Tag: blythe danner

THE TOMORROW MAN – Review

(From L to R) Blythe Danner as “Ronnie” and John Lithgow as “Ed” in director Noble Jones’ THE TOMORROW MAN a Bleecker Street release. Credit: Courtesy of Bleecker Street

In THE TOMORROW MAN, John Lithgow plays Ed, a retiree doomsday prepper who lives alone and spends his days stocking up for the coming end of civilization and posting online to his like-minded followers, when he’s not on the phone arguing with his son, who does not get the whole prepper thing. One day at the grocery store, Ed spots a pretty older woman (Blythe Danner) buying the same kind of things he buys – batteries, canned tuna – and when she pays with cash, he thinks he has found a kindred spirit. Instantly smitten, he contrives a way to meet her.

The presence of Blythe Danner might bring to mind other late-life romantic films she’s recently starred in, but if you are hoping for another I’LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS, you will be sadly disappointed with this film. Despite its strong cast, and even a little chemistry between Danner’s shy Ronnie and Lithgow’s bossy Ed, THE TOMORROW MAN is more a contrived double character study of two eccentric people, a film that has little grounding in real lives and often little story direction. It is filled with forced quirkiness that continually steers it away from anything meaningful or even entertaining, with a script that often makes little sense. It should be fun or romantic but often it is just puzzling or even unsettling.

With these two outstanding actors in the lead roles, one wants to like this movie but it just falls too short. It is a disappointing debut for writer/director Noble Jones, who also serves as cinematographer. What little credit can be given to this film comes from the talented cast, although it does have some nice photography and a pleasant small town Midwestern setting. What is lacks is a believable script or any connection with real people.

Ironically, Ed’s online name is Captain Reality, although there is little real about him or his world. He lives in home filled with objects from the past and is obsessed with the future, or at least his apocalyptic vision of it, but he has little to do with the present. Apart from an early scene that hints at racism, Ed’s obsession with doomsday preparation seems oddly non-political. He makes his daily run to the grocery store in his old Ford truck, pays with checks, and seems pretty much like he is just waiting for the end, when he sees Ronnie at the store.

There are moments of creepiness in this film, although it seems to be reaching for offbeat. The way Ed sets out to meet Ronnie has a creepy stalker feel to it, but Ronnie seems more puzzled by his interest in her than alarmed. She eventually agrees to go out and they start dating. It turns out Ronnie isn’t a prepper but she is an eccentric, dressed in a weird assortment of mismatched clothes.

Lithgow’s Ed and Danner’s Ronnie hit it off despite their separate eccentricities and for awhile, it seems like the film is developing into something interesting. Ronnie goes along with Ed’s obsession with doomsday preparations and does not seem bother by his mansplaining, and although she doesn’t quite get his arguments about the impending end of the world, she’s willing to go along. The couple weather a fractious Thanksgiving dinner with Ed’s son and Ronnie tries out

With these two wonderful actors in the lead roles, you want to like this movie, to see it succeed. For a brief moment, the film looks like it might set aside it’s contrived premise and forced situations, and just let these characters, finally, be real people. But the moment passes quickly, and we are back to the same old nonsense and unreal cartoon cutouts. Every time the films seems headed for the real, the script keeps going off in ill-conceived, sometimes odd directions, such as Ed and Ronnie bonding over vapid ’70s pop song “Muskrat Love.” Danner and Lithgow try their best but it is not enough to overcome the unfocused script, which can’t decide if it wants to be dramedy, offbeat rom com or even science fiction, and hence falls short of all of those.

As if all that weren’t frustrating enough, THE TOMORROW MAN ends with the worst possible “twist,” obviously intended to be quirky and funny, but more likely to evoke moans. Despite the two excellent leads, this disappointing film has little charm or sense.

THE TOMORROW MAN opens Friday, June 7, at Landmark’s Plaza Frontenac Cinema.

RATING: 2 1/2 out of 5 stars

WHAT THEY HAD – Review

Blythe Danner (left) stars as “Ruth” and Michael Shannon (right) stars as “Nick” in Elizabeth Chomko’s WHAT THEY HAD, a Bleecker Street release. Credit: Bleecker Street

It is a problem more and more families grapple with: at what point do you move a parent with Alzheimer or other dementia out of their home? In the case of the family in WHAT THEY HAD, the problem of Mom’s mental decline is complicated by the fact that her husband still wants to care for her at home, although it is becoming clear that he can’t.

