BrendanFraser Tagged Articles at Cinematical
Should We Separate 'Extraordinary' Movie From Its Message?
Filed under: Drama », New Releases », Movie Marketing »
Can you separate a movie from its message? "Inspired by a true story," Extraordinary Measures opens wide today, trumpeting its "inspirational" message and practically daring you not to be "inspired" by its message of hope. The TV ads quote one review comparing the film to recent box office smash The Blind Side, also based on real-life events. (The marketing campaign is impossible to miss if you've watched any TV shows on CBS owned or affiliated stations, since CBS Films produced it.) In these dark economic times, is there anything wrong with promoting a movie's message above and beyond its possible quality?In his review for Cinematical, Jeffrey M. Anderson observes: "Whenever you have a movie that's based on a true story and is about the brave battle against some horrible disease, a large portion of the audience will be inspired and moved, no matter how brutally awful the movie is. And stepping up to critique the art of a bad movie inevitably sounds a little like critiquing the real-life heroes. This is never the case." Jeff's review is measured and balanced, concluding: "True events deserve better than this."
Having seen the film, I agree completely with Jeff's review; the film is glossy and glamorous and yet completely ordinary and devoid of the inspiration it claims to provide. What about the message of hope and inspiration? It remains in the original story, with the real-life characters, not with Brendan Fraser or the second-billed Harrison Ford. The best thing about the marketing campaign is that it's raised awareness of the battle that John Crowley, his family, and many others have waged against Pompe disease. But I still feel bludgeoned by the advertising. What about you? Do you have any problem with movies that insist you must be inspired?
Review: Extraordinary Measures
Filed under: Drama », New Releases », Theatrical Reviews », New in Theaters »
Whenever you have a movie that's based on a true story and is about the brave battle against some horrible disease, a large portion of the audience will be inspired and moved, no matter how brutally awful the movie is. And stepping up to critique the art of a bad movie inevitably sounds a little like critiquing the real-life heroes. This is never the case. I wouldn't take back the deeds of the real-life John Crowley for anything. But I imagine that his real-life battles amounted to not much more than a series of phone calls, meetings and conversations, none of which make for a very interesting movie. So for the new Extraordinary Measures, screenwriter Robert Nelson Jacobs and director Tom Vaughan (What Happens in Vegas) throw in a whole bunch of fictionalized arguments, chases and grand gestures to make it play more like a movie.
The problem with these additions is not that they're there; every "based on a true story" movie uses them. The problem is that they feel false and staged. Nothing here feels as if it might actually have happened. It's all too metered and inevitable. But even as the movie abandons truth, it still can't quite embrace drama. Extraordinary Measures brings up several sub-themes, but never decides on any of them. The main drive is the fight to save the lives of two siblings, eight year-old Megan (Meredith Droeger) and six year-old Patrick Crowley (Diego Velazquez), who have Pompe disease. The movie provides a layman's description of the disease: basically the children are born without a certain enzyme that breaks down sugar. Over time, the sugar builds up and they begin to lose muscle function. Life expectancy is about 9 years.
Exclusive: Poster Premiere for 'Extraordinary Measures'
Filed under: Drama », Posters »
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Cinematical has just received a poster and banner for CBS Films' Extraordinary Measures, which will be hitting theaters on January 22, 2010. Yes, folks, those determined faces are for real -- the action flicks and laughs are on hold as Brendan Fraser and Harrison Ford are dipping into a little dramatic work, and this time it's to relay the true story of John Crowley and his efforts to cure his kids' life-threatening disease. Robert Nelson Jacobs adapted Geeta Anand's book (Cure), and Tom Vaughn (What Happened in Vegas) directed the feature.
Fraser stars as Crowley, a man working his way up in corporate America. He's got a loving family (Keri Russell plays his wife), and everything seems to be working out splendidly. But then his two children are diagnosed with a fatal disease. He quits his job, and devotes his time and efforts into saving his children by teaming up with "a brilliant, but unappreciated and unconventional scientist" (Ford). Together they start a bio-tech company to develop a life-saving drug and "this unlikely alliance eventually develops into mutual respect as they battle the medical and business establishments in a fight against the system – and time."
Check out both posters in all their full-sized glory in the gallery below.
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A Peek at Brendan Fraser's Extraordinary Dramatic 'Measures'
Filed under: Drama », Images »
Rejoice! It's time for another one of those rare moments where we get to talk about Brendan Fraser acting in a drama -- one that should get him a little more recognition than the smaller dramatic bits and thrillers he's taken on recently. See, he's co-starring with Harrison Ford in a pic called Extraordinary Measures, and the still above is the first from the film (via Cinema Blend).
Based on a true story (optioned by Ford), the film follows a couple whose two youngest children were diagnosed with a neuromuscular disorder called Pompe disease. Rather than take things as they were, John Crowley quit his job and created a startup research company to help make advances that could help his children. (The C.B. link has a whole featurette sort of deal on the family.) Fraser plays Mr. Crowley, Keri Russell has the role of his wife, and Ford plays a researcher who might have a cure.
