Film Gecko » Comedy

Tom Cruise arrives in Salzburg to film ‘Knight & Day’

Jane Boursaw — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:58:52 +0000

Tom Cruise arrived in Salzburg, Austria today to film “Knight & Day,” an action comedy co-starring Cameron Diaz. They play a fugitive couple on a glamorous (and sometimes deadly) adventure where nothing and no one – even themselves – are what they seem.

These two should make a good couple for an action film, and I’m sure there will be some fun romance in there, too. Hopefully lots of snappy dialogue reminiscent of the old-time spy movies. James Mangold directs the film, due in theaters July 2, 2010.

Cruise looks in tip-top form, doesn’t he?

More after the jump…

Images: Bauer-Griffin

Post from: Film Gecko

Cute Baby Alert! Seraphina with mom Jennifer Garner

Jane Boursaw — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:31:44 +0000

Little Seraphina Affleck is such a cutie-pie. Here she is with mom Jennifer Garner, picking sister Violet up from school in Santa Monica, California.

Garner is surely one of the hardest working actresses right now. She has lots of projects lined up in the next couple of years, including “Valentine’s Day,” the ensemble romantic comedy due in theaters Feb. 12, 2010. The movie also stars Taylor Lautner, Anne Hathaway, Julia Roberts, Taylor Swift, and Ashton Kutcher.

Image: INF

Post from: Film Gecko

Meryl Streep at the ‘Fantastic Mr. Fox’ premiere

Jane Boursaw — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 04:46:48 +0000

I can’t say I’m all that crazy about Meryl Streep’s dress at the “Fantastic Mr. Fox” premiere in New York City. There’s sort of a whole lot going on there. Too much, really. But Meryl, as always, looks fantastic.

The animated movie opens Nov. 25, 2009, and stars George Clooney as the title character, a fox who’s dealing with three wealthy farmers who are none too happy about Mr. Fox feeding his family on their poultry.

The voice cast also includes Bill Murray, Willem Dafoe, Owen Wilson, and Jason Schwartzman. Watch the trailer here.

Image: INF

Post from: Film Gecko

‘Kick-Ass’ Teaser Trailer – Is it Kick-Ass?

Jane Boursaw — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 04:19:17 +0000

Dave Lizewski (Aaron Johnson) is an average high school student and comic book nerd who one day decides to don a suit and mask and become a superhero, even though he has no powers, no training, and no meaningful reason to be a superhero.

So goes the plot of “Kick-Ass,” the high-octane movie from director Matthew Vaughn. But even though Kick-Ass (Dave’s new superhero name) has no powers, he inspires a subculture of copy cats, is hunted by assorted violent and unpleasant characters, and meets up with a pair of crazed vigilantes, including an 11-year-old sword-wielding dynamo, Hit Girl (Chloë Moretz) and her father, Big Daddy (Nicolas Cage).

“Kick-Ass” hits theaters April 16, 2010, and looks like it could be either really lame or really funny, sort of along the lines of “Napoleon Dynamite” (if I may be so bold as to draw that comparison). Here’s the teaser trailer…

Post from: Film Gecko

John Travolta thanks fans on Ellen DeGeneres

Jane Boursaw — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:58:00 +0000

John Travolta is out and about promoting his upcoming movie, “Old Dogs,” and stopped by the Ellen DeGeneres show today. The movie looks really fun, but it’s awesome to see Travolta doing well enough to make appearances again.

He thanked the fans for all the love and support they’ve offered during the difficult time following his son Jet’s death.

“Old Dogs” opens in theaters Nov. 25, 2009. Also check out Access Hollywood’s interview with Travolta, wife Kelly Preston and daughter Elle Bleu. All three appear in the movie, along with Robin Williams.

Post from: Film Gecko

The Travoltas talk about making Old Dogs – it’s a family affair

Jane Boursaw — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:28:40 +0000

My heart continues to go out to John Travolta, his wife Kelly Preston and daughter Ella Bleu as they move forward after losing Jet so tragically. Access Hollywood recently caught up with the three, who talked about making “Old Dogs” together, in theaters Nov. 25, 2009.

They look great in the interview, and seem to be doing well. Ella talked about wanting to be an actress, how she plans on handling fame, and she also diplomatically said she looked like a mix of both John and Kelly.

It will be really fun to see all of them on screen together in the same movie.

Post from: Film Gecko

Bruno on DVD: Watch the deleted scene with LaToya Jackson

Jane Boursaw — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:36:51 +0000

Right before “Bruno” was released in theaters, the scene with LaToya Jackson was deleted out of respect for the death of Michael Jackson.

But, of course, it’s included in the special features on the DVD and Blu-ray, hitting shelves Nov. 17, 2009 from Universal Home Entertainment.

The movie stars Sacha Baron Cohen as an Austrian TV host searching for fame and fortune in America. During the process, he pranks any and everyone who crosses his path.

Really, though, you’ve gotta believe that celebrities can see him coming a mile away. It’s not like Cohen hasn’t been on TV and in movies for years, especially after the release of “Borat.”

Anyway, here’s the clip of LaToya Jackson. I’ll put it after the jump, because,well … you’ll see why. Shield your kids’ eyes. That’s all I’m sayin’…

And check out the bonus clip of Pete Rose on “Bruno.”

