cameo. Not surprisingly, Ian McKellen, Andy Serkis and Orlando Bloom are said to be in talks to join Martin Freeman and the ever expanding cast in the much anticipated return to Middle Earth. Of course, every Hobbit fan knows of Gandalf’s and Gollum’s importance to the prequel story, but the tale occurred long before Frodo was a wee lad so where he’ll figure into the proceedings remains anyone’s guess.

In related news from earlier today, Warner Bros. will oversee worldwide distribution of The Hobbit and cover the entire cost of the prequels, which is said to exceed $500 million. How’s that for a Hobbit’s tale?

The first Hobbit film, directed by Peter Jackson, is scheduled for December 2012; part two will follow in December 2013.  Hit the jump for a synopsis from of J. R. R. Tolkien’s book.

Bilbo Baggins, the hobbit, is a peaceful sort of cozy hole in the Shire, a place where adventures are uncommon and rather unwanted. So when the wizard Gandalf whisks him away on a treasure hunting expedition with a troop of rowdy dwarves, he’s not entirely thrilled. Encountering ruthless trolls, beastly orcs, gigantic spiders, and hungry wolves, Bilbo discovers within himself astonishing strength and courage. And at the ultimate confrontation with the fearsome dragon Smaug, the hobbit will brave the dangers of dark and dragon fire alone and unaided. [Amazon]

http://collider.com/elijah-wood-the-hobbit/68626/

Armie Hammer Offers Details on Clint Eastwood’s J. EDGAR

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: January 7th, 2011

While the filmmakers and cast of The Social Network are making the obligatory pre-Oscar press rounds right now, it’s prime time to get some info on their upcoming projects. Armie Hammer has done just that, as he recently offered up some details on Clint Eastwood’s J. Edgar Hoover biopic J. Edgar. Leonardo DiCaprio is reportedly attached to play the title character, with Hammer taking on the role of Hoover’s lover and confidant Clyde Toulson. Apparently the film will span a number of years, with Hammer and DiCaprio donning old-age makeup. Hammer had this to say:

I’m playing Toulson up to his elderly age! Makeup stuff comes within the next couple weeks. We’re definitely doing a lot of wardrobe stuff right now, but the makeup stuff we haven’t done yet.

For more details on the Dustin Lance Black (Milk)-scripted film, including plot points and who Judi Dench is playing, hit the jump.

A couple weeks ago, we told you that Judi Dench had joined the cast in an unspecified role. In speaking with Vulture, Hammer confirmed her addition to the cast and said that she’ll be playing Hoover’s mother. “Really perfect,” Hammer said of her casting.

Apparently, the story mainly follows Hoover and Toulson as young men, but several flash forwards will be scattered throughout the film that show the two as old men in their seventies.  While initially only colleagues, Hoover and Toulson will share an onscreen kiss following an altercation, which then leads to Hoover bringing Toulson in as the FBI director’s right-hand man.

Personally, I’m very much excited to see what Eastwood does with this material. The talent involved is incredible: screenwriter Lance Black won the Oscar for his screenplay for Milk, DiCaprio is one of the greatest actors of his generation, and Hammer showed unbelievable promise in The Social Network. Charlize Theron has also reportedly been offered the role of Hoover’s secretary. Production on J. Edgar is set to begin next month, and with the fast pace at which Eastwood works, it’s feasible that the film could hit theaters by the end of this year.

http://collider.com/armie-hammer-j-edgar/68710/