Press release:
A quarter a million PEOPLE demandED a chance to see PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2 First at free midnight screenings on Wednesday night, OCTOBER 20th
HOLLYWOOD, CA (October 15, 2010) – More than a week before the North American release of PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2, over a quarter million people signed up for the films first screenings - a free preview to be held Wednesday night at midnight on October 20th
The top cities who earned the right to have an advance sneak preview of PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2 include: Los Angeles, CA (Arclight Hollywood); New York, NY (AMC 34th St.); Chicago, IL (AMC East River); Dallas, TX (AMC Northpark); Houston, TX (Regal Grand Palace Greenway); Phoenix, AZ (Harkins Tempe Marketplace); San Diego, CA (AMC Mission Valley); Miami , FL (AMC Aventura); Philadelphia, PA (Regal Riverview); Atlanta, GA (Regal Atlantic Station); San Francisco, CA (AMC Metreon); Boston, MA (AMC Boston Common); San Antonio, TX (Santikos Palladium); Detroit, MI (MJR Marketplace); Las Vegas, NV (Rave Town Square); Seattle, WA (Landmark Neptune); Orlando, FL (AMC Universal); Denver, CO (Regal Continental); Austin, TX (Alamo South Lamar); and Toronto, ON (AMC Yonge & Dundas).
Called “one of the scariest movies of all time” by Bloody-Disgusting.com, PARANORMAL ACTIVITY played to sold-out crowds across the country last year, with fans driving great distances to be among the first to see the film in their town. With the launch of the Demand it!® program, PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2 is beginning to build similar momentum.
"It seemed to be a natural fit for us to sneak PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2 to those fans who played such an integral role in the success of last year’s PARANORMAL ACTIVITY," said Rob Moore, Vice Chairman of Paramount Pictures. “We are excited that there is so much anticipation for the follow-up thriller.”
To “demand” PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2 visit: http://www.paranormalmovie.com/.
Follow PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2 on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/TweetYourScream for audience reactions and important announcements.
PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2 is produced by Jason Blum and Oren Peli with story by Michael R. Perry and screenplay by Michael R. Perry and Christopher Landon, and directed by Tod Williams.
Demand it! and the Demand it! logo are registered trademarks of Eventful, Inc.
About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. The company's labels include Paramount Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films, and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Digital Entertainment, Paramount Famous Productions, Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., Paramount Studio Group, and Worldwide Television Distribution.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Review: "Saw II" is an Excellent Follow-up to Original Film
TRASH IN MY EYE No. 164 (of 2005) by Leroy Douresseaux
Saw II (2005)
Running time: 93 minutes (1 hour, 33 minutes)
MPAA – R for grisly violence and gore, terror, language, and drug content
DIRECTOR: Darren Lynn Bousman
WRITERS: Leigh Whannell and Darren Lynn Bousman
PRODUCERS: Mark Burg, Gregg Hoffman, and Oren Koules
CINEMATOGRAPHER: David A. Armstrong
EDITOR: Kevin Greutert
HORROR/THRILLER with elements of fantasy
Starring: Donnie Wahlberg, Tobin Bell, Shawnee Smith, Lyriq Bent, Tim Burd, Franky G, Noam Jenkins, Erik Knudsen, Dina Meyer, Beverley Mitchell, Tony Nappo, Glenn Plummer, and Emmanuelle Vaugier
Called to a crime scene, Detective Eric Mason (Donnie Wahlberg) isn’t really interested in the grisly murder before him. The crime scene has all the markings of Jigsaw, the notorious killer (from Saw) who disappeared leaving a trail of bodies behind him. Jigsaw leaves a message taunting Detective Mason, but Mason’s mind is on his troubled, estranged son. Still, the police get a break and discover Jigsaw’s hideout. There, they find Jigsaw, revealed to be John (Tobin Bell), an older, wheelchair-bound man who claims that he’s dying of cancer. And he has one more game to play. Mason and the S.W.A.T. team find a multi-monitor setup playing Jigsaw’s latest game.
Each screen captures a scene from a charnel house. Eight strangers, including Mason’s son, Daniel (Erik Knudsen), are trapped in the dilapidated house, forced to play Jigsaw’s twisted game. In various locations in the house, Jigsaw has hidden antidotes to a nerve gas that is steadily pumped into the house from some unknown location. The eight player/captives have less than two hours to solve the riddles and games that test their wits and put their lives in jeopardy. They also have a mysterious connection. Meanwhile, Mason and Amanda (Shawnee Smith), another detective familiar with Jigsaw, try to find the location of the death house.
Saw II is mean, nasty, gory, shocking, and occasionally repulsive, but it’s just about everything a good horror movie should be. Yeah, there are a few slips ups. Putting Jigsaw/John front and center turns the movie into a kind of a police thriller. How a fatally ill man can set up all those contraptions of death (doing it with very little help) stretches the willing suspension of disbelief into the realm of supernatural.
The acting is quiet good; in fact, Donnie Wahlberg could give his brother Mark a run for his money. It’s fun to see the police run around confused and confounded. The eight player-captives are a nice lot of miscreants, and the script characterizes them just right for this concept. We understand just enough about them to understand why they’re in this predicament Jigsaw created specifically for them. Also, this scary movie has some scenes (the well of needles) that’ll make you want to scoot down really deep into your seat, skin crawling and hairs on end. Saw II is all bloody hell and bloody fun. There are head wounds, drug needles, sharp objects, blood splatters, and mortal combat nicely spaced by a twisted script. What more do you want from a scary movie?
7 of 10
B+
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Saw II (2005)
Running time: 93 minutes (1 hour, 33 minutes)
MPAA – R for grisly violence and gore, terror, language, and drug content
DIRECTOR: Darren Lynn Bousman
WRITERS: Leigh Whannell and Darren Lynn Bousman
PRODUCERS: Mark Burg, Gregg Hoffman, and Oren Koules
CINEMATOGRAPHER: David A. Armstrong
EDITOR: Kevin Greutert
HORROR/THRILLER with elements of fantasy
Starring: Donnie Wahlberg, Tobin Bell, Shawnee Smith, Lyriq Bent, Tim Burd, Franky G, Noam Jenkins, Erik Knudsen, Dina Meyer, Beverley Mitchell, Tony Nappo, Glenn Plummer, and Emmanuelle Vaugier
Called to a crime scene, Detective Eric Mason (Donnie Wahlberg) isn’t really interested in the grisly murder before him. The crime scene has all the markings of Jigsaw, the notorious killer (from Saw) who disappeared leaving a trail of bodies behind him. Jigsaw leaves a message taunting Detective Mason, but Mason’s mind is on his troubled, estranged son. Still, the police get a break and discover Jigsaw’s hideout. There, they find Jigsaw, revealed to be John (Tobin Bell), an older, wheelchair-bound man who claims that he’s dying of cancer. And he has one more game to play. Mason and the S.W.A.T. team find a multi-monitor setup playing Jigsaw’s latest game.
