Bradley Cooper

Legendary Pictures Scraps Alex Proyas’ PARADISE LOST Starring Bradley Cooper

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: February 9th, 2012 at 12:02 pm

In the climate of budget conscious studios hesitant to gamble money on anything that doesn’t have a “2” in the title, more and more ambitious projects are having trouble crossing the finish line. Universal passed on Guillermo del Toro’s At the Mountains of Madness, Ron Howard and Brian Grazer are struggling to get their blended, multi-part film/TV adaptation of The Dark Tower off the ground, and most recently we saw Warner Bros. put their fantasy pic Arthur & Lancelot on hold in order to work out budget issues.

Now you can add Paradise Lost to the list of blue balled titles, as Legendary has pulled the plug. The ambitious adaptation of John Milton’s classic epic poem was to begin shooting in January, but Legendary decided in December to push production back in order to reduce the budget. Now the studio has scrapped the project all together. Hit the jump for more, including why Legendary backed out.

TOP 5: WATCHMEN Prequel Comics, CHRONICLE Interviews, 16-Bit BREAKING BAD, DR. SEUSS’ THE LORAX, Sundance 2012 Interviews

by Jason Barr    Posted: February 4th, 2012 at 10:33 am

This past week brought us a story that is near and dear to me. While I briefly give my own thoughts regarding DC Comics’ Watchmen prequel comic series after the jump, I want to use the “Top 5′s” opening paragraph space to invite readers to voice/type their own opinions on the announcement in the comments section. As a fervent fan of the series, I’m always interested to hear fellow fans’ take on Watchmen adaptations, prequels, and the like. So, with that said, what do you think? Does the creative talent involved interest you? Is it the best idea ever? The worst? Somewhere in between? Sound off in the comments.

In addition to DC’s Before Watchmen announcement, this installment of the “Top 5″ includes interviews with the cast and director of superhero/found-footage pic Chronicle, a “What If?” look at a 16-Bit Breaking Bad RPG, ten things to know about Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, and Sundance 2012 video interviews with Bradley Cooper, Paul Dano and more. A brief recap and link to each follows after the jump.

Bradley Cooper and Co-Director Brian Klugman Talk THE WORDS, TRON: LEGACY, PARADISE LOST, THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES, and More at Sundance

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: February 3rd, 2012 at 8:53 am

One of the best films I saw at this year’s Sundance Film Festival was writer-director Brian Klugman and Lee Sternthal‘s first feature, The Words. The film stars Bradley Cooper as a writer who, after discovering an extraordinary lost manuscript, passes the work off as his own and receives overwhelming critical acclaim.  Jeremy Irons plays the man who originally wrote the manuscript, and the film weaves multiple narratives to tell the story.  The Words also stars Zoe Saldana, Dennis Quaid, Olivia Wilde, Ben Barnes, and JK Simmons.  CBS Films bought the film after its first screening and they plan to release it later this year.  It’s definitely a film you should be excited to see.  For more on The Words, here’s Matt’s review.

Shortly after seeing the film, I did an extended interview with Bradley Cooper and co-writer-director Brian Klugman.  We talked about being at Sundance, how the project came together and how it changed along the way, deleted scenes, how the two of them became friends (they’ve known each other for decades), karaoke, film versus digital, and a lot more.  In addition, Klugman talked about his early draft of Tron: Legacy, and Cooper talked about what it was like to work on director Derek Cianfrance‘s The Place Beyond the Pines, and the status of Paradise Lost (it’s hopefully filming this June).  Hit the jump to watch.

Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence to Star in Adaptation of Timber Empire-Thriller SERENA

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: January 30th, 2012 at 2:10 pm

Two of the hardest working actors today are set to retunite once more. Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, who recently wrapped David O. Russell’s The Silver Linings Playbook, are apparently set to star in an adaptation of Ron Rash’s novel Serena. Set in 1930s North Carolina, the story centers on a couple who move in order to build a timber empire. Their vicious, blind ambition turns them against each other as the sterile wife launches a vendetta against her husband’s illegitimate son. It’s incredibly heavy stuff, and should provide some fantastic material for the two actors.

Darren Aronofsky was previously attached to direct the project with Angelina Jolie in the starring role, but now Vulture reports that In a Better World director Susanne Bier is attached to helm. It’s refreshing that Cooper and Lawrence, who have had their fair share of commercial success, are still willing to do more dramatic, challenging material. The film is expected to be the next project for the busy Cooper, who is also expected to film Paradise Lost and The Hangover 3 this year. As for Lawrence, she heads back into training for The Hunger Games sequel Catching Fire this July. Hit the jump to read a synopsis for Serena.

