Chris O’Dowd – Page 2 – We Are Movie Geeks

CALVARY – The Review

The cinematic treatment of the Catholic church, particularly the priesthood, has, more or less, reflected the changing attitudes of the general public along with many revelations that have dominated the news headlines in recent years. In the 1930’s and 40’s priests were a gentle, pleasant, understanding band of brothers frequently portrayed by actors like Pat O’Brien (who was quoted as saying he would take any film or TV role as a man of the cloth) and Bing Crosby (who won a Best Actor Oscar for GOING MY WAY, and then starred in its sequel THE BELLS OF ST. MARY’S). With the turbulent 60’s we were treated to films more critical of church politics like THE SHOES OF THE FISHERMAN. And in the next decade priest became heroes again in the wake of the box office smash THE EXORCIST and its many supernatural follow-ups and rip-offs. But soon movies showed us their fallibility as in THE RUNNER STUMBLES and the TV mini-series “The Thorn Birds”. The scandals of the last couple of decades have been explored with films such as PROOF. It is in this territory where we encounter the new release CALVARY. Though set on the Emerald Isle, this film addresses the barrage of accusations and lawsuits leveled at the church. But it’s also a thriller, a mystery, and, often, a gut-busting comedy. Talk about your Irish stew!

The first face we see is that of greying, burly,bearded father James (Brendon Gleeson) as he settles in to hear confession. The angry voice on the other side of the screen relates the ugly childhood story of being sexually assaulted by a priest. James is stunned, saying that this is quite an opener. He offers help to the confessor via counseling or the legal authorities. But the angry voice wants none of that, not even revenge against his molester. The confessor will have justice against the church and its followers by murdering James. Think of the flock’s reaction to a good, innocent, decent man being slain. Before leaving the voice states that he’ll carry out his mission a week from Sunday. James is shaken and tells this to the Bishop that oversees the parish. Fearful of lawsuits, he offers no helpful suggestions. The police inspector cannot help without knowing the confessor’s identity. Who is it? Is it one of the men involved with the wild, free-spirited Veronica Brennan (Orla O’Rourke)? Perhaps it’s her dim-witted cuckholed hubby Jack (Chris O’Dowd) or her lover, the surly, dark Ivorian Simon (Isaach De Bankole’), an auto mechanic who might be getting rough with her. Is it the snarky, soused, deeply unhappy estate owner Michael Fitzgerald (Dylan Moran)? Or perhaps it’s the elderly American writer (M. Emmet Walsh) who needs something more than the chocolates and whiskey that James brings to him. The writer wants a gun to take himself out before disease ravages him. Maybe it’s the coked-up atheist emergency room doctor, Frank Harte (Aidan Gillen). Or is it the motor-mouthed, tattooed gay hustler Leo (Owen Sharpe) who thinks himself a wise-cracking character right out of a 30’s gangster flick. Maybe it’s the twitchy virgin Milo (Killian Scott), or the bitter local pub owner? Or could it possibly be the priest that shares duties at the church, the up-tight Father Leary (David Wilmot)? This little seaside village has suspects to spare.

But James tries to go about his work. He gets a visit from his daughter (yes, he was married before joining the priesthood) Fiona (Kelly Reilly) who needs to heal emotionally and physically after another failed bid at romance. James also pays a call to the prison to talk with convicted serial killer Freddie Joyce (Brendon’s real-life son Domhnall), who desires a hanging. And James comforts a French widow Teresa (Marie-Josee Croze) at the hospital, who has just lost her husband in a horrible auto accident. But as he goes about his work, the clock keeps ticking and soon that dreaded Sunday arrives.