WHAT THEY HAD explores the challenges of their adult children, played by Hilary Swank and Michael Shannon, as they try to decide what is best for their mother (Blythe Danner) whose progressing dementia is now putting her at risk. This increasingly common family challenge is complicated by the fact that two lives are impacted:by the decision of what to do: both their increasingly confused mother and her still-sharp devoted husband, as it becomes clear that he can no longer care for her alone.

WHAT WE HAD explores this subject in a realistic and affecting way, delving into all the complications that can make it even harder to solve. This strong drama can been seen as a kind of companion piece to STILL ALICE, which takes the audience inside the experience of a women dealing with her own advancing mental decline. In writer/director Elizabeth Chomko’s family drama, the focus is less on the person with the diagnosis than on her family, her husband of many years and their two grown children. The film is also a kind of sweet love story of two long-married people, and the reluctance of one to let go of the other..

Bridget (Hilary Swank) and her teen daughter comes home to Chicago, seemingly for a Christmas visit with her parents. In fact, she is there at her brother Nick’s (Michael Shannon) request, to help him decide what to do about their mother Ruth (Blythe Danner). The problem is illustrated in an opening scene, when the confused Ruth happily ventures out of her home into the snowy night in her nightgown and a light jacket. They find her and she is all right, but it is a alarming wake-up call for the family. Bert (Robert Forster) insists he can still take care of his wife Ruth but their son Nick, who lives in town, is frustrated with increasing late-night emergency calls. He wants his sister to help him convince their father that the time has come to place their mother in a memory care facility.

Mom’s mental decline sets up a family confrontation. Dad stubbornly refuses to consider the memory care facility his son has picked out, insisting he can still care for his wife at home. Part of the reason for his refusal is that they would be separated – she in memory care and he at a senior apartment nearby. Daughter Bridget is conflicted, not wanting to force her father to accept her brother’s solution, and worrying about his mental state, but also unwilling to confront her strong-willed father. There is also a little denial on her part, since living far away, Bridget does not fully grasp her mother’s decline the way her brother does.

This fine cast explores the issues of caring for an aging parent and the dynamics of this family. with a number of well-crafted performances. While Swank plays the adult child avoiding the acceptance of what is happening to her parents, as well as daughter still intimidated by her forceful father, Shannon plays the son who wants to take charge and just quickly solve the problem, without anyone’s input. It is a common dynamic in families face with this issue but Shannon and Swank flesh out there characters and the sibling’s somewhat contentious relationship in a believable style.

Blythe Danner plays Ruth with immense charm, a woman still retaining her sense of humor and sunny personality, even as she becomes detached from what is going one and even forgetful about who family members are. She completely nails the way someone with Alzheimer’s at this point can move in and out of her confusion, sometimes lucid and other times not sure who her family members are or where she is. The banter between her and her husband Bert is cute, with the couple teasing playfully and calling each other “you turkey.” While Ruth mostly shrugs it off her forgetfulness, it is more upsetting to Swank’s Bridget. Brusque Nick, seeing this progress up close, deflates his sister’s attempts to ignore it, sometimes harshly, and presses his sister to persuade their father to accept his solution.

What makes this such a moving family drama are the complicated characters that this talent cast creates, and the relationships between them it so effectively explores. Shannon seems to be good in any role, and he imbues Nick with a kind of inner pain under his sometimes gruff exterior. Swank as also good as his sister, who wants to pretend the problem isn’t there even if she knows it is. The best work in many ways are between Forster and Danner, as the husband unwilling to let go of the beloved wife who is nonetheless slipping away

WHAT THEY HAD is an honest and touching exploration of a dilemma that increasing numbers of families face, but the drama is lifted beyond a message film by the nuanced characters created by this strong cast and the affectionate if somewhat feisty bond between them.

RATING: 4 out of 5 stars

HEARTS BEAT LOUD – Review

Hans Christian Andersen said, “Where words fail, music speaks.” This is most certainly the case with HEARTS BEAT LOUD – a quiet well-meaning slice-of-life that only feels alive when the music is playing. It’s the unfortunate kind of indie drama that fails to reach out through the screen despite showcasing two likable actors playing to their strengths. Offermann the curmudgeonly philosopher who talks about feelings without showing them, and Clemons the timid outsider trying to find her path.

