The Moviefone Blog

We Interview Rachel Blanchard on a New York City Subway

Kevin Polowy — 2010-04-30T15:00:00+00:00

Doing interviews at press junkets or over the phone is fun and all, but in honor of the Tribeca Film Festival, we wanted to mix it up a little and do something that felt a bit more .... New York. And what's a more distinct Gotham experience than spending some QT underground with the "straphangers" (and vermin) in the New York City transit system?

'Open House' star Rachel Blanchard -- the Canadian beauty best known for movies like 'Road Trip' and 'Snakes on a Plane,' and Atom Egoyan fare like 'Where the Truth Lies' -- agreed to be one helluva sport and take a quick commute with us. Blanchard told us all about 'Open House,' a psychological thriller in which she plays a woman held captive in her house for sale by a deranged man posing as a prospective buyer.

Take a ride with Blanchard and us in the video below. And please forgive the shaky cam -- we were on a moving train, after all. Doing interviews at press junkets or over the phone is fun and all, but in honor of the Tribeca Film Festival, we wanted to mix it up a little and do something that felt a bit more .... New York. And what's a more distinct Gotham experience than spending some QT underground with the "straphangers" (and vermin) in the New York City transit system?

'Open House' star Rachel Blanchard -- the Canadian beauty best known for movies like 'Road Trip' and 'Snakes on a Plane,' and Atom Egoyan fare like 'Where the Truth Lies' -- agreed to be one helluva sport and take a quick commute with us. Blanchard told us all about 'Open House,' a psychological thriller in which she plays a woman held captive in her house for sale by a deranged man posing as a prospective buyer.

Take a ride with Blanchard and us in the video below. And please forgive the shaky cam -- we were on a moving train, after all.

5 Questions from Tribeca With Ice Cube

Kevin Polowy — 2010-04-24T14:00:00+00:00

For a guy who's already achieved legendary status as a hip-hop star, starred in over 25 major motion pictures across all genres -- from drama ('Boyz N the Hood') to comedy ('Friday') to action ('XXX 2') to family ('Are We There Yet') -- and tried his hand at directing ('The Player's Cub'), what's one more (black and silver) hat?

Ice Cube crosses into the wide world of sports with 'Straight Outta L.A.,' a highly personal documentary he directed about the connection between the "gangsta rap" movement (namely, his seminal group N.W.A.) and the Los Angeles-turned-Oakland Raiders, produced for ESPN Films. We chilled with Ice Cube for a bit at the Tribeca Film Festival's press headquarters. For a guy who's already achieved legendary status as a hip-hop star, starred in over 25 major motion pictures across all genres -- from drama ('Boyz N the Hood') to comedy ('Friday') to action ('XXX 2') to family ('Are We There Yet') -- and tried his hand at directing ('The Player's Cub'), what's one more (black and silver) hat?

Ice Cube crosses into the wide world of sports with 'Straight Outta L.A.,' a highly personal documentary he directed about the connection between the "gangsta rap" movement (namely, his seminal group N.W.A.) and the Los Angeles-turned-Oakland Raiders, produced for ESPN Films. We chilled with Ice Cube for a bit at the Tribeca Film Festival's press headquarters.

1. How would you sell your movie, 'Straight Outta L.A.'?
I think people who look at sports now see how seamless music and sports go together, they see the merchandise and it's all routine to them. But to me, this was one of the starts of the intersection between music and sports, with rappers and entertainers taking sports to the neighborhood, wearing the merch year-round. To me, it ushered in this whole love affair for crazy sports fans. It's the music in-between that helped merchandise grow so big. So to me it's the history of when music and sports were separate, and here's one of the intersections that leads us to what we have today.

2. Where'd you get the idea for the film?
ESPN approached us, asked us if we were interested in making a documentary on any sport subject that was near and dear to me, whether it was me playing little league or something actually professional. So I thought long and hard, and there was nothing in sports that had greater impact on me than the Raiders moving to L.A. To me, it had all the ingredients for a good movie.

3. What's were your favorite thing about New York?
My favorite thing about New York is just the flavor of the city, the motion, the access to everything.

4. What's your favorite movie set in New York?
'The Wiz.' [laughs] I was a fan of 'The Wizard of Oz' but ['The Wiz'] seemed like it was tailor-made to black kids growing up who wanted to attain this fantasy world. It's like a kid playing stickball, thinking he's in Dodger Stadium, that's the feeling that movie gave me. It was recreating something so special, but doing it our way. That movie was pretty special.

5. Do you think you'll ever do another 'Friday' movie? What would those guys be up to today?
I want to. But I don't want to do it without Chris Tucker. That's what people want. I really want to give people what they want, especially doing it for a fourth time. We can't just go through a movie without giving the people exactly what they want. I've been trying to convince Chris to do it. Just say "yeah," it's alright ... I see Smokey working at a rehab center. [laughs] Craig and Day-Day are probably selling weed by now, get busted, have to go rehab with Smokey, try to convince Smokey to smoke a joint. [laughs] That'd be pretty cool.

15 Movie Posters Re-Imagined With the Stars Originally Cast

Kevin Polowy — 2010-04-20T20:00:00+00:00

Not to say it wouldn't be the contemporary classic that it is today, but 'The Matrix' would've taken us down a whole different rabbit hole had Will Smith not passed on the role of Neo, opening the door for Keanu Reeves to don the dark trench coat. Can anyone really imagine The Fresh Prince uttering lines like "Whoa, déjà vu" with the same sense of stunned bewilderment?

How about if Ralph Macchio went time-traveling as Marty McFly, or Tom Cruise danced his heart out as Ren McCormack?

Rarely does a project in Hollywood start and finish with the same lead actors attached. Just see this summer's thriller 'Salt,' where the role of Angelina Jolie's wrongly accused spy Evelyn Salt was originally to be played by Cruise (as EDWIN Salt, natch).

We thought it'd be amusing to give these 15 casting fun facts -- actors (reportedly) originally attached or offered the roles you see below -- some visual representation. Not to say it wouldn't be the contemporary classic that it is today, but 'The Matrix' would've taken us down a whole different rabbit hole had Will Smith not passed on the role of Neo, opening the door for Keanu Reeves to don the dark trench coat. Can anyone really imagine The Fresh Prince uttering lines like "Whoa, déjà vu" with the same sense of stunned bewilderment?

How about if Ralph Macchio went time-traveling as Marty McFly, or Tom Cruise danced his heart out as Ren McCormack?

Rarely does a project in Hollywood start and finish with the same lead actors attached. Just see this summer's thriller 'Salt,' where the role of Angelina Jolie's wrongly accused spy Evelyn Salt was originally to be played by Cruise (as EDWIN Salt, natch).

We thought it'd be amusing to give these 15 casting fun facts -- actors (reportedly or rumoredly) originally attached or offered the roles you see below -- some visual representation.

(For entertainment purposes only. Photo Illustrations by Dustin Glick.)

Dueling Interviewers With Christopher Mintz-Plasse

Kevin Polowy — 2010-04-15T13:00:00+00:00

He was introduced to the world as McLovin, the badass, fake ID-wielding rebel without a cause in the raunchy high school comedy 'Superbad.' Next he sliced and diced his way through medieval battlefields in 'Role Models.' Now, Christopher Mintz-Plasse takes the next logical step in his Hollywood trajectory: he plays a superhero/antagonist, Red Mist, in 'Kick-Ass.'

Moviefone sat down with the rising star Mintz-Plasse for an exclusive chat -- but unfortunately once again we were paired with a reporter from Asylum.com, AOL's men's lifestyle site (though judging from the questions of one Anthony Layser, mostly centered around dating in Hollywood, you'd think the guy slung ink for InTouchWeekly ... or LameQuestionsMonthly).

Deep insight into a young actor's career -- and a three-way chest-bump -- ensued. He was introduced to the world as McLovin, the badass, fake ID-wielding rebel without a cause in the raunchy high school comedy 'Superbad.' Next he sliced and diced his way through medieval battlefields in 'Role Models.' Now, Christopher Mintz-Plasse takes the next logical step in his Hollywood trajectory: He plays a superhero/antagonist, Red Mist, in 'Kick-Ass.'

Moviefone sat down with the rising star Mintz-Plasse for an exclusive chat -- but unfortunately once again we were paired with a reporter from Asylum.com, AOL's men's lifestyle site (though judging from the questions of one Anthony Layser, mostly centered around dating in Hollywood, you'd think the guy slung ink for InTouchWeekly ... or LameQuestionsMonthly).

Deep insight into a young actor's career -- and a three-way chest-bump -- ensued.

Asylum's "Take" on the Interview

Dueling Interviewers With Michael Cera

Dueling Interviewers With Craig Robinson

'Kick-Ass' Stars: Believe the Hype (Exclusive Video Q&A)

Kevin Polowy — 2010-04-14T19:30:00+00:00

Long before becoming the toast of festivals and fan events like SXSW and WonderCon, the superhero comedy 'Kick-Ass' was viewed by Hollywood studios as something more akin to kryptonite than gold. Comic book creator Mark Millar has said that every distributor in town passed on it, forcing director Matthew Vaughn ('Layer Cake') to raise its reported $30 million budget on his own (before then selling it back to a studio, Lionsgate).

Now, the buzz surrounding the film -- and its 13-year-old, ass-kicking anti-ingénue Chloe Moretz, especially -- couldn't be any louder.

We caught up with Moretz and co-stars Aaron Johnson, Christopher Mintz-Plasse and Clarke Duke as they made the publicity rounds at San Francisco's WonderCon to discuss, among other things, whether the film is in danger of nearing levels of overhype ("What, like 'Snakes on a Plane'?" Duke shot back.) Long before becoming the toast of festivals and fan events like SXSW and WonderCon, the superhero comedy 'Kick-Ass' was viewed by Hollywood studios as something more akin to kryptonite than gold. Comic book creator Mark Millar has said that every distributor in town passed on it, forcing director Matthew Vaughn ('Layer Cake') to raise its reported $30 million budget on his own (before then selling it back to a studio, Lionsgate).

Now, the buzz surrounding the film -- and its 13-year-old, ass-kicking anti-ingénue Chloe Moretz, especially -- couldn't be any louder.

We caught up with Moretz and co-stars Aaron Johnson, Christopher Mintz-Plasse and Clarke Duke as they made the publicity rounds at San Francisco's WonderCon to discuss, among other things, whether the film is in danger of nearing levels of overhype ("What, like 'Snakes on a Plane'?" Duke shot back.) Let's just say the 'Kick-Ass' crew is confident the film will live up to your expectations -- and they have every right to be.

Superheroes, Slashers & Skydivers: WonderCon 2010 Report

Kevin Polowy — 2010-04-04T18:00:00+00:00

It doesn't quite yet have the Hollywood pull of ComicCon, its Southern California cousin, but WonderCon continues to grow and attract more lucrative movie offerings with every year. Held Friday through Sunday at San Francisco's Moscone Center, "The Con" fueled hype and elevated buzz for high-profile releases like 'Kick-Ass,' 'Tron Legacy,' 'The Losers,' 'Nightmare on Elm Street,' 'Toy Story 3' and 'Prince of Persia.'

While light on major announcements or surprise appearances (the only movie-related one, really, was Christopher Nolan popping up to introduce the 'Inception' trailer) -- both guarantees at the annual San Diego Con -- the feel inside the venue was practically indistinguishable. Stormtroopers, Spocks and the occasional Smurf abounded (no Furries have been spotted as of press time). Long lines formed outside of the Esplanade, the 3,500-person capacity main room. And crowds went bonkers over the introductions of stars like Jake Gyllenhaal, Zoe Saldana, Nicolas Cage (twice!), Jackie Earle Haley, Milla Jovovich ... and John Ratzenberger. It doesn't quite yet have the Hollywood pull of ComicCon, its Southern California cousin, but WonderCon continues to grow and attract more lucrative movie offerings with every year. Held Friday through Sunday at San Francisco's Moscone Center, "The Con" fueled hype and elevated buzz for high-profile releases like 'Kick-Ass,' 'Tron Legacy,' 'The Losers,' 'Nightmare on Elm Street,' 'Toy Story 3' and 'Prince of Persia.'

While light on major announcements or surprise appearances (the only movie-related one, really, was Christopher Nolan popping in to introduce the new 'Inception' trailer and some new clips) -- the feel inside the venue was practically indistinguishable. Stormtroopers, Spocks and the occasional Smurf abounded (no Furries have been spotted as of press time). Long lines formed outside of the Esplanade, the 3,500 person-capacity main room. And crowds went bonkers over the introductions of stars like Jake Gyllenhaal, Zoe Saldana, Nicolas Cage (twice!), Jackie Earle Haley, Milla Jovovich ... and John Ratzenberger.

"It's so great to hear everybody cheering after the clips," Gyllenhaal told Moviefone. The 'Persia' star and first-time Con attendee was unintimidated by the raucous crowds. "That's the scary thing, people are seeing a little piece of this movie that's just been our own for so long. Granted, 2,000 people worked on it [laughs]. It's great to hear people get psyched, and see the sea of cameras and people."

Primed to be the belle of the WonderCon ball, so to speak, was the buzzed-about action-comedy 'Kick-Ass,' based on the comic by Mark Millar and illustrated by John Romita, Jr., about a fanboy (Aaron Johnson) living out the ultimate fantasy as a costume-clad crime fighter. The Lionsgate release earned passionate raves after its recent debut at the SXSW Film Festival. In an interview prior to the panel, co-star Clarke Duke referred to that appearance as a "home game," surely unaware of the hysteria that would follow when the cast screened footage at its official showcase.

Though Friday's schedule didn't offer movie buffs much in the way of panels or presentations, Disney owned the night with a mock-press conference/mega-stunt for its highly anticipated winter release 'Tron Legacy.' Inviting media and conventioneers to the bayside Justin Herman Plaza, the studio erected a fittingly futuristic stage lit by crimson and white beams and touting an "Encom International Special Announcement." Soon, an Encom "PR rep" introduced Alan Bradley, and up marched Bruce Boxleitner, in character as the Endcom CEO. Bradley/Boxleitner discussed the release of a new Space Paranoids game and spoke fondly about "the late" Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges), before a swarm of fanboys "stormed the stage" shouting, "Flynn Lives!" Soon a helicopter -- lit by an unmistakable Tron-neon light -- was zooming by, and soon after that a man -- also neon-lit - was parachuting out of it and landing close by. We can only assume that man was Jeff Bridges. (Jeez, guy wins an Oscar and thinks he can do anything.)
Update: It was not Bridges! Disney revealed the jumper was actually Flynn's son, Sam (Garrett Hedlund), who Bradley says "indulges in 'annual shenanigans' of this variety as one way of reacting to the pressure of following in such famous, but empty footsteps." You can check out video and footage from the stunt at FlynnLives.com.

Earlier in the evening, Kevin Smith received a standing ovation despite arriving 40 minutes late (no, it didn't have anything to do with airline seats...) for his 90-minute chatfest, a staple of any comic convention. Though Smith was hesitant to touch on his recent Southwest Airlines debacle (when an audience member asked about it, he convinced them to come up for a photo with him instead, saying, "We won't talk about that f***ing airline ever again"), he did elaborate on his recent Twitter tirade against film critics and those, especially, who blasted his universally reviled action-comedy 'Cop Out.' Smith said he cares more about the Average Joe who "had to drive an hour-and-a-half in f***ing snow and pay $40 to a babysitter and f***ing 60 bucks for tickets to a movie and snacks" and then had to endure 'Cop Out' (Yeah that WOULD suck) than film critics, adding, "I don't need an intermediary anymore to tell me how I feel and how you guys feel." (Read more about Smith's chat at HitFix).

Saturday offered a full day's slate of movie programming, beginning with a three-fer from Disney, including a pair from super-producer Jerry Bruckheimer (or as he'd later be dubbed by Jeff Garlin, "Baron Von Bruckheimer"), who, surprisingly, was also making his very first Con appearance. Along with Gyllenhaal, director Mike Newell and executive producer/creator Jordan Mechner, Bruckheimer unveiled two new clips from 'Prince of Persia.' Bruckheimer responded to why the film wasn't shot in 3D ("'Avatar' hadn't come out") and Gyllenhaal joked about tracking down the elusive Parkour creator David Belle: "It took a long time to find him, because he has no e-mail address or phone number. So we went over the streets of France with a helicopter, looking for people jumping off buildings, and we snagged him."

In a subsequent interview with Moviefone, Gyllenhaal talked about beefing up for the role of Prince Dastan ("There was nothing hard about it, man, I was paid to get in shape") and responded to chatter about disapproval over a Caucasian actor playing a Persian, saying he's not a cowboy (or gay), either, like he played in 'Brokeback Mountain' (touché!), and adding, "I feel like a character's a character. And it's hard for anybody to really say anything until they've seen the movie, too. Everything's just an idea until it becomes a reality."

Joining Bruckheimer onstage for the 'Sorcerer's Apprentice' panel were stars Nicolas Cage (sporting long bleach blonde hair and hoarse from having laryngitis; "If I sound like an old black blues player, that's why," he'd say during the 'Kick-Ass' panel), Jay Baruchel and Teresa Palmer, as well as director Jon Turteltaub. Cage and Baruchel talked about getting buddy-buddy on set of the family fantasy based on the famous 'Fantasia' 'toon. Said Cage: "We have similar interests, we both are interested in history and mythology, and both are pretty nerdy." Responded Baruchel: "I find our relationship pretty 'Midnight Run'-ish. At different times in the movie we are both De Niro and Grodin."

In a delightful turn of events, Pixar mainstay John Ratzenberger introduced the panel for the highly anticipated 'Toy Story 3,' saying his work with the animation wizards is the crown jewel of his life and career (to which all Cliff Clavin admirers surely responded, 'Burn!'). After a video detailing the longtime bromance between Woody and Buzz Lightyear and set to an oddly Auto-tuned, electro-house remix of Randy Newman's 'You've Got a Friend in Me,' director Lee Unkrich refreshingly deviated from the Con show-and-tell model by inviting audience members onstage to do live voiceovers to a scene from the movie. Up came plants (and actor voice talent) Kristen Schaal ('Flight of the Conchords') and Jeff Garlin ('Curb Your Enthusiasm'), along with an actual audience member, Toby. A blissful clip introducing Ken Doll (Michael Keaton) followed.

The thrust around the panel for Sony's 'Resident Evil: Afterlife,' the fourth installment in the franchise based on the popular videogame, centered around the film's trailer (below), which was shown in 3D at a special event the night before. Though Esplanade audiences only caught it in 2D, it boasts "the most advanced 3D technology," and unlike films retrofitted to a third dimension, like 'Alice in Wonderland' and 'Clash of the Titans,' was actually shot with the same techniques used to make 'Avatar.' Milla Jovovich (joined by husband-director Paul W.S. Anderson and co-star Ali Larter) talked about spending 10 years of her life on the franchise. "We live in our evil world with our evil child," she said, referring to the franchise, not their actual daughter, Ever Gabo Anderson.

Warner Bros. kicked off its panel with the stylized actioner 'The Losers,' bringing out director Sylvain White and stars Chris Evans, Zoe Saldana, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Columbus Short and Oscar Jaenada for a lively chat. A noticeably buffer Evans somehow got away without discussing his recent casting as 'Captain America' (though he spoke briefly about it during a post-panel roundtable), but the real draw here was Saldana, who for all intents and purposes is the new Goddess of the Geeks after a breakout year starring in both 'Star Trek' and 'Avatar.' Saldana talked about being "turned on by pain" and finding fight scenes "very romantic." Was it getting hot in there?

After screening an extended clip from the new 'Nightmare on the Elm Street' reboot, WB marched out pretty young things Rooney Mara, Thomas Dekker, Katie Cassidy and Kyle Gainer, as well as the not-so-pretty but beloved new face of Freddy Krueger, Jackie Earle Haley. The 'Watchmen' alum said it was a "scary process" taking over such an iconic role from Robert Englund, but thanked the audience for lobbying for him to get it. "The first thing I heard was that you guys were actually suggesting me for the part. I guess some of you must think I'm a little creepy or something. [Laughs]"

For its third and final film, 'Splice' -- a low-budget sci-fi thriller that was acquired at Sundance by Dark Castle, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. -- the studio brought out director Vincenzo Natali, who showed a clip introduced by producer Guillermo del Toro ('Pan's Labyrinth' and the upcoming 'Hobbit'). The scene shows scientists Adrien Brody and Sarah Polley dealing with their Frankenstein-like creation (they combine human and animal DNA), complete with an "It's alive!" homage. Natali described the film as having "David Cronenberg's DNA spliced into it, along with Mary Shelley and some experiences I've had." Hmmm.