Each screen captures a scene from a charnel house. Eight strangers, including Mason’s son, Daniel (Erik Knudsen), are trapped in the dilapidated house, forced to play Jigsaw’s twisted game. In various locations in the house, Jigsaw has hidden antidotes to a nerve gas that is steadily pumped into the house from some unknown location. The eight player/captives have less than two hours to solve the riddles and games that test their wits and put their lives in jeopardy. They also have a mysterious connection. Meanwhile, Mason and Amanda (Shawnee Smith), another detective familiar with Jigsaw, try to find the location of the death house.
Saw II is mean, nasty, gory, shocking, and occasionally repulsive, but it’s just about everything a good horror movie should be. Yeah, there are a few slips ups. Putting Jigsaw/John front and center turns the movie into a kind of a police thriller. How a fatally ill man can set up all those contraptions of death (doing it with very little help) stretches the willing suspension of disbelief into the realm of supernatural.
The acting is quiet good; in fact, Donnie Wahlberg could give his brother Mark a run for his money. It’s fun to see the police run around confused and confounded. The eight player-captives are a nice lot of miscreants, and the script characterizes them just right for this concept. We understand just enough about them to understand why they’re in this predicament Jigsaw created specifically for them. Also, this scary movie has some scenes (the well of needles) that’ll make you want to scoot down really deep into your seat, skin crawling and hairs on end. Saw II is all bloody hell and bloody fun. There are head wounds, drug needles, sharp objects, blood splatters, and mortal combat nicely spaced by a twisted script. What more do you want from a scary movie?
7 of 10
B+
Saturday, October 29, 2005
-----------------------------
Cast of "The Social Network" to Be Honored at Hollywood Film Festival
Press release:
"The Social Network" Cast to be Honored at the Hollywood Awards Gala
Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, Armie Hammer, Max Minghella, Josh Pence, Brenda Song, Rashida Jones, Douglas Urbanski and Rooney Mara to receive the "Hollywood Ensemble Acting Award"at the Hollywood Awards Gala
Hollywood, CA, October 18, 2010. The 14th Annual Hollywood Film Festival and Hollywood Awards, presented by Starz, are pleased to announce that the Cast of David Fincher's "The Social Network," Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, Armie Hammer, Max Minghella, Josh Pence, Brenda Song, Rashida Jones, Douglas Urbanski and Rooney Mara, will be recognized at the Hollywood Awards Gala Ceremony with the "Hollywood Ensemble Acting Award."
The announcement was made today by Carlos de Abreu, Founder of the Hollywood Awards Gala.
Previously announced honorees for this year's Hollywood Awards Gala include: Sean Penn for the "Humanitarian Award"; Sylvester Stallone for the "Career Achievement Award"; Annette Bening for the "Actress Award"; Robert Duvall for the "Actor Award"; Helena Bonham Carter for the "Supporting Actress Award"; Sam Rockwell for the "Supporting Actor Award"; Zach Galifianakis for the "Comedy Actor Award"; Andrew Garfield for the "Breakthrough Actor Award"; Mia Wasikowska for the "Breakthrough Actress Award"; Jennifer Lawrence for the "New Hollywood Award"; Morgan Freeman and Lorie McCreary for the "Innovator Award"; Danny Boyle and Chris Colson for the "Producer Award"; Tom Hooper for the "Director Award"; Aaron Sorkin for the "Screenwriter Award"; Disney/Pixar's "Toy Story 3" and director Lee Unkrich for the "Animation Award"; Hans Zimmer for "Film Composer Award"; Wally Pfister for "Cinematographer Award"; Kirk Baxter and Angus Wall for the "Editor Award"; Paramount Pictures' "Iron Man 2" and visual effects supervisors Ben Snow and Janek Sirrs for the "Visual Effects Award"; and Robert Stromberg for "Production Designer Award."
ABOUT JESSE EISENBERG
Trained in theater and film, JESSE EISENBERG (Mark Zuckerberg) made his feature film debut in the 2002 independent film "Rodger Dodger," in which he starred opposite Campbell Scott and for which he was nominated for a Gotham Award. For his performance in "The Squid and the Whale" opposite Laura Linney and Jeff Daniels, Eisenberg received nominations for an Independent Spirit Award and a Broadcast Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actor.
In 2009, he starred in "Adventureland" for director Greg Mottola and in "Zombieland" for director Ruben Fleischer. For these films, he was nominated for a BAFTA Award. Eisenberg has just reteamed with director Ruben Fleischer this summer to shoot the film "30 Minutes or Less," opposite Danny McBride. Eisenberg is also the lead voice of the 20th Century Fox animated film Rio, which will open next year.
ABOUT ANDREW GARFIELD
Andrew Garfield (Eduardo Saverin) is a BAFTA-winning actor. He can currently be seen starring opposite Keira Knightley and Carey Mulligan in Mark Romanek's "Never Let Me Go."
Other screen projects include Terry Gilliam's "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus"; Spike Jonze's robot love story "I'm Here"; Robert Redford's "Lions for Lambs"; Revolution Films' "Red Riding Trilogy" directed by Julian Jarrold; and John Crowley's "Boy A," for which he earned the Best Actor BAFTA in 2008.
Garfield's career began in the theater and in 2006 his performances in "Beautiful Thing," " The Overwhelming and Burn," "Chatroom," and "Citizenship" won him the award for Outstanding Newcomer at the Evening Standard Awards, and the Jack Tinker Award for Most Promising Newcomer at the Critics Circle Awards. Other notable theatre credits include "Romeo and Juliet" and "Kes," for which he received the Most Promising Newcomer Award at the Manchester Evening News Awards 2004.
Garfield will next star as Peter Parker in the forthcoming "Spider-Man" film, to be directed by Marc Webb.
ABOUT JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE
In addition to Justin Timberlake's (Sean Parker) multi-platinum album FutureSex/LoveSounds, which produced four consecutive #1 singles, and his critically acclaimed 2007 FutureSex/LoveShow tour, along with multiple Grammy Awards, he has recently garnered acclaim as an actor for a variety of work in both comedy and drama. Timberlake starred in Universal's crime drama "Alpha Dog," co-starring Emile Hirsch, Bruce Willis and Sharon Stone. He also starred alongside Christina Ricci and Samuel L. Jackson in "Black Snake Moan," for director Craig Brewer. In the summer of 2007, he voiced a lead role in DreamWorks' "Shrek the Third." Timberlake also joined Dwayne Johnson, Seann William Scott, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Mandy Moore in "Southland Tales."
