The Moviefone Blog

Where The Wild Things Are: Spike Jonze Interview Special

Angie Argabrite — 2009-12-07T17:14:00+00:00

Spike Jonze, the innovative auteur behind such big-screen head trips as Being John Malkovich and Adaptation, now brings his unique vision to Maurice Sendak's classic bedtime favourite, Where the Wild Things Are.

We caught up with Jonze at the end of a long day of interviews, where he shared with us his inspiration for making his first family-friendly film, how Sendak was a surprising influence and why he used an unorthodox method to bring the monsters to life. Spike Jonze, the innovative auteur behind such big-screen head trips as Being John Malkovich and Adaptation, now brings his unique vision to Maurice Sendak's classic bedtime favourite, Where the Wild Things Are.

We caught up with Jonze at the end of a long day of interviews, where he shared with us his inspiration for making his first family-friendly film, how Sendak was a surprising influence and why he used an unorthodox method to bring the monsters to life.

What was your inspiration for bringing this book to the big screen?
It's something that I grew up loving. I don't know, I just love the idea of making a movie starring Max and the wild things, it seems really exciting.

This is the first movie you've made that is family friendly. Did that play into your process? Did you have to tone it down?
I don't know. I mean, we were writing about a 9-year-old, so in a way we were writing about what was relative to being 9. I certainly knew it was going to be PG, I didn't want to put violence and sex in it, because it wasn't relevant to what it's like to be 9 years old.

Can you relate to Max?
Yeah ... Right now I'm just tired. So right now I can only relate to napping.

Did you you know Maurice Sendak before you made the movie?
I did; actually I've known him for the last 14 years, and we talked over the years about doing 'Where the Wild Things Are.' He's the one that came to me and offered it to me, which was really exciting and sort of a little scary too because it's something I love so much. I didn't want to add something just to add something to it ... I was apprehensive.

Did he have any input while you were making the movie?
Yeah, but not in the way you would think. Not as some protective artist -- like "Don't! No! Not from my book!" -- but actually in the other way. As an artist, he was not interested in making a movie out of the book just because he could, you know. I guess part of the reason he waited so long to make the movie out of it is he wanted there to be a reason for it to exist or he would've rather just not made it. One of his biggest influences on [the movie] wasn't trying to get us to have some reverence to the book, but actually, you know, it was his insistence for me to make something that was my own and make something personal and make something that was as surprising and dangerous for its time as the book was in its time. And also something that didn't pander to children; [he's] somebody who doesn't consider himself a children's book author, but someone who writes about childhood and tries to do it in the most honest way possible. And I think that's why his books resonate with children ... because it's not by the numbers, it's never like trying to teach kids a lesson. He's trying to capture the feeling of childhood.

Are the monsters in the movie all represented in the book?
Visually, they're all from Maurice's drawings; actually we left a couple out that we didn't have characters for.

The actors who voiced the monsters acted out the roles on stage together; that's an unusual process for voice acting, isn't it?
We worried about the traditional way -- that it would become staid. I wanted them to be together, because when you have two actors going in a scene together, they affect the other one. It just sounds different, it feels different, there's something more alive in it. That was the real goal, to get them in a room and let it come to life, from the spontaneity that can happen when you have great actors acting in the moment together.

You acted in 'Three Kings' -- any plans to act again?
I don't know. If there's somebody doing something that they think I'd be right for and it feels right, I would do it. For me, it's a lot more to do with the experience of it. It was a director I love, David Russell, and it was just a really fun, strange, challenging thing to do. I'd like to do more, but then I get so sucked into my own thing, and get lost in whatever I'm doing.

Hilary Swank on 'Amelia,' Learning to Fly & Meryl Streep

Angie Argabrite — 2009-10-23T13:05:00+00:00

Hilary Swank is a two-time Oscar winner, first as a she living as a he, in 'Boys Don't Cry,' then as a girl engaged in the macho sport of boxing, in 'Million Dollar Baby.' So should it come as any surprise that awards buzz is starting up for her performance in her latest, 'Amelia,' in which she plays the iconic aviatrix pursuing her dreams in the traditionally male field of flying?

We caught up with Swank, who told us why she thinks truth is stranger than fiction, that more people are approaching her about this movie than any she's ever done (even though critics aren't loving the film) ... and which woman is her own real-life inspiration. Hilary Swank is a two-time Oscar winner, first as a she living as a he, in 'Boys Don't Cry,' then as a girl engaged in the macho sport of boxing, in 'Million Dollar Baby.' So should it come as any surprise that awards buzz is starting up for her performance in her latest, 'Amelia,' in which she plays the iconic aviatrix pursuing her dreams in the traditionally male field of flying?

We caught up with Swank, who told us why she thinks truth is stranger than fiction, that more people are approaching her about this movie than any she's ever done (even though critics aren't loving the film) ... and which woman is her own real-life inspiration.

You immerse yourself really deeply into your characters; how did you immerse yourself into Amelia?
Well, you know, first of all, there was the physicality of it. Amelia is an icon and this image that we all know very well, so the physicality of it was something that was fun, you know? I cut my hair off, I became blonde. She had freckles. Understanding how she carried herself is a big part of playing Amelia. The cadence in which she spoke, her accent -- for eight weeks I studied 16 minutes of newsreel on Amelia, which was really difficult. I think her accent was the most challenging accent that I've ever done in my career of accents. It was hard for me to get.

And you took flying lessons?
I did, I took flying lessons. I couldn't imagine playing Amelia Earhart and not learning how to fly, so it's pretty great to say, "I learned how to fly to play Amelia Earhart," because it something I've actually always wanted to do. One of the exciting things about my job is that I really get to step in all these different shoes and learn things that I might not have had I not been an actor.

What did you know about Amelia before you took on the role?
I really only knew the couple sentences that you learn about in the schoolbook. Getting to know her was exciting ... you know, I've never had as many people come up to me and say to me, "I cannot wait to see this movie," more than any other movie that I've been a part of, actually. And I think it's because [she was] a woman who made no apologies for living a life that she wanted to live for herself. In 2009, even, it's a difficult thing to do. We're constantly kind of living our life for our parents or a loved one or the idea of who we think we should be rather than what really is right for us. She, I think, was ahead of her time then, and certainly if she lived in 2009 she'd be ahead of her time now.

Amelia worked with George Putnam before they started dating; did you identify with that since you're dating your former agent John Campisi?
I didn't really think about that, because I don't know if it's quite the same, but that's funny. He is an agent, but he wasn't really my main person, not my agent. But he works at my agency ... I think that their relationship -- I think Amelia was George's beloved, and he really allowed her to have this life that she dreamed of. She did finally recognize what a gift that was on her final flight and, which she didn't know at the time was her final flight, of course. I think that that's so moving in life when you finally are aware of the meaning of life in a deeper way.

The scene in the movie when Amelia takes Eleanor Roosevelt up in a plane, did that really happen?
Yes, it did really happen. I don't really know exactly how it went down when they were in the plane, whether she really said, "put your hands on the wheel" and she took her hands off, but yeah, at night after a function, she said, "come on, let's go up." They flew around DC together with a bunch of people in the back. Isn't that fun?

Watch a clip from 'Amelia'
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You have another biopic coming up, 'Betty Waters,' and you won your first Oscar for a biopic. Are you drawn to playing real people, or is it sort of just a coincidence?
That adage that truth is stranger than fiction is holding true in all the stories I'm reading ... a lot of these stories that I'm drawn to are just absolutely incredible and, you know, they're mind-blowing, and I'm thankful for [them], because I think that all of them have been so life-enriching for me as an actor, and also as a human being.

Is there a different way you prepare for playing a real person versus when you're playing a fictional person?
Yeah, I think there's a lot of responsibility that comes with playing someone real, especially someone like Amelia Earhart, who was so well known. I feel like it's really big shoes to fill, and certainly you can't take a lot of fictional license when you play someone that's achieved so much. It's definitely, I feel, a lot different. It was scary -- it's a daunting task to play Amelia Earhart. I went to work everyday saying, "Please don't let me mess this up!"

You've had a pretty amazing career, but is there anyone's career that you look to as an inspiration?
It's probably cliché at this point, but Meryl Streep is someone who not only continues to raise her own bar, and she's time and time again extraordinary ... she carries herself with such grace and she's a girl's girl, she's very supportive of other women, and her work ethic is inspiring. She runs the gamut of doing dramatic and mainstream movies. You know, she fluctuates back and forth so easily and fluently. We're entertainers, and that's what a full career is supposed to be filled with, so I think she's just extraordinary in every way.

Alexander Skarsgard and Kate Bosworth Are a Cute Couple

Angie Argabrite — 2009-10-19T18:11:00+00:00

'True Blood' star Alexander Skarsgard and blonde beauty Kate Bosworth are a new couple we can get behind. You know, if there were, like, elections for "hottest celebrity couple" or "celebrity couple we think seem pretty cool together." The actors reportedly met on the set of their upcoming movie, 'Straw Dogs,' and were seen "canoodling" at the Spike TV Scream Awards this past weekend, reports Radar Online. 'True Blood' star Alexander Skarsgard and blonde beauty Kate Bosworth are a new couple we can get behind. You know, if there were, like, elections for "hottest celebrity couple" or "celebrity couple we think seem pretty cool together." The actors reportedly met on the set of their upcoming movie, 'Straw Dogs,' and were seen "canoodling" at the Spike TV Scream Awards this past weekend, reports Radar Online.

We consider ourselves experts on the ever-changing landscape of celebrity couplings -- and uncouplings! -- but this one caught us off guard. Last we heard, Erik the sexy vampire sheriff (that'd be Skarsgard) was possibly hooking up off screen with 'True Blood' guest star Evan Rachel Wood, which wouldn't have surprised us, and Bosworth had a steady beau, model James Rousseau (Keira Knightley's ex, by the way -- see, we told you we were experts on the topic of celebrity couples).

But we all know what happens on movie sets, right? Or at least we think we do, based on the rumors, reports and confirmations of actors who embark on romances with their co-stars. Skarsgard and Bosworth are just carrying on the proud tradition of beautiful people dating the other beautiful people they work with on movies or TV shows.

We recognize that it's not only actors who have work romances -- they sure do seem to have them a lot, though. (We are fairly certain, however, that stars are the only people who ever engage in "canoodling"). What do you think -- Alexander Skarsgard and Kate Bosworth as a couple: yes or no?

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Steamiest On-Set Romances

These actors take their roles a bit too seriously. Moviefone counts down the 25 hottest on-set hookups ever.

Sony

Phil Walter, Getty Images

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Hottest On-Set Hookups

Actors are always insisting that love scenes are anything but romantic to make, what with crew guys standing around scratching themselves, lighting delays and such -- but history and the tabloids have proven that on-set intimacy can lead to very real romance. Moviefone counts down the 25 hottest on-set hookups ever. -- By Marilyn Beck and Stacy Jenel Smith with Stephanie DuBois and Emily Feimster

25. Angelina Jolie and Billy Bob Thornton

'Pushing Tin' (1999)

While Laura Dern was standing by her man, Billy Bob, he was lying by his co-star, Angelina. Wild about each other, the couple ran off for a surprise marriage, breaking the unsuspecting Dern's heart. They expressed their eccentric love by wearing vials of each other's blood around their necks. Not shockingly, they split in 2003.

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Getty Images

24. Matt Damon and Minnie Driver

'Good Will Hunting' (1997)

They played lovers in one of the most refreshing movies in modern times, but their sweet on-set romance (they reportedly held hands between takes) ended sourly. It was said that Driver learned of their breakup when Damon announced it on 'Oprah'; he maintains that they split three weeks before. Apparently, Driver didn't like them apples.

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Miramax / Everett Collection

23. Clark Gable and Loretta Young

'The Call of the Wild' (1935)

Indeed. He was married and she a devout Catholic, but their passion got the better of them on the set. Young went on a long trip to Europe, months passed and she announced she was "adopting" a daughter, Judy -- who grew up to look just like mom and Clark Gable.Judy Lewis detailed all in her book, 'Uncommon Knowledge.'

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Everett Collection

22. Owen Wilson and Kate Hudson

'You, Me and Dupree' (2006)

Just days after Hudson split with rocker hubby Chris Robinson, reports surfaced of her getting cozy with Wilson. The pair claimed things were platonic during filming, but a romance blossomed while doing press. They broke up, got back together, broke up again. Now, in the wake of Wilson's suicide attempt, they've rekindled a "friendship."

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Universal

21. Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell

'Swing Shift' (1984)

Proving opposites do attract (she supported Al Gore, he George W. Bush; she's a Buddhist, he a member of the NRA), Hawn and Russell have been inseparable since hooking up on 'Swing Shift.' They never married, but have a son, Wyatt, together. And Kurt's like a dad to her first two kids, Oliver and Kate Hudson.

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Warner Bros. / Everett Collection

20. Warren Beatty and Madonna

'Dick Tracy' (1990)

When Beatty, an actor notorious for mixing on-set business with pleasure, cast the 21-years-younger pop star as comic-book bad girl Breathless Mahoney, was he casting her for himself as well? Regardless, neither the movie nor the mismatched romance fared well, and Beatty came off as a bore in her 'Truth or Dare' doc a year later.

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Everett Collection

19. Robert Rodriguez and Rose McGowan

'Grindhouse' (2007)

Fans were shocked when Rodriguez split with his wife, Elizabeth Avellan, after 16 years and five children. Though tabloids rushed to credit an affair with McGowan for the split, Rodriguez released a statement saying they had separated before 'Grindhouse' production -- and his trailer-shaking trysts with McGowan -- began.

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Yasky, WireImage.com

20. Ingrid Bergman and Roberto Rossellini

'Stromboli' (1950)

While filming in Italy, the then-married Bergman fell for her director and became pregnant. When Congress declared her an "influence for evil," she decided to remain in Italy, leaving her soon-to-be-ex-husband and daughter in the U.S. Wed in 1950 and divorced in '57, the Rossellinis had three children together, including famed actress Isabella.

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Everett Collection

17. Heath Ledger and Michelle Williams

'Brokeback Mountain' (2005)

Co-star Jake Gyllenhaal told Oprah he remembered being at rehearsal where the two of them would be "googly-eyed looking at each other." Baby Matilda and a pair of Oscars nods soon followed. But what began as a fairy tale ended as a tragedy: The couple split late in '07, and Ledger died of an accidental prescription drug overdose in January.

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Focus Features

Spike Jonze on 'Where the Wild Things Are,' Maurice Sendak and Acting

Angie Argabrite — 2009-10-15T15:30:00+00:00

Spike Jonze, the innovative auteur behind such big-screen head trips as 'Being John Malkovich' and 'Adaptation,' now brings his unique vision to Maurice Sendak's classic bedtime favorite, 'Where the Wild Things Are.'

