Cinematicalhttp://www.cinematical.comCinematicalhttp://www.cinematical.com/media/feedlogo.gifCinematicalhttp://www.cinematical.comen-usCopyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Watch This: Wes Anderson Acts Out 'Mr. Fox' Storyboardshttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/13/watch-this-wes-anderson-acts-out-mr-fox-storyboards/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/13/watch-this-wes-anderson-acts-out-mr-fox-storyboards/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/13/watch-this-wes-anderson-acts-out-mr-fox-storyboards/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


In this month's Fantastic Mr. Fox, Wes Anderson makes his first foray into animation with an adaptation of Roald Dahl's story about an upwardly mobile fox (George Clooney) whose drive to steal chickens threatens his family and community. While it's Anderson's first non-live action project, Mr. Fox nonetheless shares qualities with his other films, including a meticulous attention to detail, stylish design, and idiosyncratic characters. So how did the live-action auteur tackle the challenges of stop-motion filmmaking, especially considering that he spent much of the production in an entirely different country than his crew?

HitFix has a fun little glimpse of the director at work that shows us how Anderson collaborated with his animation team to bring the characters of Fantastic Mr. Fox to life. From his base in Paris, Anderson shot video storyboards of scenes and character movements by acting out scenes and blocking himself. He then emailed the videos to his crew in London, who took their visual cues from Anderson's performances. The end results, when viewed side-by-side with Anderson's versions, are near identical.

Hit the jump and watch Anderson as Mr. Fox, Kristofferson, Ash, and other characters from The Fantastic Mr. Fox.

Continue reading Watch This: Wes Anderson Acts Out 'Mr. Fox' Storyboards

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]]>animationFantastic Mr. FoxFantasticMr.Foxstop motionStopMotionWes AndersonWesAndersonJen YamatoFri, 13 Nov 2009 10:32:00 ESTMegan Fox's Scratched SNL Hitler/Michael Bay Jokehttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/12/megan-fox-michael-bay-hitler-snl-joke/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/12/megan-fox-michael-bay-hitler-snl-joke/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/12/megan-fox-michael-bay-hitler-snl-joke/#commentsFiled under: , ,



If you have a few minutes today I'd strongly recommend reading this fascinating five-page New York Times Magazine story on Megan Fox called The Self-Manufacture of Megan Fox. I know, you're not really interested in reading another "OMG, she said that!" article on the overly hyped, sexified actress, but this one is a little different. Yes, it touches on just about everything controversial that's crossed her plate -- from her much-publicized spat with Michael Bay to her longterm off-screen relationship with Brian Austin Green -- but it also digs beneath the surface and exposes the way in which she's sort of self-manufactured her own image depending on where she is and who she's speaking to in order to expand her brand, which, she'll admit, isn't the most glamorous or family-friendly, but it's what's keeping her working.

Fox admits that she got herself into the whole Michael Bay mess, and wonders why no one came to her defense when that nasty crew letter surfaced online ("I think it's because I'm a girl. They left me out there to be bludgeoned to death"). Another interesting fact was that they were going to include a Hitler/Michael Bay joke when Fox hosted Saturday Night Live, but dropped it because it wasn't appropriate. Fox explains, "They wanted me to do a Q. and A. with the audience for the opening monologue. And Hitler is in the audience. Hitler stands up and says, 'Why did you compare me to Michael Bay?' " Fox laughed. "Which is funny, but we can't do that."

Watch the actual monologue and read more after the jump.


Continue reading Megan Fox's Scratched SNL Hitler/Michael Bay Joke

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]]>featuredhitlerjudy garlandJudyGarlandmegan foxMeganFoxmichael bayMichaelBaynew york timesNewYorkTimessnlthe wizard of ozTheWizardOfOzErik DavisThu, 12 Nov 2009 10:32:00 ESTIan McKellen Suffers 'The View' Stupidity with Grace and Withttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/07/ian-mckellen-and-how-to-take-idiocy-with-grace/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/07/ian-mckellen-and-how-to-take-idiocy-with-grace/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/07/ian-mckellen-and-how-to-take-idiocy-with-grace/#commentsFiled under: ,

Actors might make a lot of money, but at least they work for it with long hours on set, paparazzi insanity, exhausting PR tours, and the pressures of handling the same questions over and over and over again with grace and charm. But even more impressive is when they can be graceful in the face of utter ignorance or idiocy.

