Oct 29 2009
Two bits of "Twilight" news:
First, from the Associated Press:
A new restaurant set to open next year in Washington state will be called Volterra after a city in the popular Twilight vampire novels, which are set in the town of Forks.
Owners Annette and Tim Root told The Peninsula Daily News it will be a family restaurant, and they have applied for a liquor license. Forks already has the Twilight Lounge that features concerts and other events for fans.
The Twilight books and movies have brought vampire tourism to the remote former logging town on Washington's Olympic Peninsula.
The Chamber of Commerce says thousands of visitors come asking questions, such as whether it's safe to go camping with the vampire problems in the area.
And this came from the folks promoting Volvo:
Know what Edward Cullen drives? Volvo is putting a challenge out to all "Twilight" fans by launching a new online promotion in conjunction with the release of Summit Entertainment's "The Twilight Saga: New Moon."
Fans can visit www.WhatDrivesEdward.com and enter for a chance to win a pair of tickets to "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" world premiere in Los Angeles on Nov. 16 and an opportunity to meet select members of the "New Moon" cast.
Starting Nov. 1, fans have the chance to win a new Volvo XC60 just like the one Edward drives in "New Moon." By logging onto www.WhatDrivesEdward.com and putting their Twilight saga knowledge to the test in an interactive game-like contest, fans will be in the running for Volvo's newest crossover featuring City Safety, a system designed to help the driver avoid or reduce low-speed collisions.
"Volvo is central to Edward's character in the Twilight saga," said Doug Speck, president and CEO of Volvo Cars of North America.
"One lucky fan will be the first to solve all of the puzzles in Volvo's What Drives Edward contest and win a new XC60. While the XC60 doesn't come equipped with a vampire, the winner will experience the power, beauty and protection that is Volvo-and it will transport them to all of their great moments in life."
How the Volvo What Drives Edward Contest Works:
Starting Nov. 1, players can register at www.WhatDrivesEdward.com and will receive clues to help solve a series of puzzles. Since the puzzles increase in difficulty, players are encouraged to exchange hints through Facebook, Twitter and MySpace. The contest runs for three weeks from Nov. 1 through Nov. 23.
In addition to the contest, fans can watch trailers from the film, check out photos in the gallery and download New Moon-themed desktop wallpapers at www.WhatDrivesEdward.com.
The Twilight Saga: New Moon opens in U.S. theaters Nov. 20 and stars Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner.
Oct 28 2009
"This Is It" gives us back Michael Jackson -- and that's why it's thrilling and comforting and an absolutely fitting tribute to the entertainer who died in June. This is the Jackson we knew and loved, not the freaky subject of endless tabloid and cable coverage.
It reminds us why he was such a remarkable performer, without any of the excess baggage that accompanied coverage of his shocking death. It's just MJ singing, dancing, directing, choreographing, fretting that his voice won't hold (it does, although he babies it a bit) and moving like few other 50-year-olds can.
The documentary has no mention of wigs or hair loss, the parentage of his three children (to whom the film is dedicated at the end) or the surgery-strength medication he relied on to rest.
"This Is It" opened at midnight and had a preview audience applauding as if at a live show. A planned concert tour may have been scrapped but the rehearsal footage was expertly and entertainingly cobbled together into this movie.
A couple of things are clear: Jackson's insomnia is not evident; his sold-out concerts would have been spectacular, based on the rehearsals, the filmed pieces in which Jackson was inserted alongside Humphrey Bogart, Rita Hayworth and Edward G. Robinson, plus the energy and expertise of the dancers and musicians; MJ, as he was called here, knew what he wanted and how to express it, in a firm, knowledgeable but kind way, often closing suggestions with "God bless you."
This is Jackson as gentle soul and consummate entertainer. Edited from more than 100-plus rehearsal hours, it's not quite a concert movie but it's darn close. And the dancers who can barely contain themselves as they watch Jackson sing and dance to "Billie Jean" or "Beat It" substitute for what would have been the roar of the crowds.
"This Is It," directed by Kenny Ortega who also was directing the stage show, is scheduled to be in theaters for just two weeks (although Frank DiLeo, in a KDKA Radio interview today hinted there could be a third added but don't expect the DVD till late January). Some shows are sold out, so don't wait to buy tickets.
It's sad to hear Jackson mention that, at the end of a Jackson 5 segment of the show, he planned to recite the names of his brothers and thank his parents. And watching him perform "Man in the Mirror" may leave you with a lump in your throat and tears in your eyes. It did me.