We caught up with Jonze at the end of a long day of interviews, where he shared with us his inspiration for making his first family-friendly film, how Sendak was a surprising influence and why he used an unorthodox method to bring the monsters to life. Spike Jonze, the innovative auteur behind such big-screen head trips as 'Being John Malkovich' and 'Adaptation,' now brings his unique vision to Maurice Sendak's classic bedtime favorite, 'Where the Wild Things Are.'

We caught up with Jonze at the end of a long day of interviews, where he shared with us his inspiration for making his first family-friendly film, how Sendak was a surprising influence and why he used an unorthodox method to bring the monsters to life.

What was your inspiration for bringing this book to the big screen?
It's something that I grew up loving. I don't know, I just love the idea of making a movie starring Max and the wild things, it seems really exciting.

This is the first movie you've made that is family friendly. Did that play into your process? Did you have to tone it down?
I don't know. I mean, we were writing about a 9-year-old, so in a way we were writing about what was relative to being 9. I certainly knew it was going to be PG, I didn't want to put violence and sex in it, because it wasn't relevant to what it's like to be 9 years old.

Can you relate to Max?
Yeah ... Right now I'm just tired. So right now I can only relate to napping.

Did you you know Maurice Sendak before you made the movie?
I did; actually I've known him for the last 14 years, and we talked over the years about doing 'Where the Wild Things Are.' He's the one that came to me and offered it to me, which was really exciting and sort of a little scary too because it's something I love so much. I didn't want to add something just to add something to it ... I was apprehensive.

Did he have any input while you were making the movie?
Yeah, but not in the way you would think. Not as some protective artist -- like "Don't! No! Not from my book!" -- but actually in the other way. As an artist, he was not interested in making a movie out of the book just because he could, you know. I guess part of the reason he waited so long to make the movie out of it is he wanted there to be a reason for it to exist or he would've rather just not made it. One of his biggest influences on [the movie] wasn't trying to get us to have some reverence to the book, but actually, you know, it was his insistence for me to make something that was my own and make something personal and make something that was as surprising and dangerous for its time as the book was in its time. And also something that didn't pander to children; [he's] somebody who doesn't consider himself a children's book author, but someone who writes about childhood and tries to do it in the most honest way possible. And I think that's why his books resonate with children ... because it's not by the numbers, it's never like trying to teach kids a lesson. He's trying to capture the feeling of childhood.

Are the monsters in the movie all represented in the book?
Visually, they're all from Maurice's drawings; actually we left a couple out that we didn't have characters for.

The Evolution of Tinker Bell

Angie Argabrite — 2009-10-13T17:30:00+00:00

Besides being played by Julia Roberts in 1991's live-action 'Hook,' Tinker Bell has been best known as Peter Pan's mischievous little pixie-dust-sprinkling friend. But even before she made her 1953 big-screen debut in the classic animated film, the impish fairy went through dozens of incarnations in the animation studios at Disney.

Last year Tink graduated to leading lady in her own movie, the 2008 self-titled DVD release 'Tinker Bell.' Now, with the upcoming DVD and Blu-ray release of 'Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure' (Oct. 27), Tink is finally getting a full-scale makeover. She's gone from ingenue to full-out action hero since she first appeared, in pencil drawings from the famed studio's "nine old men" in the the mid-'30s.

Click through our gallery to trace the adorable tiny heroine's transformation through the years (including three exclusive photos). Besides being played by Julia Roberts in 1991's live-action 'Hook,' Tinker Bell has best been known as Peter Pan's mischievous little friend. But before she made her 1953 big-screen debut in the classic animated film, the impish pixie went through dozens of incarnations in the animation studios at Disney.

Last year Tink graduated to leading lady in her own movie, the 2008 self-titled DVD release 'Tinker Bell.' Now, with the upcoming DVD and Blu-ray release of 'Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure' (Oct. 27), Tink is finally getting a full-scale makeover. Click through our gallery to trace the adorable tiny heroine's transformation through the years (including three exclusive photos).

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The Evolution of Tinker Bell

See sketches and photos of Hollywood's favorite pixie through the years.

Disney

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The Evolution of Tinker Bell

Pencil Her In
A very early pencil sketch of Tinker Bell, dated to the mid-1930s, begs the question, "How many pixies can you fit on a pincushion?"

Disney

Tiny Dancer
Exclusive: Another pencil sketch of Tinker Bell, though undated, shows an early incarnation of the tiny fairy.

Disney

Blue Belle
What a difference a few years make -- here's Tinker Bell in her first official portrait, in 1937, as a pink and blue ballet-inspired fairy.

Disney

Put a Ring on It
In yet another incarnation, this one from the mid-'40s, Tink's mischievous 'tude starts to take shape. As women in the real world hit the workplace in ever greater numbers, Tinker Bell exudes girl-power sass.

Disney

Recline of the Times
Here's Tinker Bell circa 1945. The ballet theme is back, and this version seems to take Tink from impish cutie to slightly aloof gamine.

Disney

Flower Girl
Exclusive: In this undated color illustration, Tinker Bell returns to her garden-pixie roots, with a flower-petal hat.

Disney

Starry, Starry Night
Just a year later, in 1946, this story sketch shows Tink evolving back to a younger look (if women could only discover that secret), with longer hair and a more innocent visage.

Disney

Days of Wine and Poses
Exclusive: A redheaded Tinker Bell perches playfully on a wine cork in this undated image.

Fine Young Woman
By 1949, Tinker Bell had matured to this graceful (and Grace Kelly-esque) figure, with a demure and sophisticated updo, a simple black choker and strapless blue gown.

Disney

Ready for Her Close-Up
After so many incarnations, Tink makes her big-screen debut in Disney's 1953 classic feature-length film, 'Peter Pan.' Though none of the prior versions we've seen were blonde, the final fairy we see in the cineplexes is a golden-haired tiny beauty.

Disney

Her evolution has been top of mind for at least one very high-profile Disney exec for some time. Pixar co-creator John Lasseter told USA Today, "She's my absolute favorite character of all the Disney characters. She is so cute with her spunk and personality. The fact that Walt Disney used her to open his TV show proved how important she was to the company."

She may not be a full-fledged Disney princess, but Tinker Bell is a star in her own right, and her tomboyish update is a sign of the times. Not only does she embody modern-day girl power, but her new outfit is green -- literally and figuratively. You can't get any more eco-conscious than wearing garb created from leaves, right?

What do you think of Tinker Bell's makeover? Let us know.

'Astro Boy' Character Guide

Angie Argabrite — 2009-10-13T06:00:00+00:00

ASTRO BOY (voiced by Freddie Highmore) - Astro Boy is a nuclear-powered robot created by Dr. Tenma as a doppelganger to his son, who died in a tragic lab accident. When Astro learns that he's not a real boy, he embarks on a journey to come to terms with his identity -- oh, yeah, and he has to save Metro City from the menacing forces of a government verging on totalitarian rule. ASTRO BOY (voiced by Freddie Highmore) - Astro Boy is a nuclear-powered robot created by Dr. Tenma as a doppelganger to his son, who died in a tragic lab accident. When Astro learns that he's not a real boy, he embarks on a journey to come to terms with his identity -- oh, yeah, and he has to save Metro City from the menacing forces of a government verging on totalitarian rule.

DR. TENMA (voiced by Nicolas Cage) - A dedicated scientific genius who's devastated and guilt-ridden when his son is killed in his lab. He works through his grief by making his robot in the exact image of his dead boy.

DR. ELEFUN (voiced by Bill Nighy) - A kindly scientist who's a colleague of Tenma, Elefun is the creator of "blue core" technology, the source of Astro Boy's awesome powers.

CORA (voiced by Kristen Bell) - A 17-year-old "surface dweller" (in 'Astro Boy,' the Earth is no longer fully habitable, and most people live in the self-contained floating metropolis Metro City). Cora is the caretaker by default of the group Astro meets when he leaves Metro City on his journey of self-discovery.

ZOG (voiced by Samuel L. Jackson) - An old-school 'bot that Astro meets on the surface and is able to power up. Zog becomes a valuable ally in Astro's battle to save Metro City.

HAMEGG (voiced by Nathan Lane) - Hamegg is a Dickensian character who leads the gang of surface-dwelling children Astro falls in with. He's instrumental in bringing Zog back to fighting form.

PRESIDENT STONE (voiced by Donald Sutherland) - President Stone, Metro City's evil commander-in-chief, is consumed by the pursuit of military power. He puts Metro City in peril when he activates the Peacekeeper robot, a superior technological weapon.

THE PEACEKEEPER - Powered by "red core" technology, the Peacekeeper is President Stone's ultimate weapon in his quest to rule Metro City with an iron fist. Unfortunately for the President -- and the people of Metro City -- the Peacekeeper malfunctions and goes out of control. Hey, it's no spoiler to say that this sounds like a job for Astro Boy.

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'Astro Boy' Character Photos

Meet the characters behind this highly anticipated animated adventure.

Summit Entertainment

Getty Images North America

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Watching 'Zombieland' With a Teenager, Zombies and Woody Harrelson

Angie Argabrite — 2009-10-02T14:03:00+00:00

'Zombieland' hits theaters today, but I was lucky enough to see a pre-release screening earlier this week. Here's how I ended up watching 'Zombieland' with a teenager, a bunch of zombies ... and Woody Harrelson -- in other words, this is the story of how I found myself in the most awesome screening ever.

Now, in my line of work, early film screenings are pretty commonplace (I know -- poor me, right?), but the 'Zombieland' showing that I attended was anything but common. 'Zombieland' hits theaters today, but I was lucky enough to see a pre-release screening earlier this week. Here's how I ended up watching 'Zombieland' with a teenager, a bunch of zombies ... and Woody Harrelson -- in other words, this is the story of how I found myself in the most awesome screening ever.

Now, in my line of work, early film screenings are pretty commonplace (I know -- poor me, right?), but the 'Zombieland' showing that I attended was anything but common.

I brought my 15-year-old son as my guest -- he's a big fan of horror-gore, and this seemed like a great mother-son bonding opportunity (and that either makes me a really good mom ... or a horrible, horrible one). He made it to the theatre before me, and when we checked in via cell phone, he reported that he was having fun just watching all the people going into the show; apparently, we would be viewing this movie with a bunch of zombies. OK, color me officially intrigued. Couldn't wait to get to there.

We walked into the theater just as the lights were going down; the movie was starting (great opening, by the way -- sets just the right tone for the film) and we found two prime seats, not too close, just a few spots from dead-center. Movie's rolling, we're already laughing our heads off; I look around at our seatmates to see if they're enjoying themselves as much as we are. To my left are a couple of zombies, natch (I'd estimate, conservatively, that two-thirds of the crowd showed up in costume), and to my son's right was ... wha ...? Woody Harrelson?!?! Where did he come from?

Before Harrelson's first appearance in the film, the audience started shouting, "We want Woody" -- to which that guy sitting beside my son (you know, Woody Harrelson) sorta stood up a little, tipped his hat to his adoring undead fans and exhibited a pleased little grin. And he smiled even bigger when his first appearance on screen elicited huge whoops of appreciation from the zombie crowd.

I did my best to train my eyes on the screen, though I'll admit I kept Woody in my peripheral vision. He seemed to be enjoying the film -- and especially the theatergoers' reactions to the film. He slipped out about halfway through, while my son and I were left to enjoy ... the most awesome screening ever. (You knew that was coming, didn't you?)

Watch the 'Zombieland' Trailer
The Funniest Scenes in Zombie Movies
'Zombieland' Movie Reviews

Michael Moore on 'Capitalism,' Democracy and Weight Loss

Angie Argabrite — 2009-09-30T06:00:00+00:00

Longtime rabble-rouser Michael Moore's latest, 'Capitalism: A Love Story,' touches on subject matter that's been near and dear to Moore's heart since his breakout hit documentary, 'Roger & Me.' With the recent economic meltdown, Moore's look at a system he calls "immoral" and "undemocratic" couldn't be timelier.

Moviefone dished with the controversial director about why he thinks folks take their money out of the bank, what could keep him from making another movie -- and what three traits overweight people seem to share. Longtime rabble-rouser Michael Moore's latest, 'Capitalism: A Love Story,' touches on subject matter that's been near and dear to Moore's heart since his breakout hit documentary, 'Roger & Me.' With the recent economic meltdown, Moore's look at a system he calls "immoral" and "undemocratic" couldn't be timelier.

Moviefone dished with the controversial director about why he thinks folks take their money out of the bank, what could keep him from making another movie -- and what three traits overweight people seem to share.

Is the title, 'Capitalism: A Love Story,' ironic? It seems you pretty much hate capitalism.
Well, yes, I guess it's ironic if I were saying it, but it's actually a true statement because it's about the wealthy who love their money -- and they not only love their money, they love our money too.

What do you think is the system that would work better for our country?
Well, I'm not an economist, so I don't know. I'm kind of bored with the discussion of capitalism versus socialism -- it's the 21st century, we need to come up with an economic model that's best for us right now. I guess I would like to see an economic system that has two major underpinnings: the democratic principle -- in other words, the economy is run by and decided by the people who are affected by it -- and, um, you know, a moral code to follow.

You've said this might be your last film. Is that true?
Only to the extent of what I say at the end of the movie, where I'll keep doing this if other people get involved politically and get active, because if people aren't going to do that I'm not going to keep banging my fist against the wall.

What can people do to make a difference?
I show some of those ways in the movie. You can organize your workplace into a union. You can work in a job where the workers own the business. If they're trying to foreclose on your home, you can try to stop it. And then there are all of the other things that people need to be doing, you need to quit complaining about the Republicans showing up at the town hall meetings, and get to the town hall meetings yourself.

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What do you think the government should be doing differently to affect some of the changes that you would like to see or think should happen?
Well, there're some immediate things that need to happen. Obama needs to declare a moratorium on home foreclosures until we straighten out the whole mortgage mess. There should be no more balloon payments -- it should be just one fixed rate, and those rates have to be capped. There should be credit card legislation; it needs to be approved, so people aren't charged these outrageous interest rates. I think there are individual things that people need to do in their own lives, which is to not use a credit card to have carrying charges. They should pay their credit card at the end of the month. If your bank took bailout money, take your money out of that bank and put it in a credit union. Credit unions are owned by the people who have their money in the credit union.

Do you ever feel like things are never going to change?
No, absolutely not. Are you kidding me? I was there the night the Berlin Wall came down -- physically there. I never thought I'd see that in my lifetime. Or that Nelson Mandela would be let out of prison. Or that an African American would be the president of the United States. I mean, the crazy and the impossible seem to happen; it gives me incredible optimism.

What do people say to you when they see you on the street? Do you get a lot of support?
Yes, absolutely. It's sometimes difficult to walk down the sidewalk because people are wanting to shake my hand, they're wanting to tell me their story, they want to tell me about how their pensions were cut, they want to tell me about how they lost what's in their 401K in the last year, they want to tell me how they were denied healthcare because of a pre-existing condition -- and on and on and on. You know, it was easier after 'Roger & Me' because it was mostly people that were driving a crappy GM car and wanted to know how to get help [laughs].