Widowed dad and record store owner Frank (Nick Offerman) is preparing to close his record shop just as his only daughter, Sam (Kiersey Clemons), is about to go off to college. Their love of music triggers a jam session one night, and the result is a catchy tune that Frank dumps online under the band name “We’re Not a Band.” After the song becomes an Internet breakout, the two must decide what they want to do next in their lives and if they should keep the music going.

Director and writer Brett Haley purposefully centers the film on these small moments – the glances between a father and daughter and those times of contemplation over a drink at the bar. But the gentle, character-driven approach is ultimately unmoving. There’s no forward motion propelling the film. For a film about music, it never quite finds a rhythm that works for it. Offermann’s flirtations with his landlord played by Toni Collette is as about as bland and boring as you can get. Clemons’ relationship struggles with her girlfriend don’t offer that much more to the stagnant feeling, but it at least represents a gay relationship in a refreshingly natural, un-Hollywood way.

The music the father-daughter duo create is instantly catchy. Her impassioned voice fits perfectly with the soaring melodies and synth beats. Indie music fans will also smirk at mentions of such acts like Sleater Kinney, Animal Collective, and another band whose singer makes a cameo. In the end, the script hits all the music and indie drama notes but lacks the emotional pop to make the film a hit. The structure is there as well as all the parts. However, it doesn’t stand out from other feel-good charmers.

HEARTS BEAT LOUD is about those important transitions in life – the months between high school and college and the closing of your business and passion – and those lingering thoughts of anticipation and anxiety. While the drama didn’t hit the right notes to get sucked in, it definitely has its heart in the right place.

 

Overall score: 2.5 out of 5

HEARTS BEAT LOUD opens in select theaters Jun 22nd

 

 

Watch The Exclusive Clip From TUMBLEDOWN

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TUMBLEDOWN is available now on Blu-ray and DVD on April 5th from Anchor Bay Entertainment. The movie stars Rebecca Hall and Jason Sudeikis.

In his review, Michael Haffner says Sudeikis “really earns his romantic-lead stripes here.”

Pop culture scholar Andrew (Jason Sudeikis) comes to Maine to interview Hannah (Rebecca Hall), the protective widow of an acclaimed singer. When the unlikely pair strike a deal to co-write a biography, Andrew finds himself clashing with a cast of locals, including Hannah’s hunky suitor (Joe Manganiello), and her loving but defensive parents (Blythe Danner, Richard Masur). When Hannah and Andrew’s stormy partnership blossoms into an unexpected connection, they face the possibility that the next chapter in their lives may involve each other. Dianna Argon and Griffin Dunne costar in this startlingly funny and sweetly romantic tale of moving on and finding love in the unlikeliest of places.

TUMBLEDOWN Blu-ray bonus features:

The Making of Tumbledown : A look at the film’s accurate portrayal of small town life, real-life inspirations for the film, core story details and themes, casting and performances, character details, Director Sean Mewshaw’s work, and the movie’s photography.

The Music Behind Tumbledown : A look at Damien Jurado’s work as the voice of Hunter Miles, the music’s emotional resonance and place in the movie, and more.

WAMG brings you this exclusive clip from the film’s Bonus Features section below.

Tumbledown Clip from We Are Movie Geeks on Vimeo.

 

I’LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS (2015) – The Review

illseeyouinmydreams

Into the noisy chaos of summertime at the multiplex, offering a quiet diversion from the super-heroes and natural disasters, is a gentle comedy/drama/romance aimed at a most neglected movie audience: the seniors. Or, the AARP crowd, if you will. Their favored flicks usually arrive in the later part of the year (for Oscar noms), or in the early Spring/late Winter. The studio execs are often stunned when this demographic embraces a film. Such was the case with THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL, which even inspired a recent sequel in addition to several US mature pairings like AND SO IT GOES. And in TV-land, those “Golden Girls” continue their popularity in endless reruns. This new film zeroes in on one such “golden gal” (well, she does have three BFFs) and provides a veteran actress of stage, screen, and TV with the role of a lifetime as the main focus of I’LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS.

