Paramount’s released a new clip from Robert Zemeckis’ return to live-action films (after a foray into performance capture) with Flight starring Denzel Washington. Releasing in theaters on November 2, 2012, Flight also features Don Cheadle, John Goodman, and Bruce Greenwood.
The Plot:
In this action-packed mystery thriller, Academy Award winner Denzel Washington stars as Whip Whitaker, a seasoned airline pilot, who miraculously crash lands his plane after a mid-air catastrophe, saving nearly every soul on board. After the crash, Whip is hailed as a hero, but as more is learned, more questions than answers arise as to who or what was really at fault and what really happened on that plane?
While doing press for Seven Psychopaths, three of the film’s ‘psychopaths’ – Colin Farrell, Christopher Walken, and Sam Rockwell – ran into a reporter who was obsessed with Here Comes Honey Boo Boo. And during their interview, Walken, Rockwell, and Farrell proved to be good sports by reading lines from a few Honey Boo Boo episodes. Walken in particular seems to getting into the spirit, although it’s doubtful any of the three have ever tuned in to watch the show themselves.
Josh Radnor as Jesse and Elizabeth Olsen as Zibby in Josh Radnor’s LIBERAL ARTS. Photo by Jacob Hutchings. An IFC Films release.
The notion of working out one’s personal demons via a screenplay is hardly new. It seems that nearly every young filmmaker goes through this and Josh Radnor is apparently no exception. While I have yet to sit down and watch Happythankyoumoreplease, between reading its description and now remaining in a movie theater seat for the entire duration of his latest writer/director/starring actor effort, Liberal Arts, the themes and conclusions reached feel like some of the most self-indulgent fare in years.
Now of course, I don’t know Mr. Radnor, and maybe, just maybe, the events and characters within his films are not alternate versions of events and people within his own life. Seeing as very few writers approach subject material like this and actually write outside of themselves, I just don’t see it, so I’m going with my own premise. Take that for what you will.
Back to my comment that this is self-indulgent, let’s analyze the facts, shall we? Radnor plays the central character, an unsatisfied admissions officer at a New York university who returns to his Ohio liberal arts college alma mater to say something nice about one of his favorite teachers (Richard Jenkins). While there he crosses paths with a current student 16 years his junior (Elizabeth Olsen) and her romantic advance makes him question his own judgment on life (sadly there are no Aaliyah songs on the soundtrack). Everything plays out in a very mopey and idealized fashion, like some daydream Radnor might have had while on hiatus from acting on his network TV show.
In some ways, this was reminiscent of Zach Braff’s effort Garden State. Both clearly exhibit filmmakers managing their own emotional journeys but while I could identify with elements of what Braff brought (and recognize the cinematic faults), Radnor manages to make Liberal Arts feel like some creepy fantasy he knows he shouldn’t play out in real life but gets to anyway with the magic of cinema. Sure, he tries to throw in a subplot where Jenkins’ character is having trouble actually letting go of academic life, but he’s really there to provide the father figure/moral reminder for Radnor.
All of this was compounded by the obvious circularity in the script and film, introducing in not-so-subtle fashion a bookstore clerk in New York (Elizabeth Reaser) that will play a predictable part in the resolution of the story. In what might be the only time I write this phrase: the best component of the film is Zac Efron (*shudder*), who plays a dippy character that spouts nonsensical statements under the guise of new age wisdom … which only turn out to be good ideas for Radnor to rely upon. Ugh.
I was hopeful that the quality acting abilities of Olsen and Jenkins would overpower any deficiencies in the script, but their inclusion only makes the idea of watching something else they’ve done even more appealing than getting through the entirety of Radnor’s self-diagnostic lump of celluloid. Interested parties can surely wait for the home market and if you never had intentions of seeing Liberal Arts in the first place, remember that your first instinct is usually the best one.
GRADE: C-
Liberal Arts is rated PG-13 for sexual content including references, mature thematic material, and some teen drinking.
