Tag: Alan Cumming

Tribeca 2012 Daily Recap: April 26th

Today was a fairly solitary experience at Tribeca. No industry cocktails or drinks with filmmakers. Just 3 films, a few press lounge pitstops for free Magnum ice cream and a few moments of conversation with Jeremy Wein from ThisMyShow.net.

ANY DAY NOW may have a story that seems fitting for a Lifetime Movie of the Week but that doesn’t change the fact that it is a incredibly well crafted film full of surprisingly powerful performances. Despite being set in the late 70s, it shares an important message that is still relevant today. The film never feels too heavy-handed and has some funny comedic beats sprinkled throughout. While it didn’t get my tear ducts flowing, quite a few people left the theater with tissues in hand so it appears I was not the only one moved by it. With less than 5 minutes until my next screening, I went straight to the next film. I had originally planned to see JACK & DIANE but after hearing some less than stellar critiques, I opted for something a little more light-hearted.

LOLA VERSUS is the story of Lola (Greta Gerwig) who is dumped by her fiancé right before her wedding so she sleeps with a couple of guys and bitches about love while trying to find herself. I am oversimplifying it but this is a perfect example of the type of comedies I complained about yesterday. The film is entertaining but it just felt like everyone was trying way too hard. While some of the dialogue is genuinely witty, other moments felt completely forced. I am a huge fan of pop culture references in dialogue (as known by anyone who has seen any of my work) but it needs to fit naturally into the conversation or it runs into the danger of coming across as a desperate attempt to seem hip. Overall, the film had a general feeling that it was made by indie-minded creatives trying to appeal to both mainstream and arthouse audiences. In my opinion, some of it worked but more of it didn’t.

Regardless of the film, I would like to commend Daryl Wein on his passion for the project. He apparently showed up to the press screening for a Q & A which I’ve never heard of anyone actually doing for press. Unfortunately, it was not announced and nearly everyone was already gone so he just left. It is too bad because I would have been interested in hearing what he had to say and possibly chatting with him about the film. If it is any consolation Daryl, I once did a Q & A via Skype for my film STUCK LIKE CHUCK where only 3 people stayed after the film. Yeah, that probably doesn’t change anything. I still commend him for the effort. Following the screening and a super quick lunch at my new favorite TFF dining establishment, 2 Bros. Pizza, I rushed back to Chelsea Clearview Cinemas for my final film of the day.

DEADFALL is bound to get comparisons to FARGO. With a few minor script tweaks and slightly different accents, this could have been passed off as FARGO 2. It is not that there are any similar characters or storylines but more so in the look and feel of the film. This is not a criticism but merely an observation. In fact, if this were FARGO 2, I would call it a pretty worthy follow-up. It is fast-paced, witty, and beautifully twisted. Eric Bana gives a stunning performance as truly compelling villain. Some fellow press members told me that the film was not worth my time but it ended up being one of my favorites of the festival so far.

Lesson of the DAY: We press people don’t know shit sometimes… Also, when the hell did Bill Pullman get so old?

Jerry Cavallaro – @GetStuck – JerryCavallaro.com

See Neil Patrick Harris, Clumsy, Briany, Smurfette, Gutsy and Papa Smurf In 5 New Stills From THE SMURFS (IN 3D)


Grouchy, Brainy and Gutsy Smurf in Columbia Pictures’ THE SMURFS. PHOTO: Courtesy of Sony Pictures Animation

Coming off another successful stint as host of Sunday’s Tony Awards ceremony, have a look at Neil Patrick Harris in these new stills from THE SMURFS (IN 3D).

Neil Patrick Harris as “Patrick” with Clumsy, Briany, Smurfette, Gutsy and Papa Smurf in Columbia Pictures’ THE SMURFS. PHOTO: Courtesy of Sony Pictures Animation

Smurfette and Gutsy Smurf in Columbia Pictures’ THE SMURFS. PHOTO: Courtesy of Sony Pictures Animation

Brainy, Gusty and Papa Smurf in Columbia Pictures’ THE SMURFS. PHOTO: Courtesy of Sony Pictures Animation

Clumsy, Grouchy, Papa, Smurfette, Gutsy and Brainy Smurf in Central Park in New York in Columbia Pictures’ THE SMURFS.

