Matt Damon takes the lead role, and the attention away from anyone else, in this sly comedic look at whistle blowers and corporate shenanigans. Never more appropriates than in the aftermath of the current financial crisis it'll be interesting to see if we can still laugh at the incompetence and petty dreams of those of us who manage major corporations.
The Informant! opens on 20 November 2009.
Tuesday, 29 September 2009
Tuesday Trailers - The Informant!
Monday, 28 September 2009
Mira Sorvino
Happy Birthday to
Mira Sorvino
42 today
Mira (daughter of Paul) made the mistake of knocking it out of the park and winning an Oscar in Woody Allen's otherwise forgettable Mighty Aphrodite. Whilst she got some good gigs on the back of it - Beautiful Girls, Summer of Sam - it's gone downhill ever since.
Sunday, 27 September 2009
Gwyneth Paltrow
Happy Birthday to
Gwyneth Paltrow
37 today
Beautiful, stunning, clever, funny, yet strangely, even when she only appears in one film a year, over-exposed. That could be due to the whole being married to Coldplay. I really want to be wowed by her talent again, but I'm really not sure how Gwyneth will be able to do that.
Friday, 25 September 2009
Will Smith
Happy Birthday to
Will Smith
41 today
Oddly this photo just jumped out at me. Big Willy (heh heh) is probably the most bankable star in Hollywood, his last 10 cinematic releases took an average just shy of $160m, but right now he's taking time off with the family. IMDB have 25 projects in developement, with only Spielberg's Old Boy in the pre-production phase. On the off chance it does get made I'm in there.
Wednesday, 23 September 2009
Mickey Rooney
Happy Birthday to
Mickey Rooney
89 today
At 89 the diminutive star continues to perform with astounding regularity. The films may be getting more obscure and more likely to go straight from the festivals to the DVD shelves, but you have to admire his tenacity.
Tuesday, 22 September 2009
Tuesday Trailers - Bright Star
It was the toast of the critics following Cannes, however it seems the reception for Jane Campion's latest opus has dimmed during the rest of the festival season. That won't stop me going to see Ben Whishaw and Abbie Cornish as the ill-fated lovers John Keats and Fanny Brawne. After all if this is even close to the quality of Campions other films then it's possibly a masterpiece.
Bright Star opens on 06 November 2009.
Monday, 21 September 2009
Personal News (21/09/09)
I don't do enough personal news, or at least I haven't over the summer. I gues that's because I haven't really been looking for, or when I have been looking getting, work.
I've tried, applications sent out, couple of telephone auditiona, but to be honest my heart has not been in it. I've been stuck here in Melksham, running and looking forward to the autumn tour, knowing that anything else would have to be squeezed in before or held until after. And the fact that I shall be moving back up North also made the hunt easy to put off.
Thanks to this man - John Steinbeck dontcha know - I am back on the road today.
I will try and keep blogging over the next few months. All the birthdays and Tuesday trailers are written in advance, and I have the bare bones of the releases ready, but they will go out on Saturdays or Sundays rather than on Friday. I also have a review for Away we Go to post, but I'm too lazy to have done that over the weekend.
Please carry on posting comments and I will reply to as many as I can (probably more than I currently do) but there may be a delay. Love to you all, Ben. x x
Sunday, 20 September 2009
Sophia Loren
Happy Birthday to
Sophia Loren
75 today
Legends are few and far between, but to call La Loren a legend almost dimishes her. Cinema would simply be lesser without her existence. After far too long away from our screens Sophia returns this year as Daniel Day-Lewis heavily influential mother in Nine.
Saturday, 19 September 2009
Film News (19/09/09)
Sometimes I do get mad with myself, I'm stuck in a cycle of self loathing as I continuously get interested in the product of a limited number of filmmakers, then get really angry when they turn up time and time again in the film news. This week I'm reporting on projects from 5 directors, who between them have been connected to 14% of all the stories I've run this year. I must find some other people to idolise.
Hereafter
I like Clint Eastwood. Sure he's no auteur, but he is a proficient, efficient director who does a good job more often than a bad. What I especially like is his willingness to try new things, and play with different genres whilst retaining the use of themes - in the past we've has Westerns, Romances, Sports movies; all of which have dealt with guilt and redemption. Now that his Mandela biopic is completed next up is a horror film, reuniting him with Invictus star Matt Damon. Press releases indicate it's like the Sixth Sense, by which I hope they mean it's a slow burner and not that it turns out he's a ghost which really spoils the film if they tell us know. I'm betting Damon has caused the death of someone in the past, and is now haunted by them, but is it a real ghost or just his fevered imagination?
