Interview

Emmanuelle Chriqui Talks TRON: UPRISING, Her Role in THE MENTALIST, and Status of the ENTOURAGE Movie

by Christina Radish    Posted: May 25th, 2012 at 8:28 am

The animated series TRON: Uprising, debuting with a special preview on the Disney Channel on May 18^th before premiering on Disney XD on June 7^th, takes place after the 1982 feature film and before the events in TRON: Legacy. Produced in CG animation with a 2D aesthetic, the series follows the heroic journey of a new character named Beck (voiced by Elijah Wood), a young program who becomes the unlikely leader of a revolution inside the computer world of The Grid.  You can watch the first episode here.

At the press day for this highly anticipated new show, actress Emmanuelle Chriqui, who voices Paige, General Tesler’s (voiced by Lance Henriksen) confident and polished field commander, talked about how blown away she was by the look of the entire series, having been familiar with the original TRON film, what attracted her to the role, how Paige is much more than just a villain, the process of building the character’s persona, and what she enjoys about voice-over work. She also talked about how she’d love to do a live-action action movie, what she looks for in a role, playing a recurring character on the CBS drama series The Mentalist, and the current status of the Entourage movie. Check out what she had to say after the jump:

Omari Hardwick SPARKLE On-Set Interview

by Heather Warburton    Posted: May 24th, 2012 at 10:20 am

In visiting the set of Sparkle, the music-centered film set in 1960s Detroit, one of the more interesting conversations took place with Omari Hardwick. The actor plays Levi, a member of the church’s choir and friend to the sisters who start a girl group similar to The Supremes. Hardwick, who’s previously been seen in Kick-Ass, The A-Team, and For Colored Girls, has a fascinating backstory, having almost played for the San Diego Chargers and being an active poet. In my conversation along with other journalists on set in November, Hardwick generously discusses how he prepares as an actor, the challenges in doing press for films, and how he bonded with his fellow cast mates. Speaking before her death, he comments on working with Whitney Houston, giving light to a less-readily seen side of her, while speaking about her with great reverie. Our time spent with Hardwick was quite absorbing; his candor and sense of understanding of the balance between his craft and the industry around him is reflective and unguarded.  Hit the jump for the full interview and here’s my set visit.

Daniel Radcliffe Talks THE WOMAN IN BLACK, HARRY POTTER 3D Re-Releases, KILL YOUR DARLINGS, and Wanting to Play The Flash

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: May 23rd, 2012 at 10:32 am

One of this year’s box office surprises was the thriller The Woman in Black.  Starring Daniel Radcliffe in his first major role following Harry Potter, the Gothic horror tale was based off of a 1983 novel by Susan Hill and made over $125 million at the worldwide box office.  In fact, the film was such a success that Hammer, Alliance Films, Cross Creek Pictures and author Hill are teaming up for a follow-up entitled The Woman in Black: Angels of Death. The film will be set 40 years after the events of the first film, and will follow a new couple’s experience in the same eerie house.  For more on The Woman in Black, here’s all our previous coverage which includes trailers, images, featurettes and clips.

With the film hitting Blu-ray and DVD this week, I recently did an exclusive phone interview with Radcliffe.  We talked about the success of the film and if he was relieved that he could open a film that didn’t have the words “Harry Potter” in the title, what he thought worked really well in the film and if there was something he wished he could redo, how many takes he likes to do, and more.  In addition, we talked about his thoughts on Warner Bros. eventually re-releasing the entire Harry Potter series in 3D, the drama Kill Your Darlings (in which he plays poet Allen Ginsberg), his criteria for picking future roles, and whether there’s a comic book role he’d like to play (The Flash).  Hit the jump to either read or listen to the interview.

Director Philip Kaufman Talks HEMINGWAY & GELLHORN Starring Clive Owen and Nicole Kidman

by Christina Radish    Posted: May 22nd, 2012 at 2:28 pm

Hemingway & Gellhorn – premiering on HBO on May 28^th and directed by Philip Kaufman (The Unbearable Lightness of Being, The Right Stuff, Henry & June) from a script by Jerry Stahl and Barbara Turner – recounts the passionate love affair and tumultuous marriage of literary master Ernest Hemingway (Clive Owen) and trailblazing war correspondent Martha Gellhorn (Nicole Kidman), following their relationship through the Spanish Civil War and beyond.  As the two witnessed history, they covered all the great conflicts of their time, but just couldn’t overcome their own conflicts at home.  The film also stars David Strathairn, Molly Parker, Rodrigo Santoro, Parker Posey, Lars Ulrich, Santiago Cabrera, Saverio Guerra, Peter Coyote, Diane Baker, Joan Chen and Tony Shalhoub.