This film rises or falls on Gleeson’s big shoulders, and the veteran actor is more than up to the task. His Father James is indeed a good priest as his stalker readily admits. He’s actually a better man than his ungrateful, surly flock deserve (to quote a recent Sci Fi hit “What a bunch of A-holes!”). They constantly mock his faith and deride the church for its wealth and secrecy, but James takes it, turning that other cheek. But we see how it wears on him and we wish him to put “the haters” in their place. Gleeson shows us a bit of the pre-priest man as he must avoid “the drink” (perhaps this is what ended his family and sent him to the cloth). We also get to see a bit of his light side as he banters with a sneaky altar boy and later converses with a teen girl he encounters strolling on his walking path. A sweet moment until the girl’s father pulls up and pushes her into the car, as if saving her from a monster. A hateful moment as all the evil done by others condemns this gentle man. We see that gentleness during the quiet scene at the hospital chapel as he comforts a new widow. But he will tolerate no nonsense either with the rich investor or a convicted killer. Some of his dark side is finally revealed as the deadline approaches and his bottled-up rage is finally released. But we’re still hoping that all will turn out right for him. It’s the role of a lifetime for Gleeson, who deserves every award and accolades that should come his way.

This is not to say that Gleeson’s the whole show, he generously shares the film with a superb supporting cast. Leading the stand-outs is Reilly as the daughter James left behind. Her sassy facade tries to hide the hurt from losing her daddy so soon after her mother’s passing. This may be the reason for her poor chose of life partners, that’s made Fiona part of the walking wounded. In the ensemble are a few great comedic actors who get a chance to venture into the dramatic arena. O’Dowd is very funny as the bewildered butcher who’s not that upset about his wandering missus. Scott’s deadpan spin on the shy fella’ who really needs a gal is hysterical and endearing. And Moran is able to generate big laughs and sympathy as the bitter, angry banker. At the opposite end of the spectrum is the tense exchange between the two Gleesons. Domhnall makes us forget his nice guy screen persona as the twisted killer who will get no pass from the good Father. It’s a crackling good sequence.

Writer/director John Michael McDonagh (THE GUARD) keeps us guessing up to the end in classic “whodunit” (maybe “who’s-gonna’-do-it” would be more appropriate) style, only losing the momentum when James takes a unusal last-minute-trip (and neglects to remind us of each passing day). At least we get to revisit the French widow. The county Siglo locations are quiet breath-taking , especially that pivotal beach. As I stated earlier, this is very dark subject matter that ventures into brutal territory that’s not for the easily offended. CALVARY is an adult exploration of the role of the church in modern life with Gleeson and his acting troupe making it one of the year’s most compelling films.

4 Out of 5

CALVARY screens exclusively in the St. Louis area at Landmark’s Plaza Frontenac Cinemas

Win Tickets To The Advance Screening of CALVARY In St. Louis

CALVARY’s Father James (Brendan Gleeson) is a good priest who is faced with troubling circumstances brought about by a mysterious member of his parish. Although he continues to comfort his own fragile daughter (Kelly Reilly) and to help members of his church with their various problems, he feels a foreboding sinister force closing in, and begins to wonder if he will have the courage to face his own personal Calvary.

From the director of THE GUARD, John Michael McDonagh, CALVARY opens in St. Louis August 15th.

WAMG invites you to enter to win passes to the advance screening of CALVARY on Tuesday, August 12th in the St. Louis area. We will contact the winners by email.

If you are a winner, you will need to head over to FoxSearchLightScreenings.com and register to receive your two passes.

Answer the following:

What profession did Brendan Gleeson leave in order to pursue a career in acting?
What film role brought him to the attention of Hollywood?

OFFICIAL RULES:

1. YOU MUST BE IN THE ST. LOUIS AREA THE DAY OF THE SCREENING.

2. ENTER YOUR NAME AND ANSWER IN OUR COMMENTS SECTION BELOW.

3. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.

The film is Rated R.

calvary-movie.com

Fox Searchlight Pictures, Bord Scannán Na Héireann, The Irish Film Board And BFI present, in association with Lipsync Productions LLP, a Reprisal Films And Octagon Films production, CALVARY starring Brendan Gleeson, Chris O’Dowd, Kelly Reilly, Aidan Gillen, Dylan Moran, Isaach De Bankolé, M. Emmet Walsh, Marie-Josée Croze, Domhnall Gleeson, David Wilmot, Gary Lydon, Killian Scott, Orla O’Rourke, Owen Sharpe, David McSavage, Mícheál Óg Lane, Mark O’Halloran.

