FredClaus Tagged Articles at Cinematical

A few months ago, I went to dinner with a friend near the beach. A huge burst of noise interrupted our meal, and we walked outside to see what all the fuss was about. Was it a burglary? A riot of some kind? Nope. Turns out it was Stephen Baldwin. Stephen has become a born-again Christian, and he had pulled up to a bar in a van and was preaching the good word to a bunch of drunken college students. It was absolutely insane. The New York Daily News is reporting that Mr. Baldwin spoke with WAWZ (99.1 FM) this morning to discuss the spirituality that brought him to...a van outside a bar... as well as some upcoming acting gigs. I'll tell you about the acting gigs in the next paragraph, but I need to make absolutely certain that you're sitting down.

Alright, here we go. There's no other way to put this, so I'm just going to come out and say it -- Stephen Baldwin is making Bio-Dome 2. Take a deep breath, we'll get through this together. No word on whether this will be a theatrical release (I doubt it), whether Pauly Shore will return (I think it's a safe bet he's available) or why they're making a sequel to a movie that most people can not look directly at. Baldwin also discussed his new Christmas DVD, Midnight Clear, and his own newly launched ministry, called As Salt. (Did no one tell Mr. Baldwin the name of his ministry contains the word "Ass?") He will also appear on NBC's Celebrity Apprentice, which is notable for featuring "celebrities" so off the "A," "B," or even "C" - list, you almost have to add more letters to the alphabet. He can currently be seen in the only clever scene of Fred Claus -- where he appears alongside Hollywood heavyweights Roger Clinton and Frank Stallone.

Bio-Dome 2, friends. The apocalypse is near.

Did you enjoy watching Vince Vaughn in a Christmas setting over the weekend? Well, don't forget, you'll have another chance to see him in a holiday film next year, as the actor is starring with Reese Witherspoon in Four Christmases, due in December 2008. Now, according to Variety, there's an excellent addition to the cast: Robert Duvall. Ah, nothing says obligatory Christmas comedy like Oscar winners slumming it. Well, at least Vaughn could learn a few tips from either Duvall or Witherspoon. More from Duvall, though. In addition to his win for Tender Mercies in 1984, Duvall has been nominated another five times (he's also won four Golden Globes out of six noms) and definitely should have received more noms (my pick: Falling Down). In turn, maybe Vaughn can teach Duvall a little something about light-hearted comedy. The elder actor hasn't done so well in the family film department (even if I enjoyed him immensely in Secondhand Lions and Newsies), and while he can certainly deliver funny performances at times (loved him and his mint julep in Thank You For Smoking), none of those roles could be considered "hilarious" or "broad" comedy.

Considering the plot of Four Christmases, Duvall will probably only get less than a quarter of the movie's screen time. The story follows Vaughn and Witherspoon's young married characters as they attempt to visit all four of their divorced parents on Christmas Day. It's highly likely that Duvall plays one of the fathers. Now, who will play the other parents? Could we get some more prestige, a la Meet the Fockers? If New Line can get three more Oscar winners (to completely flank odd-man Vaughn), then I might actually have to put this film on my next year's wish list. Four Christmases was written by Matt Allen and Caleb Wilson and is being directed by King of Kong's Seth Gordon.

Whether or not you're going to enjoy Fred Claus pretty much boils down to one easy question: Do you like Vince Vaughn? If you find Mr. Vaughn's on-screen fast-talking, swagger-walking good-man-but-bad-boy shtick irritating or tedious, Fred Claus will be as enjoyable as a heaping plate of undercooked salmonella-laced turkey. If you find Mr. Vaughn to be a lively, animated figure who livens up pedestrian material with his mere presence on-screen, you'll find Fred Claus a well-intentioned, family-friendly, big-and-shiny holiday comedy.

And while Fred Claus is hardly a one-person show -- it's got a nice, deep back bench of supporting players that keep things moving along in the right key -- it would be hard to deny that star (and producer) Vaughn is the quarterback of the team. Grafting modern family dynamics psychology onto ancient folklore, Fred Claus opens with the youth of the Claus boys, as young Frederick attends the birth of his new brother Nicolas in an unnamed semi-medieval Euro-style thatched hut home. Nicolas is a lovely baby, and grows to be a kind and gentle child; so kind and gentle, in fact, that Fred can't help but look a little shabby in comparison. We then zoom forward an unspecified number of years, as our narrator explains that the attainment of sainthood freezes you and your whole family in time. Santa is ageless; so is Frederick ...

I'm sure Jerry Seinfeld and the other people involved with his latest film had hoped it would BEE number one (oh God, that joke was a cry for help, please call my parents), but the top spot went to Ridley Scott's American Gangster. Seinfeld and company still can't complain too much about second place as $39 million is hardly chump change. Last week's number one movie Saw IV hung in there as well, shearing the limbs off the competition for the second week. Here are the final numbers:

1. American Gangster: $46.3 million.
2. Bee Movie: $39.1 million.
3. Saw IV: $11 million.
4. Dan in Real Life: $8.1 million.
5. 30 Days of Night: $4 million.
5. The Game Plan: $3.9 million

The holiday box office season is truly upon us with high profile releases and Christmas themed movies hitting theaters. Here's what's coming out on Friday.

