As the film ‘Thanksgiving’ garners critical acclaim, it’s a ripe time to explore the other side of holiday cinema. Not all festive films are created equal, and today, we’re turning our gaze to those that missed the mark of critical success. Let’s unwrap this list of holiday films that didn’t quite sparkle under the critics’ microscope but might still hold a special place in our holiday traditions. Surviving Christmas with Big Names but Little Praise Despite its big-name cast, Surviving Christmas (2004) fell short of warming critics’ hearts. Ben Affleck’s portrayal of an obnoxiously rich stockbroker seeking to recreate his...
- 11/24/2023
- by Steve Delikson
- TVovermind.com
Prime Video has a fair amount in store for subscribers in November, as the uber-violent hit animated show Invincible returns for its highly anticipated second season. Based on the iconic comic book by Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker, and Ryan Ottley, season two will find super-powered protagonist Mark attempting to rebuild his life after finding out the truth about his father Nolan.
Elsewhere on the streamer, the producing team behind the James Bond movies are out to spin the franchise in a completely different direction by debuting their curious new globe-trotting adventure series, pitched somewhere between a quiz show and a treasure hunt. 007: Road To A Million features Brian Cox as the game’s “mastermind”, watching over the contestants as they try to win a million quid.
Here’s everything coming to Amazon Prime Video and Freevee this month. Amazon Originals are accompanied by an asterisk!
New on Amazon Prime...
Elsewhere on the streamer, the producing team behind the James Bond movies are out to spin the franchise in a completely different direction by debuting their curious new globe-trotting adventure series, pitched somewhere between a quiz show and a treasure hunt. 007: Road To A Million features Brian Cox as the game’s “mastermind”, watching over the contestants as they try to win a million quid.
Here’s everything coming to Amazon Prime Video and Freevee this month. Amazon Originals are accompanied by an asterisk!
New on Amazon Prime...
- 11/1/2023
- by Kirsten Howard
- Den of Geek
Click here to read the full article.
Sonya Eddy, an actress best known for starring on the long-running soap opera General Hospital, has died. She was 55.
Eddy’s friend and actor Octavia Spencer announced Eddy’s passing on Instagram on Tuesday, writing, “My friend @sonyaeddy passed away last night. The world lost another creative angel. Her legions of @generalhospitalabc fans will miss her. My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones, friends, and fans!”
General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini also took to social media to pay tribute to Eddy.
“I am heartbroken about the loss of the incredible @TheRealSonyaEd. I truly loved her not only as actress, but as a friend. The lights in the hub of the nurse’s station will now be a little dimmer, but her spirit and light will live on in both the show and our set,” he wrote. “On behalf of the entire #Gh cast and crew,...
Sonya Eddy, an actress best known for starring on the long-running soap opera General Hospital, has died. She was 55.
Eddy’s friend and actor Octavia Spencer announced Eddy’s passing on Instagram on Tuesday, writing, “My friend @sonyaeddy passed away last night. The world lost another creative angel. Her legions of @generalhospitalabc fans will miss her. My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones, friends, and fans!”
General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini also took to social media to pay tribute to Eddy.
“I am heartbroken about the loss of the incredible @TheRealSonyaEd. I truly loved her not only as actress, but as a friend. The lights in the hub of the nurse’s station will now be a little dimmer, but her spirit and light will live on in both the show and our set,” he wrote. “On behalf of the entire #Gh cast and crew,...
- 12/20/2022
- by Lexy Perez
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ben Affleck's career was in a downward spiral in the mid-2000s. The actor had shown early promise in the mid-1990s thanks to his Academy Award-winning screenplay for "Good Will Hunting" and featured parts in ensemble comedies like "Mallrats" and "Dazed and Confused." Yet, as his stardom increased, the quality of his roles declined. He went on to star in such notorious critical disasters as "Gigli," "Daredevil," "Surviving Christmas," and "Reindeer Games."
However, Affleck had an untapped talent for direction, and he was interested in stepping behind the camera. After his impressive directorial debut "Gone Baby Gone" in 2007, Affleck returned to his hometown of Boston...
The post Movies Like The Town You Definitely Need to See appeared first on /Film.
However, Affleck had an untapped talent for direction, and he was interested in stepping behind the camera. After his impressive directorial debut "Gone Baby Gone" in 2007, Affleck returned to his hometown of Boston...
