Christmas movies are one of the most beloved genres in cinema history with every film fan having their own select favorite that they watch and rewatch every year. However, while the genre is treasured, the Oscars haven’t rewarded it as much as you might think or hope. There are several movies, however, that have found their way into Oscars lineups. We’ve detailed just five of those Christmas movies that have managed Oscar nominations or wins.
By the way, “The Apartment” is not included on this list (but might be in a future article). The Billy Wilder movie won five Academy Awards including Best Picture (1961) but there seems to be debate around whether it actually qualifies as a Christmas movie or not. It’s set during the holiday period, but some feel that isn’t enough for it to be an out-and-out Christmas movie. Perhaps that’s one for our forums.
By the way, “The Apartment” is not included on this list (but might be in a future article). The Billy Wilder movie won five Academy Awards including Best Picture (1961) but there seems to be debate around whether it actually qualifies as a Christmas movie or not. It’s set during the holiday period, but some feel that isn’t enough for it to be an out-and-out Christmas movie. Perhaps that’s one for our forums.
- 12/14/2023
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
by Cláudio Alves
Before we say goodbye to 2000 and move forward to the next Smackdown year, 1946, I'd like to take a look at the Best Costume Design Oscar race. Take it as a digestif to our coverage. In any case, this specific lineup offers a remarkably comprehensive overview of some of the category's favorite elements and most glaring blind spots. As always, period work dominates, though there's also space for fantasy and contemporary narratives, intersections of fashion and costume, as well as a non-English-language movie. The nominees were…
Anthony Powell, 102 Dalmatians Rita Ryack, How the Grinch Stole Christmas Jacqueline West, Quills Janty Yates, Gladiator ★ Tim Yip, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
First up, let's look at the period films and, more specifically, our victor.
Before we say goodbye to 2000 and move forward to the next Smackdown year, 1946, I'd like to take a look at the Best Costume Design Oscar race. Take it as a digestif to our coverage. In any case, this specific lineup offers a remarkably comprehensive overview of some of the category's favorite elements and most glaring blind spots. As always, period work dominates, though there's also space for fantasy and contemporary narratives, intersections of fashion and costume, as well as a non-English-language movie. The nominees were…
Anthony Powell, 102 Dalmatians Rita Ryack, How the Grinch Stole Christmas Jacqueline West, Quills Janty Yates, Gladiator ★ Tim Yip, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
First up, let's look at the period films and, more specifically, our victor.
- 5/24/2021
- by Cláudio Alves
- FilmExperience
The list of candidates for the 2020 Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences’ Board of Governors election is now out, with the winner in each branch being chosen directly from these entries rather than whittling it down to four finalists in each, as has been done previously. The list of candidates is made up of qualified AMPAS members who actually submit themselves.
Also new this year in the streamlined timetable, as Deadline exclusively reported May 16. The winners for the 17 open slots on the 54-member board will be chosen by preferential balloting, just like Best Picture race at the Oscars. Voting begins Monday and ballots are due back June 5.
The actors branch is the largest in the Academy and it also has drawn the biggest field of contenders for the one spot that is up. Incumbent governor Whoopi Goldberg is running for re-election against past governor Ed Begley Jr. vying to return to the board.
Also new this year in the streamlined timetable, as Deadline exclusively reported May 16. The winners for the 17 open slots on the 54-member board will be chosen by preferential balloting, just like Best Picture race at the Oscars. Voting begins Monday and ballots are due back June 5.
The actors branch is the largest in the Academy and it also has drawn the biggest field of contenders for the one spot that is up. Incumbent governor Whoopi Goldberg is running for re-election against past governor Ed Begley Jr. vying to return to the board.
- 5/29/2020
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Whoopi Goldberg will be facing 18 other actors who want her seat on the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Board of Governors, the Academy revealed to its members on Friday.
The Academy posted the list of candidates for the board from all 17 of its branches, with incumbent Actors Branch governor Goldberg going up against a slate of challengers that includes past governor Ed Begley Jr., as well as Richard Dreyfuss, James and Stacy Keach, Tim Matheson, Joe Pantoliano, Lou Diamond Phillips and Rita Wilson, whose husband, Tom Hanks, served on the board for many years.
Other branches whose contenders hit double digits included Cinematographers (12), Directors (13), Executives (12), Producers (16), Sound (10) and Visual Effects (10).
But the Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch, in which incumbent Kathryn Blondell was ineligible to run again, has only a single candidate, Linda Flowers.
Also Read: Oscars Board Election Has New Rules - But Expect the Same Old Results
Blondell,...
The Academy posted the list of candidates for the board from all 17 of its branches, with incumbent Actors Branch governor Goldberg going up against a slate of challengers that includes past governor Ed Begley Jr., as well as Richard Dreyfuss, James and Stacy Keach, Tim Matheson, Joe Pantoliano, Lou Diamond Phillips and Rita Wilson, whose husband, Tom Hanks, served on the board for many years.
Other branches whose contenders hit double digits included Cinematographers (12), Directors (13), Executives (12), Producers (16), Sound (10) and Visual Effects (10).
But the Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch, in which incumbent Kathryn Blondell was ineligible to run again, has only a single candidate, Linda Flowers.
Also Read: Oscars Board Election Has New Rules - But Expect the Same Old Results
Blondell,...
- 5/29/2020
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
The list of candidates for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ 2020-2021 Board of Governors has been unveiled to members.
Voting begins on June 1 and ends on June 5.
Candidates run for three-year terms with a maximum of three terms. Each branch has three seats on the board. Only one of those seats is open each year because terms are staggered.
The candidates were posted on the Academy members’ portal on Friday afternoon. Below is the complete list (divided by branch) of those running for spots on the board.
Actors
Michael Lee Aday
Ed Begley, Jr.
Robert Carradine
Nicolas Coster
Colman Domingo
Richard Dreyfuss
Spencer Garrett
Bruce Glover
Whoopi Goldberg (incumbent)
James Keach
Stacy Keach
Peter Wong
Jodi Long
Tim Matheson
Joe Pantoliano
Lou Diamond Phillips
Andrea Riseborough
Andrew Stevens
Rita Wilson
Casting Directors
Kerry Barden
Richard Hicks
Margery Simkin
Debra Zane
Cinematographers
Andrzej Bartkowiak
Richard P. Crudo
Svetlana Cvetko...
Voting begins on June 1 and ends on June 5.
Candidates run for three-year terms with a maximum of three terms. Each branch has three seats on the board. Only one of those seats is open each year because terms are staggered.
The candidates were posted on the Academy members’ portal on Friday afternoon. Below is the complete list (divided by branch) of those running for spots on the board.
Actors
Michael Lee Aday
Ed Begley, Jr.
Robert Carradine
Nicolas Coster
Colman Domingo
Richard Dreyfuss
Spencer Garrett
Bruce Glover
Whoopi Goldberg (incumbent)
James Keach
Stacy Keach
Peter Wong
Jodi Long
Tim Matheson
Joe Pantoliano
Lou Diamond Phillips
Andrea Riseborough
Andrew Stevens
Rita Wilson
Casting Directors
Kerry Barden
Richard Hicks
Margery Simkin
Debra Zane
Cinematographers
Andrzej Bartkowiak
Richard P. Crudo
Svetlana Cvetko...
- 5/29/2020
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
In just two weeks, Alamo Drafthouses nationwide will host screenings of A24's The Witch. More details on that story after the jump. Also in this round-up: a trailer for Night Terrors, Angelica release details, a new clip from The Final Project, and four images from The Terrible Two.
The Witch: Press Release: "Austin, TX - Feb 3, 2016 - The Alamo Drafthouse is excited to announce A24's chilling new horror film The Witch as the latest Drafthouse Recommends title. The film will open at Alamo Drafthouse locations nationwide with "sneak preview" screenings on the night of Feb. 18th, 2016. In the lead up to that opening date, select Alamo locations will also host free retrospective screenings of witchcraft horror classics to get audiences in the, er, spirit and to set the stage for director Robert Eggers' debut feature and groundbreaking new take on the genre.
And, for a limited time this month,...