Synopsis:

The Smurfs make their first 3D trip to the big screen in Columbia Pictures’/Sony Pictures Animation’s hybrid live-action and animated family comedy, The Smurfs. When the evil wizard Gargamel chases the Smurfs out of their village, they’re forced through a portal, out of their world and into ours, landing in the middle of New York’s Central Park. Just three apples high and stuck in the Big Apple, the Smurfs must find a way to get back to their village before Gargamel tracks them down.

Starring Hank Azaria, Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays, Sofia Vergara, with the voices of Anton Yelchin, Jonathan Winters, Katy Perry, Alan Cumming, Fred Armisen and George Lopez, director Raja Gosnell’s (BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA) THE SMURFS in 3-D will be in theaters July 29, 2011. Check out the film on Facebook here.

THE TEMPEST Gets A New “Story” Featurette

Walt Disney Studios has released the new featurette, “Story,” for Julie Taymor’s THE TEMPEST. 2010 marks the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest.”

Academy Award®–winner Helen Mirren is no stranger to Shakespearean film adaptations, having starred in many for both film and television, but, thanks to Julie Taymor’s vision, this is the first time Mirren will play a lead character whose gender was changed from the original play, allowing her to define the classic role from a whole new perspective.

Synopsis:

In her big-screen adaptation of Shakespeare’s mystical thriller THE TEMPEST, Academy Award-nominated Julie Taymor (ACROSS THE UNIVERSE, FRIDA, TITUS) brings an original dynamic to the story by changing the gender of the sorcerer Prospero into the sorceress Prospera, portrayed by Oscar winner Helen Mirren (THE QUEEN). Prosper’s journey spirals through vengeance to forgiveness as she reigns over a magical island, cares for her young daughter, Miranda, and unleashes her powers against shipwrecked enemies in this exciting, masterly mix of romance, tragicomedy and the supernatural.

THE TEMPEST is Julie Taymor’s second big-screen Shakespeare film adaptation. TITUS ANDRONICUS was her first, which became her 1999 film TITUS, starring Anthony Hopkins.

The drama/fantasy will be in theaters on December 10, 2010 in New York and Los Angeles AND December 17th, 2010 in limited expansion. From Touchstone Pictures and Miramax Films, visit the film’s official site here, on Facebook here, and on Twitter here

Review: BURLESQUE

Ok, so this is not the Oscar flick of the year… But if you like fun, then you have come to the right place…

It’s your typical story of a small town girl who makes her way to Los Angeles in search of stardom. What isn’t typical about this story is her voice! Ali (Christina Aguilera) has what it takes, she is just looking for her shot. After a long day of searching she wanders into The Burlesque Lounge, and is mesmerized by the lights, and the girls. Now, she has to convince Tess (Cher), the clubs owner that she has what it takes to shine on the Lounge stage. Meanwhile, Tess is faced with the reality that she does not have the funding to keep her precious club open. The two must rely on each other to make their dreams come true.

Ok, so Aguilera is not the best actress out there. Let’s face it, she is far from it! However, people aren’t really coming to theaters to watch her act. The fun of this movie is the musical numbers. Aguilera shines in these scenes. Her showmanship is something that cannot really be argued. They did put some pretty horrible wigs on her though. Kristen Bell plays Nikki, the star of the show with a bad attitude. She lets her ego and drinking ruin her place at the top, and holds Ali responsible. I have always liked Bell, and it was nice to see her in a different role. Julianne Hough was a nice addition, due to her strong dancing. I don’t know how much I really want to see her in other films, but she was a great addition to this cast. Plus, her dancing is quite stunning.