During this exclusive interview with Collider, accomplished filmmaker and multiple Academy Award nominee Philip Kaufman (whose writing credits include Raiders of the Lost Ark) talked about how this film was brought to him, making his first feature for television, how Nicole Kidman and Clive Owen came to the project, his decision to intersperse black and white and color footage throughout the film, and shooting entirely in San Francisco, which doubled for seven different countries.  He also talked about how he’s currently developing a number of projects, but doesn’t know which one he’ll do next.  Check out what he had to say after the jump:

Chris Hemsworth Talks SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN, a Spinoff for His Character, Being Punched by Kristen Stewart & More

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: May 20th, 2012 at 7:31 pm

Though many were beleaguered by the fact that two Snow White movies were slated to open in 2012, the first trailer for Snow White and the Huntsman clued us in that director Rupert Sanders had crafted a very different take on the Snow White story than most were expecting.  The dark and epic iteration of the famous fairy tale landed on our list of the most anticipated films of the year, and the impressive cast of Charlize Theron, Chris Hemsworth, and Kristen Stewart only adds to the film’s appeal.

I recently got the chance to speak with Hemsworth about the film alongside a small group of journalists via a Google+ Hangout video interview while the actor was in London doing press.  Hemsworth talked about pulling from Harrison Ford’s performances as Indiana Jones and Han Solo for the Huntsman character, what drew him to the project, being punched by co-star Stewart, the success of The Avengers and much more.  He also talked a bit about a rumored sequel/prequel/spinoff for his Huntsman character that may or may not come to fruition.  Hit the jump to watch the interview.

Director Eduardo Sánchez Talks LOVELY MOLLY, His Bigfoot Movie EXISTS, and His Horror-Comedy Script LABOR DAY

by Christina Radish    Posted: May 20th, 2012 at 3:31 pm

In the horror thriller Lovely Molly, a happy newlywed named Molly (Gretchen Lodge) returns to her long-abandoned family home with her new husband (Johnny Lewis), only to find frightful reminders of a nightmarish childhood. Not long after arriving, she begins a descent into an evil that blurs the lines between psychosis and possession, threatening everyone she comes into contact with.

During this exclusive phone interview with Collider, director Eduardo Sanchez talked about how the idea for the film came about, the importance of not clearly defining whether Molly is disturbed or possessed, working in such a creepy house, and finding the perfect actress to carry such an intense and emotional role. He also talked about finally getting to fulfill his dream of making a Bigfoot movie (it’s called Exists), making his first found footage movie since The Blair Witch Project, and his desire to do a weird and wacky comedy. Check out what he had to say after the jump:

Paul Reubens Talks TRON: UPRISING and the New Judd Apatow-produced PEE-WEE HERMAN Movie

by Christina Radish    Posted: May 20th, 2012 at 2:45 pm

The animated series TRON: Uprising, premiering on Disney XD on June 7^th, takes place after the 1982 feature film and before the events in TRON: Legacy. Produced in CG animation with a 2D aesthetic, the series follows the heroic journey of a new character named Beck (voiced by Elijah Wood), a young program who becomes the unlikely leader of a revolution inside the computer world of The Grid.  You can watch the first episode here.

At the press day for this highly anticipated new show, actor Paul Reubens, who voices Pavel, General Tesler’s (voiced by Lance Henriksen) untrustworthy base commander who will do whatever it takes to get ahead, talked about finding the voice for the character, playing a villain, and how he had a toy from the original TRON movie.  He also gave an update on the status of the next Pee-Wee Herman movie (produced by Judd Apatow), and his love of reality television, even alluding to the fact that he might be developing his own reality show.  Check out what he had to say after the jump:

Creator David Shore Talks HOUSE Series Finale, the Show’s Legacy, and Ending on a Bittersweet Note

by Christina Radish    Posted: May 19th, 2012 at 12:32 pm

After eight seasons, the hit Fox drama House comes to an end with its series finale on May 21^st. Following a one-hour retrospective special that will look back at this groundbreaking series and feature interviews with the series’ stars and producers, the emotional series finale, directed by series creator/executive producer David Shore, with find the team treating a drug addict patient (guest star James LeGros) that results in Dr. Gregory House (Hugh Laurie) examining his life, his future and his own personal demons.

