The idea that the world of kids’ television has a publicly friendly veneer that masks a dark underbelly is not remotely new. Child actors throughout the history of film and TV have both displayed immense and undeniable talent on screen, and then quickly devolved through addictions in the real world; examples range from Corey Feldman to Lindsay Lohan, with many others wedged in between. Films like Magnolia and Death to Smoochy go out of their way to satirize and sometimes vilify programming that feels exploitative to children by using them on screen.
- 3/13/2024
- by Josh Spiegel
- Primetimer
If you’re the type who finds laughter in the macabre and solace in the pitch-black humor that only dark comedies can offer, then buckle up! We’re diving into the abyss of humor so dark, you’ll need a flashlight to find your way back to sanity. From the subtly sinister to the blatantly bizarre, we’ve got the ultimate lineup of dark comedies that are ‘dark Af’.
These dark comedies are not your average knee-slappers; they’re wickedly clever, deliciously deviant, and packed with enough irony to make even the most stoic of us crack a smile. So, if you’re ready to explore the shadowy side of humor, where laughs are mined from the darkest corners of the human experience, read on. This is dark comedy at its finest, where the punchlines hit harder than a horror movie jump scare.
Columbia 10. The Cable Guy (1996)
Starting off our...
These dark comedies are not your average knee-slappers; they’re wickedly clever, deliciously deviant, and packed with enough irony to make even the most stoic of us crack a smile. So, if you’re ready to explore the shadowy side of humor, where laughs are mined from the darkest corners of the human experience, read on. This is dark comedy at its finest, where the punchlines hit harder than a horror movie jump scare.
Columbia 10. The Cable Guy (1996)
Starting off our...
- 2/23/2024
- by Kimberley Elizabeth
James Mangold’s Bob Dylan film, A Complete Unknown, is switching bandmates as Edward Norton replaces Benedict Cumberbatch as the American folk singer and social activist Pete Seeger. Cumberbatch must exit the project because of scheduling issues. The biography stars Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan, with Monica Barbaro playing Joan Baez, Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo, Boyd Holbrook as Johnny Cash, and Nick Offerman as Alan Lomax.
James Mangold directs from a script written by Jay Cocks (Gangs of New York), with Mangold making revisions. A Complete Unknown focuses on a young Bob Dylan (Chalamet) who rocks the music world in 1965 by performing with an electric guitar for the first time, alerting people to a new sound for his signature brand. Meanwhile, Sylvie Russo (Fanning) enters the story as a university student, artist, and Dylan’s early-’60s love interest. Production for A Complete Unknown is gearing up for a New York production.
James Mangold directs from a script written by Jay Cocks (Gangs of New York), with Mangold making revisions. A Complete Unknown focuses on a young Bob Dylan (Chalamet) who rocks the music world in 1965 by performing with an electric guitar for the first time, alerting people to a new sound for his signature brand. Meanwhile, Sylvie Russo (Fanning) enters the story as a university student, artist, and Dylan’s early-’60s love interest. Production for A Complete Unknown is gearing up for a New York production.
- 1/25/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Grab your floaties and stay out of the deep end because Vertical has acquired the U.S. rights to AGC Studios‘ Poolman, the absurdist comedy and Chris Pine’s directorial debut! The comedic caper premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival 2023, where audiences experienced Pine’s first time behind a camera for a feature-length film.
Joining Pine in Poolman are Annette Bening, Danny DeVito, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and DeWanda Wise. In addition to directing, Pine co-wrote the script with Ian Gotler (The Doula). The duo also produced the film alongside Stacey Sher (Erin Brockovich) and Patty Jenkins (Wonder Woman).
Poolman “tells the story of Darren Barrenman (Pine), a native Los Angeleno who spends his days looking after the pool of the Tahitian Tiki apartment block and fighting to make his hometown a better place to live,” reads the official description. “When he is tasked by a femme fatale to uncover...
Joining Pine in Poolman are Annette Bening, Danny DeVito, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and DeWanda Wise. In addition to directing, Pine co-wrote the script with Ian Gotler (The Doula). The duo also produced the film alongside Stacey Sher (Erin Brockovich) and Patty Jenkins (Wonder Woman).
Poolman “tells the story of Darren Barrenman (Pine), a native Los Angeleno who spends his days looking after the pool of the Tahitian Tiki apartment block and fighting to make his hometown a better place to live,” reads the official description. “When he is tasked by a femme fatale to uncover...
- 12/20/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
In this weird world of spinoffs and sequels, you can never say never to the possibility of a legacy sequel, no matter how unlikely it seems. Some of them are ill-advised, but sometimes we get the chance to return to some great creative ground that just didn't get the chance for a sequel during its era for whatever reason. Movies from the 1980s and 1990s that have found cult status have the potential to find an even bigger audience with a legacy sequel, and as long as the original stars are interested, it can happen! That seems to be the case for "Throw Momma From the Train," the 1987 dark comedy directed by Danny DeVito and starring DeVito and Billy Crystal. The movie follows an author named Larry (Crystal) and one of his writing students, Owen (DeVito), after they become entangled in a murder plot directly inspired by Alfred Hitchcock's "Strangers on a Train.
- 11/5/2023
- by Danielle Ryan
- Slash Film
This article contains spoilers for "Five Nights at Freddy's."
There's an endless debate between film fans on what it is exactly that makes a film "camp." For some, it's a shorthand to mean "so bad, it's good," while others (like myself) view it as a sacred form of presentation. Camp films are often exaggerated to the point of absurdity, tiptoeing the line of the uncanny, and with a sense of humor that is either unintentionally brilliant or delivered with tongue planted firmly in cheek. Of my 15 favorite movies of all time, more than half of the titles could be argued as camp classics. While there are plenty of universally understood camp films, the intentional lack of a formal metric means that a film's camp status will change from viewer to viewer, determined by vibes and a "you know it when you see it" attitude.
My first camp film was Tim Burton's oft-maligned alien comedy,...
There's an endless debate between film fans on what it is exactly that makes a film "camp." For some, it's a shorthand to mean "so bad, it's good," while others (like myself) view it as a sacred form of presentation. Camp films are often exaggerated to the point of absurdity, tiptoeing the line of the uncanny, and with a sense of humor that is either unintentionally brilliant or delivered with tongue planted firmly in cheek. Of my 15 favorite movies of all time, more than half of the titles could be argued as camp classics. While there are plenty of universally understood camp films, the intentional lack of a formal metric means that a film's camp status will change from viewer to viewer, determined by vibes and a "you know it when you see it" attitude.
My first camp film was Tim Burton's oft-maligned alien comedy,...