Cher, is in a league all her own. I have always loved Cher! I found myself mesmerized when she sang, and her snarly attitude is highly entertaining. Like I said, this movie is more about musical numbers than it is on story, but Tess is a very like-able character. Maybe I just appreciate a well delivered smart ass. That is quite possible. Either way, I LOVE ME SOME CHER! Also, this isn’t her first rodeo. Cher has starred in a plethora of movies and television shows, so she is no stranger to the big screen. Heck, Cher is no stranger to anything big… just look at her stage show and costumes. (I will see her live one day, dammit!)

There are some great supporting roles in this film as well. Stanley Tucci plays Tess’s best gay friend. It seems appropriate that Cher is accompanied by a gay best friend. even if it is for her character. Peter Gallagher, Alan Cumming, and Eric Dane also make appearances in this film. I must say, Cumming is quite hilarious in his role. He has quite the… interesting… musical number.

I found the soundtrack really enjoyable too! I have been playing it in my car for days. They keep the music fun and highly entertaining. Fuse this with beautiful lighting, talented dancers, and incredible costumes for the stage show and you have a winner. If a place existed like this in St. Louis, it would sell out every night.The only negative part is the Marilyn Manson-Beautiful People sample. Manson and Aguilera DO NOT belong together. It’s like cotton candy and sushi… Both are delicious in their own way, but together they are just gross.

This is the part of my review where I make enemies. I have witnessed a lot of burlesque dancers that are very pissed off at this film. They say that it is not real burlesque and that it is an embarrassment to their art. Now, I have seen a lot of burlesque… some good, some HORRIBLE. One thing that most burlesque (notice I say most, not all) performers are missing is a talent to go along with the removal of their clothes. This is not just specific to my town. The thing I appreciate in this film is that they don’t rely on being naked to make their performance. It is an art, and nudity of some sort generally goes with it, but the nudity isn’t their talent. They are dancing, and singing. The strip tease is just a part of it. (And spoiler, you will not see any nudity in this film). I am just saying, the talent part of burlesque has gotten lost in many of today’s performances due to over-saturation. It’s kind of like DJ’s. Everyone thinks that they are a DJ but only a fraction of them are actually talented in their musical selection/performances. The rest just go through the motions. Exact same thing with burlesque.

So, to sum it up… If you are looking for some fun, then this is the film for you. If you want to be moved to tears, go rent THE NOTEBOOK!

OVERALL RATING: 3.5 out of 5 stars

New Photos Of Mirren, Cooper & Brand From THE TEMPEST

Check out these new photos from THE TEMPEST. Here’s another look at the awesome trailer.

THE TEMPEST is Julie Taymor’s second big-screen Shakespeare film adaptation. TITUS ANDRONICUS was her first, which became her 1999 film TITUS, starring Anthony Hopkins. The drama/fantasy will be in theaters on December 10, 2010 in New York and Los Angeles AND December 17th, 2010 in limited expansion.

Academy Award®–winner Helen Mirren is no stranger to Shakespearean film adaptations, having starred in many for both film and television, but, thanks to Julie Taymor’s vision, this is the first time Mirren will play a lead character whose gender was changed from the original play, allowing her to define the classic role from a whole new perspective.

2010 marks the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest.”

Synopsis:

In her big-screen adaptation of Shakespeare’s mystical thriller THE TEMPEST, Academy Award-nominated Julie Taymor (ACROSS THE UNIVERSE, FRIDA, TITUS) brings an original dynamic to the story by changing the gender of the sorcerer Prospero into the sorceress Prospera, portrayed by Oscar winner Helen Mirren (THE QUEEN). Prosper’s journey spirals through vengeance to forgiveness as she reigns over a magical island, cares for her young daughter, Miranda, and unleashes her powers against shipwrecked enemies in this exciting, masterly mix of romance, tragicomedy and the supernatural.

From Touchstone Pictures and Miramax Films, visit the film’s official site here, on Facebook here, and on Twitter here

THE TEMPEST Trailer Debuts

“We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with sleep.” And so with a release date of December 10th, how apropos that 2010 marks the 400th anniversary of the bard’s final play, with the date of the first performance of the comedy thought to be on November 1, 1611. Check out the trailer for THE TEMPEST courtesy of iTunes.