He most recently appeared in the independent film "The Open Road" with Jeff Bridges, Mary Steenburgen, Harry Dean Stanton, and Kate Mara, and will be heard in the upcoming animated feature film, "Yogi Bear." Timberlake will also star in the Screen Gems film "Friends With Benefits" and the Columbia Pictures comedy "Bad Teacher," both due in 2011.
ABOUT ARMIE HAMMER
Armie Hammer plays the role of Cameron Winklevoss in Columbia Pictures "The Social Network." He also starred in "Flicka" starring Tim McGraw and Maria Bello, Rigoberto Castaneda's "Blackout, " and Ryan Shiraki's "Spring Breakdown" also starring Amy Poehler. In addition, Hammer has starred as a recurring character on CW's Gossip Girl and ABC's Reaper.
ABOUT MAX MINGHELLA
Max Minghella plays the role of Divya Narendra in "The Social Network." He is currently filming Chris Gorak's "The Darkest Hour," which also stars Emile Hirsch and Beeban Kidron' "Hippie Hippie Shake" co-starring Cillian Murphy and Sienna Miller. His past credits include Alejandro Amenabar's "Agora" co-starring Rachel Weisz; Robert B. Weide's "How to Lose Friends & Alienate People" also starring Megan Fox; Will Geiger's "Elvis and Anabelle" co-starring Blake Lively; Terry Zwigoff's "Art School Confidential"; Stephen Gaghan's "Syriana" co-starring George Clooney and Matt Damon; and Scott McGehee's "Bee Season" also starring Richard Gere and Kate Bosworth.
ABOUT JOSH PENCE
Josh Pence stars as Tyler Winklevoss in David Fincher's "The Social Network." He is currently in production on Giovanni Zelko's "The Algerian." Pence's previous credits include Ian McCrudden's "The Things We Carry"; Neema Barnette's "Super Sweet 16: The Movie"; and Kevin Porter's short film "Wish."
ABOUT BRENDA SONG
Brenda Song stars as Christy in "The Social Network." She is currently working on Richard Bowen's Little Sister and Chris Stokes' Boogie Town. Her past credits include Roger Kumble?s College Road Trip; John Schultz's Like Mike co-starring Lil Bow Wow; Andy Cadiff's Leave It To Beaver; and John Murlowski's Santa with Muscles starring Hulk Hogan. Song also has done extensive work in television including her role as London Tipton on The Suite Life of Zack and Cody and The Suite Life on Deck.
ABOUT RASHIDA JONES
Rashida Jones stars as Marylin Delpy in "The Social Network." She is currently working on David Frankel's "The Big Year" co-starring Jim Parsons and Owen Wilson, and Jesse Peretz's "My Idiot Brother" co-starring Zooey Deschanel and Paul Rudd. Her past credits include Kevin Smith's "Cop Out" starring Bruce Willis; John Hamburg's "I Love You, Man," co-starring Paul Rudd; John Krasinski's "Brief Interviews" with "Hideous Men"; Tracey Hecht's "Life in Flight"; Nick Hurran's "Little Black Book" co-starring Brittany Murphy and Holly Hunter; and Jennifer Derwingson's "Roadside Assistance."
ABOUT DOUGLAS URBANSKI
Douglas Urbanski stars as Larry Summers in "The Social Network."
ABOUT ROONEY MARA
Rooney Mara stars as Erica Albright in "The Social Network." Mara landed her first lead role in the film "Tanner Hall, "starring Amy Sedaris and Tom Everett Scott. She appeared in the comedy "Youth in Revolt, " starring Michael Cera and directed by Miguel Arteta. Mara also appeared in the 2009 independent film "Dare as Courtney." She also filmed "The Winning Season," starring Emma Roberts and Sam Rockwell. Mara starred in "A Nightmare on Elm Street," a 2010 remake of the 1984 horror film of the same name. In October 2009, Mara shot the independent feature "Kaboom, " written and directed by Gregg Araki. In August 2010, she won the role of Lisbeth Salander over several other actresses in the upcoming Sony Pictures film adaptation of Stieg Larsson's "Millennium Trilogy."
The festival and awards will mark their return on October 20 for a week long series of screenings, competitions and awards. The Hollywood Awards Gala Ceremony will take place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills on October 25, 2010.
The festival and awards presenter is Starz Entertainment, LLC, a premium movie service provider operating in the United States. It offers 16 movie channels including the flagship Starz® and Encore® brands with approximately 15.8 million and 28.2 million subscribers respectively. Starz Entertainment airs more than 1,000 movies per month across its pay TV channels and offers advanced services including Starz HD, Starz On Demand and VongoSM. Starz Entertainment (www.starz.com) is an operating unit of Starz, LLC, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation that is attributed to Liberty Capital Group.
Contact: 1.310.288.1882
Hollywood Awards® Gala
433 N. Camden Drive, Suite 600
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
info@hollywoodawards.com
"The Social Network" Cast to be Honored at the Hollywood Awards Gala
Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, Armie Hammer, Max Minghella, Josh Pence, Brenda Song, Rashida Jones, Douglas Urbanski and Rooney Mara to receive the "Hollywood Ensemble Acting Award"at the Hollywood Awards Gala
Hollywood, CA, October 18, 2010. The 14th Annual Hollywood Film Festival and Hollywood Awards, presented by Starz, are pleased to announce that the Cast of David Fincher's "The Social Network," Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, Armie Hammer, Max Minghella, Josh Pence, Brenda Song, Rashida Jones, Douglas Urbanski and Rooney Mara, will be recognized at the Hollywood Awards Gala Ceremony with the "Hollywood Ensemble Acting Award."
The announcement was made today by Carlos de Abreu, Founder of the Hollywood Awards Gala.
Previously announced honorees for this year's Hollywood Awards Gala include: Sean Penn for the "Humanitarian Award"; Sylvester Stallone for the "Career Achievement Award"; Annette Bening for the "Actress Award"; Robert Duvall for the "Actor Award"; Helena Bonham Carter for the "Supporting Actress Award"; Sam Rockwell for the "Supporting Actor Award"; Zach Galifianakis for the "Comedy Actor Award"; Andrew Garfield for the "Breakthrough Actor Award"; Mia Wasikowska for the "Breakthrough Actress Award"; Jennifer Lawrence for the "New Hollywood Award"; Morgan Freeman and Lorie McCreary for the "Innovator Award"; Danny Boyle and Chris Colson for the "Producer Award"; Tom Hooper for the "Director Award"; Aaron Sorkin for the "Screenwriter Award"; Disney/Pixar's "Toy Story 3" and director Lee Unkrich for the "Animation Award"; Hans Zimmer for "Film Composer Award"; Wally Pfister for "Cinematographer Award"; Kirk Baxter and Angus Wall for the "Editor Award"; Paramount Pictures' "Iron Man 2" and visual effects supervisors Ben Snow and Janek Sirrs for the "Visual Effects Award"; and Robert Stromberg for "Production Designer Award."