- 10/30/2023
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
The late Robin Williams had the incredible and unmatched ability to make people laugh. His volcanic energy, genius delivery, and rapid impressions made him a household name. Williams’ immense success in the 1990s eventually opened the door for more serious films, including the tender Good Will Hunting and the fantastical What Dreams May Come. Not everything that came after was as well received or recognized, but Williams continued to pursue other genres outside of comedy. The actor had his fair share of dramatic performances to complement his comedic ones, but it was Williams’ sinister turn in 2002’s One Hour Photo that caught everyone off guard. No one was expecting Mrs. Doubtfire or Aladdin’s genie to star in such an unsettling psychological-thriller.
Sy the Photo Guy remains a defining character in Williams’ career, even after playing another villain in Insomnia that same year. However, to outright label the chronically lonely...
Sy the Photo Guy remains a defining character in Williams’ career, even after playing another villain in Insomnia that same year. However, to outright label the chronically lonely...
- 8/18/2023
- by Paul Lê
- bloody-disgusting.com
Writer Alex Tse discusses a few of his favorite films with Josh Olson and Joe Dante.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Rrr (2022)
Watchmen (2009)
Superfly (2018)
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Book Of Shadows: Blair Witch 2 (2000)
Independence Day (1996)
Clueless (1995)
Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982) – Karyn Kusama’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet (1996)
The Goonies (1985)
Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom (1984)
Infested (2002)
Straw Dogs (1971) – Rod Lurie’s trailer commentary, Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Criterion Blu-ray review, Joe Dante’s review
Altered States (1980) – Katt Shea’s trailer commentary
Return Of The Ape Man (1944)
Major League (1989)
The Sting (1973)
Angels In The Outfield (1951)
Rocky (1976)
Slap Shot (1977) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
Eight Men Out (1988)
Heavy Metal (1981)
Fritz The Cat (1972) – Mick Garris’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Blu-ray review
The Killer Snakes (1974)
Zodiac (2007)
Se7en (1995)
Dirty Harry (1971) – Alan Spencer’s trailer commentary,...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Rrr (2022)
Watchmen (2009)
Superfly (2018)
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Book Of Shadows: Blair Witch 2 (2000)
Independence Day (1996)
Clueless (1995)
Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982) – Karyn Kusama’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet (1996)
The Goonies (1985)
Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom (1984)
Infested (2002)
Straw Dogs (1971) – Rod Lurie’s trailer commentary, Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Criterion Blu-ray review, Joe Dante’s review
Altered States (1980) – Katt Shea’s trailer commentary
Return Of The Ape Man (1944)
Major League (1989)
The Sting (1973)
Angels In The Outfield (1951)
Rocky (1976)
Slap Shot (1977) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
Eight Men Out (1988)
Heavy Metal (1981)
Fritz The Cat (1972) – Mick Garris’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Blu-ray review
The Killer Snakes (1974)
Zodiac (2007)
Se7en (1995)
Dirty Harry (1971) – Alan Spencer’s trailer commentary,...
- 2/7/2023
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
"Good Will Hunting" marked a turning point in Robin Williams' acting career. Besides snagging him his first and only Oscar win, it was perhaps the first time Williams had completely shed his energetic comedic persona on-screen. Indeed, there's nary a moment in director Gus Van Sant's 1997 drama where the actor bursts into some hyper-active form of pantomime. Even when his character in the film — a reticent therapist and psychology teacher — cracks a joke about sleeping with his patients or how his late wife would fart in her sleep, Williams delivers the punch-line in a fittingly dry, awkward manner.
In a way, "Good Will Hunting" was a prelude to what Williams would refer to in Dave Itzkoff's written 2018 biography "Robin" as his "triptych of evil." This was in referral to a period in the early aughts where the actor tackled three dark roles in a row, each of them...
In a way, "Good Will Hunting" was a prelude to what Williams would refer to in Dave Itzkoff's written 2018 biography "Robin" as his "triptych of evil." This was in referral to a period in the early aughts where the actor tackled three dark roles in a row, each of them...
- 9/13/2022
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
The Movie: "Death to Smoochy"
Where you can stream it: Free with ads on YouTube
The pitch: Kids' show host Rainbow Randolph (Robin Williams) finds himself going from the high life to the gutters after he's caught taking bribes from parents to get their kids on his show. It turns out that children's television is rife with criminal activity, and the studio, Kidnet, needs to replace Randolph with someone truly squeaky clean. Enter Sheldon Mopes (Edward Norton), a vegetarian bleeding heart who dresses up as Smoochy the Rhino and performs at bar mitzvahs and the Coney Island Methadone Clinic.
Producer Nora Wells (Catherine Keener) hires Smoochy and helps him become Kidnet's biggest star, but there are a few problems: she both loathes and lusts after Sheldon, his idealism ends up taking a big bite out of Kidnet's bottom line, and Randolph's out for revenge. In fact, after a few failed attempts at humiliating Sheldon,...
Where you can stream it: Free with ads on YouTube
The pitch: Kids' show host Rainbow Randolph (Robin Williams) finds himself going from the high life to the gutters after he's caught taking bribes from parents to get their kids on his show. It turns out that children's television is rife with criminal activity, and the studio, Kidnet, needs to replace Randolph with someone truly squeaky clean. Enter Sheldon Mopes (Edward Norton), a vegetarian bleeding heart who dresses up as Smoochy the Rhino and performs at bar mitzvahs and the Coney Island Methadone Clinic.
Producer Nora Wells (Catherine Keener) hires Smoochy and helps him become Kidnet's biggest star, but there are a few problems: she both loathes and lusts after Sheldon, his idealism ends up taking a big bite out of Kidnet's bottom line, and Randolph's out for revenge. In fact, after a few failed attempts at humiliating Sheldon,...
- 8/13/2022
- by Danielle Ryan
- Slash Film
With Ryan Reynolds having made such a splash as the voice of Detective Pikachu for Legendary's Pokemon: Detective Pikachu, it's been easy for some to forget that, at one point in the early stages of the film's development, Dumbo and Death To Smoochy actor Danny DeVito was courted for the role of the sarcastic sleuth version of the Pokemon brand's most iconic character.…...
- 5/23/2019
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Don’t despair, Jennifer Lawrence: Check out the other great performances that got Razzie nominations
Among this year’s Golden Raspberry Awards nominees are Jennifer Lawrence and Darren Aronofsky, up in Worst Actress and Worst Director respectively for the polarizing psychological thriller “mother!” The film, which earned mixed-to-positive reviews from critics but a damning ‘F’ grade from CinemaScore, is hardly the first picture to, despite many glowing notices, earn Razzie recognition. Not only have the Razzies honored outstanding work, they’ve even bestowed love upon Oscar-nominated performances. (Check out the complete list of Razzie Awards nominations here.)