The film begins early in the morning as sixty-something widow Carol Peterson (Blythe Danner) awakens in the bedroom of her comfy suburban California home, pushing aside her beloved old pooch. We see her routine in quick succession, until one morning the pup is not sharing her bed. And not responding to her call. Her canine companion’s time is up. Returning home from the vet, Carol is horrified by the site of a rat scurrying through her kitchen. So horrified, that she sleeps outside that night, bundled on some pool furniture. This startles the new pool cleaner Lloyd (Martin Starr), but Carol’s explanation begins a new friendship with the young man. Later Carol re-joins her three girlfriends, frisky Sally (Rhea Perlman), focused Rona (Mary Kay Palace) and staid Georgina (June Squibb) for their weekly poker game. Rona thinks that Carol should join them and live at the country club/retirement complex, while Sally thinks she should jump into the dating scene. After a fruitless afternoon “speed-dating” seminar, Carol is approached in the parking lot by the club’s resident “catch” Bill (Sam Elliot), who had flirted with her at a pharmacy recently. Should she take another chance at romanc

As mentioned earlier, Danner grabs up this role like a football and runs it in for an acting touchdown. In recent years, she’s been best known as the mother of Gwyneth along with many grandmother screen roles (in THE LUCKY ONE and the FOCKERS series) and for being a TV commercial “spokeswoman” , but here she’s finally front and center, proving she’s still got the “chops” to carry a story. As Carol, she runs the gamut of emotions from overwhelming grief to giddy, blossoming infatuation. And we even get treated to her superb musical skills. Thankfully. Danner’s given an exceptional supporting cast, particularly her “poker sisters”. Perlman has a mischievous grin to match the sparkle in her eyes as she prods her pal into amorous action. Place is a delightfully prim “straight woman” to the antics of that frisky duo (a scene of her surprised during an early morning visit to Carol is priceless). Squibb is nearly the polar opposite of her Oscar nominated NEBRASKA character, but is equally engaging as the more reserved widow, who’s still up for the occasional adventure. In the film’s last act, Malin Akerman, an actress best known these days for her comedic TV roles, has a great rapport with Paltrow in her role as Carol’s visiting, very supportive, East Coast-based only daughter. The two are terrific especially as daughter Katherine assumes the more parental figure in the final scenes. As for the fellas’, Elliot exudes his usual silver-fox, crinkly charm as Carol’s persistant suitor. The guy is the embodiment of “laid back”, especially as he introduces carol to the relaxing joys of cruising (on the ocean). Unfortunately the writers have saddled him with an annoying affectation. With his always unlit cigar, I was reminded of the irksome male lead of THE FAULT IN OUR STARS. The best addition of the film may be the wonderful turn by the splendid Starr who gained TV immortality as the lanky, loony Bill Haverchuck in the cult classic “Freaks and Geeks” and followed up with regular gigs on “Party Down” and the current HBO hit “Silicon Valley” in addition to being one of the Apatow supporting players (KNOCKED UP, SUPERBAD, and others). Here he gets to explore his dramatic side, while still being funny, as the somewhat lost thirty-something who somehow discovers a kindred spirit in Carol. Their conversations have a warm, natural rhythm, as they begin to guide each other in order to get back on their respective paths. Kudos also to the many veteran actors playing the “speed-daters” who elicit laughs and inspire sympathy.

In just his second feature film (THE NEW YEAR), director Brett Haley gives the film a real slice-of-life, easy-going vibe, never resorting to the melodramatic or grotesque. The film does make an ill-advised trip to dopey (pun intended) farce when the ladies very impulsively decide to toke up on some medical weed (lotsa’ munchies jokes), but otherwise the script by Haley and Marc Basch avoids any false notes. The cinematography by Rob Givens envelops the film in a warm, hazy glow while the music by Keegan DeWitt never telegraphs or overwhelms the emotions. It’s a great story to share with your mothers or aunties, but anyone can get something from Carol’s journey in I’LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS.