More after the jump…

Image: © Universal Studios Home Entertainment

Post from: Film Gecko

Up’s Jordan Nagai talks Mr. Fredrickson, wilderness, and Africa!

Jane Boursaw — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:29:20 +0000

The delightful family movie “Up” hits DVD and Blu-ray on Nov. 10, 2009. I thought it was a really well done movie; a little sad in spots (ok, downright weepy!), but a great movie with lots to say. Read my review of “Up” here.

I caught up with Jordan Nagai, who voices the part of Russell the Wilderness Explorer in the film. He’s enthusiastic and energetic – not unlike his on-screen counterpart – and they even look alike, don’t they?

Read on for Jordan’s thoughts on making “Up” and running an obstacle course before his recording sessions.

Tell us about your new movie, “Up.”

“Up” is about a young wilderness explorer called Russell. Russell needs his last wilderness explorer badge – the Assisting The Elderly Badge – so he goes to his elderly neighbor, Mr. Fredricksen, to see if he can get it.

What happens when Russell meets Mr. Fredricksen?

Mr. Fredricksen has just lost his wife and he is about to lose his house, so he decides to go on an adventure by attaching balloons to his home. He sails into the sky, but Russell accidentally goes along for the ride.

More after the jump…

Tell us a little about Russell?

Russell is an active, enthusiastic and determined 8-year-old boy. He loves animals and he loves the wilderness, so he has a great time exploring when they land near Paradise Falls. Russell is a funny, helpful and smart boy — and he wants to get this last badge to please his father.

What is Mr. Fredricksen like?

Mr. Fredricksen is grumpy and he doesn’t like going outside. Russell loves being outside and he loves running around, so they’re opposites. Russell has only been to museums. He’s never experienced the forest for real, so this is his first trip into a wilderness.

What are your favorite things about Russell?

I like the way that he’s funny. He makes a lot of jokes, and he sometimes shows off what he knows from his wilderness explorer camp. He shows Carl – Mr. Fredricksen – different knots and the different calls of animals.

Are you anything like Russell?

We both love animals and I’m pretty determined at getting things that I really want. I’d love to explore the wilderness too!

How did you get the part of Russell?

The principal at my school sent out an email to all students saying there was an audition for 9 and 10 year old boys. My brother was 9 years old at the time and he went to the audition, so I went along with him. Even though I was only 7 years old, I was allowed to do the audition, too. I did several auditions after that, and finally, I got the part!

Was it hard recording your voice in the sound booth?

It wasn’t very difficult, but I had to repeat the same lines over and over again. I also had to stand for a long time, so it was a little tiring. The director – Pete Docter (read my Q&A here) – tried to make it easier for me, so I took a lot of breaks. I had a lot of fun recording the voice!

Did you do anything special to prepare for the recording sessions?

Before some recordings, I’d do jumping jacks or I’d run around the studio to pump up my energy. When I needed to be excited, Pete would make obstacle courses for me to run around, too!

What was your funniest moment from the recording sessions?

There was one time when I needed to laugh, so Pete held me upside down and tickled me. That was really funny.

Is it weird to hear your voice coming out of a cartoon character?

It’s pretty weird, but it’s cool too.

What do your friends think of your new fame?

They are all very excited for me. We went to see the movie together on opening day. They like the movie a lot, and they think that I’m very lucky.

Have you always wanted to be an actor?

It wasn’t my plan, but I really enjoyed working on “Up.”

What other films would you like to star in?

“Toy Story” would be a great movie to work on. My brother and I have always liked “Toy Story.” I think it’s really cool when the toys come alive and have their own adventure.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I like to swim and play basketball. I also love judo. I like the drum and the guitar!

Russell heads off to South America in the movie … Is there any place you’d like to visit?

I would like to go to Africa. I want to go on safari and see the wild animals, like the cheetah. That would be very cool!

Post from: Film Gecko

Bonus clip from Bruno: Pete Rose hangs with Bruno

Jane Boursaw — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:32:08 +0000

I just received a review copy of “Bruno,” and since I didn’t see it in theaters, will post a review soon. It hits DVD and Blu-ray on Nov. 17, 2009.

Until then, here’s a clip from the bonus material, a never-before-seen interview where baseball legend Pete Rose sits with Austrian TV host Bruno, played by Sacha Baron Cohen. It’s an alternate scene not included in the film.

Whether you like Cohen’s characters or not, it always floors me how deeply embedded he is in them. Really, it’s hard to believe he’s anything other than the character you’re seeing on screen.

Post from: Film Gecko

Lloyd Dobler takes over NYC to celebrate Say Anything’s 20th Anniversary

Jane Boursaw — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:22:28 +0000

Some friends of mine were hoping to get to this, and it looks like it was loads of fun. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of “Say Anything,” people in trench coats holding boom boxes were seen around New York City earlier today.

The film starred John Cusack as mediocre student Lloyd Dobler, attempting to capture the heart of a beautiful valedictorian. Even if you’ve never seen the movie (you need to fix that right now), you’ve likely seen the picture of Cusack holding that iconic boom box over his head.

Buy the 20th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray and DVD of “Say Anything.” In the meantime, here’s a pic from today’s event, which also featured the band named “Lloyd Dobler Effect.”

Post from: Film Gecko