Now This is a Movie I Would Pay to See. Even in 3D.

Intimacy is the Word

At first I wasn't sure I was going to talk about the recently released posters for Jane Campion's Bright Star and An Education starring the unknown yet strangely ubiquitous Carey Mulligan. I've come to realize (just like you, hopefully) that Glenn is the master of all things movie poster related, often trusting his opinion about a particular poster more than my own. But when he gave a general thumbs down to both of them, I really just wanted to offer my two cents.

I'm actually a fan of both of them. In fact, I find both posters to be absolutely stunning. They are both simple in concept, but the pay off is in the execution. The Bright Star poster feels so sensual and passionate that it feels like anybody glancing at it is intruding on an extremely personal moment. Plus, the colors seem to catch the eye for whatever reason. I wasn't too excited about this film a week ago, but with this poster, I'm curious to see what it is all about.

An Education's poster isn't as sensual as Bright Star's, but it does feel just as intimate and intrusive. The Photoshopping is a bit blatant (Peter Sarsgaard, who is approaching 40 if he's not there already, looks younger than Zac Efron) but they just look so Goddamned beautiful, don't they? Being a fanboy of all things New Wave and Mad Men, I especially love the 60's inspired costumes. They're so extremely classy and beautiful at the same time. Combined with the lovely trailer released around a week ago, I, just like Bright Star, now have a rising interest in this movie.

Guess Who's Back!

Before I head on to Job #2 of the day (don't you love days like that?), I just had to post the teaser trailer to Michael Moore's still untitled new documentary due out later this year. I know he's divisive and all that shit, but I find him to be one of the most interesting filmmakers working today, never afraid of going completely off the rails to make a point and easily taking topics that could be dry and lifeless and injecting some kind of adrenaline into them. The teaser above reveals very little about the movie besides a general topic (the recession) but I love the tongue-in-cheekness of it all. The world could stand for some more of Moore's button-pushing and I will be glad to support him in that quest.

"They used to call me anal girl"

OH MY FREAKING GOD!

As if I wasn't excited enough for (500) Days of Summer, last night I saw the official trailer before Sunshine Cleaning and I cannot fucking wait anymore. I need to see this movie immediately or I will explode. Quite literally. I'm trying not to get my hopes up so I'm not completely let-down when I do see it, but you guys have no idea how hard this is.

In other words, July 17th, please get here soon!

This Trailer Makes Me Sad

I think that Reese Witherspoon is one of the funniest, most talented comediennes in Hollywood today. Her performances in Election and Legally Blonde just didn't come out of nowhere; they needed someone with a funny bone to make them work. Well, you wouldn't know it from the Four Christmases trailer that's been around for awhile. I have nothing against Vince Vaughn- I think he's a hilarious- but it just makes me sad that Reese couldn't get one. Hopefully this is just a case of a misleading trailer funny thing to do or say in the trailer. She spends most of the time playing the straight guy to Vaughn and even when she's given the chance to be funny (when the baby pukes on her), of course, all the attention is once again moved back to Vaughn. It's like the writers couldn't believe that a woman could be funny or that people wouldn't see this movie unless Vince Vaughn got to make all the jokes.and Reese actually gets to do something interesting in this film. I can't imagine why someone as big of a control freak as Reese would bother doing a film where her co-star gets all the funny bits while she just sits back and goes with the flow.

More Zac Efron Pics from Me and Orson Welles

Just Jared has a couple of shots from Zac Efron's first attempt at serious filmmaking Me and Orson Welles, which is set to debut at the Toronto Film Festival in a couple of weeks. Who knows if Zac Efron will be any good in this film, but I must say that I love seeing him classy in his period clothes and hair.

I'll Be in My Trailer

The Brothers Bloom

I didn't have any feelings towards Rian Johnson's follow-up to his critically acclaimed indie Brick (I kinda hated it) until I saw this trailer and now I'm highly anticipating this one. Just look at that cast: Adrien Brody as the romantic lead, Mark Ruffalo as the con artist brother, Rachel Weisz as the silly heiress and Rinko Kikuchi (!!) as an explosives expert. The plot sounds like something straight out of a 30's screwball so let's hope it does that better than Leatherheads.

Che

It's a shame that no distributor will go near this film because, judging by this Spanish trailer, Che looks absolutely gorgeous and Benicio del Toro seems absolutely game. I'm really hoping we will get to see this all in one piece as intended.

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist doesn't look like it will change the world or anything, but it seems like a great film to just sit back and have a good time at. Michael Cera is a little cutey and his comedic style has grown on me after Superbad and Juno. I also liked Kat Dennings in The 40 Year Old Virgin and I think she looks funny in the trailer.