Christopher Nolan provided the Con's biggest surprise when the 'Batman Begins' and 'Dark Knight' director appeared to show off new footage from his upcoming, enigmatic Leonardo DiCaprio-starring thriller, 'Inception,' and actually shared some insight on what the film is kinda, sorta about. "'Inception,' in some ways, is a heist a movie," he told the audience. The sizzle reel Nolan introduced featured one clip in which DiCaprio explains that he's in the business of high-tech dream-weaving ("subconscious security," to be exact). Nolan did not, however, touch on a third 'Batman' installment or his involvement in the upcoming 'Superman' reboot.

Finally, at 4:30 PM, the 'Kick-Ass' crew hit the stage. Stars Aaron Johnson, Nicolas Cage, Chloe Moretz, Christopher Mintz-Plasse and Clarke Duke, as well as creator Mark Millar and screenwriter Jane Goldman, held entertaining court, but fans clearly wanted to see more footage than the trailer and clips screened. Some of the best tidbits included Mintz-Plasse on his Red Mist get-up ("They were going for David Bowie; I thought it was more Rihanna, really") and Cage's explanation of why his Damon Macready (aka Big Daddy) looks like Stanley Tucci in 'The Lovely Bones' ("I dated a girl years ago, her dad was a cop with glasses and a mustache... So I thought Big Daddy would be that guy.")

Getting the most accolades, though, for 'Kick-Ass,' is the 13-year-old Wunderkind Moretz, who, sporting a pink wig and eye-mask as Hit Girl, drops f-bombs galore and kicks baddie ass like a pint-sized version of The Bride from 'Kill Bill.' While fans are freaking out about the underage superhero (in a very, very good way) and her scene-chewing, the film is certain to draw some fire for it.

In a Q&A with Moretz earlier in the day, we asked her if she'd be allowed to see 'Kick-Ass' if she wasn't in it: "No," she said. "I'm only allowed to see PG-13. And only because I just turned 13."

As for the immaculate buzz surrounding the film, is it in danger of becoming overhyped? "I would be [worried about that], but this one's good," Duke told us. "This is a great movie. So I think we're OK."

More on WonderCon from Thompson on Hollywood

More on WonderCon from Cinematical

Dueling Interviewers With Craig Robinson

Kevin Polowy — 2010-03-24T13:00:00+00:00

In January, we landed in a somewhat awkward position when we were forced to share the short amount of time we'd been allocated to interview 'Youth in Revolt' star Michael Cera with Anthony Layser, a reporter from the "men's lifestyle site" Asylum.com.

Despite Layser's clear lack of film knowledge and general, overall unpleasantness -- not to mention his casual and, quite frankly, disrespectful choice of wardrobe -- people seemed to enjoy the results.

So we return with another installment of Dueling Interviewers (DUI).

This time, we took the show on the road to Lake Tahoe, where we shared a cozy fireside chat with the hilarious (and physically intimidating) Craig Robinson, who's cracked up audiences in Judd Apatow fare like 'Knocked Up' and on TV's 'The Office,' and now shines brightly as one-fourth of the lead quartet in 'Hot Tub Time Machine.' In January, we landed in a somewhat awkward position when we were forced to share the short amount of time we'd been allocated to interview 'Youth in Revolt' star Michael Cera with Anthony Layser, a reporter from the "men's lifestyle site" Asylum.com.

Despite Layser's clear lack of film knowledge and general, overall unpleasantness -- not to mention his casual and, quite frankly, disrespectful choice of wardrobe -- people seemed to enjoy the results.

So we return with another installment of Dueling Interviewers (DUI).

This time, we took the show on the road to Lake Tahoe, where we shared a cozy fireside chat with the hilarious (and physically intimidating) Craig Robinson, who's cracked up audiences in Judd Apatow fare like 'Knocked Up' and on TV's 'The Office,' and now shines brightly as one-fourth of the lead quartet in 'Hot Tub Time Machine.'

Layser once again hindered my attempts to have any sort of meaningful dialogue about the craft of acting with the congenial comic thesp Robinson, but at least he wore a jacket this time.

See Asylum's "Take" on the Interview

Watch Dueling Interviewers With Michael Cera

Rob Corddry Talks 'Hot Tub Time Machine' -- And How 'The Daily Show' Didn't Prepare Him for Hollywood

Kevin Polowy — 2010-03-22T20:00:00+00:00

Like 'Saturday Night Live,' 'The Daily Show' has become a breeding ground for comedic movie stars. But no matter how funny you are, appearing on a fake news program for roughly five minutes a week won't skyrocket you to above-the-title roles in major studio comedies. But it'll get your foot in the door. Like ex-correspondent Steve Carell in 'Bruce Almighty' and 'Anchorman,' Rob Corddry has chewed up the scenery (and was far and away the best thing about) movies like 'The Heartbreak Kid' and 'What Happens in Vegas.'

Now, like ex-correspondent Ed Helms in 'The Hangover,' Corddry has his first by-committee starring role. In the rather awesomely titled 'Hot Tub Time Machine,' Corddry bromances the night away with John Cusack, Craig Robinson and Clarke Duke as a foursome transported back to 1986 via a magical ski lodge Jacuzzi. Like 'Saturday Night Live,' 'The Daily Show' has become a breeding ground for comedic movie stars. But no matter how funny you are, appearing on a fake news program for roughly five minutes a week won't skyrocket you to above-the-title roles in major studio comedies. But it'll get your foot in the door. Like ex-correspondent Steve Carell in 'Bruce Almighty' and 'Anchorman,' Rob Corddry has chewed up the scenery (and was far and away the best thing about) movies like 'The Heartbreak Kid' and 'What Happens in Vegas.'

Now, like ex-correspondent Ed Helms in 'The Hangover,' Corddry has his first by-committee starring role. In the rather awesomely titled 'Hot Tub Time Machine,' Corddry bromances the night away with John Cusack, Craig Robinson and Clarke Duke as a foursome transported back to 1986 via a magical ski lodge Jacuzzi.

So does being a correspondent on 'The Daily Show' prepare you for a career in Hollywood? "Not at all," Corddry told us in an exclusive interview from the film's Lake Tahoe press junket. "Zero percent." Read on for the explanation -- and more scoop on 'Hot Tub Time Machine,' natch.

So you get a script called 'Hot Tub Time Machine' -- do you even have to read it? Or do you just say "Yes" right away?
I was shooting a movie in New York with Sam Rockwell -- you know a very serious, very important, very respected indie film actor ... he'll win an Oscar someday. And I was making fun of it from the get-go, I said, "Sam, I found our next project: 'Hot Tub Time Machine.'" I was literally hooked from the title page, 'cause it said 'Hot Tub Time Machine: Based on the Incredibly True Story.' And I was like, "Oh OK, this is funny."

And your character may be suicidal. You must've seen endless comedic possibilities there.
Nothing is funnier than suicide, definitely. Actually, that whole suicide thing didn't come in until like a second or third version of that script. The first version I read, it was pretty retarded, not a lot of logic in the script. It was very funny, but just kind of crazy. The loose suicide story was folded in to bring a little heart to a movie called 'Hot Tub Time Machine.' You know what I mean? Just anything to give these guys a reason to do something. Rather than just show boobies.

Speaking of boobies, was this your first sex scene?
Well, yeah, I guess. I did a terrible movie called ... I believe it's called 'Taking Chances' now. It was called 'Patriotville' when I shot it. My first day on set, I had a nude scene with Emmanuelle Chriqui, where she was naked on top of me, so that was my first quote-unquote sex scene. This is definitely my first full-on simulated penny, which is what I'm calling it.

What did you find most surprising about John Cusack? Give us some dirt.
He can't read. Isn't that weird? You think a guy like that, writes for the Huffington Post, you think he'd be able to read. So sad. So sad. He can't spell, I think we all know that by his Twitter account, if you follow him on Twitter ... He is a serious dude. We know him from these '80s comedies, and it's not really him at all. He's a very serious dude.

Then you have Chevy Chase in the movie, too. As a comedian, were you ever awed to be in his presence?
Almost always awed. We had dinner a couple of times, and I would sneak pictures of him, to remind myself that I was having dinner with Chevy Chase. I think of all those 'SNL' guys, maybe he and Bill Murray were the biggest influences on me, the guys I liked the most. It was pretty amazing.

What would you say is the single greatest thing to come out of the '80s?
MTV. Boy they've really made a mark. And 'The A-Team.'

How did your experience on 'The Daily Show' prepare you for Hollywood life and roles in movies and television?
Probably zero percent, not at all. 'The Daily Show' is such an island in the whole entertainment world. It has very little contact with Comedy Central, it's really just [Jon Stewart's] thing, and there's nothing Hollywood about it. It's hard to even call it acting at times. People thought I was a journalist for the longest time, so nothing prepared me for that show, and nothing about that show prepared me for anything to come.

Do you have any favorite correspondents on there now?
John Oliver is for my money, one of the best correspondents ever. And I'm a big Sam Bee fan.

Do you think Fox gave your short-lived TV show 'The Winner' a fair shot?
No. I think they backed off because there was a lot of confusion about the show, first of all. In hindsight, why did we ever make that show set in the '90s, and then narrate it from the future? There was no sense of time or place, you know what I mean? Really that was kind of a hard thing for people to get, and completely unnecessary when I look at it. And also, it was a rough time for multi-camera sitcoms. And also I think the whole 35-year-old adult with a 14-year-old best friend was something that attracted Fox to it in the first place, and then made them turn tail. I think we executed it in the right way, I just think they got cold feet.

Did you get any feedback from Ari Fleischer for your portrayal of him in Oliver Stone's 'W.'?
I didn't get any feedback from him. I spoke to him a couple times before.

What kind of impression did you get from him? Was he nervous about you portraying him?
No. Well, he's that guy. It's his job to never be nervous. And he's very, very good at his job. Ari Fleischer is probably one of the better press secretaries in recent history. Better in that he was completely frustrating and you just hated him, but a very nice guy and he was very nice to speak to me. There was really no need for it, though. I was the only one from the cast to have spoken with their counterpart, because there's really no reason to do it. I thought, "Well this is going to prepare me in someway." But it didn't.

So who do you have to kill to get a lead role in a film these days?
You tell me, I'll f***ing murder that guy.

Are you looking for that kind of script?
Oh yeah, everybody is, of course. That being said, I would be completely happy doing what I'm doing for the rest of my life. If I can do that, it would be awesome. Also, I don't know what it's like being "the lead." Seems like it's a lot of pressure. But I'll do it. I've got a project at Paramount, which if we work a couple of things out, I will be the lead of. It's a project that Jon Stewart's actually producing called 'The Donor' and hopefully there's a feature in that, but we'll see. Tell them I'm available.

John Cusack in the Rain

Kevin Polowy — 2010-03-17T16:45:00+00:00

You know that old cliché from cartoons where the gray cloud follows around a character, persistingly raining down on them?

In movies, that character is John Cusack.

You may not notice from a single viewing of classic Cusack material like 'Say Anything' or 'High Fidelity.' But watch enough JC films like us, and the trend becomes disturbingly apparent. We will say this, though. Cusack wears water better than any man out there -- no matter how frustrated he always seems to be in it. You know that old cliché from cartoons where the gray cloud follows around a character, persistingly raining down on them?

In movies, that character is John Cusack.

You may not notice from a single viewing of classic Cusack material like 'Say Anything' or 'High Fidelity.' But watch enough JC films like us, and the trend becomes disturbingly apparent. We will say this, though. Cusack wears water better than any man out there -- no matter how frustrated he always seems to be in it.

Mashed by Avaryl Halley.

Rent or Buy the Movies Used in This Mash
'Identity' (Rent | Buy) / 'High Fidelity' (Rent | Buy) / '1408' (Rent | Buy) / 'America's Sweethearts' (Rent | Buy) / 'Pushing Tin' (Rent | Buy) / 'Ice Harvest' (Rent | Buy) /
'Being John Malkovich' (Rent | Buy) / 'Say Anything' (Rent | Buy) / 'Runaway Jury' (Rent | Buy)

Heart-to-Hearts With 'Repo Men' Jude Law & Forest Whitaker in Exclusive Video Q&A

Kevin Polowy — 2010-03-17T12:15:00+00:00

One look at the trailer for 'Repo Men' and you know you're in for some grisly business. Flesh incisions are a common sight, as are bloody, freshly removed organs. "It should be shocking," says star Jude Law. "What's interesting about this is that it's set in a realistic world, and you should be shocked at how desensitized these guys are."

"These guys" are Remy (Law) and Jake (Forest Whitaker), repo men in a not-so-distant futuristic metropolis who specialize in collecting organs from the unlucky souls who've fallen behind on payments to "The Union." In a way, the two are like corporate grim reapers; nothing quite kills your day like having your heart literally ripped from your chest.

"It's pretty heavy, I mean you can't make a movie about organ transplants without a little blood and gore," says Liev Schreiber, who plays Frank, Remy and Jake's smarmy superior at The Union. "[Director Miguel Sapochnik] definitely goes over the top in a wonderful way," adds Schreiber, who admits he "cringes a little" at the film's gore. One look at the trailer for 'Repo Men' and you know you're in for some grisly business. Flesh incisions are a common sight, as are bloody, freshly removed organs. "It should be shocking," says star Jude Law. "What's interesting about this is that it's set in a realistic world, and you should be shocked at how desensitized these guys are."

"These guys" are Remy (Law) and Jake (Forest Whitaker), repo men in a not-so-distant futuristic metropolis who specialize in collecting organs from the unlucky souls who've fallen behind on payments to "The Union." In a way, the two are like corporate grim reapers; nothing quite kills your day like having your heart literally ripped from your chest.

"It's pretty heavy, I mean you can't make a movie about organ transplants without a little blood and gore," says Liev Schreiber, who plays Frank, Remy and Jake's smarmy superior at The Union. "[Director Miguel Sapochnik] definitely goes over the top in a wonderful way," adds Schreiber, who admits he "cringes a little" at the film's gore.

We sat down with Law, Whitaker, Schreiber and Alice Braga (the 'City of God' alum plays a lounge singer whose entire body, practically, is on loan), to talk about the film's social messages (you don't have to look too hard to see it touches on both the health care debate and the state of credit and loans), Law's impressive action skills, and whether or not there were in fact organs being tossed about the set.

Also on the menu: scoop on a sequel to the winter hit 'Sherlock Holmes' ("I haven't heard that we're definitely going yet," Law says, "But I think it's probably likely, and if we do it, it'll probably be sometime this year, with the same team") and the new 'Predators' reboot, which just made headlines for its preview footage at SXSW. "The predator looks really scary, the story is going to surprise a lot of people, and there's a lot of running," says Braga, who co-stars with Adrien Brody and Topher Grace. "My character's running for her life, and running as fast as she can."

Jude Law & Forest Whitaker

Liev Schreiber

Alice Braga

Ben Stiller Talks 'Greenberg' and 'Zoolander 2' in Exclusive Q&A

Kevin Polowy — 2010-03-16T11:00:00+00:00

In the very simplest of terms, Ben Stiller is pulling what movie buffs would call a 'Punch-Drunk Love' or a 'Stranger Than Fiction' with his latest film, 'Greenberg.'

Like Adam Sandler and Will Ferrell in those two films, the funnyman famous for his work in broad comedy ('There's Something About Mary,' 'Meet the Parents,' 'Tropic Thunder,' etc) flexes serious dramatic chops as Roger Greenberg, a failed musician-turned-carpenter who moves from New York to L.A. to house sit for his brother shortly after suffering a nervous breakdown and spending time in a mental institution.

The film, written and directed by Noah Baumbach ('Squid and the Whale'), marks a career-best performance by Stiller, who imbues the title character with convincing ambiguity and instability. He's a character you feel uneasy watching, whether engaged in the mundane (regularly writing letters of complaint to Starbucks and other companies) or the momentous (continually screwing up his budding relationship with his brother's assistant, played by Greta Gerwig). In the very simplest of terms, Ben Stiller is pulling what movie buffs would call a 'Punch-Drunk Love' or a 'Stranger Than Fiction' with his latest film, 'Greenberg.'

Like Adam Sandler and Will Ferrell in those two films, the funnyman famous for his work in broad comedy ('There's Something About Mary,' 'Meet the Parents,' 'Tropic Thunder,' etc) flexes serious dramatic chops as Roger Greenberg, a failed musician-turned-carpenter who moves from New York to L.A. to house sit for his brother shortly after suffering a nervous breakdown and spending time in a mental institution.

The film, written and directed by Noah Baumbach ('Squid and the Whale'), marks a career-best performance by Stiller, who imbues the title character with convincing ambiguity and instability. He's a character you feel uneasy watching, whether engaged in the mundane (regularly writing letters of complaint to Starbucks and other companies) or the momentous (continually screwing up his budding relationship with his brother's assistant, played by Greta Gerwig).

We asked Stiller about pivoting from comedy to drama, New York to L.A. and more.

Do you think this is the most dramatic work you've done yet?
Well I don't know. I guess, how would you define dramatic?

Well, there's some dark comedy in it, obviously, but you're also playing a very sick and troubled character at the same time, and you had to go to some dark places.
Yeah, I think it was the most satisfying experience I've had, as an actor, maybe ever, [or at least] in a long time. Working on 'Permanent Midnight' was also a really good experience in being able to have a character that was that specifically defined, and I think Noah just wrote such a great script. As a filmmaker, he's sensitive to characters and so interested in what they're going through, and leaves the space and the room for that to happen on screen. That was really very fulfilling.

Have you ever written a letter to express your dissatisfaction with something?
(Laughs) Um, I think I may have written a letter or two to people that I didn't send, a perturbative letter, but I don't think I ever sent the letter. For Greenberg, obviously, that's his way of expressing himself.

Had you seen 'Squid and the Whale' and 'Margot at the Wedding,' and did Noah's body of work influence your decision to work with him?
Oh yeah, I think there's only a few directors who, if they called up [and offered anything, I would do it], and he's one of them for me. I would have done whatever he sent over, honestly. I just felt lucky that he actually sent this really great specific role, but I think he's such a talented filmmaker and he's so unique in his trust in his own rhythms in what he's interested in. He also has a great sense of humor, and he can do broader, more mainstream stuff, but I think he's really interested in exploring a certain kind of movie. And it takes a lot of courage to make that kind of movie these days. Really take the time with it, leave the space and allow things to breathe.

As a native New Yorker now living in L.A., I'm guessing you related to Greenberg's coast-to-coast move and commentaries on the cities.
Yeah, I love New York. I've always felt like a New Yorker, and I think I always will be, but I've also lived in L.A. for like 20 years. (Laughs) L.A. has a lot of great things, and it's kind of a lonely place. It's much more isolating, but it's also got a beauty to it. And there's something about the west coast and the history of California and Los Angeles and movies that I've always been interested in. I go back and forth. I have kids now, so I want them to have a New York experience. I don't think I feel comfortable just raising them out there totally. But what I liked about 'Greenberg,' about the movie, was that he sort of embraced the idea of being an outsider in Los Angeles and how that can feel. Walking on the streets of Los Angeles is a very lonely feeling, because nobody does that.

We're all excited to hear that the 'Zoolander' sequel is moving forward. Where do you see Derek Zoolander going in 'Zoolander 2'?
You know, I don't want to say too much about it because we're still figuring it out. But he's older, and I think him and Hansel have ... what I will say is they've both fallen out, as it happens in pop culture, their time has come and gone. So when we pick them up, they're sort of on the outside, they're not on people's minds anymore. They're having to reconcile themselves with that and figuring out where they exist in today's world. They have to overcome some adversity and sort of reintegrate themselves into society.

So Owen Wilson is definitely coming back?
Yeah -- there's no 'Zoolander' without Hansel.

It's sort of fallen out of the pop culture zeitgeist at this point, but what did you think of that label "The Frat Pack"?
I have no feeling toward it whatsoever, except that it rhymes. (Laughs) I don't know, it feels very early 00's to me. (Laughs) Anyway, I never really got it, I never went to college, I was never in a fraternity, I don't know what that means.

Aside from the 'Zoolander' sequel, you also recently starred in 'Night at the Museum 2,' and this year we'll see you in 'Little Fockers.' Are there any other characters of yours that you'd like to revisit?
It's not one of those things where you can deign to think that people would want to see a character again. I mean I've had good experiences with things that I've enjoyed doing, like I had a great time doing 'Dodgeball,' I enjoyed that as much as anything. But I also liked doing 'Permanent Midnight,' so the experience is the experience. You know 'Zoolander' is pretty special, I think, because originally it had such a tough time at the beginning, and the fact that it's lived on even though it was never a big box office hit, that's a very nice feeling to see that something has had a life in that way. So that's why I look forward to doing another one.