ABOUT JESSE EISENBERG
Trained in theater and film, JESSE EISENBERG (Mark Zuckerberg) made his feature film debut in the 2002 independent film "Rodger Dodger," in which he starred opposite Campbell Scott and for which he was nominated for a Gotham Award. For his performance in "The Squid and the Whale" opposite Laura Linney and Jeff Daniels, Eisenberg received nominations for an Independent Spirit Award and a Broadcast Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actor.
In 2009, he starred in "Adventureland" for director Greg Mottola and in "Zombieland" for director Ruben Fleischer. For these films, he was nominated for a BAFTA Award. Eisenberg has just reteamed with director Ruben Fleischer this summer to shoot the film "30 Minutes or Less," opposite Danny McBride. Eisenberg is also the lead voice of the 20th Century Fox animated film Rio, which will open next year.
ABOUT ANDREW GARFIELD
Andrew Garfield (Eduardo Saverin) is a BAFTA-winning actor. He can currently be seen starring opposite Keira Knightley and Carey Mulligan in Mark Romanek's "Never Let Me Go."
Other screen projects include Terry Gilliam's "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus"; Spike Jonze's robot love story "I'm Here"; Robert Redford's "Lions for Lambs"; Revolution Films' "Red Riding Trilogy" directed by Julian Jarrold; and John Crowley's "Boy A," for which he earned the Best Actor BAFTA in 2008.
Garfield's career began in the theater and in 2006 his performances in "Beautiful Thing," " The Overwhelming and Burn," "Chatroom," and "Citizenship" won him the award for Outstanding Newcomer at the Evening Standard Awards, and the Jack Tinker Award for Most Promising Newcomer at the Critics Circle Awards. Other notable theatre credits include "Romeo and Juliet" and "Kes," for which he received the Most Promising Newcomer Award at the Manchester Evening News Awards 2004.
Garfield will next star as Peter Parker in the forthcoming "Spider-Man" film, to be directed by Marc Webb.
ABOUT JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE
In addition to Justin Timberlake's (Sean Parker) multi-platinum album FutureSex/LoveSounds, which produced four consecutive #1 singles, and his critically acclaimed 2007 FutureSex/LoveShow tour, along with multiple Grammy Awards, he has recently garnered acclaim as an actor for a variety of work in both comedy and drama. Timberlake starred in Universal's crime drama "Alpha Dog," co-starring Emile Hirsch, Bruce Willis and Sharon Stone. He also starred alongside Christina Ricci and Samuel L. Jackson in "Black Snake Moan," for director Craig Brewer. In the summer of 2007, he voiced a lead role in DreamWorks' "Shrek the Third." Timberlake also joined Dwayne Johnson, Seann William Scott, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Mandy Moore in "Southland Tales."
He most recently appeared in the independent film "The Open Road" with Jeff Bridges, Mary Steenburgen, Harry Dean Stanton, and Kate Mara, and will be heard in the upcoming animated feature film, "Yogi Bear." Timberlake will also star in the Screen Gems film "Friends With Benefits" and the Columbia Pictures comedy "Bad Teacher," both due in 2011.
ABOUT ARMIE HAMMER
Armie Hammer plays the role of Cameron Winklevoss in Columbia Pictures "The Social Network." He also starred in "Flicka" starring Tim McGraw and Maria Bello, Rigoberto Castaneda's "Blackout, " and Ryan Shiraki's "Spring Breakdown" also starring Amy Poehler. In addition, Hammer has starred as a recurring character on CW's Gossip Girl and ABC's Reaper.
ABOUT MAX MINGHELLA
Max Minghella plays the role of Divya Narendra in "The Social Network." He is currently filming Chris Gorak's "The Darkest Hour," which also stars Emile Hirsch and Beeban Kidron' "Hippie Hippie Shake" co-starring Cillian Murphy and Sienna Miller. His past credits include Alejandro Amenabar's "Agora" co-starring Rachel Weisz; Robert B. Weide's "How to Lose Friends & Alienate People" also starring Megan Fox; Will Geiger's "Elvis and Anabelle" co-starring Blake Lively; Terry Zwigoff's "Art School Confidential"; Stephen Gaghan's "Syriana" co-starring George Clooney and Matt Damon; and Scott McGehee's "Bee Season" also starring Richard Gere and Kate Bosworth.
ABOUT JOSH PENCE
Josh Pence stars as Tyler Winklevoss in David Fincher's "The Social Network." He is currently in production on Giovanni Zelko's "The Algerian." Pence's previous credits include Ian McCrudden's "The Things We Carry"; Neema Barnette's "Super Sweet 16: The Movie"; and Kevin Porter's short film "Wish."
ABOUT BRENDA SONG
Brenda Song stars as Christy in "The Social Network." She is currently working on Richard Bowen's Little Sister and Chris Stokes' Boogie Town. Her past credits include Roger Kumble?s College Road Trip; John Schultz's Like Mike co-starring Lil Bow Wow; Andy Cadiff's Leave It To Beaver; and John Murlowski's Santa with Muscles starring Hulk Hogan. Song also has done extensive work in television including her role as London Tipton on The Suite Life of Zack and Cody and The Suite Life on Deck.
ABOUT RASHIDA JONES
Rashida Jones stars as Marylin Delpy in "The Social Network." She is currently working on David Frankel's "The Big Year" co-starring Jim Parsons and Owen Wilson, and Jesse Peretz's "My Idiot Brother" co-starring Zooey Deschanel and Paul Rudd. Her past credits include Kevin Smith's "Cop Out" starring Bruce Willis; John Hamburg's "I Love You, Man," co-starring Paul Rudd; John Krasinski's "Brief Interviews" with "Hideous Men"; Tracey Hecht's "Life in Flight"; Nick Hurran's "Little Black Book" co-starring Brittany Murphy and Holly Hunter; and Jennifer Derwingson's "Roadside Assistance."
ABOUT DOUGLAS URBANSKI
Douglas Urbanski stars as Larry Summers in "The Social Network."
ABOUT ROONEY MARA
Rooney Mara stars as Erica Albright in "The Social Network." Mara landed her first lead role in the film "Tanner Hall, "starring Amy Sedaris and Tom Everett Scott. She appeared in the comedy "Youth in Revolt, " starring Michael Cera and directed by Miguel Arteta. Mara also appeared in the 2009 independent film "Dare as Courtney." She also filmed "The Winning Season," starring Emma Roberts and Sam Rockwell. Mara starred in "A Nightmare on Elm Street," a 2010 remake of the 1984 horror film of the same name. In October 2009, Mara shot the independent feature "Kaboom, " written and directed by Gregg Araki. In August 2010, she won the role of Lisbeth Salander over several other actresses in the upcoming Sony Pictures film adaptation of Stieg Larsson's "Millennium Trilogy."