The Witch: Press Release: "Austin, TX - Feb 3, 2016 - The Alamo Drafthouse is excited to announce A24's chilling new horror film The Witch as the latest Drafthouse Recommends title. The film will open at Alamo Drafthouse locations nationwide with "sneak preview" screenings on the night of Feb. 18th, 2016. In the lead up to that opening date, select Alamo locations will also host free retrospective screenings of witchcraft horror classics to get audiences in the, er, spirit and to set the stage for director Robert Eggers' debut feature and groundbreaking new take on the genre.
And, for a limited time this month,...
- 2/4/2016
- by Tamika Jones
- DailyDead
“Launch Control this is Houston. We are Go for launch.”
A harrowing moment in human history became an exhilarating cinematic event two decades ago when acclaimed director Ron Howard chronicled Nasa’s tense 1970 lunar mission crisis in the Oscar-nominated film Apollo 13.
To Nasa enthusiasts and Saturn V rocket experts, the launch sequence, along with James Horner’s emotional score, is the greatest in movie history.
Universal Pictures Home Entertainment celebrates the unforgettable tale of courage and conviction with Apollo 13: 20th Anniversary Edition, coming to Blu-ray and Digital HD on June 2, 2015.
Newly restored and remastered using the original high-resolution 35mm film elements, the commemorative edition comes with an array of bonus features including “Apollo 13: Twenty Years Later,” an all-new retrospective featuring exclusive interviews with director Ron Howard and producer Brian Grazer.
The restored version of Apollo 13 premieres on March 27 at the TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood.
A harrowing moment in human history became an exhilarating cinematic event two decades ago when acclaimed director Ron Howard chronicled Nasa’s tense 1970 lunar mission crisis in the Oscar-nominated film Apollo 13.
To Nasa enthusiasts and Saturn V rocket experts, the launch sequence, along with James Horner’s emotional score, is the greatest in movie history.
Universal Pictures Home Entertainment celebrates the unforgettable tale of courage and conviction with Apollo 13: 20th Anniversary Edition, coming to Blu-ray and Digital HD on June 2, 2015.
Newly restored and remastered using the original high-resolution 35mm film elements, the commemorative edition comes with an array of bonus features including “Apollo 13: Twenty Years Later,” an all-new retrospective featuring exclusive interviews with director Ron Howard and producer Brian Grazer.
The restored version of Apollo 13 premieres on March 27 at the TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood.
- 3/24/2015
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
A very special edition of Backstage with Richard Ridge comes to you today, presented by Bergdorf Goodman. The panel features 6 of the theatre world'ss most celebrated and influential costume designers. In this special discussion, they explore current trends in costume design, as well as the impact design has on consumer fashions, and how contemporary fashion influences costume design.Bww TV Exclusive Backstage Special - 6 of Theatre's Hottest Costume Designers Talk Trends, Fashion amp More - Presented By Bergdorf GOODMANClick and drag to moveA New York landmark since 1901, Bergdorf Goodman represents the pinnacle of style, service and modern luxury. Located at 5th Avenue and 58th Street, it is the leading fashion authority and a singular destination for the most discerning customers from around the world.This special panel was filmed at Eric Winterling Costumes Inc., who have been making costumes for shows on Broadway and beyond for more than 20 years. Featured...
- 9/25/2014
- by Backstage With Richard Ridge
- BroadwayWorld.com
Widely regarded as the Oscars of Broadway, the 2014 Tony Awards went off without a hitch on Sunday night (June 8) in New York City.
Hugh Jackman took over the Radio City Music Hall with his amazing hosting talents and welcomed many performers on stage including Idina Menzel and Neil Patrick Harris.
As for the winners, Harris and Jessie Mueller (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical) took home the prize for Best Actor and Best Actress in a Musical, respectively, while Bryan Cranston ("All The Way") and Audra McDonald ("Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill") scored a win for Best Actor and Actress in a Play, respectively.
In addition, the cast and crew of "All the Way" and "A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder" were recognized for their outstanding work on stage winning Best Play and Best Musical.
Check out the full list of 2014 Tony Award winners below!
Best Performance...
Hugh Jackman took over the Radio City Music Hall with his amazing hosting talents and welcomed many performers on stage including Idina Menzel and Neil Patrick Harris.
As for the winners, Harris and Jessie Mueller (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical) took home the prize for Best Actor and Best Actress in a Musical, respectively, while Bryan Cranston ("All The Way") and Audra McDonald ("Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill") scored a win for Best Actor and Actress in a Play, respectively.
In addition, the cast and crew of "All the Way" and "A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder" were recognized for their outstanding work on stage winning Best Play and Best Musical.
Check out the full list of 2014 Tony Award winners below!
Best Performance...
- 6/9/2014
- GossipCenter
The 68th Tony Awards on Sunday, hosted by Hugh Jackman, took place at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall, where the best of the stage were honored.
Tony Awards Recap
A Gentlemen’s Guide to Love and Murder picked up steam leading up to Tony night. At the end of the show, the musical, which follows a destitute man looking to remove the eight ahead of him inline for a title, won four awards Sunday. Gentleman’s Guide won for best musical, book of a musical, director and costume design.
How I Met Your Mother actor Neil Patrick Harris, who has previously been a favorite Tony host, picked up his first award – best lead actor in a musical – for starring in Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Hedwig won for best musical revival, and Harris’ costar Lena Hall won best featured actress in a musical.
Jessie Mueller beat out...
Tony Awards Recap
A Gentlemen’s Guide to Love and Murder picked up steam leading up to Tony night. At the end of the show, the musical, which follows a destitute man looking to remove the eight ahead of him inline for a title, won four awards Sunday. Gentleman’s Guide won for best musical, book of a musical, director and costume design.
How I Met Your Mother actor Neil Patrick Harris, who has previously been a favorite Tony host, picked up his first award – best lead actor in a musical – for starring in Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Hedwig won for best musical revival, and Harris’ costar Lena Hall won best featured actress in a musical.
Jessie Mueller beat out...
- 6/9/2014
- Uinterview
Check out all the winners and nominees of the 68th Annual Tony Awards.
The biggest stars of Broadway gathered at New York City's Radio City Music Hall on Sunday night to honor and celebrate all the greatest shows and show-stopping performances from the world of theater at the 68th Annual Tony Awards.
Hugh Jackman served as host for his fourth time, and the three-hour ceremony saw lots of big wins.
The 2014 Tony Awards showcased many of the musical numbers from this year's nominated shows, and featured a slew of big-name Hollywood stars who served as presenters. Here is the complete winners list, along with some of our favorite acceptance speeches.
Did the right shows and stars win?
Best Play
Winner: All the Way
Other Nominees:
Act One
Casa Valentine
Mothers and Sons
Outside Mullingar
Best Musical
Winner: A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder
Other Nominees:
After Midnight
Aladdin
Beautiful — The Carole King Musical
A Gentleman’s Guide...
The biggest stars of Broadway gathered at New York City's Radio City Music Hall on Sunday night to honor and celebrate all the greatest shows and show-stopping performances from the world of theater at the 68th Annual Tony Awards.
Hugh Jackman served as host for his fourth time, and the three-hour ceremony saw lots of big wins.
The 2014 Tony Awards showcased many of the musical numbers from this year's nominated shows, and featured a slew of big-name Hollywood stars who served as presenters. Here is the complete winners list, along with some of our favorite acceptance speeches.
Did the right shows and stars win?
Best Play
Winner: All the Way
Other Nominees:
Act One
Casa Valentine
Mothers and Sons
Outside Mullingar
Best Musical
Winner: A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder
Other Nominees:
After Midnight
Aladdin
Beautiful — The Carole King Musical
A Gentleman’s Guide...
- 6/9/2014
- Entertainment Tonight
Will Neil Patrick Harris claim his first Tony Award this Sunday for his gender-bending turn in the musical revival of Hedwig and the Angry Inch? Probably. Will fellow multiple-Emmy winner Bryan Cranston win for playing Lyndon B. Johnson in the biodrama All the Way? Count on it. But will it be the Carole King biomusical Beautiful or the murderously funny A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder that earns top honors as the Best New Musical of the Broadway season?
On that point, as on many other tight races in this year’s Tony contest, EW critics Melissa Rose Bernardo and Thom Geier are divided.
On that point, as on many other tight races in this year’s Tony contest, EW critics Melissa Rose Bernardo and Thom Geier are divided.