Read indieWIRE's discussion with 'Greenberg' director Noah Baumbach

Robert Pattinson, 'Remember Me' Co-Stars Answer Fans in Exclusive Video Interviews

Kevin Polowy — 2010-03-08T18:00:00+00:00

There's no mistaking Tyler Hawkins for Edward Cullen.

Tyler -- the young romantic 'Twilight' heartthrob Robert Pattinson portrays in the new drama 'Remember Me' -- is still brooding, but more in a Holden Caulfield, disenfranchised upper-crest New Yorker sort of way (rather than, you know, troubled by the anxieties of blood-lust and immortality).

Pattinson and co-stars Pierce Brosnan, Emilie de Ravin and Chris Cooper, plus director Allen Coulter and screenwriter Will Fetters, hit New York recently to talk about the Manhattan-set drama. And since, well, we had a feeling the masses of R.Patz fans might be just a little bit enthused to have their existence officially acknowledged by the actor, we opened up the floor for fan-submitted questions. There's no mistaking Tyler Hawkins for Edward Cullen.

Tyler -- the young romantic 'Twilight' heartthrob Robert Pattinson portrays in the new drama 'Remember Me' -- is still brooding, but more in a Holden Caulfield, disenfranchised upper-crest New Yorker sort of way (rather than, you know, troubled by the anxieties of blood-lust and immortality).

Pattinson and co-stars Pierce Brosnan, Emilie de Ravin and Chris Cooper, plus director Allen Coulter and screenwriter Will Fetters, hit New York recently to talk about the Manhattan-set drama. And since, well, we had a feeling the masses of R.Patz fans might be just a little bit enthused to have their existence officially acknowledged by the actor, we opened up the floor for fan-submitted questions.

The gracious Pattinson played along, answering questions about whether or not he'd ever consider playing James Bond ("I don't know if I'd be capable of it, I think you need to be pretty fit for that"), the awkwardness of love scenes, his acting inspirations ("Joaquin Phoenix, Ryan Gosling") and what he could never give up ("Beer").

Robert Pattinson Q&A

Pierce Brosnan Q&A

Emilie de Ravin Q&A

Chris Cooper Q&A

Allen Coulter, Will Fetters Q&A

The Language of Johnny Depp

Kevin Polowy — 2010-03-03T16:00:00+00:00

Johnny Depp has a language all his own.

Whether the 'Alice in Wonderland' star is creating his own vernacular, rambling incoherently or exploring the rarely trodden middle ground between lexeme and laughter, he may be the only actor in Hollywood who can make an art form out of saying, well, nothing. Johnny Depp has a language all his own.

Whether the 'Alice in Wonderland' star is creating his own vernacular, rambling incoherently or exploring the rarely trodden middle ground between lexeme and laughter, he may be the only actor in Hollywood who can make an art form out of saying, well, nothing.

Vacsillicus!

(See ... doesn't work when we try it.)

Take it away, Johnny.

Mash edited by Avaryl Halley.

Rent or Buy the Movies Used in This Mash 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' (Rent | Buy) / 'Benny and Joon' (Rent | Buy) / 'Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl' (Rent | Buy) / 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest' (Rent | Buy) / 'Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End' (Rent | Buy) / 'Once Upon A Time In Mexico' (Rent | Buy) / 'Sleepy Hollow' (Rent | Buy) / 'Edward Scissorhands' (Rent | Buy) / 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' (2005) (Rent | Buy) / 'Don Juan De Marco' (Rent | Buy) / 'Dead Man' (Rent | Buy) / 'Ed Wood' (Rent | Buy) / 'Corpse Bride' (Rent | Buy)

'Messenger' Writers Talk Oscar Hopes and 'Hurt Locker' Comparisons

Kevin Polowy — 2010-02-25T12:15:00+00:00

For all the talk of 'The Hurt Locker' being David vs. 'Avatar's' Goliath at this year's Academy Awards, there are decidedly "smaller" films in hunt. Take that other Iraq War-themed film, 'The Messenger,' Oren Moverman's moving portrait of two solders in the U.S. army (Ben Foster and Woody Harrelson) faced with the inenviable task of notifying casualties' next of kin.

While Harrelson is a longshot in the Best Supporting Actor race -- a category all but sewn up by 'Inglourious Basterds' rogue Christoph Waltz -- the film's co-writers, Moverman (who previously co-penned the avant-garde Bob Dylan biopic 'I'm Not There') and Alessandro Camon (a veteran producer who's worked on such films as 'American Psycho,' 'Thank You for Smoking' and Oliver Stone's upcoming 'Wall Street' sequel) stand a better chance in the Best Original Screenplay field, where they're in good company with Quentin Tarantino ('Basterds'), the Coen brothers ('A Serious Man'), Mark Boal ('The Hurt Locker') and the co-writing team behind Pixar's 'Up.' For all the talk of 'The Hurt Locker' being David vs. 'Avatar's' Goliath at this year's Academy Awards, there are decidedly "smaller" films in hunt. Take that other Iraq War-themed film, 'The Messenger,' Oren Moverman's moving portrait of two solders in the U.S. army (Ben Foster and Woody Harrelson) faced with the inenviable task of notifying casualties' next of kin.

While Harrelson is a longshot in the Best Supporting Actor race -- a category all but sewn up by 'Inglourious Basterds' rogue Christoph Waltz -- the film's co-writers, Moverman (who previously co-penned the avant-garde Bob Dylan biopic 'I'm Not There') and Alessandro Camon (a veteran producer who's worked on such films as 'American Psycho,' 'Thank You for Smoking' and Oliver Stone's upcoming 'Wall Street' sequel) stand a better chance in the Best Original Screenplay field, where they're in good company with Quentin Tarantino ('Basterds'), the Coen brothers ('A Serious Man'), Mark Boal ('The Hurt Locker') and the co-writing team behind Pixar's 'Up.'

We caught up with Moverman and Camon, who insist they're firmly in the "just happy to be nominated" camp, just enjoying the ride.

So how does it feel to be Oscar-nominated?
Oren Moverman: It's really depressing. (Laughs) We were hoping for something good. It's very exciting, obviously.

When you set out make to this project, did the thought of being recognized by the Academy ever cross your mind?
OM: I personally don't think that we ever dared to think about those things. There were so many steps to actually getting the script done, and getting the movie made, I can't really recall a time when we talked about this.

Alessandro Camon: We knew that the film needed to go to festivals and needed to be reasonably well liked at festivals and by critics, because let's face it, it's not a franchise, it's not a comic book, it's not the easiest film to market. So we knew that festivals would be a good way to launch it, but we did not really think about awards, necessarily. So that was a big surprise.

Do you subscribe to the old notion that you're just happy to be nominated, or will you guys admit that you are determined to win in this category?
AC: (Laughs) It's funny when you say 'determined to win.' It's interesting because I find myself telling people, because I play sports, and I'm a huge sports fan, and this is not like you are in the final at Wimbledon or the World Cup, where you actually have to go and play. We've written a script, we've done our jobs. So now it's completely out of hands. The determination doesn't really come into play besides the fact that we know full well we are the smallest movie in the race.

OM: Obviously you wish always for the best, and as Alessandro says, no matter what you do, especially in a competitive industry, you want to compete. But I do feel, and every bone in my body feels that in this particular case, it truly is just an honor to be nominated.

Of course there's another similarly-themed Iraq-related contender in the mix in 'The Hurt Locker.' Have you guys ever felt overshadowed by that film?
AC: I wouldn't say so because again what could you do to compete if you wanted to? All you can do is do the best movie you can. There are two ways to look at it and one way is that movie came out before, and sort of broke the spell and convinced people that actually you can make a movie that has to do with the war and people care about, so you can argue that it opened the door for us. The two movies really couldn't be more different in the sense that they go well together, one is a combat movie, one is a post-combat movie, one is over there, one is over here. I don't think there is any competition on our part.

You hear both films mentioned in the same breath a lot -- in that 'The Hurt Locker' and 'The Messenger' helped reverse that stigma that audiences will avoid Iraq War films at all costs.
OM: I think just to add to what Alessandro said, in many ways we're very grateful to 'Hurt Locker' because it was the first film to get out there and get the attention and the critical and audience support [for a] subject matter that was kind of frowned upon by the industry. We're very respectful of the film and very grateful that it managed to succeed, and happy for them. I don't know that you can put them together in any kind of category, even in terms of [scale]. They're a small film, but in a way they're a much bigger film than us and they have a definite machine behind them that have been around longer and actually have done very well. When we watch 'The Hurt Locker' and somebody gets hurt, somebody gets blown up, our minds always drifted to 'OK, and now back home, there's another notification going on.' In a strange way, they're companion pieces.

We ran a story last week about veterans being mixed in their reaction to 'The Hurt Locker' and the realities of how war is presented. What sort of reactions did you get from soldiers or veterans on 'The Messenger'?
AC: We got generally very good reactions. The film was actually supported by the army from the beginning. We asked for their help and advice, and they read the script and said, 'Yes, we want you to make this movie and we will help.' So they gave us access to a base to shoot, and we had a full-time adviser on the set. So we knew that officially the army as an institution was behind the movie. Then we started screening it, and soldiers individually responded to the movie, which I think was a really important thing for us, and a real honor. Soldiers of the Vietnam generation really connected with the film, especially.

Can you guys give us a little insight into your writing process, in terms of how that worked on this project. Were you sitting down writing it together? Were you trading versions back and forth?
OM: Well, we were sitting down writing it together, apart. Alessandro was in Los Angeles, I was in New York, there was a lot of back and forth. A lot of getting on the phone, going over the script, e-mailing things to each other ... It was a really fluid, organic process. And we also worked with three other directors [Sydney Pollack, Roger Michell and Ben Affleck, all of whom were attached to the project at one time] in developing this script, so our way of working wasn't really adhering to any set kind of rules, it was really just about trusting each other and just trying to make a film that was not political in any way, that didn't have an agenda, and was just very human about the people who lived the consequences of the decision to go to war. I think we shared that agenda and we shared a lot of trust in each other, and I keep saying it and I keep wondering if people believe me or not, but it was a really beautiful, really pleasurable collaboration.

Woody Harrelson is also up for an Oscar for 'Messenger.' Have you talked to Woody recently? How's he feeling about this?
OM: Woody is Woody. He's feeling great about the experience. He doesn't let himself get carried away with it; he's a very down to earth guy. He's really proud of the movie. He's really happy about all these nominations. I'll let him speak for himself, but I know one of the things he keeps talking about is how great Ben is in the movie. These guys really love each other so he really wants people to be aware that his performance is his performance, but it's really the things they did together that were so good for the film.

Oren, news recently broke that you are lined up to write and direct the Kurt Cobain biopic. Can you tell us anything about that?
OM: Yeah, Kurt Cobain was the lead singer of a band called Nirvana. (Laughs) That's in negotiation, that's something I'm very interested in, and I'm talking with Universal and Working Title about possibly making that movie. It's not a done deal yet.

10 Things You Never Knew About The Brat Pack

Kevin Polowy — 2010-02-10T15:00:00+00:00

It's by no means hyperbole to say that The Brat Pack defined a generation. Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson, John Cusack and company -- stars of classic '80s flicks like 'The Breakfast Club,' 'Pretty Pink' and 'Say Anything' -- not only revolutionized the teen movie genre, they became a cultural phenomenon that Generation X connected with on a deeply visceral level.

Two decades have since passed. Brat Pack Godfather John Hughes, who Roger Ebert once dubbed the "Philosopher of Adolescence," is no longer with us. 'The Breakfast Club' is turning 25. And hitting bookstores this week is 'You Couldn't Ignore Me If You Tried: The Brat Pack, John Hughes and Their Impact on a Generation,' which could very well be the definitive account of the troupe.

To celebrate the release of 'You Couldn't Ignore Me If You Tried,' author Susannah Gora shared with us 10 fun facts about the Pack.

1. John Hughes wrote 'Sixteen Candles' while staring at a head shot of Molly Ringwald -- before he'd even met her. He knew she'd be perfect for the role of Samantha Baker, the movie's heroine -- and he gave it to her without auditioning for it.

2. The poster for 'St. Elmo's Fire' featuring the characters sitting on a bench in front of the St. Elmo's Bar was actually a candid photo taken while the actors weren't aware they were being photographed. The image captures these close friends, relaxing between takes.

3. The theme song of 'The Breakfast Club' was originally called 'Won't You Forget About Me?' but was changed to the more insistent 'Don't You Forget About Me' after the song's writer, Keith Forsey, learned that Molly Ringwald's and Judd Nelson's characters wind up together in the end. The Simple Minds recording went on to become one of the biggest hits of 1985.

4. Two of the most famous scenes from 'The Breakfast Club' almost didn't make it into the movie. Hughes let Judd Nelson and Emilio Estevez sift through earlier drafts of the script, where Nelson found the sequence in which his character taunts Ringwald's by asking if she's "ever been felt up... past eleven on a school night?" Estevez found the haunting monologue in which his character explains that he's in detention for attacking a weaker student. The actors asked Hughes if they could try shooting the scenes, and he agreed.

5. Molly Ringwald badly wanted Robert Downey Jr. to be cast as Duckie in 'Pretty in Pink.' When Jon Cryer was cast instead, she felt no romantic chemistry, so she was pleased when the ending of the film was reshot so that her character winds up with Blane (Andrew McCarthy) rather than Duckie.

6. Matthew Broderick and Jennifer Grey played siblings and nemeses in 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off,' but off-screen, they were in love. They tried to keep their relationship a secret from other cast-members, including Mia Sara, who played Ferris's girlfriend Sloane, and had a crush on Broderick at the time.

7. There were many firings during the production of 'Some Kind of Wonderful,' including actors Kyle MacLachlan and Kim Delaney (they were replaced by Craig Sheffer and Lea Thompson), and the film's director, 'Valley Girl's' Martha Coolidge, who was replaced by 'Pretty in Pink' helmer Howie Deutch. Cast members including Eric Stoltz felt loyal to Coolidge, and initially resented Deutch when he took her place.

8. Eric Stoltz got into some heated arguments with Deutch on the set of 'Some Kind of Wonderful.' Lea Thompson worried that Stoltz might be replaced, as he had been on 'Back to the Future' (where they'd originally become friends-he'd played Marty McFly before Michael J. Fox did).

9. John Cusack originally wanted the boombox to be resting on his character's car in the famous 'Say Anything' scene where he serenades Ione Skye. But the film's director Cameron Crowe felt that Lloyd Dobler (Cusack's character) wouldn't be risking enough in the shot that way. At Crowe's urging, Cusack tried holding the boombox over his head, resulting in the now iconic image. It was the last shot on the last day of filming.

10. The song coming out of the stereo while they filmed the 'Say Anything' boombox scene was a ska-influenced tune by critically acclaimed band Fishbone, a personal favorite of Cusack's. In the editing room, Crowe realized the song didn't feel right. One day when Crowe was driving in his car listening to the mixtape from his wedding to Heart's Nancy Wilson, 'In Your Eyes' by Peter Gabriel came on, and he realized that it was indeed the perfect song for the scene.

Buy 'You Couldn't Ignore Me If You Tried' on Amazon

See The Brat Pack: Where Are They Now?

Proof That Steven Seagal Has In Fact Been Making Movies For the Last Decade

Kevin Polowy — 2010-02-10T01:00:00+00:00

Steven Seagal officially re-entered the pop culture zeitgeist with the recent premiere of his A&E reality show 'Steven Seagal: Lawman,' which finds the former big-ticket action star getting his Miranda Rights on with unsuspecting delinquents (It must be so much cooler if when you get arrested, it's by Steven Seagal!).

The program could be looked at as a comeback vehicle of sorts for the pony-tailed tough guy, but contrary to popular belief, Seagal has not been collecting unemployment since his Hollywood stock plummeted several years back. In fact, Seagal has remained somewhat of a workhorse. You'd just have to pay close attention to the straight-to-DVD vaults to notice. Steven Seagal officially re-entered the pop culture zeitgeist with the recent premiere of his A&E reality show 'Steven Seagal: Lawman,' which finds the former big-ticket action star getting his Miranda Rights on with unsuspecting delinquents (It must be so much cooler if when you get arrested, it's by Steven Seagal!).

The program could be looked at as a comeback vehicle of sorts for the pony-tailed tough guy, but contrary to popular belief, Seagal has not been collecting unemployment since his Hollywood stock plummeted several years back. In fact, Seagal has remained somewhat of a workhorse. You'd just have to pay close attention to the straight-to-DVD vaults to notice.

In addition to a small role in 2008's direct-to-DVD 'Onion Movie' (in which he played "C**k Puncher" ... yes, C**k Puncher), we enter into the court 19 pieces of evidence proving Seagal has been hard at work this century:

Exhibit A: 'A Dangerous Man'

DVD Release Date: Feb. 9, 2010

Tagline: They Started It. He'll Finish It.

Steven Seagal Is: Shane Daniels, a special forces agent-turned-falsely imprisoned convict who takes on Chinese mobsters

Exhibit B: 'The Keeper'

DVD Release Date: Jan. 19, 2010

Tagline: N/A

Steven Seagal Is: Rolland Sallinger, an L.A. cop-turned-New Mexico bodyguard who takes on mobsters who kidnap his assignment

Exhibit C: 'Driven to Kill'

DVD Release Date: May 19, 2009

Tagline: They Took His Daughter. So He's Taking Them Down.

Steven Seagal Is: An ex-Russian mobster-turned-crime novelist who takes on Russian mobsters

Exhibit D: 'Against the Dark'

DVD Release Date: Feb. 10, 2009

Tagline: He Lives By the Sword. They Will Die By It.

Steven Seagal Is: Tao, a katana master-turned-apocalypse survivor who takes on vampire zombies

Exhibit E: 'Kill Switch'

DVD Release Date: Oct. 7, 2008

Tagline: His Rules. His Way. No Exceptions.

Steven Seagal Is: Jacob King, a Memphis police detective who takes on serial killers

Exhibit F: 'Pistol Whipped'

DVD Release Date: March 4, 2008

Tagline: They Came to Collect a Debt. He Paid in Full.

Steven Seagal Is: Matt Conner, a former elite cop-turned-degenerate gambler/alcoholic who takes on Connecticut gangsters

Exhibit G: 'Urban Justice'

DVD Release Date: Nov. 13, 2007

Tagline: When Revenge is Personal, Justice Can Be Brutal

Steven Seagal Is: Simon Ballester, a former government special ops agent who takes on the gang members who killed his son

Exhibit H: 'Flight of Fury'

DVD Release Date: Feb. 20, 2007

Tagline: A Flight Plan to Freedom

Steven Seagal Is: John Sands, a former Air Force special ops agent who takes on terrorists

Exhibit I: 'Attack Force'

DVD Release Date: Dec. 5, 2006

Tagline: Humanity's Greatest Hope ... Faces His Greatest Battle

Steven Seagal Is: Marshall Lawson, the leader of a fallen strike team who takes on his own military

Exhibit J: 'Shadow Man'

DVD Release Date: June 6, 2006

Tagline: Either You're With Him ... Or Your Dead.

Steven Seagal Is: Jack Foster, an ex-intelligence officer who takes on his rogue CIA agents and his daughter's kidnappers

Exhibit K: 'Mercenary for Justice'

DVD Release Date: April 18, 2006

Tagline: It's Time To Fight Again.

Steven Seagal Is: John Seeger, a mercenary who takes on rogue CIA agents and kidnappers of his late best friend's wife and son

Exhibit L: 'Black Dawn'

DVD Release Date: Dec. 26, 2005

Tagline: It's Always Darkest Before Dawn.

Steven Seagal Is: Jonathan Cold, an undercover CIA agent who takes on arms dealers and kidnappers of his former student

Exhibit M: 'Today You Die'

DVD Release Date: Sept. 13, 2005

Tagline: Whoever Set Him Up Is Definitely Going Down.

Steven Segal Is: Harlan Banks, a casino thief with psychic abilities who takes on the crooks who double-cross him

Exhibit N: 'Submerged'

DVD Release Date: May 31, 2005

Tagline: Under Water, Under Cover.

Steven Seagal Is: Chris Kody, world's best mercenary, who takes on terrorists who kidnap five American soldiers

Exhibit O: 'Into the Sun'

DVD Release Date: Feb. 15, 2005

Tagline: Only One Man Can Stop the Yakuza.

