Humphrey Bogart in ‘Sahara’: A Brief Review
A few nights ago I decided on a whim to look for any Humphrey Bogart film I’d never seen. I landed on Sahara, a 1943 war film that was Bogart’s …..
Posts tagged: The Movies
Happy Birthday to Jack Sowards, Who Wrote a Great ‘Star Trek’ Film
It might be going too far to say that Jack B. Sowards *saved* Star Trek. But he sure threw the franchise a lifeline when he wrote the 1982 film Star …..
James Cameron Got It Right Again
The whole Avatar thing is the biggest boondoggle in the history of cinema. Who cares? — A S Hamrah (@hamrahrama) September 24, 2022 A lot of Avatar 2 tweets …..
Anne Heche Has Died at Age 53
Actress Anne Heche has died, a week after her car crashed into a Los Angeles house and burst into flames. TMZ reports that a representative for Heche’s family said that …..
Top Gun: The Marching Band Edition
Top Gun is back, 36 years later. Top Gun: Maverick, the sequel to the 1986 fighter-jock classic (again starring the ageless Tom Cruise) arrives in theaters on May 27. Deadline.com …..
Betty White Joins the 99 Club, Alas
Betty White, the actress and entertainer whose working career spanned an astonishing nine decades, has died at age 99. She passed on Friday morning at her home in California; the …..
Cloris Leachman Knew How to Turn It On
So long, Cloris Leachman. You really knew how to turn it on. In 1984 I was 23 years old and had a $1000-a-month job working for Susan Shadburne, an independent filmmaker …..
How Will ‘Black Panther’ Go On Without Chadwick Boseman?
While mourning the sudden death of star Chadwick Boseman, executives at Disney are also struggling to find a way forward for their vibrant Black Panther franchise. The studio is looking …..
Mister Rogers Gets a Visit from the Wicked Witch of the West
Apropos of nothing: here’s a wonderful episode of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood in which the visitor is actress Margaret Hamilton, better known as the Wicked Witch of the West in the …..
Remembering Verne Troyer’s Apple Ad with Yao Ming
Actor Verne Troyer has died at age 49 of unspecified causes. The Los Angeles Times has a full obituary. Verne Troyer appeared in 57 different film and TV roles over …..
Natalie Portman as Jackie Kennedy: Does She Even Look Like Jackie?
Natalie Portman is playing First Lady Jackie Kennedy in the new biopic Jackie. The film just premiered at the Venice Film Festival and it’s a “brilliantly constructed, diamond-hard character study,” according …..
Gene Wilder, ‘Willy Wonka’ Star, is Dead at 83
Gene Wilder is dead at age 83. Alzheimer’s Disease was the cause, said his nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman. At 83 years and 78 days, he just outlived actor Leonard Nimoy and …..
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Biography: Updates!
Our Aishwarya Rai biography has been updated with new facts and photos. For one thing, it’s the Aishwarya Rai Bachchan biography now. She married fellow Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan in 2007. We …..
Alan Rickman With a Moustache
Alan Rickman had a moustache in the movie Truly Madly Deeply… and it turned out to be a great film anyway! Because Alan Rickman’s talent transcends moustaches. In the film …..
Alan Rickman Biography and Photos
[pt id=’87249′ size=’large’ link=’post’ class=’aligncenter’]Alan Rickman has died at age 69, and it’s shocking news after the death of David Bowie just three days ago. Both great British stars died …..
Eddie Redmayne = Lady Tottington?
Eddie Redmayne and Lady Tottington? Our friendly photo providers at WENN.com are suggesting that Oscar-winner Eddie Redmayne, in his new role as transgender pioneer Lili Elbe in The Danish Girl, “strikes a funny resemblance …..
Star Wars: The Force Awakens: Four Spoiler-Free Thoughts Followed by Four Giant Spoilers
There are two ways to judge Star Wars: The Force Awakens. First, by the Star Wars franchise issues: Does it respect and nod fondly to all that has come before, give …..
Mark Hamill Is Older Now Than Alec Guinness Was Then
It’s true: Sir Alec Guinness was 63 years old when he played Obi-Wan Kenobi in the original Star Wars in 1977. Mark Hamill is 64 years old today, just in time for the release …..
Star Wars World Premiere: Photos and Torch-Passings
Yes, the Star Wars: The Force Awakens world premiere was held last night in Los Angeles, and Hollywood turned out for the passing of the light saber. Let’s go …..
Eddie Redmayne is a Handsome Devil
Eddie Redmayne is looking good! The Oscar-winning actor has been on a press tour for his upcoming film The Danish Girl, in which he dons a wig, lipstick and dresses to …..
Star Wars Notes: Out With the Old (Lucas) and In With the New (Ridley and Boyega)
George Lucas is at peace, more or less, with his new role of outsider as the frenzy builds for the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Or so he …..
Everyone is Altered
A fine article by Josh Dickey called Everyone is Altered has been making the rounds. News flash: movie stars use fakery to look good!
An Oral History of ‘Swingers’
On the 18th anniversary of the cult favorite, the stars tell the tale.
‘Not Quite All Spoonfuls of Sugar’
Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson share their insights into the tetchy Walt Disney-P.L. Travers relationship.
Peter O’Toole is Dead
The Lawrence of Arabia star ‘had been ill for some time.’
Paul Walker Biography: ‘Fast and Furious’ Star is Dead at 40
The handsome star of the long-running car chase series has died at age 40 in a crash near Los Angeles.