The film is written and directed by John Michael McDonagh (THE GUARD). Producers are Chris Clark (JOHNNY ENGLISH), Flora Fernandez Marengo (THE GUARD) and James Flynn (“The Borgias); executive producers are Robert Walak (SHAME) and Ronan Flynn (“Foyle’s War”); co-producers are Elizabeth Eves and Aaron Farrell with Patrick O’Donoghue as line producer.

The filmmaking team includes director of photography Larry Smith BSC (ONLY GOD FORGIVES); casting by Jina Jay (THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL); production designer Mark Geraghty (“Vikings”); editor Chris Gill (THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL); costume designer Eimer Ní Mhaoldomhnaigh (ONDINE); composer Patrick Cassidy (LAYER CAKE) and music supervisor Liz Gallacher (ELYSIUM)

Bill Murray, Melissa McCarthy, Chris O’Dowd, and Naomi Watts Star In ST. VINCENT Trailer

Here’s your first look at the trailer for ST. VINCENT starring Bill Murray.

Maggie (Melissa McCarthy), a single mother, moves into a new home in Brooklyn with her 12-year old son, Oliver (Jaeden Lieberher). Forced to work long hours, she has no choice but to leave Oliver in the care of their new neighbor, Vincent (Bill Murray), a retired curmudgeon with a penchant for alcohol and gambling.

An odd friendship soon blossoms between the improbable pair. Together with a pregnant stripper named Daka (Naomi Watts), Vincent brings Oliver along on all the stops that make up his daily routine — the race track, a strip club, and the local dive bar. Vincent helps Oliver grow to become a man, while Oliver begins to see in Vincent something that no one else is able to: a misunderstood man with a good heart.

Directed by Theodore Melfi, The Weinstein Company will open ST. VINCENT in theaters October 24th.

stvincent-movie.com

Watch Brendan Gleeson In The CALVARY Trailer

Brendan Gleeson (THE GUARD) and director John Michael McDonagh reteam in this brand new trailer for CALVARY.

Also featuring Chris O’Dowd and Kelly Reilly, the film screened previously at the Sundance Film Festival and Berlin International Film Festival.

CALVARY’s Father James (Brendan Gleeson) is a good priest who is faced with sinister and troubling circumstances brought about by a mysterious member of his parish.

Although he continues to comfort his own fragile daughter (Kelly Reilly) and reach out to help members of his church with their various scurrilous moral – and often comic – problems, he feels sinister and troubling forces closing in, and begins to wonder if he will have the courage to face his own personal Calvary.

In his review, Guy Lodge (HitFix) says Gleeson, “delivers McDonagh’s sculpted words — akin more to prose than dialogue in many scenes — with classical heft.”

Fox Searchlight Pictures will release CALVARY in select theaters on August 1.

http://www.calvary-movie.com/

STUDIOCANAL / Working Title Films Team Up Again For Stephen Frears’ UNTITLED CYCLING PROJECT

STUDIOCANAL and Working Title Films have announced the start of principal photography on October 18th for the untitled CYCLING PROJECT, reuniting Academy Award nominated director Stephen Frears (PHILOMENA, THE QUEEN) and Working Title Films.

The cast is led by Ben Foster (KILL YOUR DARLINGS, AIN’T THEM BODIES SAINTS) as Lance Armstrong, and Chris O’Dowd (BRIDESMAIDS) as journalist David Walsh, with Guillaume Canet (TELL NO ONE) and Jesse Plemons (TV’s BREAKING BAD) in key supporting roles.

The film charts the thrilling rise of pro-cyclist Lance Armstrong through the 90s and early 2000s, battling cancer, as he and his fellow American teammates dominate and change the quintessentially European sport of cycling. Winning the Tour de France an unprecedented seven times, Lance retires as one of the great sporting heroes of our time, and worth millions of dollars.

David Walsh. THE ARMSTRONG LIE. Photo by Maryse Alberti, Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics

David Walsh, sports writer, is at first charmed by Lance’s charisma and talent. Seven Tours later, and ostracised by the cycling community for speaking out, he believes the world is being sold a lie. A lone voice, it is several years before Lance is exposed.