The post Movies Like The Town You Definitely Need to See appeared first on /Film.
- 1/12/2022
- by Liam Gaughan
- Slash Film
Paramount+ has a brand-new lineup of festive programming to get the whole family into the holiday spirit this November and December, from holiday-themed episodes to classic movies and exclusive specials. For younger viewers, the hit Nickelodeon animated series The Loud House is getting the live-action treatment with the new holiday film A Loud House Christmas. The Paramount+ Rugrats revival will debut a new Chanukah-themed episode titled “Traditions,” following the Pickles family as they struggle to keep their family traditions alive while celebrating Tommy’s first Chanukah on Christmas Eve. Kids can also look forward to a slew of holiday episodes from their favorite shows, including iCarly, Dora the Explorer, Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol, and more. The service’s streaming festivities will include a lineup of classic comfort movies to watch while avoiding the cold weather, including holiday favorites such as A Christmas Carol and Surviving Christmas, along with other favorites...
- 11/23/2021
- TV Insider
In further growth in Europe, ViacomCBS’s Pluto TV, the U.S. media giant’s banner free ad-supported streamed TV linear service, is launching eight more channels in Spain, as it has unveiled data underscoring the impact of its Oct. 26 Spanish launch.
Set to bow on today Tuesday Dec. 1, and bringing Pluto TV’s total portfolio count up to 48 channels, Pluto TV Navidad will offer Xmas-themed movies such as “Surviving Christmas,” with Ben Affleck, James Gandolfini and Christina Applegate.
Pluto TV Kids Navidad, another pop-up channel, frames episodes of hit series such as “Rugrats” and “Sponge Bob.” The two new services will be accompanied by ambient channels Luces de Navidad (“Christmas Lights) and Chimenea (Chimney).
Already launched, another pop-up channel, MTV Hits Navidad, specializes in seasonal songs such as Ariane Grande’s “Santa Tell Me” and Coldplay’s “Christmas Lights.”
The services join three other new launches already airing on Pluto TV: MTV 16 and Pregnant,...
Set to bow on today Tuesday Dec. 1, and bringing Pluto TV’s total portfolio count up to 48 channels, Pluto TV Navidad will offer Xmas-themed movies such as “Surviving Christmas,” with Ben Affleck, James Gandolfini and Christina Applegate.
Pluto TV Kids Navidad, another pop-up channel, frames episodes of hit series such as “Rugrats” and “Sponge Bob.” The two new services will be accompanied by ambient channels Luces de Navidad (“Christmas Lights) and Chimenea (Chimney).
Already launched, another pop-up channel, MTV Hits Navidad, specializes in seasonal songs such as Ariane Grande’s “Santa Tell Me” and Coldplay’s “Christmas Lights.”
The services join three other new launches already airing on Pluto TV: MTV 16 and Pregnant,...
- 12/1/2020
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Sleighbells ringing, chestnuts open on a roasted fire, you on your couch in front of a television as it moves onto to its 11th consecutive hour of Christmas programming. We all know the various traditions of the season.
Where once you were beholden to watching A Christmas Story four times in a row on TV every Christmas, now thanks to the magic of streaming you’ve got more options. Services like Amazon Prime are here to help you have the merriest Christmas possible.
Here is our list of the best Christmas movies on Amazon Prime. We trust that you’ll take a break from your holiday binging to point out titles we’ve missed.
Note: The titles on this list are available on Amazon Prime in the U.S. only. For a full list of holiday movies available in the U.S. and U.K., check out our complete holiday streaming guide.
Where once you were beholden to watching A Christmas Story four times in a row on TV every Christmas, now thanks to the magic of streaming you’ve got more options. Services like Amazon Prime are here to help you have the merriest Christmas possible.
Here is our list of the best Christmas movies on Amazon Prime. We trust that you’ll take a break from your holiday binging to point out titles we’ve missed.
Note: The titles on this list are available on Amazon Prime in the U.S. only. For a full list of holiday movies available in the U.S. and U.K., check out our complete holiday streaming guide.
- 11/28/2020
- by jbindeck2015
- Den of Geek
Welcome to The B-Side, from The Film Stage. Here we talk about movie stars and not the movies that made them famous or kept them famous, but the ones they made in between.