Brian De Palma received a trio of Worst Director Razzie nominations for “Dressed to Kill” (1980); “Scarface” (1983); and “Body Double” (1984), all of which garnered mixed reviews at the time but now are widely seen as among the filmmaker’s best work. He would go on to, more deservedly, earn Worst Director nominations for the panned “The Bonfire of the Vanities” (1990) and “Mission to Mars” (2000).
See Hey Razzie Awards, Why!
Brian De Palma received a trio of Worst Director Razzie nominations for “Dressed to Kill” (1980); “Scarface” (1983); and “Body Double” (1984), all of which garnered mixed reviews at the time but now are widely seen as among the filmmaker’s best work. He would go on to, more deservedly, earn Worst Director nominations for the panned “The Bonfire of the Vanities” (1990) and “Mission to Mars” (2000).
See Hey Razzie Awards, Why!
- 1/24/2018
- by Andrew Carden
- Gold Derby
The feature adaptation of ABC TV’s hugely successful series for teens is less Flashdance and more Black Swan meets The Baby-Sitters Club
Some of us look back on the turbulence of our university years with a mixture of horror and nostalgia, recalling the title of Errol Flynn’s autobiography. For others, like Tara Webster (Xenia Goodwin), their wicked, wicked ways encompass those diabolical occasions when they neglected to pick up kombucha and activated almonds on the way home from dance class.
Or, in the case of her fame-hungry friend Kat (Alicia Banit), when a social media post generates bad engagement – as in a topless selfie that derails her credibility (who would have thought?) as the star of a squeaky-clean kids show. This puts Kat in a pantheon of badly behaving children’s television personalities, Death to Smoochy’s Rainbow Randolph leading the modern charge.
Continue reading...
Some of us look back on the turbulence of our university years with a mixture of horror and nostalgia, recalling the title of Errol Flynn’s autobiography. For others, like Tara Webster (Xenia Goodwin), their wicked, wicked ways encompass those diabolical occasions when they neglected to pick up kombucha and activated almonds on the way home from dance class.
Or, in the case of her fame-hungry friend Kat (Alicia Banit), when a social media post generates bad engagement – as in a topless selfie that derails her credibility (who would have thought?) as the star of a squeaky-clean kids show. This puts Kat in a pantheon of badly behaving children’s television personalities, Death to Smoochy’s Rainbow Randolph leading the modern charge.
Continue reading...
- 4/5/2017
- by Luke Buckmaster
- The Guardian - Film News
After 16 years of being mad as hell, Jon Stewart finally doesn't have to take it any anymore. On his emotional farewell to The Daily Show, he didn't even try to hide his relief that he can now go entire weeks at a time without watching Fox News. The last shebang had a roll call of Daily Show superstars, along with Bruce Springsteen doing "Land of Hope and Dreams." John McCain said, "So long, jackass." (All these years later and McCain still can't keep his Nineties MTV comedy bros straight — Jackass was Johnny Knoxville,...
- 8/7/2015
- Rollingstone.com
I won't be seeing Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation until Thursday night at the absolute earliest, but that won't stop Tom Cruise from discussing the possibility of a sixth installment in the long-running action franchise. "I love making these movies. Mission Impossible is the first film I ever produced," Cruise told Jon Stewart on "The Daily Show" last night. "Now this is the fifth one. This is the fifth one. It's pretty amazing because ... I thought if I could keep making these kinds of movies," Cruise continues, at which point Stewart cuts him off and points out: "I think you -- I mean if I may, and I don't mean to be presumptuous -- I think you can. I'm pretty sure it's not like Death to Smoochy where they're like, 'One and done!' You can get in there and knock around a few more." Below-the-belt shots at Death to Smoochy aside,...
- 7/29/2015
- by Jordan Benesh
- Rope of Silicon
With his final Daily Show on the horizon, Jon Stewart took time from Tuesday's episode to reveal some insider secrets – like whom he'd "marry, shag and kill" from group of friends Larry Wilmore, John Oliver and Stephen Colbert.
Stewart answers that riveting query during a segment called "Askhole," wherein Daily Show correspondents Hasan Minhaj and Jordan Klepper interrogate the host with fan questions and bully their boss like grizzled detectives. "Some things are best left unsaid," Stewart says of his shagging options. But he relents after they threaten him with an Arby's enema.
Stewart answers that riveting query during a segment called "Askhole," wherein Daily Show correspondents Hasan Minhaj and Jordan Klepper interrogate the host with fan questions and bully their boss like grizzled detectives. "Some things are best left unsaid," Stewart says of his shagging options. But he relents after they threaten him with an Arby's enema.
- 7/29/2015
- Rollingstone.com
In one of his more infamous reviews, Roger Ebert wrote “Only enormously talented people could have made Death to Smoochy. Those with lesser gifts would have lacked the nerve to make a film so bad, so miscalculated, so lacking any connection with any possible audience. To make a film this awful, you have to have enormous ambition and confidence, and dream big dreams.” This philosophy — which suggests only the most creative minds are capable of making the best and worst films — aptly describes Manglehorn, the latest film from director David Gordon Green. Born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas, it’s damn near impossible to classify or categorize Green’s work. Varied and eclectic, the only throughline in Green’s career is that there’s is no throughline – no theme or aesthetic that ties his films together. A master in indiscrimination, one has to look no further than George Washington, Your Highness...
- 9/11/2014
- by Sam Fragoso
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
For Jon Stewart, last night’s screening of his directorial debut, Rosewater, was a glorious homecoming of sorts. After all, he filmed Death to Smoochy in Toronto. But last night’s standing-room-only showing at the Toronto Film Festival was a true celebration, and before the screening, Stewart joked that Canada’s earnest warm reception felt like sarcasm to a cynical New Yorker like himself. Afterwards, the audience responded with a standing ovation, as much for the real Iranian journalist Maziar Bahari, who was imprisoned and accused of being a spy by Iranian authorities, as the cast and their first-time director.