Trace Adkins, Dennis Rodman, Gary Busey, Lil Jon, Claudia Jordan, Dee Snider, Lisa Rinna, Donald Trump., Bret Michaels, Marilu Henner, Brande Roderick, Stephen Baldwin, Penn Jillette -- (Photo by: Heidi Gutman/NBC) Fan favorites from the past five celebrity seasons of NBC’s Celebrity Apprentice return for the first-ever All-Star Celebrity Apprentice. Donald Trump just announced the cast of the show, bringing back 14 celebs to compete to raise money for charity and vie for the title of All-Star Celebrity Apprentice.
Announcing the competitors, Trump stated: “This season is going to be fantastic! We will have the first ever All-Star Celebrity Apprentice with 14 of the best contestants from previous seasons. It’s going to be another amazing season!”
“I absolutely love The Celebrity Apprentice,” said Executive Producer, Mark Burnett. “No other show on television has such an entertaining cast, such a dynamic host, and also raises so much money for charity. This season is going to be more fun than ever, and our loyal fans will not be disappointed.”
Donald Trump will be joined by his advisors Don Jr., Ivanka (@IvankaTrump), and Eric Trump for this upcoming season. The Trumps will also be bringing in four previous winners – Piers Morgan, Joan Rivers, John Rich, and Arsenio Hall – as advisors.
All-Star Celebrity Apprentice Contestants:
Trace Adkins
Trace Adkins is one of Country music’s most versatile and accomplished entertainers. With an instantly recognizable baritone voice, he has earned platinum and multi-platinum albums with total sales surpassing $10 million. He is the author of “A Personal Stand: Observations and Opinions from a Freethinking Roughneck.” He charmed millions as a finalist on NBC’s “The Celebrity Apprentice” and was recently seen in the box-office topping theatrical release, “The Lincoln Lawyer.” In December 2012, he will co-host the American Country Awards on FOX for the third consecutive year. Adkins’ last studio album, “Proud to be Here,” featured the Top Ten hit, “Just Fishin'” and debuted at #2 on the Billboard Country Album Chart. He is currently preparing his eleventh studio album, which will feature the new American anthem, “Tough People Do.” The 6’6″ former oil rigger-turned-Country star is the father of five daughters.
Trace Adkin’s charity is the American Red Cross.
Follow Trace on Twitter @TraceAdkins
Stephen Baldwin
Since his appearance in the late 1980’s TV series “The Young Riders” and then his breakthrough performance opposite Luke Perry in the acclaimed rodeo movie “8 Seconds,” Stephen Baldwin has crafted a wide-ranging career spanning movies, television, radio, books, and more. Amongst other highlights, he has appeared in the Academy-Award-winning film “The Usual Suspects,” competed against celebrities in the name of charity on Donald Trump’s “The Celebrity Apprentice” and published his autobiography, The Unusual Suspect, detailing his personal life, days of drug abuse, and ultimately, his turn to becoming a born-again Christian after the 9/11 attacks. He also is the co-host of “Baldwin/McCullough LIVE,” a popular radio show broadcast to an audience of over 3 million listeners and television simulcast, available in over 26.7 million homes. The youngest of six siblings, including actors Alec, William and Daniel Baldwin, Stephen is happily married to Kennya Baldwin, with whom he shares two daughters. He lives with his family in New York.
Stephen Baldwin’s charity is the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund.
Follow Stephen on Twitter @StephenBaldwin7
Gary Busey
Gary Busey is enjoying a 42-year career in Hollywood. In fact, 2013 marks the 35th Anniversary of “The Buddy Holly Story” which garnered Busey a BAFTA win and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his performance in the title role of Buddy Holly. His other notable film credits include memorable roles in “The Firm,” “Under Siege,” “Point Break,” “Big Wednesday,” “Straight Time,” and “Lethal Weapon.” Busey became a household name and a TV sensation in his recent starring roles on “Celebrity Wife Swap” and “Celebrity Apprentice.” Busey’s other TV roles of note are his multiple appearances on HBO’s “Entourage,” a recurring role on the syndicated sitcom “Mr. Box Office,” and a special guest-star role on “Two and a Half Men,” where Busey played himself.
Gary Busey’s charity is the Busey Foundation for Children’s Kawasaki Disease.