- 6/3/2014
- by Thom Geier
- EW.com - PopWatch
Fully realizing its underdog appeal, the cheeky musical A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder slayed the competition this morning with a whopping 10 Tony nominations, including nods for both of its tireless leading men, Jefferson Mays and Bryce Pinkham. Neil Patrick Harris’ return to Broadway after a decade yielded him his first-ever Tony nomination for the celebrated revival of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, which netted an impressive eight nods. (Had it been eligible as a new musical, Hedwig probably would have easily tied Guide, as score and book would have been slam dunks). Trailing these shows with seven...
- 4/29/2014
- by Jason Clark
- EW.com - PopWatch
The nominations for the 2014 Tony Awards, which will be hosted once again by Hugh Jackman, were announced this morning by Jonathan Groff and Lucy Liu.
Tony Award Nominations
Nominated for best play this year are Act One, All the Way, Casa Valentina, Mothers and Sons and Outside Mulliger, while revival plays that got a nod included The Cripple of Inishmaan, The Glass Menagerie, A Raisin in the Sun and Twelfth Night.
Best Musical nominations went to After Midnight, Aladdin, Beautiful – The Carole King Musical, and A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. As for revival musicals, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Les Miserables and Violet were nominated.
While The Cripple of Inishmaan received a total of five nominations, marquee star Daniel Radcliff once again missed out on a Tony nod. Other movie star names who failed to earn nominations include James Franco (Of Mice and Men), Michelle Williams (Cabaret...
Tony Award Nominations
Nominated for best play this year are Act One, All the Way, Casa Valentina, Mothers and Sons and Outside Mulliger, while revival plays that got a nod included The Cripple of Inishmaan, The Glass Menagerie, A Raisin in the Sun and Twelfth Night.
Best Musical nominations went to After Midnight, Aladdin, Beautiful – The Carole King Musical, and A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. As for revival musicals, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Les Miserables and Violet were nominated.
While The Cripple of Inishmaan received a total of five nominations, marquee star Daniel Radcliff once again missed out on a Tony nod. Other movie star names who failed to earn nominations include James Franco (Of Mice and Men), Michelle Williams (Cabaret...
- 4/29/2014
- Uinterview
Despite initially dismissing the movie, I have to admit that the more I see of the film adaptation of Rock of Ages the more I want to see the film! That’s no doubt down to the awesome soundtrack which includes Def Leppard, Joan Jett, Journey, Foreigner, Bon Jovi, Night Ranger, Reo Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, and Whitesnake…
The film, which stars Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta, Russell Brand, Paul Giamatti, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Malin Ackerman, Mary J. Blige, Bryan Cranston, Alec Baldwin and Tom Cruise, hits cinemas on June 15th.
Under the direction of Adam Shankman (“Hairspray”), New Line Cinema’s feature film adaptation of the smash hit Broadway musical “Rock of Ages” comes to the big screen. The movie musical stars Julianne Hough (“Burlesque”), with actor/singer Diego Boneta in his feature film debut, Russell Brand (“Arthur,” “Get Him to the Greek”), Oscar® nominee Paul Giamatti (“Cinderella Man...
The film, which stars Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta, Russell Brand, Paul Giamatti, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Malin Ackerman, Mary J. Blige, Bryan Cranston, Alec Baldwin and Tom Cruise, hits cinemas on June 15th.
Under the direction of Adam Shankman (“Hairspray”), New Line Cinema’s feature film adaptation of the smash hit Broadway musical “Rock of Ages” comes to the big screen. The movie musical stars Julianne Hough (“Burlesque”), with actor/singer Diego Boneta in his feature film debut, Russell Brand (“Arthur,” “Get Him to the Greek”), Oscar® nominee Paul Giamatti (“Cinderella Man...
- 6/4/2012
- by Phil
- Nerdly
HollywoodNews.com:Under the direction of Adam Shankman (“Hairspray”), New Line Cinema’s feature film adaptation of the smash hit Broadway musical “Rock of Ages” comes to the big screen.
“Rock of Ages” tells the story of small town girl Sherrie and city boy Drew, who meet on the Sunset Strip while pursuing their Hollywood dreams. Their rock ‘n’ roll romance is told through the heart-pounding hits of Def Leppard, Foreigner, Journey, Poison, Reo Speedwagon, Twisted Sister and more.
Rock of Ages ◄ Back Next ►Picture 1 of 14
Catherine Zeta-Jones as Patricia Whitmore in New Line Cinema’s rock musical “Rock Of Ages"
The movie musical stars Julianne Hough (“Burlesque”), with actor/singer Diego Boneta in his feature film debut, Russell Brand (“Arthur,” “Get Him to the Greek”), Oscar® nominee Paul Giamatti (“Cinderella Man”), Academy Award® winner Catherine Zeta-Jones (“Chicago”), Malin Akerman (“The Proposal”) and R&B queen Mary J. Blige, with Oscar® nominee Alec Baldwin (“The Cooler,...
“Rock of Ages” tells the story of small town girl Sherrie and city boy Drew, who meet on the Sunset Strip while pursuing their Hollywood dreams. Their rock ‘n’ roll romance is told through the heart-pounding hits of Def Leppard, Foreigner, Journey, Poison, Reo Speedwagon, Twisted Sister and more.
Rock of Ages ◄ Back Next ►Picture 1 of 14
Catherine Zeta-Jones as Patricia Whitmore in New Line Cinema’s rock musical “Rock Of Ages"
The movie musical stars Julianne Hough (“Burlesque”), with actor/singer Diego Boneta in his feature film debut, Russell Brand (“Arthur,” “Get Him to the Greek”), Oscar® nominee Paul Giamatti (“Cinderella Man”), Academy Award® winner Catherine Zeta-Jones (“Chicago”), Malin Akerman (“The Proposal”) and R&B queen Mary J. Blige, with Oscar® nominee Alec Baldwin (“The Cooler,...
- 5/29/2012
- by Josh Abraham
- Hollywoodnews.com
Under the direction of Adam Shankman (“Hairspray”), New Line Cinema’s feature film adaptation of the smash hit Broadway musical “Rock of Ages” comes to the big screen.
“Rock of Ages” tells the story of small town girl Sherrie and city boy Drew, who meet on the Sunset Strip while pursuing their Hollywood dreams. Their rock ‘n’ roll romance is told through the heart-pounding hits of Def Leppard, Foreigner, Journey, Poison, Reo Speedwagon, Twisted Sister and more.
The movie musical stars Julianne Hough (“Burlesque”), with actor/singer Diego Boneta in his feature film debut, Russell Brand (“Arthur,” “Get Him to the Greek”), Oscar® nominee Paul Giamatti (“Cinderella Man”), Academy Award® winner Catherine Zeta-Jones (“Chicago”), Malin Akerman (“The Proposal”) and R&B queen Mary J. Blige, with Oscar® nominee Alec Baldwin (“The Cooler,” TV’s “30 Rock”), and Oscar® nominee Tom Cruise (“Mission: Impossible . Ghost Protocol,” “Magnolia,” “Jerry Maguire”) as Stacee Jaxx.
“Rock of Ages” tells the story of small town girl Sherrie and city boy Drew, who meet on the Sunset Strip while pursuing their Hollywood dreams. Their rock ‘n’ roll romance is told through the heart-pounding hits of Def Leppard, Foreigner, Journey, Poison, Reo Speedwagon, Twisted Sister and more.
The movie musical stars Julianne Hough (“Burlesque”), with actor/singer Diego Boneta in his feature film debut, Russell Brand (“Arthur,” “Get Him to the Greek”), Oscar® nominee Paul Giamatti (“Cinderella Man”), Academy Award® winner Catherine Zeta-Jones (“Chicago”), Malin Akerman (“The Proposal”) and R&B queen Mary J. Blige, with Oscar® nominee Alec Baldwin (“The Cooler,” TV’s “30 Rock”), and Oscar® nominee Tom Cruise (“Mission: Impossible . Ghost Protocol,” “Magnolia,” “Jerry Maguire”) as Stacee Jaxx.