We've watched John Cusack get interviewed by a clueless film student, and now (after the jump of course) you can see Ian McKellen handle the women from The View. Ah, there's nothing like having your television interview start out with an inflammatory rant about swine flu and socialized medicine. It's not a surprise really -- the once-sweet Survivor star Elisabeth Hasselbeck has made a career out throwing wild rants into unusual places on the show. But, sadly, that's only the start of the nonsense that McKellen handles with dashing grace. Whoopi Goldberg can't keep her actors straight, and Sherry Shepherd pulls off one of those classic moments where a clueless interviewer reads crap off the cards without knowing what the hell she's talking about.

Yet, in the face of all that, McKellen is pure charm. I always find that impressive. Sure, he's an actor and makes his living making fiction convincing, but to be ready with that clever retort, graciously correct someone who should know better, and take it all in stride ... I wouldn't say this about most of Hollywood, but I think we can all learn a little from that small part of the biz.

Continue reading Ian McKellen Suffers 'The View' Stupidity with Grace and Wit

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]]>CinematicalIan McKellenIanMckellenThe ViewTheViewMonika BartyzelSat, 07 Nov 2009 11:02:00 ESTWait, Now Heath Ledger Has a DirecTV Commercial?http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/02/heath-ledger-directv-commercial/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/02/heath-ledger-directv-commercial/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/02/heath-ledger-directv-commercial/#commentsFiled under: ,



If you've been watching playoff baseball these past few weeks, you've probably come across the Tommy Boy DirecTV commercial about, say, 176,000 times. About a week after it began airing, the satellite television company came under fire for a second time for airing parody commercials featuring actors or actresses who died tragically at a young age. The first was a commercial featuring Poltergeist actress Heather O'Rourke, and now folks are really pissed DirecTV is using Chris Farley in a commercial that stars David Spade (who reprises his character from Tommy Boy in a parody of the "Fat Guy in a Little Coat" scene).

If you want my personal opinion, I think DirecTV does this sort of stuff on purpose -- claiming to be "celebrating" the life of a dead celebrity, though what they're really hoping for is that people like us (and several other sites) will give them a bunch of free publicity by writing attacks on their ads. But back to my original point: The folks over at Landline TV have put together a spoof of the DirecTV dead celebrity spoofs -- this time including folks like Heath Ledger, John F. Kennedy and Jesus Christ. Honestly, I'm surprised Michael Jackson hasn't made an appearance yet ... or, heck, how long before DirecTV butchers a scene from Dirty Dancing and craps all over Patrick Swayze?

What do you think about these commercials? Yes, they're annoying (believe us we know), but are they in the wrong for featuring dead celebrities? Or what about celebrities who died tragic deaths at an early age? Is there a difference? Anyone canceling their DirecTV service because of this?

Chime in below, and watch the video after the jump.

Continue reading Wait, Now Heath Ledger Has a DirecTV Commercial?

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]]>chris farleyChrisFarleycinematicaldirectvheath ledgerHeathLedgerpoltergeistthe dark knightTheDarkKnighttommy boyTommyBoyErik DavisMon, 02 Nov 2009 16:02:00 ESTGot Millions? You Can Buy Rights To 'The Terminator'!http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/02/got-millions-you-can-buy-rights-to-the-terminator/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/02/got-millions-you-can-buy-rights-to-the-terminator/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/02/got-millions-you-can-buy-rights-to-the-terminator/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Back in August, we reported that the Terminator franchise was in some serious legal and financial trouble. The rights are currently owned by the Halcyon Company, who have managed to make more court appearances than they have films. They were in danger of losing the rights to their hedge fund, Pacificor, who was poised to claim them if Halcyon defaulted on their loan.

But according to The Financial Times, Halcyon has now filed for bankruptcy after their lawsuit with Pacificor, and is selling off the rights to Terminator. It would appear that filing for Chapter 11 afforded their precious franchise some protection from the hedge fund, and they can now sell it to bail themselves out. The sale will be conducted by FTI Capital Advisors, and does not cover rights to the earlier Terminator films.

The Times notes that this auction is coming at a particularly tough time for Hollywood, who is feeling the economic crunch just like everyone else. But it notes that Terminator is one of the rare "blockbuster brands" not controlled by a big studio, and that alone has may drooling at the chance to control future properties. Summit is said to be particularly interested (they can probably pay for it just out of Twilight proceeds), as is Sony and Media Rights Capital. But remember, this is America! Everyone has a chance at destroying mankind, and if you have millions (estimates put the sale beyond $60 million, the benchmark set by the sale of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), you can buy them for yourself. I would have faith in something other than John Connor if a Cinematical reader took the reins of this franchise.

