Paul Giamatti

Paul Giamatti, Paul Rudd, and Sally Hawkins to Star in Comedy LUCKY DOG

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: February 9th, 2012 at 12:07 pm

Paul Giamatti, Paul Rudd, and Sally Hawkins are set to lead Phil Morrison‘s comedy Lucky Dog.  Per Deadline, “the story centers on a pair of French-Canadian conmen pals who, despite being on the outs with each other, hatch a get-rich-quick scheme to sell Christmas trees in NY.”  I’m not sure what’s quick about selling Christmas trees, but I’ll go along with it even though I thought Morrison’s previous film, Junebug, was an absolute chore with the exception of Amy Adams‘ performance.  Filming on Lucky Dog begins next month in New York City.

As we reported last month, Giamatti is set to play Friar Lawrence (the guy who cooks up the idiotic fake-death potion) in the period adaptation of Romeo and Juliet.  Rudd is leading Errol Morris‘ non-documentary feature Freezing People Is Easy, and he’ll be seen later this year in the comedies Wanderlust and the Knocked Up spinoff, This Is Forty.  As for Hawkins, she’s co-starring in Mike Newell‘s adaptation of Great Expectations.

THE IDES OF MARCH Blu-ray Review

by Andre Dellamorte    Posted: January 31st, 2012 at 6:00 am

George Clooney’s The Ides of March is exactly what you’d expect from Clooney (as a filmmaker) at this point. It’s smart, smooth, well cast and put together. If there’s a modest hesitation, it’s that it’s a very small movie, and perhaps one that has delusions of profundity. Ryan Gosling stars as a campaign manager for one of the leading presidential contenders (Clooney). But to get the nomination, Gosling finds that he’s embroiled in double crossing by friends and foes alike. Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, Evan Rachel Wood and Jeffery Wright co-star in the film, and our review of The Ides of March on Blu-ray follows after the jump.

SAG Award Winners Announced; THE HELP Wins Best Ensemble, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actress

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: January 29th, 2012 at 7:13 pm

The 2012 Screen Actors Guild Award winners were announced tonight, and The Help took home the top film prize, “Outstanding Performance By A Cast In A Motion Picture”.  The drama also took home awards for Best Actress (Viola Davis) and Best Supporting Actress (Octavia Spencer).  If you think that’s no big deal in terms of affecting the Oscar race, I have one word for you: Crash.  Granted, The Help didn’t even pick up an Oscar nomination for Best Director, but actors make up the largest block of Academy voters (25 percent).  And as we’ve seen, actors really like movies that make us think we’ve defeated racism, which we totally have.  That’s why all African-American actors pull in huge salaries.  Actors like Will Smith and…Will Smith.  I wouldn’t put The Help ahead of The Artist just yet, but Davis and Spencer should now be considered serious contenders in their respective catagories (Spencer is almost at a lock at this point).

Paul Giamatti Joins ROMEO AND JULIET; Martin Freeman and Tim Curry Will Lend Voices to SAVING SANTA

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: January 26th, 2012 at 8:42 am

We’ve got a couple of casting stories for you this morning. First up, Paul Giamatti has joined the cast of Carlo Carlei’s period adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. Production begins in Italy this month, and Variety reports that Giamatti will be playing Friar Lawrence in the strict adaptation. Hailee Steinfeld is onboard as Juliet, while Douglas Booth will play her fair Romeo. The age-appropriate cast also includes Ed Westwick (Gossip Girl) as Tybalt and Kodi Smit-McPhee (Let Me In) as Benvolio. The adaptation was written by Gosford Park and Downton Abbey scribe Julian Fellowes, so we should be in for a good deal of English wordplay (huzzah!). Giamatti will next be seen in the star-studded musical Rock of Ages.

Additionally, Martin Freeman, Tim Curry, and Noel Clarke (Kidulthood) have been set to lend their voices to the animated pic Saving Santa. The film is the first animated effort from Gateway Films (Anuyahood) and Variety reports that the story centers on a clumsy elf who discovers the secret of Santa’s time travel device and sets out on a journey to save Santa’s kingdom after its location is discovered by an evil character. Finally, someone is doing a Santa Claus time travel story. Freeman is currently filming the two-part adaptation of The Hobbit.

Sundance Film Festival Adds PREDISPOSED, JOHN DIES AT THE END, THIS MUST BE THE PLACE, and OSLO AUGUST 31ST; First Images from the Films

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: December 19th, 2011 at 2:25 pm

While earlier this month the line-up for the 2012 Sundance Film Festival was announced, the fest has added four more films to the fest. Predisposed, starring Jesse Eisenberg, Melissa Leo, and Tracy Morgan will screen as part of the Premieres line-up and John Dies at the End starring Paul Giamatti, Chase Williamson, and Rob Mayes has been added to the Park City at Midnight line-up. Additionally, This Must Be the Place starring Sean Penn, Frances McDormand, and Judd Hirsch and Oslo, August 31st starring Anders Danielsen Lie, Hans Olav Brenner, and Ingrid Olava will screen as part of the Spotlight line-up.