What do you say to people who say, "If you don't like this country then leave"?
I don't like the fact that I'm overweight, what am I supposed to do with that? Change it, right? You know, I can't leave my body [laughs], it's the only one I got. I think there are few things more patriotic than taking the time to make your country a better place.

You mention your weight -- I read you lost 70 lbs; how long did that take you?
Yeah, I lost about 70 lbs since last Christmas ... another 70 to go.

Do you have a goal for when you want to lose the other 70?
My birthday next year -- end of April.

What advice can you give to people who are looking to get healthy or lose weight?
You have to virtually eliminate these three things from your daily diet: salt (or sodium), white flour (or processed flour) and sugar (or corn syrup). If you can just get by without those three things and move around during the day a bit, you'll see a tremendous difference in how you feel and how much weight you can lose. Also, I've noticed overweight people have these three things in common: We all drink diet soda [laughs] but never lose any weight because it's so packed with sodium that it actually works against you, because it's breaking down the cellular structure by retaining fluid; number two, overweight people sleep less than seven hours a night, they never get a full night's sleep, which causes eating during the day to make up for it because you're tired, you need energy; and number three, we never eat.

You never eat?
Essentially; in other words, we put off eating because we're trying to not eat and then we get hungry by not eating [laughs].

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Rumer Willis on 'Sorority Row,' '90210' and Shooting in a Slaughterhouse

Angie Argabrite — 2009-09-04T13:10:00+00:00

5 Questions With the 'Sorority Row' Star

Rumer Willis, the eldest of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore's three girls, is so far the only one to follow in the footsteps of mom and dad (and stepdad Ashton Kutcher). In her first two roles, at 7 and 8, she played it pretty close to home -- she was Demi's daughter in the '96 movie 'Now and Then' and again in '97's 'Striptease.' Her next two roles after that were in Bruce's flicks 'The Whole Nine Yards' and 'Hostage.'

Now Rumer -- who recently turned 21 -- is making her own way as an actress. She stars in the ensemble horror flick 'Sorority Row' and has a recurring role on the upcoming second season of the CW's '90210' remake. We chatted with the second-generation thespian about her nerdy side, advice from the 'rents ... and which hair color really has the most fun.

1. Do you like scary movies?
Yeah. Sometimes I have a hard time watching them because they get a little scary ... The studio that we were shooting at was definitely a little creepy. It actually used to be a slaughterhouse, so they had drains on the floors and hooks on the ceiling.

2. Your character, Ellie, is the shy, nerdy one, how did you relate to that?
I was definitely a bit of a nerd in school. And you have that collection of people you've seen in your life, somewhere in the back of your head, so I pulled from there and, you know, just different people that you meet or characters that you see in movies. You find a mix of a bit of everybody. I feel like everybody knows that one girl in this situation who doesn't quite feel comfortable and she doesn't totally fit in, so she keeps trying to, like, if everyone's laughing and joking, keeps trying to throw one in there but kind of gets shot down. I thought that might be funny.

'Sorority Row' showtimes & tickets | Go behind the scenes of 'Sorority Row'

3. You're in the next season of '90210.' What can you tell us about that?
Right now we're introducing my character, Gia, who's a journalist, and I don't know necessarily where her storyline is gonna go. We're really seeing right now where she fits into the group and how she takes off. I don't know [how many episodes I'll appear in] because, again, they haven't even told me that much.

4. What's the best acting advice you've gotten from your family? And do you think either of your sisters, Scout and Tallulah, will pursue acting?
This isn't specific, but [mom Demi Moore, dad Bruce Willis and stepfather Ashton Kutcher] are incredibly supportive. Every once in a while I'll go ask them about a script or something and maybe read over an audition, and they all definitely have three very different perspectives, so it's nice to be able to get that. I'd love to [work with them] at some point. I think that'd be really fun, especially if I can play a character that was kind of opposing them in the storyline, that'd be really cool ... I did a short film that my mom directed called 'Streak' that I [acted in and] recorded a song for. As of right now, I don't think [sisters Scout and Tallulah] are into acting. My middle sister -- I have to do a little bragging now -- she's going to Brown. I think [she and Tallulah] are a little bit more into fashion, but they definitely have very strong personalities; I think they can do anything.

5. You're known for changing your hairstyles a lot. What's your favorite?
Right now, I'm really loving the red hair. I did it for the movie; I've kept it for a while, and I think I'm going to stay a redhead for a while. Redheads have the most fun.

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5 Reasons Pop Stars Should Make Movies

Angie Argabrite — 2009-08-28T17:30:00+00:00

While I certainly won't deny that many (if not most) pop stars should stick to singing and leave the acting to people who can, um, act, you must admit that there are a few examples of singers who really are double threats. My colleague Kevin Polowy looked at the flip side in his post '5 Reasons Pop Stars Shouldn't Make Movies,' and now I want to give the topic a positive spin -- because that's just the kind of gal I am. While I certainly won't deny that many (if not most) pop stars should stick to singing and leave the acting to people who can, um, act, you must admit that there are a few examples of singers who really are double threats. My colleague Kevin Polowy looked at the flip side in his post '5 Reasons Pop Stars Shouldn't Make Movies,' and now I want to give the topic a positive spin -- because that's just the kind of gal I am.

Bubblegum singers have been turning up in movies and TV shows since Elvis Presley churned out films at an alarming rate in his early career. And if you look back, you'll see some mega-popular musicians who were also accomplished actors, like crooner Frank Sinatra, who won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his performance in the classic 'From Here to Eternity,' and the eternally youthful Cher, who also won an Oscar, for her performance in the not-as-classic 'Moonstruck.' (If only we could turn back time, we'd try to stop her from having all that plastic surgery and convince her to keep acting.)

Here, then, is my list of five reasons why pop stars should act.

1. Mariah Carey in 'Precious' (2009): The songstress with a multi-octave range may just have some range as an actress too. She's near unrecognizable in the gritty indie originally titled 'Push,' that was, hands down, the best reviewed flick out of last year's Sundance Film Festival. Maybe she's repenting for the godawful 'Glitter' or getting acting tips from her young hubby, the surprisingly versatile Nick Cannon. In any case, keep it up, Mimi.

2. Justin Timberlake in 'Alpha Dog' (2006), 'Black Snake Moan' (2006), 'Open Road' (2009): Who'da thunk a former Mickey Mouse Clubber-turned-boy bander would have such impressive acting chops? He's yet to find a part in a money-making movie (save for voice work in the 'Shrek' franchise), but JT is slowly and effectively building up his cinematic resume while making splashier turns hosting and guesting on 'SNL' and continuing to bring the sexy back to dance clubs across the nation.

3. Mandy Moore in 'Saved' (2004), 'American Dreamz' (2006): The former tween bubblegum pop star's all grown up; she's even married now (to quirky alt-popster Ryan Adams). But on screen, we enjoy Mandy as a vacuous -- or, as the case may be, vicious -- teen. In 'Saved' and 'American Dreamz,' both underrated and under-seen biting comedies, Moore proves she can rise to the level of her material. That goes the other way too, i.e., she underwhelms in less-than-stellar projects (we're looking at you, 'License to Wed').

4. Mark Wahlberg in 'Boogie Nights' (1997), 'The Departed' (2006): The artist formerly known as Marky Mark got his big break (emphasis on "big") in Paul Thomas Anderson's ensemble porn epic 'Boogie Nights.' From there Donnie's little bro has built a career that's seen its ups ('The Italian Job') and downs ('The Happening'). The highlight so far has to be Martin Scorsese's scorching thriller 'The Departed,' in which Wahlberg -- conveniently -- got to deploy his native Boston accent.

5. Jennifer Hudson in 'Dreamgirls' (2006): The 'Idol' also-ran proved that 'AI' voters got it wrong when she was nominated for -- and then won! -- a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her very first acting role, as Effie in the big-screen adaptation of the popular Broadway musical. Co-star and fellow diva-turned-thespian Beyonce could barely keep her well-manicured nails sheathed as the buzz for Hudson's awe-inspiring performance surpassed the publicity for B's own work. Maybe that's when Sasha Fierce started.

COUNTERPOINT: Why Pop Stars SHOULDN'T Make Movies

Directors and the Actresses Who Love Them

Angie Argabrite — 2009-07-31T17:00:00+00:00

'Funny People' director Judd Apatow has pals who show up again and again in his projects. But of all his acting crew, Leslie Mann is, undoubtedly, the one who's nearest and dearest to his heart. She'd better be -- she's his wife and the mother of his children.

Apatow's not the first auteur who's directed his wife or lover, but unlike many famous Hollywood couples who work together, Apatow and Mann were already married with two daughters when they first collaborated professionally. Here are some top celeb couples making beautiful (or not) movies together -- and the sometimes-messy details about their relationships. 'Funny People' director Judd Apatow has pals who show up again and again in his projects. But of all his acting crew, Leslie Mann is, undoubtedly, the one who's nearest and dearest to his heart. She'd better be -- she's his wife and the mother of his children.

Apatow's not the first auteur who's directed his wife or lover, but unlike many famous Hollywood couples who work together, Apatow and Mann were already married with two daughters when they first collaborated professionally. Here are some top celeb couples making beautiful (or not) movies together -- and the sometimes-messy details about their relationships. -- By Angie Argabrite

Sam Mendes & Kate Winslet
The Oscar-winning director and critics'-darling actress met in August 2001, when she was still married to assistant director Jim Threapleton. The pair insist they didn't start dating till Winslet's marriage was over -- the divorce was final in December 2001; Winslet and Mendes wed in mid '03, and their son, Joe, was born that year. They've only worked together once so far, in the dark portrait of marriage 'Revolutionary Road' (2008).

Darren Aronofsky & Rachel Weisz
The acclaimed auteur and his Oscar-winning honey started dating in 2002. Though Aronofsky hasn't won an Oscar (yet), perhaps he can take some solace in the fact that Weisz was carrying his child -- Henry, now 2 -- when she picked up her statuette. Unfortunately, their only professional collaboration thus far is 2006's disappointing 'The Fountain.'

Tim Burton & Helena Bonham Carter
'Planet of the Apes' wasn't the only thing Burton "reimagined" -- by the time the film came out, in '01, he had dumped longtime love -- and muse -- Lisa Marie for 'Apes' star Bonham Carter. It wasn't the first time Bonham Carter had gone down this road; she and her 'Frankenstein' director, Kenneth Branagh (married at the time to Emma Thompson), embarked on a five-year relationship. But Burton and Bonham Carter seem to be soul mates; she's appeared in every single movie he's directed since they've met and given birth to their two children.

Joel Coen & Frances McDormand
The equally offbeat auteur and actress met when she starred in his and brother Ethan's first feature, 1984's 'Blood Simple.' Their long union has been fruitful, both professionally -- they've worked together in seven films, including 'Fargo,' for which they both won Oscars -- and personally -- they adopted son Pedro in '94.

Len Wiseman & Kate Beckinsale
Beautiful Brit Beckinsale was ensconced in a long-term relationship with fellow British actor Michael Sheen ('Frost/Nixon') when the couple went to work for Wiseman on the supernatural thriller 'Underworld.' By the time the flick hit multiplexes, Sheen had been kicked to the curb; Beckinsale and her director beau married in '04. Though Sheen has admitted the break-up was painful, apparently the trio worked it out -- Sheen appeared in the 2006 sequel too.

James Cameron & Linda Hamilton (et al)
Hold on, this one gets complicated. Cameron and Hamilton first worked together in their breakthrough film, 1984's 'Terminator.' At the time, he was divorcing his first wife to marry producer Gale Anne Hurd (who co-wrote 'Terminator'). He and Hurd split in '89, the same year he married director Kathryn Bigelow. That marriage lasted two years, ending the same year 'T2' hit theaters (1991), while rumors of an affair between the director and his star flew. Cameron and Hamilton had a daughter in '93, but they didn't wed until '97 (after he had taken up with 'Titanic' actress Suzy Amis and then dumped her). The tumultuous Cameron-Hamilton union ended in '99, and he soon wed Amis. His fifth marriage has held (so far!) -- it's been nine years and the couple has three kids.

Woody Allen & Mia Farrow/Diane Keaton/Louise Lasser
Woody Allen started dating his leading ladies even before '77's 'Annie Hall,' his acclaimed bittersweet rom-com inspired by his lover at the time, Diane Keaton. His earliest (as far as we can track) and least-known muse, Louise Lasser, sparked his creative juices in four late-'60s/early-'70s comic romps. She went on to be TV's 'Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman,' while he moved on to Keaton. And then came Mia Farrow. We bet he couldn't have guessed that he'd be with her -- or her daughter -- for the next 27 years and counting. Though their breakup was a spectacular, flaming wreck of infidelity and incestuous betrayal, no one can argue that their union created some beautiful movies: 'Hannah and Her Sisters' and 'Crimes and Misdemeanors' come to mind.

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'Astro Boy': Family Fare or Fanboy Fave?

Angie Argabrite — 2009-07-22T12:30:00+00:00

Fanboys and families alike should get ready for 'Astro Boy.' The Japanese anime icon -- apparently he's the Mickey Mouse of Japan -- is getting his first feature-length film. It's not out till Oct. 23, but we recently got a sneak peek. Though we won't speak for the manga-loving crowd, we can (and will!) say that in terms of kid appeal, 'Astro Boy' looks to be ready for his close-up.

You're surely familiar with Astro Boy and his side-spiked 'do, whether from the comic book that originated in 1951, the black-and-white TV show in '63, the reincarnations of the series, in '82 and again in '03 ... or at the very least, from hipster T-shirts or ironically iconic lunchboxes. Fanboys and families alike should get ready for 'Astro Boy.' The Japanese anime icon -- apparently he's the Mickey Mouse of Japan -- is getting his first feature-length film. It's not out till Oct. 23, but we recently got a sneak peek. Though we won't speak for the manga-loving crowd, we can (and will!) say that in terms of kid appeal, 'Astro Boy' looks to be ready for his close-up.

You may already be familiar with Astro Boy and his side-spiked 'do, whether from the comic book that originated in 1951, the black-and-white TV show in '63, the reincarnations of the series, in '82 and again in '03 ... or at the very least, from hipster T-shirts or ironically iconic lunchboxes.

The movie is written and directed by David Bowers ('Flushed Away') and stars the voices of Freddie Highmore as the eponymous 'Boy,' Kristen Bell as Cora, a runaway he meets on his journey, and Nicolas Cage as his father, Dr. Tenma.

Tenma is a crucial player in the tale, which is like a junior superhero origin story crossed with 'Pinocchio' with a dash of creepy 'AI' thrown in -- not enough to traumatize kids, just enough to give it a bit of an edge. The doctor loses his son, Toby, in a lab accident and then obsessively creates a robot version to replace him (we hate it when that happens).

