Posts Tagged ‘Helen Mirren’
Trailer Exam | The Tempest
A while back we showcased the poster for Julie Taymor’s adaptation of William Shakespeare‘s The Tempest. It was a beautiful work of art that both dazzled and gave a feel for the film. Apple has recently premiered the trailer and I must say I am a little torn. On one hand the trailer is filled with gorgeous imagery and of course it is a fantastic story, but the fact that the trailer is so tonally all over the place really bothers me. I understand that the play has many comedic acts undercutting dramatic tension, but the trailer presents it in an extremely jarring matter. That said there is some interesting visuals and a fantastic cast. Check out the synopsis and trailer below. The Tempest opens on December 10, 2010.
In her big-screen adaptation of Shakespeare’s mystical thriller “The Tempest,” Academy Award(R)-nominated Julie Taymor (“Across the Universe,” “Frida,” “Titus”) brings an original dynamic to the story by changing the gender of the sorcerer Prospero into the sorceress Prospera, portrayed by Oscar(R) winner Helen Mirren (“The Queen”). Prospera’s journey spirals through vengeance to forgiveness as she reigns over a magical island, cares for her young daughter, Miranda, and unleashes her powers against shipwrecked enemies in this exciting, masterly mix of romance, tragicomedy and the supernatural.
Under the Radar | River Phoenix
This is a column that will focus on little known films, directors, writers, and actors. The column does not exist to tell you what to watch, but to simply help raise interest in the great art and talent that goes unseen year by year. So let’s begin. In this edition I will be spotlighting River Phoenix.
On August 23, River Phoenix would have been forty years old with a list of film credits a mile long. Unfortunately his life had another path and although he left the world to soon, after an accidental overdoes on Halloween in 1993, he crafted a legacy of an actor whose film choices dared to be courageous. His talent showed both the brilliant actor he was and the charismatic movie star he would have become. Continue on for six films I recommend you see in honor of River Phoenix. Read the rest of this entry »
Your Poster Is Cool | The Tempest
Touchstone Pictures has recently released the poster for Julie Taymor’s adaptation of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest, and I find it to be a nice representation of what this film may have to offer. Although it utilizes the tired floating head poster design, it establishes a motif for different characters and offers an artful approach to the design. Taymor famously adapted Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus in the revisionist art film Titus, and I’m hoping she brings a level of the creative ambition that was displayed in that film. The Tempest stars Helen Mirren, Russell Brand, Alfred Molina, Djimon Hounsou, Chris Cooper, Alan Cumming, Ben Whishaw, David Strathairn, and opens on December 10, 2010. Check the poster out above and continue on to check out the trailers for Taymor’s films, Titus and Across the Universe. Read the rest of this entry »
New Comic Con Trailer | Red
The DC graphic novel
The second trailer for the middle aged action film “Red” has debuted today at Comic Con looks even more fun than the first. Check it out below:
“Red” hits theaters October 15th.
UPDATE!! Russell Brand is Batman and Luiz Guzman is Robin?
Russell Brand on the set of next year's "Arthur"
UPDATE!! Check out more set photos of Brand as Batman and Luiz Guzman from Collider at the bottom of the post.
When I heard they were remaking the 1981 classic comedy Arthur with Russell Brand in the title role I rolled my eyes. For those who haven’t seen the original film it’s concerns a rich and drunken playboy named Arthur, played by Dudley Moore, who in order to receive his inheritance must marry a woman of his parents choosing. The only problem is he soon falls in love with a blue collar New York waitress (Liza Minnelli). What should he chose? His money or love?
While the plot sounds somewhat typical the film is actually one of the rare comedies who’s laughs aren’t dated. It had me rolling when I watched it a few years ago, especially Shakespearean actor Sir John Gielgud’s Oscar winning performance of Arthur’s sarcastic butler. If you haven’t seen the film check it out on Netflix watch instantly today. Read the rest of this entry »
New Trailer | Red
The DC graphic novel "Red."
The first trailer for Red, a DC comics adaptation of about a group of Ex-CIA agents who just can’t move smoothly into retirement is now online. The movie stars Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren, Mary-Louise Parker, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, Karl Urban and Brian Cox among others and looks like a whole lot of fun. The most refreshing part of this trailer is how the cinematography doesn’t rely on cheap comic book stylings to appeal to fanboys. Or maybe it’s just the prestigious cast that makes it stand out.
The flick is directed by Robert Schwentke of Filghtplan and The Time Travelers Wife fame. Two movies I haven’t seen, but have heard good things about. Check out the trailer below or in HD at Yahoo. Red hits theaters October 15th.
Oscar Winners
Overall, this years awards went down as expected and were kind of bland. I kept hoping for an upset, but the biggest one I got was Geoffrey Fletcher winning Best Adapated Screeplay for Precious over Jason Reitman’s script for Up in the Air. It was cool seeing Kathryn Bigelow become the first woman to win in the directing category. Dito, as for seeing “The Dude” himself, Jeff Bridges, win for Crazy Heart. The Hurt Locker had a big night sweeping all the major awards including Best Picture. For me though the best part of the entire show was the cutting of the Best Original Song performances from the telecast. Here’s hoping that change is here to stay. See all the winners below in bold.
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The Pack’s Oscar Picks
Here are some of the Pack’s Oscar picks. Each individual writer’s choices for who they think will win are indicated by their name in Bold to the right of a nominee. See how our staff’s picks stand up against our own and leave your thoughts below in the comments. Also follow the sites official twitter for live updates during the show. Read the rest of this entry »