- 9/9/2014
- by Jeff Labrecque
- EW - Inside Movies
Comedy is probably the most taste-variable of film genres, and never was that fact thrown more sharply into focus than when folks were listing their favorite Robin Williams movies in the wake of his untimely death. So many different titles to choose from! Turns out, Cargill and I share an abiding affinity for one of Williams’ most maligned films: Death to Smoochy. Now that some time has passed, we felt it appropriate to honor the great Robin Williams by delving into all the things we love about this darkly absurd oddity. We also examine the roots of the film’s ice cold reception and the slowly pervading cult appreciation it has since garnered. We can’t necessarily change your mind about Death to Smoochy, but maybe we can make a dent. You should follow Brian (@Briguysalisbury), Cargill (@Massawyrm), and the show (@Junkfoodcinema). Download Episode #23 Directly On This Week’s Show: Smoochy Lives [2:22 - 35:10] More of Our Favorite Williams...
- 9/9/2014
- by Brian Salisbury
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
"Suicide is a permanent solution to temporary problems." - Robin Williams, "World's Greatest Dad" This is a very emotional "Ask Drew." This is, I would suspect, the closest you're ever going to see to me losing it on camera completely. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised when there was a Robin Williams question, since it's still so fresh and so raw for so many people, but I couldn't have known just how hard it would be to talk about him. I mean, I have stared at the blinking cursor on my blank document page for almost two days now, grappling with one question: how in the hell do you even remotely begin to sum up someone as huge as Robin Williams? We could start from the personal angle. I could tell you about the occasional e-mails I got from him when I was at Ain't It Cool, or the...
- 8/13/2014
- by Drew McWeeny
- Hitfix
We don.t mention Popeye, where he collaborated with Robert Altman. We don.t mention Steven Spielberg.s Hook. We don.t mention The World According to Garp, Good Morning, Vietnam, The Fisher King or Death to Smoochy. When trying to honor the cinematic legacy of the late Robin Williams, the only guarantee is that you are going to leave at least one classic film off of the finalized list. The impossibly gifted performer did so much in his too-short time, entertaining and amazing audiences in imaginative comedies, heartwrenching dramas and whip-smart stand-up routines. His talent seemed unlimited. The loss, at the moment, seems immeasurable. But while we currently lament the future features Robin Williams won.t be able to deliver (including a Mrs. Doubtfire sequel that recently was discussed), let.s do something healthier. Something happier. Let.s turn our attention to the movies that have and will earn...
- 8/12/2014
- cinemablend.com
Oscar-winning actor and comedian Robin Williams (1951-2014) has left behind a legacy of memorable entertainment in stand-up comedy, television and film following in the aftermath of his tragic passing on Monday, August 11, 2014. Indeed, Williams will be remembered for his versatile presence in show business running the course of over four decades.
In a rather unconventional tribute of recognizing the late and gifted actor/comedian Robin Williams let us engage in The Top 10 Trivial Tidbits About Robin Williams (1951-2014) highlighting the performer’ s arcane facts and revelations pertaining to his film and television work.
So just how well do you know Robin Williams and his esteemed Hollywood career throughout the years in the media? Just sit back and enjoy this brain-teasing trivia-minded column about the dearly departed manic artist whose devotion to his craft of off-kilter comedic and shockingly dramatic showmanship on the small and big screen has and will always...
In a rather unconventional tribute of recognizing the late and gifted actor/comedian Robin Williams let us engage in The Top 10 Trivial Tidbits About Robin Williams (1951-2014) highlighting the performer’ s arcane facts and revelations pertaining to his film and television work.
So just how well do you know Robin Williams and his esteemed Hollywood career throughout the years in the media? Just sit back and enjoy this brain-teasing trivia-minded column about the dearly departed manic artist whose devotion to his craft of off-kilter comedic and shockingly dramatic showmanship on the small and big screen has and will always...
- 8/12/2014
- by Frank Ochieng
- SoundOnSight
Legendary comedian and actor Robin Williams was found dead today.
The Marin County Sheriff department has released an official statement saying that authorities found the actor unconscious in his home in Tiburon, California.
Williams was pronounced dead this afternoon and suicide is suspected, though the cause of death has yet to be confirmed.
Williams' publicist released a statement saying: "Robin Williams passed away this morning. He has been battling severe depression of late. This is a tragic and sudden loss. The family respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time."
From his early work on the sitcom "Mork & Mindy" through more dramatic big screen fare like "Dead Poets Society" and "Good Will Hunting," the actor was known and beloved throughout the world and his unexpected death comes as a major shock.
Even U.S. President Barack Obama has issued a statement, saying: "He arrived in...
The Marin County Sheriff department has released an official statement saying that authorities found the actor unconscious in his home in Tiburon, California.
Williams was pronounced dead this afternoon and suicide is suspected, though the cause of death has yet to be confirmed.
Williams' publicist released a statement saying: "Robin Williams passed away this morning. He has been battling severe depression of late. This is a tragic and sudden loss. The family respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time."
From his early work on the sitcom "Mork & Mindy" through more dramatic big screen fare like "Dead Poets Society" and "Good Will Hunting," the actor was known and beloved throughout the world and his unexpected death comes as a major shock.
Even U.S. President Barack Obama has issued a statement, saying: "He arrived in...
- 8/12/2014
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Robin Williams‘ shocking death, in what appears to be a suicide in his Bay Area home, has elicited a flood of reactions, from those who knew him best, from colleagues and friends, and from fans who’ve followed his work from Mork & Mindy through his Oscar-winning turn in Good Will Hunting, an array of other film, TV and Broadway projects, his standup comedy and much more. Here’s a selection of those reactions: Danny DeVito, Williams’ friend and co-star/director on Death to Smoochy: “So sad to think about this. Hard to speak. Hard to say. Hard to take. All I can think about is what a joy […]...
- 8/11/2014
- Deadline
Update (5:02 Pm Pst): Williams' wife and publicist have spoken out on the comedian's death (via The Hollywood Reporter): Wife Susan Schneider: "This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings. I am utterly heartbroken. On behalf of Robin's family, we are asking for privacy during our time of profound grief. As he is remembered, it is our hope the focus will not be on Robin's death, but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions." Publicist Mara Buxbaum: "Robin Williams passed away this morning. He has been battling severe depression of late. This is a tragic and sudden loss. The family respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time." [Hollywood and the world reacts to Robin Williams passing.] Original Story: Oscar-nominated actor Robin Williams has been found dead at his home at...
- 8/11/2014
- by HitFix Staff
- Hitfix
Odd List Ryan Lambie Simon Brew 12 Dec 2013 - 05:49
The year of Baggins, Potter and Spider-Man also had a wealth of lesser-known movies. Here’s our pick of 2002's underappreciated films...
At the top of the box office tree, 2002 was dominated by fantasy and special effects. Peter Jackson's The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers made almost a billion dollars all by itself, with Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets taking second place and Sam Raimi's Spider-Man not too far behind.
