This week’s episode of our podcast WE ARE MOVIE GEEKS The Showis up! Hear WAMG’s Jim Batts, Travis Keune and Tom Stockman discuss the weekend box office, and next weekend’s releases. We also discuss at length the career of actor Mark Wahlberg in advance of this week’s TED 2, and debate the merits of the Brian Wilson bio LOVE & MERCY. WE ARE MOVIE GEEKS The Show is a weekly podcast and we will soon be streaming at ONStl.com Online Radio.
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Just in time for Father’s Day, it’s Dad VS Stepdad in the ultimate throwdown as Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell star in this first trailer for DADDY’S HOME.
Directed by Sean Anders, DADDY’S HOME follows a mild-mannered radio executive (Ferrell) who strives to become the best stepdad to his wife’s two children, but complications ensue when their freewheeling and freeloading real father (Wahlberg) arrives, forcing him to compete for the affection of the kids.
The trailer premiered on Yahoo Movies where Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg remarked:
Will Ferrell (who also produces) on the movie’s tone: “In terms of the movies that we’ve produced, we don’t have any problem doing heightened movies that get crazy. But this one is kind of in the zone of Meet the Parents in that it’s pretty relatable in terms of the scenarios and relationships in it. The comedy still sometimes gets in the ceiling, though. But there are just so many families now that are not traditional families, that are blended families with stepparents and kids and trying to figure out that dynamic. So I think it’ll be fun for people to see us comment on that dynamic.”
Mark Wahlberg on reuniting with Ferrell for more comedy: “Doing my first comedy was The Other Guys, other than that little bit I did in Date Night, and I always felt how much Will had my back and I was in good hands to risk trying anything. You don’t have to worry about looking ridiculous because you know you’re in good hands.”
Will Ferrell on the difference between their characters: “My character has learned all the latest parenting techniques, and we have a storyline where [the son] Dylan is getting picked on by fourth graders, and Brad’s instinct is talk and role-play and do conflict resolution dialogue, and Dusty’s like, ‘We gotta teach him how to fight.'”
Red Granite is co-producing and co-financing the film. DADDY’S HOME also features Linda Cardellini, Thomas Haden Church, and Hannibal Buress.
In 2012, one adorable, albeit incredibly foulmouthed, teddy bear took the world by storm. With his classic, furry good looks, unparalleled swagger and penchant for pot-fueled humor and sexually charged antics, an unlikely leading man catapulted Universal Pictures and Media Rights Capital’s small comedy about a stoner dude and his best friend to its status as the highest-grossing original “R”-rated comedy of all time.
This summer, Seth MacFarlane returns as writer, director and voice star of TED 2, the follow-up to the blockbuster that launched the career of the world’s most outrageous bear. Joined once again by Mark Wahlberg as John Bennett, the thunder buddies for life are entering into uncharted territory.
It’s time to legalize Ted.
Also starring Amanda Seyfried, Giovanni Ribisi, John Slattery, Jessica Barth and Morgan Freeman, TED 2 opens in theaters on June 26.
WAMG invites you to enter for a chance to win passes (Good for 2) to the advance screening of TED 2 on JUNE 23rd at 7PM in the St. Louis area.
We will contact the winners by email.
Answer the following:
What’s the name of the grocery store where Ted works in the first TED movie?
TO ENTER, ADD YOUR NAME, ANSWER AND EMAIL IN OUR COMMENTS SECTION BELOW.
OFFICIAL RULES:
1. YOU MUST BE IN THE ST. LOUIS AREA THE DAY OF THE SCREENING.
2. A pass does not guarantee a seat at a screening. Seating is on a first-come, first served basis. The theater is overbooked to assure a full house. The theater is not responsible for overbooking.
3. No purchase necessary.
It has been rated R for crude and sexual content, pervasive language and some drug use.
The thunder buddies are back. Watch the all-new red band trailer for Universal Pictures’ TED 2.
Seth MacFarlane returns as writer, director and voice star of TED 2, Universal and Media Rights Capital’s follow-up to the highest-grossing original R-rated comedy of all time.
Joined once again by star Mark Wahlberg and fellow Ted writers Alec Sulkin & Wellesley Wild, MacFarlane produces the live action/CG-animated comedy alongside Bluegrass Films’ Scott Stuber, as well as John Jacobs and Jason Clark.
Starring Amanda Seyfried, Jessica Barth, Morgan Freeman, and Seth MacFarlane as Ted, TED 2 hits theaters on June 26.
Principal photography has begun on director Peter Berg’s DEEPWATER HORIZON in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The film stars Academy Award nominee Mark Wahlberg (LONE SURVIVOR, THE FIGHTER) alongside Golden Globe nominee Kurt Russell (FURIOUS SEVEN and the forthcoming THE HATEFUL EIGHT), Academy Award nominee John Malkovich (RED, BURN AFTER READING), Dylan O’Brien (THE MAZE RUNNER), Golden Globe winner Gina Rodriguez (Jane the Virgin) and Academy Award nominee Kate Hudson (ALMOST FAMOUS, NINE).
