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1-20 of 34 articles from 2009 « Prev | Next »
11 December 2009 3:17 AM, PST | EW.com - PopWatch | See recent EW.com - PopWatch news »
Officers, "Secret Santa" was a holiday gift just for us: a silly, surprisingly earnest ensemble episode. I was excited for this going in -- holiday episodes are an Office strong suit, and Mindy Kaling writes many of my favorite group stories ("Ben Franklin," "Diwali," "The Injury," "Golden Ticket"...). This didn't disappoint. It was a throwback that played to the show's strengths, drawing out the dorky but begrudgingly loving moments between many of the characters. I'm giving this episode five golden rings.... Part of what I loved here was that everyone got his or her moment to shine. Dwight joked that »
- Margaret Lyons
3 December 2009 6:41 PM, PST | movies.about.com | See recent movies.about.com news »
Moviegoers are not interested in war films, yet three of the best movies of 2009 have the wars in Iraq or Afghanistan as their backdrop. The Hurt Locker, The Messenger, and Brothers are solid, somber, and timely films which likely won't find any success at the box office. But that's due to the timing of their releases and not due to the artistic merits of each of the three films.
Brothers is the Americanized remake of the 2004 Danish film, Brødre, co-written and directed by Susanne Bier (Things We Lost in the Fire). I'm not familiar with Bier's original film so I can't compare how writer David Benioff (The Kite Runner, X-Men Origins: Wolverine) has adapted Bier's work or how Jim Sheridan (My Left Foot, In America) stands up as director next to Bier. I can say this Brothers took me completely by surprise with its unflinching look at the affects of war on returning U. »
2 December 2009 3:13 PM, PST | www.flickfilosopher.com | See recent FlickFilosopher news »
I hate that, because movies about the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have failed to catch the interest of audiences, I feel like I have to say, “Oh, don’t worry, Brothers isn’t really about what’s happening to our soldiers in the Middle East, and what’s happening to them once they come home.” Sure, it’s true that this is a movie primarily about family, and sure, it’s true the experiences in Afghanistan that change Tobey Maguire’s Marine and inadvertently alter the family dynamics back at home could just as easily have been the result of something other than war: it could have been a terrible crime that impacts everyone here, or a horrible accident. But let’s not be disingenuous: Susanne Bier’s 2004 Danish film of the same name [Region 1] [Region 2], upon which this is based, sprang from the fact that Western soldiers have been deployed in the Middle East. »
- MaryAnn Johanson
27 November 2009 4:01 PM, PST | HeyUGuys.co.uk | See recent HeyUGuys news »
About ten years ago, three promising young actors were working to secure a place amongst the Hollywood A-list. Natalie Portman had finished her first major acting role, as Mathilda in Luc Bessons Leon. She would go on to make her major breakthrough in the Star Wars prequels. Tobey Maguire had small roles in respected films like The Cider House Rules and Wonder Boys, then also got his major break in a high budget franchise, winning the role of Spiderman. Jake Gyllenhaal came to public attention through his role in sleeper Indie hit Donnie Darko, then hit the big time through a combination of big budget popcorn in The Day After Tomorrow, and critically acclaimed drama in Brokeback Mountain. Next week in the Us, these three actors, firmly A-List, come together for Jim Sheridan’s brothers.