Astro, thinking he's a regular boy, freaks out when he discovers the truth and runs away to figure out where he fits in. Of course Astro won't get sprinkled with magic dust and turned into a "real boy" -- rather, he'll figure out that being a robot with super powers is actually pretty cool. (We don't think that's too much of a spoiler.)

Even if you've never seen Astro Boy in action, this new version should win over kids and parents alike; the studio behind it, a Japanese company called Imagi, is targeting the fanboys too. There's a presentation scheduled at the pinnacle of geek fests, this week's Comic-Con 2009, and the full-court press of the publicity machine is no doubt just getting revved up. So be on the lookout: Astro Boy will be zooming into our pop-culture consciousness once again. -- By Angie Argabrite

More 'Astro Boy' Video | 'Astro Boy' Preview on Cinematical

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'G-Force' Star Zach Galifianakis on 'Hangover' Sequel, Those Hilarious End Credits & More

Angie Argabrite — 2009-07-21T06:00:00+00:00

You won't find this summer's breakout star in short shorts on magazine covers (if you do, we want to see that) or see his every move chronicled across the web. In fact, you may not even know how to pronounce his name -- it's Zach Galifianakis (Gal-i-fa-NA-kiss) -- but you probably recognize him as the scene-stealing man-boy Alan in the surprise hit raunch-fest 'The Hangover.'

Now the improv genius brings his talents to far more family-friendly fare, the guinea pig-superspy caper 'G-Force.' We caught up with the busy funnyman and dished about acting with green screen, old folks ... and Brad Pitt? You won't find this summer's breakout star in short shorts on magazine covers (if you do, we want to see that) or see his every move chronicled across the web. In fact, you may not even know how to pronounce his name -- it's Zach Galifianakis (Gal-i-fa-NA-kiss) -- but you probably recognize him as the scene-stealing man-boy Alan in the surprise hit raunch-fest 'The Hangover.'

Now the improv genius brings his talents to far more family-friendly fare, the guinea pig-superspy caper 'G-Force.' We caught up with the busy funnyman and dished about acting with green screen, old folks ... and Brad Pitt? -- By Angie Argabrite

Which one of the guinea pigs was the biggest diva?
I never thought in my life I'd get a question like this [laughs]. Fortunately, I didn't really have to deal with the guinea pigs one-on-one, I was acting towards nothing. In that case, I was the biggest diva, just because of the process of elimination.

How was acting with green screen?
The acting towards nothing is pretty intimidating, but you get used to it. There's really no practicing you can do -- and you're talking to guinea pigs! So there're a couple of variables there that you have to keep in mind while you're saying the lines.

You talk to a fly, too.
Mooch [the fly] doesn't really talk back, so it makes it a little bit easier. He just kind of buzzes back, and somehow I understand what he's saying. The fly thing was difficult because he's flying around, and also, there's a scene in there where, I hope people get the joke, I say, "I don't like it when my fly is down." After I said that the director goes, "Cut. Why are you talking about your zipper down?" I'm like "Oh God, he didn't get the joke." [laughs]

Are you going to get your own 'G-Force' action figure?
When we were shooting the movie, the Disney people came to take pictures of me and to measure me. I guess if it's a hit, they'll make an action figure or a doll thing. My biggest fear is that they're going to make a ride out of it at Disney World, and it's going to be a cutout of me and it's going to say "If you're this tall, you can't ride." That's my biggest fear.

Watch exclusive 'G-Force' clips | Get showtimes & tickets
While you were filming 'The Hangover,' did you have any inkling that it was going to be so huge?
Well, we knew it was going to be good. We didn't really expect anything more than just a good, entertaining, funny movie. I don't think anybody expected it to be what it is now.

In the end credits, you get it on with a senior citizen. Do older women hit on you now?
You're talking about 'G-Force,' right? [Laughs] I hope no women of that age have seen that movie ['The Hangover']. But that woman, when we were shooting that, I was so embarrassed for her and for me. But it turns out, I said, "Ma'am, I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable, you just tell me what to do here." It turns out she was an old porno actress ... and she's the voice of Juarez! [laughs]

In the end credits, is that you or is that a stunt penis?
That's fake.

In your upcoming Todd Phillips film, 'Due Date,' you play a guy traveling with an expectant dad to get to the birth of his baby. Do you know who's going to be playing the expectant dad?
No, but they're talking pretty big names -- Will Smith, Brad Pitt. I'm not kidding, it's like "the world's biggest people ... and Zach Galafianakis" [laughs]. And then there's actually Robert Downey Jr. also, I think. But who knows what any of that means. Hollywood is a lot of tall tales.

What's going on with the 'Hangover' sequel?
I haven't seen a script, and I don't want to jump the gun on anything like that. Bradley Cooper's a big hunk now, so he's going to be busy; he won't want to do 'The Hangover 2.' I would love to work with those guys again, I think we all want to do it, but it's just a wait-and-see type of thing.

You did a Comedy Central show, 'Dog Bites Man.' One of your co-stars in that, Matt Walsh, plays the doctor in 'The Hangover' -- did you get him the part?
No. Matt has been in all of Todd's movies; they're old buddies, and that's how that happened. But Matt and I, during 'Dog Bites Man,' I had some of the biggest laughs of my life when we filmed, because Matt was in it. But when we filmed the scene in 'The Hangover,' it was the hardest I've ever laughed in my life. It's not that funny, that scene in the movie where he takes the old man's pants down -- but I was laughing so hard at this old man's body because I know we're all destined for this, and it's such a cruel joke. I had to get up and leave the set; I didn't want to be laughing in front of this old man. Matt barely laughed, he's really good and professional, but when he breaks it makes me laugh so hard.

How much of your dialogue in 'The Hangover' was improvised?
A lot. Many, many lines. The structure of the script, the outline was very strong, and all the set pieces. But as far as the dialogue and things that had happened and the undercurrent stories like me emulating Phil or me having a crush on Bradley Cooper's character, none of that was in the script.

You're so in demand now. Are you in talks for 'Man-Witch'?
I don't know much about that, I'm not being coy ... it was a thing that Todd Phillips and I kind of talked about doing, but he wants to do 'Due Date' instead, so that's kind of taking priority. I think that's the answer to give you.

What about 'Say Uncle'?
That's something that may come to fruition.

And there's the HBO show you have coming out, 'Bored to Death.' Tell us about that.
It's a very well-written show with Jason Schwartzman as the lead, and then Ted Danson's in it. And then, I'm like third fiddle. It's kind of a detective story; I've seen some of it, and it's really very good.

Would you shave your beard for a part?
Yes. Of course. But I look like a fat Jodie Foster when I do that.

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Is Percy Jackson the Next Harry Potter?

Angie Argabrite — 2009-07-14T14:12:00+00:00

Hmm ... a movie with a ridiculously long title featuring a boy hero based on a children's fantasy novel series -- sound like anyone we know? ('Harry Potter,' we're looking at you.)

The upcoming 'Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief,' due out in Feb. 2010, is adapted from 'The Lightning Thief,' the first novel in the 'Percy Jackson & the Olympians' series by Rick Riordan. Its young leading man, Percy, discovers that he's the son of a Greek god ... and the adventure begins. Hmm ... a movie with a ridiculously long title featuring a boy hero based on a children's fantasy novel series -- sound like anyone we know? ('Harry Potter,' we're looking at you.)

The upcoming 'Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief,' due out in Feb. 2010, is adapted from 'The Lightning Thief,' the first novel in the 'Percy Jackson & the Olympians' series by Rick Riordan. Its young leading man, Percy, discovers that he's the son of a Greek god ... and the adventure begins.

Watch the exclusive trailer

'Harry Potter' is sort of winding down -- the books are done, there are only three movies left (including 'Half-Blood Prince'), so studios are vying to find a massive blockbuster franchise to fill the quickly approaching void. The 'Narnia' movies fared well, but didn't quite hit that sweet spot; the 'Golden Compass' adaptation failed miserably to set up its franchise as a hit movie series; and 'Eragon' has 'Era'-went.

Will 'Percy Jackson & the Olympians' rise where others have fallen? Only time will tell, but it does have a leg up on the others -- the flick's directed by 'Potter' alum Chris Columbus. That's gotta help. Watch the exclusive teaser trailer and let us know if you think it's got the right stuff to fill 'Harry''s robes, or if you've got an idea for a fantasy series that might be the next big thing.

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Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger's Harry Potter Romance

Angie Argabrite — 2009-07-01T12:00:00+00:00

In 'Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince,' our little heroes Harry, Ron and Hermione are growing up. Wipe that tear from your eye, this is a good thing. The characters we've known and loved since we met them as prepubescent first-year Hogwarts students are now teenagers who've seen more wizard battles than any Defense Against the Dark Arts class could have prepared them for (good thing Harry took it upon himself to teach his fellow pupils a few tricks).

Billions of fans know the 'Potter' story; we've read the books. So it's not plot surprises that draw us to the 'Harry Potter' movies, it's being able to watch these actors, particularly Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, bring the story to life on screen, and an important part of this film's plot involves the growing romantic tension between Ron and Hermione. In 'Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince,' our little heroes Harry, Ron and Hermione are growing up. Wipe that tear from your eye, this is a good thing. The characters we've known and loved since we met them as prepubescent first-year Hogwarts students are now teenagers who've seen more wizard battles than any Defense Against the Dark Arts class could have prepared them for (good thing Harry took it upon himself to teach his fellow pupils a few tricks).

Billions of fans know the 'Potter' story; we've read the books. So it's not plot surprises that draw us to the 'Harry Potter' movies, it's being able to watch these actors, particularly Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, bring the story to life on screen, and an important part of this film's plot involves the growing romantic tension between Ron and Hermione.

Watch an exclusive clip from 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince'

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We know that these three best pals (plus Ron's little sister, Ginny, who's maturing too!) will soon learn about that other battlefield -- you know, love -- and that Ron and Hermione will be taking the first swings in that conflict zone.

We can't wait to see Ron and Hermione's budding romance in 'Half Blood Prince' -- how about you? Are you happy with the way the movies are handling the developing 'Harry Potter' romances? Do you think Rupert Grint and Emma Watson have good on-screen chemistry as Ron and Hermione?

Tell us what you think about the young love in 'Harry Potter.'

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Sacha Baron Cohen's 'Bruno' Controversy

Angie Argabrite — 2009-06-19T18:30:00+00:00

If there's one thing that Sacha Baron Cohen is good at, besides making us pee our pants with laughter, it's stirring up a hornets' nest of controversy. The British comic follows up his uproariously un-PC flick 'Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan' with the equally un-PC (and, we suspect, equally hilarious) 'Bruno.'

'Bruno' features Baron Cohen as his gay Austrian fashion reporter alter ego, instead of his awkward Kazakhstan nationalist reporter alter ego, but the formula's pretty much the same: infiltrate real-life events and elicit uncomfortable (often racist, sexist, homophobic -- or all three at once) reactions from folks who aren't in on the joke.

It's no surprise, really, that Baron Cohen's antics are the cause of oodles of controversy, lawsuits and embarrassment. Here's a rundown of the contention caused by the movie and its star -- before it's even hit theaters. If there's one thing that Sacha Baron Cohen is good at, besides making us pee our pants with laughter, it's stirring up a hornets' nest of controversy. The British comic follows up his uproariously un-PC flick 'Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan' with the equally un-PC (and, we suspect, equally hilarious) 'Bruno.'

'Bruno' features Baron Cohen as his gay Austrian fashion reporter alter ego, instead of his awkward Kazakhstan nationalist reporter alter ego, but the formula's pretty much the same: infiltrate real-life events and elicit uncomfortable (often racist, sexist, homophobic -- or all three at once) reactions from folks who aren't in on the joke.

It's no surprise, really, that Baron Cohen's antics are the cause of oodles of controversy, lawsuits and embarrassment. Here's a rundown of the contention caused by the movie and its star -- before it's even hit theaters. -- By Angie Argabrite

A Gay Old Time: Universal Pictures had been screening the film for gay and lesbian groups for feedback, but some members of those groups complained they were brought into the loop way too late, when it was impossible for any of their suggestions to be implemented. GLAAD has asked the studio to include a message of support for gay rights and tolerance at the end of the flick. The answer was no. We're shocked it's taken this long for a feud to emerge.

(Scroll down for more controversies)

Bruno Photos

British actor Sacha Baron Cohen, dressed as a gay fashion reporter, attends the Dutch premiere of his film "Bruno" in the red light district of Amsterdam. June 19, 2009. REUTERS/United Photos/Robin van Lonkhuijsen (NETHERLANDS ENTERTAINMENT)

Reuters

Sacha Baron Cohen (C) attends "Bruno" photocall, at Las Ventas bullring on June 18, 2009 in Madrid, Spain. Sacha Baron Cohen Attends "Bruno" Photocall In Madrid Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas Madrid, Spain June 18, 2009 Photo by Fotonoticias/WireImage.com To license this image (57720269), contact WireImage.com

Fotonoticias/WireImage.com

Reuters

British actor Sacha Baron Cohen arrives on a jetski for a photo opportunity as part of promotional activities for the Dutch premiere of the movie Bruno, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Friday June 19, 2009. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

British actor Sacha Baron Cohen, center, adjusts his hair as he arrives for a photo opportunity as part of promotional activities for the Dutch premiere of the movie Bruno, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Friday June 19, 2009. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

British actor Sacha Baron Cohen reacts as he leaves after a photo opportunity as part of promotional activities for the Dutch premiere of the movie Bruno, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Friday June 19, 2009. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

British actor Sacha Baron Cohen, foreground, who plays the part of Bruno, poses with male models as he transformed the city's famous red light district into a pink light district as part of promotional activities for the Dutch premiere of the movie Bruno, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Friday June 19, 2009. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

MTV Movie Awards Altercation: Baron Cohen, in character as Bruno of course, came soaring over the crowd at the recent MTV telecast, only to land -- butt cheeks first -- in Eminem's face. Granted, we learned later that Em was in on the gag, but we must say we admire the rapper's acting skillz. Tell us you weren't fooled at first by his display of anger and disgust.

If the Suit Fits: Let the litigation begin. In early June, a California woman sued Baron Cohen for an alleged altercation at a bingo tournament. The plaintiff is allegedly using a wheelchair since she fell after trying to get the mic back from Bruno. If the lawsuits spurred by 'Borat' are any indication, we bet this is just the first of a long line of legal action Baron Cohen will face.

Watch this 'Bruno' trailer in HD at Moviefone's HD Trailer Hub

Ratings War: Initially 'Bruno' was given an NC-17 rating by the MPAA. After some initial hesitation, filmmakers cut enough of the graphic and lewd sex scenes to get upgraded to an R. You'll just have to wait for the DVD for that stuff. (Though it should be noted that Baron Cohen declined to make further cuts to the film to get it rated 15 in Britain, so it'll be released there as rated 18.)