DEEPWATER HORIZON is based on the true events that occurred on an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico on April 20, 2010, the story chronicles the courage of those who worked on the Deepwater Horizon and the extreme moments of bravery and survival in the face of what would become one of the biggest man-made disasters in world history.
Peter Berg (LONE SURVIVOR, THE KINGDOM) is directing the screenplay written by Matthew Sand and Matthew Michael Carnahan (THE KINGDOM). The screenplay is based upon the 2010 New York Times article ‘Deepwater Horizon’s Final Hours’ by David Barstow, David Rohde and Stephanie Saul.
Lorenzo di Bonaventura (TRANSFORMERS, RED) and Mark Vahradian (JACK RYAN: SHADOW RECRUIT, RED) are producing for di Bonaventura Pictures along with Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson, David Womark (LIFE OF PI) for Closest to the Hole and Leverage Entertainment. The film is executive produced by Jeff Skoll and Jonathan King at Participant Media.
Lionsgate is set to release DEEPWATER HORIZON on its Summit Entertainment label in North America on September 30, 2016.
Universal Pictures has released a brand new poster and hilarious red-band trailer for TED 2.
The latest preview is a tad on the nasty side, so be wary on where you watch it.
Seth MacFarlane returns as writer, director and voice star of TED 2, Universal and Media Rights Capital’s follow-up to the highest-grossing original R-rated comedy of all time.
Joined once again by star Mark Wahlberg and fellow Ted writers Alec Sulkin & Wellesley Wild, MacFarlane produces the live action/CG-animated comedy alongside Bluegrass Films’ Scott Stuber, as well as John Jacobs and Jason Clark.
Starring Mark Wahlberg, Amanda Seyfried, Jessica Barth, Morgan Freeman, and Seth MacFarlane as Ted, TED 2 hits theaters on June 26.
The sequel stars Mark Wahlberg, Seth MacFarlane, Amanda Seyfried, Giovanni Ribisi, John Slattery and Morgan Freeman.
Seth MacFarlane returns as writer, director and voice star of TED 2, Universal and Media Rights Capital’s follow-up to the highest-grossing original R-rated comedy of all time.
Joined once again by star Mark Wahlberg and fellow TED writers Alec Sulkin & Wellesley Wild, MacFarlane produces the live action/CG-animated comedy.
At year’s end and with little fanfare comes one of the very best movies of 2014. Rupert Wyatt’s spellbinding THE GAMBLER is a dangerously cool drama with a heart, a brain, a terrific lead performance from Mark Wahlberg, and enough existential angst to please lovers of European art-house cinema. It’s a remake of a 1974 film that starred James Caan (and his man-fro) written by James Toback who receives producer credit on the new one.
University Literature Professor Jim Bennett (Wahlberg) has a monkey on his back. He loves to gamble. He’ll wager on anything for overwhelming stakes. But more than winning Jim likes the thrill, the uncertainty, and even the threat of disaster that ultimately could mean a beating or worse. Jim runs up tens of thousands at an upscale Korean-owned gambling den. He never sets any of his winnings aside, doubling down at blackjack until he blows it all. Suddenly he’s in for $240k to the casino’s owner Mr. Lee (Alvin Ing – gentle menace). His solution is to borrow thousands more from ‘King of Spades’ shylock Neville (Michael Kenneth Williams), which he loses as well. He squeezes more cash from his hard-hearted mother (Jessica Lange – fierce), but that doesn’t last long either. Enter Frank, a brutish loan shark played by a sweaty, bald John Goodman (an Award-worthy turn) who offers Jim sage advice and delivers a rousing monologue on the ‘F*ck you’ position. As the debts begin to converge, Jim turns to one of his basketball-playing students who may be willing to throw a game if the price is right.
THE GAMBLER almost immediately plunges the audience into the low-down, sordid details of Jim’s obsession, but not before a prologue featuring the great George Kennedy. One of my favorite characters actors, and one I haven’t seen on the big screen since the last NAKED GUN movie two decades ago, Kennedy plays Jim’s wealthy grandfather and opens the film with a terrific deathbed speech offering Jim advice but no inheritance; “I need to know what you’re worth when I leave you nothing”. THE GAMBLER follows Jim’s downward path with unexpected art and skill from the director of RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES. From its opening shots, Wyatt’s movie is as cool and controlled as its protagonist. Artfully chosen L.A. locations, measured tracking shots, Greig Fraser’s striking cinematography, and some time lapse all contribute to the film’s heightened mood. Mark Wahlberg’s cagey performance is the key to what makes the movie work so well He plays Jim steely and slightly unhinged – watch him hilariously destroy pawn shop etiquette in a memorable scene. Like all the best anti-heroes, Jim operates according to his own moral code, but can’t resist a pretty face, especially when it belongs to Brie Larson playing his brightest student. Some of the best scenes depict Jim’s day job teaching a course on the modern novel to a “classroom of students who don’t give a f*ck”. Jim is more lively and enraged lecturing at length about Camus and Shakespeare than he is at the gambling table, lending the story a larger dimension without getting too heavy-handed. What Wyatt has done is pull off a thrilling hybrid of hard-boiled American crime and art-house sensibilities. Not everyone will like THE GAMBLER. Some will reckon Wyatt is striving too hard to be hip and arty but it is this year’s unconventional adult alternative to the Christmas blockbuster. It’s vulgar, features nudity and violence (Jim takes some beatings), and John Goodman is shown topless (leave the kids at home!), but lovers of gritty crime dramas will surely fall in love with this ‘70s throwback that’s never afraid to show a hand that always comes up aces. The best Christmas present from Hollywood this year turns out to be THE GAMBLER.