In many ways, 2002 set the tempo for the Hollywood blockbuster landscape, which has changed relatively little in the decade since. A quick look at 2013‘s top 10, for example, reveals a markedly similar mix of superhero movies, with Iron Man 3 still ruling the roost at the time of writing, followed by effects-heavy action flicks and family-friendly animated features.
As usual in these lists, we're looking...
The year of Baggins, Potter and Spider-Man also had a wealth of lesser-known movies. Here’s our pick of 2002's underappreciated films...
At the top of the box office tree, 2002 was dominated by fantasy and special effects. Peter Jackson's The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers made almost a billion dollars all by itself, with Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets taking second place and Sam Raimi's Spider-Man not too far behind.
In many ways, 2002 set the tempo for the Hollywood blockbuster landscape, which has changed relatively little in the decade since. A quick look at 2013‘s top 10, for example, reveals a markedly similar mix of superhero movies, with Iron Man 3 still ruling the roost at the time of writing, followed by effects-heavy action flicks and family-friendly animated features.
As usual in these lists, we're looking...
- 12/11/2013
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Simon Brew Nov 24, 2019
Just a silly comedy? There might be more to Mrs. Doubtfire than it's given credit for...
This article comes from Den of Geek UK.
This article contains spoilers for Mrs. Doubtfire.
If you dig through the box office takings for the films of Robin Williams, then - taking aside his supporting performance in Night At The Museum - his most lucrative movie at the Us box office remains 1993's Mrs. Doubtfire. Inflation-adjusted, it tops the list.
The movie was released in the aftermath of Disney's record-breaking Aladdin (and followed the fascinatingly flawed Toys), and in the years that followed, Williams would enjoy a bunch of further hits, including the likes of Jumanji, The Birdcage (two films that passed $100 million at the Us box office on the same weekend), Patch Adams, and Flubber. He'd nab an Oscar in the midst of that run for Good Will Hunting,...
Just a silly comedy? There might be more to Mrs. Doubtfire than it's given credit for...
This article comes from Den of Geek UK.
This article contains spoilers for Mrs. Doubtfire.
If you dig through the box office takings for the films of Robin Williams, then - taking aside his supporting performance in Night At The Museum - his most lucrative movie at the Us box office remains 1993's Mrs. Doubtfire. Inflation-adjusted, it tops the list.
The movie was released in the aftermath of Disney's record-breaking Aladdin (and followed the fascinatingly flawed Toys), and in the years that followed, Williams would enjoy a bunch of further hits, including the likes of Jumanji, The Birdcage (two films that passed $100 million at the Us box office on the same weekend), Patch Adams, and Flubber. He'd nab an Oscar in the midst of that run for Good Will Hunting,...
- 11/19/2013
- Den of Geek
Feature Simon Brew 19 Nov 2013 - 06:40
Just a silly comedy? There might be more to Mrs Doubtfire than it's given credit for...
This article contains spoilers for Mrs Doubtfire.
If you dig through the box office takings for the films of Robin Williams, then - taking aside his supporting performance in Night At The Museum - his most lucrative film at the Us box office remains 1993's Mrs Doubtfire. Inflation-adjusted, it tops the list.
The film was released in the aftermath of Disney's record-breaking Aladdin (and followed the fascinatingly flawed Toys), and in the years that followed, Williams would enjoy a bunch of further hits, including the likes of Jumanji, The Birdcage (two films that, fact-fans, passed $100m at the Us box office on the same weekend), Patch Adams and Flubber. He'd nab an Oscar in the midst of that run for Good Will Hunting, too. This was Robin Williams...
Just a silly comedy? There might be more to Mrs Doubtfire than it's given credit for...
This article contains spoilers for Mrs Doubtfire.
If you dig through the box office takings for the films of Robin Williams, then - taking aside his supporting performance in Night At The Museum - his most lucrative film at the Us box office remains 1993's Mrs Doubtfire. Inflation-adjusted, it tops the list.
The film was released in the aftermath of Disney's record-breaking Aladdin (and followed the fascinatingly flawed Toys), and in the years that followed, Williams would enjoy a bunch of further hits, including the likes of Jumanji, The Birdcage (two films that, fact-fans, passed $100m at the Us box office on the same weekend), Patch Adams and Flubber. He'd nab an Oscar in the midst of that run for Good Will Hunting, too. This was Robin Williams...
- 11/18/2013
- by sarahd
- Den of Geek
Let's all take a moment to reconsider Death to Smoochy, because as Edward Norton proved last night, he is a damn fine comedian. In his first-ever stint hosting Saturday Night Live, the actor had flawless timing and total commitment to his characters – even the dumb ones, like a mob money-counter who talked like Dustin Hoffman in Rain Man (which was basically Norton re-creating his own performance in The Score). The two-time Oscar nominee delivered some terrifically quotable one-liners: "What would I do for a Klondike bar? I'd suck anything you put in front of me.
- 10/27/2013
- Rollingstone.com
Edward Norton isn’t exactly known for his comedic talents, relying mostly on intense turns in such films as “Fight Club” and “American History X” for his rise to fame. But he’s had plenty of intentionally funny roles as well, such as in “Keeping The Faith,” “Death To Smoochy,” and his recent foray into the world of Wes Anderson films. For those with even a hint of interest in the behind-the-scenes world of Hollywood, Norton is also known as an opinionated talent who often provides creative input into his many endeavors, even when said input isn’t sought. But when it comes to “Saturday...
- 10/27/2013
- by Ryan McGee
- Hitfix
We could all use a little more Edward Norton in our lives.
Though the Fight Club star has had a few particularly zeitgeisty moments (see 1996, which brought us Norton’s Primal Fear/Larry Flynt/Everyone Says I Love You trifecta, or 2002, when he had big roles in four movies… one of which, granted, was Death to Smoochy), he generally keeps a pretty low profile by appearing in just a few carefully chosen films each year. This, plus Norton’s closely guarded personal life, mean that he’s sort of impossible to get sick of — and makes his first time hosting...
Though the Fight Club star has had a few particularly zeitgeisty moments (see 1996, which brought us Norton’s Primal Fear/Larry Flynt/Everyone Says I Love You trifecta, or 2002, when he had big roles in four movies… one of which, granted, was Death to Smoochy), he generally keeps a pretty low profile by appearing in just a few carefully chosen films each year. This, plus Norton’s closely guarded personal life, mean that he’s sort of impossible to get sick of — and makes his first time hosting...