Steven Seagal Is: Travis Hunter, an ex-CIA agent who takes on ... the Yakuza

Exhibit P: 'Out of Reach'

DVD Release Date: July 20, 2004

Tagline: It's a Split Second Between Hit and Miss.

Steven Seagal Is: Billy Ray Lancing, an ex-intelligence agent-turned-nature survivalist who takes on the sex traffickers who kidnap who his Polish pen pal

Exhibit Q: 'Belly of the Beast'

DVD Release Date: Dec. 30, 2003

Tagline: A Father's Rage Knows No Limit.

Steven Seagal Is: Jake Hopper, an ex-CIA agent who takes on the terrorists who kidnap his daughter

Exhibit R: 'Out for a Kill'

DVD Release Date: Aug. 19., 2003

Tagline: Out For Revenge. Out For Payback.

Steven Seagal Is: Robert Burns, an archeologist-turned-falsely imprisoned convict who takes on Chinese mobsters

Exhibit S: 'The Foreigner'

DVD Release Date: Jan. 28, 2003

Tagline: If They Think They Can Stop Him, They're Dead Wrong.

Steven Seagal Is: Jonathan Cold, a deep cover operative who takes on pretty much everyone

'Alice in Wonderland' Exclusive: How Tim Burton's Characters Progress

Kevin Polowy — 2010-02-03T15:15:00+00:00

"There is a place, like no place on Earth..."

Given the deliciously weird trailer for Tim Burton's upcoming twist on 'Alice in Wonderland,' it's obvious that the eccentric filmmaker has created some characters, like no characters on Earth as well.

And since waiting for the DVD to see how the filmmaker goes about his FX craftwork is soooo 2001, we're thrilled to present an exclusive glimpse at the progression of The Tweedles, The Dodo, The White Rabbit and The March Hare. "There is a place, like no place on Earth..."

Given the deliciously weird trailer for Tim Burton's upcoming twist on 'Alice in Wonderland,' it's obvious that the eccentric filmmaker has created some characters, like no characters on Earth, as well.

And since waiting for the DVD to see how the filmmaker goes about his FX craftwork is soooo 2001, we're thrilled to present an exclusive glimpse at the progression of The Tweedles, The Dodo, The White Rabbit and The Dormouse.

For those unschooled in 'Alice' lore, the Tweedles, aka Tweedledee and Tweedledum, are the fellows who resemble twin Mini-Me's in fat suits (and in the film are both played by one actor, Matt Lucas), and The Dodo's the bird (fun fact: named after author Lewis Carroll, born Charles Lutwidge Dodgson).

Step 1

Matt Lucas (left) -- who portrays both Tweedledee and Tweedledum -- is first photographed in green screen wearing the "Tweedle suit," along with his double (right).

Step 2

Lucas and his double switch places and film the same scene, capturing Lucas in the opposite role.

Step 3

A reference shot incorporating both of Lucas' facial performances (which will later make their way into the final shot) is handed over to layout and animation, where the body performances (matching Lucas' on-set performances) are created.

Step 4

Layout of the Underland garden is combined with the character animation for the Tweedles, the White Rabbit and the Dodo, with photography of Lucas' facial performances floating above the Tweedles to serve as reference for animation matching.

Step 5

Feathers and hair of the furred characters -- along with movement of clothing and jiggling of facial and belly fat -- are realized.

Step 6

Here is the final composite of all elements -- animation, layout, surfacing, lighting, matte background -- Lucas' color corrected facial performances integrated and "tracked-in" to the computer-generated heads of the Tweedles.

More 'Alice' Goodies:
Sketches of the Tweedles on UGO.com
More Tweedles Progression on Fandango.com

Mel Gibson is MAD!

Kevin Polowy — 2010-01-29T08:00:00+00:00

In the inaugural edition of our new series The Moviefone Mash, we "celebrate" Mel Gibson's return to the silver screen in the revenge-thriller 'Edge of Darkness' by looking back at his greatest hits of on-camera craziness.

So sit back, relax and enjoy the preternatural intensity that is Mad Mel.

Warning: Video contains graphic images and language. So in other words... NSFW! In the inaugural edition of our new series The Moviefone Mash, we celebrate Mel Gibson's return to the silver screen in the revenge-thriller 'Edge of Darkness' by looking back at his greatest hits of on-camera craziness.

So sit back, relax and enjoy the preternatural intensity that is Mad Mel.

Warning: Video contains graphic images and language. So in other words... NSFW!

Mash edited by Avaryl Halley.

Rent or Buy The Movies Used In This Mash

10 Things to Know About Kristen Bell, Josh Duhamel & 'When in Rome'

Kevin Polowy — 2010-01-20T21:30:00+00:00

Italy would've been nice and all, but we were more than happy to walk on over to the lower-Manhattan set for the scoop on the new fantastical romantic comedy 'When in Rome.' Kristen Bell plays an love-weary "gallerina" who, while in Rome for her sister's wedding, steals coinage from a "fountain of love" and is soon being chased by a band of suitors (they're played by Will Arnett, Jon Heder, Dax Shepard and Danny De Vito, though we'll say the odds-on favorite is the above-the-title Josh Duhamel). Here's our traveler's guide to -- OK, 10 fun behind-the-scenes facts from -- 'Rome.'

1 female star + 5 male stars = More funny.
What clearly separates 'Rome' from your average rom-com is the addition of the wildcard suitors in Shepard as a model, Arnett as a painter, Heder as a street magician and De Vito as a sausage king (actual occupation). "They're all very unique and very eccentric," Bell said. "So when they come together, the scenes with them just interacting is hysterical." At first Duhamel feared, as the straight man, he'd be "the most boring character in the movie," but his journalist Nick was bestowed one idiosyncratic characteristic: He has no peripheral vision. And tunnel vision is funny.

Filming rom-coms is dangerous.
You wouldn't think a romantic comedy would be all that physically grueling for one of the stars of 'Transformers,' but Duhamel had a trying experience shooting one of 'Rome's' only stunt shots, which required him to get hit by a car, roll onto the hood and tumble off it in NYC's highly trafficked Columbus Circle, near Central Park. "The first couple times I go ass over teakettle into the street," he said. Even worse, the actor had to perform the scene in front of a massive crowd, which included his father, who playfully taunted him with each gaffe. It's not surprising a video of the shot surfaced on YouTube claiming Duhamel had been hit by an actual car while filming. "I figured that might happen because there were so many people watching," he said. Maybe it was his dad.

Bell got a workout.
In the scene we watched filmed -- during the Italian wedding of Beth's sister Joan (Alexis Dziena) -- Bell struggles frantically to smash an antique vase against the floor, a local matrimonial tradition ("the number of pieces symbolize the years of happiness you wish for the bride and groom," the actress explained). She failed repeatedly, one take after the next. Could she ever hope of breaking the prop vase? "No, it's rubber," Bell said before deadpanning, "It's indestructible, like my spirit."

There will NOT be full-frontal male nudity in this one. We think.
"God I hope not," Bell answered when asked if any of the actors in 'Rome' will make like Jason Segel in her last romantic comedy, 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall,' and go The Full Monty. Of course, with Danny De Vito in the picture, who regularly raunches it up on the edgy FX sitcom 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia,' you never know. (Good news for readers potentially haunted by that image: 'Rome' is rated PG-13.)

Danny De Vito is The Man.
"Danny's known as the maybe the smallest guy in showbiz," Duhamel said of the five-foot star of 'Twins' and 'Batman Returns' in 'Rome,' "but he's got such a big heart and such an air about him. He's truly a good guy, there's no attitude to him. He'll just sit and bulls**t with you for hours, even after he's done shooting." Duhamel pauses and transforms into fan mode. "It's always nice when someone who you've watched since you were a kid turns out to be a really cool dude."

'When in Rome' Exclusive Clip

Bell won't play favorites.
Despite Bell's offscreen relationship with co-star Shepard -- the two have been dating since 2007, and she sat on the actor's lap in between takes the night we were on set - she quite politically correctly refused to pick a favorite 'Rome' suitor. "Gosh, nail me to the wall," she joked. "I couldn't, they're all so unique." We'll take that as "Dax."

Duhamel alternated between a wedding scene and war zone.
In the midst of filming 'Rome' in New York, Duhamel went to Pennsylvania for four days to shoot scenes for 'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.' "There's a different vibe on every set," he said. "And the difference between this set and that set, it's just literally different ends of the spectrum." One day Duhamel's in a tux attending a wedding, the next day he's in military fatigues defending the world from evil 'bots. "You just have to put yourself in a different mindset. You gotta be ready to go on [the 'Transformers' set]. Otherwise you get called out in front of the whole crew."

Bell comes to terms with schoolgirl crush.
The actress said she can't relate to Beth's dilemma of having multiple suitors (if it's happened it was unbeknownst to her), but has experienced the other side of group-lust. "In middle school my girlfriends and I always had a crush on the same guy, but he was someone [older] who was completely unattainable who didn't know we were alive." The most memorable object of her affection? A guy named Cory. "I don't know that I ever made contact with Cory, let alone said one word to him, but I swore that I was in love with him." You blew it big time, Cory, wherever you are.

The leads burned for Rome.
When actually in Rome to shoot, the two leads relished in different aspects of La dolce vita. Bell saw all the sights, but found enchantment in the simpler things, "just being on a street where there's a real shoemaker and a real dressmaker and it looks like time has forgotten them." Duhamel, meanwhile, who minored in art at Minot State University, ate up the breathtaking Baroque architecture, and visited landmarks like the Pantheon and Vatican. "I got my very Catholic grandmother a rosary blessed by the Pope, which put me in her good graces." What, she's not a 'Transformers' fan?

Josh Duhamel moonlights as a (fake) mugger.
The actor lowers his voice when asked how he spends his downtime on set. "Mostly f**k with the director." Not only the director, but also his co-stars. He recounts how earlier that day, he spotted Dax Shepherd a couple blocks from set, looking down and texting as he walked: "So I jumped into his pathway and went, "'Give me your money!'" Duhamel said he spied his director Mark Steven Johnson, quite randomly as it was far from set, on a Saturday afternoon off, and pulled the same prank. "That's been my trademark," he said. "My fake mug bit." He's not exaggerating. An hour later, as I'm on my way home, a good half-block from the set on a desolate street about to hail a cab, I jump as someone sticks their finger against my back and yells, "Give me all your money!" It's Josh Duhamel.

'Crazy Heart' vs. 'The Wrestler'

Kevin Polowy — 2010-01-19T17:20:00+00:00

We're not the first -- and certainly won't be the last -- to compare the new buzzed-about Jeff Bridges drama 'Crazy Heart' with last year's buzzed-about Mickey Rourke drama 'The Wrestler.' Both are fall Fox Searchlight releases with heavy Oscar potential (one should have won Best Actor last year, the other will win Best Actor this year). And then there are the plots...

But after coming about this brilliant 'Avatar' vs. 'Pocahontas' Mad Lib on Buzzfeed, we figure we'd put it down on paper. We're not the first -- and certainly won't be the last -- to compare the new buzzed-about Jeff Bridges drama 'Crazy Heart' with last year's buzzed-about Mickey Rourke drama 'The Wrestler.' Both are fall Fox Searchlight releases with heavy Oscar potential (one should have won Best Actor last year, the other will win Best Actor this year). And then there are the plots...

But after coming about this brilliant 'Avatar' vs. 'Pocahontas' Mad Lib on Buzzfeed, we figure we'd put it down on paper.

Live Blogging from the Critics Choice Awards

Kevin Polowy — 2010-01-15T20:45:00+00:00

For as much as we've covered the Golden Globes, it's not actually the first major awards show of the season.

That honor goes to the Critics Choice Awards, which unfold tonight and historically have a far better track record of predicting the Academy Awards.

And since we wouldn't dare miss a beat in the action-packed awards season, we're covering the show live, along with our friends from VH1, The Envelope and more. So tune into VH1, following our live blogging below, and enjoy the ~~snark~~ show. For as much as we've covered the Golden Globes, it's not actually the first major awards show of the season.

That honor goes to the Critics Choice Awards, which unfold tonight and historically have a far better track record of predicting the Academy Awards.

And since we wouldn't dare miss a beat in the action-packed awards season, we're covering the show live, along with our friends from VH1, The Envelope and more. So tune into VH1, following our live blogging below, and enjoy the ~~snark~~ show.

Watch Critics' Choice on VH1 at 9PM EST

Michael Cera Faces Dueling Interviewers

Kevin Polowy — 2010-01-07T15:30:00+00:00

What happens when a hot young Hollywood star only has time to do a single interview, and there are two hungry reporters lined up to talk to him?

It means I had to share my Michael Cera interview (for the hilarious new comedy 'Youth in Revolt') with the men's lifestyle site Asylum.com's reporter Anthony Layser, that's what. Welcome to Dueling Interviewers.

And while I won't call it a mandate - because that wouldn't make any sense - it's clear who emerged victorious in this epic battle in entertainment journalism. It was Michael Cera. But then Moviefone.

Watch video after the jump. What happens when a hot young Hollywood star only has time to do a single interview, and there are two hungry reporters lined up to talk to him?

It means I had to share my Michael Cera interview (for the hilarious new comedy 'Youth in Revolt') with the men's lifestyle site Asylum.com's reporter Anthony Layser, that's what.

Welcome to Dueling Interviewers.

And while I won't call it a mandate - because that wouldn't make any sense - it's clear who emerged victorious in this epic battle in entertainment journalism. It was Michael Cera. But then Moviefone.

Dueling Interviewers With Michael Cera

ASYLUM'S "TAKE" ON THE INTERVIEW

Editor's Picks: Kevin Polowy's Top 10 Movies of 2009

Kevin Polowy — 2009-12-31T14:00:00+00:00

The year 2009 (now pronounced "twen-ty-oh-nine") in movies was -- well, like pretty much like other year. There were lots of bad movies, less good ones, and even fewer that were great (though we still, as a staff, were able to come up with our annual list of the 50 best movies of the year, and though that may seem like a reach, all are deserving.)

Of the 130-plus movies I saw this year, here are my 10 very favorite -- and 15 I dug almost as much. Feel free to ask "Where the hell is _____?!!!" in the comments section below. The year 2009 (now pronounced "twen-ty-oh-nine") in movies was -- well, like pretty much like other year. There were lots of bad movies, less good ones, and even fewer that were great (though we still, as a staff, were able to come up with our annual list of the 50 best movies of the year, and though that may seem like a reach, all are deserving.)

Of the 130-plus movies I saw this year, here are my 10 very favorite -- and 15 I dug almost as much. Feel free to ask "Where the hell is _____?!!!" in the comments section below.

10. 'World's Greatest Dad'
One of the most pleasant surprises of the year, this deliciously demented black comedy shocked us in more ways than one: It's directed by Bobcat Goldthwait (yes, that same Bobcat Goldthwait who scared children throughout several installments of 'Police Academy'), stars a likable, understated Robin Williams (not the obnoxious, over-the-top Robin Williams) and gets better as it goes along. 'Dad' is twisted in all the right ways, brims with clever satire, and features Williams' best turn in year. And if that's not enough, there's also a cameo by Bruce Hornsby!

9. 'Precious'
It's likely you don't share much in common with Precious (Gabourey "Gabby" Sidibe), a morbidly obese, illiterate Harlem teen reliant on welfare, abused by her mother (future Oscar winner Mo'Nique) and twice impregnated by her father -- I really hope you don't, anyway. But that's the power of this startling indie drama: It makes you see life through her eyes, relating to her every struggle. And though the odds have been stacked so unfairly against her, it's a life defined by perseverance. Mo'Nique has gotten most of the acting raves, but the phenomenal Sidibe belongs in any awards discussions as well.

8. 'I Love You, Man'
There exists a minority of us movie lovers who consider this gut-buster the best comedy of the year -- yep, even over a certain Vegas-set blockbuster starring Mike Tyson and "Zach Galifa-whatshisname." Master of improv Paul Rudd proves he may just be the funniest guy working in Hollywood as an impossibly amiable, recently engaged real estate agent on the hunt for a best man (enter Jason Segel, in his funniest stint yet). 'I Love You, Man' is the bromance to end all bromances -- so let's take a break from all the bromances for a while, shall we?

7. 'Coraline'
The first must-see movie of the year, this eye-popping whirl through stop-motion animation is a meeting of two brilliant minds (writer Neil Gaiman and director Henry Selick) that has a "kids in a candy shop" feel to it in terms of the supremely cool ways these guys are employing new technologies. Following in the tradition of 'Nightmare' and 'Corpse Bride' (and managing to best both), it's a gothic, trippy, oftentimes creepy (they've got buttons for eyes!) film that should thrill older kids and adults in equal measure.

6. 'The Hurt Locker'
So much for Iraq War dramas spelling death at the box office. Kathryn Bigelow's stunning, respectably non-preachy thriller found the audience it deserved, becoming somewhat of a summer sleeper and emerging as one of the most surprising Oscar favorites come fall. Focusing on a group of bombs specialists -- including one who may very well have death wish (Jeremy Renner), it's taut and riveting from first frame to last, and is one of the best war films in years.

5. 'The Cove'
Widespread love for dolphins dates back to the days of 'Flipper,' and comes full circle with this expose of their mass slaughter occurring in Japan (some 23,000 are killed a year), the best documentary of the year. Louie Psihoyos' doc is equal parts thrilling and heartbreaking -- he crafts a mission to uncover the slaughter as a full-on caper; the film then climaxes with one of the most devastating (and disturbing) scenes ever committed to non-fiction filmmaking.

4. 'Up'
OK, this is starting to get a little ridiculous ... Pixar hit yet another one out of the park, maintaining their 1.000 batting average (they're now 10/10 for those keeping score at home) with their latest -- a hilarious, beautiful and heartbreaking adventure that ranks among their very best. You just can't go wrong with intelligent storytelling and lovable characters, and the Ed Asner-voiced 78-year-old Carl ranks right up there with Maude, Alfred and those crazy 'Cocoon' kids as my favorite old-timers ever to hit the big screen. The film also broke a personal record for most -- making us sob like little babies only 10 minutes into it.

3. 'The Fantastic Mr. Fox'
What the cuss?! For as much we love Wes Anderson fare like 'Royal Tenenbaums' and 'Life Aquatic,' his overly quirky dialogue (often co-scripted by Noah Baumbach) can be a bit too much. But spoken by an adorable family of foxes? Brilliant! This hilarious, awesomely oddball stop-motion animated film is packed with one feast-for-the-eyes sequence after the next, and begs for repeat viewings to catch all of the elaborate and spectacular details. It may be the best thing Anderson's done yet.

2. 'An Education'
It's not often we get a winning coming-of-age tale told from the female perspective; Lone Scherfig's adaptation of Lynn Barber's is all the more impressive given it was adapted for the screen by Nick Hornby ('High Fidelity'). An elegantly, perfectly construed drama about a mature-beyond-her-years girl (the revelatory Carey Mulligan, one of many top-notch performances here) in postwar, pre-Beatles London, it's a universal tale set in an unmistakably distinct time and place.

1. 'Up in the Air'
With three feature films now under his belt - 'Thank You for Smoking,' 'Juno' and now this instant classic -- is there any doubt that 32-year-old Jason Reitman is one of Hollywood's best directors? George Clooney somehow makes a corporate downsizer (topical!) lovable and magnetic in a superb lead turn (his best yet), while Anna Kendrick and Vera Farmiga kill as the distinctly powerful women who change his life. 'Air' is a near-perfect film that is at times bitingly funny, at other times heartrendingly sad -- sort of like life, come to think of it.

Honorable Mentions:
'(500) Days of Summer'
'Adventureland'
'Bart Got a Room'
'Earth'
'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince'
'Inglourious Basterds'
'Invictus'
'The Messenger'
'Paranormal Activity'
'The Princess and the Frog'
'Sin Nombre'
'Star Trek'
'Sugar'
'Whip It'
'Zombieland'

The 15 Most Inappropriate Movie Posters Redone for the Holidays

Kevin Polowy — 2009-12-17T18:30:00+00:00

It's that most wonderful time of year ... when retailers, car dealers and even beer companies invoke the holiday spirit in their ad campaigns to peddle you more product.

The Madison Avenue strategy of using Christmas colors to make a little more green is a December tradition in movie ads. Just Photoshop some Santa hats on the main characters and watch the family crowds roll in! (Sometimes you don't even have to wait until December; the recent release 'Everybody's Fine,' which doesn't have a thing to do with the holidays until the film's final two minutes, featured a poster with a decorated evergreen conspicuously lurking behind Robert De Niro and family.)