WAMG has your passes to the advance screening of THE GAMBLER.
Jim Bennett (Academy Award®-nominee Mark Wahlberg) is a risk taker. Both an English professor and a high-stakes gambler, Bennett bets it all when he borrows from a gangster (Michael Kenneth Williams) and offers his own life as collateral. Always one step ahead, Bennett pits his creditor against the operator of a gambling ring (Alvin Ing) and leaves his dysfunctional relationship with his wealthy mother (Academy Award®-winner Jessica Lange) in his wake. He plays both sides, immersing himself in an illicit, underground world while garnering the attention of Frank (John Goodman), a loan shark with a paternal interest in Bennett’s future. As his relationship with a student (Brie Larson) deepens, Bennett must take the ultimate risk for a second chance…
THE GAMBLER Opens December 25th
One winner will receive a download link for the digital soundtrack and a pass to the screening.
The advance screening of THE GAMBLER is on Monday, December 22nd at 7PM in the St. Louis area. We will contact the winners by email.
Answer the following:
Rupert Wyatt’s THE GAMBLER charts the seven-day turning point in the life of nihilistic college professor Jim Bennett. Fearless and unfiltered, Jim turns his back on his wealthy upbringing, ridicules his students and pits his illicit patrons against each other. Irwin Winkler and Robert Chartoff, who produced the 1974 film on which THE GAMBLER is based, turned to screenwriter William Monahan to take on the adaptation after Martin Scorsese gave the writer a ringing endorsement.
Wahlberg and Monahan teamed up on which previous film?
TO ENTER, ADD YOUR NAME, ANSWER AND EMAIL ADDRESS IN OUR COMMENTS SECTION BELOW.
OFFICIAL RULES:
1. YOU MUST BE IN THE ST. LOUIS AREA THE DAY OF THE SCREENING.
2. No purchase necessary.
THE GAMBLER has been rated R for language throughout, and for some sexuality/nudity
Paramount Pictures and Red Granite Pictures in association with Gary Sanchez Productions announced today that Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg are set to star in DADDY’S HOME.
DADDY’S HOME follows a mild-mannered radio executive (Ferrell) who strives to become the best stepdad to his wife’s two children, but complications ensue when their freewheeling and freeloading real father (Wahlberg) arrives, forcing him to compete for the affection of the kids.
Sean Anders (“HORRIBLE BOSSES 2,” “THAT’S MY BOY”) will direct.
Wahlberg and Ferrell previously starred together in the comedy THE OTHER GUYS . In August of 2010, St. Louis beat out big cities in THE OTHER GUYS contest on Facebook and hosted the “THE OTHER GUYS OTHER PREMIERE.” Both actors were on hand for the red carpet premiere.
Red Granite Pictures will co-produce and co-finance the film, which Paramount Pictures will distribute worldwide. The film is expected to begin shooting later this year.
The screenplay is written by Brian Burns (“Blue Bloods,” “Entourage”), with revision by Anders and John Morris (“HORRIBLE BOSSES 2,” “DUMB AND DUMBER TO”), Chris Henchy (“THE CAMPAIGN,” “THE OTHER GUYS”), Adam McKay (“ANCHORMAN 2: THE LEDGEND CONTINUES,” “THE CAMPAIGN”) and Etan Cohen (“MEN IN BLACK 3,” “TROPIC THUNDER”).
Morris will produce with Ferrell, Henchy and McKay through their Gary Sanchez Productions banner (“TAMMY,” “GET HARD”). The executive producers are Riza Aziz, Joey McFarland and David Koplan (“DUMB AND DUMBER TO,” “THE WOLF OF WALL STREET”) from Red Granite Pictures along with Kevin Messick (“ANCHORMAN 2: THE LEGEND CONTINUES,” “THE OTHER GUYS”) and Jessica Elbaum (“ANCHORMAN 2: THE LEGEND CONTINUES”) of Gary Sanchez, Sean Anders and Diana Pokorny (“HORRIBLE BOSSES” 1 & 2, “THE INCREDIBLE BURT WONDERSTONE”).
Adam Goodman, President of Paramount Film Group said, “Will and Mark are the absolute perfect on-screen duo to take on this hilarious project. With Anders at the helm, and our partners Red Granite on-board, we are thrilled this movie is getting underway.”
Riza Aziz, Co-Chairman of Red Granite Pictures adds, “We’re particularly excited not only to reunite with the wonderful Paramount team but to collaborate again with the comical genius of Sean Anders and John Morris, who we had the pleasure of working with on Dumb and Dumber To. And we are thrilled to partner with Will, Mark and Gary Sanchez. We look forward to an inspiring, hilarious adventure.”