4 Out of 5

I’LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS opens everywhere and screens exclusively in the St. Louis area at Landmark’s Plaza Frontenac Cinemas

illseeyouinmydreamsposter

 

HELLO I MUST BE GOING – The Review

1994’s HEAVENLY CREATURES turned out to be the little flick that launched some big careers (along with helping turn New Zealand into a movie making mecca), This docudrama pushed director Peter Jackson out into the big studios and all the way to Middle Earth (with several Academy Awards along the way). Another CREATURES alum to go home with gold in a few years was Kate Winslet (with a stop on that doomed boat trip that became the second biggest box office hit of all time). And what about poor, young murderess Pauline? I’m speaking of the talented actress that shared the screen with Ms. W. Well, Melanie Lynskey has racked up a lot of screen time ( big and small screen ) since then. Many may know her as Charlie Harper’s stalker-ex in the TV sitcom smash “Two and a Half Men”. She’s also had some great supporting roles in several critically praised films like UP IN THE AIR, THE INFORMANT!, and the recent gem THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER. But she’s not had her date with Oscar…yet. But that may soon happen thanks to her wonderful work in HELLO I MUST BE GOING. And this is not a supporting role, not someone’s gal or pal. Ms. L is the lead here and carries this quirky comedy/ drama superbly.

Lynskey plays Amy Minsky, a woman who’s been knocked for a loop by her cheating husband. We meet her several months after a divorce and she is in quite a funk (to put it mildly). This thirty-something has moved back to her Connecticut family home, much to the consternation of her mother, Ruth (Blythe Danner) and soon-to-retire father Stan (John Rubinstein). Amy sleeps till noon and mopes about the rest of the day while wearing the same shorts and ratty red T-shirt. Ruth nags her to straighten up. Seems they’re going to have a big client over for Dinner (if Stan lands his account then he and Ruth can take that ” Gallivanting the Globe ” tour!). The big night arrives and the client, his wife, and 19-year-old actor son, Jeremy (Christopher Abbott) sit down for a meal. The conversation upsets Amy and she retreats to another room. Presently Jeremy enters this room and plants a passionate kiss on  the very surprised more-than-a-decade -older lady. Soon the two are sneaking out to indulge in passionate carnal encounters. Amy finally feels alive again. But is this a rebound fling or the real deal? Is she finally ready to move forward with her life?

After a few early scenes of Amy floundering at home ( he seems to move about in a thick fog), the film kicks in to be become a gentle comedy and an uplifting ” starting over ” fable. Lynskey’s a real charmer as she finally starts to stand-up for herself (and grow-up somewhat). Her scenes of rekindled passion are heart-warming and very funny (sneaking around like a teen after curfew, throwing pebbles at bedroom windows). Abbott’s very appealing as the sensitive, determined young lover (he’s going to crash through every age-barrier she throws at him). He’s at a crossroads also. After over a decade of acting, he may have lost the passion. Rubinstein is a delightful actor mostly known for his extensive TV works. His sympathetic Stan is a tender-hearted Poppa who still adores his little girl, but is at a loss trying to ease her pain. On the opposite end of the parenting spectrum is Danner’s Ruth. She’s sick and tired of the returned prodigal (darn this reverse empty nest !) and Mom’s dishing up a big helping of really tough love. But she’s not just playing a cranky spin on her feisty senior from the MEET THE PARENTS series or THE LUCKY ONE. Ruth’s had her share of crushed dreams that we learn of after she finally explodes at Amy. Kudos to Sarah Koskoff for a delightful script that never feels forced and to actor turned director Todd Louiso for guiding this talented cast and never letting the laughs get in the way of this story of ‘do-overs’. Oh, and if you’re wondering, those funny comedy brothers do indeed make an appearance. HELLO I MUST BE GOING is sweet romance that gives a terrific actress a chance to truly shine. To quote another song from ANIMAL CRACKERS, ” Hooray for Melanie Lynskey! “.

4 Out of 5 Stars

HELLO I MUST BE GOING screens exclusively in the St. Louis area at Landmark’s Tivoli Theatre

THE LUCKY ONE – The Review

Well, with the big-boy action blockbusters right around the corner ( almost May 1, ya’ know! ) Hollywood’s going to see if they can strike gold with another, modest-budget, PG-13 romantic drama ( I’ll resist that sexist rhyming ‘ flick’ term ). After all, last January’s ” based on true events ” THE VOW was a surprise after Christmas hit. And so we have THE LUCKY ONE. But this doesn’t have the ‘true’ subcategory. It’s the latest in a series of film based on the work of prolific author Nicholas Sparks, following THE NOTEBOOK,  THE LAST SONG,  A WALK TO REMEMBER, and DEAR JOHN. So is this new adaptation another pay-out from his mother-lode of novels?