- 10/26/2013
- by Hillary Busis
- EW.com - PopWatch
Not sure why SNL felt this was the right week for Edward Norton to make his hosting debut, considering all he did in 2013 was an episode of The Simpsons and he doesn't have a movie coming out until The Grand Budapest Hotel in 2014. However, in spite of this or maybe because of it, we're pretty excited. If he's going to go through the trouble of getting on the show without something to promote, he must be prepared to really give it his all. It will also be a perfect time for all the writers to bust out the Death to Smoochy parodies they've had in their back pockets.
- 10/23/2013
- by Jesse David Fox
- Vulture
Odd List Greg Foster 18 Oct 2013 - 06:16
We look at 20 former A-list actors, and the interesting film choices they've made...
There comes a time in every A-list actor's life when they gather their thoughts and take a step back into smaller budget or more leftfield fare - and for a variety of reasons. They may want to work with a certain director or an emerging directing talent. They might be taken by a fantastic script. They might fancy a new artistic direction. They may even have a spiritual epiphany and decide to eschew Hollywood and all its decadent trappings, or they may simply just not have a choice, since the big roles have long since dried up for them.
The reason for this list then, is to look at some of those shining lights, the household names, and at the films they took up as proof of their artistic integrity.
We look at 20 former A-list actors, and the interesting film choices they've made...
There comes a time in every A-list actor's life when they gather their thoughts and take a step back into smaller budget or more leftfield fare - and for a variety of reasons. They may want to work with a certain director or an emerging directing talent. They might be taken by a fantastic script. They might fancy a new artistic direction. They may even have a spiritual epiphany and decide to eschew Hollywood and all its decadent trappings, or they may simply just not have a choice, since the big roles have long since dried up for them.
The reason for this list then, is to look at some of those shining lights, the household names, and at the films they took up as proof of their artistic integrity.
- 10/17/2013
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Tonight, John Oliver starts a three-month stint hosting Comedy Central’s The Daily Show while Jon Stewart is away directing his debut movie, the drama Rosewater. To hear the British comedian tell it, the decision was a no-brainer.
“Jon called me on the phone to say they’d got the money for the movie and then asked if I would host over the summer,” Oliver explained. “I said yes just automatically. I owe him so much I will do anything he wants, from temporarily hosting a show to disposing of a body. It was only on hanging the phone up that I suddenly thought,...
“Jon called me on the phone to say they’d got the money for the movie and then asked if I would host over the summer,” Oliver explained. “I said yes just automatically. I owe him so much I will do anything he wants, from temporarily hosting a show to disposing of a body. It was only on hanging the phone up that I suddenly thought,...
- 6/10/2013
- by Clark Collis
- EW - Inside TV
Jon Stewart is sharply hilarious and Gael Garcia Bernal honed his comedic chops against Will Ferrell, but the pair are teaming up for the first time to tackle a grimly serious subject.
Stewart has cast the 34-year-old Mexican actor as the lead in his directorial debut, according to TheWrap.com. "The Daily Show" host will take a leave of absence this summer to work on the Iranian-set "Rosewater." While correspondent Jon Oliver sits at the news desk for eight of the 12 weeks his boss will be gone, Stewart will direct the star of "Amores Perros" in the story of a journalist, Maziar Bahari, who visits Iran on assignment and ends up jailed for 118 days and roughed up by an interrogator who smells of rosewater. Hey, look, it's the title!
Stewart and writer Aimee Molloy adapted the story from Bahari's 2011 memoir, "Then They Came for Me: A Family's Story of Love,...
Stewart has cast the 34-year-old Mexican actor as the lead in his directorial debut, according to TheWrap.com. "The Daily Show" host will take a leave of absence this summer to work on the Iranian-set "Rosewater." While correspondent Jon Oliver sits at the news desk for eight of the 12 weeks his boss will be gone, Stewart will direct the star of "Amores Perros" in the story of a journalist, Maziar Bahari, who visits Iran on assignment and ends up jailed for 118 days and roughed up by an interrogator who smells of rosewater. Hey, look, it's the title!
Stewart and writer Aimee Molloy adapted the story from Bahari's 2011 memoir, "Then They Came for Me: A Family's Story of Love,...
- 5/24/2013
- by Ryan J Downey
- NextMovie
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c Exclusive - J.J. Abrams Extended Interview Pt. 1 www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Indecision Political Humor The Daily Show on Facebook
"I'm not gonna even go to these conventions anymore, I'm just gonna sit on your lap."
That's Jon Stewart speaking for pretty much all of us to "Lost" mogul J.J. Abrams on how flabbergasted he is that one man gets to control the fates of both the "Star Trek" and "Star Wars" properties during a very engaged 12-minute geek-out on "The Daily Show" to promote "Star Trek Into Darkness."
Part of the unedited nerdgasm between the two that beamed its way online delves into the more philosophical underpinnings of "Star Trek" and how the future setting was used allegorically to underline aspects of contemporary society. Abrams explains that he wanted to up the action quotient without warping that underlying thoughtfulness,...
Daily Show Full Episodes Indecision Political Humor The Daily Show on Facebook
"I'm not gonna even go to these conventions anymore, I'm just gonna sit on your lap."
That's Jon Stewart speaking for pretty much all of us to "Lost" mogul J.J. Abrams on how flabbergasted he is that one man gets to control the fates of both the "Star Trek" and "Star Wars" properties during a very engaged 12-minute geek-out on "The Daily Show" to promote "Star Trek Into Darkness."
Part of the unedited nerdgasm between the two that beamed its way online delves into the more philosophical underpinnings of "Star Trek" and how the future setting was used allegorically to underline aspects of contemporary society. Abrams explains that he wanted to up the action quotient without warping that underlying thoughtfulness,...
- 5/14/2013
- by Max Evry
- NextMovie
After landing Will Arnett for an undisclosed role a couple weeks ago, Ninja Turtles has tapped Danny Woodburn (Seinfeld, Death to Smoochy, Mirror Mirror) to play Master Splinter. The film is part CGI, part live-action, so Woodburn's appearance could end up being a completely motion-capture deal. Jonathan Liebesman (Battle Los Angeles, Wrath of the Titans) is directing, Michael Bay is producing, and Megan Fox is set to appear.
- 4/16/2013
- by Zach Dionne
- Vulture
With all four of the heroes in a half-shell lined up with Alan Ritchson as Raphael, Pete Ploszek will play Leonardo, Jeremy Howard will play Donatello and Noel Fisher will take the role of Michaelangelo, the new iteration of Ninja Turtles has been looking for the teenage mutants' wise leader. Now Deadline has word that the search is over with "Seinfeld" veteran and Watchmen star Danny Woodburn taking on the role of Master Splinter in the live-action/CG hybrid film from director Jonathan Liebesman. You might not know Woodburn by name, but you'll undoubtedly recognize him from plenty of movies and TV series. Read on! Woodburn is easily recognizable because he's one of the few more notable dwarf actors in Hollywood with roles ranging from Jingle All the Way to Death to Smoochy, not to mention TV appearances on "Party Down" and "CSI." Woodburn is a good enough actor, but...