- 5/29/2012
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
If there is one thing you can be certain of when Tom Cruise takes on a role, it is his commitment to the truth of the character he portrays. In the soon to be released film, Rock of Ages (2012) there are some heavy duty musical numbers of the 80's. Die hard fans will be watching to see just how honest the films cast will be in their interpretation. To prepare for his role as Stacee Jaxx, a hair-metal superstar, Tom jumped right into character. He took vocal lessons from none other than Axl Rose's vocal coach. He learned how to control his voice. He practiced five hours of singing, every day. His commitment to this role also prompted him to take dance lessons to capture the energy and find the stamina for his on-stage performance of rock star Stacee Jaxx. According to an article by Dave Karger at EW.
- 5/21/2012
- by jbonadona@corp.popstar.com (Julia Bonadona)
- PopStar
We’re now less than a month away from the release of Rock of Ages, the big-screen adaptation of the hit Broadway musical about rockers and wannabes on the Sunset Strip in 1987. The cast is impressive—Julianne Hough, Alec Baldwin, Russell Brand, Paul Giamatti, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Bryan Cranston, and Mary J. Blige all show up. But the one person you’ll be talking about when you see the movie is Tom Cruise, who as hair-metal superstar Stacee Jaxx not only belts out “Pour Some Sugar On Me” but also appears in perhaps the skimpiest outfits of his career. “I wasn...
- 5/19/2012
- by Dave Karger
- EW - Inside Movies
IMAX and Warner Bros. Pictures today announced that Rock of Ages, based on the hit Broadway musical, will be digitally re-mastered into the immersive IMAX® format and released for a limited domestic engagement in select IMAX® theatres, day-and-date with the film’s release on June 15, 2012. Directed by Adam Shankman, the film stars Tom Cruise, Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta, Paul Giamatti, Russell Brand, Mary J. Blige, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Alec Baldwin.
“Warner Bros. and Tom Cruise have been great partners and an early look at Rock of Ages is getting great response,” said Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment. “The film’s crowd-pleasing soundtrack will sound incredible in IMAX theatres during this select, hand-picked release.”
The IMAX release of Rock of Ages will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience® with proprietary IMAX Dmr® (Digital Re-mastering) technology. The crystal-clear images coupled with...
“Warner Bros. and Tom Cruise have been great partners and an early look at Rock of Ages is getting great response,” said Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment. “The film’s crowd-pleasing soundtrack will sound incredible in IMAX theatres during this select, hand-picked release.”
The IMAX release of Rock of Ages will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience® with proprietary IMAX Dmr® (Digital Re-mastering) technology. The crystal-clear images coupled with...
- 5/9/2012
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Production has begun on Columbia Pictures’ and Sony Pictures Animation’s live-action/computer animated hybrid 3D family comedy The Smurfs® 2, the sequel to the 2011 worldwide hit that took in over $560 million at the worldwide box office.
Returning from the first film for an all-new adventure that takes the Smurfs to Europe are Director Raja Gosnell, Producer Jordan Kerner, Executive Producer Ezra Swerdlow, and stars Neil Patrick Harris as Patrick Winslow, Jayma Mays as Grace Winslow, Sofia Vergara as Odile, and Hank Azaria as Gargamel. Brendan Gleeson joins the cast as Patrick Winslow’s stepfather, Victor Doyle. Behind the microphone, as the voices of the Smurfs, all of the principal voice cast members will reprise their roles, including Katy Perry as Smurfette, Jonathan Winters as Papa Smurf, Alan Cumming as Gutsy, Fred Armisen as Brainy, George Lopez as Grouchy and Anton Yelchin as Clumsy; in addition, John Oliver, who took a...
Returning from the first film for an all-new adventure that takes the Smurfs to Europe are Director Raja Gosnell, Producer Jordan Kerner, Executive Producer Ezra Swerdlow, and stars Neil Patrick Harris as Patrick Winslow, Jayma Mays as Grace Winslow, Sofia Vergara as Odile, and Hank Azaria as Gargamel. Brendan Gleeson joins the cast as Patrick Winslow’s stepfather, Victor Doyle. Behind the microphone, as the voices of the Smurfs, all of the principal voice cast members will reprise their roles, including Katy Perry as Smurfette, Jonathan Winters as Papa Smurf, Alan Cumming as Gutsy, Fred Armisen as Brainy, George Lopez as Grouchy and Anton Yelchin as Clumsy; in addition, John Oliver, who took a...
- 4/26/2012
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Sony Pictures announced soon after the release of the first movie, that they were going to be making a Smurfs sequel...and I died just a little bit inside. Well, Sony has now announced that they've made good on that promise and production on the second film has officially started.
I haven't enjoyed any of the cartoons turned live-action hybrid movies that have come out (Yogi, Chipmunks, and Smurfs). They felt hollow to me and a mere shadow of what made the original cartoons such classics. Part of that is the writing/story, but it's also in the fact that they're taking them out of the cartoon setting and into the 'real' world.
The worse part, for me, is that the damn things keep making a lot of money! So the studios are encouraged to keep pumping them out. Anyway, the press release came out this morning that production had commenced on the film,...
I haven't enjoyed any of the cartoons turned live-action hybrid movies that have come out (Yogi, Chipmunks, and Smurfs). They felt hollow to me and a mere shadow of what made the original cartoons such classics. Part of that is the writing/story, but it's also in the fact that they're taking them out of the cartoon setting and into the 'real' world.
The worse part, for me, is that the damn things keep making a lot of money! So the studios are encouraged to keep pumping them out. Anyway, the press release came out this morning that production had commenced on the film,...
- 4/26/2012
- by feeds@themoviepool.com (Jordan Maison)
- Cinelinx
Burbank, CA, June 6, 2011 . New Line Cinema’s film adaptation of the smash hit Broadway musical Rock Of Ages has begun principal photography under the direction of Adam Shankman (“Hairspray”). The movie musical stars Julianne Hough (“Burlesque”), with actor/singer Diego Boneta in his feature film debut, Oscar® nominee Paul Giamatti (“Cinderella Man”), Russell Brand (“Arthur,” “Get Him to the Greek”), R&B queen Mary J. Blige, Malin Akerman (“The Proposal”), multiple Emmy®-winner Bryan Cranston (TV’s “Breaking Bad,” “The Lincoln Lawyer”) and Academy Award® winner Catherine Zeta-Jones (“Chicago”), with Oscar® nominees Alec Baldwin (“The Cooler”) and Tom Cruise (“Born on the Fourth of July”).
Rock Of Ages tells the story of small town girl Sherrie and city boy Drew, who meet on the Sunset Strip while pursuing their Hollywood dreams. Their rock ‘n’ roll romance is told through the heart-pounding hits of Def Leppard, Joan Jett, Journey, Foreigner, Bon Jovi,...
Rock Of Ages tells the story of small town girl Sherrie and city boy Drew, who meet on the Sunset Strip while pursuing their Hollywood dreams. Their rock ‘n’ roll romance is told through the heart-pounding hits of Def Leppard, Joan Jett, Journey, Foreigner, Bon Jovi,...
- 6/6/2011
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Tom Hooper's "The King's Speech," Darren Aronofsky's "Black Swan," and Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland" won the film categories at the 13th Annual Cdg (Costume Designers Guild) Awards.
"The King's Speech" beat "The Fighter" and "True Grit" in the Excellence in Period Film Category. "Black Swan" out-danced "Burlesque," "Inception," "The Social Network," and "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps" in the Excellence in Contemporary Film category.
In the Excellence in Fantasy Film category, "Alice in Wonderland" waved its magic spell to beat "The Tempest" and "Tron: Legacy."
"Sex and the City's" Kristin Davis hosted the event at Beverly Hilton last night, where Halle Berry received the Lacoste Spotlight Award, and director Joel Schumacher accepted the Distinguished Collaborator Award.
Here's the complete list of winners (highlighted) and nominees of the 13th annual Cdg Awards (Check our Awards Avenue for complete winners/nominees for all award-giving bodies):
Excellence...
"The King's Speech" beat "The Fighter" and "True Grit" in the Excellence in Period Film Category. "Black Swan" out-danced "Burlesque," "Inception," "The Social Network," and "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps" in the Excellence in Contemporary Film category.
In the Excellence in Fantasy Film category, "Alice in Wonderland" waved its magic spell to beat "The Tempest" and "Tron: Legacy."
"Sex and the City's" Kristin Davis hosted the event at Beverly Hilton last night, where Halle Berry received the Lacoste Spotlight Award, and director Joel Schumacher accepted the Distinguished Collaborator Award.