Follow Gary on Twitter @THEGaryBusey
Marilu Henner
With the energy of a teenager, the wisdom of a sage, and the memory of a super hero, Marilu Henner has deservedly earned the nickname “Perpetual Motion.” A five-time Golden Globe nominee beloved for her roles on two hit classic sitcoms, “Taxi” and “Evening Shade,” Henner is also a New York Times bestselling author of nine books (including Total Health Makeover, The 30 Day Total Health Makeover, Healthy Life Kitchen, Wear Your Life Well, Total Memory Makeover). She has starred in over thirty films, six hit Broadway shows (including Grease, Chicago, Social Security, Over Here! and The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife), and was a contestant on the first installment of Donald Trump’s “The Celebrity Apprentice.” As featured on “60 Minutes,” Marilu is one of only twelve documented cases of Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory (HSAM) and wrote her ninth book, the New York Times bestselling Total Memory Makeover with the goal to help others tap into their memories.
Marilu Henner’s charity is the Alzheimer’s Association.
Follow Marilu on Twitter @TheRealMarilu
La Toya Jackson
La Toya Jackson was born into America’s Royal Family of Music. Jackson made her debut at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas tap dancing and singing with her brothers, The Jackson Five. A true Renaissance woman, she has emerged as a successful entertainer, Grammy-nominated writer, two-time best-selling author, entrepreneur, television star, and international icon. She has performed in more than 90 countries, and in addition to her music successes, Jackson penned her first book in 1991, La Toya, Growing Up In The Jackson Family, which sold over a million copies as number two on the New York Times Best Seller List. The consummate philanthropist, Jackson dedicates herself to a number of causes stemming from both her own experiences and the continuation of causes her beloved brother Michael initiated. One of their common charities is AIDS Project Los Angeles, and in 2009, “Home” was released in Michael’s memory with all proceeds going to APLA. Due to her personal experience with abuse, Jackson is also focused on battered woman’s shelters. Television appearances include “Armed & Famous” on CBS, Britain’s “Celebrity Big Brother,” and NBC’s “The Celebrity Apprentice.” She was the only Apprentice contestant to ever fight her way into being re-hired, after being fired by Mr. Trump.
In 2011, Jackson published her explosive memoir, Starting Over. In an account that sent shockwaves around the globe, Jackson shed new light on the dynamic of the Jackson family and the intrigue that surrounds them. She also shares her journey to hell and back at the hands of her former manager and husband, Jack Gordon, and divulges some of the most painful episodes of her life with an open heart and complete honesty. Her first EP release in over 20 years features songs inspired by incidents written about in the book. The title track, also named “Starting Over,” is an inspirational anthem about empowerment and overcoming obstacles.
La Toya Jackson’s charity is the National Network to End Domestic Violence.
Follow La Toya on Twitter @LaToyaJackson
Penn Jillette
Penn Jillette is a cultural phenomenon as a solo personality and as half of the world-famous Emmy Award winning magic duo and Las Vegas headliners Penn & Teller. Jillette most recently co-hosted the Discovery Channel’s “Penn & Teller Tell A Lie” and was a contestant on NBC’s “The Celebrity Apprentice.” He cohosted the controversial Showtime series “Penn & Teller: Bullshit!,” which was nominated for sixteen Emmy Awards and was the longest-running show in the history of the network. His solo exposure includes appearances on “Dancing with the Stars,” “MTV Cribs,” “Chelsea Lately,” and he hosted the NBC game show “Identity.” As part of Penn & Teller, he has appeared more than twenty times on David Letterman, as well as on several other TV shows, from “The Simpsons,” and “Friends” to “Top Chef” and “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.” Together since 1975, Penn & Teller’s live show spent years on Broadway and is now the longest-running headliner show in Las Vegas where it plays nightly at The Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino. Penn’s latest book is God No! Signs You Might Be An Atheist and Other Magic Tales, which spent six weeks on the New York Times Best Sellers list upon its release in 2011. His new podcast, “Penn’s Sunday School” was the No. 1 downloaded podcast on iTunes during its debut week.
Penn Jillette’s charity is Opportunity Village.