Coming out in theaters in November is THE ARMSTRONG LIE, a documentary chronicling sports legend Lance Armstrong’s improbable rise and ultimate fall from grace. From Academy Award winning filmmaker, Alex Gibney, this film was originally supposed to chronicle a comeback and instead emerged as a riveting insider’s view, chronicling the collapse of one of the greatest legends of our time.

Lance Armstrong. THE ARMSTRONG LIE. Photo by Maryse Alberti, Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.

The film is written by John Hodge (TRANCE), based on the book Seven Deadly Sins: My Pursuit of Lance Armstrong by Sunday Times journalist and Chief Sports Writer, David Walsh. It is produced by Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner for Working Title, Tracey Seaward (PHILOMENA), for whom this is her sixth collaboration with Frears, and Kate Solomon (UNITED 93, GREEN ZONE). Working Title’s Liza Chasin and Amelia Granger will executive produce.

The film marks Stephen Frears and Working Title’s fifth feature film collaboration. Bevan and Frears first worked together on MY BEAUTIFUL LAUNDRETTE, the Academy Award nominated film that launched both their film careers in 1985 and followed this up with SAMMY AND ROSIE GET LAID in 1987. Bevan and Fellner produced Frears’ HI LO COUNTRY in 1998 and most recently HIGH FIDELITY in 2000.

The film will shoot on location in France and the UK. The creative team includes Production Designer Alan Macdonald, Director of Photography Danny Cohen, Costume Designer Jane Petrie and Editor Valario Bonelli.

This marks the fourth partnership of STUDIOCANAL and Working Title Films after TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY, I GIVE IT A YEAR and THE TWO FACES OF JANUARY, the latter now in post production.

STUDIOCANAL will fully finance, distribute in its territories, and handle international sales which will start in AFM.

THIS IS 40 – The Review

After much success in one genre a film maker can become an adjective (in the Golden Age it was “Capra-esque”) and can branch out into a brand name with their production house presenting films from other directors with a similar sensibility. This was the case with Mel Brooks, then ZAZ (Zucker,Abrams,Zucker of AIRPLANE fame), the Farrelly brothers, and now Judd Apatow. After great box office success from producing (ANCHORMAN), he directed several hits (starting with THE 40 YEAR OLD VIRGIN), then his company became the home to more comedy smashes (particularly last year’s BRIDESMAIDS). Now Apatow is behind the camera for his fourth directorial feature (based on his script), THIS IS 40. He’s returned to the world of his 2007 film KNOCKED UP, but it’s not the standard sequel. Ben (Seth Rogan) and Alison (Katherine Heigl) aren’t sending their toddler off to kindergarten. Instead Apatow has taken a cue from TV and has spun off some supporting characters from the earlier flick (like “Frazier” spun off from “Cheers”). The new film is the further adventures of Alison’s big sister Debbie (played by Judd’s real life wife Leslie Mann), her hubby Pete (Paul Rudd) and their two daughters Sadie and Charlotte (played by Apatow siblings Maude and Iris). Is this “semi-sequel” follow-up another big screen bonanza of hilarity for the Apatow empire?

When we catch up with them Pete and Debbie will both be turning 40 within the next few days. Except Debbie is in such denial that her cake reads 38. She’s also dealing with some cash discrepancies at the dress shop she owns. Is Jodi (Charlyne Yi) or Desi (Megan Fox) pilfering 12 grand? Plus she’s trying to re-connect with her estranged father, Oliver (John Lithgow). As for Pete, his music label is bleeding cash, so he’s trying to hide that from Debbie along with the fact that he’s loaning money to his overwhelmed dad, Larry (seems his younger second wife gave birth to triplets!). The daughters are constantly bickering, with now teenage Sadie in full rebel mode. Their house never stays quiet for very long.