The festival and awards will mark their return on October 20 for a week long series of screenings, competitions and awards. The Hollywood Awards Gala Ceremony will take place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills on October 25, 2010.
The festival and awards presenter is Starz Entertainment, LLC, a premium movie service provider operating in the United States. It offers 16 movie channels including the flagship Starz® and Encore® brands with approximately 15.8 million and 28.2 million subscribers respectively. Starz Entertainment airs more than 1,000 movies per month across its pay TV channels and offers advanced services including Starz HD, Starz On Demand and VongoSM. Starz Entertainment (www.starz.com) is an operating unit of Starz, LLC, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation that is attributed to Liberty Capital Group.
Contact: 1.310.288.1882
Hollywood Awards® Gala
433 N. Camden Drive, Suite 600
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
info@hollywoodawards.com
Monday, October 18, 2010
Review: Original "Saw" was a Nice New Thing
TRASH IN MY EYE No. 105 (of 2006) by Leroy Douresseaux
Saw (2004)
Running time: 100 minutes (1 hour, 40 minutes)
MPAA – R for grisly violence and language (originally NC-17)
DIRECTOR: James Wan
WRITERS: Leigh Whannell, from a story by Leigh Whannell and James Wan
PRODUCERS: Mark Burg, Gregg Hoffman, and Oren Koules
CINEMATOGRAPHER: David A. Armstrong
EDITOR: Kevin Greutert
HORROR/MYSTERY/THRILLER
Starring: Cary Elwes, Leigh Whannell, Danny Glover, Ken Leung, Monica Potter, Makenzie Vega, Michael Emerson, Shawnee Smith, and Tobin Bell
Would you die to live? Would you kill to live? Those questions are at the center of the horror film, Saw.
Two men, Dr. Lawrence Gordon (Cary Elwes) and Adam (Leigh Whannell), awake in dilapidated bathroom and face those very questions. The serial killer known as the Jigsaw killer abducted them. They’re chained to the wall across the room from each other with only notes and tape recordings leaving them instructions on how to survive. Gordon learns through his clues that he will have to kill Adam if he wants not only to save himself, but also his wife, Alison (Monica Potter), and daughter, Diana (Makenzie Vega), whom the Jigsaw killer has abducted and whom Jigsaw will slay if Gordon doesn’t kill Adam before the deadline. Meanwhile, a policeman, Detective David Tapp (Danny Glover), obsessed with discovering the identity of the Jigsaw killer, is watching Gordon’s home.
Some professional film critics compared the 2004 Halloween horror hit, Saw, to a grisly film version of the popular reality series, “Fear Factor.” The film is on occasion shockingly grisly, but Saw is something rare in American filmmaking – the horror film as a mystery thriller. For all its gore, Saw is mystery that like great whodunits asks many questions around one central question. If the audience is fixated on Lawrence Gordon and Adam’s predicament, it must also contend with who, what, when, why, and how.
Quite a bit of Saw is also told in flashback, and that’s a double-edge sword. The flashbacks and take the edge out of a very edgy movie, but at the same time, these flashbacks answer so many questions while intriguing the audience by raising more. Simply put: the acting, directing, writing, and production (the film was shoot and cut in 18 days) are well done in service of this film. It’s all smartly geared to created a horror movie that engages the mind, sends chills down the spine, makes us turn away, and stunningly reminds us what people will do to survive.
7 of 10
B+
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Saw (2004)
Running time: 100 minutes (1 hour, 40 minutes)
MPAA – R for grisly violence and language (originally NC-17)
DIRECTOR: James Wan
WRITERS: Leigh Whannell, from a story by Leigh Whannell and James Wan
PRODUCERS: Mark Burg, Gregg Hoffman, and Oren Koules
CINEMATOGRAPHER: David A. Armstrong
EDITOR: Kevin Greutert
HORROR/MYSTERY/THRILLER
Starring: Cary Elwes, Leigh Whannell, Danny Glover, Ken Leung, Monica Potter, Makenzie Vega, Michael Emerson, Shawnee Smith, and Tobin Bell
Would you die to live? Would you kill to live? Those questions are at the center of the horror film, Saw.
Two men, Dr. Lawrence Gordon (Cary Elwes) and Adam (Leigh Whannell), awake in dilapidated bathroom and face those very questions. The serial killer known as the Jigsaw killer abducted them. They’re chained to the wall across the room from each other with only notes and tape recordings leaving them instructions on how to survive. Gordon learns through his clues that he will have to kill Adam if he wants not only to save himself, but also his wife, Alison (Monica Potter), and daughter, Diana (Makenzie Vega), whom the Jigsaw killer has abducted and whom Jigsaw will slay if Gordon doesn’t kill Adam before the deadline. Meanwhile, a policeman, Detective David Tapp (Danny Glover), obsessed with discovering the identity of the Jigsaw killer, is watching Gordon’s home.
Some professional film critics compared the 2004 Halloween horror hit, Saw, to a grisly film version of the popular reality series, “Fear Factor.” The film is on occasion shockingly grisly, but Saw is something rare in American filmmaking – the horror film as a mystery thriller. For all its gore, Saw is mystery that like great whodunits asks many questions around one central question. If the audience is fixated on Lawrence Gordon and Adam’s predicament, it must also contend with who, what, when, why, and how.
Quite a bit of Saw is also told in flashback, and that’s a double-edge sword. The flashbacks and take the edge out of a very edgy movie, but at the same time, these flashbacks answer so many questions while intriguing the audience by raising more. Simply put: the acting, directing, writing, and production (the film was shoot and cut in 18 days) are well done in service of this film. It’s all smartly geared to created a horror movie that engages the mind, sends chills down the spine, makes us turn away, and stunningly reminds us what people will do to survive.
7 of 10
B+
Thursday, May 18, 2006
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Sunday, October 17, 2010
It's Officially Official: Peter Jackson to Direct Two "Hobbit" Films - in 3D
Press release:
Oscar® Winner Peter Jackson to Direct “The Hobbit” in Two Installments
Peter Jackson Set to Direct J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” in a Two-Part 3-D Production of Extraordinary Scope
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The two films based on “The Hobbit” are now greenlit and will begin principal photography in February 2011, under the direction of Peter Jackson, it was jointly announced today by Toby Emmerich, President and Chief Operating Officer, New Line Cinema, Alan Horn, President and Chief Operating Officer, Warner Bros., and Steve Cooper, co-Chief Executive Officer of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.