Follow Penn on Twitter @pennjillette
Lil Jon
For the last decade, Lil Jon has been one of the most prominent figures in music. Known best for his role in creating and popularizing the southern movement and lifestyle known as Crunk, Lil Jon has become one of the most sought after artists and producers in hip-hop. Widely known for his platinum-selling production, Jon has crafted groundbreaking hits for a diverse array of artists such as Usher, Ciara, The Ying Yang Twins, E-40, Ice Cube and more. As an artist, he has sold millions of records as the frontman of Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz, whose smash hits “Get Low” and “What U Goin’ Do” have been among the biggest crossover hip-hop hits in recent times. He also has an endorsement deal with Oakley as well as a branding relationship with Don Julio. Lil Jon’s latest album Crunk Rock – which was released in June 2010 – spawned huge singles including both “Shots,” and “Outta Your Mind” with LMFAO as well as “Hey” feat. 3OH!3. Lil Jon’s consistent hitmaking has earned him legions of fans from Los Angeles to the Midwest to his native region, the South. He won BMI’s Songwriter of the Year award and has received eight Billboard Awards (for the two hit Usher tracks “Yeah!” and “Lovers and Friends”), a Grammy, a Radio Music Award, a BET award, two MTV Video Music Awards, and an American Music Award.
Lil Jon’s charity is the American Diabetes Association.
Follow Lil Jon on Twitter @liljon
Claudia Jordan
Claudia Jordan is a multi-talented actress, television and radio personality, best known as the most recognizable model on “Deal or No Deal.” She got her first taste of the entertainment business when she was crowned Miss Rhode Island in 1997. Shortly after, Jordan beat out thousands of hopefuls to become the second African-American woman ever to be a Barker’s Beauty on “The Price is Right.” Following her successful run on “The Celebrity Apprentice,” Donald Trump selected her to host the 2009 Miss Universe pageant on NBC. Jordan worked alongside Jamie Foxx for four years on his show, “The Foxxhole” on Sirius XM Radio and was eventually given her own eponymous radio show on Sirius XM, “The Claudia Jordan Show.” Jordan was recently cast in Producer Debbie Allen’s new sitcom, “My Parents, My sister and Me,” and is training for the film “The Runner,” playing an Olympic track star struggling with the temptation of performance enhancing drugs. She is also in pre-production of a new show for VH1 called “Tiny Tonight,” which will premiere on December 9th.
Claudia Jordan’s charity is the Tom Joyner Foundation.
Follow Claudia on Twitter @claudiajordan
Omarosa
Omarosa first captured the public’s eye as a participant on the first season of NBC’s “The Apprentice.” She holds the unique distinction of being the only three-time participant on the show. Omarosa has amassed a huge fan base by captivating the country with her no holds barred business savvy. She has appeared on more than 30 television shows, including scripted, unscripted and major talk shows, and has transformed her success into full-fledged stardom. Prior to being introduced to the world on “The Apprentice,” Omarosa served as Deputy Associate Director of Presidential Personnel at the White House during the Clinton administration. She currently teaches Branding and Marketing in the MBA program at the Howard University School of Business. An ordained Baptist Minister, Reverend Omarosa also currently serves as Assistant Pastor of Weller Street Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles, California. A journalist by trade, Omarosa utilized her extensive experience in unscripted television to help launch Reality Weekly Magazine, where she served as the magazine’s first West Coast editor. She parlayed that experience into her current position as West Coast Editor at OK! Weekly Magazine.
Omarosa dedicates most of her free time to community service. She has worked on behalf of the Maya Angelou Public Charter School in Washington, D.C., the Positive Vibrations Program in Compton, California, and the Fred Jordan Mission in California. She has done missionary work in Nigeria, Senegal, Guyana, and the Gambia. Her most recent missionary assignment was in Haiti after the catastrophic earthquake. In the wake of the tragic loss of her fiancé, Oscar nominee Michael Clarke Duncan, Omarosa has founded the Michael Clarke Duncan “You Can Do Anything” Organization in his memory (MichaelClarkeDuncan.org).
Omarosa’s charity is the Sue Duncan Children’s Center.