Apatow assembles an all-star cast for this slice of life flick. Rudd is his usual likeable everyman here as a guy who’s being pulled in so many different directions. He’s got a warm rapport with the young actors particularly. There’s also great chemistry with his biking bud Robert Smigel (the man behind Triumph the Insult Comic Dog). Rudd makes a believable spousal team with Mann. Hers is the more difficult role as Debbie is fighting middle age with all her might. Unfortunately she can come off as a vain exasperating pill in too many scenes. She does great work with Annie Mumolo (co-writer of BRIDESMAIDS) especially in an opening sequence with their personal trainer played by Apatow regular Jason Segal. The big surprise is the comedic turn from screen siren Megan Fox. The ladies night out with her and Mann scores several big laughs (especially as Fox talks about her side job). Lithgow has little to do besides being cold and aloof and Rudd’s music co-workers Chris O’Dowd (another BRIDESMAIDS alum) and Lena Dunham (HBO’s “Girls”) are under-utilized. And then there’s Apatow’s big score. After an outstanding villainous turn in last year’s DRIVE, Brooks returns to comedy as a modern Willy Loman. He’s got a big chip on his shoulder while being hyper-sensitive to any slight. His scenes with Rudd crackle. But the performer that may generate the most laughs per minute of screen time is BRIDESMAIDS MVP Melissa McCarthy as the enraged mother of one of Sadie’s schoolmates. Be sure and stick around for the end credits. Her (I suspect) mostly improved rage-fueled tirade in the principal’s office leaves the actors and crew in helpless hysterics. If only the entire film had her energy!

With his third film FUNNY PEOPLE, Apatow seemed to have a difficult time keeping his movies on track and within a reasonable running time. Unless the word “mad” is repeated four times in the title, no movie comedy should be over two hours (this problem has also occurred in the films he’s produced, like this year’s THE FIVE YEAR ENGAGEMENT). The story meanders all over the place with some subplots never really paying off (the strained Debbie/Oliver lunch or the Pete produced Graham Parker CD). Far too much time is taken up with endless bickering. One horrific screaming tirade from Sadie is met with little punishment. Much of the time this film plays out like the viewer is trapped at a very bad, tension-filled dinner party. The big BBQ birthday party for Pete near the film’s end is one awkward moment piled on top of another and another leading to a forced reconciliation. Lots of folks will find much to laugh about and identify with in this film, but from the man who’s brought us some of the best TV and movie comedy of the last couple decades THIS IS 40 is a rambling, unfocused effort. I truly wish this gifted film maker better luck (and laughs) next time.

3 Out of 5

FRIENDS WITH KIDS – The Review

Can a single guy and a single gal be best friends without romance ( and perhaps sex ) messing things up? This question was probably best explored many years ago with WHEN HARRY MET SALLY ( and countless uninspired rom-coms since the 1989 classic ). The new film FRIENDS WITH KIDS puts the conflict right up front. Yeah, these two are BFFs and yeah, they procreate. Now, Harry and Sally did hook-up, but it was not part of a well thought-out, negotiated plan. These modern New Yorkers want parenthood without romantic committment. Can they really pull it off, or will they go down the path from 23 years ago?

Well, let’s meet these friends prior to the kids. Julie ( Jennifer Westfeldt ) is a gorgeous thirty-something who’s hesitant about jumping back into the old dating pool after a bad break-up with an old beau. Jason ( Adam Scott ) is having a great time splashing about in the deep end of said pool. He’s not exactly a ” player ” , but his relationships don’t last from weeks into months. The two live on different floors of a swanky Manhattan apartment building and are friends with two married couples. Leslie ( Maya Rudolph ) and Alex ( Chris O’Dowd ) are squabbling ( well, more like teasing ) long-time married, harried parents. Missy ( Kristen Wiig ) and Ben ( Jon Hamm ) are newly marrieds who have a tough time keeping their hands off each other ( lotsa’ risky public action! ). After a group dinner, Julie and Jason hatch a plan. They both want to experience parenthood while still young, but don’t want to commit to a life partner. They’ll make a baby, and commit to taking care of the tot, trading off duties and time. But once the child is past infancy ( and Julie’s back in club-shape ), they’ll both start dating again. The other couples are perplexed by the plan ( some more than others ), but offer their support. Soon Julie hooks up with a hunky single dad ( Ed Burns ) while Jason finds his dream gal in a shapely Broadway star ( Megan Fox ). Things seem to be going great for both new parents, but can these buddies really keep their parenting separate from their new relationships?