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]]>featuredhalcyonHalcyonCompanyMedia Rights CapitalMediaRightsCapitalSONYSummit EntertainmentSummitEntertainmentterminatorterminator franchiseTerminatorFranchiseElisabeth RappeMon, 02 Nov 2009 10:33:00 ESTDennis Hopper Diagnosed with Prostate Cancerhttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/30/dennis-hopper-diagnosed-with-prostate-cancer/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/30/dennis-hopper-diagnosed-with-prostate-cancer/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/30/dennis-hopper-diagnosed-with-prostate-cancer/#commentsFiled under:



As if we needed yet another reason to do what we can to fight cancer. On top of the hundreds of thousands of cancer-related deaths the U.S. is plagued with every year, and just a short time after we lost Patrick Swayze to pancreatic cancer, The Associated Press (via Canoe) reports that two-time Oscar nominee Dennis Hopper has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

The 73-year-old actor has canceled his travel plans, as well as his attendance at an exhibition of his artwork in Melbourne in order to focus on his treatment. Said treatment is said to be part of a "special program" at the University of Southern California, according to Hopper's manager, Sam Maydew, and they are "hoping for the best." That's not exactly an optimistic quote, which might not be so surprising. This news comes just days after the actor was hospitalized for "showing severe flulike symptoms" and getting treated for dehydration. If those symptoms were the cancer, that cannot be a good sign. And even if they were just the flu, that can't be good for his health and strength.

Nevertheless, we hope for the best and that Mr. Hopper makes a full and speedy recovery.

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]]>CinematicalDennis HopperDennisHopperMonika BartyzelFri, 30 Oct 2009 11:18:00 ESTA Sad Update On the 'Slumdog Millionaire' Kidshttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/29/a-sad-update-on-the-slumdog-millionaire-kids/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/29/a-sad-update-on-the-slumdog-millionaire-kids/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/29/a-sad-update-on-the-slumdog-millionaire-kids/#commentsFiled under:



The winds of Hollywood move at a rapid pace, quickly replacing one drama with the next. The thing is, though, the drama doesn't go away. Earlier this year, the cinematic world was buzzing over the fate of the young kids from Slumdog Millionaire. There was the culture shock between Oscar fanfare and slum life, rumors about selling Rubina Ali for profit, and the demolition of their home.

Now The Associated Press reports that the kids could lose their trust fund. It's not a case of movie people jerkitude -- it seems that Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail is only going to school 37% of the time, while Rubina Ali only makes it 27% of the time. The claimed culprit: out-of-slum jetsetting. Trust administrator Noshir Dadrawala says: "They are constantly going to Paris and Cochin and Chennai. That's fine, but go over the weekend, not at the sacrifice of school." (For Ali, travel that's presumably for her many performances and memoir PR.) If their attendance doesn't improve to 70%, their monthly $120 stipend will be stopped, and they will forfeit the later lump-sum money they're set to receive. In response, Azhar's mother Shameen says these absences are due to the death of his father this September from tuberculosis: "He would cry often, so I kept him home from school for a while" -- and that she's determined to improve his attendance and get him an education.

Continue reading A Sad Update On the 'Slumdog Millionaire' Kids

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]]>Azharuddin Mohammed IsmailAzharuddinMohammedIsmailCinematicalfeaturedRubina AliRubinaAliSlumdog MillionaireSlumdogMillionaireMonika BartyzelThu, 29 Oct 2009 13:40:00 ESTWhen Not Acting, Sean Penn Hunts Down Fidel Castrohttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/27/when-not-acting-sean-penn-hunts-down-fidel-castro/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/27/when-not-acting-sean-penn-hunts-down-fidel-castro/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/27/when-not-acting-sean-penn-hunts-down-fidel-castro/#commentsFiled under: ,



Remember when Sean Penn decided to back away from Hollywood to tend to his family? Well, that didn't seem to go too well. Only a short time later in August, Robin Wright Penn filed for divorce. So much for finding familial focus. With all that freed time, one might think he'd chill with his kids, or head back to acting. Nope. Why do that when you can hunt down dictators?

TMZ reports that Penn has once again put on his part-time journalist hat and flown to Cuba to hunt down an interview with Fidel Castro for Vanity Fair. He hopped on a plane with Diana Jenkins earlier this week in Las Vegas, headed for Havana. (I'm guessing that there's a stop along the way. As far as I know, flying from the U.S. to Cuba is not exactly okay.) But there's a little he-said, she-said among the sources. Barclays contacts say he's going there to meet Castro and talk about how the Obama administration has affected Cuba. Penn's rep told the site that a meeting is possible, but there's no current appointment or plan to meet with the dictator. Methinks that's just evading the topic. One doesn't go to Cuba, have no plans to meet with Castro, yet say that a meeting is possible.