Follow Omarosa on Twitter @OMAROSA
Bret Michaels
Bret Michaels is a multiplatinum global superstar who has turned his passion for music into a multi-faceted brand that encompasses record breaking touring sales, reality TV stardom, legendary songs that have sold over 32 million records, and product endorsements. Michaels rose to fame as the frontman of Poison, one of rock’s most iconic and enduring bands that helped define the rock ‘n roll scene on the Sunset Strip. Charting 10 singles in the Top 40 of Billboards Top 100, including the number-one single “Every Rose Has It’s Thorn”, the band still tours together selling out venues across the country. Equally as successful, Michaels’ solo career has charted its own course with multiple solo albums, his last of which was Custom Built, released in July 2010. His current album release is set for November of 2012, entitled Bret Michaels: Good Songs and Great Friends, where he is joined by a group of legendary artists, who just happen to be great friends. Even though music is Michaels’ first passion, the multi-talented performer has achieved yet another accomplishment in the entertainment world with a successful reality TV career. His first reality TV show “Rock of Love”, is one of the most successful in VH1’s history, shattering weekly rating records during its run. Following three successful seasons of the show, he teamed up with VH1 for the docu-series “Life as I Know It”, which continued to prove Michaels as a ratings generator. Michaels is grateful for his success and has used his position to raise awareness for issues that are close to his heart.
Bret Michaels’ charity is the Life Rocks Foundation-National Philanthropic Trust.
Follow Bret on Twitter @bretmichaels
Lisa Rinna
With her exotic looks, prodigious talent, infectious energy and savvy business acumen, Lisa Rinna has become one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood. In the realm of television, few can boast such an enduring and prolific career as small-screen queen Lisa Rinna. Rinna is known to many as Billie Reed, the free-spirited character she played on NBC’s daytime hit “Days of Our Lives. A longtime lover of fashion, Rinna recently launched her new collection belle gray by Lisa Rinna for QVC. Rinna recently released her third book, “The Big, Fun, Sexy Sex Book,” a follow-up to her other bestsellers “Rinnivation,” a candid look at her personal struggles with post-partum depression, and “Starlit,” a revealing roman a clef about life on and off the red carpet. Rinna competed on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” and also participated in the national Dancing with the Stars tour. In 2010, Rinna and husband Harry Hamlin starred in the TV Land original series, “Harry Loves Lisa.” Lisa starred as Roxie Hart alongside her husband Harry Hamlin in the hit Broadway musical, “Chicago.” Before joining the Broadway cast on June 19, 2007, Rinna performed with the “Chicago” National Tour. Lisa resides in Los Angeles with her husband and two daughters.
Lisa Rinna’s charity is the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Follow Lisa on Twitter @lisarinna
Brande Roderick
In a city where beautiful women are a dime a dozen, Brande Roderick stands out as a star among the masses. Roderick finished in the top four on the second season of NBC’s hit show “Celebrity Apprentice.” Since being on the show, Roderick founded two companies: Pantofola D’oro, a designer shoe company where she has partnered with Tommy Hilfiger and Adam Levine, and Fantaz.com, an online Fantasy sports site where anyone can play Fantasy sports live against their favorite athlete. Other television appearances include roles in “Beverly Hills 90210,” “Just Shoot Me,” “Jesse,” “Love Boat: The Next Wave” and “Baywatch Hawaii.” She’s also starred in “The Surreal Life” and “Celebrity Fear Factor.” Film credits include “Starsky & Hutch” and “Nanny Diaries.” She enjoys spending time with her two young sons.
Brande Roderick’s charity is the Promises 2 Kids.
Follow Brande on Twitter @BrandenRoderick
Dennis Rodman
NBA Hall of Fame player Dennis Rodman retired from the game in 2000. He played for the Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks. Playing small forward in his early years before becoming a power forward, Rodman earned NBA All-Defensive First Team honors seven times and was voted NBA Defensive Player of the Year twice. Rodman also led the NBA in rebounds per game for a record seven consecutive years and won five NBA Championships. In 2011, he was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame and the Detroit Pistons retired his number, #10. Apart from basketball, Rodman is a part-time professional wrestler as well as a restaurateur. He had his own TV show “The Rodman World Tour” and starred in the action films “Simon Sez” and “Double Team” alongside Jean-Claude Van Damme. Rodman was the winner of the $222,000 grand prize on “The Celebrity Mole,” he participated in the U.K. version of “Celebrity Big Brother” and he hosted “Geek to Freak” on Mark Cuban’s HDNet. Rodman is a long-time vegetarian, and in 2005 became the first man and first sports star to pose for PETA’s “Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur” campaign.