During this recent interview to reflect on the end of the popular TV show, David Shore talked about what he’d most like the show to be remembered for, how fans of the series can expect a bittersweet ending, why the House/Wilson friendship has endured, the biggest surprises of the show’s success, how proud he is of what they accomplished over eight seasons, what it was like to direct the final episode, and that he never had an endgame planned out from the beginning, but that things never veered too far off of his original vision. He also talked about his plan to continue in television and develop something new, and that he is looking forward to exploring new characters, new ideas and a new setting. Check out what he had to say after the jump, and be aware that there are some spoilers.

Gretchen Lodge LOVELY MOLLY Interview

by Christina Radish    Posted: May 19th, 2012 at 8:15 am

In the horror thriller Lovely Molly, a happy newlywed named Molly (Gretchen Lodge) returns to her long-abandoned family home with her new husband (Johnny Lewis), only to find frightful reminders of a nightmarish childhood.  Not long after arriving, she begins a descent into an evil that blurs the lines between psychosis and possession, threatening everyone she comes into contact with.

During this recent exclusive phone interview with Collider, actress Gretchen Lodge talked about the appeal of such creepy material, collaborating with director Eduardo Sanchez, developing her own backstory and personal diary for the character, baring herself both emotionally and literally, working in a house with such a long history, and what she wanted to do to shake off the role, as soon as filming wrapped.  She also talked about what she’d like to do next, and writing two of her own scripts – one dark and one lighter and funnier.  Check out what she had to say after the jump:

Anna Kendrick Talks WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING, GET A JOB, END OF WATCH, and Her Desire to Play More Stoners

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: May 18th, 2012 at 12:34 pm

Opening this weekend is director Kirk Jones’ What to Expect When You’re Expecting. The star-studded ensemble comedy tells the intertwining story of five couples that are having very different experiences while expecting babies.  The cast also includes Anna Kendrick, Cameron Diaz, Dennis Quaid, Jennifer Lopez, Rodrigo Santoro, Joe Manganiello, Chace Crawford, Matthew Morrison, Brooklyn Decker, Thomas Lennon, and Wendy McLendon-Covey.  For more on the film, here’s the trailer and a TV spot.

At the recent Los Angeles press day I was able to speak with Anna Kendrick twice.  The first time was a video interview alongside Chace Crawford (click here if you missed it), and the second time was a more in depth interview with just her.  During our wide ranging conversation we talked about what she collects, how she made seven movies last year, what it was like to film What to Expect When You’re Expecting with such a huge cast, upcoming films like Get a Job, End of Watch, and a lot more.  Hit the jump for more.

Mandy Moore Talks TRON: UPRISING and Potential for a TANGLED Sequel

by Christina Radish    Posted: May 17th, 2012 at 12:31 pm

The animated series TRON: Uprising, debuting with a special preview on the Disney Channel on May 18^th before premiering on Disney XD on June 7^th, takes place after the 1982 feature film and before the events in TRON: Legacy. Produced in CG animation with a 2D aesthetic, the series follows the heroic journey of a new character named Beck (voiced by Elijah Wood), a young program who becomes the unlikely leader of a revolution inside the computer world of The Grid.  You can watch the first episode here.

At the press day for this highly anticipated new show, actress/singer Mandy Moore, who voices Mara, the lone voice of reason and Beck’s loyal best friend and fellow mechanic, talked about how her character fits into the TRON universe, what she thought when she saw how her character would look, what a big TRON fan her husband (singer/songwriter Ryan Adams) is, how excited she is about how cool the show has turned out, and that she’s more of a girl’s girl than her tomboy character. She also talked about writing songs for a new album, doing voice-over work and singing on another Disney animated show, called Sheriff Callie’s Wild West (for Disney Junior), what she looks for in a role now, and that she would definitely be up for a Tangled sequel. Check out what she had to say after the jump:

Kevin Costner Talks HATFIELDS & McCOYS, Dramatic License in a Historical Tale, and Future Projects

by Christina Radish    Posted: May 16th, 2012 at 11:24 pm

Hatfields & McCoys is a three-night, six-hour epic event – airing on HISTORY on May 28^th, 29^th and 30^th – that tells the true American story of a legendary family feud that spanned decades and nearly launched a war between Kentucky and West Virginia. Devil Anse Hatfield (Academy Award winner Kevin Costner) and Randall McCoy (Bill Paxton) were close friends and comrades until near the end of the Civil War, when they returned to their neighboring homes and resentments soon exploded between the families. As retaliations grew and more and more family members were horrifically murdered, the feud made international headlines, changing the families and the history of the region forever.