Today we don our phoenix tattoos, we get honest with ourselves, we blaze our very own comeback trail talking Ben Affleck! With his drama The Way Back in theaters, we discuss four past B-Sides you may have missed: 1999’s Sandy Bullock-meets-Ben rom-com Forces of Nature, 2000’s Gwyneth-meets-Ben high-concept romance Bounce, 2002’s Sam Jackson-meets-Ben thriller Changing Lanes and, last-but-least, 2006’s Ben-plays-Superman noir Hollywoodland. In between these B-sides exists the movie star’s career nadir, including Gigli, Paycheck, and Surviving Christmas (which we already discussed in our holiday episode). Conor and I are joined by Marie Bardi (@mariebardi), New York-based producer and avowed Ben Affleck fan.
We talk about the phrase “strip dancing” and if anybody actually says it,...
Today we don our phoenix tattoos, we get honest with ourselves, we blaze our very own comeback trail talking Ben Affleck! With his drama The Way Back in theaters, we discuss four past B-Sides you may have missed: 1999’s Sandy Bullock-meets-Ben rom-com Forces of Nature, 2000’s Gwyneth-meets-Ben high-concept romance Bounce, 2002’s Sam Jackson-meets-Ben thriller Changing Lanes and, last-but-least, 2006’s Ben-plays-Superman noir Hollywoodland. In between these B-sides exists the movie star’s career nadir, including Gigli, Paycheck, and Surviving Christmas (which we already discussed in our holiday episode). Conor and I are joined by Marie Bardi (@mariebardi), New York-based producer and avowed Ben Affleck fan.
We talk about the phrase “strip dancing” and if anybody actually says it,...
- 3/5/2020
- by Dan Mecca
- The Film Stage
Bill Macy, the actor who made an indelible imprint on 1970s sitcoms with his portrayal on Norman Lear’s Maude of the loving if always up-for-an-argument Walter Findlay, died last night in Los Angeles. He was 97.
Macy’s death was announced by his producer and manager Matt Beckoff, writing on Facebook “My buddy Bill Macy passed away at 7:13pm tonight. He was a spitfire right up to the end…My condolences to his beautiful wife Samantha Harper Macy.” (See the post below.)
Macy costarred in the 1972-78 All in the Family spin-off series opposite Bea Arthur, who played the outspoken liberal Maude Findlay, a cousin of Family‘s Edith Bunker.
Macy’s post-Maude credits include 1979’s Steve Martin vehicle The Jerk, 1982’s My Favorite Year, Movers & Shakers (1985), Tales from the Darkside (1986), Me, Myself and I (1992), Analyze This (1999), Surviving Christmas (2004), The Holiday (2006), and Mr. Woodcock (2007), among many others.
Numerous TV...
Macy’s death was announced by his producer and manager Matt Beckoff, writing on Facebook “My buddy Bill Macy passed away at 7:13pm tonight. He was a spitfire right up to the end…My condolences to his beautiful wife Samantha Harper Macy.” (See the post below.)
Macy costarred in the 1972-78 All in the Family spin-off series opposite Bea Arthur, who played the outspoken liberal Maude Findlay, a cousin of Family‘s Edith Bunker.
Macy’s post-Maude credits include 1979’s Steve Martin vehicle The Jerk, 1982’s My Favorite Year, Movers & Shakers (1985), Tales from the Darkside (1986), Me, Myself and I (1992), Analyze This (1999), Surviving Christmas (2004), The Holiday (2006), and Mr. Woodcock (2007), among many others.
Numerous TV...
- 10/18/2019
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Bill Macy, who played Bea Arthur’s husband Walter Findlay on the “All in the Family” spinoff, “Maude,” died on Thursday. He was 97.
“My buddy Bill Macy passed away at 7:13pm tonight. He was a spitfire right up to the end,” producer and manager Matt Beckoff wrote on Facebook. “My condolences to his beautiful wife Samantha Harper Macy.”
Macy was born in Revere, Mass., and grew up in Brooklyn, N.Y. He worked as a taxi driver for a decade before scoring a Broadway gig in 1958 as Walter Matthau’s understudy in “Once More, With Feeling.” In 1966, he played a cab driver on the soap opera “The Edge of Night,” and met his wife, Samantha Harper Macy, on the set of the 1969 Off Broadway play “Oh! Calcutta!”