We wondered what it would look when you employed this genius marketing tactic on the most inappropriate of films ads. It's that most wonderful time of year ... when retailers, car dealers and even beer companies invoke the holiday spirit in their ad campaigns to peddle you more product.

The Madison Avenue strategy of using Christmas colors to make a little more green is a December tradition in movie ads. Just Photoshop some Santa hats on the main characters and watch the family crowds roll in! (Sometimes you don't even have to wait until December; the recent release 'Everybody's Fine,' which doesn't have a thing to do with the holidays until the film's final two minutes, featured a poster with a decorated evergreen conspicuously lurking behind Robert De Niro and family.)

We wondered what it would look when you employed this genius marketing tactic on the most inappropriate of films ads.

(Photo illustrations by Dustin Glick)

A Year in the Life of Brangelina

Kevin Polowy — 2009-12-01T18:00:00+00:00

Believe everything you read on magazine covers, see on E! or breeze through online? A recent study shows that makes the size of your brain grow larger.

In terms of celebrity "journalism," there is no subject more scrutinized or obsessed over than the world's most famous couple, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. But of course if 'Brangelina' is the world's most popular (and most outrageous) soap opera, then we can't possibly forget Best Supporting Actress Jennifer Aniston.

Think 'Days of the Lives' is ridiculous? Take a trip through 2009 in Brangelina news: the below are actual stories reported. Godspeed. Believe everything you read on magazine covers, see on E! or breeze through online? A recent study shows that makes the size of your brain grow larger.

In terms of celebrity "journalism," there is no subject more scrutinized or obsessed over than the world's most famous couple, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. But of course if 'Brangelina' is the world's most popular (and most outrageous) soap opera, then we can't possibly forget Best Supporting Actress Jennifer Aniston.

Think 'Days of the Lives' is ridiculous? Take a trip through 2009 in Brangelina news: the below are actual stories reported. Godspeed.

Jan. 7: Brad Pitt is sick of people calling Angelina Jolie a homewrecker. Meanwhile, the couple is gung-ho about adopting another Ethiopian baby soon.

Jan. 8: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are married!

Jan. 14: A dumbstruck Brad Pitt was left red-faced when a drunken woman called him "ugly" at a Golden Globes bash.

Jan. 23: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are moving into a $60 million mansion on Long Island so she can film a movie there.

Jan. 26: Angelina Jolie thinks she's lost awards because Jennifer Aniston's jabs in the press have made her unpopular.

Feb. 4: Angelina Jolie has misplaced the Oscar she won for 'Girl, Interrupted.'

Feb. 10: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's kids wreaked havoc at a posh London hotel by running wild through the halls while the couple was at the BAFTAs.

Feb. 12: Jennifer Aniston is hoping to meet Brad Pitt's twins -- if Angelina Jolie approves of the introduction.

Feb. 13: Angelina Jolie is "totally creeped out" by lookalike octuplet mom Nadya Suleman.

Feb. 17: Angelina Jolie feels so pressured to maintain her sex-symbol status that she spends hours working on an "effortlessly flawless" look every day.

Feb. 18: Jennifer Aniston has never been "more ready" to meet Angelina Jolie.

Feb. 19: Despite just signing a lease on a $100,000-a-month Long Island mansion, Angelina Jolie went apartment hunting in Manhattan.

Feb. 20: Race car driver Danica Patrick thinks Jennifer Aniston's too old to play her in a movie, preferring Angelina Jolie in the role if it ever comes to fruition.

March 2: Angelina Jolie is battling depression and wants to spend time apart from Brad Pitt and their six kids.

March 3: Brad Pitt was pulled aside at LAX for a thorough frisking -- and then taken to a private room for a security pat-down.

March 6: Jennifer Aniston is "totally over" Brad Pitt after seeing him at the Oscars.

March 9: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are falling victim to the world financial crisis as the value of their posh Dubai properties plummets.

March 12: Angelina Jolie slapped Brad Pitt after he was caught giving their nanny a back rub; the nanny was fired.

March 13: Shiloh Jolie-Pitt has an imaginary friend named Amy, and she likes her more than real sibs Knox and Viv.

March 13: Angelina Jolie is fueling speculation that she's pregnant again after stunts in her new movie were scaled back.

March 16: Angelina Jolie is "absolutely sick" of Jennifer Aniston always "dragging up" Brad Pitt in interviews.

March 23: Brad Pitt still sneaks off to smoke, despite claiming he quit.

March 26: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are sleeping in separate bedrooms; Angelina is still upset over catching Brad giving their nanny a back rub, and he has now officially been banned from their bedroom.

March 30: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's relationship is so strained that she's living in a hotel while he and the kids stay in a nearby house.

April 1: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are hoping to adopt a child from India.

April 2: Brad Pitt is threatening to end it with Angelina Jolie if they don't get married.

April 3: Brad Pitt's moved out after a blowout fight with Angelina Jolie -- and may seek custody of their six children.

April 7: Angelina Jolie was treated for exhaustion on the set of her new movie.

April 10: Angelina Jolie is tired of being with just Brad Pitt, so she told him that she wants an open relationship.

April 13: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have lost their bid to adopt a Burmese baby.

April 14: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are fighting about her latest adoption plans.

April 16: Angelina Jolie is pregnant again -- "just in time" to save her relationship with Brad Pitt.

April 23: Jennifer Aniston's been laying low while in NYC trying to avoid running into Angelina Jolie.

April 24: Brad Pitt has banned Angelina Jolie from adopting another child for a year.

April 27: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have hired some of the most bullish libel lawyers in the world to shut down a tell-all by their former bodyguard.

April 29: Brad Pitt's hoping to squash breakup rumors by publicly doting on Angelina Jolie, regularly popping in to visit on the set of her new movie, bringing lunch and catering to her every need.

May 6: Brad Pitt poured his heart out to Courteney Cox when they ran into each other the other night, admitting he still loves Jennifer Aniston and regrets they ever split.

May 7: Brad Pitt secretly met his Jennifer Aniston face-to-face on the set of her new movie to talk about his feelings.

May 12: Jennifer Aniston has been receiving drunk phone calls from Brad Pitt.

May 13: Angelina Jolie is a "mess" because Brad Pitt is talking to Jennifer Aniston again.

May 14: Brad and Angelina's kids are reportedly "running amok" due to their parents' constant fighting.

May 15: Brad Pitt's parents want their son to dump Angelina Jolie.

May 19: Hoping to quash reports of a breakup, Angelina Jolie is planning a "show of unity" with Brad Pitt for the cameras at Cannes.

May 20: Angelina Jolie threatened to kill herself after a blowout fight with Brad Pitt.

May 21: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie couldn't keep their hands off each other at Cannes.

May 21: Angelina Jolie caught Brad Pitt talking to Jennifer Aniston on the phone and "totally flipped out."

May 22: Despite breakup rumors, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie want to have another baby, this time in London.

May 27: Angelina Jolie pretends to be a good mother for the cameras, but she's really an absent parent.

June 1: The producers of 'Tomb Raider' have dropped Angelina Jolie as their star because they think she's too old for the role.

June 3: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have split up!

June 4: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie deny they're over -- despite having "fights and moments."

June 8: Brad Pitt recently called Jennifer Aniston to tell her he feels "trapped" in a sexless relationship with Angelina Jolie.

June 8: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are planning a summer wedding in New Orleans.

June 11: Brad Pitt threw Angelina Jolie a surprise party for her 34th birthday, gifting her with a family portrait and lingerie. But before the night ended, they argued about Jennifer Aniston.

June 12: Brad Pitt's "psyched" to be single again; he's been having a ball bar-hopping, going to concerts and taking joy rides on his motorcycle.

June 15: Jennifer Aniston's admitted to friends that she'd get back together with Brad Pitt.

June 17: Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston claim they talk about "film scripts" when they're on the phone together.

June 23: Brad Pitt's mom wants him to get back together with Jennifer Aniston.

June 24: Angelina Jolie is sending Jennifer Aniston threatening text messages to stay away from Brad Pitt.

June 24: Angelina Jolie is considering getting involved in politics and even has her eye on the White House.

June 25: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have been hiding twins Knox and Viv because the babies suffer from health problems.

June 29: Brad Pitt stopped his Republican brother from running for Congress.

June 30: Residents of New Orleans want Brad Pitt to run for mayor, even going as far as wearing campaign T-shirts.

July 2: Angelina Jolie thinks Brad Pitt is sleeping with Jennifer Aniston, even confronting him face-to-face about the affair.

July 13: Brad Pitt has supposedly met with lawyers in preparation for a separation.

July 16: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are hoping to reignite the spark in their relationship by making a sequel to 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith.'

July 17: It's make or break time for Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, as they try one last time to make their relationship work.

July 20: Brad Pitt buying a tiny house in Big Sur as a bachelor pad so he can get away from Angelina Jolie.

July 23: Brad Pitt is shaken up over Jennifer Aniston's rumored romance with Gerard Butler.

July 24: Brad Pitt doesn't believe in God.

July 30: Angelina Jolie is "furious" over how Brad Pitt "burns through money."

Aug. 3: Brad Pitt's livid that Angelina Jolie took 8-year-old son Maddox to Iraq against his wishes.

Aug. 5: Brad Pitt denies he and Angelina have been fighting.

Aug. 6: Brad Pitt disinvited Angelina Jolie to the 'Inglourious Basterds' premiere in Germany, where he turned off his cell phone, hit on an ex and partied all night.

Aug. 10: The men in Jennifer Aniston's life need to pass a "sniff test" by her dog Norman, who loved Brad Pitt and hated John Mayer.

Aug. 11: Brad Pitt doesn't want to work with Angelina Jolie again.

Aug. 12: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie barely spoke to each other at the 'Inglourious Basterds' premiere.

Aug. 13: Brad Pitt is ticked that Angelina Jolie's slinky dress stole the show at the L.A. premiere of 'Inglourious Basterds.'

Aug. 18: Quentin Tarantino says he smoked hash with Brad Pitt when they decided to film the movie together.

Aug. 18: Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and family sneak off to France for rest of the summer.

Aug. 25: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie slapped down $75 million on a French chateau.

Aug. 27: Angelina Jolie wants Brad Pitt to go to rehab because he's been boozing and smoking marijuana around the kids.

Sept. 1: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are fighting again because he wants her to reconnect with estranged dad Jon Voight.

Sept. 8: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are so guilty over their crumbling relationship that they're spoiling their kids.

Sept. 10: Angelina Jolie and Megan Fox are going head-to-head for the lead role in the 'Barbarella' remake, and Jolie's "petrified" she'll wind up the loser.

Sept. 14: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie argue over his interest in Rachel McAdams.

Sept. 22: Angelina Jolie is purposefully wasting away in a desperate bid to get attention from Brad Pitt.

Sept. 24: Jennifer Aniston is still pining over Brad Pitt.

Sept. 24: Brad Pitt wants to build a private airport on the grounds of his French chateau so that he and Angelina Jolie can avoid the paparazzi.

Sept. 25: Brad Pitt has moved out because he doesn't share Angelina Jolie's lust for being a charitable crusader.

Sept. 28: Angelina Jolie has set her sights on adopting another African baby, and Brad Pitt is less than thrilled.

Oct. 2: Angelina Jolie hates Brad Pitt's scruffy new look, and has demanded he clean up his image.

Oct. 5: After months of speculation of illness, etc., the Brangelina twins, Knox and Vivienne, have finally surfaced with Mom and Dad, on a trip for ice cream.

Oct. 7: Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt have another secret meeting.

Oct. 14: Every time Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are photographed with their children, Jennifer Aniston is convinced it's because Jolie is trying to rub her nose in the fact she is still childless.

Oct. 19: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's kids are ruling the roost, with no set rules or regulations.

Oct. 20: When Angelina Jolie "did it" for the first time, she cut her partner to make it more emotional.

Oct. 26: Brad Pitt is mad that Angelina Jolie put her career before her kids, but Angelina just baked Maddox a cake.

Nov. 3: Jennifer Aniston begs Brad Pitt to take her back.

Nov. 8: Angelina Jolie won't let Brad Pitt go.

Nov. 11: Angelina Jolie collapses while at home.

Nov. 11: Angelina Jolie will adopt a new baby from Syria -- possibly without Brad Pitt.

Nov. 12: Brad Pitt and Angelina "fight like cats and dogs."

Nov. 15: Angelina Jolie made Brad Pitt get fat.

Nov. 22: Angelina Jolie waged "a mean-spirited but effective campaign" against Jennifer Aniston when Brad Pitt divorced Aniston to be with her.

Nov. 24: Angelina Jolie hates Barack Obama.

Nov. 26: Jennifer Aniston wants to be skinny "like Angelina Jolie."

Nov. 30: Unofficial biographer claims "Brangelina" has 18 months to live (in a relationship together)!

A Year in the Life of the 'Twilight' stars

A Year in the Life of the 'Twilight' Cast

Kevin Polowy — 2009-11-20T16:45:00+00:00

Few celebrities represent the outrageousness of celebrity journalism like 'Twilight' stars Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart -- and by association, their co-star (third wheel?!) Taylor Lautner. And if you believe everything you've read about these -- well, you must wonder how they've managed to survive various "other" men/women, a failed engagement, and a two pregnancies (one for her, and yes, one for him). Not to mention Pattinson's horrendous body odor.

Individually the actual reported stories below tend to be either harmlessly amusing or laughably absurd, but sliced together, one after the next? Pure comic gold.

And to think ... Pattinson and Stewart have never even confirmed their relationship. Few celebrities represent the outrageousness of celebrity journalism like 'Twilight' stars Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart -- and by association, their co-star (third wheel?!) Taylor Lautner. And if you believe everything you've read about these -- well, you must wonder how they've managed to survive various "other" men/women, a failed engagement, and a two pregnancies (one for her, and yes, one for him).

Individually the actual reported stories below tend to be either harmlessly amusing or laughably absurd, but sliced together, one after the next? Pure comic gold.

And to think ... Pattinson and Stewart have never even confirmed their relationship.

Jan. 6 -- Robert Pattinson's "backup plan" is to launch a music career.

Jan. 16 -- 'Twilight' producers got upset that Robert Pattinson cut his hair.

Jan. 21 -- Robert Pattinson is reveling in his newfound fame by drinking up and hitting on ladies in London pubs.

Jan. 26 -- Robert Pattinson believes in love at first sight; He often falls head over heels for girls he meets on the street.

Feb. 9 -- Robert Pattinson once took a female stalker out to dinner.

Feb. 17 -- Robert Pattinson finds screaming fans "bizarre" and is convinced that some people use his fame as an excuse to act like maniacs

Feb. 20 -- Robert Pattinson still goes through his own fan mail, even though he fears receiving death threats.

Feb. 24 -- Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson are friends, not lovers; Stewart says she's dating 20-year-old actor Michael Angarano.

Feb. 27 -- Hugh Jackman and Robert Pattinson teamed up for a karaoke duet.

March 4 -- Taylor Lautner has been banned from dating until he's 28, by order of his father.

March 13 -- Robert Pattinson has been getting very cozy with Megan Fox.

March 25 -- Robert Pattinson is driving the cast and crew of 'New Moon' crazy with his "awful" stench because he hates showering.

March 27 -- Robert Pattinson has hired Canadian Mounties to protect him from his female fans while filming 'New Moon.'

April 9 -- Robert Pattinson once went to great lengths to land the role of a transsexual prostitute.

April 21 - Robert Pattinson reveals he got expelled from his school at age 12.

May 4 -- Taylor Lautner and Selena Gomez are "just friends," saying just because they hang out doesn't mean they're dating.

May 8 -- Robert Pattinson is infatuated with a Canadian stripper, paying her for lap dances whenever he can.

May 14 -- Kristen Stewart rejected boyfriend Michael Angarano's on-set marriage proposal.

May 21 -- Robert Pattinson has introduced Kristen Stewart to his parents, fueling speculation that the two are dating.

June 5 -- Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart snuck out of the MTV Movie Awards a little early to dine alone.

June 5 -- The producers of 'New Moon' want Robert Pattinson to cut down on his drinking and clubbing, so they told him he needs to hit the gym every night.

June 10 - Robert Pattinson has been secretly seeing Joe Jonas' girlfriend Camilla Belle.

June 11 -- Robert Pattinson has given Kristen Stewart an ultimatum -- dump her boyfriend and get serious or he walks.

June 12 -- Kristen Stewart has dumped boyfriend Michael Angarano. Did the ultimatum Robert Pattinson give her work?

June 16 -- Robert Pattinson has been getting advice from Brad Pitt about how to keep his relationship with Kristen Stewart a secret.

June 17 -- Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart have been dating for "awhile" but kept it under wraps. He went "crazy" for her when they first met, but their love's been hampered by constant media attention.

June 18 -- Now that "the chase" of landing Kristen Stewart is over, Robert Pattinson is getting bored.

June 22 -- Reports of story that Kristen Stewart was cheating on Robert Pattinson with Russell Brand not true.

June 25 -- Robert Pattinson and Emilie de Ravin have been flirting on the set of their new movie, causing Kristen Stewart to "flip out."

June 26 -- 'Twilight' fans are bombarding Kristen Stewart with hate mail accusing her of cheating on Robert Pattinson.

June 30 -- Joan Jett made Kristen Stewart cry on the set of the upcoming Runaways biopic.

July 1 -- Taylor Lautner is "desperate" for a girlfriend.

July 1 -- Robert Pattinson went unnoticed at a NYC club while watching the band Jump into the Gospel perform.

July 7 -- Kristen Stewart is pregnant! With Robert Pattinson's baby!

July 8 -- Kristen Stewart is annoyed by reports that she's pregnant with Robert Pattinson's baby.

July 9 -- Robert Pattinson dumped Kristen Stewart for Emilie de Ravin; the two got friendly on the set of their new movie while Stewart was miles away

July 17 -- Robert Pattinson admitted he only auditioned for 'Twilight' because he had a crush on Kristen Stewart.

July 23 -- Kristen Stewart is sick of Robert Pattinson's womanizing ways, so she's demanding that he stop seeing other people ASAP.

July 27 -- Crew on the set 'Remember Me,' think Robert Pattinson is "obnoxious"; he rubs co-workers the wrong way by ignoring fans, expecting special treatment and barking orders "like he's a king."

July 28 -- Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson spend three hours in the back of a limo at Comic-Con; also spotted holed up at the Hard Rock Hotel one night.

July 30 -- Taylor Lautner ruined his budding romance with Selena Gomez by cheating on her with 'Zoey 101' actress Victoria Justice.

July 31 - Kristen Stewart caught drinking beers on the set of 'The Runaways.'

Aug. 3 -- Kristen Dunst has been sending Robert Pattinson flirty text messages.

Aug. 5 -- Robert Pattinson has reveals that he's single after reportedly being dumped by Kristen Stewart.

Aug. 7 -- Even though Robert Pattinson says he's 100% single, he's caught speeding away from "very good friend" Kristen Stewart's house in the morning.

Aug. 13 -- Robert Pattinson is worried Kristen Stewart might fall for newly buff Taylor Lautner.

Aug. 14 -- Kristen Stewart laughs off reports that she's carrying Robert Pattinson's baby, but still gets very emotional on set, occasionally breaking down over the stress of a scene.

Aug. 17 - Back on set together, Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner went out partying together before R-Pattz and K-Stew broke away to go to a Kings of Leon concert.

Aug. 18 -- Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart are planning to move in together once they finish filming the final installment of the trilogy.

Aug. 28 -- Kriste Stewart has eye on $3 million love nest for she and Robert Pattinson.

Sept. 3 -- Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart are engaged!

Sept. 4 -- The cast of the latest 'Twilight' movie is growing increasingly "uncomfortable" with Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart's constant PDA.

Sept. 9 -- Producers of 'Twilight' have warned Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart to stay mum on their relationship for fear confirmation would destroy the franchise.

Sept. 10 -- Robert Pattinson is so into Kristen Stewart that he's alienating himself from friends so he can spend all his free time with her.

Sept. 14 -- Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart are desperate for some alone time.

Sept. 15 -- Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart are ready to go public with their romance.

Sept. 17 -- Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart are planning the "Wedding of the Year."