That's Bull: Baron Cohen showed up at the Madrid premiere of 'Bruno' dressed in a furry black steer costume, complete with prominent genitalia (naturally). Not that controversial, really, we just think it's funny.

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Watch New Movie Trailers in HD

Angie Argabrite — 2009-06-19T14:00:00+00:00

You know you want to see Robert Pattinson up close and personal -- OK, we can't get you real-life access to the 'Twilight' hunk, but we've got the next best thing. Watch the trailers for 'New Moon,' the sequel to the teen-vampire love story of the ages in awesome hi-def on our HD trailer hub. If R-Pattz isn't your bag, we've got just the thing: Sacha Baron Cohen's upcoming raunchy, un-PC comedy, 'Bruno,' is on our HD trailer hub as well.

You can browse our HD trailer hub for thousands of offerings, including Moviefone original programming, like our Unscripted video interviews; check out Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds' hilarious Q&A for 'The Proposal.'

Seriously, our HD trailer hub is a treasure trove of video viewing. Start digging through it now to find the riches that are right for you. You know you want to see Robert Pattinson up close and personal -- OK, we can't get you real-life access to the 'Twilight' hunk, but we've got the next best thing. You can watch the trailer for 'New Moon,' the sequel to the teen-vampire love story of the ages, in awesome hi-def on our HD trailer hub.

If R-Pattz isn't your bag, we've got just the thing: Sacha Baron Cohen's upcoming raunchy, un-PC comedy, 'Bruno,' is on our HD trailer hub as well. You think the sneak peek of the movie's hilarious in a two-inch box, wait till you see it in high definition. Bruno must've had some work done, because his pores are just lovely -- and the manscaping is divine. We're just sayin' ... Those are the kinds of things you notice in hi-def.

You can browse our HD trailer hub for thousands of offerings, including Moviefone original programming, like our Unscripted video interviews; check out Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds' hilarious Q&A for 'The Proposal' -- or (and if you're a 'Twilight' fan, this should be right up your alley) look for Miley and Billy Ray Cyrus talking up 'Hannah Montana: The Movie' and an exclusive in-studio version we did for 'Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience.' You'll be squealing like the tweens who got to view the live taping.

Seriously, our HD trailer hub is a treasure trove of video viewing. Start digging through it now to find the riches that are right for you.

GO TO THE HD TRAILER HUB

'Transformers 2': Sexiest Cast of the Summer

Angie Argabrite — 2009-06-15T00:30:00+00:00

Do we really have to spell it out, why we think 'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen' has the sexiest cast of the 2009 summer season? Oh, OK, if you insist: We'll run through the reasons the sequel is even sexier than the first, which if you'll recall, was the surprise box office smash of two summers ago.

Watch our exclusive 'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen' clip

'Transformers 2' showtimes & tickets | 'Transformers 2' trailers

Shia LaBeouf: They don't call him the Beef for nuthin'. And he's no cookie-cutter sex symbol, this one. Shia is a charming young man with an off-kilter appeal that speaks to those among us who like the bad boys. His disarming honesty and often shocking candor in interviews really kinda does it for us.

Megan Fox: If you don't get this, we can't help you. We firmly believe that a good 3/4ths of 'Transformers'' massive box office bucks can be attributed entirely to Fox in short shorts peering under the hood of her car. The only way the American male fantasy could've been embodied any better is if she were reciting football stats (and making out with an equally hot bff -- but this is still a family film).

Josh Duhamel: Fergie's new hubby, and star of the late lamented series 'Vegas,' brings his square-jawed good looks to the robot-vs.-robot party too. We've heard he plays a bigger part in 'Revenge' -- and in this case, bigger is definitely better.

Tyrese Gibson: When you have a guy who started out as a male model, you can really never go wrong, we always say. Here's hoping that Gibson's role has been expanded too, like that of his brother in arms, Duhamel.

Isabel Lucas: This lovely lass is new to the 'Transformers' gang -- but the girl knows how to bring the drama. She was reportedly in the car with LaBeouf when he wrecked his car (and his hand) in the wee hours of an L.A. morning last year. Not sure that looked too good to her boyfriend at the time, Adrian Grenier. They broke up soon after. Whoops.

Megan Fox Photos

Megan Fox on the set of 'Jonah Hex.'

Moviegab

Megan Fox on the set of 'Jonah Hex.'

Moviegab

Actors Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox pose during "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" photocall at Hotel George V on June 12, 2009 in Paris, France. "Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen" Paris Photocall Hotel George V Paris, France June 12, 2009 Photo by Laurent Sazy - Ngenza/WireImage.com To license this image (16836159), contact WireImage.com

Laurent Sazy - Ngenza/WireImage.com

Actress Megan Fox poses during "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" photocall at Hotel George V on June 12, 2009 in Paris, France. "Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen" Paris Photocall Hotel George V Paris, France June 12, 2009 Photo by Laurent Sazy - Ngenza/WireImage.com To license this image (16836162), contact WireImage.com

Laurent Sazy - Ngenza/WireImage.com

(C)BAUER-GRIFFIN.COM ***NO CANADA*** Photocall for 'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen' Picture shows: Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox NON-EXCLUSIVE June 12, 2009 Job: 57151EP Paris, France www.bauergriffin.com www.bauergriffinonline.com

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(C)BAUER-GRIFFIN.COM ***NO CANADA*** Photocall for 'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen' Picture shows: Megan Fox NON-EXCLUSIVE June 12, 2009 Job: 57151EP Paris, France www.bauergriffin.com www.bauergriffinonline.com

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Celebrity Offspring Who Make the A-List

Angie Argabrite — 2009-06-12T14:45:00+00:00

The upcoming sci-fi drama 'Moon' is earning raves (though it's only opening in limited release, so it may be a while before you can actually see it). No shock that it stars Sam Rockwell, indie darling with a resume as long as his glowing reviews, but it is surprising that this gem comes from a first-time-feature director, Duncan Jones.

You may not have heard of Jones, but you surely know his dad -- rock star David Bowie. And maybe you remember Jones by his given name, Zowie Bowie. The up-and-coming auteur changed his name, but he can't change his lineage.

In honor of Zowie, er, Duncan, making good, we've come up with a list of 10 of the most high-achieving celeb offspring who've joined the family biz. The upcoming sci-fi drama 'Moon' is earning raves (though it's only opening in limited release, so it may be a while before you can actually see it). No shock that it stars Sam Rockwell, indie darling with a resume as long as his glowing reviews, but it is surprising that this gem comes from a first-time-feature director, Duncan Jones.

You may not have heard of Jones, but you surely know his dad -- rock star David Bowie. And maybe you remember Jones by his given name, Zowie Bowie. The up-and-coming auteur changed his name, but he can't change his lineage.

In honor of Zowie, er, Duncan, making good, we've come up with a list of 10 of the most high-achieving celeb offspring who've joined the family biz. -- By Angie Argabrite

Duncan Jones & Moon' Premiere Photos

LAS VEGAS - JUNE 11: Director Duncan Jones arrives at the premiere of "Moon" held at Brenden Theatres inside the Palms Casino Resort on June 11, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images for CineVegas) *** Local Caption *** Duncan Jones

Getty Images for CineVegas

NEW YORK - JUNE 03: Duncan Jones Moon attends the 40th anniversary celebration of the moon landing at Omega Boutique on June 3, 2009 in New York, New York. (Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Duncan Jones Moon

Getty Images

Director Duncan Jones and Musician David Bowie attend the premiere of "Moon" during the 8th Annual Tribeca Film Festival at BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center on April 30, 2009 in New York City. 8th Annual Tribeca Film Festival - "Moon" Premiere BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center New York, NY United States April 30, 2009 Photo by Jim Spellman/WireImage.com To license this image (57328774), contact WireImage.com

Jim Spellman/WireImage.com

NEW YORK - APRIL 30: Producer Stuart Fenegan, screenwriter Nathan Parker, actor Sam Rockwell, and director Duncan Jones attend the after party for "Moon" during the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival at 675 Bar on April 30, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Rob Loud/Getty Images for Tribeca Film Festival) *** Local Caption *** Stuart Fenegan;Nathan Parker;Sam Rockwell;Duncan Jones

Getty Images for Tribeca Film Fe

Isabella Rossellini: Daughter of Oscar-winning actress Ingrid Bergman and director Roberto Rossellini, this beauty started as a model but then made it to the big screen, most notably in David Lynch's controversial thriller 'Blue Velvet.' You can see her currently on IFC in a series of surreal shorts, 'Green Porno,' which she's written, directed, produced and stars in. (She wears bug costumes -- did we mention they're surreal?)

Anjelica Huston: Her dad was storied director/writer/actor John, and Anjelica's earned a few stories herself. Famously involved in a years-long tempestuous relationship with fellow acting titan Jack Nicholson (they finally ended it when another woman was having his baby), she's a three-time nominee, one-time Oscar winner who manages to class up any film in which she appears (OK, not 'Daddy Day Care' -- but not her fault).

Angelina Jolie: Duh. Can't have a list of successful celebrity kids without including Oscar winner -- and one half of the tabloids' fave couple -- Angelina. We think she's done pretty well for herself, and though her dad, Jon Voight, won an Oscar in his day, he probably never imagined that his little girl would eclipse him so quickly. Sadly, their relationship has been hot and cold, and the two are currently estranged.

Gwyneth Paltrow: Her mother, Blythe Danner, has built a solid, critically acclaimed career, but she was never the superstar her daughter has become. It's been pretty much all up since her godfather (that's Steven Spielberg to you) cast her in her first flick, 'Hook.' She's already won an Oscar ('Shakespeare in Love') and now she's got action hit under her fashionable belt too ('Iron Man' I and II).

Danny Huston: Anjelica's half-brother Danny's career has been simmering for some time, but has really taken off since he scorched the screen in the critically lauded Western 'The Proposition.' He was William Stryker in this summer's 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine,' and will appear in the upcoming Mel Gibson-starring crime thriller 'Edge of Darkness' and plays Poseidon in next year's 'Clash of the Titans.'

'Moon' showtimes & tickets | 'Moon' trailers & clips

Sofia Coppola: We are not going to say Francis Ford Coppola's daughter ruined 'Godfather 3' -- that movie had many issues besides an actress who wasn't up to the task. Sofia's found herself much more comfortable -- and competent -- behind the camera, from her compelling feature debut, 'The Virgin Suicides,' to the critically beloved 'Lost in Translation.' We're sure Francis is proud.

Scott Caan: Speaking of 'The Godfather,' Sonny's (James Caan) boy has followed in his father's footsteps. The younger Caan (who's a dead ringer for his old man) has turned in solid performances in a laundry list of films, including 'Boiler Room,' 'Black and White' and the popular 'Ocean's' series. He'll work with dear old dad in 'Mercy,' for which he also wrote the script.

Bryce Dallas Howard: Ron's little girl is growing up good. M. Night Shyamalan gave her her big break, in 'The Village'; she's since found her way to action blockbusters 'Spider-Man 3' and 'Terminator Salvation.' And Bryce is branching out in the biz -- she recently sold a script, 'The Originals.' Looks like the apple didn't fall very far from the tree in this family.

Jason Schwartzman: Another member of the Coppola dynasty, Schwartzman is the son of Francis' sister, actress Talia Shire. Little Jason takes after cousin Nicolas Cage's oddball side -- he's found his niche as the comic hipster of the group, with a much lauded debut in 'Rushmore' and continued collaboration with Wes Anderson. He's even gained entree into the Judd Apatow crew, with his part in the upcoming 'Funny People.'

Jaden Smith: Will and Jada Pinkett Smith's son got his big-screen acting start playing what he knows -- he was cast as Will's son in the tear-jerker 'The Pursuit of Happyness.' We can't say if he'll grow up to be the A-list leading man his daddy is -- but he'll get a chance to prove himself, as the star of the upcoming 'Karate Kid' remake. Little sis Willa is also dipping her toes in the acting biz.

There are countless more we could name (Jane and Peter Fonda, Melanie Griffith, Jamie Lee Curtis, Carrie Fisher, and in the younger generation, Rumer Willis, Eva Amurri, Daria Argento, Maya Rudolph ... the list goes on). Who do you think we've missed in our rundown of celebrity offspring made good?

Celebrity Babies

Patrick Dempsey and daughter Tallulah spend Saturday afternoon shopping at Brentwood Country Mart on Nov. 12, 2008. Holding hands father and daughter head back to their car after their excursion.

Fame Pictures

He may be a tough guy, but Russell Crowe has a soft spot for his boys. They were seen at Coldwater Park having a good time on November 21, 2008.

X17online

Gwyneth Paltrow picks up son Moses Martin from school in London, on Nov. 12, 2008.

Eaglepress / INFphoto.com

Matthew Broderick with son James go out for a walk in New York City, on Oct. 30, 2008.

X17online

Gwen Stefani's son Kingston plays with Tobey Maguire's daughter Ruby in Beverly Hills, Ca., on Oct. 28, 2008.

X17online

Isla Fisher at the park with baby Olive on Oct. 16, 2008.

X17online

Rocco Ritchie and dad Director Guy Ritchie are seen leaving the AMC Loews Lincoln Square Cinema on July 13, 2008 in New York City.

Marcel Thomas, FilmMagic

Naomi Watts takes son Alexander for a stroll and play in Rushcutters Bay Park while catching up with friends in Sydney, Australia.

Snapper Media / Splash News

Katie Holmes and Suri Cruise are seen on the streets of Manhattan on August 7, 2008 in New York City, New York.

James Devaney, WireImage

May 12, 2008: Angelina Jolie shopping in Monaco with her daughter Shiloh Jolie-Pitt.

Goff / INFphoto.com

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Best Quotes from 'The Hangover'

Angie Argabrite — 2009-06-05T16:00:00+00:00

Are you ready for 'The Hangover,' the raunchy comedy opening this week about a Vegas bachelor party gone seriously (yet hilariously) awry? In anticipation, we've culled some of our favorite quotes from the movie (which, lucky us, we got to see early). After you've seen it, let us know what quotes have you cracking up -- still.

More Pictures From 'The Hangover' Credits

Sid (Jeffrey Tambor): "Remember what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That s***'ll come back with you."

Stu: "Am I missing a tooth?"

Phil: "Whose baby is that?"
Alan (Zach Galifianakis): "Check its collar or something."

Stu: "We're not going to leave a baby in the room. There's a f***ing tiger in the bathroom."

Stu: "She is wearing my grandmother's Holocaust ring."
Alan: "I didn't know they gave out rings at the Holocaust."

Read our interview with Bradley Cooper
Meet Zach Galifianakis

Tracy (Sasha Barrese): "We're getting married in five hours."
Phil: "Yeah ... that's not gonna happen."

Stu: "Why can't we remember a godd*** thing from last night?"
Phil: "Because we obviously had a great f***ing time."