Penn has entered sticky situations before -- most notably with Hugo Chavez, who he thinks is "much more positive for Venezuela than he is negative." But is that enough to make him the first Western journalist to interview the man in three years, since Castro stepped out of the spotlight?

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]]>CinematicalFidel CastroFidelCastroSean PennSeanPennMonika BartyzelTue, 27 Oct 2009 16:32:00 ESTMonday Night Poll: Does 'Saw VI' Deserve An X Rating?http://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/26/monday-night-poll-does-saw-vi-deserve-an-x-rating/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/26/monday-night-poll-does-saw-vi-deserve-an-x-rating/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/26/monday-night-poll-does-saw-vi-deserve-an-x-rating/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Sunday over at Cinematical's sister site, Horror Squad, vigilant contributor Brian Salisbury picked up a news story from Arrow in the Head about Saw VI receiving no less than an 'X' rating for violence from the ratings board in Spain. While this might be minor news if the rating board awarded 'X' ratings to its predecessors, or even just some of the other horror films released in recent years that borrowed from the first film's gag-inducing inspiration, evidently Saw VI is the first-ever movie that has been awarded the killer rating for violence in the country's history, which begs makes us wonder what the board saw in, uh, Saw that made it so offensive?

Despite having seen only the first and sixth installments in the Saw series, I can attest that the new film is indeed gross and gory, featuring scenes like a showdown between two victims to shave off enough body mass (or maybe just body parts) to survive, and a merry-go-round fitted with six victims who more or less indiscriminately suffer from direct shotgun blasts to the chest. But personally I'm not sure that the movie is really any more violent or gratuitous than any of its predecessors, even those that I haven't seen; while one could perhaps make the argument that many of Jigsaw's victims were dubiously "guilty" at worst (or even outright innocent), making their deaths more tragic, it seems unlikely that the murkier morality of this film would earn it a harsher rating than any of the others.

Since I'm sure there are plenty of readers who have seen all of the films and are ready to weigh in with their own opinions, we'll put the question to you: Is Saw VI deserving of an 'X' rating?

View Poll


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]]>kevin greutertKevinGreutertlionsgatemarcus dunstanMarcusDunstanpatrick meltonPatrickMeltonsaw viSawViTodd GilchristMon, 26 Oct 2009 21:35:00 EST'Avatar' Controversy: Did James Cameron Steal the Story?http://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/26/avatar-james-cameron-steal-the-story/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/26/avatar-james-cameron-steal-the-story/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/26/avatar-james-cameron-steal-the-story/#commentsFiled under: , ,


While geeks the world over are eagerly awaiting Avatar, the return of James Cameron to the original sci-fi territory he's proven a master over with The Abyss and Terminator/Terminator 2, fans of obscure science fiction novellas from 1957 are being struck with deja vu. A reader tipped off genre champions io9 to the story Call Me Joe by Poul Anderson, a story that sounds remarkably like Cameron's supposedly original script that revolves around humans that use the bodies of an alien species via a mental connection as physical avatars, and proceed to use said avatars to exploit the resources of the alien's home world.

From the io9 post, "Like Avatar, Call Me Joe centers on a paraplegic - Ed Anglesey - who telepathically connects with an artificially created life form in order to explore a harsh planet (in this case, Jupiter). Anglesey, like Avatar's Jake Sully, revels in the freedom and strength of his artificial created body, battles predators on the surface of Jupiter, and gradually goes native as he spends more time connected to his artificial body."

Read the rest over at SciFi Squad

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]]>AvatarCall Me JoeCallMeJoeHarlan EllisonHarlanEllisonJames CameronJamesCameronPoul AndersonPoulAndersonPeter HallMon, 26 Oct 2009 18:10:00 ESTWhere's the Line Between Fandom and Studio Rights?http://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/26/wheres-the-line-between-fandom-and-studio-rights/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/26/wheres-the-line-between-fandom-and-studio-rights/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/26/wheres-the-line-between-fandom-and-studio-rights/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The long arm of Warner Bros. law strikes again. For many years now, the studio has been known for being quite strict with their projects. I'm not sure if any property felt that quite so much as the television world of Buffy; numerous fan sites were shut down during the run of the show, and post-finale, the uber popular Musical events were nixed. Now it's happening to fans of our favorite young, big-screen wizards.