Sept. 18 -- Poor Michael Angarano is still holding out hope that he and ex-girlfriend Kristen Stewart will reunite

Sept. 29 -- Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner are having a tough time adjusting to fame

Oct. 2 -- Kristen Stewart has alienated herself from the 'Twilight' cast and crew

Oct. 5 -- Rob Pattinson may play Prince Harry in upcoming movie

Oct. 13 -- Robert Pattinson says he can't land a date

Oct. 14 - Movie co-stars Taylor Lautner and Taylor Swift spotted in "locked in a long embrace" after one of Swift's shows.

Oct. 16 -- Emilie de Ravin has reconciled with her estranged husband after being left "devastated" when Robert Pattinson got back together with Kristen Stewart.

Oct. 21 - Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart sharing an entire floor of suites in Vancouver

Oct. 27 - Taylor Lautner and Taylor Swift seen leaving hotel room together.

Oct. 29 - It's over for Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart.

Nov. 3 -- Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart spent the night together at Chateau Marmont.

Nov. 4 - Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart calling each "wife" and "husband" on set of 'Eclipse.'

Nov. 4 -- Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart stay apart to squash romance rumors.

Nov. 9 - Robert Pattinson has pregnancy scare.

Nov. 11 - Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart photgraphed holding hands in London, fist reported sighting of PDA.

Nov. 12 -- Robert Pattinson may quit if he can't handle fame.

Nov. 13 - Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart romance confirmed by 'Twilight' director Catherine Hardwicke.

Nov. 20 -- 'New Moon' opens.

Lea Thompson Talks 'Splinterheads,' 'Back to the Future 4' and Choosing Family First

Kevin Polowy — 2009-11-13T20:00:00+00:00

Reinventing herself is nothing new for Lea Thompson.

In the '80s, she was the red-hot young star of hits like 'All the Right Moves,' 'Some Kind of Wonderful,' 'Red Dawn,' and, of course, the 'Back to the Future' trilogy. After giving birth to her first daughter in 1991, Thompson turned to family-friendly entertainment like 'Dennis the Menace' and 'Little Rascals.' She spent the second half of that decade on the tube, as the singleton cartoonist approaching middle age in 'Caroline in the City.' Reinventing herself is nothing new for Lea Thompson.

In the '80s, she was the red-hot young star of hits like 'All the Right Moves,' 'Some Kind of Wonderful,' 'Red Dawn,' and, of course, the 'Back to the Future' trilogy. After giving birth to her first daughter in 1991, Thompson turned to family-friendly entertainment like 'Dennis the Menace' and 'Little Rascals.' She spent the second half of that decade on the tube, as the singleton cartoonist approaching middle age in 'Caroline in the City.'

The '00s haven't been as easy to classify for Thompson. The actress has mostly shuffled between low-profile indies and TV movies. Her latest, 'Splinterheads,' falls in the former, but has more breakout potential than anything she's done this millennium. In the quirky, 'Napoleon Dynamite'-esque comedy, Thompson plays mother to a lovable loser (Thomas Middleditch) trying to find his way.

Of course playing mom is nothing new for Thompson; she's been doing it since 22, her first time around as Lorraine McFly. We chatted with the gracious actress and mother of two about her past, present and 'Future.'

Do you ever look back and analyze the various phases of your career? It's been so varied.
It has certainly been interesting, and it's full of all kinds of twists and turns, but the best thing is that I still get the opportunity to do some really great parts and I still get to do it. I'm still an artist that's creating after all these years. First time I went on stage, I was 12, so it's been a long time for me to keep creating. And this might sound metaphysical or something, but your past kind of opens up in front of you and you do what's there. I feel grateful that I had so much time to be with my kids, to be a mother, to raise my kids not in an insane environment, or being gone all the time, and being uber-famous. So I think it's unfolded the way it's supposed to and I feel really blessed and really lucky; mostly because I've gotten to work with such wonderful people and that is awesome.

Seems like 'Splinterheads' was a fun shoot to be on?
Yeah, it really was. It's fun when there's not that much pressure from a studio ... you can just kind of create and no one's messing with you. [Writer-director Brant Sersen] is a really great guy. He's strong, but he's very collaborative, so that's a perfect combination for a director.

Is that the main appeal for you in working in independent film?
Yeah, I mean, there's a certain group of us that just love to work in different styles. Not all actors are like that. I just love to work and I love to meet new people and be a part of something and be supportive of independent films and not just do it for the money. Some people don't like to do that, but when you have time and when that presents itself to you, it's a lovely experience. And I also don't want to work with creepy people or annoying, mean-spirited scripts. So this was just perfect.

Do you find yourself bringing real-life motherly tendencies into your roles?
Well, I don't know, [Thomas] is just a little old to be my son [laughs], so it's hard for me. But, yeah, I've been playing a mother since I was 22, so definitely. But there's a million different kind of mothers. There's a million different permutations of that, and one of the great things about being a mother myself is that I don't feel hemmed in by that, like I'm supposed to be some certain way ... And most women become mothers at some point, so you really can't play women without being a mother [laughs].

Is there every any hesitation on your part to sign on to a film with a relatively unknown filmmaker?
There's always a risk, because you're really putting yourself out there. But he inspired confidence at the very onset. And I really enjoyed his taste. I was impressed that he picked Thomas, he could've had any number of people play that part ... that he took a chance on someone that nobody knows is very brave. Most of the time the financiers will not allow that.

How do you make your career choices?
I've certainly picked projects that fit in with our lives, which doesn't necessarily mean the most high-profile jobs. For ['Splinterheads'], we were actually on vacation [in Fire Island] in the summer and I could stay on vacation and do this job, so it worked out for me. It was very close to where we were shooting and I didn't have that big of a part, so I didn't have to be there all of the time. If you don't have kids you might make all your decisions based on what you perceive to be best for your career. I make them on how I perceive what is best for my family, and my career is second.

That has to present some difficulties.
The big feature film business has definitely eluded me as of late, for 10-15 years. It does surprise me that I haven't had the opportunity to do any bigger films, whether that's because I did too much TV I have no idea ... But I've had the opportunity to do Broadway and lots of cool little movies and direct [two 'Jane Doe' films for the Hallmark Channel], so I've had lots of really lovely opportunities. But I don't rule that out. I betcha some day they'll need some fabulous old broad in some big movie and I'll be the one they call.

Do you think that pigeonhole existed after 'Caroline and the City' where they said, "Oh, she's a television actress now."?
Well, I think the field gets narrower as you get older, the amount of people that people know [decreases] because people just fall by the wayside, they quit or they uproot their lives, or they do some movie that's so bad ... [laughs] I just think that I don't have a big feature name right now and haven't for quite some time.

Well, speaking of big features, what is your fondest memory of making 'Back to the Future'?
Watching Bob Zemeckis laugh at his jokes ... he just had so much delight in what he was creating and this story, I'll never forget that. I just found that so endearing and so creative. That's the beautiful thing about what we get to do, when you get to see someone just having a good time.

Do you follow the rumors about a sequel? Every once in a while you hear about a 'Back to the Future IV.'
[Laughs] No, that's so ridiculous! Well, I suppose they could probably remake it someday, but that was the problem, because Michael J. Fox was always supposed to be 17. And I suppose if they really wanted to they could figure out how to do that, but I don't see it happening. I certainly would love to make a big movie again, so that would be nice to happen.

Would you be game to revisit that character?
That character was the best ever! Come on, I got to do so many different characters in the one character. I'm not entirely sure anyone has had that opportunity since, to create so many aspects of one character.

So that's your favorite role of all time?
I'd say that, but also when I did 'Cabaret' on Broadway, that was great too. Because sometimes you almost have no control over it, a character just fits you so perfectly that it's not even work and other ones are like pulling teeth, so when you find that, it's such a great gift. And, it's the best thing that ever happened. So, I'd say, yeah, 'Cabaret' and 'Back to the Future.'

What about the opposite side of the spectrum? Anything you regret?
You know, I try not to think about that in my life, it's not really useful to me. I would think that more about just stupid things I say in interviews [laughs]. Not parts. Of course, what you would be luring me to talk about at that point, and generally in these interviews, would be 'Howard the Duck,' which I really don't think. Anyone would've done that part. I think it's kind of fabulous that anybody even still mentions that movie, because trust me there are great bombs every month that people have long since forgotten about, so it's kind of nice that people think about that movie.

I swear I didn't specifically mean 'Howard the Duck.'
[Laughs] It was subversive just like 'Back to the Future' was, which is why I'm proud of it, proud of those movies that had subversive themes about them, kind of off-kilter. You know, my comic sensibilities are right there, which is what I did enjoy about this movie 'Splinterheads.' I liked the kind of sweet but off-kilter sensibility of this movie, which is ideally what I really love, that kind of artistic expression.

So it's been a few years since we've seen Caroline, what do you think she's up to?
God, I hope she got married before she had to get all kinds of in vitro [laughs]. Hoping she got married before she turned 40, that's what i hope, that she married somebody. But that was a really loving experience for me, too. I really enjoyed that and I hope someday it has a better life in re-runs because the shows are really lovely. They're funny and the characters are so interesting and I'm still friends with everybody in that cast. I just did a little tiny movie with almost the entire cast of that.

What's the movie?
It's called 'I Was a 7th Grade Dragon Slayer.' Andy Lauer, the guy who was on roller skates, directed it and Amy Pietz is in it and so is Eric Lutes, so I had to do it just to hang with my buds. It was a very joyful experience.

Mo'Nique Talks 'Precious,' Oscar Politics and Unfair Press in Exclusive Interview

Kevin Polowy — 2009-11-12T19:50:00+00:00

Mo'Nique's come a long way since 'Phat Girlz.'

The amiable actor-comedian-talk show host (and yes, headliner of that infamous 2006 bomb) is the talk of Tinsletown these days thanks to her harrowing dramatic turn in the Oscar favorite 'Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire.' The indie has steadily gained steam since winning big at Sundance in January, subsequently winning the endorsement of media heavies Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry, who signed on as producers.

'Precious' features the year's most unlikely heroine -- Clareece "Precious" Jones (Gabourey Sidibe), an obese Harlem teen twice impregnated by her father. For her portrayal of Mary, the girl's callous, abusive mother, Mo'Nique is a virtual lock for an Academy Award nomination. Mo'Nique's come a long way since 'Phat Girlz.'

The amiable actor-comedian-talk show host (and yes, headliner of that infamous 2006 bomb) is the talk of Tinsletown these days thanks to her harrowing dramatic turn in the Oscar favorite 'Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire.' The indie has steadily gained steam since winning big at Sundance in January, subsequently winning the endorsement of media heavies Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry, who signed on as producers.

'Precious' features the year's most unlikely heroine -- Clareece "Precious" Jones (Gabourey Sidibe), an obese Harlem teen twice impregnated by her father. For her portrayal of Mary, the girl's callous, abusive mother, Mo'Nique is a virtual lock for an Academy Award nomination.

Of course, Mo'Nique's ascension to awards darling hasn't been without its off-screen drama. Various reports have circulated accusing the actress of taking a diva-like attitude and demanding money to appear at festivals to promote the film -- and saying it could severely hurt her Oscar chances.

Mo'Nique fights back against "they" -- the anonymous sources of those reports -- in our candid chat.

Did you have any idea that 'Precious' would turn out to be such a big deal when you signed on to do it?
We didn't do it for it to turn out to be a big deal, we did it for it to change peoples' lives. And I think whenever you do something that you totally surrender to, the universe gets involved. And we totally surrendered to this project with [director Lee Daniels].

Are you surprised at the attention it's received?
I won't say surprised. I'll say appreciative, very appreciative.

Where did you look for inspiration for your character, Mary?
Well, I know that character. That character was my oldest brother Gerald, to me. So I was very aware of who that character was and when Mr. Daniels told me he needed me to play a monster, I reflected that.

You had to go to some pretty dark places in the film, does that wear on you emotionally?
You know, I won't say dark, I would say I had to go to some very honest places. And, no, it didn't wear on me because I dealt with it. So when Mr. Daniels said, "Action," I totally knew it was a character and not something that I had to be deprogrammed for.

Did you do anything to lighten the mood on set in between takes?
Oh my goodness, if y'all could've been there when Mr. Daniels said, "Cut," we were kids on a playground running through that place, listening to house music, eating crab legs. We just totally had a ball. People wouldn't know what movie we were filming if they saw us in between takes.

And that came naturally?
It was very natural because I'm a comedian and Gaby is very joyful and playful and Lee Daniels, oh my God, he's the biggest kid I've ever met. So it was very natural.

What was your relationship like with Gabby behind the scenes?
Amazing, I learned so much from that young lady.

She wasn't afraid of you once the cameras stopped rolling?
Heck no [laughs]!

What do you think the backing of Oprah and Tyler Perry does for the film?
Well, we all know that when Oprah Winfrey says, "I like it" ... What does that mean? That means you can purchase a small island anywhere in the world, if you like [laughs]. Oprah Winfrey understands that story -- she's spoken openly about being molested as a child. Tyler Perry has spoken of it. So they know those stories, they know those people. And when we start removing the labels, when they start looking at themselves as human beings, they can relate. So then they said, "How can we make sure the world hears this? Let's put our names to it."

You share a pivotal scene with Mariah Carey. What was your impression of her?
Amazing. When we got to that scene, and the scene is very real, all those emotions are very real, she was amazing. It said it all on her face. It said it, you read it, you felt it, you understood it. She was just, hands down, brilliant.

Are you surprised that people are so surprised you have the dramatic chops that you display in this movie?
Well, I think that people are surprised because they oftentimes want to put us in a box. And it's like, "OK, well, you can only do this." And it's so unfortunate becuase there are so many talented people out there that get put in boxes and they don't choose to fight their way out of it. It's like, "Guys, I'm an entertainer. I love being funny, that's what keeps me alive. But I also love entertaining, period."

What would earning an Oscar nomination mean to you?
Any nomination would be appreciative, but we've already won it. We've already won. Because when you get an Asian brother that comes up to you and says, "Mo'Nique, what I'm going to say to you is going to sound really weird, but I have to say it. I am Mary Jones, and I was Mary Jones to my brother and my sister." And now he's sobbing and we're embracing and I said, "Congratulations for your honesty, now go get you some help." We've already won.

Are you game for the whole campaigning process that the Oscar race sometimes demands?
Well, honestly, I think that the Academy has been given a bad rap. I really do. Because when people say, "It's political," well, I'm not a politician. I really think that the Academy has been given a bad rap. They're humans beings too, and they want to judge the performance. I can't imagine them judging anything else. What else would you be judging? Do you know?

It's unfortunate, but there are obviously politics involved in the Oscars. Otherwise there wouldn't be all the campaigning and marketing.
I'll say this, I'm very comfortable with what I did on that screen. And I really believe that the Academy are human beings that say, "We're going to judge the performance, because that's what we give this academy for, the performance." That's what I believe.

There's been a lot written in the media about you missing a couple movie premieres and not doing enough to promote the film. Do you think that coverage has been fair?
Well, who's saying that? Because no one can tell me who, Kevin, do you know who they are [laughs]? Because I want to meet them! Who are "they"? Baby, people gonna talk. It comes with the territory. But didn't they talk about Jesus? Then they killed him. So, what makes me think I'm so special that they're not gonna talk about me?

What would you say to the people spreading those reports?
I would ask them, did they see this show? And, I don't know, maybe they haven't, because this may not be the show you go on when you want to promote something, but it's called 'The Oprah Winfrey Show.' I don't know, Kevin, I'm not sure. And then I would say, there's another show that's an institution, it's been around for so long and it's called 'The Today Show.' I did that show, too. Then I did this amazing show with my Italian sister Rachael Ray. Then I did The New York Times, which is supposed to be the biggest print organization in the world. So, what I would say to whoever "they" are is, stop reporting the wrong thing, it's unfair to the readers.

Speaking of TV shows, how is your own talk show going so far?
I am having the time of my live. When I tell you, I'm a kid in a candy store and I can get any type of candy I want, that's how I feel every night I come out of those elevator doors.

No major challenges or difficulties hosting a nightly show?
No, because I'm talking to my friends. Y'all are my friends, y'all are my family. Why would I feel challenged in front of my family?

Have you seen the new 'Jay Leno' show? Are you a fan of the format?
Yes, I have seen the new format. I'm a fan of Jay. Everyone is saying to me, "Well, the competition is going to be thick." And I say, "No it's not." Because I'm not competing. I'm not competing with anybody. I'm there to have a great time, baby. I have my blinders on so that way I can keep moving forward. I'm happy for Wanda, for Jay, for Dave, for George, for Chelsea, for Wendy, everybody, Oprah, Tyra, I'm happy for all of them, because what's meant for Mo'Nique, guess who gonna get it?

Mo'Nique?
Exactly.

So what's next for you?
I hope tomorrow, Kevin [laughs]. Because I am a true believer that tomorrow is not promised. I don't take that for granted, so I'm very thankful for today and I hope I just get to tomorrow.

MORE FROM OUR PARTNERS:

Mariah Carey Talks About Her Physical Appearance In 'Precious' [BV on Movies]

'Twilight' Addicts Since 2008 [Twilighters Anonymous]

Kristen Stewart's 'Yellow Handkerchief' Trailer [Rotten Tomatoes]

New on DVD: Week of October 13

Kevin Polowy — 2009-10-13T06:00:00+00:00

Summer is in mid-swing ... in the world of DVD at least. This week we've got a box office hit ('The Proposal'), a box office dud ('Land of the Lost') and a horror-comedy somewhere in between ('Drag Me to Hell'). Get the full scoop on this week's DVD releases, plus our recommendations from weeks' past. 'The Proposal'
What It's About: A literary assistant (Ryan Reynolds) is so determined to move up the corporate ladder, he agrees to marry his wee-yotch of an older boss, who is in danger of being extradited to Canada unless she weds. Well, at least she looks like Sandra Bullock.

It's Kind of Like: 'The Devil Wears Prada' meets 'Green Card'

What We Say: This massive box office hit (earning $163 mil) pulls all the right crowd-pleasing strings, even if it doesn't live up to its initial promise. For all the genre conventions and clichés it gives in to (seriously, how many rom-coms have there been now where the duo who can't stand each other so predictably fall in love?), at least there are two ultra-magnetic leads bouncing zingers off of each other to keep us distracted.

Add to Netflix queue | Buy the DVD | Watch Bullock-Reynolds Q&A

'Land of the Lost'
What It's About: Based on the classic Sid and Marty Krofft TV show, this action-comedy finds adventurers Will Ferrell, Danny R. McBride and Anna Friel sucked into a time vortex inhabited by dinosaurs, monkey people, and of course, those sexy Sleestaks.

It's Kind of Like: 'Jurassic Park' meets 'Monkeybone'

What We Say: This summer dud is worth the very occasional giggle, but that's about it. Most of the humor is juvenile and sophomoric -- there are monkeys touching breasteses, dinosaur urine showers ... and there's also a scene involving Ferrell getting excreted out of a T-Rex. In other words, 13-year-old boys will love it.

Add to Netflix queue | Buy the DVD | Watch Unscripted Cast Q&A

'Drag Me to Hell'
What It's About: After evicting a creepy old woman from her home (under pressure from her boss), a kindhearted bank loan officer (Alison Lohman) becomes the victim of a nasty, nasty curse (let's just say it involves fly vomit) -- and not even boyfriend Justin Long can help.

It's Kind of Like: 'The Evil Dead IV'

What We Say: 'Spider-Man' helmer Sam Raimi returns to his roots with this proudly over-the-top gorefest, impressive most for the director's ability to reconjure the tone he set with his 'Evil Dead' trilogy. The film is neither all that scary or all that funny, but it's still a fun, super-campy ride.

Other October 13 DVD Releases:
'Adoration'
'Every Little Step'
'American Violet'

Special Editions:
'Natural Born Killers'

See what's new in TV on DVD this month

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Recent DVD Recommendations

Check out previous weeks' DVD releases that get our seal of approval, including 'I Love You, Man' and 'Coraline.'

Paramount

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New DVD Recommendations

'Watchmen'

Release Date: July 21

What It's About: Alan Moore's widely celebrated graphic novel about supremely tortured superheroes gets the big screen treatment from '300' director Zack Snyder, complete with a so-not-funny Comedian (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), scene-chewing Rorschach (Jackie Earle Haley), Skinemax-like sex scene and giant blue member.

What We Say: It's flawed and indulgent, sure, but it's also one of the most original and compelling superhero movies ever made. Long called "unfilmable" because of its complex mythology and alternate time setting, Snyder pulls it off with style, sticking admirably close to the material. It is recommended you read the graphic novel first, though. Otherwise you might be a little perplexed by the giant "Blue Man Group dude" (Dr. Manhattan, whose back story doesn't come until about 30 minutes in).