Conti, Strathairn, Hounsou, Cooper, Cumming and Mirren…what magic hath Taymor wrought! I really like what she’s apparently done with the film. Helen Mirren is no stranger to Shakespearean film adaptations, having starred in many for both film and television, but, thanks to Julie Taymor’s vision, this is the first time Mirren will play a lead character whose gender was changed from the original play, allowing her to define the classic role from a whole new perspective. Being a Shakespeare enthusiast, I can’t wait for this movie!

Synopsis:

In her big-screen adaptation of Shakespeare’s mystical thriller THE TEMPEST, Academy Award-nominated Julie Taymor (ACROSS THE UNIVERSE, FRIDA, TITUS) brings an original dynamic to the story by changing the gender of the sorcerer Prospero into the sorceress Prospera, portrayed by Oscar winner Helen Mirren (THE QUEEN). Prosper’s journey spirals through vengeance to forgiveness as she reigns over a magical island, cares for her young daughter, Miranda, and unleashes her powers against shipwrecked enemies in this exciting, masterly mix of romance, tragicomedy and the supernatural.

From Touchstone Pictures and Miramax Films, THE TEMPEST will be in theaters on December 10, 2010.

Visit the film’s official site here, on Facebook here, and on Twitter here.

New BURLESQUE Belts Out Clip and Trailers!

Welcome to the magical world that is BURLESQUE! Here’s a new clip of Christina Aguilera belting out “Something’s Gotta Hold on Me.” Everyone get up and start dancin’!

Wow! Girl has some pipes…

“What happened to all the great dancers in LA?….They’re all dancing with the stars.” BAhahahaha!! Are Tucci and Cher just acting gods or what? Oscar nods…yes? no? maybe? Cher? Tucci? or even Aguilera? or just good Thanksgiving musical fun?

Enough with the Oscar talk. It’s only August for petesake. Just for grins, I threw in the international trailer.

Directed by Steve Antin and from a script by Antin, Susannah Grant (THE SOLOIST), and Keith Merryman, BURLESQUE centers on Ali, an ambitious small-town girl with a big-town voice (Aguilera) who finds love, family and success in a neo-burlesque club. Ali meets Marcus, a charming, successful businessman who offers to buy Tess (Cher) out of the burlesque club and vies for Ali’s heart.

Sony Pictures and Screen Gems, BURLESQUE will be in theaters on November 24, 2010. You can find BURLESQUE on Facebook or visit the official site here.

Sir Sean Connery is The Guardian of Scotland In SIR BILLI

Sir Sean Connery lends his voice to the title character in SIR BILLI, a family friendly, CGI-animated film. It’s also Sir Sean’s first feature film since 2003’s THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMAN. Here’s a promotional trailer for the movie.

Wasn’t that 007’s car? Directed by Sascha Hartmann and scripted by his wife Tessa Hartmann, the story follows a retired Scottish skateboarding veterinarian grandpa who sets out to rescue an illegal fugitive beaver, with the help of sidekick, Gordon the Goat (Alan Cumming.)

On what tempted Connery to come out of retirement, Tessa Hartmann said,

“We sent a DVD to Sir Sean via a mutual acquaintance and heard nothing for a few weeks when suddenly the phone rang. It was Sir Sean personally explaining that his grandchildren had taken the DVD from his home and kept it. They loved it that much. ‘If it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for me!’ he said, and with that, we met a few weeks later when he came to Scotland. We’ve been working closely with him ever since.”

In this video, Sir Sean talks on how he recorded his voice-overs for Glasgow Animation down in the Bahamas (hey, its Bond) and how he told Disney to get lost when they offered him a “pittance” for a part in one of their films. (Nice, Disney.) SIR BILLI is scheduled for a 2011 release date.

Source: Vulture/NY Mag