The title refers to Logan ( Zac Efron ), a marine on another tour of duty in Iraq. We first meet him during a particularly nasty night-time fire fight where several brothers-in-arms are shot. That next morning, as he’s going through the rubble, Logan spots a glistening photo. It’s a lovely blonde woman standing in front of a light house. As he picks it up, an explosion hits. Later the wounded soldier awakens and is told he avoided death by just a few feet. If he hadn’t walked over to get the photo….well, his luck would’ve run out. No one there at base camp knows who she is, so after an uneasy reunion with his sister’s family in Colorado ( we get a recreation of the internet videos of returning vets being greeted by their dogs as Logan and his German Shepard Zeus reunite ) Logan zeroes in on the location of his ‘ angel ‘ via the background light house. He and Zeus walk ( ! ) to a sleepy little Louisiana town and meet Beth ( Taylor Schilling )  a gorgeous single mom with an adorable little boy and a fiesty, but adorable Granny ( Blythe Danner ). Beth’s taking a break from her teaching job, a class full of adorable tots, to concentrate on her boarding/ grooming kennel full of ( you guessed it! ) adorable doggies. Before he can explain why he’s there ( shade of Gene and Rog’s ” the idiot plot” ), Kate hires him to help with the pups! Looks like smooth sailing to love-land until Logan runs into the t**d in the punchbowl at this party : Kate’s thuggish ex-husband, Keith ( J. R. Ferguson ) who’s also the chief of police ( a bully with a badge! ).Will he derail this love train?

As I hinted previously, this flick almost drowns in a sea of adorable-ness and cloying cliches. As time dragged on, I started to sympathize with the actors trying to bring life to this turgid screenplay. This may be Efron’s first full-fledged bid to escape the ‘ teen dream ‘ roles he’s been doing for the last few years. An attempt been made to toughen him up with some wispy facial hair ( grow a beard or shave it-we don’t need another Ethan Hawke! ) and a somber demeanor ( he’s got a hair-trigger at his sister’s place) . For a great deal of screen time, he’s eye candy with the camera lovingly showcasing each  muscle and sensitive stare. Schilling is stuck in many scenes trying to control her lust, while attempting to push him aside. Her rollercoaster of behavior patterns in the third act seem unnatural requirements of the plotting. Danner does her best in the wise, straight-talking, nurturing granny role ( the type of role that Shirley MacLaine probably tired of years ago). Ferguson seems to be having a bit of fun as the leering, scheming bad guy ( a more violent version of the jerk he plays on TV’s ” Mad Men ” ), but a half-hearted attempt to redeem him rings hollow. His son exists just to mellow out Logan ( see, he’d be a great dad! ) until he’s put in jeopardy in a clunky rescue finale. Hollywood can make a romantic film that can appeal to men and women if they really wanted . It just takes more originality than what’s been at the multiplexes lately. When film makers and studios really put some time and effort into future ” heart-tuggers”. then each member of the audience will feel that they’re the lucky one.

Overall Rating: 1 Out of 5 Stars

Simon Pegg and Nick Frost Talk Bonus Features Of PAUL


BUCKLE UP FOR A HILARIOUS ROAD TRIP FROM THE DIRECTOR OF SUPERBAD & THE STARS 
AND CREATORS OF HOT FUZZ AND SHAUN OF THE DEAD

PAUL

OWN THE OUTRAGOUS 
UNRATED VERSION NOT SHOWN IN THEATERS ON 
BLU-RAY™ COMBO PACK, DVD & DIGITAL DOWNLOAD
AUGUST 9, 2011

One tiny alien makes for big, big trouble in the comedy adventure Paul, coming to Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD August 9, 2011, from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Both versions will feature the theatrical movie, as well as an unrated version of the film, not shown in theaters. The film and its unrated version will also be available day and date for digital download and video on demand. Paul reunites Simon Pegg and Nick Frost (Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead) as two sci-fi geeks on a pilgrimage to America’s UFO heartland, where they accidentally encounter an alien who sends them on an insane road trip that alters their universe forever. Written by Pegg and Frost, Paul boasts a star-studded cast that features Seth Rogen (The Green Hornet, Knocked Up) as the voice of Paul, Sigourney Weaver (Avatar), Jason Bateman (Hancock), Kristen Wiig (Date Night, Knocked Up), Jane Lynch (“Glee”), Bill Hader (Pineapple Express), Joe Lo Truglio (Role Models), Jeffrey Tambor (“Arrested Development”) and Blythe Danner (Little Fockers). Directed by Greg Mottola (Superbad), Paul comes loaded with in-depth, behind-the-scenes features, bloopers, filmmaker and cast commentary and more, to take viewers on a comical journey behind the making of this critically hailed film.