The BBC reports that a woman planning a couple Harry Potter supper club nights for Halloween has been told to stop infringing on the studio's rights. Ms. Marmite Lover runs a small restaurant of sorts out of her home -- selling tickets and then making food for her guests, sometimes themed. For Halloween, she chose to make a Harry Potter-themed meal with a Diagon Alley entrance with password, a sorting hat, and food that includes butterbear and Fizzpop chocolate frogs. As part of their letter, Warner Bros. says: "We would therefore ask that you refrain from holding and/or offering for sale any tickets to the Harry Potter Nights and confirm to me by return email that the Harry Potter Nights will not go ahead as planned. Warner does not, of course, object to you holding a generic wizard/Halloween night at the Underground Restaurant."

She's since changed the name of the event, which is going on as planned, although I imagine Warner Bros. was probably expecting a little less Pottermania through the whole event (the Alley, hat, etc.). But how far should studios stretch their rights in cases like this?

Continue reading Where's the Line Between Fandom and Studio Rights?

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]]>CinematicalHarry PotterHarry Potter supper clubHarryPotterHarryPotterSupperClubtrademark infringementTrademarkInfringementMonika BartyzelMon, 26 Oct 2009 17:02:00 ESTPaul Haggis Bails on Scientology Big-Timehttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/26/scientology-paul-haggis/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/26/scientology-paul-haggis/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/26/scientology-paul-haggis/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Normally, we don't run stories about the personal lives and religious beliefs of celebrities. The exception to the rule is when they have some kind of impact (positive or negative) on a film or a career. So when Paul Haggis gives the finger to the Church of Scientology, we have to run it. As Haggis himself admits, "I am fully aware that some of my friends may choose to no longer associate with me, or in some cases work with me."

According to Village Voice, Haggis has been a member of the Church of Scientology for 35 years. But he found himself questioning its practices and beliefs, particularly after its San Diego branch openly sponsored California's anti-gay Proposition 8. Haggis asked Scientology's spokesman, Tommy Davis, to denounce the branch. Davis skirted the issue, and Haggis went on the offensive with a confrontational letter that has made its way online on Mark Rathburn's anti-Scientology blog. "The church's refusal to denounce the actions of these bigots, hypocrites and homophobes is cowardly. I can think of no other word. Silence is consent, Tommy. I refuse to consent."

The church's bigotry encouraged Haggis to do a little digging, and he found an online interview with Davis, who claimed that the Church doesn't force its members to cease contact with anyone who forsakes the religion, or openly criticizes it. "I was shocked. We all know this policy exists. I didn't have to search for verification - I didn't have to look any further than my own home." Haggis' wife was ordered to "disconnect" from her parents because they resigned from the church.

Continued below the jump...

Continue reading Paul Haggis Bails on Scientology Big-Time

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]]>Paul HaggisPaulHaggisscientologyTommy DavisTommyDavisElisabeth RappeMon, 26 Oct 2009 15:02:00 ESTDirector Kenny Ortega Bails on 'Footloose' Remakehttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/26/footloose-remake-kenny-ortega/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/26/footloose-remake-kenny-ortega/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/26/footloose-remake-kenny-ortega/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The biggest enemy of the Footloose remake isn't a music-hating preacher, but its own Creative Differences. After it finally recovered from the loss of Zac Efron by recruiting Chace Crawford and Julianne Hough, Variety reports that Footloose has now lost its captain. Director Kenny Oretega has left the project due to "differences over tone and budget."

Reportedly, Ortega's vision included elaborate dance sequences and a budget of $30 million or more. But Paramount's Adam Goodwin had something different in mind. He saw Footloose with a little less dancing, a little less music, and a lot more edge. He was also hoping the budget would come in around $25 million. Who is right? I don't know. If you want something closer to the original, I'd say Goodwin is spot on. Kevin Bacon did his lithe dance moves in barns and car washes. It was on the cheap. It was also pretty edgy (relatively speaking) in its handling of teenage sexuality. Is any remake going to feature its heroine yelling "I'm not even a virgin!" in the middle of a church? Nah. They'll just dress her sexy.

Paramount is now on the hunt for a new director in order to kick off its Sunday shoes and begin filming by 2010. I was going to say "Maybe this'll be the end of this silly remake" but there's no way that'll happen. Instead, I vote that this Footloose be made with two simultaneous storylines. As they tell the story of the repressive Midwest, we'll also learn about the behind the scenes drama that mirrors the onstage action. Will Ortega's lush vision of music and dance win out? Or will the repressive Goodman crush his freedom of expression? It would be like The French Lieutenant's Woman for high schoolers.