Yes, I;'m expecting a full length adaptation of this road safety advert:
Rosemary Harris
Happy Birthday to
Rosemary Harris
82 today
A couple of weeks ago we said happy birthday to Cliff "Uncle Ben" Robertson, so now it's the turn of Aunt May. Still no details from Spider-Man 4, but whilst there are question marks over her deceased husband I can't see how Peter Parker's favourite Aunt can't make a return.
Friday, 18 September 2009
Out this week (18/09/09)
It's a particularly busy week with a wide variety of mainstream and art house productions. That's not to say that most of them look even passably entertaining. Personally I'm tempted by Sam Mendes slumming with a dramedy between major downers, so the film of the week is Away we Go.
The Agent
Virtually a two hander between literary agent (William Beck) and his top talent (Stephen Kennedy), whose latest novel isn't up to the usual standard. Satire on the publishing business and showcase for the two stars this could be an interesting watch for those in the know.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●●○○○○○○○
Wednesday, 16 September 2009
Lauren Bacall
Happy Birthday to
Lauren Bacall
85 today
When I congratulated Lauren during Saturday's news column for her honorary Oscar, announced at the weekend, I perhaps should have made sure I wasn't going to namecheck her twice in the same week by wishing a happy birthday. Still, if anyone deserves 2 mentions in a week then it's Bacall's sultry Goddess.
Tuesday, 15 September 2009
Tuesday Trailers - A Christmas Carol
The latest trailer for Robert Zemeckis' CGI Mo-Capped version of the Charles Dickens short story was released over the weekend, so here it is. I'm not completed sold by the trailer. The rendering doesn't look as good as Beowulf, and the cutting on the trailer seems a little fast, but maybe it'll still be OK up on the big screen. What do you think? Is no-cap a passing phase or is Zemeckis showing the way of the future?
A Christmas Carol opens on 06 Nevember 2009.
Jackie Cooper
Happy Birthday to
Jackie Cooper
87 today
Former child star and still the most credible Perry White in Superman adaptations. And with no sign of the curse hitting him lets hope Jackie sees many more birthdays.
Monday, 14 September 2009
Melissa Leo
Happy Birthday to
Melissa Leo
49 today
Melissa never stops working, in 2009 she has 8 films being released in 2008 alone. That's a new film every 6 weeks. I think she's my new hero.
Sunday, 13 September 2009
Experian Robin Hood Marathon
I've done it...
My first marathon.
In the end I managed 4 hours 5 minutes (although my official time has yet to be released). I'm slightly disappointed not to have broken the 4 hour mark, but really getting round was great and the last 2 miles were hell for me.
Next time I will know what I'm doing and not storm ahead on the first half (completed that in less than 1 hour 50, taking a lot out of me at that point.
I'm thinking Brighton in April - any thoughts?
Saturday, 12 September 2009
Film News (12/09/09)
Slightly more exciting week than we've had recently - but still the festivals dominating the news pages.
Knockout
Steven Soderbergh may have lost his baseball film, Moneyball, over unusual circumstances but he's taking that on the chin and jumping back into the ring with Knockout, a mixed marshal arts movie. They're entering into a bit of a purple patch - no longer a ghetto populated by Steven Seagal - with Nick Nolte training Tom Hardy in Warrior, and now this.
The twist is we're looking at fighting women. Like Soderbergh's Girlfriend we'll be looking at a complete unknown (Gina Carano from American Gladiator) in the lead. Could be dreadful, probably will be incredibly watchable though.
Running: Week 14, Day 6, Run 4
This morning was the last training run before tomorrow's Nottingham Marathon. Just a short burst of energy.
3.3 km in 16 minutes, or 11.9 kmph.
I realise at this stage of the training this mornings run means nothing - it was merely a reason to get out of bed.
Over the last 14 weeks I have gone out 58 times and run a total of 585 km (approximately the distance from Brighton to Carlisle) in just over 54 hours. That's an average speed of 10.8 kmph.
I hit my fastest run on 15 August and went the furthest on 29 August.
But this is all for tomorrow. The greatest test of physical endurance I have ever done in my life. 26 7/32 miles.
Wish me luck.
Jennifer Hudson
Happy Birthday to
Jennifer Hudson
28 today
Jennifer is another esteened black actress who isn't getting the parts she perhaps deserves. But unlike Taraji she doesn't even gets roles from Tyler Perry - she yesterday's comments.
