The Moviefone Blog

7 Movies You Didn't Know Were Remakes

Anna Dimond — 2010-12-10T15:00:00+00:00

This Friday, after years of deal-making, rumor-mongering and star-swapping, 'The Tourist' finally lands with all its European allure in American theaters. By the time Johnny Depp was cast as the lovelorn tourist Frank and Angelina Jolie was cast as the mysterious and stunning Elise, photographers were ready to pounce on the set, releasing photos of Jolie's on-and-off-set moves, which titillated film geeks and fans alike.

Amid all the hype about Jolie and Depp's new movie, however, what most movie-goers may have overlooked is that 'The Tourist' isn't new at all; the original is a 2005 film called 'Anthony Zimmer.' Directed and written by Jerome Salle, it stars Sophie Marceau as the female lead, Chiara, who becomes ensnared in a mysterious plot, and Yvan Attal as the mysterious (and surgically altered) Francois Taillandier. In the new version, by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck ('The Lives of Others'), the gender roles are reversed, so that Elise does the hunting and the trapping, while Frank is the unwitting pawn.

Cinematic purists need not worry that the new version will be a total departure from its original: Salle co-wrote the new version of 'The Tourist,' along with by Salle, along with von Donnersmarck and Julian Fellowes, which may infuse it with some of the original's sensibility. Still, while the film may be among the most surprising of this year's second-hand remake releases, it's part of a long-established, American tradition of believing that anything good is worth doing again -- at least once. As Depp and Jolie arrive with their remade tale of international intrigue, Moviefone took a look back at some of the company that their movie keeps in the canon of surprise remakes.

'Ben-Hur' (1959)
The film's name alone summons the image of Charlton Heston sucking down water from a gourd proffered by Jesus himself. But long before Heston laced up Roman boots for his Oscar-winning role as the titular friend of Christ, Goldwyn-Mayer released 'Ben-Hur' in 1925 as a silent film -- the most expensive ever made -- and cast the popular silent film actor Ramon Novarro as the lead.

'Heaven Can Wait' (1978)
In 1978, Warren Beatty proved he was more than just a pretty face with his directorial debut, 'Heaven Can Wait.' Of course, he was also hunky, so he starred in the comedy as a quarterback whose life is taken too soon by an over-zealous angel, and who is returned to earth in the body of a playboy millionaire. The dimpled star also had an eye for source material: 'Heaven' was based on the 1941 comedy, 'Here Comes Mr. Jordan,' in which Robert Montgomery starred as a boxer killed off too soon.

'Fatal Attraction' (1987)
Who could look at a bunny the same way after a deranged, jealous Glenn Close boils the pet of her lover's (Michael Douglas) daughter? With its psycho-sexual drama and Oscar-nominated performances, director Adrian Lynne broke box-office records and basked in critical acclaim -- but his wasn't, of course, the first iteration of this dangerous liaison. Screenwriter James Dearden got to the bunnies first, with a short film called 'Diversion' that aired on British TV in 1980. Dearden adapted for Lynne's opus seven years later.

'No Way Out' (1987)
A murdered lover. A powerful politician. And one svelte Naval officer caught in the middle, and on a run his for his life, in flattering military whites. Kevin Costner, Gene Hackman and Sean Young were the stars of the sexy action-thriller, 'No Way Out.' But no matter how well Costner was able to sport a uniform, he was preceded by Ray Milland, who starred in the original version of the film, 'The Big Clock,' as a journalist who is similarly targeted in a cover-up scheme.

'Scarface' (1983)
Brian De Palma's story of an exiled Cuban immigrant (Al Pacino) who rises to the top of the Miami mob has developed a cultish following since its release nearly 30 years ago, inspiring everything from a video game to a comic series and even a 'South Park' parody. And while the film's fans may not know about its origins, De Palma paid homage to his forebears, dedicating the movie to the director and screenwriter of the original 'Scarface,' which was released in 1932.

'Man on Fire' (2004)
In Tony Scott's 2004 version, Denzel Washington plays a heavy-hearted, former assassin-turned-bodyguard with a taste for booze. He literally sets Mexico City on fire to find the daughter (Dakota Fanning) of the family that he protects, finding some redemption amid all the ashes. In French writer/director Elie Chouraqui's original in 1987, the bodyguard was a Vietnam vet with arguably more worries to drink away. While Chouraqui's has been said to be a more nuanced movie than Scott's shoot-em-up approach, Scott's version did well with audiences, earning more than $130 million worldwide.

'The Champ' (1979)
With Jon Voight as a buff ex-boxer looking to make a comeback and support his young son, a nine-year-old Rick Schroeder as the young son, and Faye Dunaway as the estranged mom who reappears, director Franco Zeffirelli had a winning combo. But his work was --you guessed it -- a redux of the 1931 original, directed by King Vidor. That version quickly rose to cinematic stature, touted as a precedent for any future films that would feature adult and child actors, and praised for its convincing depiction of a washed-up man and his path to redemption.

How Tony Stark's Suit in 'Iron Man 2' Was Made

Anna Dimond — 2010-09-28T18:00:00+00:00

It's no secret that 'Iron Man 2' arrived to eye-popping box-office sales. It is, after all, the second-biggest release of 2010 so far. Audiences at up the second installment of the popular Marvel comic book's big-screen adaptation for a few reasons: It had killer action sequences, an entertaining new villain in Whiplash (played by Mickey Rourke), and of course another winning performance from Robert Downey Jr.

Oh, yeah, and because Iron Man's sweet metallic suit totally ruled.

That red-and-gold bad boy is on full display today with 'Iron Man 2' (finally) arriving on DVD. In honor of the release, Moviefone gets the behind-the-scenes scoop on Tony Stark's armor from effects guru Shane Mahan, who supervised the suit design for both the first and second movies. Mahan, who began his career with movies like 'The Terminator' (1984) and 'Jurassic Park' (1993), reveals some of the secrets behind the 'Iron Man' suits and also how comic-book adaptations have changed over the course of his career.

How did you get involved with in the movie?

I worked with [director] Jon Favreau on 'Zathura,' and because we had a pretty good experience on that film, there was a natural progression. Much to Jon's credit, he really pushed to have us. Marvel was a little on the fence about it -- but that's okay.

Why was Marvel hesitant?

That's how it goes; they're very cautious. Since [the suit] was really the star of the movie -- as opposed to just Robert Downey Jr. -- that was really the philosophy behind it.

How much did you draw or diverge from the original source material with your designs?

Jon Favreau and Marvel were very conscious of the fan base, which is huge. One thing they did was they hired one of Marvel's current artists, Adi Granov, and he would take the designs and add his touch to it. So there really was this sense of the comic book solidly throughout in terms of colors and shapes. Ultimately, I think if you look at the final designs, they're very similar to the earlier designs.

Were there any specific hurdles you faced in designing the suits and 'Iron Man 2' effects that were unique to these films?

The suits were actually sculpted in the computer, as opposed to being sculpted over a body form in clay, which would have been the more traditional way to do it. I think that that was very innovative. Maybe it's becoming more common, but [computer sculpting] gave it such a great, machine-like quality. The precision was perfect, like an automobile.

Is there an actual suit that Robert Downey and later, Don Cheadle, put on? Can you describe what it's made out of?

We had 10 sittings to get Robert's input and ideas, which are vast. None of us want to make his life miserable on set -- he should be having a good time in that suit. That's important, so we work very hard to make the materials lighter, to go on quicker, because to get through 14 hours a day of filming, you've got to make sure everyone's comfortable and can do their best performance. You don't want them to be in agony wearing a suit that feels like a boat anchor. I think the second film was a really good accomplishment of making the suit more precise.

How much did it weigh?

It was only a half suit -- from the waist up. I think we weighed it in at about 13 pounds. The [suit in] the first film was about 85 pounds.

So the bottom of the suit is animated?

The bottom is digital. It works best [if the character] is 6-foot-5. The proportions are going to [match that]. So the best thing to do -- and that's for Don Cheadle, too -- is a hybrid approach. The upper suit is real for most of those shots. Then they bridged the legs on digitally.

Was there a cohesive visual mission, going into the second 'Iron Man,' that had evolved?

The mission, from our perspective, was to be more effective, to shoot more, to get more action sequences. Because this movie is about [Iron Man's] suit -- you really wanted to make as much of an impact as possible. It was still a big experiment. I didn't know how was going to be in, or how much would be gutted out. But it didn't really matter because we built the prototype suit, and that's what drives all the digital work, as well. That always feels good. It's like the dinosaurs in 'Jurassic Park.' We sculpted those original dinosaurs and they're replicated digitally -- but they still represent what you've done.

'Iron Man 2' Trailer

You've been doing effects for movies for nearly three decades. How has the field changed since you started out?

Technically speaking, the work is more sophisticated. I've seen the films go from being thought of as B-grade horror, sci-fi fun to huge, box-office-draw movies. The aspect of the business itself, in terms of the respect level that science fiction or comic-book movies or horror films get -- now they're in a number one position. Which is interesting. We used to be Saturday afternoon [fare]. Now it's 'Avatar,' it's 'Iron Man' that are pretty essential.

Can you give us a hint about your next movie, 'Cowboys & Aliens'? What it's going to be like?

I can just tell you it's going to be great. It is based on a comic book, though -- so for those who really want to dig deep, you can find out what it's all about. But I'm not at liberty to discuss. But it's just like how the title sounds.

Famous Movie Locations: Houseboat From 'Sleepless in Seattle' (Seattle, WA)

Anna Dimond — 2010-09-07T12:00:00+00:00

Long before online dating had become de rigueur in America, Nora Ephron boosted romantic morale nationwide with her 1993 film, 'Sleepless In Seattle.' Tom Hanks stars as Sam Baldwin, a widower whose young son, Jonah (Ross Malinger), calls a radio talk show to try to find a new woman for his dad, and convinces Sam to open up on air about how much he misses his late wife. Annie Reed (Meg Ryan), a reporter in Baltimore, hears the interview and is instantly smitten: On a whim after watching the 1957 love-fest 'An Affair to Remember,' she writes to Sam and suggests that, like Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr's classic characters, they meet atop the Empire State Building.

Amid Sam's sudden flood of letters from admirers and would-be wives, it's Annie's missive that catches Jonah's attention. Despite Sam's misgivings, Jonah is determined to unite them, and even sneaks off to New York to find Annie. Of course, the rendez-vous doesn't exactly go as planned -- the only person Jonah finds is a frazzled Sam, who chased after him -- but Jonah's lost backpack saves the day in a twist that allows our geographically challenged pair to finally meet, face to face.

While 'Sleepless' was a box-office success, nabbing the No. 2 spot in earnings during its opening weekend, it received tempered reviews from critics. Rolling Stone's Peter Travers called it "easily the hippest, frankest and funniest date movie around," while New York Times critic Vincent Canby said the movie was "a stunt, but it's a stunt that works far more effectively than anybody in his right mind has reason to expect." Still, the film had unabashed fans in some circles; 'Sleepless in Seattle's' screenplay and original song were both nominated for an Academy Award.

Location as Character: Sam lives on a houseboat in Seattle that becomes the site for his heart-to-heart on the talk show, and for his scenes of romantic yearning. It's where he tells Jonah that the distance between him and Annie is too great to surmount, and it's where he longingly gazes out at fireworks, alone at the railing overlooking the water. Little does Sam know, however, that Annie isn't shying away from the inter-coastal mileage: At one point, the intrepid romantic seeks Sam out on his home turf, and watches him playing with his son on a harbor-side beach near where their home is docked.

The real houseboat and nearby environs were only used for external shots, which helped up the dramatic ante as scenes hopped from Sam's life on one side of the country to Annie's life on the other. The warm and fuzzy moments inside the floating home were actually shot on a sound stage in Seattle.

Historical Significance: Sam Baldwin isn't the only person, fictional or otherwise, who's lived on the houseboat where his scenes were filmed. The boat has been, most recently, the real home of a couple that lived there for 14 years. Built in 1978, it still floats on Seattle's Lake Union, and is one of the biggest house boats there, with 2,720 square feet of space. The floating home features four bedrooms and two bathrooms, and offers views of downtown Seattle.

Directions: Sam's 'Sleepless' house boat is docked on Seattle's Lake Union, off of Westlake Avenue North. From Sea-Tac airport, take S 182 St to WA-518 W. Drive 5.2 miles, then take the WA-99 N/E Marginal Way exit toward 1st Ave S, and rive 5.5 miles on WA-99 N/E Marginal Way S. Turn right at Harrison St., take a left onto Dexter Ave. N. Take a right on Broad St., and then a left onto Westlake Avenue North. Lake Union and its harbor will be on your right.

Visitor Info: The 'Sleepless' house boat is a private home and not open to the public. For a water view of the house, visitors can also take a Ride the Ducks tour. For reservations and further info, click here.

Famous Movie Locations: Amity Island from 'Jaws' (Martha's Vineyard, MA)

Anna Dimond — 2010-08-25T14:00:00+00:00

35 years ago, taking a casual swim at the beach -- not to mention the entire future of Hollywood -- changed forever, thanks to a single movie: 'Jaws.' Steven Spielberg's shark thriller is considered the first blockbuster, and paved the way for modern movie distribution, which hinges on wide releases. When it opened in the summer 1975, 'Jaws' blew its competition out of the water, landing at the top spot at the box office. The film also garnered critical acclaim, winning three Oscars and a Golden Globe, among a hefty list of other nominations and awards.

Based on Peter Benchley's novel of the same name, 'Jaws' centers on a fictional resort town called Amity Island that's suddenly terrorized at the height of tourist season by a flesh-eating Great White shark. As the body counts starts to stack up, local police chief Martin Brody (Roy Scheider) tries to keep swimmers out of the water, but faces opposition from the local town council. Brody finally takes matters into his own hands, and enlists marine biologist Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss) and weathered shark hunter Sam Quint (Robert Shaw) to send the shark to the great big ocean in the sky.

With its gory scenes and big box-office performance, 'Jaws' gave birth not only to a new genre of film, famous lines and a bright future for Spielberg, but also to a new, dubious distinction for Martha's Vineyard, the island off of Massachusetts where the movie was filmed. Well-known to MA locals looking for an idyllic getaway (and now to more of the world, thanks to presidential visits by Bill Clinton and Barack Obama), the Vineyard, as it's known locally, has about 15,000 year-round residents and swells to more than 75,000 during the summer.

Location as Character: Spielberg is said to have chosen the Vineyard as his primary filming location because it has up to 12 miles of shallow water over sand, which he thought would suit shooting with the mechanical sharks (known collectively as Bruce). Located six miles off the coast of Massachusetts, several areas of the Vineyard's 87 square miles served as locations for 'Jaws,' for which crew members were allowed to build new structures, on the condition that every inch of the island would be restored to normal following the shoot. Filming on the Vineyard arguably enhanced the film's sense of terror: Part of 'Jaws's' tension stems from the notion of being surrounded by a killer that could strike at any time.

Spielberg's choice of location also lent the movie many of its substantive details. The Vineyard's quaint Edgartown, with its Cod Codder houses and small-town feel, served as Amity's town center. The fishing village of Menemsha, meanwhile, at the island's southwest corner, provided the right atmosphere for the 'Jaws' crew to build Quint's little cottage.

While many of the Vineyard's locations became well-known to audiences worldwide, 'Jaws' also employed locals to work as extras in the movies many beach scenes. "The people who were involved in the movie are proud of that," Edgartown policeman Tom Smith recently told Reuters. "It's part of the[ir] identity." Smith was in third grade when he appeared in the original 'Jaws.' When he was in junior high, he was cast again for the sequel, and took a week off of college to work as security for the franchise's fourth installment, 'Jaws: The Revenge.' Neither Spielberg nor Benchley worked on any of the film's subsequent installments.

Historical Significance: While visitors to the Vineyard won't find vendors hawking 'Jaws'-related memorabilia or offering Los Angeles-style location tours, the blockbuster's legacy still lives on. To mark the movie's 30th anniversary in 2005, the island threw JAWSfest, a three-day homage to the shark thriller. More than 4,000 people attended the event, which featured an outdoor screening of 'Jaws,' a local location guide and appearances by Benchley and members of the cast and crew.

While a 35th anniversary JAWSfest has yet to be approved for 2010, some fan blogs suggest that the island will host another event in 2011. In the meantime, Vineyard locals pay homage in their own ways: This summer, a local bar unveiled a life-size reproduction of Bruce the shark. This winter, writers Jim Beller and Matt Taylor will release 'Jaws: Memories From Martha's Vineyard,' a 300-page book on the making of the movie, which will include archival photos and a DVD of behind-the-scenes footage.

Fun Fact: Despite its idyllic setting, 'Jaws' was plagued with problems from the moment the crew arrived on the Vineyard -- not the least of which were mechanical troubles with the various shark models, which had previously only been tested in Hollywood pools. The salt water eroded the machines' inner workings, and a marine mechanic had to be called in on location to try and fix the sharks. The mechanical troubles reportedly affected how Spielberg filmed the shark scenes, which often showed only the dorsal fin, instead of the entire animal, and resulted in what some critics thought was a Hitchcokian approach to suspense.

Directions: Martha's Vineyard is accessible by plane or ferry from several locations, but the most popular route is the ferry from the Steamship Authority in Woods Hole, MA. From Boston and points north, take route 128 South/I-95 to MA-24 S toward Brockton/Fall River. From 24 S, take exit 14A and merge onto 495 S toward Cape Cod. Continue over the Bourne Bridge, and take the second exit to MA-28 toward Falmouth, Woods Hole and the Islands. Follow signs to the Steamship Authority parking lot. Free shuttle buses take passengers from the parking lots to the ferry.

Visitor Info: The island is open to tourists year-round, but advance reservations are required for ferry travel. While cars are allowed on the ferry (with advance reservations), bikes are the preferred mode of transit on the Vineyard -- and easier to transport across the bay.

Jennifer Aniston, Perennial Girl Next Door: Where Does She Go From Here?

Anna Dimond — 2010-08-20T14:00:00+00:00

In 'The Switch,' Jennifer Aniston returns to the big screen as Kassie Larson, a woman who decides to have a baby through artificial insemination, courtesy of a muscly alpha-male named Roland (Patrick Wilson).

Seven years later, she learns that her neurotic bestie, Wally Mars (Jason Bateman), switched the goods, and is actually the father of her son. When she finds out that Wally "hijacked" her pregnancy (as he calls it) and, unsurprisingly, that he's in love with her, she's forced to consider how to proceed and which man (hunky blond vs. hypochondriac) to choose.

While 'The Switch' offers a comedic sensibility with an unusual premise, Aniston's character is a woman we've seen on the big screen before -- typically played by Aniston herself. Kassie is the perfect girl next door: She's got a great job but isn't a corporate titan; she's pretty but not overtly sexy; she's independent, but deep down wants a relationship; she's strong and opinionated, but fundamentally nurturing. In short, Kassie is appealing, safe and unthreatening. In 'The Switch,' Jennifer Aniston returns to the big screen as Kassie Larson, a woman who decides to have a baby through artificial insemination, courtesy of a muscly alpha-male named Roland (Patrick Wilson).

Seven years later, she learns that her neurotic bestie, Wally Mars (Jason Bateman), switched the goods, and is actually the father of her son. When she finds out that Wally "hijacked" her pregnancy (as he calls it) and, unsurprisingly, that he's in love with her, she's forced to consider how to proceed and which man (hunky blond vs. hypochondriac) to choose.

While 'The Switch' offers a comedic sensibility with an unusual premise, Aniston's character is a woman we've seen on the big screen before -- typically played by Aniston herself. Kassie is the perfect girl next door: She's got a great job but isn't a corporate titan; she's pretty but not overtly sexy; she's independent, but deep down wants a relationship; she's strong and opinionated, but fundamentally nurturing. In short, Kassie is appealing, safe and unthreatening.

Aniston's ability to slip into the Kassies of the cinematic world has made her one of Hollywood's most consistent -- and bankable -- leading ladies, alongside stars like Sandra Bullock and Reese Witherspoon. But with the release of 'The Switch' this weekend, in which Aniston plays yet another pretty romantic lead, we have to wonder: Where does she go from here? We're taking a look at where she's been, and what she's doing next.

The Beginning
Born in Sherman Oaks, CA, into an acting family, Aniston started her theatrical training early, graduating from New York City's LaGuardia Arts High School (on which 'Fame' is based), and began her career on stage. At age 20, she moved back to Los Angeles and appeared in a string of short-lived television shows like 'Malloy' and 'Ferris Bueller,' which was based on the movie, and 'Muddling Through.' Her first movie part was in the 1993 horror flick 'Leprechaun,' but it was widely panned, and earned just $8.5 million. Discouraged, she was rumored to have considered leaving acting -- until she was cast as Rachel Green on a little sitcom called 'Friends.'