Sitcom creator Norman Lear saw his comedic skills Off Broadway and brought him to Hollywood, where Macy first earned a small part...
“My buddy Bill Macy passed away at 7:13pm tonight. He was a spitfire right up to the end,” producer and manager Matt Beckoff wrote on Facebook. “My condolences to his beautiful wife Samantha Harper Macy.”
Macy was born in Revere, Mass., and grew up in Brooklyn, N.Y. He worked as a taxi driver for a decade before scoring a Broadway gig in 1958 as Walter Matthau’s understudy in “Once More, With Feeling.” In 1966, he played a cab driver on the soap opera “The Edge of Night,” and met his wife, Samantha Harper Macy, on the set of the 1969 Off Broadway play “Oh! Calcutta!”
Sitcom creator Norman Lear saw his comedic skills Off Broadway and brought him to Hollywood, where Macy first earned a small part...
- 10/18/2019
- by Mackenzie Nichols
- Variety Film + TV
Bill Macy, best known for playing Bea Arthur’s husband Walter Findlay on the 1970s sitcom “Maude,” has died. He was 97.
“My buddy Bill Macy passed away at 7:13 p.m. tonight,” producer and manager Matt Beckoff wrote in a Facebook post Thursday. “He was a spitfire right up to the end. What an honor to book him for Gilbert Gottfried II Frank Santopadre and Dara Kravitz Gottfried podcast. It really was the cherry on top. He Loved being on that show. My condolences to his beautiful wife Samantha Harper Macy.”
Beckoff did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment.
Also Read: Norman Lear Becomes Oldest Emmy Winner at 97
“Maude,” a spinoff of Norman Lear’s “All in the Family” ran for six seasons on CBS from 1972 to 1978. Along with his parts on those two iconic Lear shows, Macy’s other small-screen credits include “Seinfeld,” “St. Elsewhere,” “The Facts of Life,...
“My buddy Bill Macy passed away at 7:13 p.m. tonight,” producer and manager Matt Beckoff wrote in a Facebook post Thursday. “He was a spitfire right up to the end. What an honor to book him for Gilbert Gottfried II Frank Santopadre and Dara Kravitz Gottfried podcast. It really was the cherry on top. He Loved being on that show. My condolences to his beautiful wife Samantha Harper Macy.”
Beckoff did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment.
Also Read: Norman Lear Becomes Oldest Emmy Winner at 97
“Maude,” a spinoff of Norman Lear’s “All in the Family” ran for six seasons on CBS from 1972 to 1978. Along with his parts on those two iconic Lear shows, Macy’s other small-screen credits include “Seinfeld,” “St. Elsewhere,” “The Facts of Life,...
- 10/18/2019
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Oh my god, you guys — Legally Blonde nearly starred Christina Applegate!
The 47-year-old actress opened up on Tuesday’s Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen about being sent the script to the 2001 comedy to play Elle Woods, the lead role made famous by Reese Witherspoon.
“The story’s been out there but I wasn’t actually offered it, the script came to me,” said Applegate. “But at that time, I had just gotten off of Married with Children and I felt like it was too close to what I had just been doing and I was very interested in removing myself from that.
The 47-year-old actress opened up on Tuesday’s Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen about being sent the script to the 2001 comedy to play Elle Woods, the lead role made famous by Reese Witherspoon.
“The story’s been out there but I wasn’t actually offered it, the script came to me,” said Applegate. “But at that time, I had just gotten off of Married with Children and I felt like it was too close to what I had just been doing and I was very interested in removing myself from that.
- 5/8/2019
- by Dave Quinn
- PEOPLE.com
“That Time of Year” refers to Christmas, and it is a given in Danish thesp Paprika Steen’s third directorial feature that the togetherness holidays force on us are a holy pain in the arse, with or without Baby Jesus. That “Families are the best… and the worst!” stance feels more than a bit pat in a dramedy whose crises and insufferable behaviors have a well-made-play calculation even as they’re meant to capture emotional messiness. Nevertheless, this mix of sour comedy and default sentimentality should have some appeal in Scandinavia, where the actors’ familiarity will be a lure. Farther afield, it may stir lesser interest as a foreign-language piece too mainstream, and not original or subtle enough, for art-house audiences.