Here's the complete list of winners (highlighted) and nominees of the 13th annual Cdg Awards (Check our Awards Avenue for complete winners/nominees for all award-giving bodies):
Excellence...
- 2/23/2011
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
So, the Costume Designers Guild (Cdg) has served up their nominations for this year. Apart from falling short on numbers in a couple of categories, the line-up is predictably safe.
Excellence in Contemporary Film
Black Swan – Amy Westcott
Burlesque – Michael Kaplan
Inception – Jeffrey Kurland
The Social Network – Jacqueline West
Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps – Ellen Mirojnick
There has been recent hoopla in the press regarding Rodarte’s overall involvement with the costume design for Black Swan, though the Costume Designers Guild will be unlikely to run scared. Shouldn’t The Social Network strictly be in the Period category, however? Jacqueline West went to extraordinary lengths to ensure the film was historically accurate, something often harder to achieve when the setting is recent.
Excellence in Period Film
The Fighter – Mark Bridges
The King’s Speech – Jenny Beavan
True Grit – Mary Zophres
It would be wonderful to see Mark Bridges’ largely (and...
Excellence in Contemporary Film
Black Swan – Amy Westcott
Burlesque – Michael Kaplan
Inception – Jeffrey Kurland
The Social Network – Jacqueline West
Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps – Ellen Mirojnick
There has been recent hoopla in the press regarding Rodarte’s overall involvement with the costume design for Black Swan, though the Costume Designers Guild will be unlikely to run scared. Shouldn’t The Social Network strictly be in the Period category, however? Jacqueline West went to extraordinary lengths to ensure the film was historically accurate, something often harder to achieve when the setting is recent.
Excellence in Period Film
The Fighter – Mark Bridges
The King’s Speech – Jenny Beavan
True Grit – Mary Zophres
It would be wonderful to see Mark Bridges’ largely (and...
- 1/21/2011
- by Chris Laverty
- Clothes on Film
The Costume Designer Guild has released the list of nominees for this years ceremony hosted by Sex and the City's Kristen Davis.
Black Swan and Burlesque are among the nominees in the contemporary film category, while The Fighter and The King's Speech were recognized for period films.
Halle Berry is set to receive the Lacoste Spotlight Award because, according to the guild, her "talent and career personifies an enduring commitment to excellence, including a special awareness of the role and importance of costume design."
Full list of nominees after the jump
Excellence In Contemporary Film
Black Swan – Amy Westcott
Burlesque – Michael Kaplan
Inception - Jeffrey Kurland
The Social Network – Jacqueline West
Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps – Ellen Mirojnick
Excellence In Period Film
The Fighter – Mark Bridges
The King’s Speech – Jenny Beavan
True Grit – Mary Zophres
Excellence In Fantasy Film
Alice in Wonderland – Colleen Atwood
The Tempest – Sandy Powell...
Black Swan and Burlesque are among the nominees in the contemporary film category, while The Fighter and The King's Speech were recognized for period films.
Halle Berry is set to receive the Lacoste Spotlight Award because, according to the guild, her "talent and career personifies an enduring commitment to excellence, including a special awareness of the role and importance of costume design."
Full list of nominees after the jump
Excellence In Contemporary Film
Black Swan – Amy Westcott
Burlesque – Michael Kaplan
Inception - Jeffrey Kurland
The Social Network – Jacqueline West
Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps – Ellen Mirojnick
Excellence In Period Film
The Fighter – Mark Bridges
The King’s Speech – Jenny Beavan
True Grit – Mary Zophres
Excellence In Fantasy Film
Alice in Wonderland – Colleen Atwood
The Tempest – Sandy Powell...
- 1/20/2011
- by alyssa.caverley@gmail.com (Alyssa Caverley)
- Reel Movie News
Darren Aronofsky's "Black Swan" (picture courtesy of CourtesanMacabre) will try to outdance "Burlesque," "Inception," "The Social Network," and "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps" in the Excellence in Contemporary Film category for the 13th annual Costume Designers Guild Awards.
In the Period Film category, "The Fighter" will duke it out with "The King's Speech" and "True Grit." And in the Fantasy Film category, "Alice in Wonderland" will try to outshine "The Tempest" and "Tron: Legacy."
The winners will be announced Feb. 22 with "Sex and the City's" Kristin Davis set to do hosting duties. Halle Berry will be given the Lacoste Spotlight Award, and director Joel Schumacher will receive the Distinguished Collaborator Award.
Here's the complete list of nominees for the 13th annual Cdg Awards (Check our Awards Avenue for complete winners/nominees for all award-giving bodies):
Excellence In Contemporary Film
Black Swan . Amy Westcott
Burlesque . Michael Kaplan
Inception...
In the Period Film category, "The Fighter" will duke it out with "The King's Speech" and "True Grit." And in the Fantasy Film category, "Alice in Wonderland" will try to outshine "The Tempest" and "Tron: Legacy."
The winners will be announced Feb. 22 with "Sex and the City's" Kristin Davis set to do hosting duties. Halle Berry will be given the Lacoste Spotlight Award, and director Joel Schumacher will receive the Distinguished Collaborator Award.
Here's the complete list of nominees for the 13th annual Cdg Awards (Check our Awards Avenue for complete winners/nominees for all award-giving bodies):
Excellence In Contemporary Film
Black Swan . Amy Westcott
Burlesque . Michael Kaplan
Inception...
- 1/20/2011
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
The nominations for the 13th annual Costumers Designers Guild were announced in Los Angeles. The non-televised event will be held on Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011 at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. It will be hosted by Kristin Davis.
Special awards will be handed out to Halle Barry, designer Julie Weiss, director Joel Schumacher and late designer Michael Dennison.
Excellence In Contemporary Film
Black Swan . Amy Westcott
Burlesque . Michael Kaplan
Inception - Jeffrey Kurland
The Social Network . Jacqueline West
Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps . Ellen Mirojnick
Excellence In Period Film
The Fighter . Mark Bridges
The King.s Speech . Jenny Beavan
True Grit . Mary Zophres
Excellence In Fantasy Film
Alice in Wonderland . Colleen Atwood
The Tempest . Sandy Powell
Tron: Legacy . Michael Wilkinson & Christine Bieselin Clark
Outstanding Contemporary Television Series
Big Love . Chrisi Karvonides-Dushenko
Dancing with the Stars . Randall Christensen, Daniella Gschwendtner & Steven Norman Lee
Glee . Lou Eyrich
Modern Family . Alix Friedberg
Treme...
Special awards will be handed out to Halle Barry, designer Julie Weiss, director Joel Schumacher and late designer Michael Dennison.
Excellence In Contemporary Film
Black Swan . Amy Westcott
Burlesque . Michael Kaplan
Inception - Jeffrey Kurland
The Social Network . Jacqueline West
Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps . Ellen Mirojnick
Excellence In Period Film
The Fighter . Mark Bridges
The King.s Speech . Jenny Beavan
True Grit . Mary Zophres
Excellence In Fantasy Film
Alice in Wonderland . Colleen Atwood
The Tempest . Sandy Powell
Tron: Legacy . Michael Wilkinson & Christine Bieselin Clark
Outstanding Contemporary Television Series
Big Love . Chrisi Karvonides-Dushenko
Dancing with the Stars . Randall Christensen, Daniella Gschwendtner & Steven Norman Lee
Glee . Lou Eyrich
Modern Family . Alix Friedberg
Treme...
- 1/20/2011
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Today the Costume Designers Guild Award nominees were announced. The ceremony takes place on Feb. 22 at the Beverly Hilton and is hosted by Kristin Davis (Sex and the City).
The Lacoste Spotlight Award will be given to Halle Berry because her "talent and career personifies an enduring commitment to excellence, including a special awareness of the role and importance of costume design," according to the organization.
The Distinguished Collaborator Award will be presented to Joel Schumacher.
The late Michael Dennison will be inducted into the Guild’s Hall of Fame for his work on television and feature films such as Eat Pray Love and Georgia O’Keefe.
See the full list of nominees below:
Excellence In Contemporary Film
Black Swan – Amy Westcott
Burlesque – Michael Kaplan
Inception - Jeffrey Kurland
The Social Network – Jacqueline West
Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps – Ellen Mirojnick
Excellence In Period Film
The Fighter – Mark Bridges
The...