Stu: "Everyone says Mike Tyson is such a badass, but I think he's kind of a sweetheart."
Alan: "I think he's mean."

Dr. Valsh (Matt Walsh): "It's on the corner of 'get a map' and 'f*** off.'"

Alan: "Next week's no good for me. The Jonas Brothers are in town."

Alan: "Tigers love pepper. They hate cinnamon."

'80s Movies Remakes

Angie Argabrite — 2009-05-29T18:00:00+00:00

What is that old saying: Girls just wanna have '80s remakes? Maybe that's not quite it, but you'd think it was, given the increasingly long list of Me-decade movies getting a redo. Variety announced today that the '85 comedy 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun' is joining the roster of flicks to be recast and reshot for a whole new generation of fans.

Here's a round-up of other '80s films that are setting up for a redo. As any '80s-movie enthusiast worth his weight in popcorn may say: Let's hear it for the remakes. What is that old saying: Girls just wanna have '80s remakes? Maybe that's not quite it, but you'd think it was, given the increasingly long list of Me-decade movies getting a redo. Variety announced today that the '85 comedy 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun' is joining the roster of flicks to be recast and reshot for a whole new generation of fans.

Here's a round-up of other '80s films that are setting up for a redo. As any '80s-movie enthusiast worth his weight in popcorn may say: Let's hear it for the remakes. -- By Angie Argabrite

'Bright Lights Big City': Teen-TV auteur Josh Schwartz ('The O.C') is set to remake the 1988 film based on a Jay McInerney novel and starring a young Michael J. Fox, Kiefer Sutherland and Phoebe Cates as New Yorkers caught up in the wild life. Welcome to the Big Apple, bitch.

'Fame': Poke a fork in it, this one's done. A teacher in the 1980 original, Debbie Allen returns as the school principal, and famous faces Kelsey Grammer, Bebe Neuwirth and Megan Mullally also show up. The students will be portrayed by such newcomers as Naturi Naughton and Anna Maria Perez de Tagle and TV vet Kay Panabaker. The movie's set to release on Sept. 25, 2009.

'Flight of the Navigator': Disney's 1986 alien-adventure flick is on the studio's remake roster. Since the success of the 'Escape to Witch Mountain' do-over, is it really any surprise the Mouse House is looking to mine more of its past hits for future treasure? We just wonder how Dwayne Johnson will figure in this one.

'Footloose': 'High School Musical' helmer Kenny Ortega is on board for this musical romp about a town that can't dance (like, literally -- there's a law!). Kevin Bacon's role in the '84 original made him a household name, and now 'Gossip Girl' hunk Chace Crawford will be filling his dancing shoes. But who'll step up to make the soundtrack sing, a la the Kenny Loggins original?

Footloose' Cast: Where Are They Now?

It was 25 years ago that the small-town, teen-angst film 'Footloose' hoofed it through an abandoned warehouse and made Kevin Bacon a superstar, grossed more than $80 mil at the U.S. box office and spawned a hit Broadway musical.

Not bad for a little movie that received mixed reviews when it came out, eh? With a remake currently in the works (now starring 'Gossip Girl' cutie Chace Crawford), we wanted to find out what happened to all those folks from the tiny burg where dancing was outlawed.

Let's see where the cast has been this quarter-century (yeah, that's how they'd say it in 'Footloose' country). -- By Ryan McKee

Paramount

Kevin Bacon

Played: Ren McCormack

Then: After a bit part in 'Animal House' and catching critics' attention as the surly Timothy Fenwick in 'Diner,' Bacon hit the big time as Ren McCormack in 'Footloose.' The hardnosed Chicago teen (Bacon was actually 24 at the time) just wants to dance. Is that so wrong? You gotta give it to the boy ... just give the boy a chance.

Paramount / Everett Collection

Kevin Bacon

Played: Ren McCormack

Now: While his career has ebbed and flowed, the inspiration for the Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon game has averaged at least a film per year since 'Footloose.' He's been married to actress Kyra Sedgwick for 20-plus years; they have two children, Travis and Sosie. Most recently he played an aide to Tricky Dick in the acclaimed 'Frost/Nixon,' spoofed prank shows with the FunnyorDie.com video 'Bacon'd,' directed episodes of Sedgwick's hit cable series 'The Closer' ... and on the downside, lost an undisclosed amount in Bernie Madoff's Ponzi scheme.

Duffy-Marie Arnoult, WireImage

Lori Singer

Played: Ariel Moore

Then: A Juilliard-trained musician, Singer appeared in the TV version of 'Fame' before reportedly beating out Madonna for the role of Ariel Moore. She may be the preacher's daughter, but this adrenaline junkie is no choirgirl. After she and her meathead boyfriend give Ren a hard time, she falls hard for his immoral hip shakes.

Everett Collection

Lori Singer

Played: Ariel Moore

Now: After roles in a string of '80s films and Robert Altman's 'Short Cuts,' Singer has focused on her music. In the short film 'Sarabande,' she plays alongside master cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Most recently she performed as a soloist at Carnegie Hall in January 2008.

Jim Spellman, WireImage

John Lithgow

Played: Rev. Shaw Moore

Then: Reverend Moore -- the anti-dance, anti-rock, slaphappy holy roller -- made it his mission to raise the small town to heaven. The early '80s were hot times for the stage and screen veteran. In addition to his role in this box office smash, Lithgow was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar in 1983 and 1984 for 'The World According to Garp' and 'Terms of Endearment,' respectively.

Paramount / Everett Collection

John Lithgow

Played: Rev. Shaw Moore

Now: He's continued to work on stage and screen with recent roles in 'Dreamgirls' and 'Confessions of a Shopaholic.' However, this TV generation probably knows him best as the excitable alien father in '3rd Rock From the Sun,' and he's connecting with a whole new generation as a children's book author. He recently popped in for a cameo on '30 Rock' and is rumored to be in the upcoming 'Smurfs' movie.

Bennett Raglin, WireImage

Dianne Wiest

Played: Vi Moore

Then: As Vi, the Reverend's devoted yet realistic wife, Wiest became the only parent in town speaking any sense. After the role, the gentle-voiced actress caught the attention of Woody Allen and became inducted to his crew of regulars. Her roles in 'Hannah and Her Sisters' and 'Bullets Over Broadway' both won her Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actress.

Paramount/ Everett Collection

Dianne Wiest

Played: Vi Moore

Now: For 2007's 'Dan in Real Life,' she played the mother of Steve Carell and Dane Cook. Then she became Gabriel Byrne's therapist on the experimental HBO series 'In Treatment,' which garnered her a second Emmy. She also reteamed with John Lithgow for the controversial Broadway revival of 'All My Sons' with Patrick Wilson and Katie Holmes.

Donna Ward, Getty Images

Chris Penn

Played: Willard Hewitt

Then: The younger brother of Sean Penn, Chris appeared in Francis Ford Coppola's avant-garde drama 'Rumble Fish' and as the best friend of Tom Cruise in 'All the Right Moves' before landing the role of Ren's drawling best friend Willard Hewitt. Legend has it that in real life Penn had two left feet, which led to the scenes of him learning to dance being added to the film.

Paramount/ Everett Collection

'The Karate Kid': Will Smith's son Jaden has been cast in the role that made Ralph Macchio ... well, Ralph Macchio. And Jackie Chan has reportedly agreed to be the Mr. Miyagi of this new incarnation, though his character is named Mr. Han. Will this version live up to its 1984 predecessor? We only know that Chan should have no problem helping Smith master the crane.

'Nightmare on Elm Street': The 1984 slasher flick gave us bad dreams with Robert Englund as Freddy Krueger, but it also put the dreamy young Johnny Depp on the screen for the first time. The remake has Jackie Earle Haley as the knife-handed fiend, and teen stars like Thomas Dekker ('Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles') and Katie Cassidy ('Harper's Island') as his prey. We like the sounds of that 'Street' cred.

'Red Dawn': The new version of this '84 flick that starred Patrick Swayze, Charlie Sheen, Lea Thompson, C. Thomas Howell and Jennifer Grey as teens going into defense mode when WWIII hits, now has a writer, director and star -- the latter being Chris Hemsworth, an Aussie who'll take on Swayze's part in the lead. Hemsworth's also been cast as Thor in Kenneth Branagh's eponymous adventure ... so expect to see his big hammer in the not-too-distant future.

'Robocop': The 1987 original was big, bloody, violent and, depending on your opinion, brilliantly over-the-top or just plain too much. Darren Aronofsky has long been rumored to be interested in directing the revamp, and after last year's raw heartbreaker 'The Wrestler,' we're picturing Mickey Rourke as the half-man,half-robot lead. It'll at least cut down on the F/X budget, if you know what we mean.

'Short Circuit': This cute-little-robot-causes-big-trouble 1986 trifle starred the Gute (that's Steve Guttenberg) and Ally Sheedy ... and Number 5, that cute little robot, of course. Now that Guttenberg's career has had something of a renaissance -- 'Dancing With the Stars' does that to a fella -- would producers possibly bring him back for this reworking? And we don't want to robo-cast, but we think WALL-E would be perfect as Number 5.

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Who Should Play Martin Luther King Jr.?

Angie Argabrite — 2009-05-19T16:30:00+00:00

An MLK biopic will soon be in the works and we want to know who you think deserves the title role.

It was just announced that Steven Spielberg is set to produce a new big-screen biopic of slain civil-rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

It's the first time the King family has authorized a film, and it means that the movie has rights to use MLK's "intellectual property," such as the full text of his legendary "I Have a Dream" speech.

Do you have a dream of who would be the perfect actor to play MLK in what promises to be a high-profile portrait of the iconic figure?

No one has been named as a candidate yet, so we've come up with some possibilities of our own. Read through ours, then vote for which you think should be crowned to portray King.

VOTE ON MLK CASTING

It was just announced that Steven Spielberg is set to produce a new big-screen biopic of slain civil-rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

It's the first time the King family has authorized a film, and it means that the movie has rights to use MLK's "intellectual property," such as the full text of his legendary "I Have a Dream" speech.

Do you have a dream of who would be the perfect actor to play MLK in what promises to be a high-profile portrait of the iconic figure?

No one has been named as a candidate yet, so we've come up with some possibilities of our own. Read through ours, then vote for which you think should be crowned to portray King. -- By Angie Argabrite

Denzel Washington
Denzel knows biopics: He's portrayed Malcolm X, an unjustly imprisoned boxer ('The Hurricane'), a segregation-fighting football coach ('Remember the Titans'), a Harlem drug lord ('American Gangster') and more. In other words: He got range.

Will Smith

He's played boxing champ Muhammad Ali (an MLK follower and compatriot) and a down-on-his-luck single dad ('Pursuit of Happyness'). He's said he'd be a natural to portray Barack Obama in his life story (and vice versa -- Obama could play him); we bet he'd happily add another historical figure to his repertoire.

Jamie Foxx
Known as a comic actor before he won an Oscar for his portrayal of Ray Charles, Foxx continues to take on dramatic roles -- a homeless schizophrenic music prodigy is the latest, in 'The Soloist.' We trust he's got the chops, but does he have the gravitas?

Don Cheadle
This chameleon's been in blockbusters (the popular 'Ocean's' movies), heartbreaking dramatizations ('Hotel Rwanda'), political thrillers ('Traitor'). We only worry that his latest gig, as Col. James 'Rhodey' Rhodes (a role played by Terrence Howard in 'Iron Man') will keep the actor so busy he won't have time to take on MLK.

Terrence Howard
After years of toiling, Howard finally broke out -- as a pimp trying to get by in the acclaimed 'Hustle & Flow.' Then he landed a prime berth in the next big superhero joint, 'Iron Man' ... until he was replaced (why, we may never know). What we do know is that may've opened up Howard's schedule, so the MLK movie might fit right in.

Movie News Daily

Clooney Dominates Cannes

In the first major pickup of this year's Cannes Film Festival, Overture has nabbed the rights to 'Men Who Stare at Goats,' which stars Clooney as an ex-member of a secret Army unit that uses paranormal tactics, according to Variety. In addition, Focus Features announced at the fest that George will star in 'A Very Private Gentleman,' about a misanthropic assassin who runs into trouble when he begins to form personal relationships with members of the idyllic Italian town in which he's hiding. (May 19)

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Martin Luther King Jr. Bio Heads for Big Screen

Steven Spielberg and DreamWorks have a dream to bring the story of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. to the big screen -- and they're making it come true. Variety that DreamWorks has acquired the rights to MLK's life story and is set to make a biopic with Spielberg producing. The iconic role has yet to be cast, but we're thinking Jamie Foxx fits the bill perfectly. (May 19)

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Mel Gibson Settles 'Passion' Lawsuit

It's been a big week for Mel Gibson. Hot on the heels of the news that he's expecting a baby with Russian girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva, the Hollywood Reporter confirms that he's settled a lawsuit with 'Passion of the Christ' screenwriter Benedict Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald sued Gibson for $10 million in February 2008, alleging that he was told the film's budget was considerably lower than it actually was. A June 3 trial date has been canceled, but details of the settlement have not been revealed. (May 19)

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'New Moon' Poster Debuts

Can't wait to sink your teeth into the 'Twilight' sequel 'New Moon' this November? This should whet your vampire lust even more: Summit Entertainment has released the official 'New Moon' teaser poster, showcasing a brooding (and -- no shocker here -- immaculately coiffed) Robert Pattionson, as well as Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner) and the human object of their vamp/werewolf desires Bella Swann (Kristen Stewart). Get more about 'New Moon.' (May 19)

Summit

Critics Boo Von Trier's 'Antichrist'

Controversial filmmaker Lars Von Trier's latest movie, 'Antichrist,' didn't go over so well at the Cannes Film Festival. According to the Hollywood Reporter, a Sunday screening of the film -- which features a talking fox, scenes of explicit sexual gore and a leg-drilling scene that would make Eli Roth blush -- elicited boos, jeers and howling laughter from critics. When angry journalists demanded Von Trier "explain and justify" himself, he simply declared himself "the world's greatest director." Riiiight. (May 19)

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Hemsworth Nabs Leads in 'Thor,' 'Red Dawn'

It looks like Hollywood has a new It Boy. Hot off his turn as James T. Kirk's dad in 'Star Trek,' Aussie actor Chris Hemsworth has booked lead roles in director Kenneth Branagh's Norse superhero blockbuster 'Thor' and the remake of '80s Russian invasion cult classic 'Red Dawn,' according to the Hollywood Reporter. Hemsworth will play the titular blond-maned, hammer-wielding deity in 'Thor' and take on the role originated by Patrick Swayze in the original 1984 'Dawn.' (May 18)

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Bradley Cooper to Play Face in 'The A-Team'?

