Ruben Fleischer

First Look at Sean Penn and Josh Brolin in GANGSTER SQUAD; Director Ruben Fleischer Reveals Story Details

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: December 9th, 2011 at 9:42 am

One of my most anticipated films of 2012 is director Ruben Fleischer’s (Zombieland) 1940s crime thriller Gangster Squad, and today a pretty cool image has surfaced: stars Sean Penn and Josh Brolin squaring off. Penn plays gangster Mickey Cohen, and the film centers on the Los Angeles task force assembled to bring him to justice. Brolin plays the head of the so-called “Gangster Squad”, surrounded by an impressive ensemble that includes Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Nick Nolte, Michael Peña, Anthony Mackie, and Giovanni Ribisi.

Fleischer recently spoke at length about the project, and you can see what he had to say along with the new image after the jump. Gangster Squad opens October 19th, 2012.

Warner Bros. Sets GANGSTER SQUAD for October 19, 2012

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: September 28th, 2011 at 1:25 pm

It looks like Warner Bros. believes it has an awards contender on its hands with Ruben Fleischer’s Gangster Squad.  According to Box Office Mojo, the studio has set the 1940s crime thriller for October 19, 2012.  The film is based on the true story of an Los Angeles Police Department task force whose mission was to bring down notorious mobster Mickey Cohen (Sean Penn).  The impressive cast also features Josh Brolin, Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Nick Nolte, Michael Peña, Anthony Mackie, Mireille Enos, Holt McCallany, Robert Patrick, and Giovanni Ribisi.

The other films that currently hold the 10/19/12 date are the romantic comedy The Big Wedding starring Robert De Niro and Katherine Heigl (hoo-boy) and an untitled project from Sopranos creator David Chase.

First Set Photos of Ryan Gosling and Josh Brolin in GANGSTER SQUAD

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: September 16th, 2011 at 8:09 am

The first set photos from director Ruben Fleischer’s (Zombieland) period crime drama Gangster Squad have hit the net. While they aren’t really images of any scenes being shot, we do get our first look at Ryan Gosling and Josh Brolin in their period garb. The film takes place in 1940’s Los Angeles, where the police force has been corrupted by notorious gangster Mickey Cohen (Sean Penn). A group of cops not under Cohen’s grasp put together a task force known as the “Gangster Squad” in order to take their city back. The all-star cast includes Gosling, Josh Brolin, Emma Stone, Michael Peña, Nick Nolte, Anthony Mackie, Mireille Enos, Holt McCallany, Robert Patrick, and Giovanni Ribisi.

Hit the jump to see the set photos. Gangster Squad is currently in production in L.A.

Nick Nolte Joins GANGSTER SQUAD

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: August 29th, 2011 at 9:20 am

The cast of Ruben Fleischer’s crime drama Gangster Squad continues to expand its well-respected cast and the latest actor to join the squad is Nick Nolte.  According to Deadline, Nolte will play 1940s Los Angeles’ new chief of police.  The new chief hasn’t been corrupted by gangster Mickey Cohen (Sean Penn) and puts together the eponymous task force.  The film also stars Josh Brolin, Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Michael Peña, Anthony Mackie, Mireille Enos, Holt McCallany, Robert Patrick, and Giovanni Ribisi.

Nolte recently wrapped filming on Taylor Hackford’s Parker starring Jason Statham and earlier this month signed on to co-star in Robert Redford’s The Company You Keep.  He’ll be seen in theaters next Friday in the MMA drama Warrior where he gives a strong supporting performance as the estranged father of the lead characters.

Exclusive: Director Ruben Fleischer Talks 30 MINUTES OR LESS, GANGSTER SQUAD and More

by Hunter Daniels    Posted: August 12th, 2011 at 11:58 pm

Coming to theaters August 12th is Ruben Fleischer’s 30 Minutes or Less. The film, which reunites Fleischer with his Zombieland star Jesse Eisenberg, tells the story of a pizza delivery boy (Eisenberg) who is strapped to a bomb and forced to rob a bank as part of a harebrained scheme hatched by two hapless criminals (Danny McBride and Nick Swardson) looking to inherent a fortune. Along the way, Eisenberg enlists his best friend, (Aziz Ansari) to help with the heist.

Recently, I got on the phone with Fleischer to discuss his directorial technique, real world news that echoes the film, the casting process, how he helped to create Between Two Ferns and Rob & Big, some details on Gangster Squad and more.  Hit the jump for the full interview.