The Blu-ray™ Combo Pack will include a Blu-ray and DVD copy of the unrated and theatrical versions of the film. Additionally, for a limited time only, the Combo Pack also includes a digital copy of the unrated film that can be viewed anytime, anywhere on an array of digital devices. Blu-ray ™ consumers can also access MY MOVIES™, an exclusive feature that allows consumers to stream a bonus movie instantly to their television through any Internet-connected Blu-ray ™ player via BD-Live™ or to their Smartphone and iPad™ using the free pocket BLU™ app. The bonus movie offer will be available for a limited time only. Visit www.universalhidef.com for more details.

BONUS FEATURES EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE ON BLU-RAY™ COMBO PACK:

· Between the Lightning Strikes: The Making of Paul

· Behind the Scenes Featurettes:

o RV Doorway: The Cast of Paul On-Location — The cast is just as funny off-screen as they are in front of the camera.

o Runway Santa Fe: An Interview with Nancy Steiner — Follow Nancy Steiner, the costume designer, as she chooses hilarious T-shirts and wardrobe for the cast.

o Smithereens — Blowing up a house on location causes excitement among the cast.

o 5th Date Level Direction: The Cast on Greg Mottola — The cast talks about the fun of working with Mottola, who also directed Superbad.

o Mexico Zero: The Locations of Paul—Mexico Zero is the nickname the cast gives to New Mexico, where the majority of filming was done for Paul.

o The Many Pauls — To create Paul, the filmmakers used all the tricks of the trade, from capturing Seth Rogen’s facial expressions and movements, to using a child dressed up as an alien while on-set.

o Paul: The Musical — The cast joins together for an impromptu musical version of the film.

o The Traveler Beagle — A look at all the different RVs used on the set of Paul, from fully functioning vehicles to a mock-up on a Hollywood soundstage.

· BD-LIVE™: Access the BD-Live™ Center through your Internet-connected player to watch the latest trailers and more.

· pocket BLU™: The groundbreaking pocket BLU™ app uses iPhone®, iPod® touch, Android™, PC and Macintosh to work seamlessly with a network-connected Blu-ray™ player. Also available on the iPad®, owners can enjoy a new, enhanced edition of pocket BLU™ made especially to take advantage of the tablet’s larger screen and high resolution display. Consumers will be able to browse through a library of Blu-ray™ content and watch entertaining extras on-the-go in a way that’s bigger and better than ever before. pocket BLU™ offers advanced features such as:

o Advanced Remote Control — A sleek, elegant new way to operate your Blu-ray™ player. Users can navigate through menus, playback and BD-Live™ functions with ease.

o Video Timeline — Users can easily bring up the video timeline, allowing them to instantly access any point in the film.

o Mobile-To-Go — Users can unlock a selection of bonus content with their Blu-ray™ discs to save to their device or to stream from anywhere there is a Wi-Fi network, enabling them to enjoy content on the go, anytime, anywhere.

o Browse Titles — Users will have access to a complete list of pocket BLU™-enabled titles available and coming to Blu-ray™ Hi-Def. They can view free previews and see what additional content is available to unlock on their device.

o Keyboard — Entering data is fast and easy with your device’s intuitive keyboard.

BONUS FEATURES ON BLU-RAY™ AND DVD:

· Bloopers

· The Evolution of Paul — An inside look at how Paul became a living, breathing alien.

· Simon’s Silly Faces — Simon Pegg makes an assortment of wildly funny faces for the camera.

· Who the Hell is Adam Shadowchild? — Find out about the legendary sci-fi writer from the characters in Paul.

