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The Artist, Hugo Lead DGA Nominations

Damon Houx — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:14:11 +0000

For those who like playing Oscar pools, DGA nominations tend to be a good harbinger for the actual Oscar nominations. So it’s worth noting what made the cut: Michel Hazanavicius‘s The Artist, Woody Allen‘s Midnight in Paris, Martin Scorsese‘s Hugo, Alexander Payne‘s The Descendants, and David Fincher‘s The Girl With Dragon Tattoo all got nominated today.

The most surprising omissions are Tate Taylor for The Help, Terrence Malick‘s The Tree of Life, and Steven Spielberg‘s War Horse. Taylor being left out suggests that the film – though it should receive a number of nominations – will mostly have heat in the acting categories, and is probably not going to get the best picture prize. Malick’s Tree of Life had its best shot of getting love in the direction category (though best cinematography is all but assured), and this lack of inclusion means that it’s unlikely that Tree will be a sneak-in best picture nomination. The lack of Spielberg is probably the most surprising, and also suggests the film is not getting Oscar traction, though he could be in and Fincher could be out when the nominations finally come in.

Fincher getting is probably the most surprising inclusion – Allen and Scorsese are both old timers and beloved, though have a low chance of actually winning, while Payne and Hazanavicius are behind two of the most obvious best picture nominees. Dragon Tattoo screened late, and so it could be a surprise picture nominee – though Rooney Mara’s chances of getting nominated for best actress just went up – though this could also be an apology vote to those who thought he should have won last year for The Social Network.

What all this says is that The Artist is now clearly the front-runner.

Who would you vote for as Best director this year?

Midnight in Paris: Movie Review

Mali Elfman — Thu, 19 May 2011 22:07:50 +0000

Woody Allen‘s highly mysterious (and rightfully so) film Midnight in Paris has made its way back from Cannes and will be appearing in theaters in America this weekend. For me, this is one of my favorite Woody Allen films in a long time. It’s not necessarily what you would expect from Allen, though it does follow certain patterns we’ve come to know from him and one can definitely see references to his earlier work. There’s something both nostalgic and yet fresh about the film that makes it fun to watch. It’s finely made, finely acted and overall a fine picture to find yourself at this weekend…

The Players:

Director/Writer: Woody Allen
Actors: Owen Wilson, Tom Hiddleston, Rachel McAdams, Michael Sheen, Marion Cotillard, Adrien Brody, Alison Pill, Kathy Bates, Corey Stoll
Cinematography by: Darius Khondji

The Plot:

Mightnight in Paris is romantic comedy with a twist (that will not be given away in this review). The film starts with a couple traveling to the French capital for business and their different reactions to the world around them. The party includes a young engaged couple forced to confront the illusion that a life different from their own is better.

The Good:

The Acting: For me Corey Stoll who plays Ernest (no need for a last name here) steals the show. He does a fantastic job of bringing his character to life in a fun and lively way. Wilson is one of Allen’s best leads in a while, mainly because he’s so NOT Woody Allen like. His laid back persona allows you to watch a Woody Allen film without watching Woody Allen. Michael Sheen, brilliant as an American playing an anglophile. Alison Pill, Kathy Bates, Tom Hiddleston (I’m just listing the cast now) and all the rest all gave wonderful and surprising performances.
The Concept: Without giving anything away, it’s a bit far-fetched and not something entirely new, but the way that Allen handles the idea with such a nonchalance is really quite fun.
The Scenery: Allen and his cinematographer Darius Khondji really do an amazing job of capturing the feel, almost the smell of Paris in the spring time. They take their time establishing the location, light the scenes in a way that makes everyone and everything glow, and use some classic music to help you take it all in. Really well done.

The So-So:

Not Broad: This is not a film for everyone, and without giving too much away, you need to have a certain amount of knowledge of art history and literature and desire to know more about it in order to really find the film amusing. If you’re a nerd like me, it’s a blast and really fun to see so many well known faces, as well known names on the big screen.
Allen Cliches: It’s hard not to see patterns repeating themselves, it’s up to you whether you see that as good or bad. I for one didn’t mind them, in fact I rather enjoyed them, others may easily have a different opinion and one I can understand, just not relate to.