Robert Redford Didn’t See ‘The Sting’ Until 2004?
“I thought it was a really good movie,” he said after waiting 31 years to see himself in his Oscar-nominated role.
10 Great Movie Eyepatches
A quick look at our favorite eyepatches of the big screen.
Pope Francis Speaks Warmly of Caravaggio, Richard Wagner, and the Films of Fellini
Some remarkable comments from a remarkable interview.
How Far Did Rocky Run?
Hint: more than a marathon. The Philly Post has a funny analysis.
Mark Hamill Is Getting Fit for the Next Star Wars Movie, Maybe
The once-young hero of Star Wars is not so young any more. Can they whip him back into shape for the new sequels?
The Walter Mitty Trailer Looks a Little Too Deeply Meaningful
Please, no more life lessons from comedy heavyweights!
Jim Kelly is Dead: Awesome Afro-and-Sideburns Guy from ‘Enter the Dragon’
He teamed up with Bruce Lee as one of the three fist-fighting heroes in the cult karate classic.
Claire Danes Photos for No Reason At All
A new collection of Claire Danes photos, just because we like her.
Hitchcock’s Story in Pictures for LIFE Magazine
Alfred Hitchcock “directs” this series of photos in 1942, telling the wartime story, “Have You Heard,” a bit of Allied propaganda whose message is “loose lips sink ships.”
J.J. Abrams Biography: New!
Who2 has a new biography of TV producer and movie director J.J. Abrams. His latest, Star Trek Into Darkness, is now playing everywhere.
Here’s The Very First Line of Roger Ebert’s Very First Movie Review
He seemed to know what he was doing right from the start.
Roger Ebert Biography: Lovable Movie Critic is Dead at 70
Holy cow. The dean of American movie reviewers has suddenly lost his fight with cancer.
Actresses Without Teeth
See some samples from the Tumblr “Actresses Without Teeth.”
J.R.R. Tolkien is Spinning in His Grave (and Coming Up 7-7-7)
The great author labored for 20 years to bring forth the epic tale that could inspire a fancy slot machine.
Tilda Swinton Photos: A Dozen New Ones, for Almost No Reason at All
She’s sleeping in a glass box at the Museum of Modern Art. And what are you doing with your day?
How One Large Omelet Led to Disney Buying Lucasfilm
Young George Lucas probably didn’t imagine he’d sell his empire to Disney for $4 billion someday. Here’s how it happened.
Fixing the Oscar Host Problem
In which we wade in, clean up the mess, and pick the perfect host for next year.
Best Picture Nominees: Negging Our Way to the Winner
Amour is out, right off the bat.
Heidi Klum on Rodeo Drive: Photo of the Day
Does this photo show the most disinterested man in Los Angeles?
Steven Soderbergh is 50
The director of Solaris, Out of Sight and Traffic says he’s retiring.
Movie Stills, Put In Their Place
Christopher Moloney poses movie stills in front of their real-life locations. Fun!
Catherine Deneuve is 69, But Her Name is 52
The great French actress (born Catherine Dorléac) was born in October of 1943.
Dueling Michael Caine Impersonations… With Bonus Michael Caine!
Who does a better Michael Caine impersonation: these two terrific comedians, or Michael Caine himself?
Clint Eastwood Hasn’t Taken Direction from Anyone But Clint Eastwood Since 1993
No wonder he wouldn’t let them vet his routine at the Republican Convention.
Just a Nice Photo: Blake Lively
Blake Lively has married Ryan Reynolds. Here’s a swell 2012 photo of Lively.
Tony Scott Had Brain Cancer: Report
ABC News is reporting that the action director had inoperable brain cancer when he jumped from a Los Angeles bridge yesterday.
Tony Scott Biography: ‘Top Gun’ Director Who Jumped to his Death
The director of stylish action films has committed suicide at age 68 by jumping from a Los Angeles bridge.
295 Movies and ‘Baby Got Back’
A self-described nerd has re-done the Sir Mix-a-Lot song with clips from nearly 300 movies.
How Much Hobbit is Too Much Hobbit?
Director Peter Jackson is stretching a modest little book into three big movies. Great idea or greedy blunder?
Adiós, Casablanca!
The editor laments the closing of an old favorite haunt.
James Bond Dies in the New James Bond Movie
And then he stays dead and the movie ends and that’s the surprise finale to the movie franchise, right?
Peter O’Toole Is Done With Acting Forever
The celebrated Lawrence of Arabia star says it’s time “to chuck in the sponge.”
Ernest Borgnine, From ‘Eternity’ to Here (Revisited)
Ernest Borgnine has died at age 95. We revisit a favorite blog post from 2011, when (just in time, it turns out) he won a special lifetime award from the Screen Actor’s Guild.
Nora Ephron Biography and Photos
Read about the three Oscar nominations, three marriages and much more in our new biography of the writer and director.
Nora Ephron is, Surprisingly, Dead
The writer of When Harry Met Sally and director of Sleepless In Seattle has passed on at age 71.
Just a Nice Photo: Woody Allen
He was unusually playful last night at the premiere of To Rome With Love.
Jim Carrey Ankles ‘Dumb and Dumber’ Sequel
Well, Orson Welles never got Citizen Kane 2 off the ground, either.
Just a Photo of Noomi Rapace in ‘Prometheus’
The movie may be good or bad, but Noomi Rapace is pretty cool.