· Feature Commentary with Greg Mottola, Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Bill Hader and Nira Park

· Photo Galleries, Storyboards and Posters

SYNOPSIS

For the past 60 years, an alien named Paul (voiced by Seth Rogen) has been hanging out at a top-secret military base. For reasons unknown, the space-traveling smartass decides to escape the compound and hop on the first vehicle out of town—a rented RV containing Earthlings Graeme Willy (Pegg) and Clive Gollings (Frost). Chased by federal agents and the fanatical father of a young woman they accidentally kidnap, Graeme and Clive hatch a fumbling escape plan to return Paul to his mother ship. As two nerds struggle to help, one little green man might just take his fellow outcasts from misfits to intergalactic heroes.

www.WhatIsPaul.com

CAST AND FILMMAKERS

Directed By: Greg Mottola

Written By: Simon Pegg & Nick Frost

Produced By: Nira Park, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner

Executive Producers: Liza Chasin, Debra Hayward, Natascha Wharton, Robert Graf

Director of Photography: Lawrence Sher

Production Designer: Jefferson Sage

Editor: Chris Dickens, ACE

Costume Designer: Nancy Steiner

Music By: David Arnold

Cast: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Jason Bateman, Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, Blythe Danner, Joe Lo Truglio, John Carroll Lynch, Jane Lynch, David Koechner, Jesse Plemons with Sigourney Weaver and Seth Rogen

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

BLU-RAY™ HI-DEF

Street Date: August 9, 2011

Copyright: 2011

Selection Number: 61118963

Running Time: 1Hour 44 Min

Layers: BD-50

Aspect Ratio: Widescreen 2.35:1

Rating: R for language including sexual references and some drug use

Technical Info: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, Spanish and French DTS Surround 5.1, DVS, English SDH, Spanish and French Subtitles

DVD

Street Date: August 9, 2011

Copyright: 2011

Selection Number: 61111728

Running Time: 1Hour 44 Min

Layers: Dual Layer

Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.35:1

Rating: R for language including sexual references and some drug use

Technical Info: Dolby Digital English 5.1, Spanish 5.1, French 5.1, DVS, English SDH, Spanish and French Subtitles

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New PAUL Trailer Is Here

Prepare yourself for something out of this world in this new trailer for PAUL starring Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Jason Bateman, Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, Blythe Danner, John Carroll Lynch, Sigourney Weaver, and Seth Rogen.

Synopsis:

Simon Pegg and Nick Frost (Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead) reunite for the comedy adventure Paul as two sci-fi geeks whose pilgrimage takes them to America’s UFO heartland. While there, they accidentally meet an alien who brings them on an insane road trip that alters their universe forever. For the past 60 years, an alien named Paul (Seth Rogen) has been hanging out at a top-secret military base. For reasons unknown, the space-traveling smart ass decides to escape the compound and hop on the first vehicle out of town–a rented RV containing Earthlings Graeme Willy (Pegg) and Clive Gollings (Frost). Chased by federal agents and the fanatical father of a young woman that they accidentally kidnap, Graeme and Clive hatch a fumbling escape plan to return Paul to his mother ship. And as two nerds struggle to help, one little green man might just take his fellow outcasts from misfits to intergalactic heroes.

PAUL will be landing in theaters in the U.K. on February 14, 2011 and in the U.S. on March 18, 2011. Visit the film’s official site here and on Facebook here.

WAITING FOR FOREVER Trailer and Poster

Check out this new trailer for the romantic tale WAITING FOR FOREVER starring Rachel Bilson, Tom Sturridge, Blythe Danner and Richard Jenkins. Jenkins alone is probably worth the price of admission to this movie.

Synopsis:

Who decides what is normal? A unique love story about friendship and a view of the world from different perspectives, WAITING FOR FOREVER explores the connections people make in the face of life’s changes. Best friends while they were growing up, Emma (Rachel Bilson) and Will (Tom Sturridge) lost touch a long time ago—as far as she knows. To Will, Emma never stopped being the most important person in his life. Believing them to be forever linked, he goes wherever she goes. Will doesn’t have a home, a car, or a “real” job. He survives on his talent as a juggler and entertainer—talents honed through years of showing off for Emma. When her father gets sick, Emma returns to their hometown, trying to leave behind her complicated love life and failing career as a TV actress. As its characters face love, death and their own preconceptions, WAITING FOR FOREVER questions the realities of life.

Although it made the festival circuit in 2010, the film will hit theaters this February. WAITING FOR FOREVER is on Facebook HERE and on Twitter HERE.