For most of its running time FRIENDS WITH KIDS is a smart, witty Big Apple relationship romp that’s more Nora Ephron than Woody Allen. The main problem is that it’s being marketed almost as a BRIDESMAIDS reunion with Wiig, Rudolph, Hamm, and O’Dowd featured predominately in the ads. Sure there are a couple of baby excrement gags ( a tired staple of baby rom-coms now ), but that’s as close as this film comes to the raunch of last Summer’s smash flick. And there are only three or four scenes involving all the couples. The majority of screen time is devoted to Westfeldt and Scott. Both are talented actors ( with Westfeldt pulling triple duty as screenwriter/director/star ), but they have little chemistry together ( as opposed to Scott’s TV job on ” Parks and Recreations ” where he sizzles with Amy Poehler ). It’s tough to accept Stone as this great ladies’ man, while Westfeldt’s character comes of a tad whiny in many scenes. As for those other two couples, Hamm is given little to do until a big confrontation in which he channels a bit of the Don Draper arrogance and insensitivity. Wiig is given even less to do besides drink and glare at Hamm. Her wild, zany comic persona is in small supply. The more interesting couple may be Rudolph and O’Dowd. They have an easy rapport and great comic timing. His character is six years her junior and often is in the child role ( like a goofy adolescent ) with her in their scenes. Rudolph’s a great big sister to Westfeldt- supportive with a great B.S. detector. Fox tries to shake her big movie diva ( rhymes with witch ) persona and gain some indie film cred, but comes off as her usual stiff screen self especially in her scenes with the ensemble. You just can’t buy her and Scott together. Speaking of indie film cred, Burns has that in spades, but his dream guy dad just seem to be a good-natured doormat. He’s there mostly to be supportive of Julie. The NYC location work is great, as is a jaunt to the slopes. Unfortunately all the sparkling dialogue comes crashing to a halt after a big holiday gone bad and the film marches into rom-com cliche-land. The ending is almost cringe-worthy. Ms. Westfeldt is a talented film maker. Let’s hope her next effort can avoid some of these pitfalls. She and her fellow actors are deserving of a better, less predictable screen story from start to finish.

Overall rating: 3 Out of 5 stars

Official Poster for FRIENDS WITH KIDS, In Theaters March 9

Check out the official poster for FRIENDS WITH KIDS below, starring Adam Scott, Jennifer Westfeldt, Jon Hamm, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Chris O’Dowd, Megan Fox, and Edward Burns. Written and directed by Jennifer Westfeldt.

Synopsis: Friends With Kids is a daring and poignant ensemble comedy about a close-knit circle of friends at that moment in life when children arrive and everything changes. The last two singles in the group observe the effect that kids have had on their friends’ relationships and wonder if there’s a better way. They decide to have a kid together – and date other people.

There are big laughs and unexpected emotional truths as this unconventional ‘experiment’ leads everyone in the group to question the nature of friendship, family and, finally, true love.

Friends With Kids stars Adam Scott (“Parks and Recreation”), Jennifer Westfeldt, Jon Hamm, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Chris O’Dowd, Megan Fox and Edward Burns. Written and directed by Jennifer Westfeldt (Kissing Jessica Stein).

For more info, visit:

http://friendswithkids.com/

Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions will release Friends With Kids on March 9, 2012

Watch The Brand New FRIENDS WITH KIDS Trailer

Maya Rudolph and Jennifer Westfield in FRIENDS WITH KIDS, written and directed by Jennifer Westfeldt. Photo Credit: JoJo Whilden

The last two singles in the group – Westfeldt and Adam Scott (Parks and Recreation, STEPBROTHERS), observe the effect that kids have had on their friends’ relationships and wonder if there’s a better way. They decide to have a kid together – and date other people.

There are big laughs and unexpected emotional truths as this unconventional ‘experiment’ leads everyone in the group to question the nature of friendship, family and, finally, true love.

The film stars Adam Scott, Jennifer Westfeldt, Jon Hamm, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Chris O’Dowd, Megan Fox, and Edward Burns

Lionsgate acquired Red Granite Pictures’ FRIENDS WITH KIDS following its debut screenings at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival. Due in theaters this spring, the release will be handled jointly by Lionsgate and partner company Roadside Attractions.