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]]>Adam GoodwinAdamGoodwinchace crawfordChaceCrawfordfeaturedFootlooseFootlooseRemakejulianne houghJulianneHoughKenny OrtegaKennyOrtegaParamountzac efronZacEfronElisabeth RappeMon, 26 Oct 2009 10:32:00 ESTDiscuss: When an Actor's Look Gets in the Wayhttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/22/discuss-when-the-physical-gets-in-the-way/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/22/discuss-when-the-physical-gets-in-the-way/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/22/discuss-when-the-physical-gets-in-the-way/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Are you finding it increasingly harder to take the changing physicality of Hollywood actors?

Things change; they grow old, they morph, and sometimes even evolve. It's a fact of life, and usually a good fact of life. But lately, I find myself constantly having to try and ignore certain physical aspects to enjoy a trailer, an image, a film. Rather than absorbing the project, the mood, the plot, I'm trying to blur my eyes so Mr. or Ms. So-and-So doesn't look quite so silly.

On the one hand, of course, it's the plastic surgery. Practically everyone in Tinseltown does something. There's no way everyone has smooth foreheads and bright skin. But when the random nose job or improvement turns into new cheeks, chin, or balloonish lips until the original person is nowhere to be seen, it becomes too much. If this was happening to actors known for morphing into characters, whose performance shines much brighter than their own image or personality, fine. But when the stars whose name and faces are their fame, you can't ignore it. I simply cannot see Mickey Rourke without thinking back to The Pope of Greenwich Village, spot Meg Ryan without trying to recognize the girl from Innerspace, Melanie Griffith, Sylvester Stallone, Nicole Kidman... Can they really think that's better than a few wrinkles and some sagging skin?

Continue reading Discuss: When an Actor's Look Gets in the Way

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]]>CInematicalfeaturedHollywoodplastic surgeryPlasticSurgeryMonika BartyzelThu, 22 Oct 2009 15:48:00 ESTQuick List: Celebrities With The Worst Reputationshttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/22/quick-list-celebrities-with-the-worst-reputations/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/22/quick-list-celebrities-with-the-worst-reputations/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/22/quick-list-celebrities-with-the-worst-reputations/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Perception is everything, and I don't mean to get all metaphysical on you, but sometimes it's how the world sees us that can define who we are -- but what if the world thinks you're a psycho? In an interview with American Psycho director Mary Harron, she was reminiscing about the black comedy, and as it turns out, her star Christian Bale based his vision of the murdering yuppie on -- wait for it -- Tom Cruise. According to Harron, she and Bale had been collaborating on the character when "...he [Bale] called me and he had been watching Tom Cruise on David Letterman, and he just had this very intense friendliness with nothing behind the eyes, and he was really taken with this energy."

Actors take inspiration from all kinds of places, but you can't help but wonder if Bale saw something that we would all be made painfully aware of: the 'crazy' side of Cruise. And it was that same energy that worked so well in P.T. Anderson's Magnolia when Cruise played motivational speaker Frank T.J. Mackey. But for me, what made this story truly funny, is that who could have predicted that soon enough Bale would be dealing with his own troubled image in Hollywood as a rage-aholic and something of a bully? On the upside, though, maybe Bale's on-set rant will one day inspire another young actor (ahh, the circle of life).

These guys aren't the only ones to battle troubled reputations (whether or not they're deserved), and after the jump: a few more stars who have run their reputations into the ditch...

Continue reading Quick List: Celebrities With The Worst Reputations

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]]>american psychoAmericanPsychocelebrityChristian BaleChristianBalejennifer lopezJenniferLopezLindsay LohanLindsayLohanmel gibsonMelGibsonRussell CroweRussellCrowescandaltom cruiseTomCruiseJessica BarnesThu, 22 Oct 2009 15:03:00 ESTHas Hollywood Contributed To Violence Against Women?http://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/22/has-hollywood-contributed-to-violence-against-women/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/22/has-hollywood-contributed-to-violence-against-women/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/22/has-hollywood-contributed-to-violence-against-women/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

As you may have seen, Nicole Kidman is the focus of some ridiculous headlines today, with everyone from the AP to The Hollywood Reporter and E! blaring that Kidman "conceded" to Washington that Hollywood contributes to violence against women. It's the kind of headline I hate: Attention grabbing, anti-entertainment, and completely misleading.