The theatrical air shouldn’t surprise, as this is the first original feature screenplay for well-established Danish playwright Jakob Weis. Sooner or later, “That Time of Year” will probably...
The theatrical air shouldn’t surprise, as this is the first original feature screenplay for well-established Danish playwright Jakob Weis. Sooner or later, “That Time of Year” will probably...
- 9/21/2018
- by Dennis Harvey
- Variety Film + TV
In today’s film news roundup, “The Hummingbird Project” will kick off the Vancouver Film Festival, SAG-aftra honors John Carter Brown, and Belva Davis and Gregg Sulkin has joined the cast of “This is the Year.”
Film Festival
The Vancouver International Film Festival will kick off its 16-day run on Sept. 27 with “The Hummingbird Project,” starring Jesse Eisenberg and Alexander Skarsgard.
The duo are playing cousins intent on creating a 1,000-mile-long fibre-optic cable that will shave a critical millisecond off of stock transactions. Kim Nguyen directed “The Hummingbird Project,” which also stars Salma Hayek as their former boss. The film premieres Sept. 8 at the Toronto Film Festival.
The Vancouver Festival will holds its BC Spotlight Gala on Oct. 6 with the world premiere of Robin Hays’ “Anthem of a Teenage Prophet,” starring Cameron Monaghan (“Shameless”) as a teenager that predicted the death of his best friend and spirals into more macabre premonitions.
Film Festival
The Vancouver International Film Festival will kick off its 16-day run on Sept. 27 with “The Hummingbird Project,” starring Jesse Eisenberg and Alexander Skarsgard.
The duo are playing cousins intent on creating a 1,000-mile-long fibre-optic cable that will shave a critical millisecond off of stock transactions. Kim Nguyen directed “The Hummingbird Project,” which also stars Salma Hayek as their former boss. The film premieres Sept. 8 at the Toronto Film Festival.
The Vancouver Festival will holds its BC Spotlight Gala on Oct. 6 with the world premiere of Robin Hays’ “Anthem of a Teenage Prophet,” starring Cameron Monaghan (“Shameless”) as a teenager that predicted the death of his best friend and spirals into more macabre premonitions.
- 9/6/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Around 150-160 buyers and festivals programmers attended the dedicated UK event.
International buyers gave a mixed response to this year’s London Screenings, which closed with a 15th anniversary reception at BFI Southbank on Wednesday night (June 20).
Organised by Film London, the three-day event brings some 150-160 international buyers and festival programmers to London to watch a selection of films screened by UK sales agents.
Erik Engelen, the head of the Benelux arm of Splendid Films, said the event provided buyers with the opportunity “to screen five or six movies that otherwise, be it in Cannes or Toronto, you would...
International buyers gave a mixed response to this year’s London Screenings, which closed with a 15th anniversary reception at BFI Southbank on Wednesday night (June 20).
Organised by Film London, the three-day event brings some 150-160 international buyers and festival programmers to London to watch a selection of films screened by UK sales agents.
Erik Engelen, the head of the Benelux arm of Splendid Films, said the event provided buyers with the opportunity “to screen five or six movies that otherwise, be it in Cannes or Toronto, you would...
- 6/21/2018
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
Around 150-160 buyers and festivals programmers attended the dedicated UK event.
International buyers gave a mixed response to this year’s London Screenings which closed with a 15th anniversary reception at BFI Southbank last night (June 20).
Organised by Film London, the three-day event brings some 150 -160 international buyers and festival programmers to London to watch a selection of films screened by UK sales agents.
Erik Engelen, the head of the Benelux arm of Splendid Films, said the event provided buyers with the opportunity “to screen five or six movies that otherwise, be it in Cannes or Toronto, you would not...
International buyers gave a mixed response to this year’s London Screenings which closed with a 15th anniversary reception at BFI Southbank last night (June 20).
Organised by Film London, the three-day event brings some 150 -160 international buyers and festival programmers to London to watch a selection of films screened by UK sales agents.
Erik Engelen, the head of the Benelux arm of Splendid Films, said the event provided buyers with the opportunity “to screen five or six movies that otherwise, be it in Cannes or Toronto, you would not...
- 6/21/2018
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
Two years after announcing their separation, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner have legally filed for divorce, closing a long chapter of marital limbo.