Burn After Reading (Redband)

I know this is a month or so old, but it's so damn hilarious that I want to share it. I love the Coen Brothers in their silly, Big Lebowski/Fargo mode and this one looks like another winner from them. Plus, how often does Brad Pitt come off looking like a full-fledged comedian?

They're Still In This Together

The new trailer for HSM3: Senior Year was released this weekend and, good Lord, it looks as craptastic as ever. I mean, what's up with the part where Gabriella stands up in the middle of the basketball game and starts warbling "Troyyyyyyyyy!" right when he's playing basketball. Doesn't she know he needs to keep his head in the game? I'll be the first to admit that it probably won't be any better than the first two since Vanessa Hudgens is still in it and she'll bring the suck factor hardcore as she usually does. Nevertheless, I am so there on opening weekend, pushing crippled 12 year old girls down flights of stairs to get a ticket and laughing obnoxiously at all of the wrong and completely inappropriate times. And, judging by the trailer, La Tisdale will have a shot at a Best Supporting Actress Oscar. Anyone interested in helping me out with her campaign? We'll have to work hard to be out all of those so-called "legitimate" actresses in so-called "good" films. My favorite moment in the trailer, of course, belongs to her:

Sharpay: Hey Troy. When's the big game?
Troy: Yesterday.
Sharpay: Well, good luck...toodles!

Simply brilliant. And I am telling you, La Tisdale will dominate the world after this film is released. Couldn't we all use a little fabulous? It's not too much.

(For more HSM3: Senior Year trailer reactions, visit J.D. and mB at their respective blogs. You won't be disappointed!)

Kidman and Dame Judi in Nine? Could This Cast Get Any Better?

You don't need me to tell you how excited I am for the rumors that Nicole Kidman and Dame Judi Dench are in talks to star in the film adaptation of the musical Nine. Two of my beloved divas together with Javier Bardem, Penelope Cruz, Marion Cotillard and Sophia Loren, directed by Rob Marshall (Chicago)...I think I just died and went to heaven. I really don't want to overhype this movie in my mind, because then I know I'll be sorely disappointed when it comes out next year, but right now I'm just so excited to see Kidman sing for the first time since Moulin Rouge! and relish in divalicious presence of Dame Judi (who can also sing very well, if you haven't seen before).

First Look at Zac Efron in Seventeen Again

I love that in the clip Zac Efron tries to prove that he has an actual "technique" when he acts. Riiiiiight. And I'm Cleopatra, Queen of the Nile.

This movie doesn't actually look half-bad, and it will be interesting to see if Zac can carry a movie without relying on singing and dancing. I would have loved to see more Leslie Mann in the clip, just to see if she will be as brilliant as she was in Knocked Up. One question though: Why isn't Zac Efron wearing more blue?

Kathy Causes Controversy and J. Hud Has a New Movie!

A couple of days ago, I reported that Kathy Griffin won a Creative Arts Emmy for her reality show My Life on the D-List. Well, apparently, Kathy made some comments in her acceptance speech that has sparked a controversy. According to IMDb, Kathy said in her speech, "A lot of people come up here and thank Jesus for this award. I want you to know that no one had less to do with this award than Jesus. Suck it, Jesus. This award is my God now." Now, the Catholic League is demanding an apology and claiming these remarks are "hate speech." Kathy apparently replied, "Am I the only Catholic left with a sense of humor?"

I know this isn't a good thing, but I can't help but feel proud for Kathy Griffin. She's finally gotten involved in an A-List controversy! Plus, I think "Suck it, Jesus" is one of the most hilarious things I've ever heard. Who else but her would have the balls to say that at the Emmy's?
According to Variety, Jennifer Hudson has joined the cast of the new Sex and the City movie. She will play the assistant to Sarah Jessica Parker's Carrie Bradshaw. I've never seen an episode of Sex and the City, but I will definitely be at this movie just to see my beloved J. Hud. I hope the role is amazing and she will get to prove her nay-sayers wrong!

It's also J. Hud's birthday today. Happy 26th Jennifer!

Just a couple of little news blurbs I found IMDb earlier this afternoon:

~After an unsuccessful nomination last year (and a hilarious diva fit when she didn't win), Kathy Griffin won the Creative Arts Emmy (aka "the Schmemmy") for Best Reality Program! I am so happy for her and am glad she finally has something to show for all of her hard work! You go Kathy!

~Rob Marshall has now confirmed that Catherine Zeta-Jones (whom he directed to an Oscar for Chicago back in 2002) and Marion Cotillard (who is earning an multitude of raves for her performance in the Edith Piaf biopic La Vie en Rose) will join the already impressive cast of Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem and Sophia Loren for his film adaptation of the musical Nine (which, in itself, is based on the Fellini film 8 1/2). I don't know too much about the musical, but damn, this cast has me intrigued. And with Marshall in the director's chair, you know it's going to be great.