- 4/15/2013
- by Ethan Anderton
- firstshowing.net
What? According to Deadline, Jon Stewart, the beloved and influential host of Comedy Central's "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart," has announced that he will be taking an eight week leave of absence from the show in order to direct his first feature film, "Rosewater."
And unlike "The Daily Show's" fake news, this news is very, very real.
Stewart, of course, is no stranger to the movie business, having appeared in movies like "Half Baked" and "Death to Smoochy," a resume that pretty much anyone this side of Al Pacino would be proud of. But since he took over as host of "The Daily Show" back in 1999, the comedian has focused most of his energy on lampooning the absurdities of modern life rather than building up his film portfolio.
Now, though, he's found a passion project in "Rosewater," an adaptation of the memoir "Then They Came For Me:...
And unlike "The Daily Show's" fake news, this news is very, very real.
Stewart, of course, is no stranger to the movie business, having appeared in movies like "Half Baked" and "Death to Smoochy," a resume that pretty much anyone this side of Al Pacino would be proud of. But since he took over as host of "The Daily Show" back in 1999, the comedian has focused most of his energy on lampooning the absurdities of modern life rather than building up his film portfolio.
Now, though, he's found a passion project in "Rosewater," an adaptation of the memoir "Then They Came For Me:...
- 3/6/2013
- by Scott Harris
- NextMovie
Before he became famous for hosting "The Daily Show," Jon Stewart was just another comic trying to succeed as an actor. Stewart appeared in films like "Half Baked," "The Faculty," "Playing by Heart" and "Big Daddy" in the late 1990s, but hasn't had much connection to Hollywood since taking over "The Daily Show"; his last live-action role was in the 2002 film "Death to Smoochy."
As first reported by Deadline.com, however, Stewart is set to jump back into the filmmaking world with "Rosewater," an adaptation of journalist Maziar Bahari's "Then They Came For Me: A Family’s Story Of Love, Captivity And Survival." Stewart wrote the script for "Rosewater" and will direct the film during a three-month break from "The Daily Show" this summer. Right now, no casting decisions have been made, but Oscar-winner Scott Rudin is involved in the film as producer.
“I am a television person who...
As first reported by Deadline.com, however, Stewart is set to jump back into the filmmaking world with "Rosewater," an adaptation of journalist Maziar Bahari's "Then They Came For Me: A Family’s Story Of Love, Captivity And Survival." Stewart wrote the script for "Rosewater" and will direct the film during a three-month break from "The Daily Show" this summer. Right now, no casting decisions have been made, but Oscar-winner Scott Rudin is involved in the film as producer.
“I am a television person who...
- 3/5/2013
- by Christopher Rosen
- Huffington Post
Jon Stewart is trading in comedy for drama, and will take a hiatus from his “Daily Show” hosting duties this summer to film his feature directorial debut. Deadline reports that the Comedy Central stalwart will take off 12 weeks from “The Daily Show” to shoot “Rosewater,” an adaptation of the book “Then They Came For Me: A Family's Story Of Love, Captivity And Survival.” Written in 2011 by journalist Maziar Bahari, the book details Bahari's 118 days in an Iranian prison in 2009, after he was arrested while covering Iran's presidential elections. Bahari, who only expected to be gone for one week, left behind a pregnant fiancee in London. He was repeatedly interrogated by a man he could identify by only one feature: the smell of rosewater. “I am a television person who is accustomed to having a thought at 10 a.m. and having it out there at 6:30 p.m. and moving on,...
- 3/5/2013
- by Katie Roberts
- Moviefone
Many people know Jon Stewart for one thing and one thing only: his long-running hosting gig on The Daily Show. While his sardonic political commentary is enough to make him an unforgettable entertainment legend, let’s not forget that Jon has in fact had employment elsewhere. We know it’s hard to believe, and even Jon himself poked fun at his unmemorable repertoire while hosting the 78th Academy Awards in 2006. “Tonight is the night we celebrate excellence in film, with me, the fourth male lead from Death to Smoochy. Rent it,” he joked. Let’s also not forget his riveting performance in The First Wives Club — which was later deleted — and his portrayal as Adam Sandler’s roommate in Big Daddy.
While it’s safe to say Jon Stewart may not be a draw at the box office, we are happy to say that he is a huge hit on the small screen.
While it’s safe to say Jon Stewart may not be a draw at the box office, we are happy to say that he is a huge hit on the small screen.
- 11/28/2012
- by Erin Henry
- TheFabLife - Movies
Danny DeVito has lined up a new directing project titled Honeymoon With Dad , Variety reports. The indie comedy is set up at Tapestry Films and Reel FX Creative Studios and follows a young man who, after being left at the altar, winds up going on his would-be honeymoon with his father. It's not said whether or not DeVito is interested in starring, though the actor has appeared in several of his own directorial efforts such as Throw Momma From the Train , War of the Roses and Death to Smoochy . In addition to starring on "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" (which launches its eighth season this week on FX), DeVito recently voice the title character in Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment's The Lorax . (Photo Credit: Apega / WENN.com)...
- 10/10/2012
- Comingsoon.net
Even the most brilliant actors will occasionally make bad movies. Scripts change, budgets shrink, directors quit or get canned. For the most part, audiences realize that movies are a collaborative medium and that a bad movie isn't necessarily the fault of the lead actor. Audiences are far less understanding when a bad movie has an ensemble cast, however: How could so many talented people be so wrong? We recently asked you to rate the Top 10 Great Ensembles in Good Movies; now, we want you to be brutally honest and help us rate the Top 10 Great Ensembles in Bad Movies.
Rate the Top 10 Great Ensembles in Bad Movies >>
Next Showing:
Link | Posted 10/2/2012 by BrentJS
Mars Attacks! | Battleship | The Avengers | Magnolia | Battlefield Earth | Four Rooms | Mystery Men | Be Cool | Little Fockers | Ocean's Twelve | Sucker Punch | Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace | Independence Day | Troy | Pearl Harbor | Swordfish | Death to Smoochy...