Arnold Schwarzenegger With a Beard?
The movie star and governor is looking more like Louis C.K. these days.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel: The ‘Surprise Hit of the Year’?
Well, there’s no accounting for taste.
Adrien Brody Is Probably Cooler Than You
The Oscar-winning actor has a new go-to facial expression.
Men In Black 3: World’s Shortest Review
The quickest possible review of the weekend’s highest-grossing film.
Movie Photo of the Day: The Fondas in New York
Jane Fonda takes a moment with her dad and brother while filming your typical 1963 sex comedy in New York.
Obit of the Day: Joyce Redman, of the Famous Tom Jones ‘Eating Scene’
She and Albert Finney gnawed, slurped and grinned their way through a much-loved comedy scene.
The Rock’s 40th Birthday: What to Get Him
The Rock was born on May 2nd, 1972. What are you getting him for his 40th?
Happy Birthday, Mr. Potato Head!
They say Mr. Potato Head came out on 1 May 1952. Now a senior citizen, he’s more popular than ever.
100 Facts for Universal Studios’ 100th Birthday
The studio that released both Dracula and Bridesmaids turns 100 today.
John Cusack IS Edgar Allan Poe: PHOTOS
If Sherlock Holmes can become an action hero, why not a shortish, sickly mystery author?
Did Bigfoot Get a New Agent?
For a guy who’s never even been seen, Bigfoot sure has been getting a lot of press these last couple of years. Did he get a new agent?
The ‘Darling Companion’ Reviews: How Bad Are They?
“Bland.” “Cornball.” “Limp.” “Flailing.” And those are the reviews that don’t make canine jokes.
What In the World Happened to Lawrence Kasdan?
How did the genius who wrote Raiders of the Lost Ark and Body Heat end up making so many small, dull movies?
Lawrence Kasdan to Tavis Smiley: ‘There Is Nothing More Invigorating’
Lawrence Kasdan talks to the PBS interviewer about directing, his new movie, and working with Kevin Kline.
Hoboes or Movie Stars? You Decide!
Are those men members of the Screen Actors Guild, or are they just unloading old Christmas trees in April?
Is Adele Singing the Next James Bond Theme Song?
Bond fans are reading the tea leaves, as always.
Jennifer Lawrence In ‘The Bodyguard’ — PHOTOS
Jennifer Lawrence was watched over by a grim Costner type at the Hunger Games premiere in Paris last night. What was he thinking?
Johnny Depp is Tonto
Yes, that’s him with the wings. He’s playing the Old West’s most famous sidekick in a new movie next year.
Ralph McQuarrie, Original ‘Star Wars’ Designer, Dies at 82
His spectacular drawings helped convince 20th Century Fox execs to finance the very first film.
The Oscars: Seven Fun Photos and One Slightly Scary One
The winners weren’t the only ones having a good time at the 2012 Oscars, and one grizzled nominee is getting maybe a little too grizzled.
Christopher Plummer is the Oldest Person Ever to Win an Acting Oscar
At age 82, Christopher Plummer has outlasted a mess of famous actors to become The Oldest Winner Ever.
‘Albert Nobbs’: Did Glenn Close Steal It from Robin Williams?
Shocking but true: Glenn Close’s dream project is a secret remake of the 1999 weepie Bicentennial Man.
Oscar Nominees 2012: The Final Recap
Surely they won’t snub Meryl Streep again, will they? Yes, we think they will.
Drew Barrymore is Still Only 37 (Photos!)
Drew Barrymore has been acting since 1978 — and she’s not even 40.
The Phantom Menace: Dreadful, Calamity, or Just Pretty Bad?
Critics hate the 3D reissue of The Phantom Menace. Let’s enjoy!
Oscar Nominee Michel Hazanavicius Talks About Uggie the Dog
In which a blog post about a celebrated French director is hijacked by a cute li’l Jack Russell terrier.
Secret Symbols in ‘The Shining’: What Was Stanley Kubrick On About?
The Shining: is it about American Indians, the Holocaust, or the faked Apollo moon landing?
Star Wars: The Crowdsourced Version
What happens when hundreds of people send in homemade 15-second clips from Star Wars and it all gets stitched together? Magic! Sort of.
James Cromwell on ‘The Artist’
James Cromwell (“That’ll do, pig”) is one of the many faces in the Oscar-nominated film The Artist. He explains to Moviefone why.
Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin In… The Hangover?
What if today’s movies had been made with stars from 50 years ago?
Eight Lines Uttered by Meryl Streep in a Plummy British Accent in the New Margaret Thatcher Movie
Any time you’ve got Meryl Streep doing an accent, you’ve got an Oscar-winner on your hands. Here are the best lines from her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in the new movie The Iron Lady.
Let’s Wallow in Hollywood Glamour for A Moment
The Beverly Hills Hotel is so Old Hollywood that Liz Taylor honeymooned there. Six different times.
Yoda Sells Japanese Noodles
Yes, really! Yoda is the latest celebrity to go to Japan for the big advertising bucks, using The Force to boil up some noodle water.
‘West Side Story’ at 50: Great Photos and a Mysterious Absence
The stars of West Side Story got their hands dirty at Grauman’s Chinese Theater on November 15th.
Time Flies: Laura San Giacomo is 50
The star of Just Shoot Me never quite made it big as a movie lead, but she’s been steady on the small screen.