The show, which followed the lives of six friends and neighbors in New York City, ran on NBC for 10 years, from 1994 to 2004. Aniston was quickly catapulted to icon status, with women worldwide copying her haircut ("the Rachel," as it was called) and the tabloids following her every move when she married -- and subsequently divorced -- Brad Pitt. She and her female co-stars also became the highest-paid television actresses ever, earning $1 million each for the show's final two episodes. To cap it all off, Aniston scored an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her performance.

The Movies
Aniston quickly leveraged her TV fame for big-screen roles, mostly in romantic comedies, including 'Picture Perfect' (1997), in which she plays an ad exec, 'The Object of My Affection' (1998), in which she plays a woman who falls for her gay best friend (Paul Rudd), and 'Along Came Polly' (2004), which stars Aniston as the quirky love interest of an uptight actuary, played by Ben Stiller.

As Aniston's movies keep arriving, her roles in them change by a matter of degrees. From 'The Break-Up' (2006, with Vince Vaughn) to 'Marley & Me' (2008, with Owen Wilson) and 'Love Happens' (2009, with Aaron Eckhart), she plays the comfortingly similar leading lady: pretty, warm, sometimes quirky, independent, and professionally successful. The few variations on the theme include her role in 'The Good Girl' (2002), a back comedy in which she plays a small-town cashier who has a tragic affair with her co-worker (Jake Gyllenhaal). In 'The Break-Up' and 'The Bounty Hunter' (2010, with Gerard Butler), her characters seem to care more about their careers than taking care of their men, and are driven to rash extremes in the throes of romantic dissolution.

So while some of her peers have dipped their toes into heavier fare (Witherspoon, for example, proved that she's more than a pretty blonde with her Oscar-winning role in 'Walk the Line,' while Drew Barrymore sought dramatic satisfaction from her Golden Globe-winning role in 'Grey Gardens') Aniston has figured out her winning formula and stuck with it. (When typecasting works nearly every time, who needs to prove anything?)

The Future
Admirably, Aniston has taken the proverbial bull by the horns and seems to be establishing her own future in Hollywood. Formerly a partner in Plan B, Brad Pitt's production company, in 2008 Aniston founded one of her own, Echo Films, with her producing partner, Kristin Hahn. The pair kicked things off with a first-look deal with Universal, and proceeded to unroll a development slate that would make any actress drool with envy.

Their projects reported to be in development include 'Chemistry,' a comedy based on the idea that romantic love has the same brain chemistry as obsessive-compulsive disorders, and 'The Goree Girls,' based on a true story about a 1940s country band formed by women in a Texas prison. But before those films even start shooting, Aniston is busy on set for two other films, including 'Just Go With It,' a romantic comedy with Adam Sandler, and 'Horrible Bosses,' a black comedy with Jason Bateman and Colin Farrell.

As if that's not enough, Aniston is also teaming up with Paul Rudd for a comedy called 'WanderLust,' which follows a couple who loses all their money and moves into a commune. In the meantime, even more film projects have been rumored and reported. For her part, Aniston is simply wrangling with her schedule to make it all happen. Of 'The Goree Girls,' she told MTV News in May that she's "still trying to ... find its little spot" in her busy calendar.

Aniston's upcoming films will find her in slightly different types of roles than those in the past: In 'Horrible Bosses,' she'll play not a warm-and-fuzzy love interest, but one of the evil bosses. She's expected to star in 'The Goree Girls,' which would see her flexing her vocal chords for musical scenes. But despite these variations, Aniston's mainstay will likely continue to be the type of role she plays in 'The Switch.' With comedies like 'WanderLust' on the docket, plus more romantic comedies rumored to be in the works -- including 'You Are Here,' directed by 'Mad Men' creator Matt Weiner, and 'Pumas,' which would star Aniston as a cougar at a ski resort -- she won't be straying far from a recipe that works.

Other actresses might be yearning for critical surprises, such as Bullock's Oscar-winning role in 'The Blind Side.' But Aniston seems to be flexing her creative muscles through other avenues, capitalizing on a recipe that's not only made her one of the most successful actresses of her era, but a lovable, unthreatening, girl-next-door to us all.

Famous Movie Locations: Ocean Park Pier from 'Dogtown and Z-Boys' (Venice, Calif.)

Anna Dimond — 2010-08-16T12:00:00+00:00

The Ocean Park Pier in Venice, Calif., was the site of a cultural revolution in the 1970s: A surfing and skateboarding renaissance that was captured in Stacy Peralta's 2001 documentary 'Dogtown and Z-Boys.' At the heart of the scene was skate icon Skip Engblom, who with his business partner Craig Stecyk launched a surfboard company called Zephyr. Engblom's eponymous shop soon became a hub of activity for local kids who lived to skate and surf (aka the Z-Boys). But forget the millennial-style money, sponsorships and prestige that surf rats often pursue today: At the time, surfing "wasn't the thing you did to build your self-esteem in society," Peralta explained.

Not only was surfing a fringe activity, but the pier and its surrounding area was a veritable ghetto of crime, junkies and working-class families. Once a major attraction (it was called the Coney Island of the West n the early 1900s), by the early 1970s Venice's heyday as a thriving tourist destination had seemingly come to an end. Starting a decade prior, the local piers had begun to shut down and fall into disrepair. Little by little, the swath of beach-side turf between Santa Monica and Venice, known as Dogtown, became a no-man's land of urban detritus, run-down buildings and, at the water's edge, the broken-down Ocean Park Pier. As Engblom explains, "[Dogtown] was the last great seaside slum. ... It was dirty, it was filthy. It was paradise."
The Ocean Park Pier in Venice, Calif., was the site of a cultural revolution in the 1970s: A surfing and skateboarding renaissance that was captured in Stacy Peralta's 2001 documentary 'Dogtown and Z-Boys.' At the heart of the scene was skate icon Skip Engblom, who with his business partner Craig Stecyk launched a surfboard company called Zephyr. Engblom's eponymous shop soon became a hub of activity for local kids who lived to skate and surf (aka the Z-Boys). But forget the millennial-style money, sponsorships and prestige that surf rats often pursue today: At the time, surfing "wasn't the thing you did to build your self-esteem in society," Peralta explained.

Not only was surfing a fringe activity, but the pier and its surrounding area was a veritable ghetto of crime, junkies and working-class families. Once a major attraction (it was called the Coney Island of the West n the early 1900s), by the early 1970s Venice's heyday as a thriving tourist destination had seemingly come to an end. Starting a decade prior, the local piers had begun to shut down and fall into disrepair. Little by little, the swath of beach-side turf between Santa Monica and Venice, known as Dogtown, became a no-man's land of urban detritus, run-down buildings and, at the water's edge, the broken-down Ocean Park Pier. As Engblom explains, "[Dogtown] was the last great seaside slum. ... It was dirty, it was filthy. It was paradise."

Location as Character: The rag-tag pack of kids spent most of their time surfing the nearby Cove, an "obstacle course" of pilings and other debris left behind from the decrepit Ocean Park Pier. In 'Dogtown,' archival footage shows some of the Z-boys dropping in next to and around the pilings, narrowly escaping impact. Their moves in the beach-break waves were the inspiration for their evolving approach to skateboarding, which thrived on style over 1950s-era tricks, and mimicked surfing by using empty swimming pools instead of flat straightaways.

In 'Lords of Dogtown,' Catherine Hardwicke's 2005 adaptation of the Z-Boys' story, the Ocean Park Pier (known as "POP," for Pacific Ocean Park), is the proving ground for our shaggy-haired heroes. The movie's early scenes feature Peralta (John Robinson), Tony Alva (Victor Rasuk) and Jay Adams (Emile Hirsch) navigating the rules of the turf, which includes being relegated to grabbing runaway boards from the hazardous "Boneyard" area under the pier -- a punishment for wipeouts under Engblom's (played by Heath Ledger) reign.

The hazards at the Cove weren't just in the water. They were falling from the pier, where onlookers would sometimes drop debris, and lurked in the parking lot, where the Z-Boys would enforce their locals-only entry policy. 'Lords of Dogtown' features one such incident when Jay swipes a carburetor from an interloper's Camaro, paddles out with it and proceeds to drop it in the ocean. The scene was ostensibly based on an anecdote from Jim Muir, one of the original members of the Zephyr skate team.

Historical Significance: The Ocean Park Pier was part of an early 1900s development project by entrepreneur Abbot Kinney. According to the 'Z-Boys' website, Kinney imagined the then-sleepy town of Venice as a European-style community devoted to art and culture. In 1958, the Ocean Park Pier was transformed into Pacific Ocean Park, an amusement park with rides and attractions to compete with Disneyland. Business boomed until 1965, when Santa Monica launched a renewal project in the Ocean Park area and began demolishing buildings. The project, however, blocked visitors' access to the amusement park and pier, and attendance plunged by nearly 50 percent.

Two years later Pacific Ocean Park officially closed, and the site's amusement park rides were auctioned off to pay creditors for back taxes and unpaid rent. The remains of the site became the Z-Boys' turf until the mid-1970s, when it was finally demolished after several mysterious fires broke out there. While the original Ocean Park Pier no longer exists, the site is still a favorite break for local surfers. Tourists still have two local piers to enjoy: the break is flanked on the south by the Venice pier and on the north by the Santa Monica Pier, which is home to a roller coaster and other amusement park rides, much like the original POP (and, in a nod to the past, is called Pacific Park).

Directions: From points east, take the 10 Freeway West to fourth street and head south. Turn right on Pico Boulevard. and left on Main Street. Follow Main south to Pier Avenue. Turn right and follow Pier two blocks to the beach. To see Venice's modern-day pier surfers, follow the boardwalk south to Washington Boulevard, which intersects with the Venice pier. A long walk north to Colorado Avenue will take to to the Santa Monica Pier.

Visitor Info: The Santa Monica beach and former site of the Ocean Park Pier is closed to the public nightly from midnight to 5AM. The Santa Monica Pier is free to visitors and open 24 hours a day, all year long. The Venice pier is open daily from 6AM to midnight. Parking for both piers is available on site.

Should Jennifer Aniston Join the 'Arrested Development' Movie?

Anna Dimond — 2010-08-09T11:00:00+00:00

Is Jennifer Aniston joining the Bluths? In a new interview with MTV, the coif-tastic A-lister said that she would be up for a role in the upcoming movie adaptation of 'Arrested Development.'

When asked if she would be interested in appearing in the film, Aniston said, "I love it. I actually think I might have asked [Jason Bateman] ... if that was possible. Anything to work with Jason."

Bateman starred in 'Arrested Development' during its run on Fox from 2003 to 2006. Despite critical acclaim and a loyal fan base, the show's ratings never took off -- leaving its devotees to clamor for a film version since it went off the air. The series was shot in a mockumentary style, and featured the antics of the outrageous and once-wealthy Bluth family, featuring Bateman starred as Michael Bluth and Michael Cera as his son, George-Michael Bluth. Is Jennifer Aniston joining the Bluths? In a new interview with MTV, the coif-tastic A-lister said that she would be up for a role in the upcoming movie adaptation of 'Arrested Development.'

When asked if she would be interested in appearing in the film, Aniston said, "I love it. I actually think I might have asked [Jason Bateman] ... if that was possible. Anything to work with Jason."

Bateman starred in 'Arrested Development' during its run on Fox from 2003 to 2006. Despite critical acclaim and a loyal fan base, the show's ratings never took off -- leaving its devotees to clamor for a film version since it went off the air. The series was shot in a mockumentary style, and featured the antics of the outrageous and once-wealthy Bluth family, featuring Bateman starred as Michael Bluth and Michael Cera as his son, George-Michael Bluth.

While Aniston's future with the Bluths remains uncertain, her future with Bateman is already sealed. She'll be starring alongside him in the forthcoming romantic comedy, 'The Switch,' in which she plays a woman on the hunt for a sperm donor. The two are also teaming up for next year's ostensible black comedy, 'Horrible Bosses,' which follows three friends who plan the kill their evil bosses.

In the meantime, Aniston isn't the only one enthused about her potential casting in the 'Arrested Development' movie: Bateman already has a role in mind for her. The only hurdle now seems to be Aniston's schedule. "She's busy. She's pretty famous; I don't know if you've heard of her," Bateman quipped to MTV News. "Hopefully, the guy who's in charge will like her for that part, because I'm going to suggest her."

Should Jennifer Aniston join the 'Arrested Development' movie, or do you think it would be, as GOB might say, a huge mistake?

5 Children's Books That Hollywood Should Tackle Next

Anna Dimond — 2010-07-23T08:00:00+00:00

This Friday, a quirky, accident-prone eight-year-old named Ramona Quimby is making her big-screen debut in 'Ramona and Beezus.' Based on the character in Beverly Cleary's best-selling book series, 'Ramona' features an adorable girl who's often misunderstood, but who charms the pants off the adults around her even when it seems all is lost (such as when the kitchen is burning, or a car gets paint all over it, or the family home is in jeopardy). Seriously, though: who could resist that cute smile, or irrepressible spirit?

For a good chunk of the moviegoing population, 'Ramona' will bring back childhood memories of reading about her misadventures in a series that included 'Ramona Quimby, Age 8,' 'Ramona and Her Mother,' "Beezus and Ramona' and 'Ramona Forever.' And the film's arrival in theaters reminds us of a handful of other beloved children's books that should have their day in Hollywood -- or be treated to a thoroughly modern reboot of their original adaptations to film. Following in 'Ramona''s footsteps, these are a few of the books that savvy screenwriters might want to look to for their next bout of youthful inspiration. This Friday, a quirky, accident-prone eight-year-old named Ramona Quimby is making her big-screen debut in 'Ramona and Beezus.' Based on the character in Beverly Cleary's best-selling book series, 'Ramona' features an adorable girl who's often misunderstood, but who charms the pants off the adults around her even when it seems all is lost (such as when the kitchen is burning, or a car gets paint all over it, or the family home is in jeopardy). Seriously, though: who could resist that cute smile, or irrepressible spirit?

For a good chunk of the moviegoing population, 'Ramona' will bring back childhood memories of reading about her misadventures in a series that included 'Ramona Quimby, Age 8,' 'Ramona and Her Mother,' "Beezus and Ramona' and 'Ramona Forever.' And the film's arrival in theaters reminds us of a handful of other beloved children's books that should have their day in Hollywood -- or be treated to a thoroughly modern reboot of their original adaptations to film. Following in 'Ramona''s footsteps, these are a few of the books that savvy screenwriters might want to look to for their next bout of youthful inspiration.

'Anastasia Krupnik'
Forget 'Freaks and Geeks.' Lois Lowry's uber-nerdy heroine is the ultimate awkward teen -- minus the part where she becomes the swan when it's all over. The first book in the series, 'Anastasia Krupnik,' was published in 1979, and followed its namesake through the mundanities of adolescence, from warts to popularity and boys to depression. Lowry's series was remarkable -- and much adored -- because it didn't shy away from the nitty-gritty of a girl's growing pains. Instead, Lowry tackles the routine hurdles of being 12, from self-consciousness to crushes, throughout the series.

Lowry added titles like 'Anastasia, at Your Service' and 'Anastasia's Chosen Career' until 1995, when she wrote the final installment, 'Anastasia Absolutely.' With nine 'Anastasia' books in total, any movie would have a wealth of moments -- from the hilarious to the poignant -- from which to choose. No, Anastasia may not spark a rumored audition-war in the way of Stieg Larsson's Lisbeth Salander, but with a brainy side and a major personal quest, she'd be a great role for any young starlet who wants to prove not only that she's unafraid of scaling back on the glamor, but that she can really act.

'In The Night Kitchen'
It doesn't matter that last year's adaptation of 'Where the Wild Things Are' was slow, depressing, and largely lacking a plot. The hype for Spike Jonze's adaptation of the Maurice Sendak classic was huge, and the box office success only confirmed the mass-nostalgia. In 1970, seven years after 'Wild Things' was published, Sendak wrote 'In the Night Kitchen,' a controversial little story that similarly followed the dream world of a little boy. Unlike his earlier work, however, in which Max imagines sailing to an island full of wild creatures, 'Kitchen' was highly controversial, mostly because its hero, Mickey, is naked for most of the book as he gets mixed up in a baker's batter after dark.

But the visible genitalia is just the, ahem, tip of the iceberg: While Sendak later denied weaving sexual innuendo into the story (sticky liquids flow freely, while some critics believed there were suggestive shapes in the drawings), he did acknowledge that the mustachioed bakers and their oven were meant to evoke the Holocaust. A movie edition of 'Night Kitchen,' then, would be a must-see for any self-respecting indie film fan -- and a hot audition for any young actor with a penchant for exhibitionism.

'Island of the Blue Dolphins'
Wild animals, isolation, independence, adventure: 'Island of the Blue Dolphins' has it all. Published in 1960, the book is based on the real story of a Native American girl names Karana who's left behind on her island with her brother after a ship brings the rest of their family and tribe to the mainland. Soon, her brother (spoiler alert!) is killed by a pack of feral dogs, and Karana is alone to fend for herself. Not only does 'Island' promote an 'Avatar'-ian message about the value of Mother Nature, but it's also is all about girl power, as Karana takes up traditionally male tasks like hunting and fishing for survival, as well as building her shelter, finding drinking water and entertaining herself in the absence of, say, a neighbor.

'Island' was adapted for the big screen in 1964, and starred Celia Kaye ('Adam's Rib,' 'Big Wednesday') as the brave child. Now, more than 46 years since the movie version arrived, it's about time for a modern update. Besides, a young heroine who's that badass deserves a new generation of fans -- especially now that James Cameron has trained audiences to hug a few trees and befriend the natives.

'Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret'
Sure, Diablo Cody may be working on adapting the sassy 'Sweet Valley High' series for the big screen, but Judy Blume's 1970 young adult novel dealt with less glamorous realities of female adolescence. 'Margaret' centers on a teenage girl from a mixed-religious background who's trying to reconcile her dual identity, while forging one for herself. As she wrestles with these heavy questions, she's struggling with the less philosophical side of being on the cusp of adulthood -- like puberty, boys, female sanitary products and, yes, buying a bra for the first time.

Apart from its raw realities, Blume's book has a solid status in the annals of popular culture: 'Margaret' has inspired everything from a 'South Park' episode to rock song titles to, most recently, Chelsea Handler's 2008 best-seller 'Are You There Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea.' With that kind of following, a movie version of 'Margaret' is nearly guaranteed to go gangbusters at the box office.

'The Boxcar Children'
Every kid dreams of life without Mom and Dad -- but probably fears the real thing. In Gertrude Chandler Warner's story, which was fist published in 1924, four siblings get to live the pre-pubescent dream of roaming freely, just until the going gets a little too tough. 'Boxcar' follows the their adventures after they run away from their orphanage to live in a boxcar. Parent-less living is all fun and games, however, until little Violet gets too sick for her brothers to handle. But not to worry! Turns out the sibs have a wealthy and benevolent grandpa who takes them in -- but not without installing their red boxcar in the backyard, just for fun. In the decades following Chandler's original book, other authors added their own books to the series, which featured the sibs' adventures in their grandpa's neighborhood, once they were safe and sound.

Which children's books do you think would make good movies?

Do A-Listers Still Matter at the Summer Box Office?

Anna Dimond — 2010-07-21T16:00:00+00:00

You've probably seen them by now: Stark and imposing, white and bare, the bulk of the ads for 'Salt' have only the movie's title in large black lettering and a sliver of a woman's picture. There's no action scene, no cramming in of actors' names (see: 'The Expendables'), and certainly no quotes from critics eager to feed the hype. Yet while the campaign leaves much to the imagination, one thing is unmistakable: 'Salt' stars Angelina Jolie.

The mysterious marketing for the actress's new spy thriller, which opens July 23, fits neatly with the film's plot. Jolie plays Evelyn Salt, a CIA agent who goes on the run after a defector to the U.S. accuses her of being a Russian spy. Much like the 'Bourne' trilogy, 'Salt' plays on identity and perception, leaving us to wonder -- as the film's tagline suggests -- who is this lady, anyway?

'Salt' banks, of course, on the fact that not only do we know who she is (in real life, anyway), but that we'll flock to the movies to see her -- especially if she's going to kick butt and find redemption in a story laced with major sex appeal. But that's a big bet in a summer that's been a box-office letdown, thanks mostly to poor sequels and remakes, among other theories (which also include the combination of a tight economy and pricey 3-D tickets). You've probably seen them by now: Stark and imposing, white and bare, the bulk of the ads for 'Salt' have only the movie's title in large black lettering and a sliver of a woman's picture. There's no action scene, no cramming in of actors' names (see: 'The Expendables'), and certainly no quotes from critics eager to feed the hype. Yet while the campaign leaves much to the imagination, one thing is unmistakable: 'Salt' stars Angelina Jolie.