Kidman is a Goodwill Ambassador for UNIFEM, and was testifying before a House Foreign Affairs committee. Her goal was funding and resources, and to discuss violence against women overseas. The committee is currently debating whether to pass legislation for humanitarian relief. In true government fashion Rep. Dana Rohrabacher ( R-Calif) decided having A Real Hollywood Star was a chance to shift the discussion into shallow ground, and ask Kidman whether or not the movie industry had played "a bad role." Kidman, who probably came prepared to actually discuss humanitarian efforts, gave a fairly bland answer: "Probably." She hastily added that she didn't feel her own roles had, that she was through with roles that portrayed women as weak or as sex objects. "I can't be responsible for all of Hollywood but I can certainly be responsible for my own career," she added, and argued that Hollywood had also "contributed to solutions."

Undoubtedly, many will blame Kidman for making a shallow statement, and poke fun at her poorer script choices, but surely the blame falls on Rep. Rohrabacher for such an inane question. While Hollywood's portrayal and treatment of women is hardly stellar (if you read Cinematical regularly, you know we complain about it on an obsessive basis), and is certainly harmful socially and culturally, I would hardly blame it for violence. That's just the usual government claptrap that loves blaming the big, bad movie industry for glorifying sex and violence, and would now attempt to dodge humanitarian obligations by blaming Moulin Rouge.

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]]>Dana RohrabacherDanaRohrabacherfeaturedNicole KidmanNicoleKidmanUNIFEMviolence against womenViolenceAgainstWomenElisabeth RappeThu, 22 Oct 2009 14:18:00 ESTThe Five Most Moronic Movie Familieshttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/21/the-five-most-moronic-movie-families/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/21/the-five-most-moronic-movie-families/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/21/the-five-most-moronic-movie-families/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Unless you've mercifully been living under a rock, you know the story of Balloon Boy. The world was captivated (and hey, most of us were working while this unfolded, so why not watch a UFO float lazily across the Colorado* sky?) by the idea of a terrified six year old caught in a deadly version of Pixar's UP. But in the end, little Falcon Heene was hiding in a box with some sandwiches, every bit a victim of his family's overwhelming greed for fame and fortune as his homebound audience was.

Analysts and watchdogs are blaming that audience as much as they're blaming the news outlets and the Heenes. While I think it's important to keep the story in the public eye precisely to damn the reality show mindset, I think it's also neccessary to mock the story whenever possible. If there's one way to discourage other famewhores, it's reminding them that the public eye is a fickle and nasty mistress. Since Richard Heene obviously intended this stunt to mirror a movie, we thought we'd honor him by listing five of the dumbest families found on the big screen. If there's one thing that's more embarrassing than being outed and charged with a media hoax, it's realizing John Hughes did it before you. And better.

Go below the jump for the list ...

* Oh and Colorado? As one of your native daughters, I beg you to make the news for something that isn't tragic or embarrassing.

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]]>Arrested DevelopmentArrestedDevelopmentCousin EddieCousinEddieDumb familiestDumbFamiliestfeaturedharry potter and the sorcerers stoneHarryPotterAndTheSorcerersStoneHome AloneHomeAloneMatildamost moronic familiesMostMoronicFamiliesnational lampoons christmas vacationnational lampoons vacationNationalLampoonsChristmasVacationNationalLampoonsVacationThe DursleysThe WormwoodsTheDursleysTheWormwoodsvacationElisabeth RappeWed, 21 Oct 2009 17:18:00 EST'Boondock Saints'' Troy Duffy and Billy Connolly Praise Fans, Blast Criticshttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/21/boondock-saints-troy-duffy-and-billy-connolly-praise-fans-bl/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/21/boondock-saints-troy-duffy-and-billy-connolly-praise-fans-bl/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/21/boondock-saints-troy-duffy-and-billy-connolly-praise-fans-bl/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Last night at an all-media screening for The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day, audience members - both fans who had lined up for blocks to get in to see the stars and director of this long-awaited sequel and journalists - were treated to a colorful Q&A session with the director of Boondock, Troy Duffy, and its stars Billy Connolly, Sean Patrick Flanery, and Norman Reedus.

After Duffy told the audience where the afterparty would be held, a journalist asked why there was so much time between movies. Duffy was somewhat discreet, replying, "There was a rather serious bit of litigation. We sued the people who financed Boondock I and a bunch of people that distributed it, as the movie was extremely financially successful and myself, the producers, and none of the actors saw a cent of that so me and CB [producer Chris Brinker] went after them."

