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

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.

Movie: Disney’s A Christmas Carol * Trailer * Official Site 
In Theaters: Nov. 6, 2009

Runtime: 96 minutes
Directed by: Robert Zemeckis

MPAA Rating: PG for scary sequences an images
Gecko Rating:

We all know the classic Charles Dickens tale about the crotchety Ebenezer Scrooge who’s visited by three ghosts who make him see the light. There’s really nothing new to tell here, but it’s the WAY the story is told that makes it seem fresh and new in our eyes. This animated, 3D version of “Disney’s A Christmas Carol” does indeed bring new life to the story.
It’s directed by Robert …read more

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 …read more

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 …read more

The lovely Disney/Pixar film “Up” hits DVD and Blu-ray on Nov. 10, 2009 (read my review here), and I had an opportunity to catch up with writer-director Pete Docter (pictured), who talked about the challenges of making an animated movie.
Q: “Up” became the first animated film to open the Cannes Film Festival. Do you believe animated features are becoming accepted as a more serious artistic platform?
Pete Docter: We were very honored to be the first animated film to open the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. Walking around there, I kept picturing Hitchcock, Coppola, Truffaut; these big time directors … …read more

A new version of the classic film “A Christmas Carol” is headed to theaters on Nov. 6, 2009. This time, Jim Carrey takes center stage as the iconic Ebenezer Scrooge, as well as all three ghosts!
The CG-animated movie is rated G, and also features the voices of Robin Wright Penn, Colin Firth, Gary Oldman and Michael J. Fox. Watch the trailer here.
Here are a few photos of Carrey and director-writer Robert Zemeckis on their “train tour” at Grand Central Station to promote the film. Looks like a blast!
By the way, Carrey has gained a few pounds for …read more

Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure is out on DVD and Blu-ray today. Can we ever get enough of that cute little pixie? I think not. She’s just darling, and that attitude!
In this DVD, Mae Whitman voices Tinker Bell, who journeys far north of Neverland to patch things up with her friend Terence and restore a Pixie Dust Tree. It’s all very noble.
Other voices include Raven-Symone, Jesse McCartney, Lucy Liu, Kristin Chenoweth, Pamela Adlon, and Anjelica Huston. Check out the clips:
Featurette: Fashion (bonus):

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs. The gang comes back and finds a paradise world underneath their ice. Ray Romano, Queen Latifah, John Leguizamo, and Denis Leary star in this fun animated tale. [Film Gecko Review] [Buy It]
Orphan. Vera Farmiga and Peter Sarsgaard star in this creepy thriller about a malevolent orphan who lands in the home of adoptive parents. [Buy It]
Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure (Two Disc + BD Live) [Blu-ray]. Raven Symone and Jesse McCartney star in this cute sequel that finds Tinkerbell saving the day. [Buy It]

Image: Amazon.com

Movie: Astro Boy * Official Site * Film Gecko links * Trailer
In Theaters: Oct. 23, 2009

Runtime: 94 minutes
Directed by: David Bowers

MPAA Rating: PG for some action and peril, and brief mild language
Gecko Rating:

 
“Astro Boy” is one of those movies that’s cute, but that you’ll probably forget about a day or two after you see it. It’s also a little violent and sad for a kids’ movie. Not as sad as “Up” or “Marley and Me,” but still sad in its own way.
The concept began as a Japanese manga series and TV show first broadcast in Japan from …read more