The mysterious marketing for the actress's new spy thriller, which opens July 23, fits neatly with the film's plot. Jolie plays Evelyn Salt, a CIA agent who goes on the run after a defector to the U.S. accuses her of being a Russian spy. Much like the 'Bourne' trilogy, 'Salt' plays on identity and perception, leaving us to wonder -- as the film's tagline suggests -- who is this lady, anyway?

'Salt' banks, of course, on the fact that not only do we know who she is (in real life, anyway), but that we'll flock to the movies to see her -- especially if she's going to kick butt and find redemption in a story laced with major sex appeal. But that's a big bet in a summer that's been a box-office letdown, thanks mostly to poor sequels and remakes, among other theories (which also include the combination of a tight economy and pricey 3-D tickets).

Even more unusual, it's not the A-listers who have been making bank, but mainly animated characters and a certain undead heartthrob (we're talking to you, Robert Pattinson). So far, Pixar's 'Toy Story 3,' Universal's 'Despicable Me' and Summit's 'The Twilight Saga: Eclipse' have led the summer's earnings (their opening weekends saw $110.3 million, $56.3 mil and $64.8 mil, respectively) -- and mostly left traditional tent-poles in the dust (Adam Sandler's 'Grown Ups,' while proving to have staying power, earned just $40.5 mil during its opening weekend in June). Once we're past the pillar of warm-weather releases, star-driven vehicles haven't been big winners so far.

Still, Jolie is no ordinary A-lister. This is Hollywood royalty we're talking about -- not to mention a woman with a recent track record of attracting big money at the summer box office. Jolie's last action flick, 2008's 'Wanted,' became a dark horse of a hit with $51 million in opening-weekend earnings, far exceeding Universal's earnings estimate of $35 million. The movie's June opening was the biggest ever for R-rated fare, knocking 'Knocked Up' from its throne as the champ of early-summer entertainment that could exclude kids and still earn big.

'Wanted' wasn't just a coup for films aimed at folks 17 and older. It was also a major achievement for Jolie, who scored her biggest opening ever for a live-action film. Directed by Russian hot-shot Timur Bekmambetov, the effects-heavy flick starred Jolie and James McAvoy as super-human assassins in a secret fraternity. In studio exit polls, 61 percent of respondents said that they chose to see the film because of Angelina.

Despite her big box-office triumph in summer 2008, this summer has seen a sea change for even the big screen's biggest stars. Jolie's A-list attraction is uncertain in the context of this summer's surprises, like the box-office bomb for Hollywood's prodigal son, Tom Cruise. Cruise's 'Knight & Day,' in which he stars as a hunky, identity-oppressed spy (sound familiar?) on a run for his life, culled $20.1 mil by the end of its first weekend in June. Compare that to his past summer releases, 'Mission: Impossible III' in May 2006 and 'War of the Worlds' in June 2005. 'Mission' earned $47.7 mil during its opening weekend, while 'War' grossed a whopping $64.8 mil.

What makes 'Knight & Day's' cold opening even more shocking is that Cruise wasn't the only A-lister in attendance: Cameron Diaz co-stars as his character's pretty, civilian sidekick. To be fair, Diaz doesn't share the stellar track record of her co-star's live-action vehicles. Her warm-weather forays for the past two years have been disappointing earners to varying degrees ('My Sister's Keeper' opened to $12.5 mil in June 2009, and 'What Happens in Vegas' earned $20.1 mil during its opening weekend in May 2008). Diaz's last live-action, summer opening to make a relative box-office dent was 'Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle,' which surfed its way to $37.6 mil when it opened in June 2003.

Still, as Jolie sets out into the tundra of this summer's cinematic landscape,'Inception,' which opened July 16, may offer a more optimistic turn for the movie-going climate. Much like 'Salt,' Christopher Nolan's much-anticipated movie is among the few summer films that are both original stories and star-driven -- and the combo clearly paid off, with earnings of $60.4 mil in its opening weekend. It was the biggest opener ever for Leonardo DiCaprio, who headlines the thriller about psychological espionage.

So did DiCaprio pave the way for fellow A-listers to reclaim their status as box-office behemoths? Not so fast: Much like Cruise's less-than-stellar summer outing, Nicolas Cage had no such gold-paved road with his vehicle 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice,' which earned just $17.4 mil when it opened over the July 16 weekend. It seems then that the formula for box-office success this summer is more nuanced than that for Hollywood gives audiences credit. As one member of Warner Brothers' top brass said, "Being original and fresh matters in this marketplace." And they should know -- Warner Bros. released 'Inception.'

A-listers -- and particularly Jolie who's widely seen as an anomaly in Hollywood -- then, still have a shot to reclaim their role as mega-earners, but only if their seasonal movies do them justice. With a challenging premise and major hype, 'Inception' has clearly raised the bar for must-see movies that audiences pounced on in summers past -- just in time for 'Salt's' arrival, with a gorgeous A-lister at the helm.

'Hangover 2' Heads Overseas: What Happens in Thailand, Stays in Thailand?

Anna Dimond — 2010-07-21T14:30:00+00:00

Get ready to pop open a cold Singha and make a toast, because the rumors were right: 'The Hangover 2' is headed for Thailand, and will begin shooting there this fall.

While director Todd Phillips initially denied claims of a Southeast Asian foray, Coming Soon has confirmed that last summer's surprise hit will in fact send its rag-tag guy posse overseas for their next film, which is due for release in summer 2011. 'The Hangover,' which followed the booze-fueled misadventures of three guys at a Las Vegas bachelor party, topped the box office when it opened on June 5, 2009, earning nearly $45 mil during its opening weekend. It went on to become the year's top-earning R-rated film Get ready to pop open a cold Singha and make a toast, because the rumors were right: 'The Hangover 2' is headed for Thailand, and will begin shooting there this fall.

While director Todd Phillips initially denied claims of a Southeast Asian foray, Coming Soon has confirmed that last summer's surprise hit will in fact send its rag-tag guy posse overseas for their next film, which is due for release in summer 2011. 'The Hangover,' which followed the booze-fueled misadventures of three guys at a Las Vegas bachelor party, topped the box office when it opened on June 5, 2009, earning nearly $45 mil during its opening weekend. It went on to become the year's top-earning R-rated film.

With no A-listers to speak of, the original 'Hangover' made a star of Bradley Cooper, and boosted name recognition for secondary stars like Zach Galifianakis, who plays the socially awkward brother of the groom, and Ken Jeong, who plays the fast-talking, bad-ass bad guy who famously jumps naked from a car trunk.

The film's key talent are set to return for the sequel -- but will a Thai holiday keep the fun alive? If 'Sex and the City 2' -- which its four female friends make a trip to the Middle East -- is any indication, 'The Hangover 2' better have a good story behind its exotic locales.

Famous Movie Locations: Cemetery from 'Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil' (Savannah, Ga.)

Anna Dimond — 2010-07-16T12:00:00+00:00

In 1997, Clint Eastwood brought the beauty -- and eccentricities -- of Savannah, Georgia, to the masses with 'Midnight in the Garden of Good Evil.' The movie was adapted from John Berendt's best-selling novel, which chronicled his experiences covering an ongoing murder trial in the Southern city. The film adaptation stars John Cusack as journalist John Kelso (whom Berendt based on himself) and Kevin Spacey as Jim Williams, a wealthy art dealer on trial for the murder of local hustler Billy Hanson (Jude Law).

Berendt's book was an instant success when it arrived in 1994, spending 216 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and garnering praise from critics worldwide. Sadly, Eastwood's cinematic edition didn't fare nearly as well, garnering mixed reviews that amounted to a 50 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes. Roger Ebert, for example, lauded the director's intentions, but aptly explained where it fell short. "[In his book,] Berendt paints a portrait of a city so eccentric, so dripping with Southern Gothic weirdness, that it can't survive for long when it's removed from the life-support system of our imagination," he wrote, adding, "[The] film is a determined attempt to be faithful to the book's spirit, but something ineffable is lost just by turning on the camera."
In 1997, Clint Eastwood brought the beauty -- and eccentricities -- of Savannah, Georgia, to the masses with 'Midnight in the Garden of Good Evil.' The movie was adapted from John Berendt's best-selling novel, which chronicled his experiences covering an ongoing murder trial in the Southern city. The film adaptation stars John Cusack as journalist John Kelso (whom Berendt based on himself) and Kevin Spacey as Jim Williams, a wealthy art dealer on trial for the murder of local hustler Billy Hanson (Jude Law).

Berendt's book was an instant success when it arrived in 1994, spending 216 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and garnering praise from critics worldwide. Sadly, Eastwood's cinematic edition didn't fare nearly as well, garnering mixed reviews that amounted to a 50 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes. Roger Ebert, for example, lauded the director's intentions, but aptly explained where it fell short. "[In his book,] Berendt paints a portrait of a city so eccentric, so dripping with Southern Gothic weirdness, that it can't survive for long when it's removed from the life-support system of our imagination," he wrote, adding, "[The] film is a determined attempt to be faithful to the book's spirit, but something ineffable is lost just by turning on the camera."

Still, the film adaptation of 'Midnight' offers a compelling glimpse of an unusual pocket of Americana -- where a young Jude Law (in coveralls, no less!) further enhances the aesthetics. Bonus: The screenplay was co-written by Berendt and John Lee Hancock, who wrote last years' award-winning tearjerker, 'The Blind Side.'

Location as Character: Despite the box-office let-down, 'Midnight' turned Savannah from a sleepy Southern town into a major tourist attraction nearly overnight. The movie's trailer practically doubles as an ad for the city when Cusack's character says, "This place is fantastic. It's like 'Gone With the Wind' on Mescaline!" While the movie features a wide array of Savannah's sights, the title specifically refers to local lore that the half-hour before midnight is the time for good magic, while the half-hour after is the time for evil. The "garden," meanwhile, is the city's leafy Bonaventure Cemetery, where the story's murder victim is buried and the local root doctor, Minerva (Irma P. Hall), works her spells.

At one point in the film, Jim and John visit the garden for a little late-night convocation, where Minerva wears sunglasses at night and gets going with her local brand of voodoo. She can sense the skepticism of the visiting journo during the ceremony and when he turns to leave, she tells him: "To understand the living, you've got to commune with the dead." The garden, apparently, is also the venue for unwanted advice, and a whole lot of truth-telling.

Historical Significance: Bonaventure Cemetery sits on the old Bonaventure Plantation, which sits on a bluff just east of the city. Claudia Catell Mullryne and her husband, Colonel John Mullryne, established their home on the plantation in 1762. Spreading out over more than 600 acres, the land was never cultivated for crops, but instead the Mullrynes planted Oaks every 15 feet, for a canopy effect (eventually). After changing hands for several generations, in 1846 Josiah Tattnall III sold the land to Peter Wiltberger, who planned to convert the plantation into a pubic cemetery.

These days, Bonaventure is the largest of Savannah's municipal cemeteries, with over 160 acres of land. It's among the city's must-see destinations for tourists eager to get a real-life taste of 'Midnight.' Numerous companies offer guided tours of both the city and Bonaventure -- and some even feature guides who worked as extras in the movie more than a decade ago.

Directions: The cemetery is located at 330 Bonaventure Road, on the east side of Savannah. From points north, take Harry S. Truman Parkway south, exit on Skidaway and head south. Take a left on Bonaventure Rd., which ends at the cemetery.

Visitor Info: Bonaventure is open to the public daily from 8:00AM to 5:00PM.

Mel Gibson and Longtime Agency WME Part Ways

Anna Dimond — 2010-07-09T22:10:00+00:00

Mel Gibson and his longtime agency, William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, have parted ways, according to TheWrap.com.

While reasons for the professional breakup were not revealed, Gibson's recent and past behavior have arguably made him a public relations liability. In the past month, the actor has been accused of directing racist and misogynistic comments toward his ex-girlfriend, Oksana Grigorieva, in a phone call that was leaked. In June, Grigorieva obtained a restraining order against Gibson, claiming that he was physically violent. Mel Gibson and his longtime agency, William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, have parted ways, according to TheWrap.com.

While reasons for the professional breakup were not revealed, Gibson's recent and past behavior have arguably made him a public relations liability. In the past month, the actor has been accused of directing racist and misogynistic comments toward his ex-girlfriend, Oksana Grigorieva, in a phone call that was leaked. In June, Grigorieva obtained a restraining order against Gibson, claiming that he was physically violent.

Still, Gibson's split with WME is also seen by some as inevitable. The move was announced in the wake of the July 3 death of Ed Limato, Gibson's longtime agent. It's no secret that Gibson was not an agency darling -- and certainly not among the favorites of partner Ari Emanuel, who inherited the star when Endeavor merged with William Morris in 2009.

In 2006, the agent spoke out about Gibson's anti-semitic comments, which he made while under arrest for DUI. "Alcoholism does not excuse racism and anti-Semitism," Emmanuel wrote. "[People in the entertainment community] need to demonstrate that they understand how much is at stake in this by professionally shunning Mel Gibson and refusing to work with him. ... There are times in history when standing up against bigotry and racism is more important than money."

Public opinion notwithstanding, leaving WME may have already been Gibson's plan following Limato's death. "At this point he doesn't seem to be in need of an agent," a rep for the actor told The Hollywood Reporter. Gibson has a handful of projects in development, including theJodie Foster comedy 'The Beaver,' and 'How I Spent My Summer Vacation,' a film which Gibson co-wrote, as well as several more projects that are in development.

As for what will follow? Unemployment seems an unlikely concern for the star -- especially when there are legal hurdles to tackle first.

'Mean Girls' Director May Tackle 'Mr. Popper's Penguins'

Anna Dimond — 2010-06-23T20:30:00+00:00

Forget 'March of the Penguins.' If Mark Waters gets his way, comedy will be the new groove for waddling birds on the big screen. The director is in early talks to helm an adaptation of 'Mr. Popper's Penguins' for 20th Century Fox, according to Variety.

Waters is best known for movies like 'Ghosts of Girlfriends Past' (2009), 'Mean Girls' (2004) and 'Freaky Friday' (2003), so 'Penguins' would fit in with his light-hearted style. The 1938 children's book by Richard and Florence Atwater follows the misadventures of Mr. Popper, a house-painter who has always wanted to visit the Arctic. When an admiral responds to Mr. Popper's fan letter with a female penguin as a gift, life changes forever for the painter and his wife. Forget 'March of the Penguins.' If Mark Waters gets his way, comedy will be the new groove for waddling birds on the big screen. The director is in early talks to helm an adaptation of 'Mr. Popper's Penguins' for 20th Century Fox, according to Variety.

Waters is best known for movies like 'Ghosts of Girlfriends Past' (2009), 'Mean Girls' (2004) and 'Freaky Friday' (2003), so 'Penguins' would fit in with his light-hearted style. The 1938 children's book by Richard and Florence Atwater follows the misadventures of Mr. Popper, a house-painter who has always wanted to visit the Arctic. When an admiral responds to Mr. Popper's fan letter with a female penguin as a gift, life changes forever for the painter and his wife.

Soon after, another penguin arrives and, as nature would have it, they deliver a big litter of 12 little birds -- and Mr. and Mrs. Popper have a lot of beaks to feed. Faced with the feeding frenzy, the pair launch a penguin stage act to offset costs, but it wreaks havoc along the way.

Noah Baumbach and Ben Stiller were previously attached to direct and star, respectively. Jack Black, Jim Carrey and Owen Wilson are now the rumored actors under consideration for the role of Mr. Popper.

Famous Movie Locations: Pipeline in 'Blue Crush' (Oahu, Hawaii)

Anna Dimond — 2010-06-23T15:00:00+00:00

Once upon a time, surfing was considered a man's world, filled with blond hunks who had perfect tans, no fear and a sport-specific lexicon dripping with "dudes," "gnarlies" and "hang tens."

That was before 'Blue Crush.' The 2002 movie stars Kate Bosworth as Anne Marie Chadwick, an aspiring pro surfer living on Oahu's North Shore. She and her bad-ass girl posse live a hard-scrabble life working as maids at a fancy local hotel and taking care of Anne Marie's little sister after mom leaves town. While their lives are tough, their remote Oahu home is a surfing Mecca thanks to Pipeline, their local surf break. The waves there are some of the world's heaviest and most famously dangerous, known to get as tall as buildings before crashing over a deadly reef.

Outside the daily grind for survival, surfing is their life: Eden (Michelle Rodriguez) is training Anne Marie for the annual surfing contest in the hope that she'll score a pro sponsorship -- and a ticket out of poverty in paradise. Of course, 'Rocky'-style training is no fun without a little lovin', and luckily, a football team obliges by checking in to the hotel. Things get complicated fast when Anne Marie's budding crush on the quarterback keeps her out of the water, and suddenly our pretty surfer must choose between easy comfort and chasing her dreams.

Based on Susan Orlean's article 'Surf Girls of Maui' in Outside Magazine, 'Blue Crush' was neither a critical nor box office success. But as an ode to girl power and a staple of surf cinema, the film became a cult fave -- not to mention the launching pad for Bosworth's career.

Location as Character: Anne Marie isn't the first surfer (fictional or otherwise) to be intimidated by Pipeline, but the spot becomes her proving ground after she has a nasty run-in with the reef. As Eden tows her in to monster wave after monster wave, Anne Marie's demons come home to roost, revealing that surfing is a mental game with no room for fear -- especially here. When the contest finally arrives, then, there's a lot more at stake than a magazine cover and industry accolades.

Pipeline also represents challenge and triumph from a production perspective. In an unusual move for a big-budget movie, Bosworth did much of her own surfing in waves up to 10 feet high. Industry mainstay John Philbin, known for his role in 1987's 'North Shore,' was her mentor, transforming her from a modelesque "grom" (a beginner surfer) into a muscular, hard-charging ripper.

Much of the movie's appeal for surfers are the superstar cameos by some of the sport's best, from Keala Kennelly to Rochelle Ballard. In addition to the pros, the film is also a Who's Who of renowned Pipeline locals. Behind the scenes, the North Shore's big-wave expert Brian Keaulana was among the key stunt coordinators, while surf photographer Don King, another local resident, was among the cameramen. Local pro Tamayo Perry, meanwhile, is one of the many North Shore surfers who appear in the movie's surf scenes.

Historical Significance: Originally known as Banzai Beach, Pipeline's waves were named in 1961 by movie producer Bruce Brown, who stopped to film there. At the time, pipeline construction was underway on the adjacent highway, and one of the surfers on the shoot suggested naming the break after the nearby project. Brown unveiled the nomenclature in his 1961 surf film, 'Surfing Hollow Days.'

Historically, Pipeline is known as simply one of the most punishing surf spots on the planet. With its jagged reef and behemoth, hollow waves, more surfers have lost their lives there than at any other break. Because of Pipeline's exceptional waves and narrow take-off spots, residents are also extremely protective: When pros from Australia, South Africa and the U.S. started flocking to the spot in the 1970s, locals upset with a perceived lack of respect formed the Wolfpak, a group that became synonymous with beat-downs and other acts of aggression to patrol the break.

Pipeline has also grown in international reputation as a premiere contest destination. The break sits along a sleepy seven miles of Oahu's north coast, but each year thousands of pro surfers, coaches, industry reps, groms, talent scouts, tourists and members of the media descend upon it for December's Pipeline Billabong Masters. The annual event is the final competition on the professional tour, in which the top-rated surfers compete to be world champion. Winners receive $400,000 -- and lifelong bragging rights.

Directions: From Honolulu International Airport, take Interstate H1 W/Waianae, and take Exit 8 toward Wahiawa. Merge onto HI-99 N/Kamehameha Highway, continue straight onto HI-83 E/Kamehameha Highway. Turn left toward Ke Nui Road, turn right on Ke Nui. Ehukai Beach Park -- home of Pipeline -- will be on your left.

Visitor Info: Ehukai beach Park is open to the public. Swimming is prohibited in the winter.

Where Does Jaden Smith Go From Here?

Anna Dimond — 2010-06-16T11:30:00+00:00

Jaden Smith may be just shy of 12, but he's already kicking box office butt on par with his mega-star parents, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith. His latest film, 'The Karate Kid,' is the young actor's third, and his first starring role. 'Kid' won the box office this past weekend with a take close to $56 million -- more than lapping 'The A-Team,' another remake that was made for nearly three times the budget.

Smith first stepped in front of the TV cameras at age five and quickly moved on to making movies, benefiting from adorably good looks, budding theatrical skills and, of course, A-list parents. Like any kid who goes into the family business, Jaden Smith has a leg up (or two) on the competition. His career has been largely launched via his parents' projects, including 'The Karate Kid,' which the Smiths produced with other partners. Jaden Smith may be just shy of 12, but he's already kicking box office butt on par with his mega-star parents, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith. His latest film, 'The Karate Kid,' is the young actor's third, and his first starring role. 'Kid' won the box office this past weekend with a take close to $56 million -- more than lapping 'The A-Team,' another remake that was made for nearly three times the budget.