Peter Jackson is 50
Peter Jackson is hugging stuffed dogs, directing The Hobbit, and turning 50.
Scarlett Johansson, Age 10, Auditions for Jumanji
The year is 1995. The film is the fantasy adventure Jumanji. And Scarlett Johansson, age 10, wants the lead.
Oh, Wow: Groovy Star Trek Hippie is Dead
The Times calls Charles Napier “actor who played tough guys.” But he was really “hippie guitarist from Star Trek.”
Chevy Chase Turned Down the Lead Roles in Star Wars, Titanic, Jaws, The Godfather, Magnum P.I, Ben-Hur, Lawrence of Arabia and Casablanca
And he turned down Dumbledore in Harry Potter. Or so it seems from this new list. He’s like the Kevin Bacon of turned-down movie roles.
What Would Be a Better Title for Cameron Crowe’s New Movie?
Cameron Crowe’s next movie features lions, zebras, porcupines, otters, and a heaping pile of feel-good. How heaping? Let’s watch the trailer.
Happy 83rd Birthday, James Coburn
Happy birthday to rugged actor James Coburn, who turns 83 today. Or would have: he died of a heart attack in 2002. (I thought he was still with us until I looked it up.)Others who died that same year: baseball great Ted Williams, busybody great Ann Landers, and beloved royal The Queen Mum.
Cowboys & Aliens: What Went Wrong?
One terrific trailer, several famous Hollywood geniuses, and $163 million in wasted budget later, one of the most-anticipated movies of summer 2011 is a baffling dud.
Cary Grant Preferred Double Vents, If You Know What We Mean
A wonderfully obsessive analysis of Cary Grant’s gray Kilgour suit from North By Northwest:”Ventless is unusual for an expensive single breasted jacket these days, yet have been familiar on double breasted suits since the ‘column’ look of the thirties. Grant apparently preferred double vents as he liked to put his hands in his pockets whilst acting.
Viola Davis Said ‘Ugh’ When She Picked Up ‘The Help’
What did you think initially about The Help? Did you first hear about the book? I heard about the book and I said, ‘Oh my god, I’ve got to …..
“Who2 is Going On Vacation, You See? It’s Gonna be Great!”
The editors of Who2 are on vacation until August 16th. Until then, please enjoy this random photo of Jimmy Cagney, ‘Cuddles’ Sakall, and a long-forgotten third gentleman in the 1942 film Yankee Doodle Dandy.
Roger Ebert Is Not an Especial Fan of ‘The Change-Up’
“‘The Change-Up’ is one of the dirtiest-minded mainstream releases in history. It has a low opinion of men, a lower opinion of women, and the lowest opinion of the intelligence of its audience. It is obscene, foulmouthed, scatological, creepy and perverted. As a bonus, it has the shabbiest low-rent main titles I’ve seen this side of YouTube.”Roger Ebert lowers the boom.
Peter O’Toole Still Hasn’t Hit 80
Distinguished actor Peter O’Toole turns 79 years old today. He was born in 1932, which practically seems like yesterday.
What’s the Most Lucrative Film Franchise of All Time?
The answer is clear, but it may surprise you.Hint: Harry Potter is only third (so far) and Batman is sixth.
Which Living Felon is Al Pacino Playing Now?
Al Pacino played the late Dr. Jack Kevorkian in a TV movie just last year.Now Al Pacino is playing another living person. Can you tell who it is from this on-the-set photo taken yesterday?
Tom Felton: “An American Tried to Adopt Me”
“An American once tried to adopt me. It was the most disturbing fan mail I received… He sent a binder of official documents that he’d filled out for me, so I just had to sign, change my name to Draco, then divorce my parents and go over to America to live with him.”
Roger Ebert Is Not Too Keen on ‘Transformers 3’
Michael Bay’s “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” is a visually ugly film with an incoherent plot, wooden characters and inane dialog.
From the Movie Archives: Vincent Canby Slams ‘Rocky’
Mr. Stallone’s Rocky is less a performance than an impersonation. It’s all superficial mannerisms and movements, reminding me of Rodney Dangerfield doing a nightclub monologue…
Michelle Yeoh Deported From Myanmar
Yesterday the Hollywood Reporter had an article about Myanmar — formerly Burma — deporting the actress Michelle Yeoh.
George Lucas Strikes Back!
Finally we find out what really happened to George Lucas.
Marilyn Monroe and Andy Griffith are Birthday Twins
Grab some chips, then call your neighbors and tell them that American icons Andy Griffith and Marilyn Monroe were both born on the very same day: June 1 of 1926. They presented two …..
Ashton Kutcher, Investing Guru
Dude was an early investor in Skype and Foursquare.
Chewbacca is 67!
Peter Mayhew, who played furry sidekick Chewbacca in the original Star Wars movies, turns 67 today.
Greatest Movie Sandwiches
From Denzel’s pastrami to Busey’s meatball sub, they’re all here.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Movie Titles That Now Seem Prescient
After this morning’s news, that is:JuniorTrue Lies
Kindergarten CopPredator
Collateral DamageHappy Anniversary and Goodbye
Twins (?)
Cannes from the Backside
Johnny Depp lets his suspenders down as he poses for photographers at Cannes this weekend.