Take a good look at Bradley Cooper's mug because it may be the face of Face in director Joe Carnahan's upcoming 'A-Team' movie. At yesterday's press junket for 'The Hangover,' Cooper seemed to confirm to IESB that he'll play Lt. Templeton "Faceman" Peck in the big-screen adaptation of the hit '80s show, about a ragtag quartet of war heroes who, while on the lam for a crime they didn't commit, become good-guy vigilantes for hire. (May 18)

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Connelly, Neeson Take 'Wrong' Turn

Jennifer Connelly and Liam Neeson have signed on to star in the drama 'What's Wrong With Virginia,' Variety reports. The film, which marks the directorial debut of Oscar-winning 'Milk' screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, centers on a charming but psychologically troubled woman (Connelly) whose secret 20-year affair with a man running for state senate (Neeson) is tested when her son begins dating his daughter. Can't imagine why that would be weird for anyone. (May 18)

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Penn to Rock in 'Place'

Sean Penn is in talks to play a retired middle-aged rock star in 'This Must Be the Place,' Variety confirms. Bored with retirement, Penn's former rocker sets off on a quest to find his father's executioner, an ex-Nazi war criminal now living as a refugee in the U.S. No doubt he plans to rock said executioner's world. (May 18)

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Marion Cotillard to Star in 'Mouchoirs'

'La Vie en Rose' Oscar winner Marion Cotillard is set to star in the French-language ensemble 'Les Petits Mouchoirs,' Variety confirms. Described as a tragicomedy, the third film from 'Tell No One' director Guillaume Canet follows a group of friends who experience some startling revelations while spending their traditional summer holiday together on the French coast. (May 18)

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Forest Whitaker
Whitaker bears no resemblance whatsoever to MLK, but a little thing like that didn't stop the British actor from turning in an Academy Award-winning performance as Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in 'The Last King of Scotland.' He didn't have to look like Amin to make us believe his fierce portrayal.

Chiwetel Ejiofor
This Brit has at least two things that recommend him to having a shot at winning the role of MLK. First, he bears a striking resemblance to King (unlike our previous nominee), and second, he appeared in the Spielberg-directed historical drama 'Amistad.' Connections like that never hurt.

Idris Elba
He's recently shown his comic side, with a guest arc on 'The Office,' and starred opposite Beyonce in the 'Fatal Attraction'-ish 'Obsessed.' But before that Elba was best known as Stringer Bell in the gritty HBO drama 'The Wire.' Perhaps Elba could finally make the A list if he were to get plucked for this part.

Derek Luke
The youngest of this group, Luke showed promise in his first film, 'Antwone Fisher,' a based-on-real-life drama directed by Denzel Washington for which Luke won an Independent Spirit Award. Luke's undoubtedly got a long career ahead of him, and how better to really kick it off than with such a high-profile project?

Mos Def
Def's a long shot, but he's quietly been building a solid resume: The erstwhile rapper's held his own opposite such seasoned actors as Edward Norton ('The Italian Job') and Halle Berry ('Monster's Ball'), amongst many others. If he can't act in the film, we hope he'll at least get to contribute some original music.

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Ewan McGregor Interview

Angie Argabrite — 2009-05-15T06:00:00+00:00

Scottish actor Ewan McGregor first came to film fans' attention in the bleakly brilliant 'Trainspotting' (1996) and has since refused to be typecast (except, maybe, as the actor voted most likely to go full frontal). His many roles range from androgynous rock star to ardent lover to Jedi Knight.

We chatted with the star about his latest, the contentious action thriller 'Angels & Demons' and made some fun discoveries. For example, McGregor's bored by documentaries about the Vatican, not down with a 'Trainspotting' sequel, complimentary of Jim Carrey's lovemaking, admiring of George Clooney's activism -- and clueless when it comes to Megan Fox.

EWAN MCGREGOR Q&A

Summer 2009 Action Movies & Thrillers

Summer Action Movies

Lights, camera ... action! When most people think of summer movies, they think fight scenes, chase sequences, awesome superpowers and earsplitting explosions.

This summer won't disappoint. Not only will we get some high-profile sequels like 'Transformers' and 'Angels & Demons,' but we'll see innovative reboots of the 'X-Men,' 'Terminator' and 'Star Trek' franchises ... plus the G.I. Joe squad, a new Tarantino movie and Johnny Depp -- NOT playing Captain Jack. Check out 11 movies that will have your pulse racing.

Warner Bros. / Paramount / Sony / Paramount

'X-Men Origins: Wolverine'

Opening: May 1

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber, Ryan Reynolds

What It's About: After an 'X-Men' trilogy that was two-parts glorious, the Marvel series goes into rewind with a series of origin prequels, beginning with the formative days of fan favorite Logan/Wolverine (Jackman). The actioner focuses on the clawed hero's clash with Victor Creed/Sabretooth (Schreiber) -- and will no doubt play out better on the big screen than some unfinished bootleg on your computer monitor (ahem).

More on 'Wolverine':

Get full movie details

Watch trailer & clips

Get 'X-Men: The Last Stand':

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20th Century Fox

'Star Trek'

Opening: May 7

Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Eric Bana

What It's About: J.J. Abrams' 'Star Trek' relaunch goes where no movie has gone before: back to the origins of the U.S.S. Enterprise crew. The film follows James T. Kirk (Pine), Spock (Quinto) and co. as they rise through the Starfleet Academy, embark on the Enterprise's maiden voyage and, of course, save the world from Romulans for the very first time. Judging by positive early buzz, this franchise will most certainly live long and prosper.

More on 'Star Trek':

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'Star Trek: The Original Series':

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- Watch Full Episodes
Paramount

'Angels & Demons'

Opening: May 15

Starring: Tom Hanks, Ewan McGregor, Ayelet Zurer

What It's About: The follow-up to the controversial 'Da Vinci Code' is based on another mystery-thriller by novelist Dan Brown. This time, religious expert Robert Langdon finds himself in Rome on an action-packed quest to save the Vatican -- and Catholicism -- from being destroyed by a vengeful secret society. Codes are cracked, conspiracy theories are debunked and murder ensues.

More on 'Angels & Demons':

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Get 'The Da Vinci Code':

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Sony

'Terminator Salvation'

Opening: May 21

Starring: Christian Bale, Sam Worthington, Anton Yelchin

What It's About: The eagerly anticipated fourth installment in the 'Terminator' franchise leaps ahead to the year 2018, in which John Connor (Bale) has turned from a wussy kid (no offense, Edward Furlong/Nick Stahl) into a badass, battle-scarred foot soldier in the war against Skynet. Though director McG lost the battle to score an R rating, the flick looks to be loaded with action, cyborgs and jaw-dropping twists -- but not, alas, with the much-hyped shots of a topless Moon Bloodgood.

More on 'Terminator Salvation':

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Get 'Terminator' Movies:

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'Sarah Connor Chronicles':

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Warner Bros.

'The Taking of Pelham
1 2 3'

Opening: June 12

Starring: Denzel Washington, John Travolta, James Gandolfini

What It's About: The 1974 thriller about a heist man who hijacks an NYC subway gets a 21st-century re-rub with Washington and Travolta mixing it up as MTA hero and criminal, respectively (the actors also sport remarkably similar facial hair -- impending plot point?). Gandolfini joins the fun in his first major post-'Sopranos' role, this time on the right side of the law as the mayor of New York.

More on 'Pelham':

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Get 'Pelham' (1974):

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Sony

'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen'

Opening: June 24

Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Rainn Wilson

What It's About: It's right there in the title -- the 'Fallen,' that'd be Megatron, comes back for 'Revenge.' Duh. But in case you need a little refresher: Megatron is revived and the Decepticons return to take over the earth ... and get all evil on Sam Witwicky (LaBeouf). Sam and his sexy-hot mechanically inclined gal pal Mikaela (Fox) are still teamed up with the Autobots. Sneak peeks hint at even bigger robot battles and even more massive destruction.

More on 'Revenge of the Fallen':

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Get 'Transformers':

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Paramount

'Public Enemies'

Opening: July 1

Starring: Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Marion Cotillard

What It's About: Acting heavyweights Johnny Depp and Christian Bale find themselves on opposite sides of the law in Michael Mann's gritty tale of charismatic Depression-era bank robber John Dillinger (Depp) and the dashing FBI agent (Bale) charged with catching him. With gunfights, jailbreaks and betrayals galore -- plus one "Lady in Red" and socioeconomic relevance to boot -- this period shoot-'em-up promises to be both entertaining and timely.

More on 'Public Enemies':

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Universal

'All Good Things'

Opening: July 24

Starring: Ryan Gosling, Kirsten Dunst, Jeffrey Dean Morgan

What It's About: Gosling plays a New York real-estate heir (think a young Donald Trump, with better hair) who gets involved with a woman from the proverbial wrong side of the tracks (Dunst). When she mysteriously disappears, a down-on-his luck detective (Morgan) stumbles upon the truth ... and a lot more than he bargained for. Based loosely on a real story, the movie marks the feature directorial debut of Andrew Jarecki ('Capturing the Friedmans').

More on 'All Good Things':

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'G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra'

Opening: Aug. 7

Starring: Dennis Quaid, Channing Tatum, Marlon Wayans

What It's About: Kids of the '80s, welcome back these "real American heroes" from the cartoon/toy franchise/comic book series; this movie explores the back story of the evil Cobra organization, with Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Cobra Commander. Ever wondered what Duke (Tatum), Hawk (Quaid), Ripcord (Wayans), Scarlett (Rachel Nichols) and the Baroness (Sienna Miller) might look like in the flesh? Well, now you'll know -- and knowing, as they say, is half the battle.

More on 'G.I. Joe':

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G.I. Joe on AOL GameDaily

Paramount

How did you prep for the role of the Pope's right-hand man, the Camerlengo Patrick Mckenna?
I had to get a sense of his world. So I had to get all the background on the Vatican and being a priest, but that's quite difficult to do. We weren't allowed to film in the Vatican, [and] we didn't get any help from them in terms of background, so I had to look at some documentaries about the ... workings of the Vatican and Swiss Guard and stuff. But to be honest, they're very boring to watch ... really quite tedious in fact, so I watched as much as I could. But I had a very good adviser that was a father from New York who was my priestly adviser. He was on set all the time whenever we had to do any of the ceremonial stuff, or any of the ritual stuff, things in the Catholic church, because I wasn't really familiar with those. And then also he was on hand to talk to me about being a priest and fill me on the kind of pecking order between cardinals and priests and high priests.

Did the controversy surrounding the movie affect your decision about taking on the role?
No, because I didn't think that there was any. I didn't feel like when I read the script there was anything controversial about it; there's nothing that's anti-Catholic. If there had been anything that I felt kind of dissed someone else's religion, I wouldn't have been involved in it. I'm not interested in doing that kind of thing. I just thought it was a really good thriller, a fast-paced kind of edgy thriller set in the world of the Vatican, which is a world we don't know much about, and it's a high-powered world, so that makes the stakes quite high. The people in the Catholic church in the movie who are the evildoers get their comeuppance in the end, and it's quite clear that the Catholic church shuns them and punishes them and isn't condoning their behavior in any way. In any walk of life there are people that are good people and there are occasionally people that do crazy things for whatever reason, you know?

You didn't film in the Vatican, but did you film in Vatican City?
I didn't film in Rome at all, sadly. I've wanted to work in Rome for a long time, but ... I didn't shoot any of this in Rome. I shot for a couple days in Caserta, [Italy,] where there's an old palace. All of my stuff was done in L.A. really, because we couldn't film in the Vatican building, and my character is mainly inside the Vatican, so they built the Sistine Chapel in a soundstage at Sony, and they built the huge exterior to St. Peter's Square [in the Vatican City] down in a racetrack in south L.A.

You mostly act in smaller or independent films, but 'Angels & Demons' and obviously 'Star Wars' were huge studio productions -- how do the experiences differ?

As actors, we don't have low budget performances and big budget performances ... And I think you'd find that [we actors are] enormously committed no matter who's making the film, or what the budget is. I love my job and ... I just pick scripts [based] on the story and the script and if I think the character would be interesting to play. That's really it ... and I'm lucky enough to go from small independent films to big studio pictures, you know ... it's the same job at the end of the day.

In one of your smaller movies, 'I Love You, Philip Morris,' you kiss Jim Carrey. How does he rate as an on-screen kisser?
Full oral penetration with Jim, yeah ... Jim's a very sensitive but firm lover, you know? And I think that's what makes him such a great actor and such a great man [laughs].

There's been more talk of a 'Trainspotting' sequel -- would you be interested in participating in it?
I don't think I would, for several reasons. The first one is that I didn't think the book was very good. The novel of 'Trainspotting' was quite fantastic, it was beautiful, quite moving and disturbing writing, and then I find that the sequel ... the book that Irvine Welsh wrote was called 'Porno,' and ... it didn't move me as much ... He'd written a good sequel to the film as opposed to a sequel to his book. It's also a similar story, you know, the betrayal of trust ... Renton walks away with all the money at the end again. And I thought I don't want to make the same story again. And, also, I think just the idea of getting the cast together again 10 to 15 years later isn't good enough, you need more than that. I wouldn't want to damage 'Trainspotting''s reputation, because it was an amazing film and a very important film of its time, a very important film for me and ... a very important film for British cinema. I wouldn't want to leave people remembering a poor sequel rather than leaving its reputation where it sits at the moment, which is kind of a phenomenal film.

Have you been in touch with Danny Boyle since he won the Oscar for 'Slumdog Millionaire'?
No, I haven't spoken to Danny for years, I'm afraid. But I thought it was very well deserved; I liked 'Slumdog' very much. I thought it was an excellent film, and it was nice to see him getting all those accolades; it was great.

Would you do another musical, like 'Moulin Rouge'? Or might you ever release an album?
No ... I think it's quite tricky for actors to release albums. It's difficult, because I'm an actor, you know, I'm not a musician. I love singing, but I don't have a big repertoire of songs that I've written; I mean, I've got a few, but nothing that I could fill an album with, and I don't want to do it just for the sake of it. I don't know, we'll see. I certainly would be very happy to do another musical; I loved it. It would just have to be the right thing.

You did a film with George Clooney, 'The Men Who Stare at Goats.' How was that experience?
I loved working with him, and he made me laugh a lot ... I admire him very much, because I think he's a great man, he's a great actor -- and I admire his commitment to his work that he does in the Sudan; he really puts his money where his mouth is, and he goes and he takes himself to the Sudan and Darfur, and I admire him for that. He doesn't do the lip service to it, he really is quite instrumental, going to meet high-powered figures around the world, using his status as an actor to get access to presidents and prime ministers to try and get them to help as well, which is really admirable.

You play Gene Vidal in the upcoming 'Amelia' -- because he's a real person, did that affect how you played him or how you prepped for the role?
It does in a way ... I've found a great many photographs of him and read about him ... but I [had to] trust that he was in the script. Whenever I've played somebody that's real, I find that photographs ... are really telling to me. When I played James Joyce [in 'Nora'], the pictures of him were very important to the way I acted physically, and I suppose with Gene Vidal it's the same.

