Penelope Cruz

Penelope Cruz May Join Michael Fassbender and Javier Bardem in THE COUNSELOR

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: April 19th, 2012 at 1:07 pm

Though production is set to begin soon, director Ridley Scott isn’t finished adding top-shelf talent to his next film, The Counselor.  So far, Michael Fassbender, Javier Bardem, Brad Pitt, and Angelina Jolie are in varying stages of signing on to the drama, and now Oscar winner Penelope Cruz is apparently eyeing a role.  Fassbender is set as the lead in the Cormac McCarthy-scripted project that centers on a respected lawyer who thinks he can dip his toe in the cocaine business without getting sucked down.  He teams up with a rich acquaintance (Bardem) for the new business that also brings in the shady type (Pitt).

Per THR, Cruz would play Fassbender’s love interest in the pic.  There was talk that Jolie was also circling the female lead, but other reports had her pegged for a smaller role given her tight schedule (she shoots Maleficent in June).  No official offer has been extended to Cruz, but she’s already entered talks to the part.  Whatever the case, Scott has already put together a stellar ensemble and I can’t wait to see the finished product.

First Trailer for Woody Allen’s TO ROME WITH LOVE

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: April 3rd, 2012 at 10:29 am

The first trailer for Woody Allen’s To Rome with Love has gone online.  Per the synopsis: “The film is comprised of four separate vignettes and tells the story of a number of people in Italy—some American, some Italian, some residents, some visitors—and the romances and adventures and predicaments they get into.”  The vignette style has its advantages and disadvantages, and I can already tell from the trailer that there will most likely be more than a few stories that could test my patience.  Nevertheless, Allen himself is a standout in this trailer, as is the story involving Jesse Eisenberg, Alec Baldwin and Ellen Page.  The same can’t be said for Penelope Cruz or Robert Benigni‘s stories, both of which veer towards the farcical.  Those looking for a Rome take on Midnight in Paris will be sorely disappointed, as To Rome with Love looks to be much more of a straightforward comedy.  I’m a big fan of Allen’s, so I’m really hoping that his vignette pic delivers.  He’s got an impeccable cast to work with, so fingers crossed.

Hit the jump to watch the trailer.  The film also stars  Judy Davis, Alison Pill, and Greta Gerwig.  To Rome with Love opens on June 22nd.

First Look at Scenes from Woody Allen’s TO ROME WITH LOVE

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: March 23rd, 2012 at 9:26 am

An Italian news segment has provided a glimpse at some of the scenes in Woody Allen‘s To Rome with Love.  Per the synopsis: “The film is comprised of four separate vignettes and tells the story of a number of people in Italy—some American, some Italian, some residents, some visitors—and the romances and adventures and predicaments they get into.”  The movie will be Allen’s first starring role since Scoop, and you can catch a brief moment of him being his familiar neurotic character on an airplane.  There are also a few quick scenes featuring Roberto Benigni and Penelope Cruz.  The Italian reporter is talking over most of the scenes, but if you can’t wait for a new look at the latest Allen film, this is for you.

Hit the jump to check out the news segment.  The film also stars Ellen Page, Jesse Eisenberg, Alec Baldwin, Judy Davis, Alison Pill, and Greta Gerwig.  To Rome with Love opens June 22nd. [Warning: Video autoplays]

10 Images from Woody Allen’s TO ROME WITH LOVE; Full Cast and Soundtrack Listing Announced

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: March 19th, 2012 at 4:27 pm

Earlier today we learned that Woody Allen’s latest film, Nero Fiddled, had been retitled To Rome With Love. Now the first images from the Rome-set pic have gone online. The film is comprised of four separate vignettes and tells the story of a number of people in Italy—some American, some Italian, some residents, some visitors—and the romances and adventures and predicaments they get into. I loved the hell out of Midnight in Paris and Allen taking a vignette approach to Rome is promising, so I’m really looking forward to the pic. Not to mention the stellar cast that includes Allen himself, Alec Baldwin, Roberto Benigni, Penelope Cruz, Judy Davis, Jesse Eisenberg, Alison Pill, Greta Gerwig and Ellen Page.

After the jump you’ll find the first images from the film along with a full cast and soundtrack listing. To Rome With Love opens on June 22nd.

Full List of 2012 Oscar Presenters Includes Christian Bale, Emma Stone, Zach Galifianakis and the Cast of BRIDESMAIDS

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: February 23rd, 2012 at 2:22 pm

We’re only a few short days away from the 84th Academy Awards, which means all that prognosticating and “fake controversy” business will finally come to an end on Monday morning. Until next year, that is. Nevertheless, a number of presenters have been announced over the past few weeks and we figured we’d bring you a full list of all the pretty celebrities scheduled to appear during Sunday night’s telecast. Zach Galifianakis, Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Emma Stone, The Muppets and the leading ladies from Bridesmaids will (hopefully) be bringing the funny, and today the Academy announced that last year’s winners in the acting categories will return to present. I really, really liked the way the awards were given out a few years back with past winners speaking directly to each of the nominees, so I’m hoping Christian Bale, Melissa Leo, Natalie Portman, and Colin Firth will be doing something similar.