Sundance 2012: THE WORDS Review

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: January 27th, 2012 at 6:18 pm

If we give a piece of our lives and our souls to our art, then plagiarism is murder.  Just as murder steals a life, the theft of another person’s personal creative expression is akin to killing part of another’s soul.  But plagiarism also leaves a mark upon the thief.  It reveals their limitations, and a self-recognition that their art will never be as full or as rich as another’s.  The Words explores how this theft goes far beyond fame and fortune, and how our lives are no longer our own when we take credit for another’s work.  Writer-directors Brian Klugman and Lee Sternthal have pulled together a strong script, rich performances, and an incredible score to craft a compelling and captivating film full of deception, remorse, and guilt.

Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis Near Big Salary Deals for THE HANGOVER 3; May Start Production This Summer

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: January 25th, 2012 at 9:40 am

It appears The Hangover 3 is inevitable. Shortly after the release of the disappointing The Hangover Part II, director Todd Phillips promised a second sequel that would complete the trilogy. Now, after a long negotiation period, the film’s stars Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis are close to landing a major pay raise to reprise their roles. The trio are apparently asking for $15 million each (against backend), which is a steep increase from the $5 million each (plus backend) for The Hangover Part II, and under $1 million they received for the first film in the comedy franchise. Hit the jump for more, including how soon The Hangover 3 may hit theaters.

New Images from THE WORDS Starring Bradley Cooper, Zoë Saldana, Olivia Wilde and Ben Barnes; Premieres at Sundance

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: January 9th, 2012 at 2:59 pm

A few new images and and a synopsis for the drama The Words have been released. The film stars Bradley Cooper as a writer who, after discovering an extraordinary lost manuscript, passes the work off as his own and receives overwhelming critical acclaim.  Jeremy Irons plays the man who originally wrote the manuscript, and the film weaves multiple narratives to tell the story of how “one man’s lost legacy holds the life of another man captive.” The Words was written by, and marks the directorial debut of, Tron: Legacy scribes Brian Klugman and Lee Sternthal, and features a pretty impressive cast that includes Zoe Saldana, Dennis Quaid, Olivia Wilde, Ben Barnes, and JK Simmons. Hit the jump to check out the images as well as the synopsis. The film will premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, which runs from January 19 – 29.

THE HANGOVER PART II Blu-ray Review

by Andre Dellamorte    Posted: December 10th, 2011 at 6:23 am

The Hangover Part II was inevitable in our current modern cinema. No film can gross over $250 Million domestic and not have a sequel, and the first Hangover was not only hugely profitable, but a cultural phenomenon that made movies stars out of Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis and Bradley Cooper. But where sequels for genre films tend to advance their characters and tell a different story in a sequel, comedies both have to but can’t totally repeat themselves. That was director Todd Phillips’s biggest challenge with this movie, and the main angle was taking the characters to Bangkok – which makes Vegas look relatively benign – for much of the same results. Our review of the Blu-ray of The Hangover Part II follows after the jump.

Bradley Cooper Says THE HANGOVER PART III Starts Filming in September; Story Will Take Place in Los Angeles

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: December 5th, 2011 at 11:47 am

When The Hangover Part II was released back in May, director Todd Phillips told Steve that The Hangover: Part III “would very much a finale and an ending,” and that the story wasn’t “in the same template you’ve seen these movies.”  Putting aside the criticism that they shouldn’t have reused the template for Part II in the first place, it’s good to know that the finale will try something new.  Bradley Cooper was recently on The Graham Norton Show and confirmed Phillips’ previous statements.  He also provided some new details on the upcoming sequel.  Hit the jump for more.

David O. Russell’s THE SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK Set for November 21, 2012

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: November 16th, 2011 at 9:16 am

The Weinstein Company has set the release date of David O. Russell‘s The Silver Linings Playbook for November 21, 2012.  Based on the novel by Matthew Quick, the movie centers on a former high school teacher (Bradley Cooper) who returns home after four years in a mental institution to live with his mother (Jackie Weaver) and win back the affection of his estranged wife.  The movie also stars Jennifer Lawrence, Chris Tucker, Julia Stiles, and Robert De Niro.  Silver Linings sounds like it could be awards material and now TWC can put “From the Oscar-nominated Director of The Fighter” on the poster.

The Weinsteins will probably take Silver Linings out for a spin on the awards circuit before its November 21st release.  Of course, the Thanksgiving Day weekend is always crowded and so far the date also belongs to Alfonso Cuaron‘s sci-fi drama Gravity, the family comedy Parental Guidance, the Keanu Reeves‘ action-adventure 47 Ronin, and the animated film Rise of the Guardians.  Hit the jump for a synopsis of The Silver Linings Playbook. [Release date via Box Office Mojo]

Channing Tatum Eyed for Steven Soderbergh’s THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E.