Overall:

This was a really interesting film and if you have any knowledge of literature or art your will definitely appreciate the references and find it humorous. It’s one of Allen’s better films of late, it’s extremely well made and the acting is superb. It was really a pleasant, fun experience to sit down to, and one well worth watching,

Rating: 7.3/10

Midnight in Paris will be in theaters starting May 20th!

Photo Gallery:

Alec Baldwin Set To Star In New Woody Allen Film, Jesse Eisenberg May Join Him

traviswoods — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 17:13:11 +0000

When he’s not busy declaring that he’s retiring, that he’s quitting 30 Rock, and that 30 Rock itself is going off the air before not retiring, not quitting 30 Rock, and 30 Rock staying on the air, Alec Baldwin still takes time off from his busy schedule to act here and there. His newest project? Woody Allen’s new film.

/Film has it that Baldwin has signed on to Allen’s next film, which is as-yet untitled. Little is known about the project, beyond the fact that it will be set in Rome. Baldwin and Allen last worked together in the 1990 film Alice, which was a loose reimagining of Federico Fellini’s 1965 film, Juliet of the Spirits.

Rumor has it that The Social Network’s Jesse Eisenberg might be joining the cast, which makes sense—Eisenberg’s twitchy and nervous onscreen persona seems to perfectly align with the nervous and anxiety-ridden protagonists of Allen’s films, which are often stand-ins for Allen himself.

So there you go—based on this news, expect Alec Baldwin to declare that he will never, ever work with Woody Allen ever again, will never work on Woody Allen’s new film, and will never work with Jesse Eisenberg, ever.

What do you think of Alec Baldwin reteaming with Woody Allen?

Woody Allen’s You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger Trailer

Krystal Clark — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 18:12:36 +0000

The theatrical trailer for Woody Allen’s latest film You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger has been released and it features Josh Brolin and some really bad hair. The video made its debut over on Yahoo Movies but we have it right here for your viewing pleasure. Check out Allen’s newest romantic comedy set against a sweeping, urban backdrop. We haven’t seen this type of thing from him before — have we?

Official Synopsis:

After Alfie leaves his wife Helena to pursue his lost youth and a free-spirited call girl named Charmaine, Helena abandons rationality and surrenders her life to the loopy advice of a charlatan fortune teller. happy in her marriage, Sally develops a crush on her handsome art gallery owner boss, Greg, while Roy, a novelist nervously awaiting the response to his latest manuscript, becomes moonstruck over Dia, a mystery woman who catches his gaze through a nearby window. Despite these characters’ attempts to dodge their problems with pipe dreams and impracticable plans, their efforts lead only to heartache, irrationality, and perilous hot water.

The cast of the film includes Naomi Watts, Josh Brolin, Antonio Banderas, Gemma Jones, Freida Pinto, Lucy Punch, Roger Ashton-Griffiths, and Anthony Hopkins.

I don’t know about you but seeing Hopkins play an old man living out some sick Playboy fantasy looks hilarious. And Brolin’s a complete mess here, which is great because he does his best work playing characters at their wits end. It’s also good to see Banderas in a live action role again. I was starting to get used to him as a cat.

You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger opens on September 22, 2010.

What do you think of the trailer?

Adrien Brody Confirmed For Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris

Krystal Clark — Tue, 25 May 2010 20:42:38 +0000

Today legendary director Woody Allen finally decided to reveal the full cast for his upcoming mystery project, Midnight in Paris. In the past we’ve picked up on one or two actors like Marion Cotillard and Owen Wilson and now we’ve learned that Oscar winner Adrien Brody has joined the film. Here’s the complete cast list along with a brief synopsis…

The Synopsis:

MIDNIGHT IN PARIS is a romantic comedy that follows a family travelling to the city for business. The party includes a young engaged couple that has their lives transformed throughout the journey. The film celebrates a young man’s great love for Paris, and simultaneously explores the illusion people have that a life different from their own is better.

The film stars Kathy Bates, Adrien Brody, Carla Bruni, Marion Cotillard, Rachel McAdams, Michael Sheen, Owen Wilson, Nina Arianda, Kurt Fuller, Tom Hiddleston, Mimi Kennedy, Alison Pill and Corey Stoll.

