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WAMG Talks To MARTIN LANDAU And WINONA RYDER At The FRANKENWEENIE Press Day

With the release of FRANKENWEENIE just a few days away, I was invited to Disneyland in Anaheim, CA to talk with stars Winona Ryder (voice of “Elsa van Helsing”) and Martin Landau (voice of “Mr. Rzykruski”).

From creative genius Tim Burton (“Alice in Wonderland,” The Nightmare Before Christmas”) comes FRANKENWEENIE, a heartwarming tale about a boy and his dog. After unexpectedly losing his beloved dog Sparky, young Victor harnesses the power of science to bring his best friend back to life—with just a few minor adjustments. He tries to hide his home-sewn creation, but when Sparky gets out, Victor’s fellow students, teachers and the entire town all learn that getting a new “leash on life” can be monstrous.

I can safely say that this was a lively roundtable! Only a few questions were asked by the press in the 20 minutes that we had with Ryder and Landau. The two not only led the discussion, but also had a lot to talk about with each other. There was definitely a high energy level circulating the room. Check it out!

What was the experience working with Tim Burton again?

WINONA RYDER: Oh, it’s always amazing. I mean, I’m trying to think of like new adjectives to use, because I, um… it, it truly is just such a special experience all every time and, and even also just being around him when just he’s one of my favorite people I think in the world that – just to be around.

WINONA RYDER (Cont): So, it never really feels like work in that way even though it is very creative and, and, um… but working with him is very different than, uh, you know, uh, different than other, uh, directors, in the, in the sense other wonderful directors I… that I love, but Tim is very, uh, unique in the way that he, um, he’s very… he was very expressive. I don’t know if you… have you talked to him yet today?

Yeah, Yeah.

WINONA RYDER: So, like, yeah, well he does this and he’ll kill… we’ve been talking to this [CHUCKLES]. He’ll come up to you and go, you know, just if you, g-… um, you know. And you’ll go oh, yeah, okay. [CHUCKLES] And, and that’s all, all it is. It, it… Marin, you know, you had that experience too.

MARTIN LANDAU: I mean we nev-… we never finish a sentence, you know. [CHUCKLES] You… you’d rehearse and he’ll come at you and say, you know, I, I… we just rehearsed and, and you, you know what’s missing for Tim without having him tell you. So, then you, you, you again. You know, again. [CHUCKLES] And then you do it and you add that element, and he comes oh, he’ll say exactly. And then he… he… let sh-…shoot it. Yeah, I know. Clean. Okay.

MARTIN LANDAU (Cont): So, if anyone’s standing there, uh, say to you, you — no one’s finishing his sentence for God sakes. [CHUCKLES] I mean… this is a… but it’s kinesthetic and you know what he wants.

MARTIN LANDAU (Cont): And, and but he creates a playground for the actors, and, and it’s so much fun. And even in this instance where you’re alone and a… you know, you’re not working with another actor, but you’re visualizing it and Tim’s there. And, and it’s just pleasant. Now, g… all good directors create a playground, but they’re all a little different. You know, and they speak differently, uh, but a good director he doesn’t direct a whole lot. He hires the right actor and then he lets them go. And, and the ones that direct too much are usually film students who haven’t directed before. [CHUCKLES]

WINONA RYDER: Yeah, but what’s, uh, uh, another thing just because I know this is, uh, print and then, and stuff, and I sometimes, you know, I just wanna make sure to say that e-… even if he’s not verbal, even if it is this I… you always feel very safe. And if you want you can’t… you have… you feel like if you wanna talk about it…

MARTIN LANDAU: Oh, yeah.

WINONA RYDER: Yeah, you know…

MARTIN LANDAU: Oh, you can talk about it.

WINONA RYDER: You can. You just don’t.

MARTIN LANDAU: Add nauseum, if you want.

WINONA RYDER: You just don’t need to, ’cause you’d know it’s the telepathic thing that happens. And, and his, his… all of his movies it… to me have… you know, with all the darkness that’s associated with him [COUGH], Tim Burton, it… there’s so much heart in all of his movies. In, in Ed Wood I sobbed. You know, I… it, it… and Frankenweenie, which I just saw the other night I was crying, and Edward Scissorhands I always cry.

WINONA RYDER (Cont): And, and, and it’s like he — there’s always, you know, there’s always someone with, with an incredible amount of, of purity even if they don’t — if they look a certain way. Like I, I do feel that, that Lydia from Beetlejuice, which sort of based Elsa a little bit on, the reason that she could see the ghosts was because she was actually, a young… she did have a purity with all of her obsession with, with death, you know, because she was not caught up in everything the way her parents were.

WINONA RYDER (Cont): And, and that’s why, you know, with little, little kids still today, like little, little kids, when they come up and they, they say are you the girl from Beetlejuice like it’s a [CHUCKLES] such a wonderful, warm, like amazing feeling for me. And, and, and when… when we’re associated with, with those associated with those films it’s — it like literally like I’m — you can probably see it in me right now.