Rent the DVD | Buy the DVD

Warner Bros.

'Coraline'

Release Date: July 21

What It's About: When her family moves into an old house, the eponymous young girl (voiced by Dakota Fanning) discovers a portal to a parallel universe that at first seems perfect (her parents are more attentive, there's bacon sizzling on the stove, etc), but in truth is far more sinister (everyone has buttons for eyes, for one).

It's Kind of Like: 'Pan's Labyrinth' meets 'Nightmare Before Christmas'

What We Say: The first must-see movie of 2009, this eye-popping whirl through stop-motion animation is a meeting of two brilliant minds (writer Neil Gaiman and director Henry Selick) and remains one of the year's best. Following in the tradition of 'Nightmare' and 'Corpse Bride,' it's a gothic, trippy, oftentimes creepy (see aforementioned buttons for eyes) film that should thrill older kids and adults in equal measure.

Rent the DVD | Buy the DVD

Focus Features

'Two Lovers'

Release Date: June 30

What It's About: Joaquin Phoenix is a troubled Brooklyn man who, despite a current residence in his parents house, is blessed/cursed with the difficult decision of choosing between two beautiful women (Gwyneth Paltrow and Vinessa Shaw). And yes, he raps.

What Critics Say: Reviewers showed a lot of love for 'Two Lovers,' with the romantic drama earning an 84 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The Hollywood Reporter called it "The best American drama of the year."

Rent the DVD | Buy the DVD

Magnolia

'Waltz With Bashir'

Release Date: June 23

What It's About: Having strange memory blockage surrounding his experience in the 1982 Lebanon War, an Israeli Army vet-turned-documentarian (Ari Folman) tracks down several men he served with to fill in the pieces, and then animates the results.

It's Kind of Like: 'Persepolis' meets 'Jacob's Ladder' minus the humor and horned creatures

What We Say: Somber and admittedly slow-paced, the film -- an Oscar favorite that lost Best Foreign Film to 'Departures' in one of the 2009 ceremony's only upsets -- is a thought-provoking examination of war and the human psyche's response to it.

Rent the DVD | Buy the DVD

Sony Classics

'The International'

Release Date: June 9

What It's About: It's Clive Owen against the world as an Interpol agent who, along with the help of a US assistant district attorney (Naomi Watts), attempts to bring down a arms-dealing, globe-ruling, omnipresent network of villains otherwise known as -- you guessed it? -- bankers.

It's Kind of Like: Clive Owen finally playing James Bond

What We Say: Talk about a topical thriller. Who's not ready to root against bankers right now? Of course here they're not just execs taking fat bonuses while driving the economy into a recession, but murderous corporate thugs bent on global domination. So yes, 'The International' takes a bit of suspension of belief, but it's still a riveting and high-voltage thriller worth the watch.

Rent the DVD | Buy the DVD

Sony

'Defiance'

Release Date: June 2

What It's About: When the Nazis invade town and kill their parents, the Bielski brothers (Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber and Jamie Bell) escape to the Belarussian forest, where they exact some brief revenge before forming a safe camp for other Jewish escapees.

It's Kind of Like: 'Schindler's List' meets 'The Dirty Dozen'

What We Say: Nobody does war like director Ed Zwick ('Glory,' 'Courage Under Fire,' 'Blood Diamond'). Despite its conventions, 'Defiance' is a powerful and moving epic that deserved more love when it opened last December (the film scored a modest 56 percent approval rating from critics on RottenTomatoes).

Rent the DVD | Buy the DVD

Paramount Vantage

'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'

Release Date: May 5

What It's About: A New Orleans man (Brad Pitt) who miraculously ages in reverse, growing from naïve elder into relatively normal "middle-aged" period into a senile little boy. Sad as it may be, hey, at least he's got the impossibly handsome looks of Brad Pitt.

It's Kind of Like: 'Forrest Gump' meets 'Cocoon'

What We Say: So long as you don't mind the epic 166-minute runtime (easily the biggest audience knock against 'Button'), this is a fascinating and heartbreaking story done due justice with captivating, eye-catching effects by a brighter-than-ever David Fincher ('Seven').

Rent the DVD | Buy the DVD

Paramount

'Frost/Nixon'

Release Date: April 21

What It's About:The true story of David Frost (Michael Sheen), a British TV personality who ponied up a cool $600,000 for the exclusive first interview with disgraced ex-president Richard Nixon (Frank Langella) ... and somehow got his money worth.

What We Say: It takes some serious directorial skill to condense 12 days of interviews into two hours of tense and gripping entertainment, but that's exactly what Ron Howard does in crafting this exciting battle of wits. It also helps that Langella's humanizing portrayal of Tricky Dick is phenomenal.

Special Features? The DVD offers a making-of doc, footage from the actual interviews and a feature on additional recordings of the ex-prez (perfect for the Nixon completist).

Rent the DVD | Buy the DVD

Universal

'The Wrestler'

Release Date: April 21

What It's About: Randy 'The Ram' Robinson (Mickey Rourke), a former pro wrestling sensation, is a shell of his former self. He now lives in a trailer park, wrestles for pennies at local New Jersey holes where using a staple gun (yes, a staple gun) in the ring is perfectly acceptable, and obsesses over a friendly neighborhood stripper (Marisa Tomei).

It's Kind of Like: The anti-'Hogan Knows Best'

What We Say: Darren Aronofsky's superb indie made the most noise for Rourke's triumphant comeback as a gentle giant, but the film itself was one of the year's best: It's a powerful, brutal and grueling yet still inspiring human drama.

Rent the DVD | Buy the DVD

Fox Searchlight

'Notorious'

Release Date: April 21

What It's About: Just 12 years after his death comes this biopic about legendary rapper The Notorious B.I.G. (Jamal Woolard), aka Biggie Smalls, Big Poppa, Frank White and Christopher Wallace; also appearing are Anthony Mackie as Tupac Shakur and Derek Luke as P. Diddy (aka the man with too many aka's to list).

It's Kind of Like:

What We Say: The fact that Woolard raps over B.I.G. instrumentals is distracting (and we're not as wowed as we should be) but otherwise the actor delivers a strong, confident performance, and the fresh, stylish 'Notorious' builds up to a surprisingly potent peak.

Rent the DVD | Buy the DVD

Fox Searchlight

First Look: Woody and Buzz Return in Toy Story 3 Trailer

Kevin Polowy — 2009-10-13T05:35:00+00:00

It's been a decade since we've seen Andy, the plaything-loving boy whose action figures come to splendid life in the animated classics Toy Story (1995) and Toy Story 2 (1999), and, well, he's done grown up.

In the first full-length trailer for Disney/Pixar's Toy Story 3 (opening 23 July 2010), the oblivious owner of Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz (Tim Allen), Hamm (John Ratzenberger) and pals is about to leave for college.

Click through for the trailer... It's been a decade since we've seen Andy, the plaything-loving boy whose action figures come to splendid life in the animated classics Toy Story (1995) and Toy Story 2 (1999), and, well, he's done grown up.

In the first full-length trailer for Disney/Pixar's Toy Story 3 (opening 23 July 2010), the oblivious owner of Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz (Tim Allen), Hamm (John Ratzenberger) and pals is about to leave for college.

And since lugging his toy chest to campus would equate to social suicide (though, from the looks of his unchanging room, we're not quite sure how he managed through high school), this leaves our plastic heroes in panic.

Are they getting thrown out? Should they all be getting hysterical?! Are they being sold on eBay? (If Andy only knew their real wort ...) Nope, they'll just find a new home - a far more treacherous one, with threats of dismemberment, breakage and unlawful nostril entry ever present.

At this point it seems like a cliché to talk about the infallibility of Pixar - they're 10 for 10 now (with Up being their latest triumph), they're unparalled in the world of animation, etc.

But we have to hand it to them for another victory with this first look, at first sweetly evocative (set, of course, to the sounds of Randy Newman), then predictably hilarious.

Our only (minor) complaint: We don't get a look at the buzzed-about new character, Ken (as in Barbie's Ken doll, voiced by Michael Keaton). But if our recent chat with Tim Allen is any indication, they're keeping Ken under wraps until next summer.

Woody, Buzz & Friends Find New Stomping Grounds in 'Toy Story 3' Trailer

Kevin Polowy — 2009-10-12T12:00:00+00:00

An ageless Bart Simpson he isn't.

It's been a decade since we've seen Andy (voiced by John Morris), the plaything-loving boy whose action figures come to splendid life in the animated classics 'Toy Story' (1995) and 'Toy Story 2' (1999), and, well, he's done grown up.

In the first full-length trailer for Disney/Pixar's 'Toy Story 3' (opening June 18, 2010), the oblivious owner of Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz (Tim Allen), Hamm (John Ratzenberger) and pals is about to leave for college. An ageless Bart Simpson he isn't.

It's been a decade since we've seen Andy (voiced by John Morris), the plaything-loving boy whose action figures come to splendid life in the animated classics 'Toy Story' (1995) and 'Toy Story 2' (1999), and, well, he's done grown up.

In the first full-length trailer for Disney/Pixar's 'Toy Story 3' (opening June 18, 2010), the oblivious owner of Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz (Tim Allen), Hamm (John Ratzenberger) and pals is about to leave for college.

And since lugging his toy chest to campus would equate to social suicide (though, from the looks of his unchanging room, we're not quite sure how he managed through high school), this leaves our plastic heroes in panic.

Are they getting thrown out? Should they all be getting hysterical?! Are they being sold on eBay? (If Andy only knew their real worth ...) Nope, they'll just find a new home -- a far more treacherous one, with threats of dismemberment, breakage and unlawful nostril entry ever present.

Watch 'Toy Story 3' trailer in HD

At this point it seems like a cliché to talk about the infallibility of Pixar - they're 10 for 10 now (with 'Up' being their latest triumph), they're unparalled in the world of animation, etc.

But we have to hand it to them for another victory with this first look, at first sweetly evocative (set, of course, to the sounds of Randy Newman), then predictably hilarious.

Our only (minor) complaint: We don't get a look at the buzzed-about new character, Ken (as in Barbie's Ken doll, voiced by Michael Keaton). But if our recent chat with Tim Allen is any indication, they're keeping Ken under wraps until next summer.

Exclusive 'Toy Story 3' Character Poster
Poll: What's Your Favorite Animated Franchise?

Carey Mulligan Talks 'An Education,' Oscar Buzz & 'Wall Street 2'

Kevin Polowy — 2009-10-08T06:00:00+00:00

Chances are you don't yet know the name Carey Mulligan ... well, not unless you a) religiously follow celebrity gossip (she's reportedly dating her 'Wall Street 2' co-star Shia LaBeouf; b) religiously follow film festival news or awards buzz (her new film 'An Education' is a Sundance darling and Oscar contender); or c) are Keira Knightley, who Mulligan made her screen debut alongside in 2005's 'Pride & Prejudice' and will reunite with in next year's 'Never Let Me Go.'

You will soon, though -- for any of the reasons above -- but first and foremost, for the raves the 24-year-old Brit is drawing for her performance in the indie drama 'An Education.' Mulligan plays a wise-beyond-her-years teen in early-60s London who falls into a precarious relationship with an older man (Peter Sarsgaard). Chances are you don't yet know the name Carey Mulligan ... well, not unless you a) religiously follow celebrity gossip (she's reportedly dating her 'Wall Street 2' co-star Shia LaBeouf; b) religiously follow film festival news or awards buzz (her new film 'An Education' is a Sundance darling and Oscar contender); or c) are Keira Knightley, who Mulligan made her screen debut alongside in 2005's 'Pride & Prejudice' and will reunite with in next year's 'Never Let Me Go.'

You will soon, though -- for any of the reasons above -- but first and foremost, for the raves the 24-year-old Brit is drawing for her performance in the indie drama 'An Education.' Mulligan plays a wise-beyond-her-years teen in early-60s London who falls into a precarious relationship with an older man (Peter Sarsgaard).

Suddenly Mulligan is finding herself alongside Oscar heavyweights like Meryl Streep and Hilary Swank on early awards season prediction lists. We asked her about dealing with all the hype and more in an exclusive interview.

You've gotten fantastic reviews for your role in 'An Education.' How do you feel when you hear the word "Oscar" being tossed around next to your name?
I don't know. I make strange noises [laughs]. To be honest, I'd never been to a film festival before and I'd never played a lead in a film before, so when it sold at Sundance that was pretty much as good as it gets for me. But if that's what people are saying and that means that more people will go see the film that's obviously brilliant. It is too wild to really register.

Did you feel the pressure of playing the lead and carrying a film?
It's strange, actually, because I never really thought about it as a lead role when I was making it, or when I was offered it. It felt like an ensemble film. And I think Lone Scherfig, our director, really took that weight off my shoulders and I didn't feel like the responsibility of the story was on me. She made me just focus on playing stuff scene by scene and trying to be truthful and then she was in charge of molding the whole thing. The first time I really felt pressure was just before we went to Sundance, because I had that film and I had 'The Greatest' there and I suddenly thought, if everybody hates it it's all my fault, because I'm in it. But until then, I never really thought of it like a lead part. That's probably a good thing.

Nick Hornby adapted this screenplay from a Lynn Barber memoir. Were you a fan of his work?
Yeah, I'd read pretty much everything Nick has written. That was part of the reason I was so excited when I got the script in the first place, because he'd written it. I knew a lot of Nick's books. And he'd written another book called 'A Long Way Down,' which I was desperate for them to turn into a film, because there's a character in that that I really wanted to play [laughs].

Are you surprised he's able to capture the female perspective so well?
I'm not surprised, because a lot of the characters he writes in his books, he writes really well. But it is a massive achievement for a male writer to get into the head of a girl of that age and write such a three dimensional lead character. Not a girl who's just an accessory to the story, but actually is the story. It's not surprising because I know how talented he is. I think he did a brilliant job at creating her, being a man and creating this really believable, truthful kind of girl.

Did you attempt to help Peter Sarsgaard fine-tune his British accent at all?
[Laughs] I would never! I would never presume to help anybody out with their accents because I could so easily get screwed over with my accent, so, no. He came on with it, he really came on the first day of rehearsals and had it. He'd come on set in the accent and he'd stay in the accent all day. He kind of nailed it.

Did the two of you grow close?
Oh, I loved him. We ended up spending the whole year together because we went off and did the play on Broadway [in 'The Seagull'] after we did the film. So, yeah, we spent the whole year playing this older man-younger girl thing. He's brilliant and, more than anyone I've worked with, I've learned a huge amount from him, from both of the things we did together.

Your father in the film is played by Alfred Molina -- was there ever a single moment when the thought crossed your mind, "Oh my god, Doc Ock is my dad."
[Laughs] I think that's actually exactly what I said when my agent rung and said he signed on. I was like, "Crikey!" But, yeah, of course I have those moments, but I had the same moment with Emma Thompson when we did our day together [in 'An Education']. It was such an unbelievable cast and every time I got a phone call saying that someone else had signed on I was like that. And when Sally Hawkins came on to do her one scene ... I was blown away ... I was so lucky because so many people on the film never met and I got to meet all of them and work with all of them.

How did you land your first film role, as Kitty in 'Pride & Prejudice'?
I wrote to Julian Fellowes, who is a writer who wrote 'Gosford Park,' because he had given a talk at my school when I was about 17 and he was the only actor I'd ever met. So I contacted him and said that I was headed to the university but, actually, I wanted to act and I had no way in because I didn't know any actors or anything. And he introduced me to someone who was looking for people who'd never acted before to play the younger sister in 'Pride and Prejudice.' So I went to an open casting for 'Pride & Prejudice' and put down a tape, so that was how that happened.

What do you remember about that filming experience?
I walked on and had never acted professionally, let alone in a film, so I got coached through it by Joe Wright and I copied everything that Jena Malone did, because she played almost a twin, so I basically did everything she did. And that was how I got through it ... It was an incredibly tight gang of people. Joe Wright does that brilliantly, he builds families while he builds his casts and he makes you spend a lot of time together, so you do kind of form those relationships. And that comes off in his films really well.

You're reteaming with your 'Pride & Prejudice' sister Keira Knightley in 'Never Let Me Go.' Is that just a happy coincidence that you're working together again?
Yeah, I mean, I was offered the part, Kathy, and they hadn't found Ruth yet. They asked Keira and she signed on, so we got to do another film together. It was wonderful. It's not just easy because you're working with a friend, but also someone you've acted with before and you understand how you both like to work.

What can you tell us about 'Wall Street 2'? Does it take a more critical look at the banking world?
Not much, we just started shooting and I haven't done a huge amount yet. I play Winnie Gekko, Gordon Gekko's daughter, and I'm not in the finance world ... It takes a look at the business and banking world, but it's still a movie, so it's got movie movements and a soundtrack and brilliant actors. But I'm yet to discover really what we're all making here because I've been so wrapped up in 'An Education' that I haven't really got into my 'Wall Street' stuff yet.

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Carey Mulligan Photos

See pics of 'An Education' star Carey Mulligan.

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Michael Moore Halloween Costume

Kevin Polowy — 2009-10-06T20:00:00+00:00

Halloween is approaching, and we're giving out treats: tips on how to dress like your favorite movie characters.

Costume: Incendiary documentarian Michael Moore -- because he's not only a real man, he's also a movie character

What You'll Need: The baseball cap is key, and for authenticity's sake we highly recommend sticking to Michigan or Detroit teams (Moore most often sports a Michigan State hat, though he's been spotted a lot lately in this red Rutgers University hat). Next, if you don't already wear them, find some fake thick black glasses at your local Target or discount store. Moore's typical outfit consists of a blazer and tee shirt underneath (make it something nice and liberal), jeans and sneakers. Depending on your weight, you'll probably need some extra padding for the gut (even if the guy has lost some baby fat recently). Costume: Incendiary documentarian Michael Moore -- because he's not only a real man, he's also a movie character

What You'll Need: The baseball cap is key, and for authenticity's sake we highly recommend sticking to Michigan or Detroit teams (Moore most often sports a Michigan State hat, though he's been spotted a lot lately in this red Rutgers University hat). Next, if you don't already wear them, find some fake thick black glasses at your local Target or discount store. Moore's typical outfit consists of a blazer and tee shirt underneath (make it something nice and liberal), jeans and sneakers. Depending on your weight, you'll probably need some extra padding for the gut (even if the guy has lost some baby fat recently).

To really get the point across that you are, in fact, Michael Moore, and not just some heavyset Red Wings fan, we recommend a series of buttons on the blazer representing each of his films: anti-Wall Street ('Capitalism: A Love Story), pro-universal health care ('Sicko'), anti-Bush ('Fahrenheit 9/11'), anti-guns ('Bowling for Columbine'), anti-big business ('The Big One') and anti-downsizing ('Roger and Me'). For extra credit, order this John Candy button to represent Moore's one narrative feature, 'Canadian Bacon.'

Accessories: There are a few things you can carry around to make you look more Moore-ish. You can start with a video camera to hold over your shoulder (and bonus, film your whole Halloween party!); you can also opt for a prop video camera. If you want to be a little timelier, go with the bullhorn Moore uses to call out banking execs in 'Capitalism.' And lastly, don't forget your American flag.

New on DVD: Week of October 5

Kevin Polowy — 2009-10-06T06:00:00+00:00

The shaggy-haired looks of its leads are about the only thing our two spotlighted DVD releases this week share in common. 'Year One' is broad comedy set in biblical times, while 'Anvil! The Story of Anvil' is a music doc about the greatest Canadian heavy metal band you've never heard of. Get the full scoop on this week's DVD releases, plus our recommendations from weeks' past. 'Year One'
What It's About: It's a biblical comedy, sure, but hunter-gatherers Zed (Jack Black) and Oh (Michael Cera) can't possibly be more than one step removed from monkeys in the evolution chain. After being banished from their village, they set off on misadventures across the holy land.

It's Kind of Like: 'History of the World: Part I' meets 'Dumb and Dumber'

What We Say: Black and Cera are both talented comic actors that have given us plenty of hearty laughs over the years, but as a pair they languish in this dud. The painfully unfunny comedy -- the kind that makes you feel sorry for all involved -- is a top candidate for year's absolute worst. Then again, if you like "peeing on your own face" jokes...

Add to Netflix queue | Buy the DVD | Read Black-Cera Q&A

'Anvil! The Story of Anvil'
What It's About: Documentarian Sacha Gervasi brings us the true story of the greatest Canadian heavy metal band you've never heard of. Twenty-five years after inspiring the likes of Metallica, Anthrax and Megadeth -- but never making it big themselves -- over-the-hill rockers Steve 'Lips' Kudlow and Robb Reiner still plug away.