But "This Is It" will allow you to put the CDs back in the player ... and rejoice at Jackson's talent and life.
The movie, by the way, is rated PG for some suggestive choreography (that pesky crotch-grabbing) and scary image but there's nothing inappropriate for children. It does run 112 minutes, however.
Oct 26 2009
"A Serious Man" will finally open here on Friday -- only at the Manor Theater in Squirrel Hill.
It's the new Coen brothers movie starring, among others, Tony Award nominee Michael Stuhlbarg as a physics professor in 1967 Minnesota. In this photo, he's outside his suburban home. He lives next door to a hunter, who has brought home a deer. Stuhlbarg's character is an academic, not a guy who hunts or throws the football around outside with his son.
His wife (Sari Lennick) has fallen in love with a pompous acquaintance and his brother (Richard Kind) shows no signs of leaving their home, also shared by a teen-age son and daughter.
Oct 26 2009
The "Twilight" stars are not coming to Pittsburgh but some (names are still TBA) will be in Philadelphia and other malls or venues around the country. Here's the first announcement about this, from Summit Entertainment, which will release the movie on Nov. 20.
Los Angeles, CA October 23, 2009 - This November, Summit Entertainment invites TWILIGHT fans to THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON cast tour, visiting 15 cities nationwide.
The nationwide tour will kick off in Los Angeles, CA at the Hollywood & Highland Center on Friday, November 6th with a special event open to the public where fans will be treated with performances by several bands featured on THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON soundtrack scheduled to include Death Cab for Cutie, Anya Marina, Sea Wolf, and Band of Skulls, giving fans a brand-new way to experience the album. Fans can also attend a Question & Answer forum with many of the movie's cast members.
At each of the 15 city stops along the tour, fans can participate in many THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON activities and prize giveaways related to the film. Additionally, each tour stop will end with a talent Question & Answer forum open to the public and select cities will feature performances from artists on THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON soundtrack. Fans who acquire VIP credentials on October 31st will be granted access to a special event with select cast members at their respective malls.
For the chance to register and meet cast members of the highly anticipated feature film THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON, fans need to visit Hot Topic or select Nordstrom stores at 8:00am on October 31st at one of the participating mall locations. They will be given access to return and meet select cast members at that same mall on the assigned scheduled date and time. VIP credentials provided on October 31st are limited and will be distributed on a first come, first served basis to those who make qualifying purchases. VIP credentials are non-transferable.
Visit Hot Topic (www.hottopic.com) and Nordstrom (www.nordstrom.com/newmoon) websites for more details on how to acquire VIP access to meet members of the cast along the tour which runs from November 6th through November 19th. Exact cast members will be subject to availability and may vary from event to event.
THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON cast tour will visit the following mall locations:
November 6 - Hollywood & Highland Center (Los Angeles, CA) *
November 8 - Park Meadows (Denver, CO)
November 9 - Natick Collection (Boston, MA) *
November 9 -Mall Location TBD - Check hottopic.com for update (Chicago, IL) *
November 9 - Fair Oaks Mall (Washington, DC)
November 10 - Houston Galleria (Houston, TX)
November 11 - Mall of America (Minneapolis, MN) *
November 11 - Cherry Hill Mall (Philadelphia, PA) *
November 11 - Stonestown Galleria (San Francisco, CA)
November 12 - Mall of Georgia (Atlanta, GA)
November 12 - Westfield Southcenter (Seattle, WA) *
November 13 - Dadeland Mall (Miami, FL)
November 13 - Scottsdale Fashion Square (Phoenix, AZ)
November 14 - Fashion Place (Salt Lake City, UT) *
November 19 - Times Square (New York, NY)
*Denotes a performance by a band featured on THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON soundtrack.
For additional information please visit www.newmoon-themovie.com.
THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON directed by Chris Weitz and starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner will be released November 20, 2009. In the film, the romance between mortal and vampire soars to a new level as Bella Swan (Stewart) delves deeper into the mysteries of the supernatural world she yearns to become part of-only to find herself in greater peril than ever before. Following Edward Cullen's (Pattinson) departure from Forks, Washington, Bella discovers his image comes to her whenever she puts herself in jeopardy. In time Bella's frozen heart is gradually thawed by her budding relationship with Jacob Black (Lautner) who has a supernatural secret of his own.