Here she is belting out the signature tune:
Friday, 11 September 2009
Out this week (11/09/09)
It's not exactly a titanic battle at the multiplexes this weekend, with only one film besting the magic 4 mark. Feels a little off when I look at the scores, though: Nora Ephron beating Kate Beckinsale kicking ass and Andrea Arnold's stunning follow-up to Red Road. The points structure can't be changed just for this week though so the top choice is Julie & Julia.
Adventureland
I'm not sure why, but I thought this had been released ages ago. I suspect that's because I pay too much attention to US release dates, although the fact that I clearly remember the mid to late 80's when this coming of age film is set is probably a factor. Whimsical looks at your own childhood always feel a little strange.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●●○○○○○○○
Taraji P Henson
Happy Birthday to
Taraji P Henson
39 today
Hot off her Oscar nod for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and headlining a film which should be number one in the charts this weekend, you'd have thought the producers would be clamouring for Taraji. They are - but unfortunately it's for rubbish like the Karate Kid remake.
Thursday, 10 September 2009
Running: Week 14, Day 4, Run 3
3 DAYS TO GO!!!
Just a quickie today, don't want to be overdoing it.
4.3 km in 22 minutes. Or 11.9 kmph.
Wednesday, 9 September 2009
Cliff Robertson
Happy Birthday to
Cliff Robertson
86 today
Cliff takes a great photo, doesn't he? It's like he done something devilish naughty and he can't wait to be caught out. Cliff has paid for his retirement (and then some) by playing "Uncle" Ben Parker in the Spider-Man films. Given that he died in the first one, there's been some lucky script writing to bring him back in flashback scenes. I wonder whether he'll have a scene in Spider-Man 4...
Running: Week 14, Day 3, Run 2
Faster than yesterday, which is a blessed releief, but just trying to run a short bit with no stress this week.
ONLY 4 DAYS TO GO!!!
4.4 km in 23 minutes, or 11.4 kmph.
Tuesday, 8 September 2009
Tuesday Trailers - Taking Woodstock
The one remaining October film I'm interested (ish) in still hasn't released a trailer. You have to wonder whether they actually want people to see thier movie. So, I'm starting November. November is great - full of a variety of fantastic looking movies with diverse casts and subject matter. Starting the month off is a biopic (of sorts) about a boy who helped Woodstock happen (sort of). It's directed by the talented and versatile Ang Lee with a lovely supporting cast of supporting actors. Enjoy:
Taking Woodstock opens on 6 November 2009.
Running: Week 14, Day 2, Run 1
I'll barely be doing any this week - last few days until the marathon - just a couple of short jogs around the block. I'm also struggling a bit with a knee injury (such a drama queen) and calibrating a new sensor for the i-pod.
This morning was roughly 8.4 km in 47 minutes. A very slow 10.7 kmph.
Sunday, 6 September 2009
Running: Week 13, Day 7, Run 5
Today I went running with a friend, that is to say I ran with my friend (Rob) cycling right behind me. I therefore did not have my i-Pod so that we could talk when there was no danger of being squashed by a rogue 4x4. My time ws OK, hit the pace I need for next week, however it was not spectacular or even close what I'd expect over the distance. I see this as a lesson. Must have music next week.
17.6 km in 1 hour 40 minutes, or 10.6 kmph.
Rosie Perez
Happy Birthday to
Rosie Perez
45 today
I bet you'd forgotten all about Rosie until she popped up in last years stoner comedy Pineapple Express. I don't know how you could possibly have forgotten this:
Saturday, 5 September 2009
Film News (05/09/09)
The festival season is well and truly upon us. Venice and Telluride started this week, Toronto before next week's news. Films are opening every few minutes with reviewers from across the world busily sending copy across the web. The problem is that none of the films opening at these festivals really appeal to me. For some reason this year there's very little out there that I want to see, with the exception of films which have already opened elsewhere (like Cannes, or Sundance). As a result there is virtually nothing else that's piqued my interest, just the one story in fact...
Tamara Drewe
Posy Simmonds' Guardian comic strip serial is being adapted into a feature. So far so non-story. What could be more natural these days than a comic strip film. The big difference is that Drewe is a modern spin of Far From the Maddening Crowd, and will be directed by Stephen Frears.
All it then needs is super attractive up and coming leads like, I don't know, Gemma Arterton and Dominic Cooper and I'm there.