Smith first stepped in front of the TV cameras at age five and quickly moved on to making movies, benefiting from adorably good looks, budding theatrical skills and, of course, A-list parents. Like any kid who goes into the family business, Jaden Smith has a leg up (or two) on the competition. His career has been largely launched via his parents' projects, including 'The Karate Kid,' which the Smiths produced with other partners.

For now, the door is wide open at his dad's production firm, Overbrook Entertainment. The company is already developing the young star's next project, 'Amulet,' a graphic novel adaptation in which both he and sister Willow will star. But now that he's proven his box office mettle, is he poised for long-term success? Jaden's road is well-trodden: Stars from Tatum O'Neal to Jane Fonda have followed in their parents' footsteps to find both success and longevity. But with mixed reviews with regard to talent and an almost exclusively family-driven resume, Jaden's future has yet to be determined. A look at his work and public reception could offer some clues as to what might unfold next.

Street Cred: Jaden Smith's Body of Work
Smith has appeared in just a handful of productions so far, but the pre-teen got an early start. He made his acting debut in 2003 in the television series 'All of Us.' His parents were among the creators of the show, which was based on their own family experience, and starred Duane Martin and LisaRaye.

Just before 'All of Us' got axed from the airwaves in 2007, Jaden Smith made his big-screen debut in 'The Pursuit of Happyness' alongside his famous dad. He played Christopher, the son of his dad's on-screen character, Chris Gardner. The film, which follows the real-life story of a homeless man's struggles and success, was well received, garnering the elder Smith a Best Actor nomination at the 2007 Academy Awards. The younger Smith won for breakthrough performance from the MTV Movie Awards, among others, which collectively established him as a capable new talent.

In 2008, Jaden Smith appeared in 'The Day the Earth Stood Still,' a sci-fi remake that starred a handful of Hollywood heavyweights, including Kathy Bates, Jon Hamm and Keanu Reeves. Smith played the estranged stepson of an astrobiologist (Jennifer Connelly) who teams up with the alien messenger (Reeves) to save the world. The movie opened to tepid reviews but won big at the box office, scoring more than $30 million in its opening weekend and easily topping the competition.

'The Karate Kid' is Smith's most aggressive step yet toward the spotlight. This time around, it's not car wax that molds our young grasshopper into a fighting machine, but a jacket that he refuses to hang up. Jackie Chan stars as Mr. Han, replacing the original's Pat Morita as the wise mentor who transforms Dre (Smith) from an ornery bully-target into a disciplined, confident martial arts master. The movie is corny in parts and brutal in others, but undeniably showcases Smith's capabilities -- and room for growth.

The Making of a Star? Critical Commentary
The reception of 'The Karate Kid' has been decidedly mixed, although mostly open-minded, given its shamelessly feel-good storyline and nostalgia for the original. Still, New York Times critic A.O. Scott had some tough love to dole out for the remake's star, calling him a "stiff, recessive actor," adding, "He can be lively and charming, but it is not always possible to tell where Dre's cool, self-protective demeanor stops and Jaden's limitations begin."

IGN reviewer Eric Goldman was more positive about Smith's abilities in 'The Karate Kid,' writing that the actor is "clearly very comfortable in front of the camera," and that "Smith is charming and likable, even though he and Chan are never able to quite find the natural chemistry Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita had in the original."

Critics were more encouraging about his performance in 'The Day the Earth Stood Still.' "Smith does a good job of making Jacob both sympathetic and obnoxious at the same time," wrote a reviewer in View London. Roger Ebert, meanwhile, was mostly disparaging of the film, but believed Smith showed promise, writing, "Young Jaden Smith is an appealing actor, but his character Jacob could use a good spanking, what with endangering the human race with a snit fit."

It was Keanu Reeves, however, who's made perhaps the most glowing comments about the budding star. He told Reelz Channel in 2008 that his young co-star was "very professional" and "takes his work seriously" -- both of which bode well at any age, but even more so when when they're said about a 10-year-old.

Mom and Dad's Hands in Stardom
From 'All of Us' to 'Pursuit' and now 'The Karate Kid,' Will and Jada Pinkett Smith are ushering their son -- and soon their daughter -- through their early careers in terms of both deal-making and professional development. Movie stills that appear during 'The Karate Kid's' credits underscore the presence of guiding hands: Both mom and dad appear in numerous photos on set, working apparent double duty as producers and parents.

Inevitably, the elder Smiths are also serving as acting coaches. "You got to stay true to your character and you just got to be in the moment," Jaden Smith said of his approach to acting. The technique, he explained, is one he learned from his in-house experts. Moviegoers who see 'The Karate Kid' might also find distinct similarities between Jaden's go-to demeanor and that of his dad's, circa the mid-1990s. Smith's jocular, "lively charm" that A.O. Scott notes at times seems ripped from episodes of 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,' which starred Will Smith as a fun-loving rapper living in a posh neighborhood.

Jaden also possesses some of his father's musical talent -- not to mention his knack for savvy marketing. Smith is clearly enjoying the benefits of access in pop phenom Justin Bieber's recent release for 'Never Say Never' (also 'The Karate Kid' theme song), which features the young star on the track and in the video, suggesting not only smart co-branding, but a potential new creative avenue for Jaden.

Jaden's Future
Embracing the family business is tried and true and mostly successful: Martin Sheen, Jon Voight and, more recently, Demi Moore have all watched their acting progeny make a place for themselves in Hollywood. But with a lot of growing up to do and potential curveballs ahead (drugs and other vices; puberty), Jaden Smith faces a number of unknowns that could shape his career.

For Macaulay Culkin, whose father is former stage actor Christopher Culkin, transitioning from the adorable 'Home Alone' kid to a gawky teen was too much to shoulder. He stepped away from acting during his early teens ('Richie Rich' in 1994) until his early twenties ('Party Monster' in 2003). Recently, Culkin performed voice roles on 'Robot Chicken' and appeared in several episodes of 'Kings,' NBC's ill-fated series based on the story of David and Goliath.

One of Jaden's better role models might be Colin Hanks. Like Jaden, Colin made his acting debut at a tender age, appearing in 'That Thing You Do!', a film that his father Tom produced and directed in 1996. It would be two roles and three years until Colin would appear in another of his father's productions -- this time, as a lieutenant in the series 'Band of Brothers.' Since then, Colin's work has had little to do -- directly, at least -- with that of his father. The 33-year-old has yet to headline a major feature, but he has been building an impressive career with roles that span comedies ('The House Bunny'), television drama ('Mad Men') and light-hearted indie fare ('Barry Munday'), all of which should serve him well in a future marquee role.

Jaden's ability to deliver nuanced, more mature (yes, even for a 12-year-old) performances is yet to be established. Once he gets through the requisite, shock-and-awe tentpoles, he should look to opportunities that might let us see some real acting chops. A poignant coming-of-age story, a la 'The Cider House Rules,' or a real-life story, like 'The Basketball Diaries' -- especially if it's produced by someone beyond the Smith family -- would be his best bet to gain some real credibility. Even better if he can help break new ground for young, non-white actors, for whom such opportunities have traditionally been few and far between.

For the moment, the young star is on track with family-made fare, and his best role models are his own parents. Between their respective career evolutions and major starpower, they've broken ground in their own rights, and shown that it is possible to go from broad jocularity to serious acting -- and back again. Smith's future remains to be seen, but what's already clear is that he's arrived and is ready to do mom and dad proud.

MTV Movie Awards to Offer "Ridiculous Fodder," Stars Galore

Anna Dimond — 2010-06-04T19:25:00+00:00

Celebrities, films and pop culture are set to collide this Sunday at the MTV Movie Awards (June 6, 9PM ET, live on MTV). Forget prestige and well-crafted winners' speeches: The network's annual award show is a populist affair in which films like 'The Hangover,' 'Avatar' and 'The Twilight Saga: New Moon' are the top dogs, and where tween adoration trumps critical acclaim. With categories like Best Kiss and Best WTF moment ("There's nothing hot about projectile vomit," one nominee description says cheerily), MTV makes fandom fun, while maxing out the award show's potential as a promo machine for all things teen.

"It's cool to see a lot of these big movies that don't necessarily get Oscars, but are still very popular, have their night," Aziz Ansari told us. The comic and 'Parks and Recreation' star is hosting the show in what will be his first emcee gig ever. "That's the point," he added. "As far as an awards show that will give you ridiculous fodder to react to, you can't ask for anything better than the Movie Awards." Celebrities, films and pop culture are set to collide this Sunday at the MTV Movie Awards (June 6, 9PM ET, live on MTV). Forget prestige and well-crafted winners' speeches: The network's annual award show is a populist affair in which films like 'The Hangover,' 'Avatar' and 'The Twilight Saga: New Moon' are the top dogs, and where tween adoration trumps critical acclaim. With categories like Best Kiss and Best WTF moment ("There's nothing hot about projectile vomit," one nominee description says cheerily), MTV makes fandom fun, while maxing out the award show's potential as a promo machine for all things teen.

"It's cool to see a lot of these big movies that don't necessarily get Oscars, but are still very popular, have their night," Aziz Ansari told us. The comic and 'Parks and Recreation' star is hosting the show in what will be his first emcee gig ever. "That's the point," he added. "As far as an awards show that will give you ridiculous fodder to react to, you can't ask for anything better than the Movie Awards."

Over the past decade, MTV has made churning out such fodder an art form. The network's award shows aren't just indicators of what's happening in pop culture, but also opportunities for staged antics designed to reap maximum buzz. Seven years ago, Madonna and Britney Spears made headlines with an MTV-sponsored make-out session on stage; last year Eminem had a well-rehearsed dust-up with Sacha Baron Cohen, who was promoting his 2009 movie, 'Bruno.' As for this year's gag-to-be? Ansari wouldn't reveal specifics, but did reveal his hope for the Best Kiss winner.

"I don't know who's nominated [for Best Kiss], but I saw a video of [rapper] Soulja Boy kissing one of his chains," Ansari told press on a recent call. "He put the chain up to his mouth, and kissed it, and I'm hoping that will win, and he can re-create that when he accepts the award."

Despite the jokes, there's no question which film franchise will be occupying most of the Movie Awards airtime. "I'm trying to become one with the audience, so I just put a poster of ['Twilight' star] Robert Pattinson up on my ceiling -- I've been staring at it non-stop," Ansari deadpanned, when asked how he's preparing for his hosting duties. "I'm not writing any jokes, or filming any shorts. I've just been looking at that poster, and hopefully it will get me ready for June 6."

"My goal is to, at some point, maybe touch Robert Pattinson's hair, or [co-star] Taylor Lautner's abs. If I can pull that off, I'll be happy."

Sunday's telecast will also feature music acts from Christina Aguilera to Snoop Dogg and Katy Perry, and will also offer sneak peeks of the year's most tween-tastic releases, 'The Twilight Saga: Eclipse' and 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.' Lest anyone in Hollywood miss out on the action, MTV has invited a plethora of audience favorites to serve as presenters throughout the evening, including Betty White, Bradley Cooper and Shaun White, among others. This year's show will in fact be the most guest-heavy of any other, thanks largely to a record number of stars who were interested in participating.

"Year after year, more people want to play with us, and participate in the show," said executive producer Audrey Morrissey, who has worked on the Movie Awards for 14 years. "That's such a measure of success, and ... personally rewarding. I can't remember a previous show, where the outcry to be a part of the show was so big."

This year's show will also be defined by an audience that Morrissey says is more "plugged-in" than ever. "They're very aware of what's going on on the Internet," she said. "Everything is very immediate. Aziz speaks to that."

Amid the many stars, copious jokes and likely stunts, the Movie Awards are still, at heart, a party for all things young and cool -- not to mention a chance for Ansari to prove his emcee chops under a big spotlight, an opportunity that isn't lost on him despite the reliance on one-liners. "For me, it's a really huge deal," he said. "My background is as a stand-up comic, and then doing sketch on [television show] 'Human Giant.' It's a dream gig to host.

"I think [MTV producers] were a little confused when they called me, though. I think they were under the impression that I was a Jonas Brother."

The Transformers: Stars Who've Altered Their Bodies for Roles

Anna Dimond — 2010-05-28T19:30:00+00:00

In 'Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time,' the lovable Jake Gyllenhaal steps up to summer blockbuster plate as the heroic Prince Dastan, appearing bulked-up and ready to take down bad guys on ancient turf. But the affable star isn't the first to radically change his physique for a part. As 'Persia' gallops into theaters, we took a look at some of Hollywood's most iconic actors whose roles have called for dramatic physical transformations. In 'Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time,' the lovable Jake Gyllenhaal steps up to summer blockbuster plate as the heroic Prince Dastan, appearing bulked-up and ready to take down bad guys on ancient turf. But the affable star isn't the first to radically change his physique for a part. As 'Persia' gallops into theaters, we took a look at some of Hollywood's most iconic actors whose roles have called for dramatic physical transformations.

http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,localizationConfig,entry&id=887930&pid=887929&uts=1275089123

http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/media_gallery/v1/ke_media_gallery_wrapper.swf

Famous Actors Who Transformed Their Bodies

Some actors sacrifice their bodies for their work -- whether packing on the pounds, or shedding them. Check out these actors who altered their physiques completely for the sake of movie roles.

Disney

The Transformers: Stars Who Changed Their Bodies for Roles

Brad Pitt: 'Troy'
Before: Let's face it: Brad Pitt has always been a hunk, and his roles only amplify or tone down his good looks by degrees. In the mid-2000s, he had made a name for himself as a capable actor, appearing in films from 'Fight Club' (1999) to 'Ocean's Eleven' (2001).
After: To play Achilles, the hero of 2004's horse opera of an epic, Pitt packed on a reported 20 pounds of muscle and grew his locks so long that they could flow in the wind while he rode horses to victory. The actor looked so good in his breastplates and man-skirts that countless fitness sites still hawk a regime based on his purported path to success.

The Transformers: Stars Who Changed Their Bodies for Roles

Robert De Niro: 'Raging Bull'
Before: Robert De Niro was swiftly becoming one of the most prominent actors of his time, playing young, serious men with a flair for romance in films like 'The Deer Hunter' (1978) and a youthful Vito Corleone in 'The Godfather: A Novel for Television' (1977).
After: For the gritty biopic 'Raging Bull' (1980), De Niro took his physique in two wildly different directions to play famous middleweight boxer Jake La Motta. First, the actor dieted and worked out with La Motta for a year to resemble the athlete as a champion at the top his game. Then the actor ate his way through France's finest establishments to pack on nearly 60 pounds to portray the boxer long after his career in the ring had come to a close.

The Transformers: Stars Who Changed Their Bodies for Roles

Will Smith: 'Ali'
Before: Will Smith made his early career as the lanky, fun-loving star of TV's 'Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.' Later, her went on to a big-screen career, playing an everyman lawyer and a golfer, among other roles, after leaving behind his days as a fictional rich kid/rapper. Tall, attractive and ever-slim, the actor was far from imposing. According to his trainer for 'Ali,' Smith was simply "out of shape."
After: When he scored the part of the legendary boxer for Muhammad Ali's 2001 biopic, Smith was put on a strict training regime that involved three-mile runs, boxing, weights and, of course, watching fight films before bed. The results were dramatic: In 2002, the former sit-com star was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance -- and most likely his rock-hard abs didn't hurt.

The Transformers: Stars Who Changed Their Bodies for Roles

George Clooney: 'Syriana'
Before: There's a reason George Clooney is one of Hollywood's hottest actors, at any age. The ever-eligible bachelor smolders with a trim physique, clean-shaven, suave look -- not to mention that irresistible charisma that first had ladies swooning over his role as Ace on 'ER,' and later in movies like 'Three Kings' and 'Ocean's Eleven.'
After: As veteran CIA agent Bob Barnes, Clooney packed on nearly 40 pounds and grew out a shaggy beard. He told press that his goal was to "fit into the wallpaper and not be noticed" -- a tall order for one of the world's sexiest men.

The Transformers: Stars Who Changed Their Bodies for Roles

Renee Zellweger: 'Bridget Jones's Diary'
Before: Petite Texas native Renee Zellweger skyrocketed out of obscurity as the shy assistant to Tom Cruise's character in 'Jerry Maguire' in 1996. The actress had previously played mostly bit parts, including pretty, pouty Gen-Xer in films like 'Empire Records' and 'Reality Bites.'
After: Twenty pounds and countless cigarettes later, Zellweger transformed herself into the awkward, lovelorn British character whose touching and often hilarious struggle with weight, confidence and men made her a hero of the best-selling, eponymous novel. The actress's wholly believable transformation for Bridget's big-screen debut won her both fans and an Oscar nomination.

The Transformers: Stars Who Changed Their Bodies for Roles

Christian Bale: 'The Machinist'
Before: Slim, fit and ready for action, Christian Bale's unusual, coolly sexy look and ability to wield guns as easily as an American accent won him roles that were as diverse as a killing machine trying to overthrow a fascist government ('Equilibrium,' 2002) and an uptight Californian who ruffles feathers in his mother's bohemian life ('Laurel Canyon' (2002).
After: The Welsh actor's commitment to his craft became tabloid fodder in 2004, when he shed a shocking 62 pounds to play an insomniac machine worker in this psychological thriller. Bale became so gaunt with his coffee-and-apple diet that producers reportedly wouldn't let him get down to his final, skeletal goal.

The Transformers: Stars Who Changed Their Bodies for Roles

Charlize Theron: 'Monster'
Before: Svelte, sexy and utterly glamorous, South African native Charlize Theron was a ballerina and model before becoming an actress, and quickly became known for playing gorgeous love interests in films like Lasse Hallstrom's 'The Cider House Rules' (1999).
After: Theron became nearly unrecognizable for her role as Aileen Wuornos, a Florida prostitute-turned-serial killer who was ultimately sent to death row. The leggy actress put on 30 pounds and used prosthetic teeth to play the part. Her performance won her an Oscar among other prestigious awards.

The Transformers: Stars Who Changed Their Bodies for Roles

Ben Kingsley: 'Ghandi'
Before: A U.K. native, Ben Kingsley was adept at portraying proper business types and dramatic men alike, acting in the Royal Shakespeare Company and on British TV shows such as soapy local staple, 'Coronation Street.' Petite and bald, he was born to a Ugandan-Asian father and an English-born mother, and changed his birth name to one that his dad said would be a better fit for the stage.
After: To prepare for his Oscar-winning role as the Indian pacifist -- who counted hunger strikes in his arsenal of civic-minded acts -- Kingsley lost dozens of pounds, read 20-plus volumes of Ghandi's writings, and practiced yoga and meditation daily while on set. He later compared the process to "having a layer of skin peeled off my eyeballs."

The Transformers: Stars Who Changed Their Bodies for Roles

Taylor Lautner: 'New Moon'
Before: Taylor Lautner took a gigantic step into the spotlight as Bella's love interest in 'Twilight,' becoming a global star practically overnight after kid-oriented fare like 'Cheaper by the Dozen 2' (2005) and 'The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lava Girl 3-D' (2005). With pretty-boy looks and a million-dollar smile, the young actor became fans' favorite boy next door.
After: In 'Twilight''s follow-up, Jacob comes into his own as (spoiler alert!) a ferocious werewolf, joining his ancient clan and becoming a man. Amid a rumored struggle to keep his role, the actor hit the gym seven days a week and ate his heart out to pack on a reported 30 pounds of pure muscle to play the part. He became buff enough not only to stay on as Jacob, but also grace the cover of Rolling Stone.

The Transformers: Stars Who Changed Their Bodies for Roles

Famous Movie Locations: Rydell High from 'Grease' (Venice, California)

Anna Dimond — 2010-05-21T09:00:00+00:00

Young love blossoms at the beach in 'Grease' when Danny Zuko (John Travolta) and Sandy Olsson (Olivia Newton-John) meet during the summer before their senior year. But when classes start at Rydell High and Sandy enrolls as an exchange student from Australia, Danny is taken by surprise and turns a cold shoulder to keep his tough-guy rep. As temps drop and tempers flare, the school becomes the setting for their affairs of the heart, where the slightest cue (a public snub! a jealous friend! car mechanics!) leads to song.

Young love blossoms at the beach in 'Grease' when Danny Zuko (John Travolta) and Sandy Olsson (Olivia Newton-John) meet during the summer before their senior year. But when classes start at Rydell High and Sandy enrolls as an exchange student from Australia, Danny is taken by surprise and turns a cold shoulder to keep his tough-guy rep. As temps drop and tempers flare, the school becomes the setting for their affairs of the heart, where the slightest cue (a public snub! a jealous friend! car mechanics!) leads to song.