Hit the jump to check out the first images from the films as well as a brief synopsis for each. The 2012 Sundance Film Festival runs from January 19 – 29th. Click here for all our coverage.

New Posters for CHRONICLE, COSMOPOLIS and RISE OF THE GUARDIANS

by Dave Trumbore    Posted: December 18th, 2011 at 7:10 pm

With less than two weeks left in 2011, it’s time to set our sights on movies that will be opening in 2012. Since the coming year is releasing a ton of big budget movies that will dominate media coverage, we thought we’d take a moment to highlight some of the lesser known fare that will be gracing the screens over the  next twelve months. We’ve got some new posters that will be a first look at these projects for some of you and a gentle reminder for others. First up is the superhero “found footage” thriller Chronicle by director Josh Trank (The Kill Point). Trank’s cinematic directorial debut features three teenagers who become imbued with superpowers and how those abilities darken their lives. Next, from David Cronenberg (A Dangerous Method) comes Cosmopolis, starring Robert Pattinson (Twilight). The adaptation of the Don DeLillo’s novel by the same name follows a young billionaire (Pattinson) as his limo traverses Manhattan in search of a haircut (not making this up). Finally, the animated Rise of the Guardians, which has the most charming poster in my opinion, is based off of the “Guardians of Childhood” book series by William Joyce and features childhood legends teaming up to take on the Boogeyman. Hit the jump to check out the posters.

First Trailer and Poster for ROCK OF AGES

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: December 13th, 2011 at 11:02 am

Warner Bros. has released the first trailer for the feature adaptation of the Broadway musical Rock of Ages.  The film tells the story of a small town girl (Julianne Hough) who falls in love with a larger-than-life rocker (Tom Cruise) set against the backdrop of the 1980s music scene, featuring songs from the likes of Journey, Foreigner, Styx, and REO Speedwagon.  The gist of the trailer is that if you like 80s rock, you’ll probably like a musical that only features 80s rock and uses it as a basis for the plot.  But there’s also an important lesson:  When sleazy guy played by Paul Giamatti give you a chance at fame, you take him up on his obviously legit offer.

Hit the jump to check out the trailer and poster.  The film also stars Diego Boneta, Alec Baldwin, Russell Brand, Malin Akerman, Bryan Cranston, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Mary J. Blige. Directed by Adam Shankman (Hairspray), Rock of Ages opens on June 1, 2012.

TOP 5: THE AVENGERS, ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT Returns, IN TIME Set Visit, THE IDES OF MARCH and REAL STEEL Interviews

by Jason Barr    Posted: October 8th, 2011 at 11:23 am

In last week’s “Top 5″, I painfully admitted to not having seen either Moneyball or 50/50. Moreover, I put my credentials as “mildly credible film blogger” up as collateral in the case that I hadn’t checked both out by this week. Sadly, I’ll have to forfeit my title as I’ve only managed to catch 50/50 so far. On the bright side, I thought that film was great and is definitely one of my favorites of the year thus far. As for Moneyball, well there’s always this week.

In spite of my lack of mild credibility, I hope you’ll still choose to check out this week’s “Top 5″ where you’ll find new hi-res images from The Avengers, the return of Arrested Development, our In Time set visit coverage, and interviews for George Clooney’s political drama The Ides of March and Shawn Levy’s robot boxing extravaganza Real Steel. Hit the jump for a brief recap and link to each.

THE IDES OF MARCH Review

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: October 7th, 2011 at 6:10 am

[This is a re-print of my review from the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival]

We’re not inherently jaded about politics. You can’t have your idealism torn down if nothing was built in the first place. The 2008 election of Barack Obama promoted that idealism and gave people hope (the giant posters emblazoned with the word “Hope” may have had something to do with it). But we were all deceived when reality came crashing in and The Ides of March lays the blame not on our political system or even our politicians but on us. And when we realize that we can’t do anything larger than ourselves, we begin to think only of ourselves. Director George Clooney (who also co-wrote the screenplay and co-stars in the film) avoids being preachy or heavy-handed, but his light-touch fails to leave a lasting impact.

Paul Giamatti Talks THE IDES OF MARCH, Singing Journey in ROCK OF AGES, Stalking Robert Pattinson in COSMOPOLIS, JOHN DIES AT THE END, and More

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: October 4th, 2011 at 7:28 pm

At this year’s Toronto Film Festival, I was able to speak with Paul Giamatti about starring in director George Clooney’s political drama The Ides of March.  Starring Clooney, Ryan Gosling, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Giamatti, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood and Jeffrey Wright, the pic takes place during the tension-filled moments leading up to an all-important Ohio presidential primary where a press secretary (Gosling) finds himself in the middle of a scandal that could upend his candidates’ (Clooney) shot at winning.  Loaded with great performances and a smart script, The Ides of March is really well done and definitely worth your time.