It's no Gods and Monsters, but I'm happy to see Fraser getting dramatic again, and Ford in something a little more serious as well. Here's hoping the Extraordinary Measures leads to some extraordinary filmmaking. Then again, this is coming from the man who just gave us What Stays in Vegas. Sigh. One day, my prince will return!
News Bites: Brooke Shields on the Big Screen & 'Motherhood'
Filed under: Comedy », Casting », Deals », Distribution », Family Films »
It looks like Brooke Shields is making her way back to the big screen, and this time she won't be getting saucy in The Blue Lagoon. After a decade away, The Hollywood Reporter posts that Shields has signed onto the live-action comedy Furry Vengeance. Actually, considering the title, it's probably good to note that this is a family film. There's no word on what role she'll play in the Brendan Fraser flick, which follows a real estate developer who gets a hard time from a band of raccoons. One -- What's the obsession with coons lately? Davey Crockett on the brain? Two -- It might be the usual Fraser fair, but the cast does boast Ken Jeong, Samantha Bee, and Dick Van Dyke as well.Meanwhile, in the shadow of Parenthood heading to the small screen, THR also posts that Freestyle Releasing has picked up Motherhood, and will release it this October. This is the Uma Thurman/Minnie Driver/Anthony Edwards project that has Uma trying to pull together her daughter's sixth birthday party in the midst of "urban challenges." As the ed note pointed out in the post about her casting last year, "More Goose!" But there's also the perk of a practically fully female production. Katherine Dieckman wrote and directed it, and it's produced by Pamela Koffler, Christine Vachon, Jana Edelbaum, and Rachel Cohen. They say: "From the outset, Motherhood has been a labor of love for us. As a collection of female filmmakers, we immediately took to the humor and honesty of the project."
Hopefully the labor is worth it!
Texas Film Hall of Fame Awards
Filed under: Awards », Images »
Austin was celebrating film this week before the SXSW crowds even arrived. On Thursday night, Austin Film Society held its ninth annual Texas Film Hall of Fame awards gala at Austin Studios, honoring Texans and "honorary Texans" in the film industry. It's a fundraising event for filmmaker grants and educational programs, and attire ranges from the glitziest cocktail dresses to blue jeans and cowboy boots. Thomas Haden Church emceed the ceremony, revealing surprising depths of bizarre-yet-enjoyable humor. Really, I think someone should consider him to host the Oscars next year, although I don't know what his singing and dancing talents might be.
Thirteen and Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke, shown above, received the Ann Richards award for someone in film who "who breaks barriers and forges new creative paths." Her award was presented by Brendan Fraser. The Star of Texas award for an exceptional film made in Texas went to Rushmore, which was filmed in Houst -- Luke Wilson accepted the award. Linda Gray, who nearly goosed Thomas Haden Church onstage, inducted her Dallas co-star Larry Hagman into the Hall of Fame. Keith Carradine inducted Powers Boothe. Austin filmmaker Richard Linklater shared a tribute to Texas playwright and screenwriter Horton Foote, a Hall of Famer who died earlier this year. And Dennis Quaid presented the Tom Mix Honorary Texan award to his The Alamo co-star Billy Bob Thornton, who explained to us how he was more of a real Texan than an honorary one, anyway.
We've got photos of the event's honorees in the gallery below (as well as a few other familiar-looking attendees); check 'em out.
Brendan Fraser Fighting Cute Critters
Filed under: Comedy », Casting », Family Films »
I mean this is the nicest way possible, but what the hell has happened to Brendan Fraser? Let's all think back to the year 1998 when I was convinced Fraser was going to get the credit as an actor he so deserved after starring in Gods and Monsters. Then, when he took his spot as Indiana Jones' heir apparent in The Mummy, it seemed like he was slated to be the next big thing. But, here we are 10 years later, and let's just say I'm glad I didn't put any money on my earlier claims. Fraser has been happy to hang in the kiddie flick ghetto, and judging by this latest announcement, he has no plans on leaving any time soon. Variety reports that the man has just signed to star in the family-friendly flick Furry Vengeance for Summit Entertainment (since I will give credit where credit is due, I have to admit I do like the title).Fraser will star as a land developer whose new subdivision encroaches on a band of angry critters out in the wilds of Oregon. Michael Carnes and Josh Gilbert (Mr. Woodcock) wrote the script, and Roger Kumble (College Road Trip) will direct. Considering the director and the writers are famous for slightly raunchier comedies, you have to wonder what inspired them to take a walk on the 'G' side of life.
Fraser will be heading back to drama soon enough, as he has signed to star alongside Harrison Ford in the medical drama, Crowley. Not to mention, there is talk that Fraser will be popping up in G.I. Joe later this summer, too. So while I've got nothing against family films, there is still a big part of me that hopes Fraser decides to pick more projects that require a little less mugging and a lot more acting.
Furry Vengeance will start production this summer.
Brendan Fraser Gets Medical with Harrison Ford in 'Crowley'
Filed under: Drama », Casting », Deals »
When you were munching popcorn while watching blockbusters last summer, were you secretly wishing that swashbuckling adventure heroes Indiana Jones and Rick O'Connell could be teamed up together in a quiet, sensitive, modern-day medical drama? If so, then your sweet, hopeless dreams are about to be fulfilled!