The Lacoste Spotlight Award will be given to Halle Berry because her "talent and career personifies an enduring commitment to excellence, including a special awareness of the role and importance of costume design," according to the organization.
The Distinguished Collaborator Award will be presented to Joel Schumacher.
The late Michael Dennison will be inducted into the Guild’s Hall of Fame for his work on television and feature films such as Eat Pray Love and Georgia O’Keefe.
See the full list of nominees below:
Excellence In Contemporary Film
Black Swan – Amy Westcott
Burlesque – Michael Kaplan
Inception - Jeffrey Kurland
The Social Network – Jacqueline West
Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps – Ellen Mirojnick
Excellence In Period Film
The Fighter – Mark Bridges
The...
- 1/20/2011
- by Tiberius
- GeekTyrant
This review was written for the theatrical release of "Hairspray".John Travolta takes on John Waters in "Hairspray", and the result is anything but a drag in this appealingly goofy, all-singing, all-dancing screen adaptation of the Broadway musical based on the 1988 film.
Although it has lost a good portion of that Waters subversive edge along the way and it takes a little while to find its footing, the still-amusing if frenetic results make for an improvement over the similar transition made by 2005's "The Producers".
The lure of seeing Travolta going back to his musical roots -- albeit while encased in a 30-pound, full-body fat suit -- and backed by a sparkling supporting cast including Christopher Walken, Michelle Pfeiffer and Queen Latifah, should ensure that this summer confection generates some buoyant boxoffice.
Also returning to his roots here is choreographer-turned-director Adam Shankman ("Bringing Down the House", "The Pacifier"), and his broader instincts in both capacities work in the picture's favor.
From the moment bouncy newcomer Nikki Blonsky (as bouncy, young Tracy Turnblad) pops up singing the opening number "Good Morning Baltimore" while perched atop a garbage truck, the picture's genially trashy tone is neatly established.
Travolta doesn't make his first appearance for another 10 minutes or so, as Tracy's overly protective, sheltered mother, Edna, but once you get over the transformation, not to mention that disconcertingly odd accent that sounds something like a cross between Carol Channing and Cher, he wins you over.
Outfitted with noticeably more curvaceous padding than predecessors Divine and Harvey Fierstein, Travolta still manages to pull off some nimble moves that are somehow reminiscent of those dancing hippos in Walt Disney's "Fantasia".
He finds a spirited dance partner in Walken as Edna's hubby and joke-store proprietor, Wilbur Turnblad. The former hoofer, making good on his promise in that now-classic Fat Boy Slim video, looks to be having a ball here, and he's apparently not alone, judging from the work of some of his co-stars.
Pfeiffer clearly is enjoying being in Cruella mode as the bitter Velma Von Tussle, the faded beauty queen and racist manager of the TV station airing "The Corny Collins Show", Baltimore's version of "American Bandstand", which ultimately will serve as ground zero for the integration movement, if Tracy has anything to do with it.
Also swell is "High School Musical" sensation Zac Efron as Link Larkin, the show's reigning Elvis and Tracy's love interest; Allison Janney as the Bible-thumping zealot, Prudy Pingleton; and Queen Latifah as Motormouth Maybelle, the blond-tressed record store owner whose rendition of the stirring "I Know Where I've Been" is the movie's musical highlight.
Terrific, too, are Elijah Kelley and Taylor Parks as Maybelle's kids, while Jerry Stiller and Ricki Lake, who both appeared in the original film, turn up in cameos, as does Waters.
Leslie Dixon's script distills the essence of the film and Broadway versions, while production values for the shot-in-Toronto picture are appropriately peppy. A big shout-out goes to veteran costume designer Rita Ryack for her tastefully tacky contributions.
Songwriters Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, who took home a Tony for their work on the musical edition, contribute several new songs to the movie, though none prove to be as catchy as those Brill Building tributes, "Good Morning Baltimore", "I Can Hear the Bells" or "You Can't Stop the Beat."
HAIRSPRAY
New Line Cinema
A New Line Cinema presentation in association with Ingenious Film Partners
Credits:
Director: Adam Shankman
Screenwriter: Leslie Dixon
Based on the 1988 screenplay by: John Waters and the 2002 musical stage play with book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan
Music: Marc Shaiman
Music-lyrics: Scott Wittman, Marc Shaiman
Producers: Craig Zadan, Neil Meron
Executive producers: Bob Shaye, Michael Lynne, Toby Emmerich, Mark Kaufman, Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman, Adam Shankman, Jennifer Gibgot, Garrett Grant
Director of photography: Bojan Bazelli
Production designer: David Gropman
Songs: Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman
Co-producers: Michael Disco, Daryl Freimark, Travis Knox
Costume designer: Rita Ryack
Editor: Michael Tronick
Choreographer: Adam Shankman
Cast: Edna Turnblad: John Travolta
Velma Von Tussle: Michelle Pfeiffer
Wilbur Turnblad: Christpher Walken
Penny Pingleton: Amanda Bynes
Corny Collins: James Marsden
Motormouth Maybelle: Queen Latifah
Amber Von Tussle: Brittany Snow
Link Larkin: Zac Efron
Seaweed: Elijah Kelley
Prudy Pingleton: Allison Janney
Mr. Pinky: Jerry Stiller
Mr. Spritzer: Paul Dooley
Tracy Turnblad: Nikki Blonsky
Little Inez: Taylor Parks
Running time --117 minutes
MPAA rating: PG...
Although it has lost a good portion of that Waters subversive edge along the way and it takes a little while to find its footing, the still-amusing if frenetic results make for an improvement over the similar transition made by 2005's "The Producers".
The lure of seeing Travolta going back to his musical roots -- albeit while encased in a 30-pound, full-body fat suit -- and backed by a sparkling supporting cast including Christopher Walken, Michelle Pfeiffer and Queen Latifah, should ensure that this summer confection generates some buoyant boxoffice.
Also returning to his roots here is choreographer-turned-director Adam Shankman ("Bringing Down the House", "The Pacifier"), and his broader instincts in both capacities work in the picture's favor.
From the moment bouncy newcomer Nikki Blonsky (as bouncy, young Tracy Turnblad) pops up singing the opening number "Good Morning Baltimore" while perched atop a garbage truck, the picture's genially trashy tone is neatly established.
Travolta doesn't make his first appearance for another 10 minutes or so, as Tracy's overly protective, sheltered mother, Edna, but once you get over the transformation, not to mention that disconcertingly odd accent that sounds something like a cross between Carol Channing and Cher, he wins you over.
Outfitted with noticeably more curvaceous padding than predecessors Divine and Harvey Fierstein, Travolta still manages to pull off some nimble moves that are somehow reminiscent of those dancing hippos in Walt Disney's "Fantasia".
He finds a spirited dance partner in Walken as Edna's hubby and joke-store proprietor, Wilbur Turnblad. The former hoofer, making good on his promise in that now-classic Fat Boy Slim video, looks to be having a ball here, and he's apparently not alone, judging from the work of some of his co-stars.
Pfeiffer clearly is enjoying being in Cruella mode as the bitter Velma Von Tussle, the faded beauty queen and racist manager of the TV station airing "The Corny Collins Show", Baltimore's version of "American Bandstand", which ultimately will serve as ground zero for the integration movement, if Tracy has anything to do with it.
Also swell is "High School Musical" sensation Zac Efron as Link Larkin, the show's reigning Elvis and Tracy's love interest; Allison Janney as the Bible-thumping zealot, Prudy Pingleton; and Queen Latifah as Motormouth Maybelle, the blond-tressed record store owner whose rendition of the stirring "I Know Where I've Been" is the movie's musical highlight.
Terrific, too, are Elijah Kelley and Taylor Parks as Maybelle's kids, while Jerry Stiller and Ricki Lake, who both appeared in the original film, turn up in cameos, as does Waters.
Leslie Dixon's script distills the essence of the film and Broadway versions, while production values for the shot-in-Toronto picture are appropriately peppy. A big shout-out goes to veteran costume designer Rita Ryack for her tastefully tacky contributions.