Production on Midnight in Paris begins this summer in you guessed it…France! Out of this bunch of actors we’re mostly interested in seeing Tom Hiddleston because he’ll be playing the main villain in Marvel’s Thor next year. We want to see what he’s got!

What do you think of the full cast of Midnight in Paris?

Woody Allen Reveals Cast and Details of Midight of Paris

Mali Elfman — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 22:22:17 +0000

Woody’s at it again! The man just won’t quit! Especially when he’s signed into a three part deal with Allen’s Gravier Productions and Mediapro, the Spain-based company which also funded Allen’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona and the upcoming You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger which will be released later this tear by Sony.

Today Woody Allen revealed the details and cast of his upcoming film that he’s beginning pre-production on titled Midnight in Paris starring the dynamic, star-studded cast of Owen Wilson, Marion Cotillard, Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates and Carla Bruni. Also in the cast are Michael Sheen, Nina Arianda, Tom Hiddleston, Corey Stoll, Mimi Kennedy and Kurt Fuller. The film shoots this summer in Paris. Sounds like fun!

Synopsis:

MIDNIGHT IN PARIS is a romantic comedy that follows a family travelling to the city for business. The party includes a young engaged couple that has their lives transformed throughout the journey. The film celebrates a young man’s great love for Paris, and simultaneously explores the illusion people have that a life different from their own is better.

Sounds more like Whatever Works, but with travel! Why not spend some time in Paris and shoot a film with a million amazing actors!

What do you think of the cast and another Allen film?

Rachel McAdams Cast in Woody Allen Film

Krystal Clark — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:43:56 +0000

The cast continues to grow for Woody Allen’s untitled Parisian project. The award winning director has managed to snag Rachel McAdams for a part in the film, that will feature her Wedding Crashers co-star Owen Wilson, and Oscar winner Marion Cotillard. After coming off last December’s Sherlock Holmes, a small Woody Allen movie might be a refreshing break for the actress.

Woody Allen is notoriously known for not divulging specifics when it comes to his developing projects. When we say he keeps the details under wraps we mean it. The only thing we know for sure is the setting, which will be a backdrop of Paris, France. We also know that the shoot is scheduled to begin sometime this summer.

Allen’s films typically take place in New York City but lately he’s been taking a more international approach. With the exception of last year’s Whatever Works, it’s been a while since we’ve seen that old school New Yorker mentality pop up in his movies. We also don’t know if this will be a comedy or a drama, Wilson’s casting might indicate that humor will be involved, but who knows? He might surprise us with something darker.

What do you think about McAdams reuniting with Owen Wilson for a Woody Allen film? Do you miss the director’s New York based movies?

Source: Reuters

Marion Cotillard Cast in Woody Allen Film

Anet Hovhanesian — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 02:50:31 +0000

Three time Academy Award winning director Woody Allen will begin production on his next film this summer, and he’s bringing Marion Cotillard with him. According to Deadline Hollywood, the French actress has landed a plum role in his latest project that will have her opposite Owen Wilson. This will be another one of many films that Allen has tackled in recent years that uses a European country as its backdrop.

The untitled film is being financed by the Spanish production company, Mediapro whom Allen currently has a three-picture deal with. With the project’s Parisian backdrop, Cotillard sounds like a logical choice, even amongst rumors that France’s First Lady Carla Bruni was in the running for a role. Cotillard is best known for her roles in Nine and Public Enemies, as well as her Oscar winning performance in La Vie En Rose.

Since the feature is still in the pre-production stages there hasn’t been a lot of info released regarding its plot. This shouldn’t come as a shock since Allen is known for keeping his projects low key until they’ve wrapped. In the meantime, be on the look out for his upcoming film, You Will Meet a Dark Stranger, which recently wrapped production.

What is your favorite Woody Allen film? How do you feel about his move away from New York to international locations?

Owen Wilson Set To Star In Woody Allen’s Next Film

Laura Aguirre — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:54:52 +0000

Owen Wilson will be the star of Woody Allen‘s next film. France’s First Lady (and former model), Carla Bruni-Sarkozy has mentioned that Allen persuaded her to take a role in the film, but because the writer/director wants to keep his upcoming project under the radar (it’s not even on IMDB yet), her role in the film is not confirmed. Shooting will begin this summer, and will most likely be released sometime next year.