During the wide ranging interview, Giamatti talked about how he got involved in the project,what kind of research he did, and how the film isn’t heavy handed.  In addition, he talked about playing Tom Cruise’s manager in Rock of Ages and singing Journey, David Cronenberg’s Cosmopolis (where he plays Robert Pattinson’s stalker), John Dies at the End, and reveals that he wants to do a western or a private eye movie.  Hit the jump to watch.

Teaser Trailer for Don Coscarelli’s JOHN DIES AT THE END

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: September 26th, 2011 at 9:16 am

The teaser trailer for the horror comedy John Dies at the End has gone online.  It’s the new flick from Bubba Ho-Tep director Don Coscarelli and it’s got great actors like Paul Giamatti, Clancy Brown, and Doug Jones (who surprisingly is not in make-up) in the cast.  But after watching this teaser trailer, I still have no idea what the movie is about beyond the protagonist tripping balls.  There’s apparently a new intravenous drug with the street name “Soy Sauce” because of its black color, and it causes crazy hallucinations.  I guess it’s tougher to explain than “Old Elvis fights the Mummy”.

Hit the jump to check out the teaser trailer along with the official synopsis, which also doesn’t provide any clarification on the plot.

4 Clips from THE IDES OF MARCH

by Jason Barr    Posted: September 16th, 2011 at 7:56 am

With the political drama The Ides of March getting released in a few weeks, Sony has sent over four clips. Starring director George Clooney, Ryan Gosling, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood and Jeffrey Wright, the pic takes place during the tension-filled moments leading up to an all-important Ohio presidential primary where a press secretary (Gosling) finds himself in the middle of a scandal that could upend his candidates’ (Clooney) shot at winning.

Watch the clips after the jump.  One of Adam’s “Most Anticipated Fall Films,”The Ides of March hits theaters on October 7th.

Watch Test Footage for Producer David Fincher’s THE GOON Film Starring Clancy Brown and Paul Giamatti

by Jason Barr    Posted: September 14th, 2011 at 1:15 pm

The film adaptation of Eric Powell’s Dark Horse Comics series The Goon has been in the works for some time. We covered its panel at the 2010 San Diego Comic-Con, and it had hosted a panel at the event for several years prior to that. With David Fincher producing and names like Clancy Brown and Paul Giamatti attached to lend their voices, you might think that a green light wouldn’t be all that difficult to come across. That said, years later the film is still looking for funding meaning that fans of the character are still waiting to see The Goon come to life on screen. While early test footage may not be exactly what said fans are hoping for, it will have to suffice for the time being. Check out some footage for yourself after the jump and learn the all-important skill of taking out a “Slackjaw” after a night of alcoholic indulgence.

TIFF 2011: THE IDES OF MARCH Review

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: September 9th, 2011 at 3:35 pm

We’re not inherently jaded about politics.  You can’t have your idealism torn down if nothing was built in the first place.  The 2008 election of Barack Obama promoted that idealism and gave people hope (the giant posters emblazoned with the word “Hope” may have had something to do with it).  But we were all deceived when reality came crashing in and The Ides of March lays the blame not on our political system or even our politicians but on us.  And when we realize that we can’t do anything larger than ourselves, we begin to think only of ourselves.  Director George Clooney (who also co-wrote the screenplay and co-stars in the film) avoids being preachy or heavy-handed, but his light-touch fails to leave a lasting impact.

BARNEY’S VERSION Blu-ray Review

by Jake Horowitz    Posted: August 9th, 2011 at 6:35 am

Every so often Hollywood produces a grand-scale film with a sweeping narrative and epic storyline that it becomes destined for greatness. No, not summer blockbusters, like Avatar or The Dark Night, with budgets in the hundreds of millions.  The storylines are not epic in the sense that they make way for explosions and breathtaking action, but rather they follow a simple character, and detail every little aspect of their incredible lives. Like The Cider House Rules, The World According to Garp, Forrest Gump, and countless others, these films often contain Academy Award-winning or nominated performances, and usually a best picture nomination or win. They go on to be considered classics and live on in lists detailing the best films of all time. Barney’s Version is one of these films, and it needs to be one that goes on these lists.

With its release on Blu-ray, Barney’s Version has a chance to become the hit it deserves, and gain the recognition and acclaim that are justified for such a film. If you haven’t yet seen or heard of this movie, check out the review and watch it immediately afterwards. My review of this masterpiece of cinema on Blu-ray after the jump.

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