Fred Claus
What's It All About: Santa's black sheep brother Fred gets bailed out of prison and comes to the North Pole to help make toys for the Christmas holiday. Vince Vaughn stars as Fred and Paul Giamatti plays Santa.
Why It Might Do Well: The teaser trailer that came out last year with footage that probably isn't even in the movie was hilarious. Vaughn seems to be playing a variation on his characters from Wedding Crashers and Old School, and he was pretty funny in those roles, and I'm dying to see what Giamatti can do as Santa. If nothing else, the sheer number of theaters this one is opening in will put it in the number one spot.
Why It Might Not Do Well: I tend to bristle when Christmas displays start showing up in stores right after Halloween, and I'm probably not the only one. Might it just be too early for Christmas cheer?
Number of Theaters: 3,400
Prediction: $34 million

Lions For Lambs
What's It All About: Tom Cruise plays a Senator on the rise who crosses paths with an idealistic professor played by Robert Redford and a reporter played by Meryl Streep. Redford directs this film, which is the first drama for Cruise in six years.
Why It Might Do Well: A cast this stellar will definitely get people's attention.
Why It Might Not Do Well: Rottentomatoes.com is only giving this a 38% rating, with critics using words like "talky" and "clunky."
Number of Theaters: 2,200
Prediction: $11 million

Ladies and gents, boys and girls (of at least 18 years of age)... it seems like just 13 days ago we were announcing the winner of a trip for two to India for our Darjeeling Limited contest. And we quite enjoyed it. So here we go again: Welcome to another International Edition of Insert Caption. This time we're sending the writer of our favorite caption for the photo below from the new holiday comedy Fred Claus on a trip for four from New York to Finland, courtesy of our friends at Warner Bros. and the Finnish Tourist Board.

As you probably know, the great country of Finland is home to Nokia, the Savonlinna Opera Festival and Renny Harlin. It's also home to Santa Claus (played in the film by Paul Giamatti; Vince Vaughn is his black-sheep brother) and Santa's Village, where the winner of our trip will get to tour during a six-day, five-night stay. While in all likelihood Paul Giamatti will not be there to greet you, Santa will be, and perhaps you'll even be able to whisper a wish into his ear. So give us the funniest, most clever, jolliest caption you've got. The winner will be announced at the launch of our next contest, Wednesday, November 21 @ 4 PM EST Monday, November 26 @ 6 PM EST. Just bookmark this link and come on back. Good luck!

Read the official rules for this contest

Winners from last week's 28 Weeks Later contest:

1. "Oh my God, the dining room window faces New Jersey!"
-- Matthew B.

2. "Catherine knew she would have a small part in this film, but making sure wall didn't fall over wasn't in her job description." -- Joshua B.

3. "Still struggling in her Mime classes, Jill resorts to practicing on a window." -- Anthony G.

See full image and read all captions

I can only imagine what's coming out of Vince Vaughn's mouth as he big-wheels it around Santa's crib. I don't think I've ever seen the man that giddy before. Tis' the season, I suppose. Warner Bros. has provided Cinematical with another one-sheet for Fred Claus (click on the poster for a larger image), a film that's sure to make your naughty and nice list once it arrives in theaters on November 9 (which reminds me -- should I be shopping for Christmas presents yet?). He's already crashed weddings, so it's only fitting that Vince Vaughn crashes the North Pole -- and in the film, he plays Santa's (Paul Giamatti) bitter, annoying older brother who's forced to shack up with the jolly fat man and turn his life into a living hell (only it's cold, because they're up north). But that's what family's for, right? Santa may be 'money,' but it might not seem that way when bro is all up in his business ... and his big-wheels. David Dobkin (Wedding Crashers) directs a cast that also stars Miranda Richardson, Kevin Spacey, Elizabeth Banks, Kathy Bates, Rachel Weisz and Ludacris (as an angry elf). Will Christmas ever be the same again?

If you've always wanted to see a group of ninja elves beat the crap out of Vince Vaughn, you're in luck -- the first theatrical trailer for Fred Claus has just arrived online. And all that fake snow on the ground left me wishing this current humidity attack on NYC would just go away. I type, and I sweat. It's crazy. We recently shared four new teaser posters for Fred Claus (one of which is featured over there to the right), and Jessica wasn't so crazy about the cutesy air-brushed Vince Vaughn vibe to them. Well, the trailer is a tad better. Directed by David Dobkin (The Wedding Crashers), don't expect a slew of raunchy Christmas jokes here. Based on this preview, it looks like they're going right after the kids with a bunch of generic North Pole antics, a slew of midget jokes (half of which were probably already used in Elf) and the story of a family relationship gone sour.