In real life, 'Grease's' school scenes were filmed at Venice High School, on the border of Los Angeles beach town Venice and nearby Mar Vista. (Fun fact: Britney Spears brought her own song and dance routine to the high school's halls for her '... Baby One More Time' video, while the school has also seen movies like 'Pretty in Pink' and 'Heathers' play out their stories of teen travails.) With the school's close proximity to Hollywood, some of its students -- including Beau Bridges, Myrna Loy and Crispin Glover -- have gone on to careers in the industry.

Location as Character: More modern fare like 'High School Musical' may be the new tween standard, but 'Grease' created the formula. The original Chicago stage production incorporated issues that were cutting edge for the time, including teen pregnancy, gang violence and allusions to class conflict, while the film adaptation touches on similar themes -- such as Rizzo's pregnancy scare -- but with less grit.

'Grease's' high school setting is best utilized in songs like 'Summer Nights,' in which Danny and Sandy recount their summer romance to their friends. While bad-boy Danny plays things up with his crew on the bleachers, good-girl Sandy gushes to the girls at the outdoor cafeteria. Danny sashays down the seating levels, Sandy stands up on the table, and Venice High enjoys a wide shot toward the beach in the couple's final notes of seasonal lament. Later, when Rizzo (Stockard Channing) believes she's pregnant, her woeful song 'There Are Worse Things I Could Do' is set around the high school exteriors. As her fellow students throw baseballs behind her, Rizzo's burden seems all the heavier in contrast to their carefree activities.

Historical Significance: 'Grease' first arrived in 1971 as a musical from producers Jim Jacobs and the late Warren Casey, who met while doing community theater in Chicago. Jacobs set the original version there, and based the story on his own experiences at the city's Taft High School. His early version is said to have been much grittier than later adaptations for both the stage and film. Nonetheless, the lighter edition went on to become highly successful. When the musical's run on Broadway ended in 1980, it made history as the theater district's longest-running show. It's now the thirtieth.

The film spin-off was released in 1978 and not only solidified the popularity of Travolta, who was enjoying newfound fame from 'Saturday Night Fever,' but also introduced Newton-John to a bigger audience, reviving her screen career after the sci-fi bomb 'Toomorrow' (1971). With hits like 'You're the One That I Want' topping the charts in both the U.S. and Britain, 'Grease' further established her popularity and was a springboard to Newton-John's next hit, 'A Little More Love,' in 1979.

Produced for just $6 million, 'Grease' earned it all back and then some on its opening weekend, with a box office take of nearly $9 million (the film has earned nearly $400 million since then). It went on to earn an Oscar nomination and was a contender in five categories at the 1979 Golden Globes. More than 30 years later, the film still holds its own among critics, ranking 16th on Moviefone's list of 25 best high school movies and becoming a mainstay of modern popular culture.

Fun Fact: Venice High School was heavily damaged by a 1933 earthquake, and was rebuilt in 1935 with an art-deco exterior and earthquake-resistant foundations. Students studied in tents during the construction, some of which was done through WPA projects. According to a school official, the older look of Venice High's exterior is appealing for period films like 'Grease' as well as for numerous other productions seeking a deco style and a lot of space on the cheap. While the school gets frequent requests for it to be used as a filming location, it only green lights two to three a year, on average.

"People think the schools should be cheaper, that they should use it for free," the official said. The school charges a nominal fee, which funds a few smaller initiatives and supplies for students that otherwise wouldn't be possible. As most of the filming these days is done outside of school hours, current Venice High students don't have much connection with the school's reputation as a famous movie location. Still, the school official says, Venice's long-ago transformation into Rydell High makes it "a conversation item."

Directions: From Hollywood and points East: Take the 10 West and Exit on Bundy heading south. Make a right on Venice Blvd., and take a U-turn at Walgrove. The school will be on your right, at 13000 Venice Blvd. From LAX, head north on CA-1/Sepulveda, and make a left at Lincoln Blvd. Turn right on Venice Blvd.; the school will be on your right.

Visitor Info: Given that Venice High School is still in use (approximately 2500 students are currently enrolled), it's not open to the public, although its facade is visible from the street. For those seeking a chance at seeing something being filmed, vacation weeks and weekends are the best bet.

As 'Eclipse' Draws Closer, How Do Real-Life Edward Cullens Stack Up?

Anna Dimond — 2010-05-14T09:00:00+00:00

As 'Twilight' fans have long known, Edward Cullen is the sexy (if not a little pasty) hero of the mega-movie franchise based on Stephenie Meyer's book series. Pale, strong, devoted and ready to save the moody Bella at any given second, Edward is a god -- or rather, a vampire -- among men who's awesomeness is matched only by 'Twilight''s resident werewolf, Jacob.

Since 'Twilight' made its debut in 2008, the movie's stars have themselves achieved cult status. Taylor Lautner scored a Rolling Stone cover and Kristen Stewart's pouty pics have become all the more frequent in celebrity rags. But it's fluffy-haired Robert Pattinson who leads the pack as the vampire heartthrob, garnering increasing numbers of lovelorn fans as he practically inhabits the ageless Edward, complete with inner torture, unwavering commitment, a cool, rock-star demeanor and alluring deep thoughts; Pattinson's portrayal is now synonymous with the fictional Edward Cullen.

It may come as a shock for some fans, but not every Edward Cullen can kill with his teeth, fly without a plane ticket or create such a fabulous coif. There's a whole pack of real-life guys who share the character's name -- and manage their parallel reputations. As the saga's third installment, 'Eclipse,' nears release (the film is set to arrive June 30), Moviefone looked to a handful of real Edward Cullens to see what it's like to be a mere mortal with a world-famous vampire's name. As 'Twilight' fans have long known, Edward Cullen is the sexy (if not a little pasty) hero of the mega-movie franchise based on Stephenie Meyer's book series. Pale, strong, devoted and ready to save the moody Bella at any given second, Edward is a god -- or rather, a vampire -- among men who's awesomeness is matched only by 'Twilight''s resident werewolf, Jacob.

Since 'Twilight' made its debut in 2008, the movie's stars have themselves achieved cult status. Taylor Lautner scored a Rolling Stone cover and Kristen Stewart's pouty pics have become all the more frequent in celebrity rags. But it's fluffy-haired Robert Pattinson who leads the pack as the vampire heartthrob, garnering increasing numbers of lovelorn fans as he practically inhabits the ageless Edward, complete with inner torture, unwavering commitment, a cool, rock-star demeanor and alluring deep thoughts; Pattinson's portrayal is now synonymous with the fictional Edward Cullen.

It may come as a shock for some fans, but not every Edward Cullen can kill with his teeth, fly without a plane ticket or create such a fabulous coif. There's a whole pack of real-life guys who share the character's name -- and manage their parallel reputations. As the saga's third installment, 'Eclipse,' nears release (the film is set to arrive June 30), Moviefone looked to a handful of real Edward Cullens (via e-mail) to see what it's like to be a mere mortal with a world-famous vampire's name.

Edward Cullen, Beverly, Mass. (In school in Deerfield, Mass.)
Human Age: 16
Has being named Edward Cullen turned you on to 'Twilight'?
No. I read the first book just because my girlfriend got it for me for Christmas.
Are you happy to share the heartthrob's namesake, or wish he would go away?
I could really care less.
What is the biggest downside to sharing the character's name?
Random Facebook friend requests. You would be surprised if I told you how many I have had. The first couple I accepted, but then it just started getting out of hand. A minority [of those sending requests] speak English. So, sketchy messages (kind of like yours, but I couldn't read it).
Fictional Edward Cullen's best asset?
He sparkles. People are really disappointed when I don't.
Real-life Edward Cullen's best asset?
My personality. [It's] like Rocco in 'The Boondock Saints,' but not stupid, not Italian and I couldn't grow out a full beard.
Has the on-screen Edward Cullen's look had any influence on yours?
No.
Be honest: Since 'Twilight' came out, have you had more luck with the ladies?
Well, there's never a lack of a conversation starter ... or pick-up line.

Eddie Cullen, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
Human Age: 63
Has being named Edward Cullen turned you on to 'Twilight'?
Nope.
Are you happy to share the heartthrob's namesake, or wish he would go away?
Not bothered. It caused a bit of mirth with the 8-10-year-olds at school.
What is the biggest downside to sharing the character's name?
None.
Fictional Edward Cullen's best asset?
Unknown.
Real-life Edward Cullen's best asset?
[My] sense of humour.
Has the on-screen Edward Cullen's look had any influence on yours?
[That would be] difficult, as he isn't bald and overweight.
Be honest: Since 'Twilight' came out, have you had more luck with the ladies?
See penultimate and first answers. What do you think? ... I hope your other respondents meet the demographic more than I do!

Eddie Cullen, Farmingdale, N.Y.
Human Age: 26
Has being named Edward Cullen turned you on to 'Twilight'?
To be honest, I've never seen the movie(s) or read the books ... So I guess no.
Are you happy to share the heartthrob's namesake, or wish he would go away?
I don't really know, I don't watch much TV or anything like that, so it's never really in my face. Just [when I'm] meeting new people, everyone I guess is shocked that they're meeting someone with that name.
What is the biggest downside to sharing the character's name?
Using debit or credit cards for sure. "Do you know your name is Edward Cullen?" Yes I do. It's been my name for 26 years. Fictional Edward Cullen's best asset?
I wouldn't really know. Maybe having my name?
Real-life Edward Cullen's best asset?
It's a three-way tie between an easy-going lifestyle, my reverse-camber snowboard and my Subaru WRX.
Has the on-screen Edward Cullen's look had any influence on yours?
Again, I wouldn't really know. But I'm going to go with definitely not.
Be honest: Since 'Twilight' came out, have you had more luck with the ladies?
I haven't been using the name to it's full potential, but I could probably work some magic with it.

Eddie Cullen, Milwaukee, Wis.
Human Age: 19
Has being named Edward Cullen turned you on to 'Twilight'?
Nope. The opposite, actually.
Are you happy to share the heartthrob's namesake, or wish he would go away?
It's fine, but annoying at times. [My] Facebook profile got deleted once people didn't think I was real.
What is the biggest downside to sharing the character's name?
(See above).
Fictional Edward Cullen's best asset?
I don't know -- being good-looking or something. Maybe sparkling?
Real-life Edward Cullen's best asset?
People skills.
Has the on-screen Edward Cullen's look had any influence on yours?
Nope! I stay away from looking like him, if anything.
Be honest: Since 'Twilight' came out, have you had more luck with the ladies?
[I've had] more luck, yes, I guess. It's a good convo-starter.

Cannes Film Festival Preview: 10 Movies to Watch For

Anna Dimond — 2010-05-11T17:00:00+00:00

Mais oui, it's that time of year again when glamor, art and thick accents collide at the Cannes International Film Festival.

Each spring, films from around the world make their debuts in this seaside town on France's south coast, competing in several categories as well as screening Out of Competition for some of the world's most prominent tastemakers.

Now in its 63rd year, the festival not only brings together elite filmmakers and stars for serious soirees and screenings, but also serves as ground zero for the hottest films set for release in the year ahead. While Cannes features films from a diverse array of directors from around the world, Americans are well-represented in the 2010 official selection -- no doubt thanks in part to California native Tim Burton, who's serving as president of the Cannes jury. Still, international directors have solid footing, with some of this year's picks arriving from countries including Japan, Brazil and Russia.

Cannes might be far away from Hollywood geographically and culturally, but just because the French don't drive big cars or eat fast food doesn't mean they don't have good taste in movies -- at least, most of the time. This year's lineup is packed with new films that range from the dramatic to the genre-busting, and how they fare with festival-goers can make or break their box-office potential when they ultimately arrive in theaters. As the event's May 12 kick-off draws closer, we've selected the top 10 films from the official selection that are worth watching for, no matter how they fare on French shores.

'Another Year'
Famed British director Mike Leigh is set to premiere his latest work In Competition, no doubt building on the momentum from last year's awards darling, 'Happy-Go-Lucky.' Not much has been revealed about the film save the cast, which features some of Leigh's go-to talent like Jim Broadbent (who Harry Potter fans will recognize as Professor Horace Slughorn) and Lesley Manville. If past films are any clue, count on gritty realism and a story born of Leigh's signature development style, which typically begins without a script and allows for broad improvisation from the actors.

'Biutiful'
'Babel' director Alejandro González Iñárritu will premiere his first Spanish-language film since 'Amores Perros' (2000), which introduced the world to the smoldering Gael Garcia Bernal. This time Javier Bardem is the leading sex-pot as Uxbal, a man involved in dodgy schemes who's confronted by his childhood friend. The twist? Uxbal's old pal is now a policeman. While a Brad Pitt cameo is unlikely, metaphysical coincidence wouldn't be a bad theme to bet on.

'Burnt by the Sun 2: Exodus'
Cannes wouldn't be any fun without some old-fashioned political controversy, and this year Nikita Mikhalkov is obliging with the sequel to his Oscar-winning 1994 flick 'Burnt by the Sun.' The first installment, which focused on the Stalin era in Russia, won the festival's Grand Jury prize that year. The follow-up, which focuses on the Nazi invasion of Russia, has so far been less successful on the director's home turf, becoming known as the country's priciest flop since its opening earlier this month. The director's tight-knit relationship with the Kremlin has made matters worse, prompting one critic to declare, "Mikhalkov is no longer seen as a director but as a state bureaucrat."

'Chatroom'
The Riviera better brace itself: This abstract thriller is the second English-language film from the man who brought us 'The Ring' (and all the nightmares that went with it), and features a group of teens whose online discourse goes horribly wrong. 'Kick-Ass' star Aaron Johnson plays the online-addicted posse's resident alpha male whose motives aren't what they seem in Hideo Nakata's dark look at social dynamics among teens.

'Inside Job'
Getting the inside scoop on what really caused the global economic crisis might not be the typical festival-goer's idea of a fun night out in the French Riviera. But with Matt Damon narrating and heavy skewering of people and events from Wall Street to the White House, the new documentary from Charles Ferguson ('No End in Sight') promises to be a riveting look at how the recession came to be.

'Fair Game'
Intrigue, cover-ups and a destroyed career: It's all par for the course in Doug Liman's take on the Valerie Plame affair, which ignited a national dialogue when the CIA agent was outed in a 2003 Washington Post article. America may never know what really happened or how high the chain of command really was, but with Naomi Watts and Sean Penn playing the real-life former CIA operative and her husband, former ambassador Joe Wilson, it (almost) doesn't matter. Liman's cinematic take on one of the country's most spectacular political botches promises to bring a little fun to the Cote D'Azur -- if not some salt in the wound for former veep Dick Cheney's chief of staff Scooter Libby.

'Film Socialisme'
The architect of France's famed New Wave style of film, Jean-Luc Godard, is turning the art form on its head again, this time with a funky assortment of snippets from his latest work for fans to see on the Web. True to the movie's title, the film seems to feature concurrent stories about a diverse set of characters from around the world whose lives may (or may not) intersect on a cruise ship that sails to places like Greece, Egypt, Naples and Barcelona. Is Godard making yet another statement about modern capitalism? Getting experimental again? Or simply re-mastering the art of self-promotion?

'Tamara Drewe'
British actress Gemma Arterton achieves cinematic saturation as the titular heroine in Stephen Frears's new film (see also: 'Clash of the Titans,' 'Prince of Persia'). Based on a graphic novel by fellow Brit Posy Simmonds (which is in turn based on Thomas Hardy' 19th century novel, 'Far from the Madding Crowd'), 'Tamara' follows the misadventures of a young journalist who returns to her rural hometown, all glammed up and ready to wreak havoc -- intentionally or not. Frears is no stranger to edgy material (see also: 'Dangerous Liaisons,' 'Dirty Pretty Things'), and 'Tamara''s pulpy promise should delight his fans this week on the French coast.

'Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps'
Shia LaBeouf can save the world from evil robots, but can he fend off the allure of Wall Street greed? The young gun teams up with Michael Douglas for the sequel to the classic 1987 film on excess -- revamped and retrofitted for a new generation. Douglas reprises his role as the money-hungry Gordon Gekko, who's just been released from jail, while LaBeouf plays the wide-eyed boyfriend of his daughter (Carey Mulligan), who watches history repeat itself as her man becomes enmeshed in Daddy's nefarious ways.

'You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger'
Woody Allen's latest film debuts Out of Competition and stars heavy-hitting stars such as Antonio Banderas and Josh Brolin. Swap in 'Slumdog Millionaire' star Freida Pinto and blond beauty Naomi Watts for Allen's previous muses, and fans will find a fresh ensemble ready for what distributor Sony Pictures Classics describes as "a little romance, some sex, some treachery and ... a few laughs." In short: A typical Woody Allen film, now with a European sensibility.

Famous Movie Locations: Three Clubs from 'Swingers' (Los Angeles, California)

Anna Dimond — 2010-04-30T16:40:00+00:00

When 'Swingers' arrived in 1996, it grossed just $74,118 on eight screens during its opening weekend. Fourteen years later, its total domestic gross stands at just $4.5 million -- but its status as a cult favorite has mushroomed well beyond its financial significance. Written by Jon Favreau and directed by Doug Liman, the film was based on Favreau's experiences as an out-of-work comic and actor in Los Angeles who was excessively mourning a break-up with his girlfriend. Given that it was his and Liman's first movie, the budget was small and the most of the locations were real -- including Three Clubs, to which Favreau's character brings his pal before the film's party scene in the Hollywood Hills.

Three Clubs feels like an import from another time. With a red-toned interior that features dark wood, deep, mid-century banquettes and an impressive scotch selection, it's still a mainstay of the Hollywood scene, attracting musicians, actors and other locals on any given night. Tucked away below the teeming hub of Hollywood nightlife, the bar is nestled among small playhouses, a gas station and dark, industrial-looking buildings. It's concrete exterior hides its hedonistic function, and it's only signage is a neon sign that reads, "cocktails." If it weren't for the mustached local hipsters hanging around in barstools or bands rocking out in the bar's side room, it would feel like a the kind of place one's grandparents used to frequent. When 'Swingers' arrived in 1996, it grossed just $74,118 on eight screens during its opening weekend. Fourteen years later, its total domestic gross stands at just $4.5 million -- but its status as a cult favorite has mushroomed well beyond its financial significance. Written by Jon Favreau and directed by Doug Liman, the film was based on Favreau's experiences as an out-of-work comic and actor in Los Angeles who was excessively mourning a break-up with his girlfriend. Given that it was his and Liman's first movie, the budget was small and the most of the locations were real -- including Three Clubs, to which Favreau's character brings his pal before the film's party scene in the Hollywood Hills.

Three Clubs feels like an import from another time. With a red-toned interior that features dark wood, deep, mid-century banquettes and an impressive scotch selection, it's still a mainstay of the Hollywood scene, attracting musicians, actors and other locals on any given night. Tucked away below the teeming hub of Hollywood nightlife, the bar is nestled among small playhouses, a gas station and dark, industrial-looking buildings. It's concrete exterior hides its hedonistic function, and it's only signage is a neon sign that reads, "cocktails." If it weren't for the mustached local hipsters hanging around in barstools or bands rocking out in the bar's side room, it would feel like a the kind of place one's grandparents used to frequent.

Location as Character: It was that old-school, seedy vibe that led Marc Smith and business partner Matthew Webb to jump on the chance to buy the bar, as-is, nearly 20 years ago -- and which adds to 'Swingers's' role as an ode to local L.A. culture. "We kept the original decor, and just redid it [a little bit], and went with the original look, like late-50s, Frank Sinatra look," Smith says. "People thought we were crazy because we were buying ten cases of martini glasses. "The glass-guy was going crazy, saying, 'If you buy these, we're not going to let you return them.' I said, 'Relax, we have an idea that martinis are going to be fine.'"

Its overt Sinatra-era feel plays into both 'Swingers's' subtext and style, in that the film's five main characters, according to IMDb, were meant to represent the five member of the original Rat Pack, which included Sinatra himself. The film captures L.A. culture at a particular moment, when swing bands were becoming trendy and big-band-driven lounges were sprouting up on both coasts.

Three Clubs' anonymity also plays directly into the script. "For some reason, the cool bars in Hollywood have to be hard to find, and have no sign," Mike (Favreau) tells Rob (Ron Livingston) as they head down an alley toward it. "It's kind of like a speakeasy kind of thing. It's kind of cool. It's like you're in on some kind of secret, you know? You tell a chick you've been some place, it's like bragging you know how to find it."

Historical Significance: When Favreau, Vince Vaughn and first-time director Doug Liman approached Smith to use it as a movie location in 1996, they were unknowns, and so was Three Clubs. Smith and Webb had owned it for just a couple of years and were hoping it might become a hot-spot film location. Favreau, meanwhile, had never written a film before, and Liman had yet to direct his first feature. Vaughn had appeared in a few after-school specials and an episode of 'China Beach,' but starring roles were still the stuff of his imagination.