WINONA RYDER (Cont): I’m a get… I… it makes me so happy and, and [LAUGHS], you know, even doing a, uh, a junket, we’ve all been here and like yeah [SIGHS], you know. [COUGH] And I’m so happy to, to be here and to, to be taught… ’cause this film is so special and, and to be here with Martin, too, you know.

MARTIN LANDAU: Well, it’s, it’s a joy to work with Tim and…

Martin, do you love your character and everything he stands for?

MARTIN LANDAU: Rzykruski, yes I love Rzykruski. [CHUCKLES] When I read him I loved him. I… if he wasn’t born in Europe I would like to be President of the United States [CHUCKLES], because he’s so honest. And he’d be the only honest man in Washington. [LAUGHS] So, by the same token I, I love this character, and I, I — you know, he’s a great teacher who’s completely misunderstood, but he sees in Victor himself as a child. I mean he, he’s the most undiplomatic character, ’cause he can’t lie. And, you know, you’re not gonna keep your job if you say, uh, to the parents of your students, you’re stupid [CHUCKLES], you know. I mean that’s not a… uh, he… he’s not, he’s not Henry Kissinger. [CHUCKLES]

MARTIN LANDAU (Cont): I’m of a, of a mind with Rzykruski, yes. I think, I think, I think in many areas we are ignorant of, of the things we should be aware of. And, and what he’s saying basically is that he loves science, and he loves life, and he loves the human condition, and he thinks that he doesn’t tolerate fools well. And I… basically I, I… I feel pretty much the same way.

MARTIN LANDAU (Cont): I mean I studied with tough teachers as an actor with Lee Strasberg, Leah Kusan, Howard Clurman, guys who were eccentric, passionate [GASP], talented, and tough task masters who raised the bar. And this is a guy who’s, you know, we’re way down on the totem pole when it comes to our education in this country. There was a time when we were… we produced scientists. We produced less, and less, and less, and less, and that’s what he talks about.

And the fact that the parents are ignorant, uh…

WINONA RYDER: And they like it that. It seems like they, they, they…

MARTIN LANDAU: They, they like it that way.

Winona, can you recall your first impressions of working with Tim back on Beetlejuice and what you might’ve learned from him as an actor?

WINONA RYDER: Um, I mean I, I remember vividly, vividly, you know, meeting him in a waiting… I, I was… been… didn’t look on life really. I had black hair and was wearing and I was waiting, and I was talking to someone in the waiting room for a while and just about, you know, movies and music, and then after about 30 minutes I was what… do you know when this Tim Burton guy is showing up, [CHUCKLES] ’cause I may be in the wrong building. And, and he’s like oop, that’s me. [LAUGHS] And I was like what? I had no idea that a director could be so like cool in that way. And, uh, like just like, you know, I had only worked with sort of more, uh, authority.

MARTIN LANDAU: Austere.

WINONA RYDER: Austere, yeah. [CHUCKLES] But, um, you just… I just find what Martin is saying so interesting and too, because the, the — when he says science is here, but it’s also here. (Points to head and heart) And it d– it, it just in, in he means — it means so many things, and what he’s saying about, you know, that it can be used for (SIGHS), you know, it’s, it’s like… with anything, with technology with the internet, which, which I’ve always, you know, been a little bit afraid of, but I do acknowledge the great that it could do in, in, in terms of like exposing corruption and giving voices to people, but then there’s this other side of it that’s like a little creepy. And, and so, it… but yet it’s… it is… advancing it’s technology. It’s, it’s going… moving real fast. I, I think I’m a little old-fashioned, and I…

MARTIN LANDAU: That’s all right.

WINONA RYDER: I like eye contact and books, and, and [LAUGHS], and, uh, I’m… well, I have LPs still, you know. I, I, uh [LAUGHS]… you, you know.

MARTIN LANDAU: You had a — you had to go to a library to look up something and it was usually a couple of miles away. Now it’s at your fingertips and you don’t use it properly.

WINONA RYDER: Yeah. I… it’s true. I mean I, I… you know, my best friend was my library card, you know. [CHUCKLES] I spent so much time… that’s where I, I learned, you know.

MARTIN LANDAU: Well, scientists, you know, again we, we have to acknowledge them. I was mentioning earlier that it, it, uh, uh, Man and Superman, a, a play that, uh, George Bernard Shaw wrote, and the other half of it, which is Don Juan in Hell. He wrote it in 1903, which was before the Wright Brothers invented the airplane, and he talks about the megaton bomb. And the devil says things like, uh, man’s greatest inventions come out of trying to destroy his fellow man. The greatest advances in science come from destroying people, not… I mean those kinds of things are what, uh, Rzykruski things about.

MARTIN LANDAU: You know. Uh, he’s, he’s so aware of, of, uh, the importance of, of knowledge and science. And, and…

WINONA RYDER: And exploring.

MARTIN LANDAU: As, as, as Winona says, he, you know, he’s got a big heart, and he’s completely misunderstood, because he doesn’t compromise. And he doesn’t soft-soap anything. He’s got the fastest brain mouth coordination. I mean anything comes into his head comes out of his mouth.

WINONA RYDER: Yeah.

MARTIN LANDAU: And, and…

WINONA RYDER: No, filter.