Brothers is a remake of Susanne Bier’s Danish film Brodre. Tobey Maguire plays Captain Sam Cahill, »
- Barry Steele
12 November 2009 1:09 PM, PST | firstshowing.net | See recent FirstShowing.net news »
I've been waiting and waiting to feature a video interview from Making Of for a long time. If you haven't ever heard of Making Of, it's an incredible new website that focuses on the filmmaking process. They post new interviews daily with some of the most talented and brilliant filmmakers out there talking about their own process and some techniques and tips. I finally found a video today that I wanted to feature and it has Marc Forster in it talking about how important failure is in filmmaking. That may sound odd at first (how can failure help?), but if that title gets you to watch this video, then all the better. Anyway, check this out. Marc Forster previously directed Quantum of Solace as well as The Kite Runner, Stranger Than Fiction, Stay, Finding Neverland, Monster's Ball, and Everything Put Together. He's attached to a number of upcoming projects, including »
- Alex Billington
5 November 2009 1:46 PM, PST | Slash Film | See recent Slash Film news »
Lionsgate has released a new trailer for the family drama Brothers, which is directed by six-time Oscar nominee Jim Sheridan (In America, In The Name of the Father), from a screenplay by David Benioff (The Kite Runner, 25th Hour), and stars Tobey Maguire, Jake Gyllenhaal, Natalie Portman, Sam Shepard, Clifton Collins, Jr., Carey Mulligan, and Ethan Suplee. The film tells the story of a black-sheep younger brother who cares for the wife and children of a decorated Marine who goes missing overseas, "with consequences that will shake the foundation of the entire family." The list of names involved with this film is very impressive. The trailer has a really over-the-top, on-the-noise, voiceover, which gives the feel of a made-for-television movie, rather than an Awards hopeful. Watch the trailer embedded after the jump. As always, leave your thoughts in the comments below. Brothers tells the powerful story of two siblings, thirty-something »
- Peter Sciretta
29 October 2009 3:01 PM, PDT | The Geek Files | See recent The Geek Files news »
Bond star Daniel Craig recently revealed that filming on the next James Bond movie will start at the end of 2010.
In the meantime, director Marc Forster has been spilling the beans on Craig's previous 007 adventure, Quantum of Solace.
Forster who has already said he doesn't want to do the next Bond flick, had his breakthrough with Monster's Ball, for which Halle Berry won a best actress Oscar.
His next film, Finding Neverland, was nominated for five Golden Globe Awards and seven Academy Awards.
The filmmaker, who had left Switzerland for the USA at the age of 20 to pursue his dream, continued his directorial success with films including Stranger than Fiction, The Kite Runner, and then last year's Quantum of Solace.
In an interview with MakingOf, Forster explains that the Bond flick was, for him, "a very different experience."
He had a budget five times the amount he normally worked with plus, »
- David Bentley
15 September 2009 2:08 AM, PDT | Boxwish.com | See recent BoxWish news »
It’s that time of the week again Boxwishers, when we here at Boxwish HQ open up about our movie tastes and share with you some of the cine clutter that occupies our time and energy. And today we truly are admitting you into our confidence as we discuss that most sensitive of subjects – movies that make us cry. Obviously for the males among the Boxwish contingent, there’s no such thing as crying as we’re far too butch and manly for such feminine foibles (and if a tear or two was to sneak past, it would be due to grit in the eye – naturally!) So pass the Kleenex, as we’re asking: “What movie do you turn to for a big girlie blub?”
Steve: “Being a tough guy I don’t really turn to anything to cry. Embarrassingly though, I do remember crying when I watched the movie Toys as a kid. »
9 September 2009 12:25 PM, PDT | MovieScore Magazine | See recent MovieScore Magazine news »
Spanish composer Alberto Iglesias, who has scored the majority of Pedro Almodóvar’s films as well The Constant Gardener and The Kite Runner, has written a new concert work that will headline a program with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and conductor Miguel Hart-Bedoya in New York on November 7. The title of Iglesias’ work is ‘Three Songs in the Land of the Lemon Trees,’ and it’s a piece composed specifically ... »
- moviescore
19 August 2009 3:55 PM, PDT | Monsters and Critics | See recent Monsters and Critics news »
Neil Labute will write and direct an adaptation of "The Burnt Orange Heresy," Charles Willeford's crime novel set in the world of modern art, with William Horberg ("The Kite Runner") producing.According to Variety, the project re-teams Labute with Horberg after the duo worked on the remake of "Death at a Funeral."Willeford's novel, set in Palm Beach, centers on a corrupt art critic's attempts to arrange an interview with a legendary but reclusive French painter.Horberg noted that he was an associate producer on "Miami Blues," another Willeford adaptation, bringing the project to Jonathon Demme and George Armitage at the start of his career. He was an executive producer on "Milk" and is currently executive producing "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" »
- Adnan Tezer
18 August 2009 8:17 AM, PDT | The Geek Files | See recent The Geek Files news »
Only the other day, X-Men Origins: Wolverine star Hugh Jackman confirmed there would be a sequel and that it would be set in Japan.