Nearly a decade and a half later, the fortunes of both the bar and the filmmakers have far eclipsed their early beginnings. Favreau is directing blockbusters like 'Iron Man 2,' while Vaughn is a household name. Liman's career isn't too shabby, either: He's directed and produced a gamut of major productions, from 'The O.C.' to 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith.' As for Three Clubs? Not only does it enjoy nearly unparalleled longevity as a neighborhood hot-spot, but it's become a go-to film location, appearing in current shows such as 'Mad Men,' 'Private Practice' and 'FlashForward.'

Fun Fact: Liman and co. doubled up on Three Clubs as a location. The bar eventually appears during Mike and Rob's party-night preamble, but it's used earlier in the movie, too, after the guys go to Vegas and meet "two beautiful babies." Smith explains that that bar scene was actually shot in a back room of Three Clubs that has a slightly different look, and it allowed the filmmakers to stay within their limited budget.

Smith also notes that the Three Clubs scene feels real because it was. It was shot while the venue was open, using special cameras that didn't required a lot of extra lighting, and which didn't attract a lot of attention "The crowd really didn't know what was going on," he says. The scene also derives its authenticity from the fact that it was already a regular watering hole for actors and writers. One of Smith's friends knew the filmmakers, and they were only happy to combine forces and make the shoots happen.

Directions: Three Clubs is at the northwest corner of Vine and Santa Monica Blvd., just south of the heart of the Hollywood bar and club scene. From the West, take the 10 West to La Brea. Drive north on La Brea and make a right on Santa Monica and then a left on Vine. The bar is on the left. From the Valley, take the 101 South to exit 9A toward Vine St., and turn right on Vine. Three Clubs is just under a mile south, and will be on the right.

Visitor Info: Three Clubs is open seven nights a week for 'Swingers' fans and barflies alike. The venue also features live acts, from rock bands to a weekly burlesque show, in a side room.

Could Zoe Saldana Be the Next Angelina Jolie?

Anna Dimond — 2010-04-27T13:45:00+00:00

Zoe Saldana may have just barely become a household name, but as Jon Stewart joked last week on 'The Daily Show,' the combined grosses of her recent films, 'Star Trek' and 'Avatar,' are practically keeping the American economy afloat (their combined domestic take: $1 billion). This spring, she's been back on the big screen again, first in 'Death at a Funeral,' followed by 'The Losers,' which opened this past weekend.

'Losers' -- which follows the explosion-heavy mission of a rogue covert-ops unit seeking revenge -- didn't fare as well financially as Saldana's recent films, scoring just $9.6 million, the fourth-biggest earner on the year's slowest weekend so far. It also fell short of the more than $16 million that 'Death' earned when it opened the week prior. Zoe Saldana may have just barely become a household name, but as Jon Stewart joked last week on 'The Daily Show,' the combined grosses of her recent films, 'Star Trek' and 'Avatar,' are practically keeping the American economy afloat (their combined domestic take: $1 billion). This spring, she's been back on the big screen again, first in 'Death at a Funeral,' followed by 'The Losers,' which opened this past weekend.

'Losers' -- which follows the explosion-heavy mission of a rogue covert-ops unit seeking revenge -- didn't fare as well financially as Saldana's recent films, scoring just $9.6 million, the fourth-biggest earner on the year's slowest weekend so far. It also fell short of the more than $16 million that 'Death' earned when it opened the week prior.

Despite the disappointing earnings and so-so reviews, 'The Losers' is significant for Saldana. Not only is it her first starring role in the flesh (no offense to the Na'vi, but they had some work done), but it also showcases her potential as an ass-kicking, versatile star, much in the vein of Angelina Jolie. As Aisha, 'The Losers's' tough-talking female foil, Saldana holds her own in an entirely male cast, going punch-for-punch against Jeffrey Dean Morgan and packing heat like a pro. Yet, as her fame catches fire with recent successes and a slate of upcoming films, it's unclear not only what types of roles Saldana will be taking in the future, but also how Hollywood will cast her in the crowded landscape of actresses who defy easy categorization.

With her potent mix of sultry and sass, unconventional beauty and as-yet-untapped dramatic potential, she possesses many of the qualities that have catapulted Angelina Jolie to stardom. While Jolie has a list of credits that dwarfs that of Saldana in both number and scope -- not to mention an Oscar and that hunky, well-known partner of hers -- there are some striking similarities between the two. As Saldana gains professional momentum and name-recognition, we're comparing notes on their careers, aspirations and, of course, private lives.

Early Days on Stage
Jolie's arrival in the spotlight was nearly inevitable. The daughter of veteran actor Jon Voight, she was born in 1975 into a showbiz family and began her own stage training as a child in Los Angeles, later traveling as a fashion model and eventually dabbling in film studies at New York University.

Saldana, meanwhile, kicked off her performance studies as a young ballet student in the Dominican Republic. She took up acting as a teenager in the U.S., earning her first film role in 2000, as an aspiring ballerina in 'Center Stage.'

Key Roles
Saldana continued to work steadily after hanging up her toe shoes, and scored her first major appearance in 2003's 'Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.' Six years later, she landed her breakout role as the smart and seductive Uhura in the 2009 'Star Trek' remake. Her role as the nature-loving Neytiri in 'Avatar' sealed her status, not only putting her on the public radar but paving the way for potential future roles as a leading lady.

Jolie had a similarly unusual trajectory, scoring an Oscar for her portrayal of a teen with mental health problems in 1999's 'Girl, Interrupted,' which she quickly followed up as the titular bad-ass babe in 2001's 'Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.'

Ass-Kicking Prowess
As Jolie proved her mettle in the 'Croft' franchise and later 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith' (2005), her growing fame never got in the way of taking out baddies with a kung-fu kick or well-oiled weaponry. In 2008's 'Wanted,' she took on the comic book genre as an assassin in a secret fraternity of sorts, alongside James McAvoy.

The actress didn't learn how to kick butt overnight, however. For 'Tomb Raider,' Jolie said she trained for two months, working on everything from bungee ballet to weaponry, rowing and yoga. A nutritionist and trainer didn't hurt, either.

Saldana has thus far shown similar chops in the ass-kicking department, particularly in her most recent role in 'The Losers.' Much like Jolie's foray into comic-book turf, Saldana stood out amid major male bonding, blowing up a lot of stuff and breaking hearts along the way. And as for the sexy, leg-swinging power moves? She claims she has ballet to thank for the flexibility. Pinning her co-star to the ground, however, seems a little aggressive for the typical ballerina.

Dramatic Potential?
Soon after playing Mrs. Smith, Jolie undertook several more serious roles, starting with a CIA wife in 'The Good Shepherd' (2006) then moving on to 'A Mighty Heart' (2007), in which she portrayed the real-life wife of a journalist who went missing in Pakistan. Her casting for the role was controversial, but Jolie campaigned and the results were mostly lauded. Two years later, she was again nominated for an Academy Award, this time for her portrayal of the mother of a missing child in 'Changeling.'

Saldana's future as a dramatic lead has yet to be determined. 'Avatar's' nuance-less script and graphic-motion rendering obscures whatever subtleties she may have displayed on screen, while 'The Losers' focuses more on her bare skin and guys with guns than a deep storyline. In 'Star Trek,' Uhura's calm, collected and driven -- but far from a dramatic focal point. Ditto for Saldana's role in 'Death at a Funeral,' in which she plays the beautiful Elaine in a movie that's all broad comedy, no big drama.

With so much as-yet-unseen potential and being relatively new to the movie business, there's a lot we don't yet know about Saldana's dramatic abilities. But it doesn't hurt to hope that, as the interplay between politics and race evolves in Washington, maybe Hollywood will soon follow.

Behind the Scenes
Jolie's fame skyrocketed when she partnered up with Brad Pitt, but she started making headlines long before "Brangelina" came to be. Her early antics helped fuel the media frenzy, such as scrawling actor Jonny Lee Miller's name on her shirt with her own blood for their wedding day in the mid-1990s, and wearing a vial of ex-husband Billy Bob Thorton's blood around her neck. These days, it's her humanitarian work as a U.N. goodwill ambassador, gaggle of six children and famous BF that gets headlines -- especially when the tabloid rumor-mill targets her and Pitt.

Saldana, in contrast, has reportedly been dating boyfriend Keith Britton for ten years. The actor and entrepreneur frequently accompanies her on the red carpet, but hasn't appeared on-screen himself since 2007, according to IMDb. While the couple hasn't been the object of salacious headlines, there's always time for scandal in Hollywood. For her part, Saldana's already opened up about her views on sexuality."I love sex," she reportedly told Essence. "I love skin. I don't believe the body is something to hide. I think in American society we're messing up our kids by taking away the education on and awareness of our sexuality and replacing it with violence, guns and video games -- and we're breeding little criminals."

While Saldana's relationship details don't often appear in the press, she has gotten ample ink when it comes to talk of race and ethnicity. "When [Hollywood casting agents] say, 'We want to go white,' they have a very smooth way of saying it, and the recent one is the word traditional," she told Nylon recently.

Similarly, she told Glamour in March that "traditional" is "the new N word. So when [someone says] I look 'dark,' I say, 'Dark compared to whom? This is just my skin.'" In still other publications, she has spoken of her Dominican and Puerto Rican heritage, but eschews labeling herself. Some fans have pointed out that it's possible that she's already been kept from more prominent offerings, given the undeniable dearth of roles for actors who aren't Caucasian, much less female. Still, as President Barack Obama asserts that the country is now in a "port-racial" era, it remains to be seen if and when that memo makes it to Hollywood.

What's Next
This summer, Jolie again returns to the bad-guy battling spy role in 'Salt,' in which she plays a CIA agent on the run. Following her jaunt into on-screen espionage (maybe), her development slate is chock full of cinematic fare with plots that are still largely under wraps, but which apparently range from adult drama to children's fare. At this point her career, Jolie's reputation is cemented as a versatile actress who's comfortable and capable across genres.

Saldana, of course, still has a long road ahead of her before she can take her pick of parts, but she is poised for bigger and better opportunities -- it may be simply a matter of the right script at the right time. Her current development slate has a few upcoming releases, including 'Burning Palms,' which co-stars Shannen Doherty, among other notables, and focuses on interweaving stories in Los Angeles, from a script by 'Dirty Sexy Money' alum Christopher B. Landon. Saldana's other upcoming release is 'Takers,' a shoot-em-up, bank-robber flick in which her primary activity seems to be posing as eye candy for the many men that round out the cast, including Chris Brown, T.I. and Idris Elba.

Saldana herself has fueled curiosity about her future moves by doing her best to keep everyone guessing -- including herself. "The perfect role today is different from the one that I did yesterday," she told Moviefone Minute at 'The Losers' premiere. "As an artist, I owe it to myself to remain neutral, and not box myself in any category. ... I mean, if they want me to play in a Jane Austen movie next, guess what? I'll do it ... I don't give a s**t."

Love the Earth -- or Else! 10 Films That'll Scare You Into Environmentalism

Anna Dimond — 2010-04-22T11:00:00+00:00

Earth Day arrives only once a year, but Hollywood has a way of reminding us to care for our planet far more often. While some stars prefer to take their environmental efforts off-screen, crusading behind the scenes in high-level diplomatic meetings (see: Leonardo DiCaprio), others take their crusades on the road, hiking big mountains (Jessica Biel, Emile Hirsch) or staging sit-ins (Darryl Hannah) to make a point.

Despite the feel-good activism and high-profile efforts, ultimately, Hollywood knows that it's not altruism that spurs love for one's planet -- it's mortal fear. With that in mind, Moviefone is celebrating Earth Day by highlighting the films that make the scariest cases for taking care of our home turf while we still have a chance. We've rounded up 10 films that not-so-subtly demand we save the planet. Earth Day arrives only once a year, but Hollywood has a way of reminding us to care for our planet far more often. While some stars prefer to take their environmental efforts off-screen, crusading behind the scenes in high-level diplomatic meetings (see: Leonardo DiCaprio), others take their crusades on the road, hiking big mountains (Jessica Biel, Emile Hirsch) or staging sit-ins (Darryl Hannah) to make a point.

Despite the feel-good activism and high-profile efforts, ultimately, Hollywood knows that it's not altruism that spurs love for one's planet -- it's mortal fear. With that in mind, Moviefone is celebrating Earth Day by highlighting the films that make the scariest cases for taking care of our home turf while we still have a chance. We've rounded up 10 films that not-so-subtly demand we save the planet.

'2012' (2009)
If only we had listened to the Mayans, maybe no one would have had to die. In this particular edition of director Roland Emmerich's apocalypse, the ancients' prediction of global demise comes true, and solar flares have heated up the earth's core enough to set off major earthquakes and tidal waves that threaten to wipe out civilization. Positing that only a man with brains, wit and a background in romantic teen movies might have the will to survive, '2012' stars John Cusack as Jackson Curtis, aka the one guy who might make it.

'An Inconvenient Truth' (2006)
Former veep Al Gore's documentary on the planet's swift demise is perhaps the most terrifying film ever made about the consequences of global warming. The movie brings Gore's traveling roadshow on the topic to the big screen, wielding facts as the ultimate scare tactic and boiling the subject down to digestible bites for the general public. Graphic comparisons -- such as the difference in snow cover on Mt. Kilimanjaro over the years, and just what might happen to Manhattan when the ice caps melt (can you guess?) -- show what's at stake in glaringly obvious terms. There are likely many reasons why 'An Inconvenient Truth' won an Oscar in 2007 -- but one may lie in the film's telling tag-line: "Nothing is scarier ... than the truth."

'Avatar' (2009)
James Cameron scored box-office gold with his 3-D triumph, but Mother Earth won big, too. The film follows paraplegic ex-marine Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) to the planet Pandora, where a giant corporation is destroying native Na'vi land to mine for a valuable ore. Kicking it with the Na'vi in his avatar suit, he gets schooled in local culture initially as a diplomatic mission to befriend the natives so his employers can dig up their village to get the goods. But as Jake abandons the nature-hating agenda for his own race in favor of the sacred Na'vi land, his choice is clear -- and so is the movie's message.

'FernGully: The Last Rainforest' (1992)
Sure, 'Avatar's' Na'vi may have made 'FernGully's' little fairies seem like insignificant ants, but this rainforest needed saving before the story of Pandora earned a dime. It's sad that the kids for whom this cautionary tale was designed are now probably grown-up polluters, but you can't blame the cartoon for trying. It might be a little sadder, though, that the careers of the stars who voiced the fairies -- Jonathan Ward voices Zak/proto-Jake Sully, while Samantha Mathis voices Chrysta/proto-Leytiri -- haven't fared much better than Mother Earth. Still, Zak's arrival among the forest creatures allows for an important lesson for would-be nature-haters, no matter how old they are.

'The Book of Eli' (2010)
It's never explicitly mentioned how the earth was destroyed and the ozone became non-existent, but the general wasteland of a planet and dissolution of civilization is tacitly blamed on humanity, as punishment for a society gone astray. Denzel Washington plays the titular hero, who's on a quest across America to protect a book that holds the secret to saving humanity, but has a lot sword-fighting to do on the way. In this new reality, the sun's strength requires constant use of sunglasses and water is a prized commodity, so much so that its scarcity has turned people into aggressive grifters quick to kill each other for survival. With a color palette of grays and browns, a desolate, lawless landscape and Eli's tisk-tisk 'tude toward his fellow humans, 'Book' points a finger at us with a message that's loud and clear.

'Terminator: Salvation' (2009)
Machines are such a drag, and it's our fault for building them. At least, that's the ostensible undercurrent of McG's take on the post-apocalyptic chapter in the 'Terminator' franchise. Christian Bale stars as John Connor -- namely, humanity's only hope -- who leads the effort to fight back against the evil Skynet, which vows to finish off civilization with more nukes. By this point, in 2018, global warming concerns are irrelevant because everyone will probably die anyway. Don't even bother recycling, or buying a Prius, or using less water while brushing your teeth: Our quest for technology will render us the instruments of our own demise, and Bale will be the only one who can help.

'The Day After Tomorrow' (2004)
Doomsday-pro Roland Emmerich directs this cautionary tale about what will happen when the greenhouse effect gets the best of us (hint: everyone dies). Emmerich's grandiose vision unfolds unfolds one disaster at a time and includes all manner of natural hazards, from floods to earthquakes and hurricanes to tidal waves. Dennis Quaid plays the climatologist who tries to warn everyone with heart-stopping statements like, "If we don't act now, it's going to be too late," and becomes one of the few survivors at the dawn of a new ice age. The message is twofold: Scientists know what they're talking about, and stocking up on Gore-Tex might not be a bad idea.

'The Happening' (2008)
(Spoiler Alert!) Planet Earth strikes back in M. Night Shyamalan's critically-reviled tale about a family that flees natural disaster -- only to learn that flowers are finally taking revenge on their human enemies. Mark Wahlberg works his eyebrows to the max as Elliot Moore, a science teacher who can't seem to get his class to care that bees are disappearing mysteriously. Those kids care soon enough, though, once the blight spreads to humans as affliction that causes them to seize up and kill themselves. As all of the U.S. goes on terror alert, Elliot and his family flee for safety, and eventually realize that they are under a plant attack. The moral here is obvious, even if the casting isn't.

'The Road' (2009)
Human mistakes strike again in this adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's eponymous, Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Viggo Mortensen plays a father battling his way across a ravaged, post-apocalyptic America with his son in tow on a quest to find civilization amid cannibalistic gangs and general civil unrest. While the cataclysm in question doesn't get much discussion, McCarthy has been lauded by the media and experts, one of whom said that the movie's source material "could be the most important environmental book ever." Who needs science to spur action when an ugly landscape, dearth of food and the threat of marauding cannibals can say it all?

'Waterworld' (1995)
Poor Kevin Costner. Long before James Cameron had his global blockbuster triumph, the actor starred in and co-produced this gargantuan box-office failure of a cautionary tale. The film is set in the future, after the polar ice caps have melted and "Dryland" is merely an abstract concept -- conceived here as a dubious legend that leads Costner's character, a bad-ass mariner, to set sail with a hopeful pair of ladies to find their Mecca. Just in case the tropical, seafaring future sounds less than catastrophic, 'Waterworld' drives home the fear by giving humans gills and other creepy genetic mutations for this new environmental reality in which solid ground is a thing of the past.

Celebrate Earth Day With 'Human Footprint' and More Free Docs from Snag Films

10 Life Lessons Learned From Nicholas Sparks Movies

Anna Dimond — 2010-04-01T15:00:00+00:00

'The Last Song' opens this week, ready to wreak emotional devastation on viewers with a dramatic story, gilded summer romance and a heartbreaking plot twist that won't leave a dry eye in the theater.

Miley Cyrus stars as Ronnie Miller, a rage-filled teen sent from New York to spend the summer with her estranged father on the North Carolina coast. Within minutes of landing, she meets a dashing local named Will (Liam Hemsworth), who uses his dimples and wit to crack her tough exterior and win her over. For Cyrus, 'The Last Song' marks a departure from her role as Disney's 'Hannah Montana,' the juggernaut that has helped her build a massive tween fan base.

For the rest of us, the film is the latest intended tearjerker from popular tear-jerking author Nicholas Spark. Though here the project began with a screenplay (one Sparks wrote specifically with Cyrus in mind) that will be adapted to a novel, it's usually vice versa, with books-turned-movies like 'A Walk to Remember,' 'The Notebook' and, most recently, 'Dear John.' 'The Last Song' opens this week, ready to wreak emotional devastation on viewers with a dramatic story, gilded summer romance and a heartbreaking plot twist that won't leave a dry eye in the theater.

Miley Cyrus stars as Ronnie Miller, a rage-filled teen sent from New York to spend the summer with her estranged father on the North Carolina coast. Within minutes of landing, she meets a dashing local named Will (Liam Hemsworth), who uses his dimples and wit to crack her tough exterior and win her over. For Cyrus, 'The Last Song' marks a departure from her role as Disney's 'Hannah Montana,' the juggernaut that has helped her build a massive tween fan base.

For the rest of us, the film is the latest intended tearjerker from popular tear-jerking author Nicholas Spark. Though here the project began with a screenplay (one Sparks wrote specifically with Cyrus in mind) that will be adapted to a novel, it's usually vice versa, with books-turned-movies like 'A Walk to Remember,' 'The Notebook' and, most recently, 'Dear John.'

While each film has its own unique set of characters and conflicts, the similarities are impossible to ignore. Here's what we've learned from Sparks' films, sacrificing tear ducts, tissues and dignity in the name of learning about love. (Warning: Spoilers below.)