Megan Fox reportedly said that you have a tattoo sleeve, is that true?
No. I have a tattoo ... but who's Megan Fox?

She's an actress who's in 'Transformers.' She supposedly was talking about getting a tattoo sleeve herself and she said that you had one.
I have a really large tattoo on my right arm ... It's about my family and where I come from in Scotland ... but it's not a sleeve, no ... not quite a sleeve, but maybe half of one.

You are known for your propensity for on-screen nudity, but it seems like maybe you're stepping back from that ...
[Laughs] It's extraordinary how it comes up. No, not at all, I mean ... I've done nudity when it's been relevant in the films I've been making, you know? I've made films about sexuality, and the sex in the films has been very instrumental to explaining or showing where a character's at ... In films like 'Young Adam,' the sex scenes are really sort of instructive of this young man's moral demise. I'm interested in sexuality and sex as much as anybody else and I find it a part of art, as part of filmmaking and acting because it's a part of life -- a big part of life, I suppose. I've never had a problem with nudity in that it's been relevant to the work that I've done, but I've never gone out of my way to do films with nudity, nor certainly haven't decided not to, or stepped away from it in any way. I mean, I haven't made a film for a while, you know, as centrally focused on sex as I have done in the past, but not for any reason. It just hasn't cropped up, I guess.

Ewan Mcgregor Photos

NEW YORK - MAY 13: Actor Ewan McGregor leaves the ABC West End Studios May 13, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Ray Tamarra/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ewan McGregor

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NEW YORK - MAY 13: Actor Ewan McGregor leaves the ABC West End Studios May 13, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Ray Tamarra/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ewan McGregor

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(C) BAUER-GRIFFIN.COM Ewan McGregor exits the ABC studios NON-EXCLUSIVE May 13, 2009 Job: 90513P7 New York, New York www.bauergriffin.com www.bauergriffinonline.com

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(C) BAUER-GRIFFIN.COM Ewan McGregor exits the ABC studios NON-EXCLUSIVE May 13, 2009 Job: 90513P7 New York, New York www.bauergriffin.com www.bauergriffinonline.com

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(C) BAUER-GRIFFIN.COM Ewan McGregor exits the ABC studios NON-EXCLUSIVE May 13, 2009 Job: 90513P7 New York, New York www.bauergriffin.com www.bauergriffinonline.com

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In this film publicity image released by Columbia Pictures/Sony Entertainment, from left, Tom Hanks, Ayelet Zurer, Thure Lindhart and Ewan McGregor are shown in a scene from, "Angels & Demons." (AP Photo/Columbia Pictures/Sony, Zade Rosenthal) ** NO SALES **

In this film publicity image released by Columbia Pictures/Sony Entertainment, Armin Mueller-Stahl , left, and Ewan McGregor are shown in a scene from, "Angels & Demons." (AP Photo/Columbia Pictures/Sony, Zade Rosenthal) ** NO SALES **

ROME - MAY 04: Actor Ewan McGregor attends the world premiere of 'Angels & Demons' at Auditorium Parco Della Musica on May 4, 2009 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Elisabetta Villa/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ewan McGregor

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ROME - MAY 04: (L-R) Nikolaj Lie Kaas, Dan Brown, Tom Hanks, Ayelet Zurer, Ewan McGregor, Ron Howard and Thure Lindhardt attend the world premiere of 'Angels & Demons' at Auditorium Parco Della Musica on May 4, 2009 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Elisabetta Villa/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Tom Hanks;Dan Brown;Ron Howard;Ayelet Zurer;Ewan McGregor

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Robert Pattinson Interview

Angie Argabrite — 2009-04-30T12:00:00+00:00

"People were very, very fond of him, so that was probably the hardest thing ... I didn't want to mess it up!"

When we talked to Robert Pattinson about his upcoming biopic 'Little Ashes,' we first ran through some internet rumors with the 'Twilight' star. Now we are pleased to present part 2, the rest of our breezy, candid interview.

The remarkably generous and self-effacing actor played along, answering our questions -- about doing an indie, stripping for nude scenes, filming 'New Moon' -- with a refreshing dose of candor and complete lack of any diva-tude.

After chatting with Pattinson, we have no qualms in pledging our allegiance to Team Edward.

ROBERT PATTINSON Q&A

When we talked to Robert Pattinson about his upcoming biopic 'Little Ashes,' we first ran through some Internet rumors with the 'Twilight' star. Now we are pleased to present part 2, the rest of our breezy, candid interview.

The remarkably generous and self-effacing actor played along, answering our questions -- about doing an indie, stripping for nude scenes, filming 'New Moon' -- with a refreshing dose of candor and complete lack of any diva-tude.

After chatting with Pattinson, we have no qualms in pledging our allegiance to Team Edward. -- By Angie Argabrite

1. How was filming 'Little Ashes,' which is such a small production, compared to doing the 'Twilight' movies?

I kind of like small productions 'cause there's not so much waiting around. And it's strange, there are little things on 'Little Ashes,' like we didn't have stand-ins, so we'd just kind of sit or stand around the set, which I initially found kind of bizarre but after a while it's great, because you can just kind of stay in character the whole time. And also you can be much more a part of the set up of the shot, so I kind of liked that. I don't know, it was, I would say, a very different energy. [But] there's not a huge amount of difference, really. You're just inside your head anyway most of the time, so you don't really notice stuff.

Robert Pattinson Photos

(R-L) Actors Taylor Lautner, Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson attend the "Twilight" Japan Premiere at Ebisu Garden Place on February 27, 2009 in Tokyo, Japan. The film will open to the public on April 4 in Japan. "Twilight" Japan Premiere Tokyo, Japan February 27, 2009 Photo by Jun Sato/WireImage.com To license this image (56863544), contact WireImage.com

Jun Sato/WireImage.com

Actor Robert Pattinson attends the "Twilight" Japan Premiere at Ebisu Garden Place on February 27, 2009 in Tokyo, Japan. The film will open to the public on April 4 in Japan. "Twilight" Japan Premiere Tokyo, Japan February 27, 2009 Photo by Jun Sato/WireImage.com To license this image (56863573), contact WireImage.com

Jun Sato/WireImage.com

Actor Robert Pattinson attends the "Twilight" press conference at Ebisu Garden Place on February 27, 2009 in Tokyo, Japan. The film will open to the public on April 4 in Japan. "Twilight" Press Conference Tokyo, Japan February 27, 2009 Photo by Jun Sato/WireImage.com To license this image (56863351), contact WireImage.com

Jun Sato/WireImage.com

Actors Taylor Lautner, Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson attend the "Twilight" press conference at Ebisu Garden Place on February 27, 2009 in Tokyo, Japan. The film will open to the public on April 4 in Japan. "Twilight" Press Conference Tokyo, Japan February 27, 2009 Photo by Jun Sato/WireImage.com To license this image (56863243), contact WireImage.com

Jun Sato/WireImage.com

2. I read that you were really nervous about filming the nude scenes and the explicit scenes, how did you prepare yourself for those?

[Laughs] I had so many ridiculous answers just come into my head [more laughs]. I had a penis implant! I don't know, I just kind of, it's funny because Spanish people are so ... have no problem with nudity at all, I mean at all, and English people obviously do have, like, the most enormous problem with it. It's like little things, like when I saw my father getting changed for swimming I got, like, traumatized by it ... I don't really know what I did, I just kind of freaked out a bit. [Laughs]

3. So was that the most difficult thing about filming this movie?

No, I mean, a lot of it was quite hard. I guess in a lot of ways, the more I read about Dali the more I kind of liked him, and liked what he tried to make himself stand for. I guess the hardest thing was that I didn't want to disrespect his memory, especially when I met a lot of people who he knew and stuff. People were very, very fond of him, so that was probably the hardest thing. [Laughs] I didn't want to mess it up!

4. You were playing a real person -- how did that affect your preparation? Did you study up a lot on Dali?

Yeah, I mean it's nice. There are certain things like studying photos. I never really concentrated on my body in a performance before, well not to such an extent, and there were tons and tons of photos of him and he had quite strange posturing ... There was one photo where he's pointing at something, and I guess it's quite nice, and I was trying to figure out "How do you point like that?" Then you realize "Oh, shit. You get your arm and ohhh..." and suddenly it clicks into place. And then when you realize you're walking right and stuff, and people -- Spanish people! -- know who you're playing, without the moustache, they know immediately just by looking in your eyes, it's very satisfying. I like the idea of that; I'd quite like to do it again. And I'm always quite attracted to playing real people.

More on 'Little Ashes' | 'Little Ashes' Trailers | 'Little Ashes' photos

5. Kristen Stewart is going to be playing rock icon Joan Jett. Is there a rock icon that you'd like to play?

I'd love to play Van Morrison, but I doubt I would get the part [laughs].

6. Who would you love to tour with, if you were going to do a tour as a musician?
I'd quite like to tour with Kings of Leon. I think they're pretty cool.

7. If you couldn't be an actor or a musician, what do you think you would be doing?

I'd quite like to be a political strategist and like a spin doctor. [Laughs] I'd really, really like to do that. I think I will end up doing that at one point.

8. Can you talk about the movie you're signing on, or about to sign on, called 'Memoirs'?

It's not final yet, but I think if it does happen it'll be a fantastic movie. It's an amazing script. I think Jenny Lumet [who's writing the script] is incredible and Allen Coulter [who's directing] is also. I think it could be. I was quite excited about it. I was working in New York on the script a few weeks ago, and we came up with some really cool stuff.

9. How are you handling the massive, instant fame and the craziness?

It's quite stressful in a way, but it's only when you're by yourself. When I have my friends around it doesn't make any difference. I just spend a lot of time by myself, and I used to walk around the block by myself in various different cities, and I don't know, you start to feel a bit vulnerable, I guess. [Laughs] Well, not vulnerable, I don't know ... for paranoid people it does allow your imagination to run rampant, so it's a little strange. You end up going out a lot less [laughs]. But I guess it's so early now I'm really still thinking about it in terms of getting good jobs and stuff, so I haven't really had a chance to be objective about my life, because every single day there's something new happening in my life. In my eyes, everything just seems ridiculous, like every single day it's like you're walking on the street, and then suddenly you step on something and it just starts moving really, really fast, and you're not entirely sure what direction it's going in, but you can feel the force of it. That's about it.

More on 'How to Be' | 'How to Be' Trailers & Clips

10. What has been your craziest fan experience?

There was one quite weird thing, I was in a Blockbuster the other day, and I hadn't realized it was the day the ['Twilight'] DVD was coming out, and there were these two -- no one recognized me in that place -- and there were these two 8-year-old girls who turned up with their parents. They were picking up their preordered DVDs, and they were just shaking and crying just because they got their DVD. I thought that was pretty incredible, I hadn't seen anything like that before ... I mean, I have when it's in person, when it's meeting me. But just to pick up a DVD, that was kind of crazy.

11. What was your take on the whole Jacob casting drama? When it was possible that Taylor Lautner wasn't going to get the part.

It was weird. When I came back, I hadn't seen him in ages, hadn't seen him since the summer and when I saw him, I saw him just before he got casted, and he put on like 100 pounds! I was like "Jesus Christ! If he doesn't get it, it's ridiculous." But what are you going to do? There was a video of him on set the other day doing all these kind of fight stunts. That kid is incredible; he is one of the most stunning athletes I've ever seen in my life. I don't know, I think it'll be interesting. I haven't seen any of his stuff yet, but everyone's going a little bit crazy over him.

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12. How's the energy on 'New Moon' compared to 'Twilight,' because for 'Twilight' no one was sure if it was going to do well and now, obviously ...

Yeah, it's scary. It's a very, very different experience. Last time we were just kind of ... it was so easy to get the entire cast together. We'd all have dinner almost every day and be able to talk about it freely and stuff. Now it's quite difficult to even leave the hotel. And all these random little stories become someway, somehow newsworthy, so you have to be very secretive about everything. Even if you want to just clarify something in the script or something. It's just strange. It's just very different ... It's very strange when you're aware of being observed, I guess.

13. Is that similar to how it was when you were filming 'Potter'?

Oh, no, not at all. The thing about 'Potter,' because everyone was so young, there weren't really any [gossip] stories. Plus, the way we were shooting it was so impossible to get any pictures or anything. It was so, so private. And by the time I was working on it, everyone working there had worked there for about five or six years anyway, so they all knew each other. So nothing was really newsworthy. There wasn't a lot happening. It seems that on [the 'Twilight' movies], maybe because they're a little bit older, it seems like every single day there's a new story coming out. I also think that's it's because all of these sort of blog sites have become way more popular in the last few years than they were then. And I guess that's where most of the gossipy things go to.

14. Would you do full-frontal nudity like Daniel Radcliffe did?

I think it would depend on what it is. Yeah, it really does depend on what it is. And I don't think a lot of people would really want to see that. I think it would ruin the illusion. [Laughs]

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Zac Efron's Hottest Moments

Angie Argabrite — 2009-04-15T13:30:00+00:00

" ... a girl showed up dressed in her mother's wedding dress and proposed. I said 'yes,' so I think I'm getting married now."

When we talked to Zac Efron about his new movie, '17 Again,' he revealed that he'd looked to his father as inspiration while prepping for his role as a grown man transformed back to his teenaged self.

In real life, Efron's not regressing by any means -- from TV guest star to big-screen leading man, he's blossoming, as a star and an actor.

Click through as we trace the evolution of Zac Efron. His dad should be proud.

ZAC EFRON'S HOTTEST

Zac Efrons Hottest Moments

When we talked to Zac Efron about his new movie, '17 Again,' he revealed that he'd looked to his father as inspiration while prepping for his role as a grown man transformed back to his teenaged self. In real life, Efron's not regressing by any means -- from TV guest star to big-screen leading man, he's blossoming, as a star and an actor.

Click through as we trace the evolution of Zac Efron. His dad should be proud. -- By Angie Argabrite

Steve Granitz, WireImage.com

Simon Says

Efron made his acting debut in Joss Whedon's short-lived 2002 cult series 'Firefly,' as the younger version of Simon (Sean Maher, pictured). Though some actors become Whedon-ites, appearing in various TV shows, films and even web series from the 'Buffy' creator, Efron was to follow another -- brighter -- path ...

'17 Again' showtimes & tickets

Rent 'HSM 3' | Buy 'HSM 3'

Fox

'Summer' Lovin'

Zac followed up his first TV gig with guest spots on such shows as 'ER,' 'The Guardian' and 'CSI: Miami' before landing his first recurring role, on the Lori Loughlin WB family drama 'Summerland.' He played Nikki's (Kay Panabaker) cutie-pie boyfriend, Cameron Bale. The blinding light emanating from Efron and fellow future teen idol (and series co-star) Jesse McCartney must've burned the retinas of tween girls across the country.