Dennis Rodman’s charity is Make-A-Wish.
Follow Dennis on Twitter @dennisrodman
Dee Snider
Best known as the lead singer of 80’s sensation, Twisted Sister, Dee Snider has become an icon in music, television, radio and theater. He’s starred in several reality TV shows including “The Celebrity Apprentice,” “Gone Country with John Rich,” MTV’s “Rock The Cradle” with his son Jesse and “Growing Up Twisted,” an A&E series featuring the entire Snider family and their Long Island lifestyle. He is also a frequent host on MTV Networks, and his long-running nationally syndicated radio show “House of Hair” is heard on more than 200 stations in North America. He’s had success in both voiceover work and the creation of “Dee Snider’s StrangeLand,” a horror flick that’s become a classic of the genre. His recent starring role on Broadway in the hit musical “Rock of Ages” generated national interest and inspired him to record his latest album, “Dee Does Broadway.” His autobiography, “Shut Up and Give Me The Mic”, was released in the summer of 2012. Most recently, Dee headlined the final Labor Day concert in the Rock Of Vegas summer concert series in front of 10,000 people.
Dee Snider’s charity is the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
Follow Dee on Twitter @deesnider
“You really believe your little story is going to make a difference when there’s a gun to our heads?,” asks Joe Stafford (Scoot McNairy). “I think my little story is the only thing between you and a gun to your head,” replies Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck), a CIA ‘exfiltration’ specialist who has come up with an incredible cover story to try to get six Americans out of a revolutionary Iran in the dramatic film, Argo.
On November 4, 1979, the Iranian revolution escalates as militants storm the U.S. Embassy in Tehran taking 52 American hostages. During the chaos six Americans escape and find temporary refuge in the home of the Canadian Ambassador. The White House, along with the CIA, know it’s only a matter of time before the revolutionaries find the six and most likely execute them, so they reluctantly greenlight Mendez’s risky, original plan to get them out. Mendez, along with his contact and friend in the movies, make-up artist John Chambers (John Goodman), set out to create the most outrageous cover story in spy history – that Mendez and the six Americans are a Canadian film crew scouting countries for a new science fiction movie. In order to sell the cover and make it seem real to the world, Chambers and Mendez have to convince a big Hollywood producer, Lester Siegel (Alan Arkin), to help them by putting his name on the fake film complete with a real script, storyboards, and a publicity campaign.
With everything in place, Mendez heads off to Iran with the forged papers, passports, credentials and script. His goal: to meet up with the six Americans and try to get them through all the securities and on a plane to get them back home.
Based on a true story and directed by Ben Affleck, Argo is a suspenseful, dramatic, historical thriller that will have audiences on the edge of their seats up to the very end. This is a riveting film that’s flawlessly directed by Affleck, who captures the look, tension, feel and emotions of the 1979 Iran revolution perfectly. He deserves to be nominated for Best Director by the Academy for his work on this film.
Argo is full of stunning performances, including a wonderful stand-out performance by Alan Arkin as the big-time movie producer who without his help the rescue cover story would never have gotten off the ground. He adds humor and a real sense of morals to a compelling film. Bryan Cranston delivers one of his best performances as Jack O’Donnell, Mendez’s boss who goes above and beyond trying to protect and cover his friend and colleague when things quickly begin to unravel. Here’s hoping both men are nominated for Best Supporting Actor during Oscar season.
The production design, costumes and cinematography are all superb, bringing to life the late 1970s and early 1980s so vividly the audience is sure to feel teleported back to a time when a nation was full of doubt, rage, frustration and courage.
Powerful, fascinating and edgy, Argo is an expertly crafted masterpiece of filmmaking that is guaranteed to be the most engrossing and exhilarating movie-going experience for audiences this year. It’s hands down the BEST PICTURE of the year.