The action-packed, modern day vampire love story TWILIGHT, the first film in the series, was released in theatres on November 21, 2008 to a blockbuster reception. The third film in the franchise, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE is due in theaters on June 30, 2010.
Oct 26 2009
From NBC, excellent news for the Golden Globes. Ricky Gervais, star of "The Invention of Lying," will host the 67th annual Golden Globes on Jan. 17. Nominations will be announced the morning of Dec. 15.
Here's the official release from NBC:
UNIVERSAL CITY, CALIF. October 26, 2009 -- Multi-talented Golden Globe and Emmy Award winner Ricky Gervais ("The Invention of Lying," "The Office") will host "The 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards" on Sunday, January 17, 2010 on NBC. This year's show will be broadcast live coast-to-coast from 5-8 p.m. (PT) and 8-11 p.m. (ET) from the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills. This marks the first time the telecast has had a host since 1995.
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association, dick clark productions and NBC made the announcement today.
"Not only is this the biggest Hollywood celebration of the industry which includes both film and TV, but also an environment where I feel I can get free reign as a host. I have resisted many other offers like this, but there are just some things you don't turn down," said Gervais.
"Ricky is certainly one of the funniest people on the planet and has provided some of the most hilarious and memorable awards show moments in recent memory," said Paul Telegdy, Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming, NBC and Universal Media Studios. "His unique comedic style will enhance the only awards show that brings together television and film stars to celebrate entertainment's biggest night of the year."
"We are delighted to have Ricky Gervais as the host on our show," said Philip Berk, President of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. "He'll bring his unique brand of humor and charm to what will continue to be a fast paced award show."
Gervais is probably best known for his role as David Brent on the BBC version of "The Office." Gervais produced, wrote (with Stephen Merchant), directed and acted on the mock documentary series from 2001-2003. Gervais and Merchant teamed up again in 2005 to create the award-winning series "Extras" in which he played an aspiring actor.
Following his success from "The Office," Gervais embarked on his first live standup show "Animals," based on his fascination with the animal kingdom. He spent much of 2004 on tour around the U.K. with his follow-up standup act the, highly acclaimed "Politics." Both shows became best selling DVDs. In 2007, Gervais' stand-up show "Fame" became the fastest-selling British comedy tour of all time. In 2008, Gervais took to the stage again and received an Emmy nomination for his special "Ricky Gervais: Out of England- The Stand-Up."
This year Gervais wrote, directed and starred in the feature film "The Invention of Lying" alongside Jennifer Garner, Jonah Hill, Louis C.K., Rob Lowe and Tina Fey (NBC's "30 Rock").
"Cemetery Junction" Gervais' second film as writer and director and his first film co-written and directed with Stephen Merchant, is slated to be released in April 2010. He is currently in development with HBO for "The Ricky Gervais Show" - an animation of his record-breaking audio books, scheduled to air on the network early 2010. Gervais is also in development with Illumination ("The Simpsons Movie") for "Flanimals," movie - based on his award-winning children's book.
Oct 25 2009
"Paranormal Activity" is now a certified phenomenon.
It was No. 1 at the weekend box office, pulling in an estimated $22 million, beating the sixth installment of "Saw," which earned roughly $14.8 million.
The Associated Press reports it was the worst opening ever for the "Saw" series, whose previous low was $18.3 million for the original movie. Subsequent installments of the "Saw" franchise all opened at $30 million or better.
" ‘Paranormal' ate their lunch," Paul Dergarabedian, box-office analyst for Hollywood.com, told the AP. "There's no other way to explain it."
Estimates from Hollywood.com with final figures due Monday, as usual:
1. "Paranormal Activity," $22 million.
2. "Saw VI," $14.8 million.
3. "Where the Wild Things Are," $14.4 million.
4. "Law Abiding Citizen," $12.7 million.
5. "Couples Retreat," $11.1 million.
6. "Astro Boy," $7 million.
7. "The Stepfather," $6.5 million.
8. "Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant," $6.3 million.
9. "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs," $5.6 million.
10. "Zombieland," $4.3 million.
The Los Angeles Times reports that Paramount might produce a sequel to "Paranormal."