Exclusive: Jesse Eisenberg Talks 30 MINUTES OR LESS, ZOMBIELAND 2, Woody Allen, THE SOCIAL NETWORK and More

by Hunter Daniels    Posted: August 12th, 2011 at 8:39 am

Coming to theaters today is Ruben Fleisher’s 30 Minutes or Less. The film, which reunites Fleisher with his Zombieland star Jesse Eisenberg, tells the story of a pizza delivery boy (Eisenberg) who is strapped to a bomb and forced to rob a bank as part of a harebrained scheme hatched by two hapless criminals (Danny McBride and Nick Swardson) looking to inherent a fortune. Along the way, Eisenberg enlists his best friend, (Aziz Ansari) to help with the heist.

Recently, I got on the phone with Eisenberg to discuss the film. Unlike most actors, who seem to have been coached to death on what to say to every question, Eisenberg comes off as a genuine and intelligent person who actually considers the topic, rather than just reverting to scripted anecdotes. He even sources his jokes back to their originators. He’s an interesting guy who seems to be interested in acting far more than he is in being a “star”. During our interview, we discussed the pitfalls of action filmmaking, his approach to characters, how he would handle a bank robbery, why he doesn’t think Zombieland 2 will happen, Fred Durst as a director, Woody Allen, the pitfalls of being famous in the age of camera phones and much more.  Hit the jump for the full interview.

30 MINUTES OR LESS Review

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: August 12th, 2011 at 4:44 am

In a summer packed with R-rated comedies, 30 Minutes or Less is the last one out the gate.  It’s not the most emotionally fulfilling (Bridesmaids), it’s not the one that delivers the most laughs (Horrible Bosses), and it’s certainly not the worst (The Hangover Part II).  What 30 Minutes or Less has working for it is that it’s short.  There’s hardly an ounce of fat on it and it races from scene to scene trying to get as many laughs in as possible.  The comic ensemble does a terrific job and while director Ruben Fleischer doesn’t show off the visual flair he demonstrated in Zombieland, he keeps the movie crass, fast, and funny.

Exclusive: Director Ruben Fleischer Talks 30 MINUTES OR LESS, GANGSTER SQUAD and ZOMBIELAND 2 at Comic-Con

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: July 29th, 2011 at 12:16 pm

At Comic-Con last weekend, I got to speak with director Ruben Fleischer who was there to promote his new comedy, 30 Minutes or Less.  Here’s our recap of the panel and all our previous coverage.   During the interview, Fleischer talked about being at Comic-Con, the difficulty in editing a film that has so much improv, deleted scenes and what will be on the DVD.

Of course with Fleischer getting ready to direct Gangster Squad (which is going to star Sean Penn, Ryan Gosling, Josh Brolin, Michael Peña, Anthony Mackie, Giovanni Ribisi, Holt McCallany and Robert Patrick), we also talked about where and when they’re going to film, the incredible cast, his approach to the material, and the script.  Finally, for all the Zombieland fans, we talked about if there will ever be a Zombieland 2.  Hit the jump to read some of the highlights or watch the interview.

Robert Patrick Joins Ruben Fleischer’s GANGSTER SQUAD; Hunter Cope and Sarah Hyland up for GAY DUDE

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

We’ve got a couple of casting stories for you this afternoon. First up, Robert Patrick has signed on to Zombieland director Ruben Fleischer’s period cop drama Gangster Squad. Showblitz reports that Patrick will take on the role that Bryan Cranston was originally in talks for: an LAPD officer from Texas. The plot revolves around the elite squad of cops who hunted down gangster Mickey Cohen in 1940s Los Angeles. The stellar cast includes Sean Penn, Ryan Gosling, Josh Brolin, Michael Peña, Anthony Mackie, Giovanni Ribisi and Holt McCallany. Emma Stone recently entered negotiations to sign on as well.

Additionally, comedian Hunter Cope is set to join Nicholas Braun (Prom) in the Lionsgate comedy Gay Dude, with Modern Family star Sarah Hyland in talks to take on a supporting role. The story centers on two high schoolers who make a pact to lose their virginity before graduation. Complications arise, however, when one of the teens comes out of the closet. Variety reports that Cope will play the title character, with Braun taking on the role of his straight best friend who is tasked with finding Cope a boyfriend. Hyland plays Braun’s “prudish girlfriend.” Chris Nelson (Ass Backwards) directs from a script by Alan Yang (Parks and Recreation).

Emma Stone in Talks for Ruben Fleischer’s THE GANGSTER SQUAD

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: July 26th, 2011 at 5:21 pm

While Zombieland director Ruben Fleischer was unable to fit his good luck charm Jesse Eisenberg into the cast of his upcoming drama The Gangster Squad, it looks like he may be bringing some Zombieland brethren into the fold after all. Showblitz reports that Emma Stone is now in talks to join the cast of Fleischer’s period crime flick. The story revolves around the elite squad of cops who hunted down gangster Mickey Cohen in 1940s Los Angeles.