From their dedication to healthy co-parenting and frequent family vacations to infidelity rumors and candid tell-all interviews, the last two years have seen a lot of ups and downs for the estranged couple, and Et is taking a look back at their separation journey.
Photos: Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner: A Look Back at Their Romance
June 30, 2015 -- Affleck and Garner Announce Their Split
One day after their 10th anniversary, the pair released a joint statement announcing their intention to go their separate ways.
"After much thought and careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to divorce," the statement read. "We go forward with love and friendship for one another and a commitment to co-parenting our children whose privacy we ask to be respected during this difficult time."
Even in their...
From their dedication to healthy co-parenting and frequent family vacations to infidelity rumors and candid tell-all interviews, the last two years have seen a lot of ups and downs for the estranged couple, and Et is taking a look back at their separation journey.
Photos: Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner: A Look Back at Their Romance
June 30, 2015 -- Affleck and Garner Announce Their Split
One day after their 10th anniversary, the pair released a joint statement announcing their intention to go their separate ways.
"After much thought and careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to divorce," the statement read. "We go forward with love and friendship for one another and a commitment to co-parenting our children whose privacy we ask to be respected during this difficult time."
Even in their...
- 4/14/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
While they separated nearly two years ago, Ben Affleck's estranged wife, Jennifer Garner, has been instrumental in helping the Oscar-winning star get his life back on track after years of struggling with alcoholism.
Affleck took to Facebook on Tuesday to reveal that he'd completed treatment for alcohol addiction, and thanked his wife for her support, writing, "I'm lucky to have the love of my family and friends, including my co-parent, Jen, who has supported me and cared for our kids as I've done the work I set out to do."
Et is taking a look back at the couple's long relationship to see how Garner helped Affleck turn his life around.
Watch: Ben Affleck Completes Rehab for Alcohol Addiction: I Want to 'Be the Best Father I Can Be'
A Change From the Start
A source close to Ben tells Et that the Live by Night star has been dealing with his addiction and dependency issues...
Affleck took to Facebook on Tuesday to reveal that he'd completed treatment for alcohol addiction, and thanked his wife for her support, writing, "I'm lucky to have the love of my family and friends, including my co-parent, Jen, who has supported me and cared for our kids as I've done the work I set out to do."
Et is taking a look back at the couple's long relationship to see how Garner helped Affleck turn his life around.
Watch: Ben Affleck Completes Rehab for Alcohol Addiction: I Want to 'Be the Best Father I Can Be'
A Change From the Start
A source close to Ben tells Et that the Live by Night star has been dealing with his addiction and dependency issues...
- 3/15/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
Celebrate Christmas with 24 movies, specials and marathons airing this weekend. “A Flintstone Christmas” (Saturday at 6 a.m. on Boomerang) Fred Flintstone plays Bedrock’s Santa Claus in Hanna-Barbera’s 1977 Christmas special. “Home Alone” (Saturday at 10 a.m. on HBO) Macaulay Culkin stars as a neglected child who must battle home intruders when his parents leaving him behind while they go on holiday vacation. “Surviving Christmas” (Saturday at 10: 30 a.m. on TBS) Ben Affleck and James Gandolfini’s 2004 Christmas comedy was panned by critics, but featured an all-star cast that also included Catherine O’Hara, Christina Applegate and Jennifer Morrison.
- 12/23/2016
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Author: Cai Ross
Christmastime is here. Presumably you already have chestnuts roasting on an open fire, a turkey and some mistletoe, and your first screaming argument about who’s cooking for who and where. ’Tis the season for such timeless traditions, and along with a collective craving for manifestly ill-judged food combinations and a moratorium on our disapproval of comedy knitwear, classic Christmas movies are now a vital part of the great yuletide experience.
But what precisely is a classic Christmas movie? Timeless vintage offerings like Holiday Inn and Miracle on 34th Street are stuffed from titles to credits with all things Christmassy, yet you’ll also find films like Casablanca and The Great Escape on many festive film lists, which have nothing more to do with Christmas than Cannibal Holocaust.
Even the single greatest ‘Christmas Movie’ of all time, It’s a Wonderful Life has a pretty tenuous connection with the Holiday Season,...