Rate the Top 10 Great Ensembles in Bad Movies >>
Next Showing:
Link | Posted 10/2/2012 by BrentJS
Mars Attacks! | Battleship | The Avengers | Magnolia | Battlefield Earth | Four Rooms | Mystery Men | Be Cool | Little Fockers | Ocean's Twelve | Sucker Punch | Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace | Independence Day | Troy | Pearl Harbor | Swordfish | Death to Smoochy...
- 10/2/2012
- by BrentJS Sprecher
- Reelzchannel.com
Because there's never enough Danny DeVito in the news, Twentieth Century Fox recently released two of DeVito's films, 1989's "War of the Roses" and 1992's "Hoffa," on Blu-ray. The discs are part of the Fox Home Entertainment "Signature Series," which feature a new video introduction from DeVito and both picture and sound quality that come literally stamped with his approval. (A copy of DeVito's signature is emblazoned on the packaging.)
To celebrate the release, HuffPost Entertainment spoke with DeVito about … well, almost everything. Ahead, DeVito's thoughts on digital filmmaking, his next venture as a director, the fiscal failure of the underrated "Death to Smoochy" and why you should always bring cash to the French Riviera.
What made you want to revisit these films?
When the laser disc came out, I did the same thing: I had this rush about wanting to be on the best delivery system available. I know...
To celebrate the release, HuffPost Entertainment spoke with DeVito about … well, almost everything. Ahead, DeVito's thoughts on digital filmmaking, his next venture as a director, the fiscal failure of the underrated "Death to Smoochy" and why you should always bring cash to the French Riviera.
What made you want to revisit these films?
When the laser disc came out, I did the same thing: I had this rush about wanting to be on the best delivery system available. I know...
- 9/25/2012
- by Christopher Rosen
- Huffington Post
The Complex examines Danny’s potential for success as purveyor of thrills and chills.
There was a time in the early ’90s that it looked like Danny DeVito was really about to sprout his directorial wings and fly. He’d made two pretty successful comedies in Throw Momma from the Train and War of the Roses before moving directing David Mamet’s epic screenplay for Hoffa.
Interesting film, Hoffa. I was more or less a kid in ’92 when that film came out, and I think I took it in at the theater three times. There was a resurgence of mob-leaning movies in those days after the revelation of GoodFellas, and whatever it was that The Godfather: Part III turned out to be. I loved all that stuff so I absorbed as much of it as I could.
Hoffa looked and felt like a great film, but twenty years later, I...
There was a time in the early ’90s that it looked like Danny DeVito was really about to sprout his directorial wings and fly. He’d made two pretty successful comedies in Throw Momma from the Train and War of the Roses before moving directing David Mamet’s epic screenplay for Hoffa.
Interesting film, Hoffa. I was more or less a kid in ’92 when that film came out, and I think I took it in at the theater three times. There was a resurgence of mob-leaning movies in those days after the revelation of GoodFellas, and whatever it was that The Godfather: Part III turned out to be. I loved all that stuff so I absorbed as much of it as I could.
Hoffa looked and felt like a great film, but twenty years later, I...
- 5/12/2012
- by Josh Converse
- Boomtron
After directing "War of the Roses," "Hoffa," "Matilda," "Death to Smoochy" and "Duplex," Danny DeVito took a decade from helming. But he has now returned behind the camera for an apocalyptic thriller, called "St. Sebastian," which is now in post-production. "I was truly excited about getting behind the camera on this one," said DeVito. "It is my first foray into the thriller genre and I've enjoyed the challenge of making an 89 minute edge-of-your-seater..." The film revolves around a wounded cop, a wounded murderer and a sultry nurse. The three are thrust together, as war rages outside the only possible safe house, an abandoned City Hospital. With no doctors and only a few poor decrepit souls as witnesses, it becomes a rats' maze as the antagonistic trio get separated, and we find out the real reason they are there. "St. Sebastian" stars William Fichtner (The Dark Knight, Black Hawk Down), Lance Reddick ("The Wire,...
- 5/12/2012
- WorstPreviews.com
Relativity Media's Snow White film will be called "Mirror Mirror."According to Variety, the film has a March 16, 2012, release date set.Tarsem Singh is directing. The modern day retelling of Snow White finds the vengeful heroine joining forces with a gang of seven dwarfs after her evil stepmother kills her father.The cast includes Julia Roberts as the evil Queen, Nathan Lane as the Queen's servant Brighton, Lily Collins as Snow White and Armie Hammer as Prince Andrew Alcott.Mare Winningham, Michael Lerner and Sean Bean have also been cast. The seven dwarfs include Mark Povinelli ("Water for Elephants"), Jordan Prentice ("Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle"), Danny Woodburn ("Death to Smoochy"), Sebastian Saraceno ("Bedtime Stories"), Ronald Lee Clark ("Epic Movie"),...
- 11/7/2011
- by Adnan Tezer
- Monsters and Critics
Back in 1996, a film was having a tough time getting off the ground with its controversial content and casting problems with the star, Richard Gere, ready to walk away from the project. A young, unknown actor came in, stuttering like the character, read for and won the role beating over two thousand other hopefuls, rejuvenating the film.
This actor kept the project afloat even though it was his motion picture debut; his acting ability earned him an Oscar nomination. That man who saved the film was Edward Norton.
In the late ‘90s, Edward Norton was one of the most exciting young actors to break through and in this time he earned himself two nominations for an Academy award – it could have (and should have) been three. He was the man of the moment, commanding praise for many of his roles from Primal Fear to The People vs. Larry Flynt to...
This actor kept the project afloat even though it was his motion picture debut; his acting ability earned him an Oscar nomination. That man who saved the film was Edward Norton.
In the late ‘90s, Edward Norton was one of the most exciting young actors to break through and in this time he earned himself two nominations for an Academy award – it could have (and should have) been three. He was the man of the moment, commanding praise for many of his roles from Primal Fear to The People vs. Larry Flynt to...
- 10/26/2011
- by Guest
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Danny DeVito has quite the mixed directing record. While he has some gems - like the Roald Dahl adaptation Matilda and the 1989 comedy The War of the Roses - he also has his fair share of critical duds, including his last two features, Duplex and Death To Smoochy. DeVito hasn't directed a movie since 2003, but now he's ready to get back behind the camera. THR reports that DeVito's next project will be The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, an adaptation of Avi's Newbury Award-winning young adult novel. The book is set in the 19th century and centers on a girl - the titular Charlotte - as she crosses the Ocean on a boat from England to America as the only passenger. The project is being financed by a UK-based company called Intandem and both Morgan Freeman and Pierce Brosnan are attached to star. Said DeVito about the project, "I.m...
- 9/9/2011
- cinemablend.com
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