1. Falling in love only happens at the beach.
Forget finding love anywhere but on a stretch of sand with a hot sun overhead and wind in your hair. Sure, other locations might be pretty -- but meeting cuties only happens in one place.
'The Last Song': Will literally bumps into Ronnie during his volleyball game, spilling a milkshake all over her. But that's cool, because it's hot out.
'Dear John': Romance begins when John (Channing Tatum) dives off a pier to retrieve Savannah's (Amanda Seyfried) purse, kicking off an epic love that knows no bounds.
'Message In a Bottle': Theresa (Robin Wright Penn) begins to sweat Garrett (Kevin Costner) when she finds his soul-baring love letter in a bottle that washes up on -- where else? -- a beach on the East Coast.
'Nights in Rodanthe': The North Carolina shore again breeds romance for lovers of a certain age, when Dr. Paul (Richard Gere) checks in at a beach-side guest house and meets Adrienne (Diane Lane).
'The Notebook': Two crazy kids (Ryan Gosling plays Noah, Rachel McAdams plays Allie) meet at a seaside pier and play out their love all summer long -- which includes one head-scratching moment in the waves when Allie insists that Noah says she's a bird.

2. Real men have seaside hobbies.
Let's face it. Nothing says sex appeal like a brawny, outdoors hobby that requires courage, biceps and skill.
'The Last Song': Will's tan skin and rippling muscles were carved on the sand during his intense volleyball games. Plus, he does some Scuba-diving on the side.
'Dear John': John's the only surfer tough enough to win Savannah's heart.
'The Notebook': Noah's a quieter type, and therefore, his penchant for row boats is perfectly appropriate.
'Nights in Rodanthe': Isn't being a doctor enough? Just in case, Dr. Paul does enjoy long runs on the beach.
'Message In a Bottle': Garrett is a boat builder who knows how to woo his lady with a boom.

3. It takes a village for love to work.
Love doesn't happen in a vacuum. If your honey isn't fit to take home to mom (and in Sparks' world, they rarely are), be prepared to go to the mat.
'The Last Song' and 'The Notebook': Class differences seem insurmountable. Allie's mom is so worried about her working-class BF that she hides his letters for years, until her daughter moves on to an upper-class suitor. Will's blue-blood mom has so much contempt for Ronnie that she shames her at the dinner table. Luckily for both, the mothers come around (eventually).
'A Walk to Remember': Bad-boy Landon (Shane West) must not only prove his devotion to win over Jamie (Mandy Moore), but also convince her devout father to let him take her to dinner.
'Nights in Rodanthe' and 'Message In a Bottle': Everything gets better when Adrienne can get her crush on without family responsibilities, while the real grist of 'Message' can't take off without forgiveness from the ex-in-laws.

4. Writing letters trumps texting.
From online dating to "sexting," electronic communication has taken over modern love. But for Nicholas Sparks, there's no substitute for hand-written epistles.
'The Last Song': Ronnie's dad wrote her months before she opens a single letter. When tragedy strikes, the writings help thaw things between them and fill in blanks for the grief-stricken teen.
'Dear John': Letters are the fuel on the flames of love for Savannah and John, who writes her letters for a year when he's deployed overseas.
'Message in a Bottle': Theresa is so smitten by letters (albeit typed by machine) that she falls for Garrett even when his notes are addressed to someone else.
'Nights in Rodanthe': Adrienne, meanwhile, is a modern woman, but when Dr. Paul starts writing, there's no turning back.
'A Walk to Remember': The young lovers don't waste much time with the writing arts, but hand-written notes by Jamie's late mother become a cherished keepsake between them.

5. Kisses make women docile.
Even the most stubborn of women will stop resisting love under the influence of a passionate kiss.
'The Last Song': Ronnie's throwing a tantrum and trying to kick Will out when he plants a wet one on her. Voila! She stops talking and the fight's over.
'A Walk to Remember': Jamie warns Landon not to fall in love with her. So when he finally kisses her and professes his affection, she goes silent for so long that he says, "Now would be the time to say something."
'The Notebook': Noah and Allie's rain-soaked kiss is so powerful that not only does it woo Allie back to the bedroom, but it became the image for the movie's poster.
'Nights in Rodanthe': After bickering all afternoon, Paul gets a little help from a hurricane to make his move. As soon as their lips meet, animosity melts away.

6. Resort-town locals mean trouble.
Impassioned lovers may feel like they're in their own world -- but they're not. In the seaside towns of Nicholas Sparks stories, locals are always lurking with a nasty rumor or a punch to the gut.
'The Last Song': One local causes damage to both property and reputation. Another, and more pugnacious resident, ruins Ronnie and Will's big romantic wedding moment.
'A Walk to Remember': Landon's ex and his whole bad-boy crew threaten to destroy everything he's building with his new love, Jamie. Punches are thrown and feelings get hurt, but Landon's already above it.
'Message In a Bottle': For Garrett the punch-throwing locals are his family. The former in-laws are still hurling blame about his ex's death, and Garrett can't help but fight back.
'Nights in Rodanthe': Conflict with a local brings Dr. P to Rodanthe, but his defensive stance is useless against salt of the earth.
'Dear John': Even the titular hunk -- who's more gentle giant than aggressive thug -- lets loose when the local boys provoke him.

7. Parents know best (especially Dads).
There's a lot of parent-child conflict in the canon of Nicholas Sparks. But once the deep-seated issues are settled, chances are mom or dad has a lot of wisdom to offer -- so listen up.
'The Last Song': Once Ronnie loses her angsty teen act, she and her dad Steve (Greg Kinnear) can finally make amends and behave like family. Steve's so thrilled when she finally seeks out his advice that he can only stammer, "Crazy ... is. Love."
'The Notebook': Allie's sourpuss mom finally comes around when her daughter's on the cusp of deciding between her working-class love and her stud of a bread-winning fiancé. At the 11th hour, though mom has a surprise. "I don't want you to wake up one morning wondering if you'd known everything, you might have done something different," she warns.
'A Walk to Remember': Poor Landon Carter doesn't get much guidance from either his single mom or wealthy, estranged dad. Luckily, the reverend father of his object of affection has a few choice words. "You think on Sundays I don't see you from where I stand," he says. "But I see you."
'Message In a Bottle': In a classic Sparksian moment between father and son, Garrett's dad (Paul Newman) calls him out on his romance bluff. "Now you choose," he says. "Between yesterday and tomorrow. Pick one. Stick with it, and I will shut up."

8. Distance makes the heart grow fonder.
It's nice when your soulmate lives around the corner, but that would drain a lot of the romance form the relationship. Distance only brings Sparks' couples together.
'The Last Song': Will goes to college hundreds of miles away, but the space gives Ronnie time to mature, and Will a chance to fill out his transfer forms.
'Dear John': It's possible that if John didn't deploy and stuck around after summer, things would've fizzled. Instead, he and Savs write letters for a year (see above), building intimacy from afar.
'The Notebook': Allie's in New York and Noah's down South, but that doesn't change a thing. Years of separation let Noah make good on a long-ago promise, while has a real choice between her roots or her real love.
'Nights in Rodanthe': Paul's trip to Ecuador sets the stage for intense yearning until he and Adrienne can start their lives together.

9. Nature and the Arts are aphrodisiacs.
Those ancient Greeks knew what was up, and so does Nicholas Sparks.
'The Last Song': Playing piano not only connects the gifted Ronnie to her composer dad, but it lets her score points with Will when the chips are down. As if music wasn't enough, the young lovers also bond over their mutual affection for baby sea turtles.
'Message in a Bottle': Garrett's hanging on to the paintings his wife made before her death. It's a little creepy, but the canvasses offer Theresa a window into the woman he loved, and later serve as an olive branch amid family strife.
'Dear John': John and Savs have a moment on the beach when John holds his thumb out to the full moon, and explains that it's never bigger than your thumb no matter where you are in the world. Savannah plays guitar.
'Nights in Rodanthe': North Carolina's Outer Banks are home to wild horses, which become a powerful symbol for love and catharsis.
'A Walk to Remember': Singing, astronomy, piano -- Jamie can do it all, and boy does it wow Landon, even if he won't admit it for the first 40 minutes.

10. The people we love tend to die.
It's no secret that people kick the proverbial bucket. But for a proper, epic romance, loved ones drop like flies -- no matter how old or how young, because true redemption can only be found after great loss.
'The Last Song': Someone has had cancer all along... and only spills the beans toward the very end.
'A Walk to Remember': See above.
'Message In a Bottle': A heroic gesture goes south -- all the way to the bottom of the sea.
'The Notebook': Death here is bittersweet, age appropriate and a fitting (if totally unrealistic) end to a lifelong romance.
'Nights in Rodanthe': Heroism is again punished by natural disaster, leaving nothing else to do but sob, mourn and move on until the next Sparks movie is released.

Diablo Cody and 'Juno' Team Reunite for 'Young Adult'

Anna Dimond — 2010-03-24T19:43:00+00:00

Just when 'Juno' seemed like a distant Oscar memory, Diablo Cody is reuniting with the movie's team for a new film called 'Young Adult.'

Cody won an Oscar for the quirky 'Juno' screenplay in 2008, becoming an indie darling as an unknown writer with an edgy backstory and a first film that grossed $227 million after Fox Searchlight released it in 2007. Mandate Pictures will be drawing on the same talent pool for Cody's new project, with Mason Novick, Cody and Lianne Halfon and Russell Smith producing, and Mandate president Nathan Kahane and John Malkovich executive producing, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Just when 'Juno' seemed like a distant Oscar memory, Diablo Cody is reuniting with the movie's team for a new film called 'Young Adult.'

Cody won an Oscar for the quirky 'Juno' screenplay in 2008, becoming an indie darling as an unknown writer with an edgy backstory and a first film that grossed $227 million after Fox Searchlight released it in 2007. Mandate Pictures will be drawing on the same talent pool for Cody's new project, with Mason Novick, Cody and Lianne Halfon and Russell Smith producing, and Mandate president Nathan Kahane and John Malkovich executive producing, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

While 'Juno' is the story of a precocious teen who has an unplanned pregnancy, 'Young Adult' will look at, predictably, more adult issues. The film will follow a divorced, thirtysomething fiction writer who goes back to her hometown to find the proverbial ex-boyfriend who got away. The only problem? The ex is now married with a child.

For Cody, who has also been writing for the small screen on Showtime's 'United States of Tara,' 'Young Adult' is the latest in her burgeoning slate of projects. Currently, she's set to adapt the 'Sweet Valley High' books for Universal and is developing a new version of 'The Taming of the Shrew' for Paramount. Cody's last movie project was the teen horror satire 'Jennifer's Body,' starring Amanda Seyfried and Megan Fox.

While Cody's clearly had success as a solo act since her Oscar win, fans will have to wait a little longer to see if Team 'Juno' can recreate the magic that started it all.

SXSW Film Preview: Hot Festival Picks

Anna Dimond — 2010-03-10T21:47:00+00:00

Friday, hordes will descend upon Austin, Texas, for the city's annual SXSW (South by Southwest) interactive conference and cultural festival. And while music has long been the big attraction, the event has also become a magnet for myriad movie premieres and screenings, for films large and small.

This year, SXSW's film portion runs March 12-20, and features movies from a host of categories, including headliners, spotlight premieres, films from the Lone Star state, the controversial midnighters (which tend to feature adult-themed topics) and a range of shorts, from live-action to animation. While there are dozens of films making their public debuts at SXSW, here's 12 of our favorites to keep an eye on. Friday, hordes will descend upon Austin, Texas, for the city's annual SXSW (South by Southwest) interactive conference and cultural festival. And while music has long been the big attraction, the event has also become a magnet for myriad movie premieres and screenings, for films large and small.

This year, SXSW's film portion runs March 12-20, and features movies from a host of categories, including headliners, spotlight premieres, films from the Lone Star state, the controversial midnighters (which tend to feature adult-themed topics) and a range of shorts, from live-action to animation. While there are dozens of films making their public debuts at SXSW, here's 12 of our favorites to keep an eye on.

'Barry Munday'
Patrick Wilson plays Barry Munday, an average guy with an above-average interest in scoring with the ladies. His hobby is going pretty well, until the day when he loses his testicles. Just as he thinks he'll never find happiness again, a woman he can't remember sleeping with slaps him with a paternity suit. Instead of dismissing her shocking claim, he embraces his surprise chance at fatherhood, with hilarious and touching results.
Director and Screenwriter: Chris D'Arienzo
Cast: Patrick Wilson, Judy Greer, Chloë Sevigny, Jean Smart, Malcolm McDowell, Cybill Shepherd, Billy Dee Williams
World Premiere: Sat., March 13, 1:30PM at The Paramount

'Bear Nation'
Kevin Smith co-produced this new documentary, which explores the meaning of community and acceptance through the experiences of gay men who identify as bears. For the unfamiliar, bears are gay males on the heftier side, often sporting beards or facial hair and embracing masculine aesthetics. 'Bear Nation' looks at how the emergence of this sub-culture has ruffled feathers within the gay community, as well as how it has created new avenues for identity and perspective.
Screenwriter: Malcolm Ingram
Producers: Kevin Smith & Nhaelan McMillan
World Premiere: Sun., March 14, 9:30PM at G-Tech

'Beyond Ipanema'
Why are DJs keeping Bossa Nova on heavy rotation, 50 years after its creation? What draws modern music artists to the Tropicalia movement, no matter how divergent their own music may be from the Brazilian sound? 'Beyond Ipanema' explores the roots of Brazil's beats and looks at how it's become intertwined with modern culture, from the work of world-famous musicians like David Byrne and M.I.A. to a public school in Harlem. With vibrant concert clips and an exciting soundtrack, the documentary brings a little taste of Brazil to American audiences.
Screenwriters and Producers: Guto Barra & Beco Dranoff
Cast: David Byrne, Caetano Veloso, Os Mutantes, Gilberto Gil, Devendra Banhart, MIA, Tom Z, Seu Jorge, Bebel Gilberto
Screening: Thu., March 18, 9:30PM at Alamo Ritz 1

'Dirty Pictures''
'Dirty Pictures' offers a glimpse at Dr. Alexander "Sasha" Shulgin, a chemist known as "The Godfather of Psychedelics" for his discovery of the effects of MDMA (Ecstasy), as well as more than 200 other drugs that affect the mind. Shulgin did most of his research at a home lab where he and his wife Ann served as test subjects, co-writing books that have been part of the foundation of neurological research. The documentary takes viewers inside their world, examining their quest to learn about the human mind, and the controversy surrounding their work.
Director and Producer: Etienne Sauret
Cast: Dr. Alexander "Sasha" Shulgin, Ann Shulgin, Dr. William Fantegrossi, Dr. Roland Griffiths, Dr. David Nichols
World Premiere: Sat., March 13, 9:30PM at G-Tech

'Elektra Luxx'
In this sequel to his recent film 'Women in Trouble,' writer and director Sebastian Gutierrez brings us a follow-up to his Almodovar-esque portrait of women in chaos. In 'Elektra Luxx,' the eponymous ex-porn superstar is pregnant and retired, as she tries to segue to the straight life teaching sex classes for housewives. But when a woman from her past appears with a big favor in mind, everything unravels as romantic partners, a private investigator and the Virgin Mary all conspire to make Elektra confront herself and her decisions in surprising ways. Starring a handful of beautiful ladies from film and TV, 'Elektra Luxx' promises both amusement and healthy aesthetics.
Director and Screenwriter: Sebastian Gutierrez
Cast: Carla Gugino, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Timothy Olyphant, Malin Akerman, Adrianne Palicki
World Premiere: Sun., March 14, 9:30PM at The Paramount

'Iron Crows'
In the small port town of Chittagong, Bangladesh, more than 20,000 people risk their lives daily to dismantle old ships for about two dollars a day. An average of 20 people die there each year thanks to a dangerous industrial environment. 'Iron Crows' explores their lives, revealing why workers would flock to Chittagong, and what keeps them there.
Director: Bong-Nam Park
Cast: Belal, Rufik, Ekramul
North American Premiere: Mon., March 14, 4PM at the Hideout

'Kick-Ass'
Funny, offbeat and unabashed, 'Kick-Ass' is the story of comic-book fanboy Dave Lizewski, who decides to transform himself into a superhero. Donning a cape and adopting a hero's sense of justice, Dave's humdrum teenage life quickly changes as his capers begin to catch media attention -- and inspire a handful of copy-cat heroes who follow his lead.
Director: Matthew Vaughn
Screenwriters: Jane Goldman and Matthew Vaughn
Cast: Aaron Johnson, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Mark Strong, Chloë Grace Moretz, Nicolas Cage.
World Premiere: Fri., March 12, 7PM at The Paramount

'Leaves of Grass'
Hollywood stars collide in this alternately sweet and raucous tale of two brothers with very different life paths. 'Leaves of Grass' is the story of Ivy League classics professor Bill Kincaid (Edward Norton), who leaves his Northeastern ivory tower for his home state of Oklahoma after news that his estranged identical twin, Brady (Edward Norton), has been reported murdered in a pot deal. But when Bill learns that Brady's death was exaggerated, he gets caught up in his brother's world of drug deals and low-grade, Southern thugs -- including a local drug lord (Richard Dreyfuss) who has a long-running beef with Brady.
Director and Screenwriter: Tim Blake Nelson
Cast: Edward Norton, Keri Russell, Tim Blake Nelson, Melanie Lynskey, Richard Dreyfuss, Susan Sarandon
North American Premiere: Fri., March 12, 9:30PM at Alamo Lamar 1

'Le Donk & Scor-zay-zee'
Things can't get much worse for Le Donk. A former rock-band roadie and failed musician, he's also newly single now that his girlfriend has left him. Just when he seems to have hit rock bottom, he decides to turn up-and-coming rapper Scor-zay-zee into a star, and turn his own life around in the process. As the duo sets out on their riotous mission, their hip-hopumentary features comedy and bravery on a raucous ride peppered with rhymes from the U.K.
Director and Screenwriter: Shane Meadows
Cast: Paddy Considine, Dean Palinczuk, Livia Colman
North American Premiere: Tues, March 16, 4:45PM at Alamo Lamar 3

'MacGruber'
The character born from a 'Saturday Night Live' sketch makes his big-screen debut. Will Forte stars as the mullet-sporting, everyman-action hero, putting a high-octane, hapless spin on TV's 1980s hero MacGyver, who fought bad guys with nothing but a little ingenuity and a few household tools.
Director: Jorma Taccone
Screenwriters: Jorma Taccone, Will Forte, John Solomon
Cast: Will Forte, Kristen Wiig, Ryan Phillippe, Powers Boothe, Maya Rudolph and Val Kilmer
World Premiere: Mon., March 15, 9:30PM at The Paramount

'Red, White and Blue'
Director Simon Rumley's latest film is the dark tale of three young adults in Austin whose lives become tragically intertwined. While Rumley's 'The Living and the Dead' (2006) dealt with similar themes of mental isolation and violence, 'Red White and Blue' has a more rock 'n' roll vibe that reflects its setting, with an edgy look that captures urban desperation.
Director and Screenwriter: Simon Rumley
Cast: Noah Taylor, Amanda Fuller, Marc Senter, Lauren Scheider, Jon Michael Davis, Sally Jackson, Nick Ashy Holden, Patrick Crovo, Eryn Brooke, Kevin LaVoie
North American Premiere: Sun., March 14, 9:30PM at Alamo Lamar 1

'Saturday Night'
James Franco may be known for his pretty-boy looks and recent spate of film roles, but in 'Saturday Night,' he steps behind he camera to observe the making of 'Saturday Night Live.' In this documentary, Franco gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of an episode, hosted by John Malkovich.
Director: James Franco
Cast: John Malkovich, James Franco, Bill Hader, Jason Sudeikus, Lorne Michaels, Will Forte, Bobby Moynihan, Steve Higgins, Andy Samberg, Kristen Wiig
World Premiere: Sun., March 14, 7:00PM at Alamo Lamar 1

'Tiny Furniture'
Is there life after college? In 'Tiny Furniture,' director and writer Lena Dunham presents a tragic and funny take on what happens when young adults move home with fresh diplomas and no career prospects in sight. Starring Dunham and her real family, the film follows the misadventures of 22-year-old Aura when she moves to her mother's loft with a film theory degree, a YouTube page, a broken heart and a whole lot of free time.
Director and Screenwriter: Lena Dunham
Cast: Lena Dunham, Laurie Simmons, Grace Dunham, David Call, Alex Karpovsky
World Premiere: Mon., March 15, 2:15PM at Alamo Ritz 1

The Best Romantic Action Films

Anna Dimond — 2010-02-11T23:59:00+00:00

This June, Katherine Heigl and Ashton Kutcher are teaming up for the romantic action film 'Killers' in which they play newlyweds who learn the honeymoon is over when the hitmen show up. Jen Kornfeldt (Heigl) finds the love of her life in Spencer Aimes (Kutcher), the dashing and handsome man of her dreams. But only after they get married does he reveal a big secret from his past: he was once a government super-assassin, who has made many enemies. As Jen tries to learn the truth about his former profession and somehow settle into domestic bliss with her husband, mysterious figures from Spencer's past come to collect a multi-million dollar price on his head. And to make matters worse, they still have to entertain the in-laws.