Christmastime is here. Presumably you already have chestnuts roasting on an open fire, a turkey and some mistletoe, and your first screaming argument about who’s cooking for who and where. ’Tis the season for such timeless traditions, and along with a collective craving for manifestly ill-judged food combinations and a moratorium on our disapproval of comedy knitwear, classic Christmas movies are now a vital part of the great yuletide experience.
But what precisely is a classic Christmas movie? Timeless vintage offerings like Holiday Inn and Miracle on 34th Street are stuffed from titles to credits with all things Christmassy, yet you’ll also find films like Casablanca and The Great Escape on many festive film lists, which have nothing more to do with Christmas than Cannibal Holocaust.
Even the single greatest ‘Christmas Movie’ of all time, It’s a Wonderful Life has a pretty tenuous connection with the Holiday Season,...
- 12/13/2016
- by Cai Ross
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Chicago – The delightful new animated film “Trolls” takes the familiar doll to a new level of fun and heart. Behind this invention is the director team of Mike Mitchell and Walt Dohrn, who have worked together in various animation roles over the years before teaming up in their first collaboration for Dreamworks Studio.
“Trolls” has familiar voice talent – Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, Zooey Deschanel, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Christine Baranski and Russell Brand among them, and adds a splash of colorful psychedelia and musical joy. Mitchell and Dohrn has also worked on familiar animated films like “Shrek Forever After,” “Mr. Peabody & Sherman,” “Alvin & the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked” and “Madagascar.”
The Animated Cast of ‘Trolls,’ Directed by Mike Mitchell & Walt Dohrn
Photo credit: 20th Century Fox
Mike Mitchell and Walt Dohrn – in his directorial debut – sat down with HollywoodChicago.com to talk the craft, energy and inspiration it took to create their wonderfully entertaining new film.
“Trolls” has familiar voice talent – Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, Zooey Deschanel, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Christine Baranski and Russell Brand among them, and adds a splash of colorful psychedelia and musical joy. Mitchell and Dohrn has also worked on familiar animated films like “Shrek Forever After,” “Mr. Peabody & Sherman,” “Alvin & the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked” and “Madagascar.”
The Animated Cast of ‘Trolls,’ Directed by Mike Mitchell & Walt Dohrn
Photo credit: 20th Century Fox
Mike Mitchell and Walt Dohrn – in his directorial debut – sat down with HollywoodChicago.com to talk the craft, energy and inspiration it took to create their wonderfully entertaining new film.
- 11/4/2016
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Consider this an open letter to anyone who has made, or plans to make, a Christmas movie. The genre is an important one; a genre that lives in the very fabric of our society as we know it. If it were not for the annual Christmas movie viewing tradition, millions of merrymakers would be forced to find their joy within or, even worse, from their families. As such, we have a lot invested in holiday movies. We expect from them a certain amount of cheer, good feeling and wide-panning shots of the Rockefeller Center tree. But that doesn't mean that just any film will do during the most sacred season. Just think of Ben Affleck's post-Gigli vehicle Surviving Christmas or, God forbid, Deck...
- 11/19/2015
- E! Online
Since the turn of the new millennium, the world has been given the gift of some truly remarkable films. Unfortunately, this hasn't necessarily extend into the realm of holiday movies. Miracle on 34th Street, It's a Wonderful Life, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation - they all came out before the year 2000, and only a handful of classics have been released that could rival their status as seasonal staples.
Video: 7 Murderous Holiday Horror Flicks to Enjoy This Christmas
We're looking back at the past 14 years to see which movies are worth a watch and which should be avoided at all costs. To remain objective, these rankings are based on a average of the films' Rotten Tomatoes score, their IMDb rating and their Metacritic scores. So this list of the five best and five worst Christmas movies is truly definitive.
Best
5. Arthur Christmas (2011): This film from Aardman Animations explores Santa's high-tech operations underneath the North Pole, and follows...
Video: 7 Murderous Holiday Horror Flicks to Enjoy This Christmas
We're looking back at the past 14 years to see which movies are worth a watch and which should be avoided at all costs. To remain objective, these rankings are based on a average of the films' Rotten Tomatoes score, their IMDb rating and their Metacritic scores. So this list of the five best and five worst Christmas movies is truly definitive.
Best
5. Arthur Christmas (2011): This film from Aardman Animations explores Santa's high-tech operations underneath the North Pole, and follows...