Michael Caine’s 6 Facial Disqualifiers for Movie Stardom
“Take a look in the mirror. Can you see the white on the top of the iris of your eye in relaxed position? Can you see your nostrils looking at your face straight on? Can you see the gums above your top teeth when you smile? Is your forehead longer than the space between the bottom of your nose and the bottom of your chin? If you are a man, do you have a very small head? If you are a woman, do you have a very big head?
Harrison Ford Talks ‘Cowboys & Aliens’
“The trick of this thing and the beauty of this thing is that it’s a cowboy movie first and then stuff happens. Even after stuff happens it
doesn’t change — it hasn’t suddenly changed into another kind of movie.
Wallis Simpson: On the Comeback Trail?
“Too ambitious, too ruthless, too greedy, too mannish, too sexual, too cruel, too divorced, too pro-German and too American.”Speaking of “American harlot” Wallis Simpson, she’s apparently on the comeback trail.
Hayley Mills, You May Now Retire (If You Wish)
Hayley Mills, child star of Pollyanna fame, turns 65 today.
Sidney Lumet: A Few Fond Thoughts
Sidney Lumet has died at age 86. The director of Serpico, Dog Day Afternoon and 12 Angry Men passed away of lymphoma at his home in New York.A few thoughts about Sidney Lumet from the back row:
Birthday Twins: A Rare Daily Double!
A Maverick, a movie director, and a movie director who’s a maverick. All this and Sir David Frost too in today’s rare daily double of birthday twins.
Duncan Jones Biography: New!
Our new biography of Duncan Jones is now live. He’s the director of the sci-fi film Moon (2009) and now Source Code (starring Jake Gyllenhaal, as seen above on a Spanish poster).
‘Super’ Movie: Rainn Wilson and Elliot Page Chew the Fat
“I always get on conference calls four minutes late, because it’s not so late that it [irritates people], but it’s just late enough to show how important I am.”Rainn Wilson,
Andrew Garfield Was Once at Cannes with Verne Troyer
Our new Andrew Garfield biography is now live, which gives us the chance to run this photo from the Cannes Film Festival in 2009.
The Violet Eyes of Elizabeth Taylor
Elizabeth Taylor’s eyes: what color were they, again?
Elizabeth Taylor Dead at 79: Her Career in Photos
Elizabeth Taylor, one of Hollywood’s grandest stars of the 1950s and 1960s, has died at age 79.
Who’s Older: Holly Hunter, William Hurt, or Spike Lee?
Holly HunterWilliam Hurt Spike LeeAll three were born on March 20th sometime in the 1950s. Which is oldest, which is youngest, and which two were born in Georgia?
Happy Birthday to ‘Decrepit’ Michael Caine!
Esteemed actor Michael Caine is 78 years old today. He was born in 1933 — the same year as Seabiscuit and King Kong.
The Hunt for Red October: Alec Baldwin’s ‘Beady-Eyed’ Producer Responds
Yesterday Alec Baldwin described how he was forced off the sequel to The Hunt for Red October in 1991.He named the “beady-eyed” producer responsible, David Kirkpatrick, and hinted that he was a specimen of the “lyingest, thievingest scumbags on Earth.”Today Kirkpatrick responded.
How Alec Baldwin Got Booted from ‘The Hunt for Red October’ Sequels
In the course of offering advice to Charlie Sheen, actor Alec Baldwin tells the story of how he got hustled out of the sequels to his hit The Hunt For Red October.
Just a Nice Photo: Joan Cusack
Actress Joan Cusack gets smooched at the premiere of Mars Needs Moms at the El Capitan Theater in Los Angeles last night.
Jack Wild, Happy Fifth Deathday to You
Actor Jack Wild died on this day in 2006. Cancer of the mouth was the cause; he’d had most of his tongue and larynx removed in 2004, but the disease got him at age 53.
Oscar Winners Stare Bravely Ahead, Holding Their Oscars
It’s easier to look bravely into the future when you’re holding an Oscar in your hand. Academy Award winners Christian Bale, Natalie Portman, Melissa Leo and Colin Firth did just that last nigh
Two-Fisted Oscars for ‘The Fighter’
Melissa Leo and Christian Bale — mother and son in The Fighter — have swept the supporting actor awards at the 2011 Oscars.
How Tall is Jacki Weaver?
Jacki Weaver is 4’9″ tall. We just did the research.The Australian actress and Oscar nominee is clearly a bit on the short side. In the gangster film Animal Kingdom she plays a crime boss so tiny she’s nicknamed “Smurf.”
Where’s Buzz? At the Berlin Film Festival!
Hero astronaut Buzz Aldrin and his wife, Lois Aldrin, pose with Alain Visser, a vice president for Opel, on Monday night. They were at the 61st Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) – Cinema for Peace Gala, held at the Konzerthaus in Berlin, Germany.
Burt Reynolds Is 75 and Just the Right Age to Play Antonin Scalia
Seventies superstud Burt Reynolds turns 75 years old today. He was born in Lansing, Michigan on this day in 1936. (Exactly one month before the birth of Supreme Court justice Antonin Scalia. Reynolds could play Scalia in a film about the rise of the Tea Party, couldn’t he? Maybe in Jack Horner mode?)
What’s Crispin Glover Up To Lately?
He’s makin’ movies and lookin’ strange, according to The Guardian:
Eat Your Heart Out, Captain Hook
A resiliant Aron Ralston gets a laugh out of his missing right arm at the Australian premier of the movie 127 Hours on Monday night. The film stars James Franco …..