During this recent interview to promote the mini-series, actor Kevin Costner talked about how he got involved with the project, his personal interest in American history, the extent of the research he did, how much he enjoyed working with this ensemble of actors, finding the right hat to embody the character, shooting such an American story in Romania, reuniting with his Waterworld and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves director Kevin Reynolds for the project, and determining how much dramatic license you can take when telling a historical tale. He also talked about the eight-hour Western he would like to direct, and the characters that are closest to his heart. Check out what he had to say after the jump:

Taylor Kitsch, Alexander Skarsgard and Brooklyn Decker Talks BATTLESHIP, Improv, Sci-Fi, Chicken Burritos and More

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: May 16th, 2012 at 2:41 pm

Opening this Friday is director Peter Berg’s adaptation of the board game Battleship.  The action-adventure pic takes place on the seas and centers on a group of Naval officers who must fight to keep an alien force from destroying our world.  Taylor Kitsch leads a cast that includes Alexander Skarsgard, Brooklyn Decker, Rihanna, and Liam Neeson.

Our partners at Omelete recently got the chance to speak with Kitsch, Skarsgard, and Decker about the film, and the actors addressed the pic’s Pearl Harbor connection, Berg’s improvisational directing style, sci-fi, chicken burritos and more.  If you missed our interview with Berg, click here.  Hit the jump to watch the interview with Kitsch, Skarsgard and Decker, but be advised that there are minor spoilers for the film.

Writer/Director/Star Maiwenn Talks POLISSE and the Real-Life Cases That Inspired the Story

by Sheila Roberts    Posted: May 16th, 2012 at 2:27 pm

Basing her richly textured script on real child investigation cases, co-writer/director/co-star Maiwenn has gathered an accomplished ensemble cast of French actors—including Karin Viard, Marina Fois, co-writer Emmanuelle Bercot, Nicolas Duvauchelle, and rapper-turned-actor Joeystarr—who convey the emotional strain of the Parisian police Child Protection Unit’s work with gritty realism. With each new case, confession and interrogation, the tightly knit team of men and women face an uphill battle against both criminals and bureaucracy in this sharply written and well acted crime drama.

We sat down with Maiwenn at a roundtable interview to talk about Polisse which won the Jury Prize at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival, was nominated for 15 Cesar Awards (including two wins), and was seen most recently at the Tribeca Film Festival. She told us how she researched her story to construct an engrossing narrative based on real events, how she handled the delicate scenes involving children to elicit some very naturalistic performances, and why she decided to play a supporting role in the film. The actress, screenwriter and director also discussed how she discovered during the editing process that working within the constraints imposed upon her by la DDASS, France’s equivalent to the U.S.’s Child Welfare Services, led to one of the film’s most riveting scenes.  Read the interview after the jump.

Elijah Wood Talks TRON: UPRISING, Returning to Middle Earth for THE HOBBIT, and Season 2 of WILFRED

by Christina Radish    Posted: May 16th, 2012 at 1:11 am

The animated series TRON: Uprising, debuting with a special preview on the Disney Channel on May 18^th before premiering on its regular night on Disney XD on June 7^th, takes place after the 1982 feature film and before the events in TRON: Legacy. Produced in CG animation with a 2D aesthetic, the series follows the heroic journey of a new character named Beck (voiced by Elijah Wood), a young program who becomes the unlikely leader of a revolution inside the computer world of The Grid.  You can watch the first episode here.

At the press day for this highly anticipated new show, actor Elijah Wood talked about how excited he was to be a part of this show, what he thinks of his animated self, how much fun he has doing voice-over work, determining the voice for the character, and what Charlie Bean was like, as a director.  He also talked about the strange fan encounters he’s had, his experience at Comic-Con, collecting action figures, what he looks for in a role these days, what attracted him to Grand Piano, returning to New Zealand for The Hobbit, and what fans can expect from Season 2 of his FX comedy series, Wilfred.  Check out what he had to say after the jump:

Copyright ©2005 - 2012. All Rights Reserved. California web design