MARTIN LANDAU: And I had this vision as I say of, of, of him lasting at each school for two months before they [LAUGHS] fire him, and he’s probably the best teacher they’ve ever had. And he seems himself in that little boy… as a young man. And…

WINONA RYDER: I mean what a thing to hear, you know, you’ve just… you know, that whole the… it’s just…

MARTIN LANDAU: He’s a catalyst. You know, he’s what inspires the kid to make the movie. [LAUGHS] Uh…

WINONA RYDER: Yeah.

MARTIN LANDAU: I mean and, and, an…

WINONA RYDER: And, and then to Tim is, uh, inviting his teacher who from, uh, who’s, uh, 82 to the premiere. So, I can’t wait to meet that teacher. And thank that teacher…

MARTIN LANDAU: Tomorrow…

WINONA RYDER: …for giving us…

MARTIN LANDAU: … tomorrow night literally the…

WINONA RYDER: Yeah.

MARTIN LANDAU: …one of Tim’s teachers is coming to the premiere. I mean… and, and if he has an accent…

WINONA RYDER: …the reason why you’re here.

MARTIN LANDAU: …like my character… I’m gonna run out. [LAUGHS]

Science teacher?

MARTIN LANDAU: I don’t know wheth– whether it is or not.

WINONA RYDER: I don’t know.

MARTIN LANDAU: I didn’t ask him, but, but it’s one of his teachers from Burbank.

Winona, can I ask, um, you’re always kind of, you are often gravitated towards dark films and dark characters. Sparkling, very beautiful. You’ve never really tried on… or, you know, [CHUCKLES] inherited that kind of real Hollywood sex symbol role. Can I ask why?

WINONA RYDER: Um, well, I think I just… well, thank you [LAUGHS] first of all. Um, I, it’s interesting, because I did the first, you know… even with Beetlejuice, you know, I wasn’t, uh, considered. I was sort of an awkward kid. I sort of started at puberty and, uh, went through it on film. And, um, but, but Lydia was a big… you know, one of my favorite roles, because I, I related a lot to her. And then that did lead to Heathers, but I had to really fight quite hard to be, uh, cast in Heathers, because I wasn’t considered attractive enough to, uh, be in a… the… that sort of popular girl click. I wasn’t the… but I, I, uh, I, I just have been really lucky, and, and the directors that I’ve worked with, and, and I think, um, I’m not… I don’t gravitate… you know, there’s like a [CHUCKLES] there’s a line that I just… I was watching, uh, you know, First Wives Club last night, and there’s this line where she’s like there are three roles in Hollywood for women, babe, district attorney, and Driving Miss Daisy. [LAUGHS] And I was like oh, my God, to see like what Tim has given me [LAUGHS]… that’s not funny.

MARTIN LANDAU: It’s funny. It is funny.

WINONA RYDER: Like it, it… what Tim has given me is the in between [LAUGHS] ones, you know. And, and, and, um, and I remember think… you know, thinking that oh, you know, being offered like the rookie cop on the trail of a serial killer. And I was like I… but I don’t by myself as a rookie cop. You know, there were just… I did have a few opportunities to try to go that way, but I, I just didn’t… it didn’t, uh, make sense for me.

WINONA RYDER (Cont): Um, I always… what I… I just did what I found interesting. I was so lucky that I was able to do that especially like in the ‘90s. You know, I was really able to… and then I, then I sort of like, you know, learned that you have to have a, uh, a life to go back to, because you just can’t pin everything on, uh, on Holly… you know, and that’s what’s so wonderful about Tim is that it is a very… and listening to Martin, too, is that it, it’s a… it… the experience itself is the reward. It’s being present in, in that moment. And even here with you guys I’ve never been this happy at a junket, [LAUGHS] never been like so excited about… um, you know, being here and talking about this. This is like not like… and you guys I’m sure have, have been in that boat [CHUCKLES] way more times than me, but it’s… I’ve been very, very blessed. And, um, and then also in my… what I find interesting in my personal life I think probably does have, you know, an effect, you know, but I’ve been very lucky.

What is your biggest change after working on this film… with Tim Burton?

MARTIN LANDAU: Well, it, you know, change is, you know, it’s a… I think… I approach each character I’ve ever played as a new person coming from a different environment, physiologically, uh, geographically, emotionally. Uh, I’ve never had to people that were the same, but the, the fun of this character, uh, reminded me again while I was working on it of my teachers and the ones that are impelled me to be better at anything I tried to do, to excel. And, uh, I… and I, I think that’s an important thing. Um…

WINONA RYDER: And to always be learning.

MARTIN LANDAU: … uh, you know, I mean… to be willing to stand up for what you believe. I’m offered a lot of parts for the old guy. You know, the guy that sits at a table and grunts, uh, where the young people, uh, uh, make fun of. You know, the guy who sits there like this guy here.