Songwriters Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, who took home a Tony for their work on the musical edition, contribute several new songs to the movie, though none prove to be as catchy as those Brill Building tributes, "Good Morning Baltimore", "I Can Hear the Bells" or "You Can't Stop the Beat."
HAIRSPRAY
New Line Cinema
A New Line Cinema presentation in association with Ingenious Film Partners
Credits:
Director: Adam Shankman
Screenwriter: Leslie Dixon
Based on the 1988 screenplay by: John Waters and the 2002 musical stage play with book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan
Music: Marc Shaiman
Music-lyrics: Scott Wittman, Marc Shaiman
Producers: Craig Zadan, Neil Meron
Executive producers: Bob Shaye, Michael Lynne, Toby Emmerich, Mark Kaufman, Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman, Adam Shankman, Jennifer Gibgot, Garrett Grant
Director of photography: Bojan Bazelli
Production designer: David Gropman
Songs: Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman
Co-producers: Michael Disco, Daryl Freimark, Travis Knox
Costume designer: Rita Ryack
Editor: Michael Tronick
Choreographer: Adam Shankman
Cast: Edna Turnblad: John Travolta
Velma Von Tussle: Michelle Pfeiffer
Wilbur Turnblad: Christpher Walken
Penny Pingleton: Amanda Bynes
Corny Collins: James Marsden
Motormouth Maybelle: Queen Latifah
Amber Von Tussle: Brittany Snow
Link Larkin: Zac Efron
Seaweed: Elijah Kelley
Prudy Pingleton: Allison Janney
Mr. Pinky: Jerry Stiller
Mr. Spritzer: Paul Dooley
Tracy Turnblad: Nikki Blonsky
Little Inez: Taylor Parks
Running time --117 minutes
MPAA rating: PG...
- 7/20/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
John Travolta takes on John Waters in Hairspray, and the result is anything but a drag in this appealingly goofy, all-singing, all-dancing screen adaptation of the Broadway musical based on the 1988 film.
Although it has lost a good portion of that Waters subversive edge along the way and it takes a little while to find its footing, the still-amusing if frenetic results make for an improvement over the similar transition made by 2005's The Producers.
The lure of seeing Travolta going back to his musical roots -- albeit while encased in a 30-pound, full-body fat suit -- and backed by a sparkling supporting cast including Christopher Walken, Michelle Pfeiffer and Queen Latifah, should ensure that this summer confection generates some buoyant boxoffice.
Also returning to his roots here is choreographer-turned-director Adam Shankman (Bringing Down the House, The Pacifier), and his broader instincts in both capacities work in the picture's favor.
From the moment bouncy newcomer Nikki Blonsky (as bouncy, young Tracy Turnblad) pops up singing the opening number Good Morning Baltimore while perched atop a garbage truck, the picture's genially trashy tone is neatly established.
Travolta doesn't make his first appearance for another 10 minutes or so, as Tracy's overly protective, sheltered mother, Edna, but once you get over the transformation, not to mention that disconcertingly odd accent that sounds something like a cross between Carol Channing and Cher, he wins you over.
Outfitted with noticeably more curvaceous padding than predecessors Divine and Harvey Fierstein, Travolta still manages to pull off some nimble moves that are somehow reminiscent of those dancing hippos in Walt Disney's Fantasia.
He finds a spirited dance partner in Walken as Edna's hubby and joke-store proprietor, Wilbur Turnblad. The former hoofer, making good on his promise in that now-classic Fat Boy Slim video, looks to be having a ball here, and he's apparently not alone, judging from the work of some of his co-stars.
Pfeiffer clearly is enjoying being in Cruella mode as the bitter Velma Von Tussle, the faded beauty queen and racist manager of the TV station airing The Corny Collins Show, Baltimore's version of American Bandstand, which ultimately will serve as ground zero for the integration movement, if Tracy has anything to do with it.
Also swell is High School Musical sensation Zac Efron as Link Larkin, the show's reigning Elvis and Tracy's love interest; Allison Janney as the Bible-thumping zealot, Prudy Pingleton; and Queen Latifah as Motormouth Maybelle, the blond-tressed record store owner whose rendition of the stirring "I Know Where I've Been" is the movie's musical highlight.
Terrific, too, are Elijah Kelley and Taylor Parks as Maybelle's kids, while Jerry Stiller and Ricki Lake, who both appeared in the original film, turn up in cameos, as does Waters.
Leslie Dixon's script distills the essence of the film and Broadway versions, while production values for the shot-in-Toronto picture are appropriately peppy. A big shout-out goes to veteran costume designer Rita Ryack for her tastefully tacky contributions.
Songwriters Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, who took home a Tony for their work on the musical edition, contribute several new songs to the movie, though none prove to be as catchy as those Brill Building tributes, Good Morning Baltimore, I Can Hear the Bells or "You Can't Stop the Beat."
HAIRSPRAY
New Line Cinema
A New Line Cinema presentation in association with Ingenious Film Partners
Credits:
Director: Adam Shankman
Screenwriter: Leslie Dixon
Based on the 1988 screenplay by: John Waters and the 2002 musical stage play with book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan
Music: Marc Shaiman
Music-lyrics: Scott Wittman, Marc Shaiman
Producers: Craig Zadan, Neil Meron
Executive producers: Bob Shaye, Michael Lynne, Toby Emmerich, Mark Kaufman, Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman, Adam Shankman, Jennifer Gibgot, Garrett Grant
Director of photography: Bojan Bazelli
Production designer: David Gropman
Songs: Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman
Co-producers: Michael Disco, Daryl Freimark, Travis Knox
Costume designer: Rita Ryack
Editor: Michael Tronick
Choreographer: Adam Shankman
Cast: Edna Turnblad: John Travolta
Velma Von Tussle: Michelle Pfeiffer
Wilbur Turnblad: Christpher Walken
Penny Pingleton: Amanda Bynes
Corny Collins: James Marsden
Motormouth Maybelle: Queen Latifah
Amber Von Tussle: Brittany Snow
Link Larkin: Zac Efron
Seaweed: Elijah Kelley
Prudy Pingleton: Allison Janney
Mr. Pinky: Jerry Stiller
Mr. Spritzer: Paul Dooley
Tracy Turnblad: Nikki Blonsky
Little Inez: Taylor Parks
Running time --117 minutes
MPAA rating: PG...
Although it has lost a good portion of that Waters subversive edge along the way and it takes a little while to find its footing, the still-amusing if frenetic results make for an improvement over the similar transition made by 2005's The Producers.
The lure of seeing Travolta going back to his musical roots -- albeit while encased in a 30-pound, full-body fat suit -- and backed by a sparkling supporting cast including Christopher Walken, Michelle Pfeiffer and Queen Latifah, should ensure that this summer confection generates some buoyant boxoffice.
Also returning to his roots here is choreographer-turned-director Adam Shankman (Bringing Down the House, The Pacifier), and his broader instincts in both capacities work in the picture's favor.
From the moment bouncy newcomer Nikki Blonsky (as bouncy, young Tracy Turnblad) pops up singing the opening number Good Morning Baltimore while perched atop a garbage truck, the picture's genially trashy tone is neatly established.
Travolta doesn't make his first appearance for another 10 minutes or so, as Tracy's overly protective, sheltered mother, Edna, but once you get over the transformation, not to mention that disconcertingly odd accent that sounds something like a cross between Carol Channing and Cher, he wins you over.
Outfitted with noticeably more curvaceous padding than predecessors Divine and Harvey Fierstein, Travolta still manages to pull off some nimble moves that are somehow reminiscent of those dancing hippos in Walt Disney's Fantasia.
He finds a spirited dance partner in Walken as Edna's hubby and joke-store proprietor, Wilbur Turnblad. The former hoofer, making good on his promise in that now-classic Fat Boy Slim video, looks to be having a ball here, and he's apparently not alone, judging from the work of some of his co-stars.
Pfeiffer clearly is enjoying being in Cruella mode as the bitter Velma Von Tussle, the faded beauty queen and racist manager of the TV station airing The Corny Collins Show, Baltimore's version of American Bandstand, which ultimately will serve as ground zero for the integration movement, if Tracy has anything to do with it.
Also swell is High School Musical sensation Zac Efron as Link Larkin, the show's reigning Elvis and Tracy's love interest; Allison Janney as the Bible-thumping zealot, Prudy Pingleton; and Queen Latifah as Motormouth Maybelle, the blond-tressed record store owner whose rendition of the stirring "I Know Where I've Been" is the movie's musical highlight.