Hit the jump to read the full list of presenters and performers, and be sure to check back this weekend to see how yours truly and Matt Goldberg think the awards will stack up in our predictions feature. Billy Crystal hosts the 84th Academy Awards on Sunday, February 26th.

Full Cast for Woody Allen’s Next Film THE BOP DECAMERON Announced, Includes Jesse Eisenberg, Alec Baldwin and Ellen Page

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: June 20th, 2011 at 11:22 am

Midnight in Paris is the best film Woody Allen has made in years. Whimsical, delightful and enchanting, it’s also one of the best times you’ll have at the movies all year. It’s this charm that I’m hoping Allen maintains for his next film The Bop Decameron, for which the full cast was just announced. Allen himself described this next effort as a “broad comedy,” and it’s set to shoot in Rome next month.

The cast for The Bop Decameron includes Allen himself, Alec Baldwin, Roberto Benigni, Penélope Cruz, Judy Davis, Jesse Eisenberg, Greta Gerwig and Ellen Page, with Alison Pill, Alessandra Mastronardi and more set to co-star. Hit the jump to read the full press release, which includes the full cast listing.

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES Review

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: May 19th, 2011 at 2:46 pm

As a fan of the first three Pirates of the Caribbean movies, it’s going to be tough to find a bigger disappointment in 2011 than Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.  While it would be reasonable to expect that the sequel may not be as good as the original trilogy, the extent to which the film misunderstands story, pacing, action scenes, its own history, and its main characters, is mind-boggling.  The film does almost nothing right and it’s a tedious chore that sails through gigantic plotholes, lazy screenwriting, poor characterization, and reduces the scale and creativity of the previous films.  I would rather be cursed by the Aztecs, spend 100 years before the mast serving aboard the Flying Dutchman, and get devoured by a kraken than endure another viewing of On Stranger Tides.

Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Rob Marshall and Jerry Bruckheimer Interview PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES

by Christina Radish    Posted: May 17th, 2011 at 9:47 pm

It’s quite obvious that Johnny Depp loves playing the role of Captain Jack Sparrow, as much as the audience loves seeing him do it. Taking that into consideration, along with the fact that the first three films brought in $2.6 billion worldwide, it’s really no surprise at all that everyone signed on to do Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, opening in theaters on May 20^th.

At the film’s press day, Johnny Depp and co-star Penelope Cruz, who’s new to the franchise, along with director Rob Marshall and producer Jerry Bruckheimer, talked about reigniting the Pirates films, being sure to get the screenplay right before going into production, working in 3D, and where they would like to see things go for Pirates 5 and 6. Depp and Bruckheimer also hinted at what audiences can expect from The Lone Ranger, in which Depp will play Tonto. Check out what they had to say after the jump.

Woody Allen Discusses His Next Film, Return to Acting

by Bill Graham    Posted: May 17th, 2011 at 3:27 pm

Woody Allen may never stop making films. Long after he is dead, I am sure we will still be treated to summer releases of his newest film that was shot, edited, and stored in a vault somewhere. Having just arrived from the opening of Midnight in Paris at the Cannes Film Festival, he decided to round up some New York press and talk about his next untitled film project. Yes, he is promoting his next film before his current one has even released theatrically. Even the casting for the film seems nearly done, with Jesse Eisenberg, Ellen Page, Penelope Cruz, and Alec Baldwin all set to star alongside the recently announced Roberto Benigni and Allen himself. Hit the jump for more on the untitled film’s subject matter, which Allen has described as, “an out-and-out comedy,” and what role he will play.

Casting Call: Penelope Cruz and Emile Hirsch Are TWICE BORN; Jeff Garlin and Mary Lynn Rajskub Join SAFETY NOT GUARANTEED; Three More to SKINNY DIP

by Jackson Cresswell    Posted: May 12th, 2011 at 2:43 pm

We have three bits of casting news to bring you way this afternoon. First up, writer/director Sergio Castellitto (perhaps best-known to American audiences for his role as Miraz in Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian) added a pair of A-list names to his latest project.  According to ScreenDaily, Penelope Cruz and Emile Hirsch have agreed to star in Venuto al Mondo aka Twice Born for our English-speaking readers.  The film, a drama based on a novel, tells the story of a single mother (probably played by Cruz) who brings her son to Saravejo, where his father died fighting in the Bosnian war years ago.  There’s no word yet on what role Hirsch will play, but expect it to be a major one.

Next, and on a more comedic note, Jeff Garlin (Curb Your Enthusiasm) and Mary Lynn Rajskub, whose probably best-known for her role as Chloe on 24 have joined the growing cast of Safety Not Guaranteed, along with lesser-known actors Lynn Shelton, Karan Soni, and Jenica Bergere.  Safety not Guaranteed is based on a true story… well, a true classified ad and tells the story of three reporters investigating an ad seeking a partner for a time traveling mission.  According to the press release, one of the investigators(Aubrey Plaza) develops feelings for the “paranoid but compelling loner.”  Big Beach, the company behind Little Miss Sunshine is producing along with the Duplass Bros.