Jackson, who directed all three “Lord of the Rings” films, will helm the two films back-to-back, telling the story of “The Hobbit” in two parts. Jackson will utilize groundbreaking visual effects and his incomparable storytelling to bring J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel to the big screen. Both Hobbit movies will be filmed in Digital 3-D, using the latest camera and stereo technology to create a high quality, comfortable viewing experience. Jackson also co-wrote the screenplays with Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens and Guillermo del Toro.
“Exploring Tolkien’s Middle-earth goes way beyond a normal filmmaking experience,” Jackson said. "It’s an all-immersive journey into a very special place of imagination, beauty and drama. We’re looking forward to re-entering this wondrous world with Gandalf and Bilbo - and our friends at New Line Cinema, Warner Brothers and MGM.”
“Peter is a filmmaker of incomparable ability; having him return to Middle-earth to produce and direct is a dream come true. A genuine original, Peter is a gifted storyteller, visionary director and pioneer in film technology,” said Emmerich. “Reuniting with Peter, Fran and Philippa truly makes it feel like we are going ‘there and back again.’”
“There is no human being on the planet as qualified as Peter Jackson to direct these films,” said Horn. “Peter is incredibly talented and has the creative vision and experience to bring this beloved property to life in a way that no other filmmaker could. And the team of Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens has proven through their work on the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy that no one is more skilled at transforming Tolkien's written words into a vibrant, living language that makes the audience believe they are not merely visiting Middle-earth but actually living in it. We couldn’t be more thrilled and look forward to seeing ‘The Hobbit’ take shape under Peter’s stewardship and the team he is putting together.”
"MGM is excited to move forward and add to the successful 'Lord of the Rings' franchise," said Cooper. "Under Peter's direction, the films will undoubtedly appeal to fans of the original 'LOTR' trilogy and also bring the stories to a new generation of fans."
“The Hobbit” is being co-produced by New Line Cinema and MGM, with New Line managing production, Warner Bros Pictures handling domestic distribution and MGM distributing internationally. Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh and Carolynne Cunningham are producing the films, with Philippa Boyens as co-producer and Ken Kamins as executive producer.
The Oscar®-winning, critically acclaimed “LOTR” trilogy grossed nearly $3 billion worldwide at the box office. In 2003, “Return of the King” swept the Academy Awards®, winning all of the 11 categories in which it was nominated, including Best Picture – the first ever Best Picture win for a fantasy film. The trilogy’s production was also unprecedented at the time.
ABOUT NEW LINE CINEMA:
New Line Cinema continues to be one of the most successful independent film companies. For more than 40 years, its mission has been to produce innovative, popular, profitable entertainment in the best creative environment. A pioneer in franchise filmmaking, New Line produced the Oscar®-winning “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, which is a landmark in the history of film franchises. New Line Cinema is a division of Warner Bros.
ABOUT PETER JACKSON/WINGNUT FILMS:
Peter Jackson is one of the world's most successful filmmakers. His monumental achievement co-writing, co-producing and directing “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy (with fellow Academy Award® winners and frequent collaborators Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens) earned a total of 30 Academy Award® nominations and 17 Academy Awards®. Jackson and Walsh received their first Oscar® nomination for Best Original Screenplay for their acclaimed film “Heavenly Creatures.” Jackson, through his New Zealand-based Wingnut Films banner, also was responsible for the globally successful 2005 remake of “King Kong,” which earned over $500 million worldwide and 3 Academy Awards®. Jackson most recently directed the Academy Award®-nominated “The Lovely Bones,” an adaptation of the acclaimed best-selling novel by Alice Sebold, which to date has earned nearly $100 million worldwide; and produced the global sensation “District 9,” which received an Academy Award® nomination for Best Picture. He is also developing a trilogy of films with Steven Spielberg based on Tintin, the world renowned comic book series by Herge. In 2010, he received a Knighthood for his services to film.
ABOUT METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER STUDIOS INC.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music, and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world's largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles. Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Distribution Co., MGM International Television Distribution Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in domestic and international TV channels reaching over 130 countries. For more information, visit http://www.mgm.com/.
Oscar® Winner Peter Jackson to Direct “The Hobbit” in Two Installments
Peter Jackson Set to Direct J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” in a Two-Part 3-D Production of Extraordinary Scope
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The two films based on “The Hobbit” are now greenlit and will begin principal photography in February 2011, under the direction of Peter Jackson, it was jointly announced today by Toby Emmerich, President and Chief Operating Officer, New Line Cinema, Alan Horn, President and Chief Operating Officer, Warner Bros., and Steve Cooper, co-Chief Executive Officer of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.
Jackson, who directed all three “Lord of the Rings” films, will helm the two films back-to-back, telling the story of “The Hobbit” in two parts. Jackson will utilize groundbreaking visual effects and his incomparable storytelling to bring J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel to the big screen. Both Hobbit movies will be filmed in Digital 3-D, using the latest camera and stereo technology to create a high quality, comfortable viewing experience. Jackson also co-wrote the screenplays with Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens and Guillermo del Toro.
“Exploring Tolkien’s Middle-earth goes way beyond a normal filmmaking experience,” Jackson said. "It’s an all-immersive journey into a very special place of imagination, beauty and drama. We’re looking forward to re-entering this wondrous world with Gandalf and Bilbo - and our friends at New Line Cinema, Warner Brothers and MGM.”
“Peter is a filmmaker of incomparable ability; having him return to Middle-earth to produce and direct is a dream come true. A genuine original, Peter is a gifted storyteller, visionary director and pioneer in film technology,” said Emmerich. “Reuniting with Peter, Fran and Philippa truly makes it feel like we are going ‘there and back again.’”
“There is no human being on the planet as qualified as Peter Jackson to direct these films,” said Horn. “Peter is incredibly talented and has the creative vision and experience to bring this beloved property to life in a way that no other filmmaker could. And the team of Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens has proven through their work on the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy that no one is more skilled at transforming Tolkien's written words into a vibrant, living language that makes the audience believe they are not merely visiting Middle-earth but actually living in it. We couldn’t be more thrilled and look forward to seeing ‘The Hobbit’ take shape under Peter’s stewardship and the team he is putting together.”
"MGM is excited to move forward and add to the successful 'Lord of the Rings' franchise," said Cooper. "Under Peter's direction, the films will undoubtedly appeal to fans of the original 'LOTR' trilogy and also bring the stories to a new generation of fans."
“The Hobbit” is being co-produced by New Line Cinema and MGM, with New Line managing production, Warner Bros Pictures handling domestic distribution and MGM distributing internationally. Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh and Carolynne Cunningham are producing the films, with Philippa Boyens as co-producer and Ken Kamins as executive producer.