The follow-up is obviously being fast-tracked as a writer for the project has now been announced.
The Hollywood Reporter has revealed that Christopher McQuarrie has signed on to pen the screenplay.
Jackman is also producing along with Lauren Shuler Donner.
The movie's storyline will follow the early 1980s Chris Claremont/Frank Miller miniseries, which sees Wolverine learning the ways of the samurai. He battles a ninja clan called The Hand as he struggles with whether to follow his animal killer instincts or the samurai code of honor and respect.
The story was hinted at in one of the movie's post-credit scenes in which the character is sat in a bar in Japan.
McQuarrie, who won an Oscar for writing The Usual Suspects for Bryan Singer, had »
- David Bentley
7 August 2009 9:29 PM, PDT | SoundOnSight | See recent SoundOnSight news »
The Hurt Locker Directed by Kathryn Bigelow In the past decade or so, many (bad) war movies have permeated our screens, most of them taking place in the Middle East. A prolonged war in Iraq, coupled with the unceasing animosity that exists between Palestine and Israel, has attracted many Hollywood directors. They have been using the volatility in that area in an attempt to shock audiences and bring us as close to that environment without physically doing so. Some movies have succeeded (3 Kings, The Kite Runner, Black Hawk Down) but most have failed to generate any tension whatsoever (Body of Lies, Redacted, The Kingdom, Jarhead). In The Hurt Locker, director Kathryn Bigelow (Point Break, Strange Days) produces a surprisingly accurate portrayal of a soldier's life in Iraq, using many cues from her colleagues Paul Greengrass and Werner Herzog. Bigelow blends fast-moving scenes with slow, far-away shots to give her audience »
- Ricky
14 July 2009 2:20 AM, PDT | Hitfix | See recent Hitfix news »
A November release date, three critically acclaimed young actors, potent dramatic material and a filmmaker who is no stranger to Oscar? That my friends is a seductive formula for an awards season player on paper if there ever was one. But is that really the case with "Brothers"? An adaption of Susanne Bier's provocative Danish film of the same title (translated of course), this new "Brothers" was written by screenwriter David Benioff whose career has been all over the place with flicks such as the disappointing "The Kite Runner" and this summer's dreadful "X-Men Origins: Wolverine." He's a writer who... »
4 July 2009 6:13 AM, PDT | Huffington Post | See recent Huffington Post news »
Thirty years ago people could sing and dance in Afghanistan. Then the Taliban took control, instituted Sharia law and, as described in the film The Kite Runner, changed Afghani life, culture, and personal freedoms for an entire generation. I have had the misfortune of experiencing what it was like to live under Sharia, following the Tsunami in Aceh, Indonesia. It was horrific.. In 2004 laws were changed that allowed for a new American Idol-like show to be produced in Kabul: Afghan Star; Britain's Got Talent , in Kabul. Imagine Susan Boyle being attacked for being too sensual. Contestant Lima now fears for her life every time she goes home. Considered sacrilegious by the Mujahideen and outright banned by the Taliban who ruled from 1996-2001, music has come to symbolize freedom for the youth. "The Taliban fell... »
- Jim Luce
6 May 2009 10:14 AM, PDT | FilmSchoolRejects.com | See recent FilmSchoolRejects news »
Oh, man. Oh, man. Oh, man. It's been a long road, but finally, we have some big news about the pilot for HBO's "Game of Thrones." And what wonderful news it is! "Game of Thrones," the adaptation of the first book of George R.R. Martin's epic fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire, is being written and developed by D.B. Weiss and David Benioff (25th Hour, Troy, The Kite Runner, X-Men Origins: Wolverine), and until now, all we've heard is that production starts in Ireland this fall. But, thanks to The Hollywood Reporter, we finally have some casting news. In a move that is sure to please a ton of fans, Peter Dinklage (The Station Agent, Death at a Funeral) is tapped to play Tyrion Lannister, the dwarf brother of the Queen. Also, in a bit of surprising news, Tom McCarthy (The Visitor, The Station Agent), will be directing the pilot. According »
- Paul Sileo
1 May 2009 6:44 PM, PDT | FilmJunk | See recent FilmJunk news »