He went on to add, "When you're writing for a sequel and there's a movie that's been deemed sacred ground by the fanbase that's the predecessor, you cannot do anything to tread on that, so it's a bit trickier than just being able to sit down and write something."

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]]>Billy ConnollyBillyConnollyharvey weinsteinHarveyWeinsteinnorman reedusNormanReedusovernightsean patrick flanerySeanPatrickFlanerythe boondock saintsthe boondock saints 2the boondock saints 2: all saints dayTheBoondockSaintsTheBoondockSaints2TheBoondockSaints2:AllSaintsDaytroy duffyTroyDuffyJenni MillerWed, 21 Oct 2009 12:45:00 EST'Transformers 2' Blu-ray Examines Successes, Missteps & Spectaclehttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/21/transformers-2-blu-ray-examines-its-theatrical-success-contro/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/21/transformers-2-blu-ray-examines-its-theatrical-success-contro/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/21/transformers-2-blu-ray-examines-its-theatrical-success-contro/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen has become something of a calling card for my writing in 2009, and an albatross around my neck at the same time. There's little else I wrote this year that got as much attention, and yet it's by far the most misunderstood of my many, many reviews, primarily because one sentence published on Rotten Tomatoes, and later, literally one word used in the its advertising was employed to characterize my feelings about the film. Mind you, I'm not complaining, but it's made for a sort of fascinating study among my friends and colleagues, some of whom took me at those words and those words alone, while others read the actual review I posted here on Cinematical, and for better or for worse, agree or disagree, at least understood where I was coming from.

This week, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen arrives on Blu-ray, and in the interest of thoroughness, I decided to revisit the film to see (a) how I personally felt about the film a second time, and (b) if any of the objections of its critics were explained, justified or otherwise corrected in the bonus materials. After perusing the content on both discs of the Collector's Edition Blu-ray, I'm unsure whether or not its detractors will be any more appreciative of its artistic merits; but watching it again on the small screen and augmented by the thoughts and comments of the folks responsible for the film, I at least feel as if I know where the sources of some of those problems lie.

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]]>alex kurtzmanAlexKurtzmanautobot twinsAutobotTwinsblu-raymegan foxMeganFoxmichael bayMichaelBayparamount home entertainmentParamountHomeEntertainmentroberto orciRobertoOrcitransformers 2Transformers2transformers: revenge of the fallenTransformers:RevengeOfTheFallenTodd GilchristWed, 21 Oct 2009 12:03:00 ESTCelebs Who Deserve 'Movie Star Probation'http://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/20/celebs-who-deserve-movie-star-probation/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/20/celebs-who-deserve-movie-star-probation/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/10/20/celebs-who-deserve-movie-star-probation/#commentsFiled under: ,



Sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind, or at least that's what the good folks over at Gawker seem to think when it comes to Gerard Butler. In the wake of a number two movie at the box office and some not-so-great reviews of his hosting gig last weekend for SNL, Gawker has issued the Scottish actor the following decree: Gerard Butler, You Are Officially on Movie Star Probation. According to them, it's time we all intervened to save him from himself. But if he doesn't shape up, Gawker has decided the only option is that the actor will be "banned from all movies, tabloids, red carpet affairs, awards ceremonies, and celebrity relationships. If he can stay out of the press for three years, he may be rewarded with the starring role on a CBS procedural." Tough, but fair.

Sure, it's all in good fun, but I'll admit they have a point. I haven't seen Law Abiding Citizen, but even I've been questioning some of the choices on Butler's resume since his break-out turn as the tighty-whitey wearing Spartan in Snyder's 300 (and yes, I'm talking about P.S. I Love You and The Ugly Truth). So even though his celebrity quotient is rising, the quality of his movies isn't and that's a dangerous combination. Butler has a natural charm (and even a damn fine singing voice) which should make him the perfect specimen for leading man status, but you wouldn't know it from his career choices. He isn't the first (or the last) to fall victim to overexposure and bad decisions, but audiences are a fickle sort who can turn on you at the drop of a dime. So let's just hope we can scare him straight.

After the jump: a few more examples of celebrities who have fallen prey to bad career choices and the PR monster known as 'over-hyping'...

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]]>gawkerGerard ButlerGerardButlerjamie foxxJamieFoxxjessica albaJessicaAlbaJude LawJudeLawLaw Abiding CitizenLawAbidingCitizenmegan foxMeganFoxJessica BarnesTue, 20 Oct 2009 18:02:00 EST