The Oscar®-winning, critically acclaimed “LOTR” trilogy grossed nearly $3 billion worldwide at the box office. In 2003, “Return of the King” swept the Academy Awards®, winning all of the 11 categories in which it was nominated, including Best Picture – the first ever Best Picture win for a fantasy film. The trilogy’s production was also unprecedented at the time.
ABOUT NEW LINE CINEMA:
New Line Cinema continues to be one of the most successful independent film companies. For more than 40 years, its mission has been to produce innovative, popular, profitable entertainment in the best creative environment. A pioneer in franchise filmmaking, New Line produced the Oscar®-winning “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, which is a landmark in the history of film franchises. New Line Cinema is a division of Warner Bros.
ABOUT PETER JACKSON/WINGNUT FILMS:
Peter Jackson is one of the world's most successful filmmakers. His monumental achievement co-writing, co-producing and directing “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy (with fellow Academy Award® winners and frequent collaborators Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens) earned a total of 30 Academy Award® nominations and 17 Academy Awards®. Jackson and Walsh received their first Oscar® nomination for Best Original Screenplay for their acclaimed film “Heavenly Creatures.” Jackson, through his New Zealand-based Wingnut Films banner, also was responsible for the globally successful 2005 remake of “King Kong,” which earned over $500 million worldwide and 3 Academy Awards®. Jackson most recently directed the Academy Award®-nominated “The Lovely Bones,” an adaptation of the acclaimed best-selling novel by Alice Sebold, which to date has earned nearly $100 million worldwide; and produced the global sensation “District 9,” which received an Academy Award® nomination for Best Picture. He is also developing a trilogy of films with Steven Spielberg based on Tintin, the world renowned comic book series by Herge. In 2010, he received a Knighthood for his services to film.
ABOUT METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER STUDIOS INC.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music, and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world's largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles. Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Distribution Co., MGM International Television Distribution Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in domestic and international TV channels reaching over 130 countries. For more information, visit http://www.mgm.com/.
Review: I Love Eminem, But 8 Mile... Not so Much (Happy B'day, Eminem)
TRASH IN MY EYE No. 109 (of 2003) by Leroy Douresseaux
8 Mile (2002)
Running time: 110 minutes (1 hour, 50 minutes)
MPAA – R for strong language, sexuality, some violence and drug use
DIRECTOR: Curtis Hanson
WRITER: Scott Silver
PRODUCERS: Brian Grazer, Curtis Hanson, and Jimmy Iovine
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Rodrigo Prieto
EDITORS: Craig Kitson and Jay Rabinowitz
COMPOSER: Proof
Academy Award winner
DRAMA/MUSIC
Starring: Eminem, Kim Basinger, Mekhi Phifer, Brittany Murphy, Evan Jones, Omar Benson, Eugene Byrd, Michael Shannon, Anthony Mackie, and Taryn Manning
8 Mile became the first film to have a rap/hip-hop song win the Oscar for "Best Song." Directed by Curtis (L.A. Confidential) Hanson, the film stars mega popular rapper Eminem, and the film went on to be an enormous hit, much to many people’s surprise. It’s a strange film, part Rocky, part Flashdance, and part Purple Rain, with a star who is very controversial musical figure and who has angered any number of easily offended groups, including gay rights advocates and feminists. 8 Mile also seemed like a strange film for Hanson to direct, considering he’d won an Academy Award for co-writing L.A. Confidential and had also directed the critically-acclaimed, but largely ignored Wonder Boys. Besides, Hanson’s prior work had been so stunningly white bread, one had to wonder if he could direct a film with a very large black supporting cast and set in urban and hip-hop culture.
Eminem plays Jimmy “B-Rabbit” Smith, Jr., a down-on-his-luck blue-collar worker trying to find his place in the rap game. When he leaves his girlfriend (Taryn Manning), he moves into his mom Stephanie’s (Kim Basinger) trailer, but Rabbit doesn’t exactly see eye to eye with mom’s boyfriend, Greg (Michael Shannon), who went to school with Rabbit. Meanwhile, Rabbit’s homeboy, Future (Mekhi Phifer), is trying to get Rabbit to participate in the MC battles he hosts at a rundown club. MC battles pit two rappers against each other, each rapper getting under a minute to out rap and embarrass his opponent in front of an audience. Rabbit, determined to succeed at his dream, is caught between Future’s ideas about their respective paths to hip-hop glory and the plans of a smooth taking and ambitious hustler (Eugene Byrd) who promises Rabbit that elusive industry connection.
8 Mile is really a dark and depressing film. Rabbit and his friends are mainly poor, young men barely getting by each day; to a man, each one lives with his mother. They have bad jobs, and their neighborhoods are falling down around them. It’s quite stunning how Hanson went the direct path in depicting the squalid living conditions and the sense of hopeless that pervades their environments. Even when Rabbit and his friends are together having a good time, you can’t help but notice how decrepit their city around them is or how everyone seems to own old, rickety automobiles that last saw better days in the 70’s.
Hope seems strangled in this movie, and the film’s very dry story doesn’t help matters. The script is tepid and plotless, and the characters are shallow and simple-minded character types: the violent rivals, the mean boss at work, the pitiful alcoholic parent (Kim Basinger in a performance destined to become a camp classic), the underdog, etc. I especially despised Brittany Murphy as Rabbit’s ho friend, Alex; it’s a bad performance. All Ms. Murphy does in primp and preen, trying to make her character sly, knowing and witty, but only arriving at being whorish, cheap, and dishonest.
The film is decent, but it’s mostly listless and tiresome. Even if real life is like this, art plays with ideals, and a plot would have helped this film seem like it was going somewhere. Even if Rabbit doesn’t reach his goals in the movie, the film should end with a sense of hope, and here, the sense of hope is at best ambiguous. I like Eminem, but I found 8 Mile only somewhat entertaining. If you’re not a fan of his, there’s no reason to see this listless movie. The rapper doesn’t act; he simply pretends to be a character that sulks all the time.
If there’s one reason to see this film, then it’s the rap battle near the end when Rabbit decides to face down his rap enemies on stage. Finally, Eminem seems at home in this picture. He springs to life, smiling, grimacing, frowning, and leering, as the delivery of his arsenal of lyrics requires it. Although the MC battles are fairly energetic and quite hilarious, by the time they arrive, the film is so mired in dreariness that I’d really be reaching if I told you that rap music redeems this film.