X-Men Origins: Wolverine Directed by: Gavin Hood Written by: David Benioff, Skip Woods Starring: Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber, Danny Huston, Will.i.am, Ryan Reynolds, Dominic Monaghan, Kevin Durand, Daniel Henney, Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins Back when it was first announced that Fox intended to make an X-Men prequel focusing on the origin story of Wolverine, it seemed like a promising, if not particularly surprising, idea. Wolverine is easily the most popular member of the X-Men among comic book fans, and out of all the characters, he seems to have the most compelling inner struggles and back story to draw from. With acclaimed art house director Gavin Hood (Tsotsi) on board, along with screenwriter David Benioff (25th Hour, The Kite Runner), the movie appeared to be shaping up as a more intimate, character-driven superhero drama. But then as more news started to come out about the movie, it went from being a »
- Sean
30 April 2009 8:59 PM, PDT | www.flickfilosopher.com | See recent FlickFilosopher news »
Remember how when you were a kid and you were having a birthday party and you begged your mom not to buy the cheap generic potato chips but please please please get the Ruffles with Ridges because they really were better? Wolverine is like that. It’s Frosted Flakes on a Saturday morning even though you’re now grown up enough to worry about carbs. It’s a carton of Ben & Jerry’s Phish Food for dinner. It’s not good for you -- not at all -- and it’s maybe a little embarrassing to admit if you’re mature and politically aware and anticorporate and all that, but sometimes a big bowl of processed cheese dip not even made from real milk, never mind Bhg-free organically herded heritage cows, is all you want. Sometimes junk food is soul food, and sometimes junk movies are yummy and satisfying (and »
- MaryAnn Johanson
23 April 2009 7:19 AM, PDT | IFTN | See recent IFTN news »
Ni First Minister Peter D. Robinson MP Mla and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP Mla have confirmed that Us network channel HBO, will film a TV pilot in Northern Ireland this year entitled 'A Game of Thrones'. The project is scheduled to arrive in the third quarter of 2009 and is set to utilise various locations as well as build a massive set in the Belfast's Paint Hall. 'A Game of Thrones' is set to be a medieval fantasy television series based on the books of George R. R. Martin's entitled 'A Song of Ice and Fire'. David Benioff, who wrote the screenplay for 'The Kite Runner', and an American-born author Dan Weiss are writing and producing the television adaptation. »
8 April 2009 9:56 AM, PDT | www.canmag.com | See recent CanMag news »
The Kite Runner is an epic story with many different visual aesthetics to capture on Blu Ray. The whole thing is as crisp and clear as you would expect a modern film to be in high definition.
On Blu-Ray: Kite Runner
First, the childhood in Afghanistan shows bright colors that you might not expect to see in such a land. Street tends and market displays have all sorts of subtle sights to observe in the background. Rooftop vistas show all the detail of the landscape of project-style homes, and then the sky full of colorful fluttering kites.
Second, the American experience is a sort of cool look at the modern cities we know. Everything is there in detail, but nothing is given supernatural attention. It grows brighter as they enter suburbia to downright golden at the wedding celebration. These are mostly happy details. »
7 April 2009 6:27 PM, PDT | AfterElton.com | See recent AfterElton.com news »
(Getty Images/Stephen Lovekin)
Two weeks ago, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) named CBS’ daytime soap opera As the World Turns Outstanding Daily Drama for their storyline centered on gay teens Luke Snyder and Noah Mayer. This was the second year in a row that Atwt won the award.
It was also the second year in a row that Tom O’Neil, who writes the Gold Derby blog for the Los Angeles Times, decried GLAAD’s bestowing the honor on the show; last year he also called on the media watchdog group to rescind the same award. This year he was joined by Nelson Branco of The Suds Report in condemning both GLAAD and As the World Turns.
Said O’Neil in a post titled “GLAAD continues to reward bias against gays”:
When the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) bestowed its awards last Saturday night, »
- michael
1-20 of 34 articles from 2009 « Prev | Next »
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