Lionsgate Has FRIENDS WITH KIDS

Company Acquires Jennifer Westfeldt’s Directorial Debut
Out Of The Toronto International Film Festival

Stellar Ensemble Cast Includes
Adam Scott, Jennifer Westfeldt, Jon Hamm, Kristen Wiig,
Maya Rudolph, Chris O’Dowd, Megan Fox and Edward Burns

SANTA MONICA, CA (September 21, 2011) – LIONSGATE today announced the acquisition of Red Granite Pictures’ FRIENDS WITH KIDS, directed by Jennifer Westfeldt, following its debut screenings at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival. The announcement was made jointly by Steve Beeks, Lionsgate’s President and co-COO, Joe Drake, co-COO and Motion Picture Group President, and Jason Constantine, President of Acquisitions and Co-Productions.

The release will be handled jointly by Lionsgate and partner company Roadside Attractions, similarly to past collaborations such as EVERYTHING MUST GO, and the upcoming MARGIN CALL, with Roadside Attractions spearheading domestic theatrical distribution and Lionsgate handling all other U.S. rights including home entertainment and television.

Riza Aziz and Joey McFarland’s Red Granite Pictures produced the film with Jennifer Westfeldt and Jon Hamm’s Points West Pictures, producer Jake Kasdan, and Locomotive, led by Joshua Astrachan and Lucy Barzun Donnelly. Red Granite is also handling international sales.

The film is Westfeldt’s directorial debut, following the two critically acclaimed independent films that she previously wrote and starred in, KISSING JESSICA STEIN and IRA & ABBY. FRIENDS WITH KIDS boasts an ensemble cast of beloved actors with palpable chemistry, many of whom have appeared onscreen together in previous collaborations: Adam Scott, Jennifer Westfeldt, Jon Hamm, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Chris O’Dowd, Megan Fox and Edward Burns. The film was widely considered one to watch heading into the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival, and was warmly received by critics and audiences alike upon screening there.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to be working with the great teams at Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions on the release of FRIENDS WITH KIDS,” said Westfeldt. “Their passion for the project and the subject matter, along with their commitment to finding a broad audience for our film, make them the dream partners for us.”

Jason Constantine, Lionsgate’s President of Acquisitions and Co-Productions, mirrored Westfeldt’s sentiments: “We are long time admirers of Jennifer, and this is an excellent directorial debut. She’s made a high concept comedy that thoroughly entertains as it explores one of this generation’s central quandaries, and everyone on the Lionsgate and Roadside teams who saw the film related to it not just as executives, but as parents or partners. This movie has comedy, heart and truth in equal measures, and it will be a delight to bring to audiences.”

Red Granite’s Riza Aziz and Joey McFarland stated, “The teams at Lionsgate and Roadside really understand this film and we couldn’t be more excited to be in business with them. They are completely committed to the unique vision Jennifer Westfeldt has for FRIENDS WITH KIDS. We believed in Jennifer and this vision from the inception, and are very proud of the end product and happy to have worked alongside such a great team on our debut film.”

Constantine negotiated the deal on behalf of Lionsgate with Eda Kowan, SVP of Acquisitions and Co-Productions, and Wendy Jaffe, the Acquisitions and Co-Production team’s EVP of Business & Legal Affairs. Cinetic’s John Sloss and Jackie Eckhouse of Sloss Eckhouse LawCo negotiated the sale on behalf of the filmmakers. Jennifer Westfeldt is represented by Christian Donatelli and Courtney Kivowitz at The Schiff Company, Innovative and Lawrence Rose at Gang, Tyre, Ramer & Brown.

About The Film

FRIENDS WITH KIDS, written and directed by Jennifer Westfeldt (KISSING JESSICA STEIN, IRA & ABBY), is a daring and poignant ensemble comedy about a close-knit circle of friends at that moment in life when children arrive and everything changes. The last two singles in the group – Westfeldt and Adam Scott (Parks and Recreation, STEPBROTHERS), observe the effect that kids have had on their friends’ relationships and wonder if there’s a better way. They decide to have a kid together – and date other people.

There are big laughs and unexpected emotional truths as this unconventional ‘experiment’ leads everyone in the group to question the nature of friendship, family and, finally, true love.