Running: Week 13, Day 6, Run 4
This morning I tried, somewhat foolishly to go for a relatively short run at the pace I intend to complete the Marathon. This was in order to get the idea of how it feels going at that certain pace. I don't know about anyone else, but I find trying to run at a specified pace really hard, especially when my mind is on the short distance rather than the long one.
In theory I should have been doing 10.55 kmph in order to complete the marathon in less than 4 hours. That's a kilometer every 5 minutes 41 seconds.
I managed 5 km in 27 minutes, a pace of 11.1 kmph or a kilometer every 5 minutes 24 seconds. It was really tough trying to slow down that tiny bit. Should be easier on the longer run mind.
Friday, 4 September 2009
Out this week (04/09/2009)
There's nothing really jumping out at me this week, however that said it's an interesting set of films. There's a massive sci-fi piece (commenting on racism and segregation as well), quirky rom-com counter programming, Australian horror, Polish coming of age film, 2 World War I films - from opposing sides, a Bollywood film and one about London's rent boys using non-professional actors. I'm tempted to recommend the later - but I'm afraid I might recognise someone so the film of the week is District 9
District 9
A superb marketing vcampaign that began at last years comic-con with no "Non-Human" signs popping up all over the place. Luckily the film seems to stand up to buzz, with it's normalisation of alien settlers and powerful message about racial intolerance it should shake up the ET on earth sub genre for years.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●●●○○○○○○
Running: Week 13, Day 5, Run 3
Got my stride back today. Not just compared to yesterday, but also the day before. In fact I think this is the best I've done on these 6 mile (or thereabouts) basic runs.
9.9 km in 51 minutes. 11.7 kmph.
Thursday, 3 September 2009
Broken Embraces
2009. Dir: Pedro Almodóvar. Starring: Penélope Cruz, Lluís Homar, Blanca Portillo, José Luis Gómez and Tamar Novas. ●●●●○
During August I went to the cinema twice, both times to my local independent cinema, both times to see auteur films from directors whose work I love, and both times the film was about the power of film, and how it could be used as a tool for revenge. Last week I railed about the lack of humanity in Tarantino's effort which, for me, was the rotten core in his film. This week Almodovar has proven that cinema is about redemption and love. Far closer to my thinking.
Los abrazos rotos (Broken Embraces) opens with the blind screen writer Harry Caine (Homar, superb) seducing a good samaritan. It's a funny and tounching scene - Caine is no adonis but his charisma overpowers the girl - with lots of passion. There isn't however a touch of romance, she quickly showers and leaves, he's back to work before she's finished. This act of love-making was perfunctory and purely a release.
Running: Week 13, Day 4, Run 2
Shorter run this morning, but just couldn't find my pace. I really was struggling, until the blond cutie appeared. Ahhh. Still not great overall, but at least I had some good eye candy.
8.4km in 45 minutes, or 11.2 kmph.
Valerie Perrine
Happy Birthday to
Valerie Perrine
66 today
I was just watching Lenny the other day and it reminded me just how talented and gorgeous Valerie was back in the day. She's still talented and gorgeous now, mind, it's just she doesn't do as many photo like this anymore.
Wednesday, 2 September 2009
Running: Week 13, Day 3, Run 1
You may have noticed I've been a bit lazy over the last 5 days. This morning was my first run since Saturday. I would like to point out that this delay was not due to the long one taking it out of me, but because I went out an party'd on Saturay night, which took me until Monday to recover. Then I overslept yesterday. So 5 days running of running this week. Then I take it easy anyway as we'll be in the last week before the marathon.
This morning was a pretty good 9.8 km in 51 minutes, or 11.5 kmph.
Tuesday, 1 September 2009
Tuesday Trailers - Up
Shutter Island has indeed moved in 2010, and Creek has been pushed back a few weeks so I'm going to give you the film that will rule the October charts this week, and it's not a difficult choice. Pixar has an incredible record in the film charts internationally with big box office from all of their clever balanced products. The key is in appealing to adults and children, something which seems inplicit in the writing of their films. Up is no exception, it's taken $290m so far in the US making it the second highest Pixar grosser and number 3 in the top sellers of 2009.
Up opens on 9 October 2009.
Lily Tomlin
Happy Birthday to
Lily Tomlin
70 today
Birthdays can be beautiful celebrations with lashings of jelly and ice cream, or they can be apinful reminders that we're all getting on. For me Lily's 70th is one of the latter, mainly because it doesn't feel like a lesbian commedienne should ever be that age. Strange, isn't it?
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