WINONA RYDER: And I’m waiting for like the big Jane roles, which I’m…

MARTIN LANDAU: You know, and, and I turn those down [CHUCKLES], uh, because I want a character who’s alive, and rich, and, and still has goals, and, and, and has an arc. And Tim I mean when he presented this to me I, I just loved the character. I just loved him. Uh, you know, it’s a unique character. [CHUCKLES] This entire picture is a… an animated film, but it… it’s loaded with characters. It’s a character driven movie. I see movies nowadays all the time with real actors that are… well, you don’t know the character. You don’t know who they are. You don’t care about them. As she said she was moved by this, and I was moved by this. This I mean it’s, it’s a… something that is… doesn’t have a real [CHUCKLES] person up there, but everyone is real. And you walk away being moved, laughing and enjoying it. And the 3-D isn’t used to attack you. It’s used to allow you to come into the world. And it’s, it’s ter… a terrific film. I mean it’s a good movie. Forget that it’s an animated movie. And it’s something that tear… has been burning inside of Tim Burton for 30 years. And he finally got to make it, and I’m so happy to be a part of it. I’m like pinch me. [LAUGHS] Is this real? Am I really… it’s wonderful.

FOR MORE INFO:

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FRANKENWEENIE comes to life on October 5th

EuropaCorp And Relativity Media Cast Kevin Costner As Agent Ethan Runner In McG’s Untitled Thriller

“The Mariner” and Oscar, Emmy-winner Kevin Costner (“Hatfields & McCoys,” WATERWORLD, THE BODYGUARD, DANCES WITH WOLVES) will be back on the silver screen… and soon! EuropaCorp and Relativity Media have closed deals with the actor to star as the lead in the upcoming gripping action tale with McG (Charlie’s Angels, Terminator Salvation) attached to direct from a screenplay by Luc Besson (Taken, Transporter) and Adi Hasak (From Paris With Love).

The thriller explores a story about Secret Service Agent Ethan Runner who discovers he’s dying and decides to retire in order to reconnect with his estranged family. But when the Secret Service offers him access to an experimental drug that could save his life in exchange for one last assignment, he soon finds himself trying to juggle his family, his mission, and the drug’s hallucinatory side-effects.

The film is being produced by EuropaCorp’s Besson and Virginie Besson-Silla (From Paris with Love), Hasak and Relativity’s CEO, Ryan Kavanaugh (The Fighter). Relativity’s President, Tucker Tooley (Immortals) will executive produce.

This marks the second of two films that EuropaCorp and Relativity will collaborate on as a part of a co-production and co-financing deal that was announced in May. The deal also includes the darkly comedic action film Malavita directed by Besson and starring Oscar®-Winner Robert De Niro (Limitless, Heat), Oscar®-Nominee Michelle Pfeiffer (Dark Shadows, People Like Us), Oscar®-Winner Tommy Lee Jones (No Country For Old Men, Men in Black), Dianna Agron (Glee, I Am Number Four) and John D’Leo (The Wrestler, Wanderlust).

Up next, Relativity will release the outrageous Movie 43 (in theatres January 25, 2013), the film adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’ best-selling Safe Haven (in theatres February 8, 2013), the comedy 21 and Over (in theatres March 15, 2013) and the corporate espionage thriller Paranoia (in theatres October 4, 2013). Relativity is currently in post-production on Scott Cooper’s gritty dramatic thriller currently-titled Out of the Furnace. EuropaCorp is also in post-production on Mobius, directed by Eric Rochant, starring Oscar®-Winner Jean Dujardin (The Artist), Cécile de France (Here After), and Tim Roth (Reservoir Dogs, The Incredible Hulk).

Final Poster, New Images & Promotional Tour Dates For THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN PT. 2

A moment of silence for all you faithful Twi-hards and Twilighters out there… this is the last poster of your beloved Bella, Edward & Jacob. The final chapter in THE TWILIGHT SAGA, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN – PART 2 will arrive in theatres on November 16, 2012.

After the culmination of a 24-hour worldwide countdown across all of the Facebook pages of the Twilight Saga network, the final poster for the highly anticipated last film in the series debuted this morning. There were 6 total portions revealed across 6 regional time zones, all on Tuesday morning local time, starting with New Zealand and ending with Los Angeles. Each of the 6 portions were released on Facebook and Twitter.

From Deadline, here’s the promotional tour schedule for Stewart, Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, and the rest of the cast on national U.S. talk shows, programs and similar appearances around the globe. Dates and cast appearances subject to change. Additional U.S. cities will be announced:

October 6 – Spain: Chaske Spencer to appear at Sitges Film Festival for fan event and press.

October 14 – United States: U.S. press tour in select regional markets to be announced.

October 21 – United States: U.S. press tour in select regional markets to be announced.

October 21 – October 28 – Australia, Japan, Brazil, South Africa, Scotland, Ireland: Robert Pattinson visits Australia, Kristen Stewart visits Japan, Taylor Lautner visits Brazil, Ashley Grene visits South Africa, Kellan Lutz and Nikki Reed visit Scotland and Ireland.

October 28 – November 3 – Los Angeles, California: Worldwide press junket in Los Angeles with Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Peter Facinelli, Elizabeth Reaser, Nikki Reed, Ashley Greene, Kellan Lutz, Jackson Rathbone, Michael Sheen, director Bill Condon, author Stephenie Meyer, and screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg.