"We have the rights on a worldwide basis to do 'Paranormal 2' and we're looking to see if that makes some sense," Paramount Chairman Brad Grey told the Times in this blog report:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2009/10/paramount-paranormal-activity-sequel.html
Oct 20 2009
Just in, the Oscars finally have producers. That means a host cannot be far behind. Here is the official press release:
Beverly Hills, CA - Bill Mechanic and Adam Shankman will produce the 82nd Academy Awards telecast, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President Tom Sherak announced today. This will be the first major Oscar show involvement for both men.
"I couldn't be happier to have this talented team on board," said Sherak. "I've known Bill for many years so it's like putting Oscar in the care of a dear friend. Bill has a tremendous love and respect of film and will draw from his vast experience as a producer, a studio executive and a film historian to help make this year's Oscar telecast a memorable one. And Adam's experience in producing, directing and especially choreography will be a huge asset to the production."
"I'm thrilled to be producing the Oscars with Adam," said Mechanic. "I think Adam has the perfect background and spirit to make the show both unique and fun to watch. Together we will build upon the best traditions from the great shows of the past while helping pave the way to the future."
"The last time I was on the show was as a dancer, and to come back as a producer is such an unbelievable honor," said Shankman. "I look forward to collaborating with Bill to celebrate the world's collective love of movies and provide a fun escape from the difficult times we're living in. Simply put, there is no show like the Oscars and I am thrilled to be a part of our industry's most treasured tradition."
Mechanic is the chairman and CEO of Pandemonium Films and the former chairman and CEO of Fox Filmed Entertainment. While at Fox, the studio released titles including "True Lies" (1994), "Braveheart" (1995), "Titanic" (1997), "The Full Monty" (1997), "There's Something About Mary" (1998), "Boys Don't Cry" (1999) and "Cast Away" (2000) among many others. Prior to Fox, he served in executive positions at the Walt Disney Company and Paramount. Mechanic's producer credits include this year's animated feature "Coraline" and the thriller "Dark Water" (2005).
Shankman's directorial credits include "Bedtime Stories" (2008), "Hairspray" (2007), "A Walk To Remember" (2002) and "The Wedding Planner" (2001). His upcoming projects include "Rock of Ages," "Sinbad," "Bob: The Musical" and "Bye Bye Birdie." In addition to directing, Shankman, along with his sister, Jennifer Gibgot, produce films through their shingle, Offspring Entertainment. Together they are currently producing "The Last Song," "Going The Distance" and "Step Up 3D," all set for 2010 release.
The Academy Awards will be presented March 7 at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.
Oct 18 2009
Perhaps all that fretting about the family-friendliness (or lack thereof) of "Where the Wild Things Are" was unnecessary.
The movie based on the Maurice Sendak book made $32.5 million, making it the No. 1 film of the week. If it holds up this coming weekend, that may be proof parents are recommending the movie to others; if it plummets, that could be a sign that the movie misses its mark.
In second place, according to early figures: "Law Abiding Citizen" with Jamie Foxx as a prosecutor and Gerard Butler as a man seeking vengeance against the killers of his family and, oh yes, the entire criminal justice system. It made an estimated $21.3 million with "Paranormal Activity" racking up a remarkable $20.2 million.
As the Associated Press points out, "The Stepfather" played in nearly four times as many theaters as "Paranormal" but made $12.3 million.
Oct 15 2009
The Independent Spirit Awards have, until now, been held in a big white tent right next to Santa Monica Beach. For anyone who covers the Academy Awards, it was a chance to actually look at the ocean and maybe take off your shoes and walk on the sand on the way back to the car and hotel and laptop.
Now, Variety reports that the free-wheeling show, which increasingly attracted fans soaking up the sun as they waited for nominees and presenters, is changing times, dates and locations.
Film Independent.org announced the show will be held March 5 at 8 p.m., two days before the Academy Awards, at the L.A. Live complex near the Staples Center. It will still air live on IFC but it just won't be the same.
Film Independent reports:
Executive director Dawn Hudson promised that the new location - which will also be a tent, but one several miles inland from the old site - will "still have the laid-back, no-holds-barred atmosphere that only the independent film community can create."
I doubt that but we can only hope.
Oct 15 2009
Sixty-five countries have submitted films for consideration in the Foreign Language Film category for the 82nd Academy Awards. The list was released today and eventually will be narrowed to five nominees with the winner announced on March 7.