The King’s Speech: A ‘Gross Falsification’?
The Guardian tees off on The King’s Speech, George VI, Edward VIII… and Winston Churchill into the bargain:
Ernest Borgnine, From ‘Eternity’ to Here (PHOTOS)
Ernest Borgnine was given a lifetime achievement award at the 2011 Screen Actors Guild Awards last night.
Clint Eastwood In Your Kitchen
Here’s what it’s like when a Hollywood icon shoots a 20-second bit outside your front door. Best line:
Coens vs. Clint: Multi-Oscar Showdown!
“Fill your hands with Oscar nominations, you #$@%!!”The Coen Brothers are thrice-nominated for True Grit in the Academy Awards this year: for best picture, director, and adapted screenplay.
Roger Ebert Has an Impressive New Silicone Chin (Photos)
Yes, that’s Roger Ebert, the film critic. He’s wearing a new silicone prosthetic jaw created for him by doctors at the University of Illinois.
Roger Ebert, Looking Sharp in Chicago
Roger Ebert and his wife Chaz Ebert attended the world premiere of the movie The Dilemma in Chicago last night. Dig the scarves.
Robert Duvall is 80 Years Old
Robert Duvall turns 80 years old today. Happy birthday, old man! You’re the greatest.
Pete Postlethwaite, Nice Guy
“Pete taught for a brief period at my (convent!) school in Manchester. He
was quite uncomfortable at times to be surrounded by hormonal teenage
girls, but we all adored him! We all wrote ‘I love Pete Pos’ on our
white gym shoes.”The BBC has posted fans’ warm reminiscences of actor Peter Postlethwaite, who has died of testicular cancer at age 64.
Real-Life ‘Liesl Von Trapp’ Dead at 97
She’s no longer 97 going on 98.Sorry, couldn’t resist. The sad truth is, Agathe von Trapp has died at age 97 in Baltimore, Maryland.
How to Enjoy ‘True Grit’: the Do’s and Don’ts
Kudos and thumbs up to True Grit, the 2010 reboot of the 1969 film that won John Wayne his first Oscar. It’s a great holiday flick.
‘Cuddles’ Sakall: A Holiday Appreciation
Last December I wrote an encomium to Christmas in Connecticut, the most delightful Christmas movie ever made. Here’s what I had to say about veteran character actor S.Z. Sakall:
Jenny Agutter is 58
The British actress Jenny Agutter turns 58 today.
Noomi Rapace Doesn’t Look Like What We Thought Noomi Rapace Looked Like
You probably know Noomi Rapace as Lisbeth Salander, the hard-case hacker heroine of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo and its two Swedish sequels.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt Just Look Like Movie Stars
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt delivered the movie glamour on Monday night at the world premiere of The Tourist in New York City. Angelina Jolie stars with Johnny Depp in the big-budget thriller, set and filmed in Venice (
‘Cowboys and Aliens’ is Not Funny
“By the time the film… opens next July, the studio expects advertising and future promotions to have persuaded almost everyone that Mr. Favreau’s movie is a tough-minded adventure on the order of Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven — with aliens.”It may sound like an action comedy, but Jon Favreau’s Cowboys and Aliens is actually supposed to be really scary.Now that you know, watch that trailer again:
Irvin Kershner, ‘Empire Strikes Back’ Director, Dead at 87
Irvin Kershner, who directed the Star Wars sequel The Empire Strikes Back, has died after a long illness
Leslie Nielsen: His Career in Three Photos
Actor Leslie Nielsen has died at age 84. The cause was complications from pneumonia, a spokesman said.
“Oh My God, Ed Harris Just Yelled at You”
Ed Harris turns 60 today. He was born in New Jersey on 28 November 1950.
Tommy Lee Jones is the Boss of Japanese Coffee
Tommy Lee Jones has cooled a little onscreen, with a mere 10 films in the last 10 years compared to 20 in the glorious 1990s when he starred in The Fugitive, Men In Black, Batman Forever and a bunch of other great films.
“Why is the Alien Person Wearing a Stanford T-Shirt?”
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip put on 3D glasses yesterday at the University of Sheffield. They were actually driving a virtual backhoe, not watching Avatar. The Queen looked tentative at first, but then seemed to get the hang of 3D.
Gerontology Quiz as Movie Review: RED
Quick quiz: Rank these actors, from oldest to youngest:
Today’s Movie Trailer is in German
Here, from the German version of Fox Home Entertainment, is a trailer auf Deutsch for Gansgster für eine Nacht, starring Steve Carell and Tina Fey.
You may also know it as Date Night.
‘Die Hard’ Director Gets One Year in Prison
John McTiernan gets a year in prison for wiretapping a producer.He should have gotten an extra year for The Thomas Crown Affair.
Barbara Billingsley Speaks Jive
I didn’t know that the late Barbara Billingsley was the “I speak jive” lady from the 1980 comedy Airplane.
Back to ‘Back to the Future’
Nice to see Michael J. Fox back in action.(Hat tip: Mr. Duffy)
Oh, Dear: Adam Sandler Dressed Like a Girl
Perhaps it shouldn’t be that much of a surprise, but Adam Sandler is dressing like a girl for his next movie, Jack and Jill. Sandler plays both title parts, it seems, as a family man who struggles with a twin sister who comes for vacation and
The Family Circus Movie: Who Will Direct?