For our final piece of casting news, hit the jump to learn about Pam Grier, Michael Madsen, and Brigitte Nelson joining Skinny Dip.

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES Premiere Images

by Christina Radish    Posted: May 10th, 2011 at 8:45 pm

In what was surely one of the biggest premieres of all time, Disneyland was shut down on Saturday, May 7^th so that the entire cast of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, including the monkey, could turn out to greet fans and sign autographs. Thousands of park guests showed up starting at midnight to see all of the special guests at the first-ever outdoor film premiere in 3D, which was also a benefit for Boys & Girls Club of America.

Joining Mickey Mouse himself were cast members Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz , Geoffrey Rush, Ian McShane, Sam Claflin, Astrid Bergès-Frisbey, Kevin McNally, Óscar Jaenada, Greg Ellis, Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones, various mermaids and zombies, director Rob Marshall, producer Jerry Bruckheimer, composer Hans Zimmer, book author Tim Powers and Disney Chairman Bob Iger. Other celebs who made appearances on the black carpet were Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Jodie Foster, Desperate Housewives co-stars Teri Hatcher and Eva Longoria, Eliza Dushku with boyfriend Rick Fox, Kirstie Alley with Dancing with the Stars partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Martin Short, rocker Steven Tyler, Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas, Emma Roberts, Andy Garcia, Karl Urban and Steven R. McQueen of The Vampire Diaries, among others. Check out all of the exclusive photos after the jump:

4 Clips and 10 Minutes of Behind-the-Scenes Footage from PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES

by Brendan Bettinger    Posted: May 6th, 2011 at 8:58 am

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, the fourth film in the swashbuckling franchise, hits theater May 20 and darn it if I haven’t missed Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow in his five-year absence.  Disney has provided us four clips from the movie, not to mention 10 minutes of behind-the-scenes footage, to mark his return.  The last clip in particular is a great showcase for that guttural yell of Depp’s, a personal favorite.  The clips also highlight Penelope Cruz and Ian McShane’s introduction to the franchise — McShane is awarded an especially badass entry scene as Blackbeard.  Geoffrey Rush, Sam Claflin, and Astrid Bergès-Frisbey also star in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, directed by Rob Marshall (Nine).  Watch everything after the jump.

Woody Allen to Co-Star in His Next Film alongside Roberto Benigni

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: May 6th, 2011 at 8:35 am

Woody Allen has cast two more actors in his next untitled film.  One actor is a familiar face in Woody Allen’s films: Woody Allen.  Allen hasn’t co-starred in one of his movies since 2006′s Scoop, but he sounds pretty pleased with the decision to join the picture, which he tells USA Today is “comic picture, an out-and-out comedy.”  Also, if you thought you were done with Roberto Benigni, you were wrong because Allen says the Oscar-winning actor is also in the film.  After coming to the attention of mainstream American audiences in Life is Beautiful, Benigni thought it would be a good idea to adapt Pinocchio and then play Pinocchio and that no one would be creeped out by the prospect of a middle-aged man playing a young boy.

Allen and Benigni join previously-announced cast members Jesse Eisenberg, Ellen Page, Penelope Cruz, and Alec Baldwin.  Allen says he’s still casting for the film, which shoots in Rome this summer.  His new film, Midnight in Paris, will open the Cannes Film Festival and hit theaters in the US on May 20th.

Jesse Eisenberg, Ellen Page, and Alec Baldwin Join Penelope Cruz in Untitled Woody Allen Film

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: April 13th, 2011 at 2:28 pm

Jesse Eisenberg, Ellen Page, and Alec Baldwin are joining Penelope Cruz in Woody Allen’s next feature film.  Variety reports that the film is scheduled to shoot in Rome this summer.  As usual, the plot and title are unknown at this point, but I’m willing to bet that if it’s a drama then the story will revolve around morals and murder, and if it’s a comedy there will be a neurotic Allen-surrogate.  The casting of Eisenberg makes me think it’s the latter.

The untitled film will be the first collaboration with Allen for Eisenberg and Page, but it will be a reunion for Cruz and Baldwin.  Cruz previously starred and won an Oscar for her work in 2008′s Vicky Christina Barcelona while Baldwin co-starred in Allen’s 1990 comedy Alice.  Allen’s new film, Midnight in Paris, opens May 20th.

New Posters for PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES and SKATELAND

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: April 8th, 2011 at 12:58 pm

A couple of new posters have been released today. First up, the international poster for Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides has hit the web. It’s pretty much a combination of all the separate character posters that have been released so far, as it puts all the four main characters together on the same poster. The film hits theaters in 3D on May 20^th.

Secondly, a new poster for Skateland has been released. The film, starring Ashley Greene, is set in the 80’s and centers on high schoolers and their local roller skating rink. The film premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festvial. Directed by Anthony Burns, Skateland stars Greene, Shiloh Fernandez, Heath Freeman, Brett Cullen, and Taylor Handley. Hit the jump to check out the posters.

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