That said, I'm a sucker for Vince Vaughn (even though I feel he continues to play the exact same character in every movie), as well as a sucker for inventive Christmas tales. Just looking at Santa and hearing Paul Giamatti's voice immediately brought a smile to my face. Kevin Spacey also shows up as the business man who's looking to put the kibosh on Christmas (there's always one of those somewhere), Kathy Bates seems to be playing Santa's mom, Miranda Richardson as Mrs. Claus and Elizabeth Banks as the hottie assistant. Hmm, I wonder if she and Fred will eventually wind up together? Oh, and Rachel Weisz is somehow sandwiched in there too, along with everyone's favorite Hollywood whore, Ludacris (don't even get me started on how much I despise that man and his cheesy "Look at me, I'm an awesome actor now" tactics). Bah humbug. Check out the trailer and let us know what you think; Fred Claus will sprinkle Christmas cheer on theaters everywhere beginning November 9.

Let me just start off by saying, I actually really like Vince Vaughn. But for some reason, the airbrushed, "kinder and gentler" Vaughn in the four new posters for the comedy Fred Claus is just creeping me out. The story centers on Vaughn as the no-goodnik brother of the Santa Claus, who tries to mend some familial rifts by helping out with the family business. Paul Giamatti plays the big guy in red, with Vaughn (obviously) as the black sheep in the family. The cast also includes Rachel Weisz, Miranda Richardson, and Kevin Spacey. Claus was directed by The Wedding Crashers', David Dobkin from a script by Dan Fogelman, and this is Dobkin's third film with Vaughn; their working relationship began back in 1998 with the black comedy Clay Pigeons, so they seem to enjoy working with each other.

Claus is set for release on November 9th, sandwiched between a couple of other high-profile family films -- Jerry Seinfield's Bee Movie, and Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium starring Natalie Portman and Dustin Hoffman. Last November, Erik had given us news of the teaser for Claus, and I will admit, it looked like it had the potential to be pretty funny. There were no actual scenes from the film mind you, but the deadpan shtick that Vaughn and Giamatti provided seemed like it might be an antidote to the toothless comedy of most holiday movies. Combined with the solid cast, and Vaughn and Dobkin's track record, I'm thinking maybe this won't be another lame holiday offering. Unfortunately, the elf/ninja joke showcased in one poster also has me thinking otherwise.

If you're like me, you read that headline and immediately thought of What About Bob?, an almost perfect "comedy of the uncomfortable" that starred Bill Murray and a never funnier Richard Dreyfuss. Unfortunately, the new film is not a sequel, but it still sounds promising. The gorgeous and funny Elizabeth Banks will star in and produce What About Barb, a romantic comedy about a socialite who is forced to let her uncouth cousin be her maid of honor in order to have her rich uncle pay for her wedding. The movie will be written by Mark Perez who also wrote the immediately forgettable college comedy Accepted, with Justin Long and Lewis Black.

Banks is busy these days, you'll see her next in Spider-Man 3, she's got a lead role in Fred Claus with Vince Vaughn and Paul Giamatti, and she was recently added to the cast of the Eddie Murphy vehicle Starship Dave. I first took notice of Elizabeth Banks in Wet Hot American Summer, which I consider one of the funniest films ever made. I was smitten at first sight, even when her face was covered in barbecue sauce. She was adorable in her brief role in Catch Me If You Can, hilarious as the secretly kinky Beth in The 40 Year-Old Virgin, and played a difficult part perfectly in the nifty horror/comedy Slither. The article doesn't mention whether she'll be playing the socialite or the "uncouth sister" in Barb, but here's hoping for the sis. I really love Banks as a character actress, and I'd hate to see her off-kilter charms watered down.

I kid you not, a teaser trailer for Fred Claus has just hit the net ... and the film doesn't come out until November 9, 2007. So, while you're watching it, keep in mind the fact that you won't get to see this for another year. One whole year. But that shouldn't take anything away from how funny Paul Giamatti looks as Santa Claus. As far as Vince Vaughn goes, well, you're looking at a typical low life-turned- holiday hero Vaughn performance.

Also, the teaser features no actual scenes from the movie. Instead, it appears they threw Giamatti and Vaughn on a couch and told the two to improvise some shtick. Basically, Vaughn plays Santa's idiotic bum of a brother, Fred, and at some point gets a shot to redeem himself by moving to the North Pole to help the fat bearded guy out with the upcoming holiday season. Also starring in the pic are Rachel Weisz, Kevin Spacey and Elizabeth Banks -- it's also directed by David Dobkin, who was the man behind Wedding Crashers. After taking another look at the pic's supposed release date, is it just me or do you find it hard to take in a cuddly Christmas flick in early November? I mean, do you think the early release of Santa Clause 3 hurt its numbers this past weekend, or was Borat just too tough to beat? It's hard enough to look at Christmas decorations and advertisements immediately after Halloween, but do we have to be force-fed Christmas-themed movies as well?

[via Coming Soon]