Harrison Ford has already been announced as the star and producer of Crowley, based on the true story of the Crowley family, whose two children suffered from a rare genetic disorder (as Elisabeth R. kindly informed us last June). Ford is set to play a medical researcher, and now Brendan Fraser (AKA Rick O'Connell in Mummy 3: Tomb of the Dragon and other Mummy movies) is apparently ready to play the title role, according to Production Weekly, as reported by Coming Soon.
The movie is based on The Cure, a book by Wall Street Journal writer Geeta Anand. Crowley quit his job and started a biotechnology company so he could find scientists that could help keep his children alive. It sounds like a fascinating story, but, frankly, it's hard to imagine Fraser doing the role justice. The only time he's hinted at deeper reservoirs was in The Quiet American; other than that, it's been almost entirely light comedies and adventures. He just turned 40; will this be his breakout part? Can he surprise us all? Will Harrison Ford blow him off the screen? Look out, residents of Portland, Oregon: Crowley will start filming there in April.
Set Visit: Inkheart
Filed under: Action », Sci-Fi & Fantasy », Fandom », Family Films »
Not too long ago, Cinematical had a chance to travel to London to visit the set of Inkheart over at Shepperton Studios where stars Brendan Fraser, Paul Bettany, Helen Mirren, Eliza Bennett and Andy Serkis were filming a crucial scene in the film -- one that involved fire, magic, a non-CGI'd Serkis and strange-looking evil men. But we'll come back to that in a little bit. Shepperton Studios is made up of several buildings, and unlike the set of The Golden Compass (which we visited the day before), there wasn't much green screen to be found on this flick. Instead, the Inkheart sets were big, bold and quite beautiful -- one of which felt as if you were walking straight onto a village street, with shops and cobblestones and realistic rooftops.
On the side of this set stood the interior of a medieval-looking cathedral, which runs up about two stories and boasts a large staircase at its center. They were still dressing this set, which would be used for one of the final scenes later in the week. During our visit, we would meet with executive producer Diana Pokorny, costume designer Verity Hawkes, legendary production designer John Beard, two animal trainers and, of course, the cast with director Iain Softley (The Skeleton Key, K-PAX, Hackers). For more on the Inkheart set visit, follow us after the jump.
Discuss: With Phoenix Gone, Who Else Should Retire from Acting?
Filed under: Celebrities and Controversy », Fandom », Newsstand »
It's official -- Joaquin Phoenix will grace us no more with his onscreen presence. Judging from the Cinematical poll results, you guys are just as shocked and disappointed by his decision as we are. Considering we lost the talents of Heath Ledger earlier this year, may I beg the movie gods to cut us a break here?
But to make (somewhat) light of an awkward situation, we here at Cinematical thought we'd put this question to you -- who you like to see retire from acting altogether? This summer, I hinted I was rather disappointed in Brendan Fraser, who's semi-retired a few times now. A glance at his IMDB page shows it to be scarce. Maybe he should follow Phoenix's example before there's a Mummy 4 or 5, thereby ruining all my fond memories of his performance in Gods and Monsters.
What about Nicolas Cage? Would you rather he go before he makes Bangkok Dangerous 2? Spends the last bit of his Coen Bros cred in endless National Treasure sequels? What about popular whipping boy, Tom Cruise, who's couch-jumping antics have caused him some box-office pain and negative publicity? Maybe golden boy Shia LeBeouf, who was landing so many roles a t-shirt protest began. Maybe you just can't take another magazine cover with Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie.
Then again, everyone on this list has some incredibly solid roles under their belt -- it's easy to pick on a guy like Cage for some of his choices, until you remember Adaptation. Perhaps you just wish the C-List would go away ... no more movies from Vin Diesel or Paul Walker, not another role from Paris Hilton or Lindsay Lohan. Take it away, Cinematical readers. And remember, this is in good fun, and we mean no disrespect to any of the names above.
But to make (somewhat) light of an awkward situation, we here at Cinematical thought we'd put this question to you -- who you like to see retire from acting altogether? This summer, I hinted I was rather disappointed in Brendan Fraser, who's semi-retired a few times now. A glance at his IMDB page shows it to be scarce. Maybe he should follow Phoenix's example before there's a Mummy 4 or 5, thereby ruining all my fond memories of his performance in Gods and Monsters.
What about Nicolas Cage? Would you rather he go before he makes Bangkok Dangerous 2? Spends the last bit of his Coen Bros cred in endless National Treasure sequels? What about popular whipping boy, Tom Cruise, who's couch-jumping antics have caused him some box-office pain and negative publicity? Maybe golden boy Shia LeBeouf, who was landing so many roles a t-shirt protest began. Maybe you just can't take another magazine cover with Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie.
Then again, everyone on this list has some incredibly solid roles under their belt -- it's easy to pick on a guy like Cage for some of his choices, until you remember Adaptation. Perhaps you just wish the C-List would go away ... no more movies from Vin Diesel or Paul Walker, not another role from Paris Hilton or Lindsay Lohan. Take it away, Cinematical readers. And remember, this is in good fun, and we mean no disrespect to any of the names above.
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