It's Kind of Like: A real-life 'This Is Spinal Tap' (or a less hostile 'Metallica: Some Kind of Monster')

What We Say: This widely acclaimed but criminally underseen doc lives up to the hype. It's funny, tender, touching and inspiring - and even at times, like a hilarious bromance. 'Anvil!' is a can't-miss, especially for music lovers.

Add to Netflix queue | Buy the DVD | Watch trailer & clips

Other October 6 DVD Releases:
'Imagine That'
'My Life in Ruins'
'Not Quite Hollywood'
'Trick 'R Treat'
'Assassination of a High School President'
Ken Burns: 'National Parks'

Special Editions:
'Snow White'
'My Fair Lady'

See what's new in TV on DVD this month

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Recent DVD Recommendations

Check out previous weeks' DVD releases that get our seal of approval, including 'I Love You, Man' and 'Coraline.'

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New DVD Recommendations

Warner Bros.

Focus Features

Magnolia

Sony Classics

Sony

Paramount Vantage

Paramount

Universal

Fox Searchlight

Fox Searchlight

Film Fixation Podcast - Episode 15: 'Zombieland,' 'Whip It' & 'Capitalism'

Kevin Polowy — 2009-10-02T20:00:00+00:00

Finally! A good week in new movie releases!

Moviefone editors Angie Argabrite, Tom DiChiara and Kevin Polowy welcome the arrival of fall movies like 'Zombieland' (a bloody good time), 'Capitalism' (minor Moore?), 'Whip It' (yet another reason to love roller girls) and 'Invention of Lying' (anti-religion?).

[Subscribe to Film Fixation on iTunes or download the file from our audio feed or our video feed.]

Finally! A good week in new movie releases!

Moviefone editors Angie Argabrite, Tom DiChiara and Kevin Polowy welcome the arrival of fall movies like 'Zombieland' (a bloody good time), 'Capitalism' (minor Moore?), 'Whip It' (yet another reason to love roller girls) and 'Invention of Lying' (anti-religion?).

[Subscribe to Film Fixation on iTunes or download the file from our audio feed or our video feed.]

All episodes of the Film Fixation podcast

LeBron James Talks 'More Than a Game,' 'Fantasy Basketball Camp' & Michael Corleone

Kevin Polowy — 2009-10-02T18:00:00+00:00

Kareem Abdul-Jabaar, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal ... Some of the NBA's all-time greats have made the jump from the hardwood to Hollywood.

The new basketball documentary 'More Than a Game' is a far more 'Hoop Dreams' than 'Space Jam,' but you have to wonder if this is the first of many times we'll see LeBron James, the game's biggest superstar, score on the big screen.

We played sports reporter for a day and caught up with "King James" -- who is also an executive producer on the film -- for an exclusive interview. Kareem Abdul-Jabaar, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal ... Some of the NBA's all-time greats have made the jump from the hardwood to Hollywood.

The new basketball documentary 'More Than a Game' is a far more 'Hoop Dreams' than 'Space Jam,' but you have to wonder if this is the first of many times we'll see LeBron James, the game's biggest superstar, score on the big screen.

Filmed way back in 2003, the film follows the "Fab Five" of Akron, Ohio's St. Vincent-St. Mary High School basketball team on their quest for a national championship. James is obviously the big draw, but the film focuses more on the incredibly close-knit coterie of teammates than James himself. We played sports reporter for a day and caught up with "King James" -- who is also an executive producer on the film -- for an exclusive interview.

Did having documentary cameras follow you around at such a young age help prepare you for all the media attention you'd be getting later on in the pros?
Absolutely, it set me up exactly the right way that I needed to have. When I got to the NBA, it was easy for me.

At the time, did it put more pressure on you guys to perform?
Honestly, it didn't. We just thought it was kind of crazy that they wanted to follow high school guys around [laughs]. I mean, we were just having fun out there.

How do you think this film might change people's perspective of you?
I'm not sure. Honestly, that's not even what my goal is. I can't lead my life thinking, "What do other people think about me?" I hope that inner-city kids and African American kids can also believe that their dreams can become reality no matter the obstacles they may go through. And that the things they may go through, [no matter] how tough, [that] they can make it through. I don't care what people think about me.

'Game' was shot so long ago -- was it tough to get off the ground?
It was tough for the director [Kristopher Belman], at first, to get [people to agree on] his vision about the story. A lot of people didn't believe in his point of view, [to focus] not only on LeBron, but his four best friends, his high school coach and things like that ... They just wanted the LeBron footage, they didn't want everybody else, and that's not the story we wanted to get out of there. So it took us a little while until someone believed in us.

Get 'More Than a Game' showtimes & tickets
Watch exclusive clip from 'More Than a Game'

The film is drawing comparisons to 'Hoop Dreams.' Think they're similar?
Well, I love 'Hoop Dreams.' It's an unbelievable movie about kids and guys in the inner-city growing up, having dreams and things like that. I think it definitely [warrants] comparison to it, absolutely.

Are you still tight with all of your teammates? Do you see each other much?
Oh yeah, absolutely, all of them. We see each other a lot, especially during the summer time, because that's when everyone's home. Romeo [Travis] and Dru [Joyce] are playing professionally across seas, but during the summer we're together all the time. We still take a boys trip every summer. Usually we go to Vegas but we've been other places; we've be to Cancun, Mexico together, we do a lot of things. We try to go to Vegas every summer, those guys like the lights and the long nights [laughs].

Is there anyone in the NBA that you've bonded with like you have those guys?
Well, I've got some really good friends in the NBA. Chris Paul is one of my really dear friends. Carmelo Anthony's a good friend of mine. Dwayne Wade's a really good friend of mine, and a couple of my teammates back in Cleveland. Mo Williams is a good friend of mine. There's no way you can have the same relationship that you've had with guys that you've been friends with since you were 9 years old, but you can really have good friends and guys that you can count on.

If this story was made into a big budget Hollywood movie, who would you want to play you?
Um, I don't know. Someone that has great charisma, great laughter ... nah I'm just playin' [laughs]. I don't know. It'd be great though.

What's your favorite movie of all time?
'Godfather Part I' and 'II.' [The movies] give you all the life skills that you need, you know. I can relate to it ... Don Michael Corleone having to live two lives. How to manage his time between his family, which is the street guys, and his real family. I can relate to that -- how do I balance my time between basketball, my family in basketball and my family at home? Those movies are great.

What can you tell us about your acting debut, next summer's 'Fantasy Basketball Camp'?
It's about five guys from all over America [who come] to my fantasy basketball camp. Fantasy basketball camp is basically for guys 35 and over; these are guys who wish they could be in the NBA but absolutely have no talent, but they still love to play the game of basketball. So they come to my camp, they get put on these teams ... It's a comedy, it's about these five guys coming together as a team and trying to win a championship in my camp.

Who do you think is the greatest basketball player-turned-actor?
I don't know, Kareem, maybe. I mean, he got an opportunity to shoot with Bruce Lee, wow. I mean, how great is that?

We've seen Michael Jordan do family films, Kareem Abdul-Jabaar do comedy, Shaquille O'Neal do action movies, and Ray Allen do drama. What kind of genre would you want to work in?
I could do comedy. I see myself in comedy, or as a superhero type, bodybuilder type ... nah I'm just playin' [laughs].

Who would you want to act alongside of?
I don't know. I'm a big fan of Will Smith. If I got a role alongside of him, wow. How great would that be?

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Lebron James Photos

See pics of basketball player and 'More Than a Game' star Lebron James.

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Coen Brothers Talk 'A Serious Man' & 'Big Lebowski' Sequel in Video Exclusive

Kevin Polowy — 2009-10-01T06:00:00+00:00

A typical Coen brothers film involves double and triple crosses, murderous sociopaths (oftentimes with extraordinary hairstyles), sudden and gruesome death scenes, and other neo-noirish elements, with the action generally played out by an eclectic crew of Hollywood's most venerated thespians.

'A Serious Man' has none of the above.

It certainly is a black comedy with more dramatic elements than typical Coen fare -- but Joel and Ethan's latest is the least Coenish film they've turned in yet. Instead, 'A Serious Man' is a quiet film (with no marquee stars) about a troubled Jewish family in suburban Minnesota. A typical Coen brothers film involves double and triple crosses, murderous sociopaths (oftentimes with extraordinary hairstyles), sudden and gruesome death scenes, and other neo-noirish elements, with the action generally played out by an eclectic crew of Hollywood's most venerated thespians.

'A Serious Man' has none of the above.

It certainly is a black comedy with more dramatic elements than typical Coen fare -- but Joel and Ethan's latest is the least Coenish film they've turned in yet. Instead, 'A Serious Man' is a quiet film (with no marquee stars) about a troubled Jewish family in suburban Minnesota.

In a Moviefone exclusive -- the only on-camera interview granted by the fraternal film masters -- the Coens explain that while the film's setting is close to home, literally, 'A Serious Man' isn't necessarily a personal tale. They debunk reports that the protagonist (Michael Stuhlbarg) is closely based on their father. "Really the only similarity to our father is that our father was also a university professor," Joel says. "But he couldn't be more different, in many respects, than the character that Michael plays in the movie."

The writer-directors also discuss Lebowski Mania ("We're really as surprised as the next person - or more surprised") and the potential for sequels to two of their films - both involving John Turturro.

"We told John Turturro that we're going to do a sequel to 'Barton Fink' called 'Old Fink," Ethan says. "When he's old enough, because who wants to spend three hours in makeup every morning. It's going to be Barton Fink 25 years later."

As for more 'Lebowski'? "John actually agitates for us to do a spin-off movie of his character in 'The Big Lebowski,' all about Jesus, the bowler in the mauve jumpsuit," Ethan says. "But we've resisted that."

Keep the faith, Jesus fans.

Get 'A Serious Man' showtimes & tickets
Watch 'A Serious Man' trailer

Randy The Ram: 'The Wrestler' Halloween Costume

Kevin Polowy — 2009-09-29T17:00:00+00:00

Halloween is approaching, and we're giving out treats: tips on how to dress like your favorite movie characters.

Costume: Over-the-hill body slammer Randy "The Ram" Robinson, aka 'The Wrestler' (Mickey Rourke)

What You'll Need: The blonde wig is key -- but make sure to avoid those that'll make you look like a fairytale princess (that'd be embarrassing). Instead lean toward the '80s-style rock star wigs you can find on eBay. And while we don't condone the fake-and-bake route, you wouldn't be "The Ram" without a good tan; so get yourself to the closest tanning salon. Or for a safer option, go with some tanning lotion from your nearest drugstore (you can order some online from Target). Costume: Over-the-hill body slammer Randy "The Ram" Robinson, aka 'The Wrestler' (Mickey Rourke)

What You'll Need: The blonde wig is key -- but make sure to avoid those that'll make you look like a fairytale princess (that'd be embarrassing). Instead lean toward the '80s-style rock star wigs you can find on eBay. And while we don't condone the fake-and-bake route, you wouldn't be "The Ram" without a good tan; so get yourself to the nearest tanning salon. Or for a safer option, go with some tanning lotion from your nearest drugstore (or you can order some online from Target). Finally, find yourself some white elbow pads (or purchase them at a sporting goods store) and a pair of green wrestling pants from eBay. No shirt required! (So you should probably avoid Halloween venues with a "No shirt, no service" policy.)

Accessories: Nobody takes pain like The Ram -- that's while you'll need a staple gun (try your local hardware store, or order one online from Kaboodle) and a packet of fake blood (from your nearest costume store, or online). And if it's cold in your neck of the nation, try on a black bubble jacket and gray hoodie for full-on Ram authenticity in between parties.

Start hitting those weights. You have 31 days and counting to beef up like The Ram.

New on DVD: Week of September 29

Kevin Polowy — 2009-09-29T12:00:00+00:00

Reese Witherspoon takes her biggest role yet -- in character size, anyway -- as a giant battling evil robots from space in the animated hit 'Monsters vs. Aliens.' Plus, John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph look for a sane place to raise their brood in 'Away We Go,' and Adrien Brody and Mark Ruffalo con their way through 'The Brothers Bloom.' Get the full scoop on this week's DVD releases, plus our recommendations from weeks' past. 'Monsters vs. Aliens'
What It's About: When a gigantic robot alien touches down on Earth to wreak havoc, a motley crew of monsters -- including a mad scientist cockroach (Hugh Laurie) the Missing Link (Will Arnett), a brainless blob (Seth Rogen) and the newest recruit, a giant named Susan (Reese Witherspoon) -- come to the rescue. (Where are Dracula and Frankenstein?)

It's Kind of Like: 'Monsters Inc.' meets 'The Iron Giant'

What We Say: Unmistakable and charismatic voice talent like Will Arnett, Seth Rogen and Stephen Colbert (as the president!) make this romp a fun ride, even if an overload of action makes it a little mind-numbing (sans the 3-D glasses on DVD at least). Did they really have to decimate the Golden Gate Bridge? The 10-year-old bridge enthusiast in me is scarred.

Add to Netflix queue | Buy the DVD | Read Seth Rogen Q&A

'Away We Go'
What It's About: An expectant couple (John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph) travel around North America to find the perfect place to raise their brood -- catching up with crazy and/or emotionally wrecked friends and family at every turn.

It's Kind of Like: 'She's Having a Baby' meets 'Into the Wild'

What We Say: You can't ask for more lovable leads than Krasinski and Rudolph, and they guide this heartfelt (if determinedly "quirky") travel dramedy to scenic heights, even if it's episodic quality (some bits are over-the-top hilarious, others pop-the-painkillers depressing) results in an uneven flick whose parts are greater than its sum.

Add to Netflix queue | Buy the DVD | Read John Krasinski Q&A

'The Brothers Bloom'
What It's About: 'Brick' director Rian Johnson returns with this stylistic crime comedy about a pair of fraternal con men (Adrien Brody and Mark Ruffalo) who attempt to swindle an eccentric heiress (Rachel Weisz) out of her fortune -- if they can keep from falling for her.

It's Kind of Like: Wes Anderson's 'Dirty Rotten Scoundrels'

What We Say: Moviefone editor Tom DiChiara wrote of the film, "It works as a twisty caper, a sweet romance and a sibling dramedy. And, most importantly, it never cons the audience into caring about the characters because, well, it doesn't have to."

Add to Netflix queue | Buy the DVD | Read Adrien Brody Q&A

Other September 29 DVD Releases:
'The Girlfriend Experience'
'Management'
'Shrink'
'Filth and Wisdom'
'The Hills Run Red'

Special Editions:
'The Wizard of Oz'

New on Blu-ray:
'Fireproof'
'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' (2003)
'Snakes on a Plane'

See what's new in TV on DVD this month

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Recent DVD Recommendations

Check out previous weeks' DVD releases that get our seal of approval, including 'I Love You, Man' and 'Coraline.'

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New DVD Recommendations

Warner Bros.

Focus Features

Magnolia

Sony Classics

Sony

Paramount Vantage

Paramount

Universal

Fox Searchlight

Fox Searchlight

Is 'Paranormal Activity' the Next 'Blair Witch Project'?

Kevin Polowy — 2009-09-25T18:00:00+00:00

The phenomenon that was 'The Blair Witch Project' is a rarity Hollywood has been dying to replicate since the Little Indie That Could's 1999 release, when it scared up a staggering $140 million -- from a budget of $60,000.

Well, the next 'Blair Witch' may have arrived. (Let's all just pretend the abominable 'Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2' never existed.)

The suddenly super-buzzed about horror flick 'Paranormal Activity' was made for a mere $11,000 over the course of seven days -- and is now being called "the scariest movie of the decade." The film follows a young couple (Katie Featherston and Micah Sloat) who, convinced they're being haunted by spirits, set up a video camera to monitor their bedroom over the course of 20 nights. The phenomenon that was 'The Blair Witch Project' is a rarity Hollywood has been dying to replicate since the Little Indie That Could's 1999 release, when it scared up a staggering $140 million -- from a budget of $60,000.

Well, the next 'Blair Witch' may have arrived. (Let's all just pretend the abominable 'Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2' never existed.)

The suddenly super-buzzed-about horror flick 'Paranormal Activity' was made for a mere $11,000 over the course of seven days -- and is now being called "the scariest movie of the decade." The film follows a young couple (Katie Featherston and Micah Sloat) who, convinced they're being haunted by spirits, set up a video camera to monitor their bedroom over the course of 20 nights.

After sinking into my seat for the better part of its 99 minute-runtime at a midnight screening earlier this morning, I'm inclined to agree. No other film this millennium has proved so shockingly chilling ('The Descent' comes closest) -- or packed the kind of lingering effects to leave you shaken and utterly terrified of your own home.

Adam Goodman, president of production at Paramount -- who scooped the film up after its 2008 debut at the Slamdance Film Festival -- stopped by last night's screening, the first in New York, to introduce it. Goodman recalled how 35 people had walked out of an early test screening; exit interviews with those folks revealed it wasn't because they weren't enjoying the film. It was because they were too scared.

Goodman also admitted that DreamWorks, formerly a leg of Paramount co-headed by Steven Spielberg, had swooped in and pocketed 'Paranormal Activity' with every intention of leaving it on the shelf and remaking it with a big budget and marquee stars. Then they wised up.

So now here we have an ultra-low budget horror film with incredible buzz positioned to be a sleeper hit. Sounds a little bit like the summer of '99, no?

The similarities to 'Blair Witch' don't stop there. The film plays out entirely through shaky cam, features unknown actors in authentic performances, oftentimes relies on cerebral distress and off-camera jolts to scare, and slowly builds up to a shocking climax.

What the minds behind 'Paranormal' are doing differently is all in the marketing. They're not attempting to convince us this is a true story, a strategy that resulted in big bucks for 'Blair Witch' but a subsequent backlash from angry moviegoers who complained they were duped (but really people, you thought that was real?).

It's almost unheard of for a major studio to acquire such a tiny film. But Paramount is stayed true to the movie's grassroots nature by opening the film first in only 10 (somewhat random) markets, not including major cities like New York and L.A., then calling on audiences to demand it. It's a bold strategy for a major distributor.

Will it repeat the success of 'Blair Witch'? It's too early to tell, but the cards are falling into place -- last night in L.A., for example, 4,500 people lined up to try to get into a special screening. And 'Paranormal Activity' beats out 'Blair Witch' in one vital field: It's scarier. While 'Blair Witch' may have scared people away from the woods for a few years (like 'Jaws' did the water two decades earlier), who's going to stay away from their own bedroom? Consider yourselves warned.

UPDATE (10/6): Currently playing on only 33 screens across the country, the film will open in 10 more markets this weekend -- Boston, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Cleveland, El Paso, Hampton Roads metro area, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Pittsburgh, Portland, Salt Lake City, and Toronto. Meanwhile, Paramount remains committed to their promise to open the film in every market once they reach 1 million "demands" (they're currently just shy of 400,000).

UPDATE (10/8): Demands are up to nearly 700,000 -- with the AOL/Moviefone audience largely responsible for the boom. Some choice quotes on the film from our readers:

"We drove 3 and a half hours in the rain to watch this movie and 3 and half hours back. We knew it wasn't true and was like 'Blair Witch.' None of us were sorry we went. We had a blast. There are no big special effects and very little cast but if you want to have fun and like being scared it's worth going to see." -- Donna H.

"I saw this film over a year ago on its last public showing in San Francisco. This was the scariest movie I have seen in a long time... you have no idea WTF is going on, and the ending is the best." -- Rob

"I watched it twice, and I got interviewed by MTV NEWS where I told them that this is the scariest movie of all time, when this movie comes out, everyone will be scared 2 go 2 bed, I guarantee it!!! -- Eugene

"My daughter called me after watching this movie and said it scared the HELL out of her. Can't wait to see it!" -- jemteku

"I saw it in Ann Arbor, MI. And I have to be honest I'm pretty tough guy and I screamed like a little beeatch. go see it and make sure you pee b4 you go." -- Jon

"I was a member of the original test screening audience and it was truly creepy...the girl i went with had to sleep over and actually sleep with me that night...haha." -- thrush2006

"Saw this movie friday night in Vegas, omg i was shaking and wiggin out, scariest movie i have ever seen, i am still shaken, i'm actually in my room with the lights on and still cant sleep, every little nose in the house scares me." -- Fernando

"This is the scariest movie of all time... Prepare yourself if you watch this movie, it is not for the faint at heart." -- Jacob

Not Playing in Your City? Demand It!

Related: 'Paranormal Activity' Filmmaker to Explore 'Area 51'