GRADE: A+
Argo hits theaters on October 12, 2012 and is rated R for language and some violent images.
Too bad this one got pushed back to 2013 and out of awards consideration season. The more we see of Gangster Squad, the higher it moves on our list of must-see films. Starring Sean Penn, Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Nick Nolte, and Josh Brolin, Warner Bros Pictures’ Gangster Squad is aiming for a January 11, 2013 release.
The Plot:
Los Angeles, 1949. Ruthless, Brooklyn-born mob king Mickey Cohen (Sean Penn) runs the show in this town, reaping the ill-gotten gains from the drugs, the guns, the prostitutes and–if he has his way–every wire bet placed west of Chicago. And he does it all with the protection of not only his own paid goons, but also the police and the politicians who are under his control.
It’s enough to intimidate even the bravest, street-hardened cop… except, perhaps, for the small, secret crew of LAPD outsiders led by Sgt. John O’Mara (Josh Brolin) and Jerry Wooters (Ryan Gosling), who come together to try to tear Cohen’s world apart.
Megan Park and Daren Kagasoff in 'The Secret Life of the American Teenager' - Photo by ABC FamilySay goodbye to those American teenagers. After five seasons, ABC Family has decided to end the dramatic series The Secret Life of the American Teenagers with 12 final episodes premiering in March 2013. The network’s also announced Secret Life will air a special holiday-themed episode on November 19th.
According to ABC Family, the last episodes of the longest running scripted series on the network will feature a proposal and a wedding, as well as appearances by guest stars Chaz Bono, Danica McKellar, Diane Farr, Beverley Mitchell and Kathy Kinney.
The cast includes Shailene Woodley, Ken Baumann, Greg Finley, Daren Kagasoff, Megan Park, Francia Raisa, Michael Grant, Cierra Ramirez with Steve Schirripa. Recurring guest stars include Anne Ramsay, Renee Olstead, Camille Winbush, Allen Evangelista, Amy Rider, De’Vaughn Nixon, and Luke Zimmerman.
Details on the Holiday Episode:
In an all-new holiday episode, “Hedy’s Happy Holiday House,” the gang find themselves celebrating Christmas at an abandoned toy warehouse when Kathy suddenly goes into labor. Meanwhile, Grace wishes for a Christmas miracle with Jack.
Foreigner's Mick Jones. (PRNewsFoto/Foreigner)
Foreigner’s Mick Jones has been nominated to the 2013 Songwriters Hall of Fame along with co-writer Lou Gramm. “The most fulfilling thing about songwriting is creating music that inspires so much love and hope,” stated Jones. “I’m honored to be nominated by The Songwriters Hall of Fame for doing one of the things I love most.”
Jones is responsible for penning Foreigner hits including “I Want To Know What Love Is,” “Feels Like The First Time,” “Juke Box Hero,” “Waiting For A Girl Like You,” “Urgent,” “Cold As Ice,” “Hot Blooded,” and “Double Vision.” He’s earned 10 multi-platinum albums and has 16 Top 30 hits, selling more than 75 million albums over his five decade career.
Winner of the British Ivor Novello Songwriter award for “The Flame Still Burns” from Still Crazy, Jones also worked with Eric Clapton on “Bad Love” and Ozzy Osbourne on “Dreamer.”
More on the Songwriters Hall of Fame:
“The Songwriters Hall of Fame celebrates songwriters, educates the public with regard to their achievements, and produces a spectrum of professional programs devoted to the development of new songwriting talent through workshops, showcases and scholarships. Out of the tens of thousands of songwriters of our era, there are fewer than 400 inductees who make up the impressive roster enshrined in the Hall of Fame. The list includes Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, Eddie Holland, Lamont Dozier and Brian Holland, Albert Hammond, Desmond Child, Paul Williams, Hal David and Burt Bacharach, John Fogerty, Bob Dylan, Isaac Hayes and David Porter, Richard and Robert Sherman, Carole King, Gerry Goffin, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Sir Elton John, Bernie Taupin, Brian Wilson, James Taylor, Don Schlitz, Bruce Springsteen, Curtis Mayfield, Jim Croce, Phil Collins, Alan and Marilyn Bergman, Loretta Lynn, Jimmy Webb, Van Morrison, Kris Kristofferson, Dolly Parton, Diane Warren, Leonard Cohen and Bob Seger among many others.”