As for Wilson, 2010 will be a busy year for him. The actor recently voiced the title role in the Fox comedy Marmaduke, set to hit theaters in June, and in December he has two releases, James L. Brooks’ untitled project for Sony and the Meet the Fockers sequel coming from Universal.

This year Allen’s film release will be You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger starring Antonio Banderas, Josh Brolin, Anthony Hopkins, Naomi Watts, Gemma Jones, Freida Pinto, and Lucy Punch. The Brooklyn-native happens to be one of those iconic directors who has to make at least one film a year. Last year it was Whatever Works, which didn’t really work. The film was based on a screenplay written by Allen in the 70s, needless to say it lacked originality. However, with so many successful films and screenplays under his belt it is unlikely that another one will bite the dust.

Owen Wilson doesn’t seem like your typical Woody Allen star, but then again he doesn’t seem like a Wes Anderson type either and he’s had a pretty successful run with him. Could this be the beginning of a beautiful on-screen friendship?

What do you think?

New DVD Releases: Ice Age 3, Whatever Works, Z

Andrew Payne — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:58:22 +0000

If you like kids movies get ready, because Ice Age 3 is thawing its way onto disc and Tinkerbell now has her own movie as part of the worst three DVDs of the week. Plus, in a different type of kids movie Orphan is scaring its way onto the small screen.

Of course, there’s films for grown-ups as well with Woody Allen’s latest and a Costa-Gavras’ initial classic getting the full silver-disced treatment. Which is good, because there’s little to no TV this week! For shame!

Check it all out below…

FEATURE FILMS

Whatever Works

Pardon the pun, but why didn’t this movie work? Even more, why did nobody see it? Why was it not promoted.

This should have been New York comedy nirvana. Imagine, combining the creator of ‘Seinfeld’ with the mad genius of New York comedy – Woody Allen. The only thing that could have gotten it funnier and more Manhattany was if Neil Simon did a script polish.

At least that’s the way it should have been.

Instead, this film was wildly uneven, throwing old-timey Woody Allenisms at the wall and seeing if any of them stuck to Larry David’s bald head. Also, nobody saw it. So you’ll probably need to buy the DVD if you’d like to see what happens when Larry met Woody.

Also:

Ice Age 3 – Learn More – Buy Now
Orphan – Learn More – Buy Now

TV ON DVD

An uncharacteristically slow week for TV on DVD, with just the following series hitting disc:

Adult Swim in a Box – Buy Now
“The Fugitive”: Season 3 – Buy Now
“The Guardian”: Season 1 – Buy Now
“Mannix”: Season 3 – Buy Now

SPECIAL EDITION OF THE WEEK

Z – Criterion Collection

In 1969 Costa-Gavras exploded with a crazy verite assassination picture that really shook up what thrillers and political films can and will be going forward. One of the more underrated pictures in terms of its influence, this is one of the first movies to ratchet up the suspense by shooting the whole film in a less glossy and more real way. A precursor to stuff as new as Paranormal Activity.

Finally, it’s getting the full DVD treatment thanks to the good folks at Criterion with a special edition DVD loaded with features:

New, restored high-definition digital transfer, supervised and approved by cinematographer Raoul Coutard
Audio commentary featuring film historian Peter Cowie
New interviews with Costa-Gavras and Coutard
Archival interviews with Costa-Gavras; producer-actor Jacques Perrin; actors Pierre Dux, Yves Montand, Irène Papas, and Jean-Louis Trintignant; and Vassilis Vassilikos, author of the book Z
Theatrical trailer
New and improved English subtitle translation
PLUS: A booklet featuring an essay by critic Armond White

Horrible Straight-To-DVD Release of the Week

Three terrible movies, three new DVDs. Which is the worst? Cast your vote and tell the world!

The nominees are:

Criminal Ways

The Case to Vote for It: This week’s installment of “big star in a movie you’ve never heard of” finds Isla Fisher in this straight-to-disc feature that details the exploits of a girl who seduces an actor so that he can train her criminal friends who plan to pose as a children’s entertainment group in hopes of pulling off a major heist. So it’s kind of like The Lookout, what with Isla Fisher seducing someone to help criminal friends and all, just without all that pesky quality.