November 3 – November 4 – Burbank, California: The Twilight Saga Official Convention in Burbank featuring Peter Facinelli, Gil Birmingham, Charlie Bewley, Alex Meraz, Booboo Stewart, Tinsel Korey, Casey LaBow, Julia Jones, and Bronson Pelletier. (Details here.)

November 4 – November 11 – Various Cities, U.S.: The cast will do national press and talk shows.

November 12 – Los Angeles, California: World Premiere of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 at Nokia Theater at LA LIVE featuring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner and the cast along with Bill Condon and Stephenie Meyer.

November 14 – November 16 – England, Spain, Germany: Premiere Tour in London, Madrid, and Berlin featuring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Bill Condon, and Wyck Godfrey

November 14 – November 16 – Denmark, Norway: Premiere Tour in Copenhagen and Oslo featuring Nikki Reed and Jackson Rathbone

While you’re wiping your tears over the final poster, here’s another look at the trailer.

Academy Award® winner Bill Condon directed both the first and second part of the two-part finale starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner. The film, based on the fourth novel in author Stephenie Meyer’s “Twilight” series, was written by Melissa Rosenberg with Wyck Godfrey, Karen Rosenfelt and Stephenie Meyer producing.

THE TWILIGHT SAGA film series stars Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson and tells the story of 17-year-old Bella Swan who moves to the small town of Forks, Washington to live with her father, and becomes drawn to Edward Cullen, a pale, mysterious classmate who seems determined to push her away. But neither can deny the attraction that pulls them together…even when Edward confides that he and his family are vampires. The action-packed, modern day vampire love story TWILIGHT, the first film in the series, was released in theatres on November 21, 2008 to a blockbuster reception. The second installment of the film franchise, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON was released November 20, 2009 the third installment, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE was released June 30, 2010, and THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN – PART 1 was released on November 18, 2011.

Facebook.com/Twilight

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http://www.breakingdawn-themovie.com/

Hi Ho Silver – First Poster And New Photos For THE LONE RANGER

Check out the first rustic poster and photos for THE LONE RANGER. A Disney/Jerry Bruckheimer Films presentation, THE LONE RANGER is directed by Gore Verbinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and Gore Verbinski, with a screenplay by Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio and Eric Aronson and Justin Haythe. THE LONE RANGER releases in U.S. theaters on July 3, 2013.

Be sure to head over to iTunes for the exclusive trailer debut tomorrow at 7AM PST: http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/

From producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Gore Verbinski, the filmmaking team behind the blockbuster “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise, comes Disney/Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ “The Lone Ranger,” a thrilling adventure infused with action and humor, in which the famed masked hero is brought to life through new eyes. Native American spirit warrior Tonto (Johnny Depp) recounts the untold tales that transformed John Reid (Armie Hammer), a man of the law, into a legend of justice—taking the audience on a runaway train of epic surprises and humorous friction as the two unlikely heroes must learn to work together and fight against greed and corruption.

“The Lone Ranger” also stars Tom Wilkinson, William Fichtner, Barry Pepper, James Badge Dale, Ruth Wilson and Helena Bonham Carter.

“Like” The Lone Ranger on Facebook: Facebook.com/theloneranger

“Follow” The Lone Ranger on Twitter: @loneranger

THE LONE RANGER releases in theaters on July 3, 2013!

PITCH PERFECT – The Review

In the summer of 2009, a weird reality/competition show came on called The Sing-Off. It was a singing competition for acapella groups. As a reality-show addict, I watched, even though I had my reservations. It seemed a little silly, but to my surprise it was really entertaining and I watched it for the next 4 seasons. So it came as no surprise that someone would think to make a movie based on this premise. Enter PITCH PERFECT, a quirky and hilariously funny film about competitive collegiate acapella singing groups.

For his first feature, director Jason Moore smartly decided to stay in his wheelhouse – musicals. After all, he was nominated for a Tony for directing broadway’s Avenue Q, which also won the Tony for best musical in 2004. He is very comfortable in this genre.

While the story isn’t as tight as it could be, the characters are so funny and well developed it doesn’t matter. Beca (Anna Kendrick) is a reluctant college freshman who joins the campus all-girl acapella group The Bellas in order to please her father by trying to fit in. After a humiliating showing at last years national championships, the Bellas need to find a way to defeat the reigning champions and arch-rivals.

The movies many musical numbers are not only well sung, but well acted. The Glee-type “mash-ups” are clever and very entertaining. The periferal characters are way funnier than the leads, most notably scene-stealing Rebel Wilson. This role should sky-rocket her career quite nicely. Also watch for John Michael Higgins as he hilariously “calls” the competitions with Elizabeth Banks.

For the entire first half of the movie, I was getting a strong vibe that this was sort of an homage to the John Hughes movies of the 80’s. And without spoiling anything, I was right. Fans will enjoy the tip of the hat when it happens.

While sort of predictable, this movie makes you laugh out loud and want to even sing along. You almost have to see it twice to catch the jokes you missed because you were laughing so hard. And not for nothing, PITCH PERFECT was #6 at the box office this weekend, pretty impressive given that it’s only playing in limited markets.