Heigl and Kutcher certainly aren't the first cinematic couple to get a little of both kinds of action, so to speak. To warm up for their arrival, we present the best romantic action films that came before them. This June, Katherine Heigl and Ashton Kutcher are teaming up for the romantic action film 'Killers' in which they play newlyweds who learn the honeymoon is over when the hitmen show up. Jen Kornfeldt (Heigl) finds the love of her life in Spencer Aimes (Kutcher), the dashing and handsome man of her dreams. But only after they get married does he reveal a big secret from his past: he was once a government super-assassin, who has made many enemies. As Jen tries to learn the truth about his former profession and somehow settle into domestic bliss with her husband, mysterious figures from Spencer's past come to collect a multi-million dollar price on his head. And to make matters worse, they still have to entertain the in-laws.

Heigl and Kutcher certainly aren't the first cinematic couple to get a little of both kinds of action, so to speak. To warm up for their arrival, we present the best romantic action films that came before them.

'Jewel of the Nile' (1985)
In this follow-up to 'Romancing the Stone' (see below), Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner return as Jack and Joan, now officially an item and traveling the world together. 'Jewel' had nearly the same box-office success as 'Stone,' but critics weren't as enthused as fans. While neither Douglas nor Turner was thrilled to make a sequel, they were contractually obligated to do so -- and still had enough chemistry to make 'Jewel' a fun desert romp in its own right.

'The Spy Who Loved Me' (1977)
... or any James Bond movie, really. 007's appeal stems largely from his capacity for romance in the most dangerous of situations. The movie runs counter to Bond's typical love 'em and leave 'em routine, with Barbara Bach starring as Anya "Triple-X" Amasova, a sultry Russian secret agent who must join forces with 007 (Roger Moore) to fight the baddies. Among them is the infamous, aptly named Jaws (Richard Kiel), a gigantic man with metal teeth and a grumpy disposition. Between Anya's ability to kick ass and Bond's ultra-suave charms, 'The Spy Who Loved Me' is packed with subtle wit and charm.

'Speed' (1994)
Before Sandra Bullock was a twinkle in the Academy's eye, she played Annie Porter, who found romance with a hot-shot LA bomb squad specialist (Keanu Reeves) while trying to keep a city bus from blowing up. Sixteen years after it arrived on the big screen, 'Speed' still feels fast-paced, and remains what could arguably be called Bullock and Reeves' best movie ever.

'The Bourne Identity' (2002)
With Matt Damon as amnesiac assassin Jason Bourne, this first film in the franchise not only won Damon accolades, but also laid the foundation for the blockbuster film series based on Robert Ludlum's bestselling novels. In 'Identity,' Jason is pulled from the Mediterranean with no memory of who he is. As he begins to connect the dots of his perilous situation (being on the run from the CIA and all), he meets a pretty gypsy named Marie (Franka Potente), whom he pays for a ride to Paris -- aka the most romantic city on Earth. It's no wonder, then, that Jason and Marie get hot and heavy as the bullets fly and intrigue mounts. The Bourne trilogy was successful for a reason, and this movie is still the slick, seductive ride that it was when it first arrived in theaters.

'True Romance' (1993)
Christian Slater's performance as an awkward-guy-turned-murder-accomplice-on-the-run gives viewers a glimpse not only at his under-appreciated acting, but also at the brilliance of Quentin Tarantino's writing, just a year before the release of 'Pulp Fiction.' Slater plays Clarence Worley, whose life changes dramatically when he falls for a prostitute named Alabama (Patricia Arquette) and accidentally steals a suitcase full of cocaine (oops!). Naturally, the two take the drugs and run -- but not without mobsters on their trail, led by an especially scary-looking Christopher Walken. Arquette and Slater are believable as a hapless pair who may not be the sharpest knives in the drawer, but have a romance so hot that it feels like nothing can touch them -- not even the law.

'Romancing the Stone' (1984)
When romance writer Joan Wilder (Kathleen Turner) heads to Colombia to save her kidnapped sister, she finds herself on a dangerous hunt for hidden treasure, armed with nothing but her sister's map and a squeamish sensibility. Luckily, bad-boy Jack Colton (Michael Douglas) swoops in under a hail of bullets to guide her ... in more ways than one. Sure, Joan wishes Jack would be more of a gentleman, and Jack probably wishes she would stop talking, but who can resist a little romance in the jungle? Apparently, Fox couldn't: The studio released a sequel the following year.

'The African Queen' (1951)
Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn play the mismatched lovers in this classic from John Huston. Bogart is Charlie Allnut, boozy captain of the titular steamer ship, while Hepburn is Rose Sayer, an upstanding missionary's ~~wife~~ sister living in an East African village during the first World War. Their paths collide in proper fashion when the Germans invade and Charlie offers to take Rose to safer environs. Their nasty animosity aboard soon transforms into romance, as they not only strive for survival on treacherous waters, but also lay the foundation for future on-screen couples who find love during war.

'True Lies' (1994)
Long before the planet Pandora was even a fictional blip in the universe, James Cameron directed this story of a man who lives a double life as a spy. Arnold Schwarzenegger plays agent Harry Tasker, who sends a few of colleagues to kidnap his wife's (Jamie Lee Curtis) lover. Suddenly, it's clear that he's not really a boring computer salesman, and his wife gets a taste of the adventure she's been missing. 'True Lies' is an adventure for viewers, too, despite the fact that Curtis and Schwarzenegger are somewhat less than convincing as a couple.

'North by Northwest' (1959)
Cary Grant lends his glamor to Alfred Hitchcock's story of survival as Roger Thornhill, a New York City ad exec who's mistaken for a government agent by foreign spies. As he sets out to find the real man behind his nightmare and clear his name, the beautiful Eve Kendall (Eva Marie Saint) comes to his aid, but she may not be everything that she appears. Before high-tech effects ruled the action genre, Hitchcock proved that romance and action are possible, even without green screens.

'Mr. and Mrs. Smith' (2005)
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie began their tabloid-fueled romance on the set of this film, playing a husband and wife who both lead double lives as top-secret assassins. After years of spy intrigue and near-death experiences, their covers are finally revealed to one another when they are both sent to take out the same target. They must figure out who set them up before they turn on each other. The real-life romantic tension between Jolie and Pitt was so evident that it makes this film even hotter.

Who Is Kathryn Bigelow? An Oscars Primer

Anna Dimond — 2010-02-01T08:00:00+00:00

Director Kathryn Bigelow has been a top contender at every major awards event in 2010 for her gripping war drama 'The Hurt Locker,' most recently winning the top prize at the Directors Guild of America awards. And though 'The Hurt Locker' lost out to 'Avatar' -- directed by Bigelow's ex-husband, James Cameron -- for best picture at the Golden Globes, both the film and Bigelow herself are considered strong Oscars candidates.

Bigelow has a following among cinephiles, but her name may not carry the same resonance as that of her awards-season competition. As Oscar nominations draw closer (Anne Hathaway is announcing them Feb. 2), here's a handy primer on the woman who could be racking up the Academy's biggest honors. Director Kathryn Bigelow has been a top contender at every major awards event in 2010 for her gripping war drama 'The Hurt Locker,' most recently winning the top prize at the Directors Guild of America awards. And though 'The Hurt Locker' lost out to 'Avatar' -- directed by Bigelow's ex-husband, James Cameron -- for best picture at the Golden Globes, both the film and Bigelow herself are considered strong Oscars candidates.

Bigelow has a following among cinephiles, but her name may not carry the same resonance as that of her awards-season competition. As Oscar nominations draw closer (Anne Hathaway is announcing them Feb. 2), here's a handy primer on the woman who could be racking up the Academy's biggest honors.

'THE HURT LOCKER'
Shot on location in Jordan, 'The Hurt Locker' is based on writer Mark Boal's experiences in the Iraq war when he was embedded with an Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team. The film follows elite army bomb squad specialists Staff Sgt. William James (Jeremy Renner), Sgt. JT Sanborn (Anthony Mackie) and Specialist Owen Eldridge (Brian Geraghty) on their day-to-day missions to find and destroy IEDs (improvised explosive devices) in Baghdad.

When Sgt. James assumes command, his seemingly reckless approach ignites tempers among the team and underscores his absolute responsibility for their lives. Central to 'The Hurt Locker''s power is that it presents not only a raw and scary picture of a war without rules, but also a psychological profile of the soldiers who choose to fight it. In contrast to many war films, 'The Hurt Locker' depicts its fighters not as heroes, but simply as men -- albeit men driven to masochism.

Though the film, which was released in June 2009, had modest box office returns compared to, say, 'Avatar,' it won Best Picture awards from such prominent organizations as the New York Film Critics Circle and and the National Society of Film Critics. Buy or rent 'The Hurt Locker' DVD

'The Hurt Locker' Trailer

WHY YOU SHOULD CARE ABOUT BIGELOW
She may not have won over the Hollywood foreign press at the Globes, but Kathryn Bigelow has been cleaning up across town with a bevy of other awards, including producer of the year from the Producers Guild of America (a prize she shared with her three co-producers) and a long list of best-director honors from national and international critics, such as the New York Film Critic Circle, the National Society of Film Critics, the Broadcast Film Critics Association and, most recently, the Directors Guild of America.

Her DGA win for outstanding directorial achievement holds special significance because in early January she became only the seventh woman to be nominated in the DGA category; on Sunday she became the first woman ever to win (and yes, it's still 2010). Winning the award also bodes well for her best-director chances at the Oscars: According to the Wall Street Journal, only six directors in the DGA's 61-year history have failed to repeat their win at the Academy Awards.

EARLY YEARS
Kathryn Ann Bigelow was born in San Carlos, CA, in 1951, to a paint factory manager and a librarian. She was a painter before she became a filmmaker, moving to New York for a fellowship at the Whitney Museum, and getting hip to the downtown art scene. She soon fell in love with film, and earned a master's degree in film criticism at Columbia University, where renowned critic Susan Sontag was one of her professors.

BETWEEN THE LINES (AKA: THE DIRT)
Bigelow was married to director James Cameron (that guy who made 'Avatar') from 1989 to 1991. Four years later, the two worked together on 'Strange Days,' a tech-driven drama which Cameron wrote and Bigelow directed. The film got a mixed reaction from critics, but Roger Ebert was one of the film's big fans, writing this prescient line: "Bigelow is able to exploit the idea of what is happening; she forces her audience to deal with the screen reality, instead of allowing us to process it as routine 'action.'"

FILMS AND MOTIFS
Prior to the release of 'The Hurt Locker' last year, Bigelow was largely known for directing the cult favorite 'Point Break.' The 1991 drama starred Patrick Swayze as Bodhi, a surfer/bank-robber, and Keanu Reeves as undercover FBI agent Johnny Utah. The film (and its campy dialogue and performances) inspired the traveling stage show 'Point Break Live!,' which casts Reeves' character with an audience member and feeds them cue cards to deliver their lines.

'Point Break Live!'

Long before she got gnarly with the surfers, Bigelow began her career with the short student film 'The Set Up,' which she made during her Columbia days. Her film was designed to deconstruct violence in film, and, according to IMDB, explore "why violence in cinematic form is so seductive." This exploration has seduced Bigelow for nearly all of her films, in one form or another. Academics have parsed her work, steeping it in feminist theories and discussion -- a line of inquiry which the director has dismissed.

"I've spent a fair amount of time thinking about what my aptitude is, and I really think it's to explore and push the medium," Bigelow told Newsweek. "It's not about breaking gender roles or genre traditions."

The substance of Bigelow's films continues to reflect that of her student film several decades ago. Along with 'Point Break,' Bigelow has delved into the dark side of human nature with a range of danger-laden films, including Western-vampire flick 'Near Dark' (1987), which starred 'Heroes''s Adrian Pasdar as the unwitting new member of the clan. A few years later, she directed and again co-wrote 'Blue Steel' (1990), which starred Jamie Lee Curtis as a cop who becomes the object of a killer's obsession.

'Near Dark' Trailer

Several projects later in 2002, Bigelow directed 'K-19: The Widowmaker,' based on a real story about a Russian submarine crew whose vessel malfunctions. Despite boasting marquee-worthy stars Harrison Ford and Liam Neeson, the film tanked at the box office and paved the way for a quiet decade for Bigelow, until 'The Hurt Locker' script was in her hands.

BIGELOW'S STYLE
Bigelow's films tend to hinge on intense action, visceral tension and technical expertise. In 'The Hurt Locker,' for example, she steered clear of what she calls "HMEs" (Hollywood movie explosions), opting instead for the real deal, down to the kind of grey, particulate smoke that blasts create in the desert. Bigelow also approaches subcultures with a deft hand -- from surfers to rap artists and, most recently, 'The Hurt Locker''s bomb squad experts in post-invasion Iraq.

The director recently reflected on her style, telling Newsweek that it was during a double-feature of 'Mean Streets' and 'The Wild Bunch' that she discovered "a more muscular approach to filmmaking" than that to which she'd previously been drawn.

Now, nearly two decades later, exes Cameron and Bigelow are duking it out for some of the season's biggest prizes. Ever the showman, Cameron underscored this commingling of history and competition when he got gushy at the Golden Globes podium about his present (and fifth) wife, Suzy Amis -- who happens to bear a striking resemblance to Bigelow.

Get the full list of Oscar nominations when they're announced Feb. 2.

WGA Nominations 2010: 'Avatar,' 'Hurt Locker' Top Field

Anna Dimond — 2010-01-11T16:45:00+00:00

The Writers Guild of America announced feature film and documentary award nominations Monday, with 'Avatar' and 'The Hurt Locker' nabbing nods for feature film and original screenplay awards.

In the feature film category, the films will go up against 'Up in the Air,' 'Crazy Heart' and 'Precious,' while '(500) Days of Summer,' 'A Serious Man' and 'The Hangover' round out the nominations for original screenplay. 'Up in the Air,' Precious' and 'Crazy Heart' were also nominated in the adapted screenplay category, along with 'Julie & Julia' and 'Star Trek.' The Writers Guild of America announced feature film and documentary award nominations Monday, with 'Avatar' and 'The Hurt Locker' nabbing nods for feature film and original screenplay awards.

In the feature film category, the films will go up against 'Up in the Air,' 'Crazy Heart' and 'Precious,' while '(500) Days of Summer,' 'A Serious Man' and 'The Hangover' round out the nominations for original screenplay. 'Up in the Air,' Precious' and 'Crazy Heart' were also nominated in the adapted screenplay category, along with 'Julie & Julia' and 'Star Trek.'

'Avatar' Trailer

Some of the year's most notable documentaries also scored WGA nominations. 'The Cove,' a thriller-style look at dolphin slaughter in Japan, and 'Good Hair,' Chris Rock's raucous look at the culture of coifs in African-American communities, were among nominees for documentary screenplay. They were joined by 'Against the Tide,' 'Capitalism: A Love Story,' 'Earth Days' and 'Soundtrack for a Revolution.'

In a twist, the WGA imposed stricter qualification rules for eligibility this year, which included a new requirement that all films be officially submitted for consideration. Previously, Writers Guild nominations were early forecasters for Oscar nominations, which are announced Feb. 2. This year's new policies narrowed the playing field, and left critically acclaimed films like 'Inglourious Basterds,' 'An Education' and 'A Single Man' out of the selection pool.

According to The Wrap, a total of just 83 scripts were eligible for WGA consideration this year, versus more than double that in years past. In contrast, there are 259 films eligible for nominations in screenplay categories for this year's Academy Awards.

The Writers Guild of America will hand trophies out in ceremonies in New York and Los Angeles on February 20. In the meantime, film fans can debate the merits of the Guild's new rules -- and whether the narrower playing field skews predictions, or simply makes the betting that much easier.

'The Blind Side': Fact Vs. Fiction

Anna Dimond — 2009-11-23T11:30:00+00:00

'The Blind Side' is a real-life story that was ready-made for Hollywood. The film is adapted from Michael Lewis's 2006 bestseller, 'The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game,' which charts the remarkable path of Baltimore Raven offensive lineman Michael Oher from his teen years living on the streets to his arrival in the NFL. At 16, he crossed paths with the Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy, a wealthy Memphis couple who took him in and eventually adopted him.

Incredibly feel-good and heavy-handedly inspirational, the movie's portrayal of Oher's rescue from homelessness, uphill academic battle at a Christian private school and overnight integration into a white family is glossy. It unfolds virtually without a hiccup, save for a tear here and a momentary dust-up with the NCAA there.

Of course with a story so remarkable, it's only natural to wonder where the facts end and the fiction begins. We take a look at some of the movie's contrasts with real life. 'The Blind Side' is a real-life story that was ready-made for Hollywood. The film is adapted from Michael Lewis's 2006 bestseller, 'The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game,' which charts the remarkable path of Baltimore Raven offensive lineman Michael Oher from his teen years living on the streets to his arrival in the NFL. At 16, he crossed paths with the Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy, a wealthy Memphis couple who took him in and eventually adopted him.

Incredibly feel-good and heavy-handedly inspirational, the movie's portrayal of Oher's rescue from homelessness, uphill academic battle at a Christian private school and overnight integration into a white family is glossy. It unfolds virtually without a hiccup, save for a tear here and a momentary dust-up with the NCAA there.

Of course with a story so remarkable, it's only natural to wonder where the facts end and the fiction begins. We take a look at some of the movie's contrasts with real life.

(SPOILER ALERT!)

REAL PEOPLE VS. ACTORS WHO PLAY THEM
FICTION: First things first: How different does everyone look in the movie? 'The Blind Side' stars Quinton Aaron as Oher, a blond Sandra Bullock and a dimply Tim McGraw as Leigh Anne and Sean, respectively. Pipsqueak Jae Head plays their precocious son S.J. and the perfectly pretty Lily Collins portrays their daughter, Collins.
FACT: Physically speaking, Michael and S.J. are the most strikingly different in real-life (especially S.J., who doesn't look like much of a pipsqueak at all). But you'll have to see the movie to make your own call (as is becoming customary in films based on an inspiring true story, the end credits are accompanied by photos of the real family).

MICHAEL ENROLLS AT BRIARCREST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
FICTION: Despite a nearly non-existent academic record, Briarcrest's football coach appeals to his colleagues' religious beliefs to convince them to admit Michael to the school. At first, the teachers bristle at his blank tests and mute silence, but they eventually discover that Michael isn't stupid, and that he learns best through oral communication. Signal the heart-swelling montage of rising test scores!
FACT: According to Lewis, Briarcrest's coach did lobby his colleagues to accept Michael's application. But the principal didn't let Michael in before insisting on a home-school program for a few months to get his grades up.

SEAN AND MICHAEL'S FIRST ENCOUNTER
FICTION: Sean Tuohy (McGraw) sees Michael collecting discarded bags of popcorn in the stands after one of Collins' volleyball games, and introduces himself. It's their last encounter until the Tuohy's fateful Thanksgiving drive (see below).
FACT: Lewis writes that Sean went back to Briarcrest the next day, and set up a lunch account for Michael to make sure he had something to eat.

THE TUOHYS AND MICHAEL MEET
FICTION: 'The Blind Side''s big-screen version portrays the fateful night when the Tuohys saw Michael on the side of the road, dressed in shorts and a t-shirt in harsh weather. Leigh Anne offers Michael a place to stay for the night, and their lives change forever.
FACT: The Tuohys did actually encounter Michael on the side of the road during Thanksgiving break -- but it was in the morning, and Leigh Anne didn't offer him a place to stay immediately. Instead, she later rolled up to Briarcrest and took Michael shopping.

LIFE WITH THE TUOHYS
FICTION: Michael's integration into the fabric of Tuohy family life is seamless. All it takes is a little hug between Sean and Leigh Anne to talk out adoption, while Collins shrugs off what the kids at school are saying about her new roomie. And SJ? He's nothing but ecstatic.
FACT: Whatever tension may have arisen in the Tuohy household stays in the Tuohy household. Then again, it's possible that there really wasn't any: By numerous accounts in the media, all hands were on board to welcome, love and nurture their new family member. Leigh Anne has said that, months after Michael arrived, S.J. would introduce him as his best friend. Collins, meanwhile, has said in recent interviews that she and Michael grew close through their shared experiences at Briarcrest and also during college, when they both attended ~~Old~~ Ole Miss.

THE ROLE OF RACE
FICTION: Race is acknowledged a few times in 'The Blind Side,' like during a football game when a brutish player taunts Michael on the field. In the Tuohy household, it's a non-subject, except for when Sean admits amazement that he had a "black son" before he knew a Democrat.
FACT: Lewis notes that Leigh Anne grew up in a racist household, and that she doesn't exactly know how her own views changed. She's been quoted as saying, "I married a man who doesn't know his own color."

MORE FROM OUR PARTNERS:

Get more on the real Michael Oher's big-time NFL career [Fanhouse]

A sportswriter's take on 'Blind Side' [Sports Illustrated]