It’s true: 20th Century Fox has bought the rights for a live-action feature film based on the comic strip The Family Circus.Jennifer Love Hewitt should be a lock to play Thel, but the real question is: who’s going to direct? Let’s explore the possibilities, starting with this real-life Family Circus cartoon:
Susan Sarandon Owns the Hottest Ping-Pong Club in Manhattan
And she paid her own way to the auditions for Bull Durham.
Robert DeNiro in “Manual Love 3”?
Robert De Niro and Monica Bellucci stroll on the set of Manual Love 3 yesterday in Rome. At least, our friends at WENN identify the title as “Manual Love 3,” which sounds not-quite-right.
Joaquin Phoenix Documentary: It Was a Gag After All
“It’s a terrific performance, it’s the performance of his career… I never intended to trick anybody. The idea of a quote, hoax, unquote, never entered my mind.” That was director Casey …..
Woody Allen Has Never Seen His Own Movies
I’ve never once in my life seen any film of mine after I put it out. Ever. I haven’t seen “Take the Money and Run” since 1968. I haven’t seen “Annie Hall” or “Manhattan” or any film I’ve made afterward. If I’m on the treadmill and I’m scooting through the channels, and I come across one of them, I go right past it instantly, because I feel it could only depress me. I would only feel, “Oh God, this is so awful, if I could only do that again.”
On Location: Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis
Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis film a scene from their movie Friends With Benefits yesterday at Los Angeles International Airport.Yahoo Movies previews the plot:
Elliott Gould Looks Back on M*A*S*H
It’s been 40 years.
George Clooney Movie Review First Lines That Make Us Not Want to See the Movie Very Much Even Though Normally We’ll See Practically Anything Starring George Clooney
“The American” is an exercise in style and withheld sentiment, a bleak
and atmospheric art-house thriller that’s more of an aesthetic
experience than an emotional one.Wahhhhh. Funny, the trailer makes it seem a little more exciting.
Yes, It’s THAT Eli Wallach
Our new profile of veteran actor Eli Wallach has just been posted by editor Paul Hehn.You look at recent photos of Eli Wallach and think, oh, here’s this grandfatherly old fellow who pinches babies’ cheeks and wears tweed socks and sits on park benches looking harmlessly at pretty girls as they jog past.
Sean Connery: 6 Great Photos for his 80th Birthday
[Note: First published on August 25, 2010]
River Phoenix Doesn’t Turn 40 Today, Alas
Actor River Phoenix would have turned 40 today.
Objects on Set May Be Shorter Than They Appear
This photo from the set of The Invention of Hugo Cabret caught my eye. Could acclaimed director Martin Scorsese really be that much shorter than everyone else?
Sean Penn: A 50th-Birthday Sideburn Celebration!
Happy 50th birthday to terrific actor Sean Penn.Sean Penn was born on 17 August 1960 in Burbank, California. Being born just over the hill from Hollywood, it’s no surprise Penn ended up as an actor — though it’s maybe a surprise that he ended up being such a good actor.In honor of his 50th birthday, here’s a photo collection of the many faces of Sean Penn. As we’ll see, those many faces have had many different sideburns.
The Girl Who Played With Fire: A Weird Review
With a quickie bonus reverie, for some reason, about Lost in Translation.
Sylvester Stallone Loves Lots of Hugging
A few days ago we asked the musical question, “Why does Sly Stallone have a plastic bear dangling from his cell phone?”
Sylvester Stallone’s Cell Phone Is Tethered to a Small Plastic Bear
That’s Sylvester Stallone, outside a London theater last night for the U.K. premiere of his movie The Expendables.But wait: what’s that hanging from his cell phone?
Barbra Streisand Wants Me to Buy ‘What’s Up, Doc?’
Barbra Streisand sent me an email today with the headline “‘What’s Up, Doc?’ Coming Soon on Blu-ray.” (The inside headline is all enthusiasm: “What’s Up, Doc? Available in Two Weeks! First Streisand Movie on Blu-ray!”)
‘Sex and the City 2’: Bonus Slams!
Two more for the heap.The Washington Post:”An enervated, crass and gruesomely caricatured trip to nowhere.”The New York Post:
50 Cent: Get Thin or Die Tryin’
Rapper 50 Cent has dropped from 214 to 160 pounds — a whopping 25% of his weight — according to the ThisIs50 blog. He lost the pounds to play the role of a cancer-stricken football player in the upcoming movie Things Fall Apart, says the blog, which also says that Fitty is now back touring (and eating).
Woody Allen Hates Death, Loves Scarlett Johansson
“My relationship with death remains the same. I am very strongly against
it.”Woody Allen chats with the press at the Cannes Film Festival.
The 24 Best Summer Blockbusters Ever
Time Out runs ’em down. 30 movies are actually on the list, but a half-dozen are clearly included just to be argued about. We’re not biting!
Get Out of There!
In the spirit of “We got company” and “It’s gonna blow!” (Note: some naughty language.)
Abrams + Spielberg = Top Secret Goodness
The cat is out of the bag on the top-secret J.J. Abrams + Steven Spielberg movie project at Paramount.It’s sci-fi, it’s called Super 8, and it will be out in 2011. Trailers are going out with screenings of Iron Man 2.