I give this feel good, happy movie 4 out of 5 stars!

In select theaters now, everywhere October 5th.

Visit the official site: http://www.pitchperfectmovie.com/

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Follow on Twitter: @pitchperfect #GetPitchSlapped #PitchPerfect

Win A Copy Of The Beatles’ MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR – on DVD & BLU-RAY October 9th

Songs you’ll never forget, the film you’ve never seen, and a story that’s never been heard. In 1967, in the wake of the extraordinary impact of the Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album and the One World satellite broadcast of All You Need Is Love, The Beatles devised, wrote, and directed their third film, Magical Mystery Tour, a dreamlike story of a coach day trip to the seaside. Apple Films has fully restored the long out-of-print, classic feature film for October 8th release worldwide (October 9th in North America) on DVD and Blu-ray with a remixed soundtrack (5.1 and stereo) and special features. For the first time ever, there will be a limited theatrical release in certain territories from September 27th.

Magical Mystery Tour will be available in DVD and Blu-ray packages, and in a special 10″x10″ boxed deluxe edition. The deluxe edition includes both the DVD and Blu-ray, as well as a 60-page book with background information, photographs and documentation from the production, and a faithful reproduction of the mono double 7″ vinyl EP of the film’s six new Beatles songs, originally issued in the UK to complement the film’s 1967 release.

OFFICIAL RULES:

1. YOU MUST BE A US RESIDENT. PRIZE WILL ONLY BE SHIPPED TO US ADDRESSES. NO P.O. BOXES.

2. FILL OUT YOUR FULL NAME (first and last) AND EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.

3. What composition on the album was written by all four Beatles?

WINNERS WILL BE CHOSEN FROM ALL QUALIFYING ENTRIES. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. PRIZES WILL NOT BE SUBSTITUTED OR EXCHANGED.

CONTEST WILL END ON MONDAY, October 15th, 11:59pm CST.

The restoration of Magical Mystery Tour has been overseen by Paul Rutan Jr. of Eque Inc., the same company that handled the much acclaimed restoration of Yellow Submarine. The soundtrack work was done at Abbey Road Studios by Giles Martinand Sam Okell.

All of the packages contain a host of special features, packed with unseen footage. There are newly-filmed interviews with Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and other members of the film’s cast and crew, as well as a director’s audio commentary recorded by Paul.

In September 1967, The Beatles loaded a film crew onto a bus, along with friends, family and cast, and headed west on the A30 out of London to make their third film, this time conceived and directed by The Beatles themselves.

“Paul said, ‘Look, I’ve got this idea,’ and we said ‘Great!’ and all he had was this circle and a little dot on the top – that’s where we started,” explains Ringo. ”It wasn’t the kind of thing where you could say, ‘Ladies and gentlemen, what you are about to see is the product of our imaginations and believe me, at this point they are quite vivid’,” says Paul. The film follows a loose narrative and showcased six new songs: ”Magical Mystery Tour,” “The Fool On The Hill,” “I Am The Walrus,” “Flying,” “Blue Jay Way,” and “Your Mother Should Know.”

Magical Mystery Tour features a fabulous supporting cast of character actors and performers, including Ivor Cutler, Victor Spinetti, Jessie Robins, Nat Jackley, Derek Royle, and the inimitable Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band.

Although the 53-minute film was shot in glorious color, it premiered on UK television in black and white. Broadcast by BBC1 at 8:35pm on Boxing Day, the film immediately attracted widespread controversy as middle England and the establishment media erupted with indignation. ”How dare they?” they cried, “They’re not film directors! Who do they think they are?” they howled. Where were the four loveable moptops of Help! and A Hard Day’s Night? Those Beatles were out of control!

Partly as an upshot of this adverse reaction, the film never had a US broadcast and very limited distribution in the rest of the world.

Operating at the time as the world’s de facto “cultural mission control,” The Beatles were already influencing filmmakers, artists, and musicians, while also drawing inspiration from their contemporaries.

www.thebeatles.com

https://twitter.com/thebeatles

MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR SPECIAL FEATURES

Director’s Commentary – by Paul McCartney

“The Making of Magical Mystery Tour” [19:05]
– Features interviews with Paul and Ringo, along with other cast members and crew. Includes unseen footage.

“Ringo the Actor” [2:30]
– Ringo Starr reflecting on his role in the film.

“Meet the Supporting Cast” [11:27]
– A feature on the background and careers of Nat Jackley, Jessie Robins, Ivor Cutler, The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, Victor Spinetti, George Claydon, and Derek Royle.

“Your Mother Should Know” [2:35]
“Blue Jay Way” [3:53]
“The Fool On The Hill” [3:05]
– Three new edits of these performances, all featuring footage not seen in the original film.

“Hello Goodbye,” as featured on “Top of the Pops” – 1967 [3:24]
– The Beatles allowed the BBC to film them in the edit suite where they were working on Magical Mystery Tour. This was then turned into a promo by the BBC, who shot their own additional footage. It was then broadcast on “Top of the Pops” to mark the “Hello Goodbye” single going to No. 1 in December 1967.

“Nat’s Dream” [2:50]
– A scene directed by John featuring Nat Jackley and not included in the original film.