The nominees for the 85th Academy Awards will be announced on January 10, 2013. The Oscars will take place on February 24, 2013 at The Dolby Theatre™ at Hollywood & Highland Center.
8 Documentary Short Subject Possible Oscar Nominees:
“The Education of Mohammad Hussein,” Loki Films
“Inocente,” Shine Global, Inc.
“Kings Point,” Kings Point Documentary, Inc.
“Mondays at Racine,” Cynthia Wade Productions
“Open Heart,” Urban Landscapes Inc.
“ParaÍso,” The Strangebird Company
“The Perfect Fit,” SDI Productions Ltd.
“Redemption,” Downtown Docs
Source: Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
If there was one criticism of Ben Affleck’s short directorial career, it’s been the geographic setting of his films. There was still some doubt as to whether he’d be able to handle material far outside the confines of South Boston. With Argo, he’s done just that and is cementing himself as one of the premier American directors of his generation.
His latest film is based on the true story of the attempt to rescue American civil service employees hiding out in Iran after the fall of the US Embassy. As one can glean from the trailer, the idea is to use the cover of a fake movie production-scouting trip to get everyone out of the country before they’re captured and/or executed. This operation was declassified by Bill Clinton during his tenure as President, and so it’s possible a number of people know what happened; it’s also possible many do not. As such, I won’t say much more about the plot – it’s a suspense thriller dealing with real events and you’re either enticed by the promos (which include perhaps the best cut trailer of 2012) or you don’t find movies of this genre appealing.
For those still interested, and especially for anyone with an eye towards the upcoming awards season, this is a film you’re going to want to watch. It’s built for that race, but it’s done so due to its integrity and excellence, not simply like so much of the Oscar bait that will start popping up in the coming weeks. Affleck has now made three movies in a row (beginning with Gone Baby Gone and The Town) that understand how why cinema is the product of telling a good story. Yes, you also need the acting, production design, cinematography, etc., etc. to be of a certain caliber but all the technical wizardry and powerful performances in the world can’t make up for lackluster storytelling.
There are a few setups, mostly towards the end, that feel like over-dramatized fiction brought in because that’s what you do when you’re making a movie, but for the most part, Affleck did a wonderful job of balancing the perspectives in the film. Dealing with cultural relations between Iran and the U.S. is a tricky thing so the film makes sure to present both sides, highlighting good and bad elements of both Iranian and American reactions to a tumultuous era. Another very helpful and well-handled aspect of production is the opening of the film, which succinctly brings the audience up to speed on the geopolitics; so don’t feel as if you need a doctorate in foreign studies to get what’s at stake.
Buoying the script and Affleck’s excellent direction are the acting performances. While I personally would have liked to keep Affleck behind the camera (perhaps his inclusion had more to do with ensuring financing), he does deliver a high-quality performance. Surrounding him are a plethora of accomplished actors (John Goodman, Alan Arkin, Bryan Cranston, Clea Duvall, Scoot McNairy, & Victor Garber to name a few) who all bring a tremendous sense of sincerity to their roles. Also, aside from Affleck, most of them bear remarkable resemblances to their real-life counterparts which is a nice feature shown during the credits (so don’t rush out to the car once all those words start scrolling up the screen).
It’d be unfathomable for Argo not to factor into the more lauded films of 2012 and it’s only because of some minor issues related to Affleck being in front of the camera and a few elements feeling like rah-rah over-dramatizations that this dips away from perfection. Obviously, that’s still high praise, and it’s well-deserved. If more of the heavy hitters slated to come out before January rolls around come close to this level, it will be a very exciting time for movie audiences and make up for what has so far been a pretty underwhelming cinematic year.
GRADE: A
Argo hits theaters on October 12, 2012 and is rated R for language and some violent images.
Paramount’s released a new clip from Robert Zemeckis’ return to live-action films (after a foray into performance capture) with Flight starring Denzel Washington. Releasing in theaters on November 2, 2012, Flight also features Don Cheadle, John Goodman, and Bruce Greenwood.