Roger Ebert is Not Loving ‘The Backup Plan’
The movie deals with artificial insemination, romance, sex and organic goat cheese, which are promising areas for investigation, but it’s so watered-down, it approaches homeopathy.Roger Ebert chuckles over The Backup Plan, the new Jennifer Lopez romantic comedy.Speaking of Nuts the terrier (as Ebert does), Lopez posed with him on the red carpet at the LA premiere this week.
James Mason at Last!
James Mason (center) with Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, and Martin Landauin the 1959 Alfred Hitchcock thriller North By NorthwestEditor Paul Hehn has just profiled actor James Mason, and thank heavens. He’s a great one.
Next James Bond Film Suspended
The BBC says that producers are worried about MGM’s financial problems. Sam Mendes was in talks to direct, with a release date set for 2012 — the 50th anniversary of Dr. No.Maybe suspension is a good thing, given how dopey Quantum of Solace was. They should take all the time they need to get back to the magic of Casino Royale.
Who’ll Be the American Girl With the Dragon Tattoo?
PopEater speculates on which actress will snag the title role in the American remake of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.It’s depressing reading. Kristen Stewart? Megan Fox?
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo and the Five Iron
So why didn’t anyone tell me that there’s a scene in The Girl WIth the Dragon Tattoo where a young Swedish woman waving a golf club chases a sex fiend out of the house and into his SUV and then, as he tries to careen off down the driveway, she bashes in the driver’s side window with the five iron?(It looked like a five iron to me, though that’s not specified in the movie. Just like real life!)
Greta Garbo, Happy 20th Deathday!
Greta Garbo, the Swedish siren of the 1930s, died on this day in 1990 after 49 years in retirement. She’d be 104 years old if she were still alive and paying taxes today.
John Belushi IS Pappy Boyington
I just added photos to our profile of Pappy Boyington, the hard-living World War II flying ace who shot down 28 Japanese planes and won the Medal of Honor.Something about the photo looked familiar. I pondered it a while, chewing on a thumbnail… and then it arrived:
“Anyone Who Played the Bear Earned a Special Respect”
Director Steve Pink talks about making Hot Tub Time Machine.
Alfred Hitchcock’s Cameo Appearances
Alfred Hitchcock cameos from (nearly) all his films, courtesy of fan Roy van der Zwaan:
James Cameron Saturday
I went in and pitched it to the studio as Romeo and Juliet on a ship: “It’s going to be this epic romance, passionate film.” Secretly what I wanted to do was I wanted to dive to the real wreck of Titanic, and that’s why I made the movie. James Cameron tells the TED Conference about his fascination with diving and how it’s affected his career.
Stanley Tucci Is a Good Interview
“Sometimes you do just have to go do a job to make money, and sometimes — I think — who was it? Was it Edward G. Robinson who said — you did three movies a year. One for the location, one for the money, and one for the art.”Stanley Tucci, in an interview with Dark Horizons last year.
The Oscars: 10 Worst Robberies
The Telegraph has compiled their 10 worst injustices in Oscar history. Stanley Kubrick, Kevin Costner, and (ugh) Forrest Gump all figure prominently. “2010’s most obvious potential injustice — will District 9 …..
Star Wars, Napoleon, and “Reality” in the Movies
Star Wars, perhaps the most successful science-fiction film ever made, breaks dozens of laws of physics but has been enjoyed by millions. Its more recent prequels break no more and are, to those of us who grew up with the originals, heartbreakingly worse.Actor David Mitchell reflects on “reality” in the movies.Movie crews don’t much care… until they’re filming a scene about filming a scene:
Meryl Streep Nominated for Ten Millionth Oscar
Good grief, not again.Meryl Streep
Roger Ebert Not a Huge Fan of ‘Extraordinary Measures’
The trailers for Harrison Ford’s new movie Extraordinary Measures have been baffling. Are they cops, doctors, journalists, er whut? And why is everyone shouting?Thanks to Roger Ebert’s review, I now see that it’s a desperately-seeking-a-cure movie — as Ebert puts it, “Lorenzo’s Oil with a different disease.”
Latinos Love Alvin and the Chipmunks
Fox’s “Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel” collected $50.2 million over the weekend and $77.1 million since it debuted Wednesday. Its crowds were 70% families and heavily Latino. “The Squeakquel” also grossed $36.5 million from the 42 foreign markets where it launched. That’s more than twice as much as the first “Alvin” opened to in the same countries in 2007.”Heavily Latino”?
Avatar (and James Cameron) Get Rave Reviews
A dozen years later, James Cameron has proven his point: He is king of the world.
Movie Review: FAT MAN AND LITTLE BOY
Paul Newman Memorial Movie ReviewFAT MAN AND LITTLE BOYViewed at home, courtesy of NetflixMeal: Popcorn and 2/3 of a bottle of Luzon Jumilla Spanish wine (2005)We happened to have FAT MAN AND LITTLE BOY in the house, courtesy of Netflix, so we watched it tonight with many fond nods and mental genuflections in the direction of Westport, Connecticut and the ghost of Paul Newman.
Weird New Images From Heath Ledger’s Last Film
Heath Ledger was filming a movie when he died: not Batman but The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus, the latest hallucinatory (and typically cursed) project from Monty Python alumnus Terry Gilliam.How hallucinatory? New photos below.The flick was described this way at Cannes:
Obituary First Lines: Roy Scheider
A smattering of obituary openings for actor Roy Scheider, who has died at age 75:- “Thanks to Roy Scheider, it was okay for the good people of Amity Island to go back in the water again.” -E! Online