Terrific, too, are Elijah Kelley and Taylor Parks as Maybelle's kids, while Jerry Stiller and Ricki Lake, who both appeared in the original film, turn up in cameos, as does Waters.
Leslie Dixon's script distills the essence of the film and Broadway versions, while production values for the shot-in-Toronto picture are appropriately peppy. A big shout-out goes to veteran costume designer Rita Ryack for her tastefully tacky contributions.
Songwriters Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, who took home a Tony for their work on the musical edition, contribute several new songs to the movie, though none prove to be as catchy as those Brill Building tributes, Good Morning Baltimore, I Can Hear the Bells or "You Can't Stop the Beat."
HAIRSPRAY
New Line Cinema
A New Line Cinema presentation in association with Ingenious Film Partners
Credits:
Director: Adam Shankman
Screenwriter: Leslie Dixon
Based on the 1988 screenplay by: John Waters and the 2002 musical stage play with book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan
Music: Marc Shaiman
Music-lyrics: Scott Wittman, Marc Shaiman
Producers: Craig Zadan, Neil Meron
Executive producers: Bob Shaye, Michael Lynne, Toby Emmerich, Mark Kaufman, Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman, Adam Shankman, Jennifer Gibgot, Garrett Grant
Director of photography: Bojan Bazelli
Production designer: David Gropman
Songs: Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman
Co-producers: Michael Disco, Daryl Freimark, Travis Knox
Costume designer: Rita Ryack
Editor: Michael Tronick
Choreographer: Adam Shankman
Cast: Edna Turnblad: John Travolta
Velma Von Tussle: Michelle Pfeiffer
Wilbur Turnblad: Christpher Walken
Penny Pingleton: Amanda Bynes
Corny Collins: James Marsden
Motormouth Maybelle: Queen Latifah
Amber Von Tussle: Brittany Snow
Link Larkin: Zac Efron
Seaweed: Elijah Kelley
Prudy Pingleton: Allison Janney
Mr. Pinky: Jerry Stiller
Mr. Spritzer: Paul Dooley
Tracy Turnblad: Nikki Blonsky
Little Inez: Taylor Parks
Running time --117 minutes
MPAA rating: PG...
Although those TV and print ads may suggest otherwise, "My Giant" is actually a little movie with a big heart.
Billy Crystal plays a third-tier talent agent who's convinced he's headed for the big time when he crosses paths with a 7-foot-7-inch, Shakespeare-quoting Romanian giant (played by Gheorghe Muresan of the NBA's Washington Wizards). But he stumbles upon some mighty family values in the process.
Directed by Michael Lehmann ("The Truth About Cats and Dogs", "Heathers") from a script by David Seltzer ("Lucas", "Shining Through"), the picture, given its somewhat misleading marketing, may disappoint those expecting something in the broader, higher-concept vein of a "Twins". But audiences in the mood for a sweet-natured if trifling comedy should be proportionately pleased.
Numbers-wise, expect just average-sized business but plenty of room for growth when "My Giant" hits home video.
Things aren't exactly looking up for Sammy (Crystal), a driven agent who's unceremoniously dumped by one of his few clients while on location somewhere in rural Romania (actually the Czech Republic). Then he inadvertently drives his car into some dangerously deep water.
He's rescued both physically and spiritually by Max (Muresan), a sheltered giant who appears to have stepped right out of a fairy tale. Seeing Max as his ticket to fame and fortune, Sammy whisks him away from the cloistered security of his monastery and puts him on a plane to America. He promises he'll reunite the big, lovable lug with his childhood sweetheart.
Naturally, their journey takes some unexpected turns, leading each to discover a thing or two about personal priorities.
In part Crystal's valentine to the late Andre the Giant (with whom he worked on "The Princess Bride"), the picture would have benefited considerably had it put a little more trust in its own comic instincts rather than reaching too early for the heart moments.
Novice Muresan has such a wonderfully expressive, sweet-spirited quality built right into his performance that both the script and direction could have afforded to go broader without fear of losing charm.
Crystal, too, is amiably low-key, while reliable-as-usual Kathleen Quinlan can again be counted upon to add more to the overlooked but supportive wife role than the writing provides.
Technical contributions hit the appropriate heights. Cinematographer Michael Coulter ("Sense and Sensibility") provides the necessary soft-focus sense of wonderment that is effectively echoed by Jackson DeGovia's production design and Rita Ryack's XXXXL-sized costumes.
MY GIANT
Columbia Castle Rock Entertainment presents
A Face production
A film by Michael Lehmann
Director:Michael Lehmann
Screenwriter:David Seltzer
Story by:Billy Crystal & David Seltzer
Producer:Billy Crystal
Executive producer:Peter Schindler
Director of photography:Michael Coulter
Production designer:Jackson DeGovia
Editor:Stephen Semel
Costume designer:Rita Ryack
Music:Marc Shaiman
Casting:Pam Dixon Mickelson
Color/stereo
Cast:
Sammy:Billy Crystal
Max:Gheorghe Muresan
Serena:Kathleen Quinlan
Weller:Jere Burns
Lillianna:Joanna Pacula
Nick:Zane Carney
Himself:Steven Seagal
Running time -- 97 minutes
MPAA rating: PG...
Billy Crystal plays a third-tier talent agent who's convinced he's headed for the big time when he crosses paths with a 7-foot-7-inch, Shakespeare-quoting Romanian giant (played by Gheorghe Muresan of the NBA's Washington Wizards). But he stumbles upon some mighty family values in the process.
Directed by Michael Lehmann ("The Truth About Cats and Dogs", "Heathers") from a script by David Seltzer ("Lucas", "Shining Through"), the picture, given its somewhat misleading marketing, may disappoint those expecting something in the broader, higher-concept vein of a "Twins". But audiences in the mood for a sweet-natured if trifling comedy should be proportionately pleased.
Numbers-wise, expect just average-sized business but plenty of room for growth when "My Giant" hits home video.
Things aren't exactly looking up for Sammy (Crystal), a driven agent who's unceremoniously dumped by one of his few clients while on location somewhere in rural Romania (actually the Czech Republic). Then he inadvertently drives his car into some dangerously deep water.
He's rescued both physically and spiritually by Max (Muresan), a sheltered giant who appears to have stepped right out of a fairy tale. Seeing Max as his ticket to fame and fortune, Sammy whisks him away from the cloistered security of his monastery and puts him on a plane to America. He promises he'll reunite the big, lovable lug with his childhood sweetheart.
Naturally, their journey takes some unexpected turns, leading each to discover a thing or two about personal priorities.
In part Crystal's valentine to the late Andre the Giant (with whom he worked on "The Princess Bride"), the picture would have benefited considerably had it put a little more trust in its own comic instincts rather than reaching too early for the heart moments.
Novice Muresan has such a wonderfully expressive, sweet-spirited quality built right into his performance that both the script and direction could have afforded to go broader without fear of losing charm.
Crystal, too, is amiably low-key, while reliable-as-usual Kathleen Quinlan can again be counted upon to add more to the overlooked but supportive wife role than the writing provides.
Technical contributions hit the appropriate heights. Cinematographer Michael Coulter ("Sense and Sensibility") provides the necessary soft-focus sense of wonderment that is effectively echoed by Jackson DeGovia's production design and Rita Ryack's XXXXL-sized costumes.
MY GIANT
Columbia Castle Rock Entertainment presents
A Face production
A film by Michael Lehmann
Director:Michael Lehmann
Screenwriter:David Seltzer
Story by:Billy Crystal & David Seltzer
Producer:Billy Crystal
Executive producer:Peter Schindler
Director of photography:Michael Coulter
Production designer:Jackson DeGovia
Editor:Stephen Semel
Costume designer:Rita Ryack
Music:Marc Shaiman
Casting:Pam Dixon Mickelson
Color/stereo
Cast:
Sammy:Billy Crystal
Max:Gheorghe Muresan
Serena:Kathleen Quinlan
Weller:Jere Burns
Lillianna:Joanna Pacula
Nick:Zane Carney
Himself:Steven Seagal
Running time -- 97 minutes
MPAA rating: PG...
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