I Can See You

The Case to Vote for It: It was only a matter of time. For the last few years we’ve watched as 3-D has made swill into profitable movie-making at the multiplexes, and now this seem same ridiculous strategy has found its way onto DVD. With this film we see a serial killer who can supposedly see you, so, get it, it’s in 3-D? But that’s not really the case. The movie isn’t even in 3-D! The trick is that this set included a 3-D movie along with the main feature. So not only is this movie terrible but it’s an outright lie. When you can’t do gimmickry right, what can you do?

Tinkerbell and the Lost Treasure

The Case to Vote for It: So this movie probably isn’t all that terrible, but it’s just the latest example of shamelessly spinning off a minor character just for DVD sales. Up next? Happy starring in The One Dwarf? Mr. and Mrs. Potatohead from Toy Story on their second honeymoon? It doesn’t seem that far off.

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Punch Replaces Kidman in Woody Allen Film

Krystal Clark — Sat, 30 May 2009 00:00:46 +0000

A while back we told you about Woody Allen’s upcoming untitled project, which features a variety of talented actors including Antonio Banderas, Josh Brolin, Naomi Watts, Freida Pinto and Anthony Hopkins. As we reported earlier Nicole Kidman was also set to co-star in the film, but unfortunately had to drop out. According to THR the Oscar winning blond has been officially replaced by a lesser known British actress by the name of Lucy Punch.

The name Lucy Punch may not sound familiar, but trust me you’ve seen her in stuff. The actress is best known for her appearances in Hot Fuzz and Ella Enchanted as Anne Hathaway’s evil sister. She also starred in the CBS series The Class, which came as fast as it went. Speaking of fast arrivals and exits, Nicole Kidman was signed on to star in the Allen film back in March and then quickly vacated the role weeks later.

This is a big coup for the actress who isn’t a familiar face in the U.S. Sources say she “wowed” the director with her audition, which makes me wonder about the range of this role. I’ve only seen her in comedies, but so much of the plot is being hidden for this film. Will this movie be like Annie Hall or will it be like Match Point? I guess we’ll have to just wait and see.

What do you think of Lucy Punch as Nicole Kidman’s replacement?

Nicole Kidman Quits Woody Allen Project: Who Will Replace Her?

Mali Elfman — Wed, 13 May 2009 22:10:15 +0000

Apparently, Nicole Kidman was serious about that whole “quitting acting” thing. According to Variety, although she was officially signed on to star alongside Antonio Banderas, Anthony Hopkins, Josh Brolin, Naomi Watts and Freida Pinto in Woody Allen‘s upcoming project, she has decided to leave the project.

She says she is stepping down due to “a scheduling conflict” with Kidman’s other project, Rabbit Hole, which she herself is producing with through her company Rabbit Hole Productions. Her movie stars Aaron Eckhart and is being directed by John Cameron-Mitchell and filming on the East Coast this summer, the exact same time that Allen will be shooting in London.

This is not a first for Kidman. She has stepped down from numerous roles before including Manderlay, The Reader, The Producers, and Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

So the question is, who will be taking her place? So far there has been no word on any possible replacements. If they’re going for someone who has replaced her before that would be Uma Thurman, Kate Winslet, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Angelina Jolie. But maybe they’ll go for someone new. How about Maria Bello? After Downloading Nancy, she could use something a bit lighter. Or Toni Collette? I could see he in a Woody Allen film.

Who do you think should replace her?

ScreenCrave.com » woody allen

The Artist, Hugo Lead DGA Nominations

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Midnight in Paris: Movie Review

The Players:

The Plot:

The Good:

The So-So:

Overall:

Rating: 7.3/10

Photo Gallery:

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New DVD Releases: Ice Age 3, Whatever Works, Z

FEATURE FILMS

Whatever Works

TV ON DVD

SPECIAL EDITION OF THE WEEK

Horrible Straight-To-DVD Release of the Week

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Punch Replaces Kidman in Woody Allen Film

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Nicole Kidman Quits Woody Allen Project: Who Will Replace Her?

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