Ivor Cutler – “I’m Going In A Field” [2:35]
– Ivor performs “I’m Going In A Field,” in a field. This scene was not included in the original film.

Traffic – “Here We Go Round The Mulberry Bush” [1:53]
– The filming of Traffic acting out their 1967 hit single “Here We Go Round The Mulberry Bush” was commissioned by The Beatles for possible inclusion in Magical Mystery Tour, but was not included in the final edit.

TECHNICAL SPECS

Aspect ratio – 1.33:1
Frame rate – 1080i 59.94

Audio Options
DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Dolby Digital 5.1
PCM stereo for Blu-ray
Dolby Digital for DVD

Subtitle language options for feature, extras, and commentary:
English; Francais; Deutsch; Espanol; Italiano; Portugues; Nederlande; Svenska; Norsk; Dansk; Suomi

Elijah Wood To Star In New Comedy THE LATE BLOOMER

Elijah Wood (THE LORD OF THE RINGS, WILFRED) is set to play the lead role in the new comedy feature film THE LATE BLOOMER from Dignity Film Finance (DFF), it was announced today by the producers. Jesse Israel of Ineffable Pictures, Heidi Jo Markel of Eclectic Pictures will produce and DFF President Maggie Monteith, will executive produce and finance the film.

Expected to go into production in January 2013, Monteith produces the film with Israel, Markel and Brent Emery, (Coup d’Etat Films). Raphael Kryszek, Ineffable Pictures’ founder, is also executive producing. International sales agent Cargo Entertainment, led by Marina Grasic, Jan Korbelin and Mark Lindsay is on board to handle International distribution rights to the film and will introduce THE LATE BLOOMER to overseas buyers at AFM in November.

Directed by Randall Einhorn (FX’s “WILFRED,” NBC’s “The Office,”), THE LATE BLOOMER is based on the 2001 acclaimed memoir Man Made: A Memoir of My Body by Ken Baker and adapted for the screen by Joe Nussbaum and Paul Kaplan & Mark Torgove. THE LATE BLOOMER is the amazing true story of a man who found out at close to age 30 that he hadn’t yet totally undergone puberty but when the medical condition preventing it was removed, in several short, overwhelming weeks did so.

“The combination of Einhorn and Wood is exceptional, as we’ve seen with the success of “WILFRED”,” said Monteith. “I know that they will honor Baker’s true story in a very entertaining way.”

Wood will next be seen in Peter Jackson’s THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY opposite Martin Freeman, Ian McKellan, Richard Armitage, Orlando Bloom and Cate Blanchett to be released in December 2012 through Warner Bros. Pictures, reprising his starring role in the epic Oscar-winning and worldwide blockbuster film trilogy THE LORD OF THE RINGS. His movie MANIAC, a remake of the 1980 serial-killer classic, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, and will be released by IFC Midnight early 2013. He is the lead voice on Disney XD’s animated series “Tron: Uprising” and can currently be seen on Season 2 of FX’s “Wilfred.” He is currently filming the psychological thriller GRAND PIANO opposite John Cusack. Wood has starred in several acclaimed films in his young career including CELESTE AND JESSE FOREVER, ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND, EVERYTHING IS ILLUMINATED and BOBBY and provided his voice for Warner Bros. Pictures animated hits, HAPPY FEET and HAPPY FEET TWO.

Einhorn is one of the most prolific directors of cutting-edge television comedy working today. “Wilfred”– the popular FX series which also stars Wood – is currently in its second season. Additional credits include NBC’s “The Office,” CBS’ “Parks and Recreation,” “Nurse Jackie” for Showtime and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” for FX. Einhorn was nominated for two Primetime Emmys for his cinematography on CBS’ “Survivor.”

“THE LATE BLOOMER is the type of wonderful heartfelt comedy that I like to engage in. Puberty can be difficult at best and has the potential to be extremely comedic in normal circumstances,” said Einhorn. “This true story is anything but a normal circumstance. That truth is a new twist on something we all know well and Elijah is just perfect to play the lead role. It is clear to me that Dignity gets my vision for THE LATE BLOOMER and I am delighted to be working with Maggie and her team.”

Baker is an American journalist, author and television personality, currently serving as E! News’ Chief Correspondent. Prior to that, Baker worked at US Weekly and People Magazine and has appeared on television for Fox News, The Today Show, CNN, MSNBC and HLN. Baker is the author of four other books: Baker’s second memoir, They Don’t Play Hockey in Heaven: A Dream, a Team and My Comeback Seasonchronicled the season he spent as pro hockey’s oldest rookie; Hollywood Hussein a satirical take on the capture of Saddam Hussein; The Great Eight: How to Be Happy (even when you have every reason to be miserable) which he co-authored and Fangirl which hits bookstores in October.