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: November 14th, 2011 at 5:14 pm

Director Steven Soderbergh is having trouble finding his man for The Man from U.N.C.L.E. First star George Clooney bowed out over concerns that the stunts might aggravate his spinal injury. Then both Matt Damon and Johnny Depp passed. It looked as if he’d finally zeroed in on his lead as he offered the part to Bradley Cooper, but a deal never finalized there. Now Deadline reports that Soderbergh is eyeing Channing Tatum for the lead. It’s not incredibly out of left field, as Tatum recently starred in Soderbergh’s Magic Mike, based on Tatum’s days as a male stripper. An offer hasn’t been made yet, but if one does materialize I’d be surprised if Tatum passed.

Tatum isn’t a bad choice, as he’s proved himself to be an adequate actor in his own right. Judging by the 21 Jump Street trailer, he’s got some comedy chops as well. He’s currently in talks to play Olympic wrestler Dave Schultz in Bennett Miller’s drama Foxcatcher, and he’ll next be seen in Soderbergh’s Haywire which opens in January. Soderbergh plans to shoot The Man from U.N.C.L.E. next year before moving on to his Liberace biopic The Man Behind the Candelabra.

THE PROPOSAL Director to Helm THE FIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS for Producer Shawn Levy

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: November 14th, 2011 at 4:11 pm

Director Anne Fletcher (The Proposal) has been tapped to direct the family-centered comedy The Fight Before Christmas. The pic, which was scripted by Adam Sztykiel (Due Date) is being produced by Shawn Levy. Variety reports that while no casting decisions have been made, they’re considering a number of actors. Chief among the thespians being considered is Bradley Cooper, who is apparently circling the project (as well as every other movie currently in development). No specific plot details are given other than it’s a “family-centered comedy”, though we can safely assume the pic takes place during the holidays.

I wasn’t the biggest fan of The Proposal, and Due Date was a bit of a misfire, so I don’t have the highest of hopes for this one. Fletcher recently helmed the comedy My Mother’s Curse starring Seth Rogen and Barbara Streisand, which is set to hit theaters November 2012.

First Images and Synopsis from David O. Russell’s THE SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK Starring Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: November 4th, 2011 at 11:11 am

 

Straight out of the American Film Market, we’ve got the first images and synopsis for director David O. Russell’s The Fighter follow-up, The Silver Linings Playbook. Based on the novel by Matthew Quick, the film tells the story of a former high school teacher (Bradley Cooper) who returns home after four years in a mental institution to live with his mother (Jackie Weaver) and win back the affection of his estranged wife. The great cast also includes Jennifer Lawrence, Julia Stiles, Chris Tucker, and Robert De Niro. Russell has a knack for off-center material, and I’m looking forward to see what he’s cooked up here. Hit the jump to check out the images and synopsis.

UPDATE: We’ve been asked by the studio to take down the images. Sorry if you missed them

First Image from THE WORDS Starring Bradley Cooper and Zoe Saldana

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: October 31st, 2011 at 12:58 pm

The first image from the drama The Words has been released. The film stars Bradley Cooper as “a writer who, at the peak of his literary success, discovers the price he must pay for stealing another man’s work.” The other man in question is played by Jeremy Irons, but really not much else is known about the project at this time. The image shows Cooper in the sweet embrace of co-star Zoe Saldana, probably distraught over his thievery. The Words was written by, and marks the directorial debut of, Tron: Legacy scribes Brian Klugman and Lee Sternthal, and features a pretty impressive cast that includes Dennis Quaid, Olivia Wilde, Ben Barnes, and JK Simmons. Hit the jump to check out the image.

Dax Shepard, Kristen Bell, and Bradley Cooper to Star in OUTRUN

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: October 28th, 2011 at 3:46 pm

Exclusive Media Group has acquired worldwide rights to the comedy Outrun. The “high-octane, action romantic comedy” was written by Dax Shepard, who will also star in and co-direct the film with David Palmer. Joining Shepard in the cast is Kristen Bell, Bradley Cooper, Tom Arnold, Kristin Chenoweth, Beau Bridges, David Koechner, Joy Bryant (Parenthood), and Ryan Hansen (Party Down). The film centers on an ex-getaway driver (Shepard) who exits the Witness Protection program to drive his pretty girlfriend (Bell) to Los Angeles so that she can land her dream job. The authorities and his former gang (led by Cooper) get wind of his reappearance and set out to chase him down. This isn’t Shepard’s first time behind the camera, as he also co-directed 2010’s Brothers Justice with Palmer.

This is a pretty great cast here, and I can see them having fun with the silly premise. I’m actually surprised Cooper is fitting the film into his schedule, as he’s quite the busy guy at the moment. He’s currently filming David O. Russell’s The Silver Linings Playbook, and he’s set to move on to Alex Proyas’ Paradise Lost next, followed by Steven Soderbergh’s The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Shepard has actually proved himself to be a solid dramatic actor on NBC’s vastly underrated Parenthood. The show comes from Friday Night Lights’ Jason Katims and if you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend you check it out. Hit the jump for the full press release regarding Outrun.

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