
IFC Films has released the first trailer for Why Stop Now, previously titled Predisposed. The trailer presents a likeable farce about a piano prodigy (Jesse Eisenberg) who needs to check his drug-addict mother (Melissa Leo) into rehab on the day of his audition for a prestigious music program. Things go awry, which draws her drug dealer, Sprinkles (Tracy Morgan), into the quest. Mixed reviews out of Sundance suggest directors Phil Dorling and Ron Nyswaner fail to keep the plot under control throughout the runtime. But I’m intrigued by what I see here, even if the movie only manages to coast on the charms of its eclectic cast.
Sarah Ramos and Isiah Whitlock Jr. co-star in Why Stop Now, set for release on August 17. Watch the trailer after the break.
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Two on-the-bubble NBC shows have officially been given the order for new seasons. The critical favorite yet ratings challenged drama Parenthood has been renewed for a 15-episode fourth season (per TV Line). Showrunner Jason Katims is no stranger to ratings issues despite favorable reviews, as he led the stellar Friday Night Lights through five seasons of “will it be renewed?” drama. I’m a fan of the ensemble and tone of Parenthood, but Katims will most likely have his hands full next season as his medical pilot County is said to be close to a pick up. That show will star Jason Ritter, who led the doomed The Event and has been a frequent guest star on Parenthood.
Hit the jump for news regarding renewals for The Office and a final season for 30 Rock, as well as speculation about the fate of Community and Parks and Recreation. [Update: The Office hasn't officially been renewed yet, but with deals almost done for the main cast members a renewal is expected]
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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.
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We’ve got a few casting stories for you this evening. First up, Robert De Niro is in talks to play Bernie Madoff in HBO’s adaptation of Diane Henriques’ New York Times bestseller The Wizard of Lies: Bernie Madoff and the Death of Trust. Deadline reports that the cable channel optioned the rights to the book that recounts Madoff’s $65 million Ponzi scheme and is now looking at De Niro to take on the lead role.
Additionally, Clive Owen and Uma Thurman are in talks to star in the drama Blind. The film tells the story of a novelist who is blinded in a car crash that kills his wife, only to be reinvigorated years later while he begins an affair with an indicted businessman’s neglected wife. Screen Daily reports that producer Mark Damon is currently shopping the film at Cannes. Hit the jump for the casting news of Jeremy Renner and Sarah Ramos, as well as a synopsis of the novel The Wizard of Lies.
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