The film stars Adam Scott, Jennifer Westfeldt, Jon Hamm, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Chris O’Dowd, Megan Fox, and Edward Burns.

FRIENDS WITH KIDS is a Red Granite Pictures presentation of a Points West Pictures and Locomotive production. It was produced by Westfeldt with Jon Hamm, Joshua Astrachan, Jake Kasdan, Riza Aziz and Joey McFarland. Executive Producers are Mike Nichols, John Sloss, Lucy Barzun Donnelly and Joe Gatta.

About Lionsgate

Lionsgate is a leading global entertainment company with a strong and diversified presence in motion picture production and distribution, television programming and syndication, home entertainment, family entertainment, digital distribution and new channel platforms. The Company has built a strong television presence in production of prime time cable and broadcast network series, distribution and syndication of programming through Debmar-Mercury and an array of channel assets. Lionsgate currently has 15 shows on more than 10 networks spanning its prime time production, distribution and syndication businesses, including such critically-acclaimed hits as “Mad Men”, “Weeds” and “Nurse Jackie” along with the comedy “Blue Mountain State, ” the upcoming drama “Boss” and the syndication successes “Tyler Perry’s House Of Payne”, its spinoff “Meet The Browns”, the upcoming “For Better or Worse,” “The Wendy Williams Show” and “Are We There Yet?”.

Its feature film business has generated more than half a billion dollars at the North American box office in the past year, fueled by such successes as THE LINCOLN LAWYER, TYLER PERRY’S MADEA’S BIG HAPPY FAMILY, THE EXPENDABLES, which was #1 at the North American box office for two weeks, THE LAST EXORCISM, TYLER PERRY’S WHY DID I GET MARRIED TOO?, KICK ASS and the critically-acclaimed PRECIOUS, which won two Academy Awards®. The Company’s home entertainment business has grown to more than 8% market share and is an industry leader in box office-to-DVD and box office-to-VOD revenue conversion rate. Lionsgate handles a prestigious and prolific library of approximately 13,000 motion picture and television titles that is an important source of recurring revenue and serves as the foundation for the growth of the Company’s core businesses. The Lionsgate brand remains synonymous with original, daring, quality entertainment in markets around the world.

About Roadside Attractions

Roadside Attractions is a film distribution company committed to championing independent films with a willingness to entertain. The company’s 2009 release, THE COVE, captured the Academy Award® for Best Feature Documentary, and in 2010, its 6 Oscar® nominations — four, including Best Picture, for Debra Granik’s WINTER’S BONE, and two, including Best Foreign Language Film, for Alejandro González Iñárritu’s BIUTIFUL, solidified its major position on the distributor landscape. The company recently released Robert Redford’s THE CONSPIRATOR starring James McAvoy and Robin Wright; Dan Rush’s EVERYTHING MUST GO starring Will Ferrell and Rebecca Hall; Oscar®-winning filmmaker James Marsh’s PROJECT NIM; Miranda July’s THE FUTURE and Maryam Keshavarz’s CIRCUMSTANCE. Next up the company will release THUNDER SOUL, directed by Mark Landsman and executive produced by Jamie Foxx; MARGIN CALL starring Kevin Spacey, Paul Bettany and Jeremy Irons; and the much buzzed about ALBERT NOBBS starring Oscar®-winners Glenn Close and Janet McTeer.

About Red Granite

Red Granite Pictures is a Los Angeles based film production, finance and international sales company headed by Founder, Chairman and CEO Riza Aziz and Vice Chairman Joey McFarland. The company is set up to produce four to five feature films a year and actively looks to acquire negative pick-ups and third party productions for sales and distribution through its sales division, Red Granite International. The company recently acquired the rights to Jordan Belfort’s best-selling memoir THE WOLF OF WALL STREET and will produce the feature film with Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way and Alexandra Milchan’s EMJAG Productions. DiCaprio is attached to star as Belfort – the ‘Wolf of Wall Street.’ Red Granite teamed with Points West Productions and Locomotive to produce FRIENDS WITH KIDS – the company’s debut production.

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Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions will release Friends With Kids on March 9, 2012

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