The stellar cast includes Sean Penn as Cohen, Ryan Gosling, Josh Brolin, Michael Peña, Anthony Mackie, Giovanni Ribisi and Holt McCallany. I caught a screening of Fleischer’s Zombieland follow-up 30 Minutes or Less at Comic-Con last week and thought it was great (Peña absolutely kills in his scenes). The director has a fantastic eye and I can’t wait to see what he does with a dramatic period gangster movie.

Comic-Con 2011: 30 MINUTES OR LESS Panel Recap

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: July 22nd, 2011 at 5:25 pm

As part of Sony’s massive Hall H panel today, we were treated to a presentation of Zombieland director Ruben Fleischer’s new film 30 Minutes or Less.  Moderator Ralph Garman began by bringing out Fleischer, Nick Swardson, Michael Pena, and Aziz Ansari. Fleischer explained that Jesse Eisenberg is currently shooting a Woody Allen movie and Danny McBride is busy with Eastbound and Down. However, McBride treated us to a pre-recorded message that began with the actor stating, “If you are viewing this, the apes have won.” In his gut-busting video he proceeded to call every one of the other actors on the panel assholes.  Hit the jump for my full recap.

Free Tickets to the 30 MINUTES OR LESS Comic-Con Screening Featuring Q&A With Ansari, Swardson, Pena and Fleischer

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: July 18th, 2011 at 3:01 pm

With director Ruben Fleischer’s (Zombieland) 30 Minutes or Less opening August 12, Sony is using this week’s Comic-Con to help promote the very funny film.  Starring Jesse Eisenberg, Danny McBride, Aziz Ansari, Nick Swardson, Dilshad Vadsaria and Michael Pena, the film centers on a pizza delivery guy (Eisenberg) who is kidnapped by two men (McBride and Swardson) and forced to rob a bank at the risk of being blown up.

Anyway, Sony is holding a free screening this Friday night at 8pm and we’ve got tickets to give away to some of our readers.  Since I know no one wants to see a movie by themselves, every person getting tickets will get a +1.  In addition, Ansari, Swardson, Pena and Fleischer will intro the film and then participate in a Q&A following the screening!  Hit the jump for details on how to enter, and you can also watch video messages from Eisenberg and Ansari, as well as McBride and Swardson.

New Trailer for 30 MINUTES OR LESS

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: June 22nd, 2011 at 11:08 am

A new green band trailer for director Ruben Fleischer’s (Zombieland) comedy 30 Minutes or Less has been released. It’s more or less a clean version of the most recent red band trailer, but it’s still a lot of fun. Everything I’ve seen from this movie so far has been pretty much spot-on. Fleischer’s put together a great cast, and the pairing of Eisenberg and Ansari is fantastic.

Starring Jesse Eisenberg, Danny McBride, Aziz Ansari, Nick Swardson, Dilshad Vadsaria and Michael Pena, the film centers on a pizza delivery guy (Eisenberg) who is kidnapped by two men (McBride and Swardson) and forced to rob a bank at the risk of being blown up. Hit the jump to watch the trailer. If you missed it, check out Steve’s set visit report/video blog, in addition to his on-set interviews with Eisenberg, Ansari and Vadsaria, Swardson and McBride, and Fleischer. 30 Minutes or Less hits theaters August 12th.

New Red Band Trailer for 30 MINUTES OR LESS

by Jason Barr    Posted: June 17th, 2011 at 1:57 pm

A new red band trailer for director Ruben Fleischer’s (Zombieland) comedy 30 Minutes or Less is now available online and it rings of nostalgia for the time “you and I worshiped the devil for like two weeks.” Starring Jesse Eisenberg, Danny McBride, Aziz Ansari, Nick Swardson, and Michael Pena, the film centers on a pizza delivery guy (Eisenberg) who is kidnapped by two men (McBride and Swardson) and forced to rob a bank at the risk of being blown up. Thus far, everything I’ve seen from the film has made me laugh and I can’t wait to check it out in theaters on August 12th. Watch the new restricted trailer after the jump.

First Clip for 30 MINUTES OR LESS

by Brendan Bettinger    Posted: June 4th, 2011 at 8:37 am

Columbia has released the first clip for 30 Minutes or Less.  The excerpt focuses on the teacher played by Aziz Ansari, here in his first starring role in a feature.  It captures Ansari’s talent for portraying likeable arrogance by mining the comedic gold that is being mean to kids.  Jesse Eisenberg, Danny McBride, Nick Swardson, and Dilshad Vadsaria also star in director Ruben Fleischer’s follow-up to Zombieland.  30 Minutes or Less opens on August 12.  Watch the clip after the jump.

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