Albania, "Alive!," Artan Minarolli, director;
Argentina, "El Secreto de Sus Ojos," Juan Jose Campanella, director;
Armenia, "Autumn of the Magician," Rouben Kevorkov and Vaheh Kevorkov, directors;
Australia, "Samson & Delilah," Warwick Thornton, director;
Austria, "For a Moment Freedom," Arash T. Riahi, director;
Bangladesh, "Beyond the Circle," Golam Rabbany Biplob, director;
Belgium, "The Misfortunates," Felix van Groeningen, director;
Bolivia, "Zona Sur," Juan Carlos Valdivia, director;
Bosnia and Herzegovina, "Nightguards," Namik Kabil, director;
Brazil, "Time of Fear," Sergio Rezende, director;
Bulgaria, "The World Is Big and Salvation Lurks around the Corner," Stephan Komandarev, director;
Canada, "I Killed My Mother," Xavier Dolan, director;
Chile, "Dawson, Isla 10," Miguel Littin, director;
China, "Forever Enthralled," Chen Kaige, director;
Colombia, "The Wind Journeys," Ciro Guerra, director;
Croatia, "Donkey," Antonio Nuic, director;
Cuba, "Fallen Gods," Ernesto Daranas, director;
Czech Republic, "Protektor," Marek Najbrt, director;
Denmark, "Terribly Happy," Henrik Ruben Genz, director;
Estonia, "December Heat," Asko Kase, director;
Finland, "Letters to Father Jacob," Klaus Haro, director;
France, "Un Prophete," Jacques Audiard, director;
Georgia, "The Other Bank," George Ovashvili, director;
Germany, "The White Ribbon," Michael Haneke, director;
Greece, "Slaves in Their Bonds," Tony Lykouressis, director;
Hong Kong, "Prince of Tears," Yonfan, director;
Hungary, "Chameleon," Krisztina Goda, director;
Iceland, "Reykjavik-Rotterdam," Oskar Jonasson, director;
India, "Harishchandrachi Factory," Paresh Mokashi, director;
Indonesia, "Jamila and the President," Ratna Sarumpaet;
Iran, "About Elly," Asghar Farhadi, director;
Israel, "Ajami," Scandar Copti and Yaron Shani, director;
Italy, "Baaria," Giuseppe Tornatore, director;
Japan, "Nobody to Watch Over Me," Ryoichi Kimizuka, director;
Kazakhstan, "Kelin," Ermek Tursunov, director;
Korea, "Mother," Joon-ho Bong, director;
Lithuania, "Vortex," Gytis Luksas, director;
Luxembourg, "Refractaire," Nicolas Steil, director;
Macedonia, "Wingless," Ivo Trajkov, director;
Mexico, "Backyard," Carlos Carrera, director;
Morocco, "Casanegra," Nour-Eddine Lakhmari, director;
The Netherlands, "Winter in Wartime," Martin Koolhoven, director;
Norway, "Max Manus," Espen Sandberg and Joachim Roenning, directors;
Peru, "The Milk of Sorrow," Claudia Llosa, director;
Philippines, "Grandpa Is Dead," Soxie H. Topacio, director;
Poland, "Reverse," Borys Lankosz, director;
Portugal, "Doomed Love," Mario Barroso, director;
Puerto Rico, "Kabo and Platon," Edmundo H. Rodriguez, director;
Romania, "Police, Adjective," Corneliu Porumboiu, director;
Russia, "Ward No. 6," Karen Shakhnazarov, director;
Serbia, "St. George Shoots the Dragon," Srdjan Dragojevic, director;
Slovakia, "Broken Promise," Jiri Chlumsky, director;
Slovenia, "Landscape No. 2," Vinko Moderndorfer, director;
South Africa, "White Wedding," Jann Turner, director;
Spain, "The Dancer and the Thief," Fernando Trueba, director;
Sri Lanka, "The Road from Elephant Pass," Chandran Rutnam;
Sweden, "Involuntary," Ruben Ostlund, director;
Switzerland, "Home," Ursula Meier, director;
Taiwan, "No Puedo Vivir sin Ti," Leon Dai, director;
Thailand, "Best of Times," Yongyoot Thongkongtoon, director;
Turkey, "I Saw the Sun," Mahsun Kirmizigul, director;
United Kingdom, "Afghan Star," Havana Marking, director;
Uruguay, "Bad Day for Fishing," Alvaro Brechner, director;
Venezuela, "Libertador Morales, El Justiciero," Efterpi Charalambidis, director;
Vietnam, "Don't Burn It," Dang Nhat Minh.
The 82nd Academy Awards nominations will be announced on Feb. 2.
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