Win A Pass To The Advance Screening Of HERE COMES THE BOOM In St. Louis

In the comedy HERE COMES THE BOOM, former collegiate wrestler Scott Voss (Kevin James) is a 42-year-old apathetic biology teacher in a failing high school. When cutbacks threaten to cancel the music program and lay off its teacher (Henry Winkler,) Scott begins to raise money by moonlighting as a mixed martial arts fighter. Everyone thinks Scott is crazy – most of all the school nurse, Bella (Salma Hayek) – but in his quest, Scott gains something he never expected as he becomes a sensation that rallies the entire school. The film is directed by Frank Coraci https://twitter.com/FrankoSpanko737 .

Columbia Pictures and WAMG invite you to enter to win a pass to the advance screening of the comedy HERE COMES THE BOOM on October 8th at 7PM in St. Louis.

OFFICIAL RULES:

1. YOU MUST BE IN THE ST. LOUIS AREA THE DAY OF THE SCREENING.
2. FILL OUT YOUR NAME AND E-MAIL ADDRESS BELOW. REAL FIRST NAME REQUIRED.
3. ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTION: Name another film that co-starred Kevin James and Salma Hayek.

WINNERS WILL BE CHOSEN THROUGH A RANDOM DRAWING OF QUALIFYING CONTESTANTS. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. PASSES WILL NOT BE SUBSTITUTED OR EXCHANGED. DUPLICATE TICKETS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

http://boom-movie.com/

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HERE COMES THE BOOM will be in theaters October 12, 2012.

This film has been rated PG by the MPAA for BOUTS OF MMA SPORTS VIOLENCE, SOME RUDE HUMOR AND LANGUAGE.

Adele’s “Skyfall,” Official Theme Song For Latest James Bond 007 Film SKYFALL, Premieres Via Adele.tv On October 5

Adele will premiere her latest recording “Skyfall,” the official theme song to the upcoming 007 adventure of the same name, globally via her official site (www.Adele.tv) on Friday October 5^th at 0:07 BST/London time (7:07pm EDT on October 4^th), the track will be available to purchase as a download immediately after this premiere. The track is available for pre-order at iTunes starting today (http://smarturl.it/AdeleSkyfall).

October 5^th marks the 50^th anniversary of the release of Dr. No, and thus the James Bond film franchise, and will be celebrated as Global James Bond Day. Adele announced she’d be singing the latest Bond song over on her twitter page along with this photo.

After reading the script for the film, Adele enlisted Paul Epworth to co-write and produce the theme song to “Skyfall™.” Adele admits, “I was a little hesitant at first to be involved with the theme song for Skyfall. There’s a lot of instant spotlight and pressure when it comes to a Bond song. But I fell in love with the script and Paul had some great ideas for the track and it ended up being a bit of a no brainer to do it in the end. It was also a lot of fun writing to a brief, something I’ve never done which made it exciting. When we recorded the strings, it was one of the proudest moments of my life. I’ll be back combing my hair when I’m 60 telling people I was a Bond girl back in the day I’m sure!” Recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London, “Skyfall” features the lush accompaniment of a 77-piece orchestra.

“Skyfall” is the first recording by Adele since releasing her massively successful sophomore album 21 in early 2011. To date 21 has sold over 24 million albums worldwide and garnered Adele 6 Grammy Awards, 2 BRIT Awards and 2 Ivor Novello Awards. 21 is the biggest selling album of both 2011 and 2012.

“Skyfall,” the movie, will be released on October 26, 2012 in the UK and on November 9, 2012 in the U.S.

Daniel Craig is back as Ian Fleming’s James Bond 007 in SKYFALL™, the 23rd adventure in the longest-running film franchise of all time. In SKYFALL, Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost. The film is from Albert R. Broccoli’s EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment. Directed by Sam Mendes. Produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. Written by Neal Purvis & Robert Wade and John Logan.

https://www.facebook.com/JamesBond007

FRANKENWEENIE Happy Monstober Posters & Plain White T’s “Pet Sematary” Music Video

On this first day of October, WAMG would like to wish all our readers a Happy Monstober with these new FRANKENWEENIE monster posters. Aren’t they a fantastic nod to the glory days of horror cinema! Plus you can catch a glimpse of your favorite Frankenweenie characters in the new Plain White T’s video for “Pet Sematary”, from Frankenweenie Unleashed!

From creative genius Tim Burton (“Alice in Wonderland,” The Nightmare Before Christmas”) comes FRANKENWEENIE, a heartwarming tale about a boy and his dog. After unexpectedly losing his beloved dog Sparky, young Victor harnesses the power of science to bring his best friend back to life – with just a few minor adjustments. He tries to hide his home-sewn creation, but when Sparky gets out, Victor’s fellow students, teachers and the entire town all learn that getting a new “leash on life” can be monstrous.

A stop-motion animated film, FRANKENWEENIE was filmed in black and white and rendered in 3D. The talented voice cast includes: Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short, Martin Landau, Charlie Tahan, Atticus Shaffer, Robert Capron, Conchata Ferrell and Winona Ryder.

Presented by Disney, FRANKENWEENIE is directed by Tim Burton, produced by Tim Burton and Allison Abbate, from a screenplay by John August, based on a screenplay by Lenny Ripps, based on an original idea by Tim Burton. FRANKENWEENIE releases in U.S. theaters on October 5, 2012.

Read Travis Keune’s Fantastic Fest review HERE