4 of 10
C
NOTES:
2003 Academy Awards: 1 win: “Best Music, Original Song” (Eminem-music/lyrics, Jeff Bass-music, and Luis Resto-music for the song "Lose Yourself")
2003 Golden Globes: 1 nomination: “Best Original Song - Motion Picture” (Eminem-music/lyrics, Jeff Bass-music, and Luis Resto-music for the song "Lose Yourself")
8 Mile (2002)
Running time: 110 minutes (1 hour, 50 minutes)
MPAA – R for strong language, sexuality, some violence and drug use
DIRECTOR: Curtis Hanson
WRITER: Scott Silver
PRODUCERS: Brian Grazer, Curtis Hanson, and Jimmy Iovine
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Rodrigo Prieto
EDITORS: Craig Kitson and Jay Rabinowitz
COMPOSER: Proof
Academy Award winner
DRAMA/MUSIC
Starring: Eminem, Kim Basinger, Mekhi Phifer, Brittany Murphy, Evan Jones, Omar Benson, Eugene Byrd, Michael Shannon, Anthony Mackie, and Taryn Manning
8 Mile became the first film to have a rap/hip-hop song win the Oscar for "Best Song." Directed by Curtis (L.A. Confidential) Hanson, the film stars mega popular rapper Eminem, and the film went on to be an enormous hit, much to many people’s surprise. It’s a strange film, part Rocky, part Flashdance, and part Purple Rain, with a star who is very controversial musical figure and who has angered any number of easily offended groups, including gay rights advocates and feminists. 8 Mile also seemed like a strange film for Hanson to direct, considering he’d won an Academy Award for co-writing L.A. Confidential and had also directed the critically-acclaimed, but largely ignored Wonder Boys. Besides, Hanson’s prior work had been so stunningly white bread, one had to wonder if he could direct a film with a very large black supporting cast and set in urban and hip-hop culture.
Eminem plays Jimmy “B-Rabbit” Smith, Jr., a down-on-his-luck blue-collar worker trying to find his place in the rap game. When he leaves his girlfriend (Taryn Manning), he moves into his mom Stephanie’s (Kim Basinger) trailer, but Rabbit doesn’t exactly see eye to eye with mom’s boyfriend, Greg (Michael Shannon), who went to school with Rabbit. Meanwhile, Rabbit’s homeboy, Future (Mekhi Phifer), is trying to get Rabbit to participate in the MC battles he hosts at a rundown club. MC battles pit two rappers against each other, each rapper getting under a minute to out rap and embarrass his opponent in front of an audience. Rabbit, determined to succeed at his dream, is caught between Future’s ideas about their respective paths to hip-hop glory and the plans of a smooth taking and ambitious hustler (Eugene Byrd) who promises Rabbit that elusive industry connection.
8 Mile is really a dark and depressing film. Rabbit and his friends are mainly poor, young men barely getting by each day; to a man, each one lives with his mother. They have bad jobs, and their neighborhoods are falling down around them. It’s quite stunning how Hanson went the direct path in depicting the squalid living conditions and the sense of hopeless that pervades their environments. Even when Rabbit and his friends are together having a good time, you can’t help but notice how decrepit their city around them is or how everyone seems to own old, rickety automobiles that last saw better days in the 70’s.
Hope seems strangled in this movie, and the film’s very dry story doesn’t help matters. The script is tepid and plotless, and the characters are shallow and simple-minded character types: the violent rivals, the mean boss at work, the pitiful alcoholic parent (Kim Basinger in a performance destined to become a camp classic), the underdog, etc. I especially despised Brittany Murphy as Rabbit’s ho friend, Alex; it’s a bad performance. All Ms. Murphy does in primp and preen, trying to make her character sly, knowing and witty, but only arriving at being whorish, cheap, and dishonest.
The film is decent, but it’s mostly listless and tiresome. Even if real life is like this, art plays with ideals, and a plot would have helped this film seem like it was going somewhere. Even if Rabbit doesn’t reach his goals in the movie, the film should end with a sense of hope, and here, the sense of hope is at best ambiguous. I like Eminem, but I found 8 Mile only somewhat entertaining. If you’re not a fan of his, there’s no reason to see this listless movie. The rapper doesn’t act; he simply pretends to be a character that sulks all the time.
If there’s one reason to see this film, then it’s the rap battle near the end when Rabbit decides to face down his rap enemies on stage. Finally, Eminem seems at home in this picture. He springs to life, smiling, grimacing, frowning, and leering, as the delivery of his arsenal of lyrics requires it. Although the MC battles are fairly energetic and quite hilarious, by the time they arrive, the film is so mired in dreariness that I’d really be reaching if I told you that rap music redeems this film.
4 of 10
C
NOTES:
2003 Academy Awards: 1 win: “Best Music, Original Song” (Eminem-music/lyrics, Jeff Bass-music, and Luis Resto-music for the song "Lose Yourself")
2003 Golden Globes: 1 nomination: “Best Original Song - Motion Picture” (Eminem-music/lyrics, Jeff Bass-music, and Luis Resto-music for the song "Lose Yourself")
--------------------
Second Season of "Vampire Knight Guilty" Streaming at VIZAnime.com
VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE SECOND SEASON OF THE HIT VAMPIRE KNIGHT ON VIZANIME.COM, VAMPIRE KNIGHT GUILTY
VIZ Media announces the debut today of VAMPIRE KNIGHT GUILTY, the second season of hit VAMPIRE KNIGHT animated series (both rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens) available now from VIZAnime.com, the company’s premier website for anime, as well as the streaming content provider HULU (http://www.hulu.com/).
Cross Academy is attended by two groups of students: the Day Class and the Night Class. At twilight, when the students of the Day Class return to their dorms, they cross paths with the mysterious Night Class on their way to school. Yuki Cross and Zero Kiryu are the Guardians of the school, protecting the Day Class from the Academy's dark secret: the Night Class is full of vampires!
In VAMPIRE KNIGHT GUILTY, Yuki is torn between the two people she cares for most when Zero is accused of Shizuka Hio’s murder and Kaname refuses to attest to his innocence. Drawn deeper into the world of vampires, Yuki struggles to recall the events of ten years earlier but fails time and again. Kaname evades Yuki’s questions about the past, but when her visions of blood grow more frequent and intense, the past may come to light whether she wants it to or not!
VAMPIRE KNIGHT and VAMPIRE KNIGHT GUILTY are based on the best-selling manga series created by Matsuri Hino (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens and published by VIZ Media), who burst onto the scene in Japan with her debut title, Kono Yume ga Sametara (When This Dream Is Over) in LaLa DX magazine. With the success of subsequent series such as CAPTIVE HEARTS and MERU PURI (both also published domestically by VIZ Media), Hino has firmly established herself as a major force in the world of shojo manga. VAMPIRE KNIGHT is currently serialized in LaLa magazine in Japan.
For more information on the VAMPIRE KNIGHT manga and to read free previews online please visit http://www.shojobeat.com/. For more information on this and other animated titles from VIZ Media please visit http://www.vizanime.com/.
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