- 12/22/2014
- Entertainment Tonight
The recent "Kirk Cameron's Saving Christmas" has officially become the the worst movie of all-time according to the film database site The IMDb. 4,918 users have voted in the poll with the movie pulling a 1.5/10 rating, overtaking the legendarily terrible "Birdemic: Shock and Terror" at 1.8/10.
The faith-based "Saving Christmas" stars Kirk Cameron and Darren Doane in which the pair play brothers-in-law with Kirk's character showcasing to Doane's that various popular elements of Christmas are actually Biblical.
Cameron's film did not go well with critics, garnering a rare 0% on Rotten Tomatoes and an 18/100 on Metacritic - to be fair to Cameron, the woeful Ben Affleck comedy "Surviving Christmas" several years ago didn't score much better.
After the initial wave of critical reviews, Cameron took to social media to rally his fans for support by asking them to give the film a high public rating on Rotten Tomatoes. When word got...
The faith-based "Saving Christmas" stars Kirk Cameron and Darren Doane in which the pair play brothers-in-law with Kirk's character showcasing to Doane's that various popular elements of Christmas are actually Biblical.
Cameron's film did not go well with critics, garnering a rare 0% on Rotten Tomatoes and an 18/100 on Metacritic - to be fair to Cameron, the woeful Ben Affleck comedy "Surviving Christmas" several years ago didn't score much better.
After the initial wave of critical reviews, Cameron took to social media to rally his fans for support by asking them to give the film a high public rating on Rotten Tomatoes. When word got...
- 12/7/2014
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Kirk Cameron has unashamedly tried to improve the rating of his latest film Surviving Christmas on Rotten Tomatoes by asking his legion of Facebook fans to visit the website and support the project. Unfortunately for the actor, his ploy was far from successful. Saving Christmas has been savaged by critics ever since it was released earlier this month. In fact, its average rating on the film review aggregation website has been a meager two out of 10. In an attempt to raise the film's profile, star Kirk Cameron has tried to fight back against his many, many haters by turning to his supporters on Facebook. The former Growing Pains star has close to 2 million followers on the social networking website, and has declared a call to arms in an attempt to "storm the gates of Rotten Tomatoes!" You can read his valiant message in its entirety below. (function(d, s, id...
- 11/25/2014
- cinemablend.com
(Cbr) Although his recent work on "The Town" and "Argo" might seem to have redeemed such early career missteps as "Surviving Christmas" and "Gigli," that didn’t prevent comic fans from erupting into coughing paroxysms of “Daredevil!” last year when Ben Affleck was cast as the Dark Knight in "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice." While the actor’s 2003 turn as the Man Without Fear was successful enough to produce a spinoff — the best-forgotten "Elektra" — it met with a less-than-enthusiastic response from fans of the source material. Of course, most of the criticism wasn’t levied as the actors, but rather at the writing and directing of Mark Steven Johnson, who also also brought us "Ghost Rider." Nevertheless, Affleck certainly doesn’t consider "Daredevil" a high point of his 30-year career, and he assures skeptics he’s not looking to repeat that experience with "Batman v Superman." “Indeed I have regrets about 'Daredevil,...
- 10/6/2014
- by Kevin Melrose, Comic Book Resources
- Hitfix
Ever since they wrote Good Will Hunting 18 years ago, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck have been one of Hollywood's most well-known bromances. But no bromance is complete without some healthy competition, which is why we've gone back through the years since their first Oscar win and looked at their careers. With Samantha Highfill representing Matt Damon in one corner, and Joshua Rivera representing Ben Affleck in the other, here's how the fight breaks down: 1997 Damon: Good Will Hunting Sure, both Damon and Affleck won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, but only one of them was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor,...
- 10/4/2014
- by EW staff
- EW.com - PopWatch
Has it actually been ten years already since we have been engaged in the realm of films dating back to 2004? A decade is certainly a long period of time to build our appreciation for cinema up until this critical point in 2014. In looking back at 2004, one can recall fondly some of the more desirable releases to come out at that time. For instance, the superb Million Dollar Baby was the Academy Award-winning film for 2004. Even the comedies that were released that year gave movie audiences cause to rejoice with such ditties as the sleeper indie hit Napoleon Dynamite and well as mainstream laughers in Mean Girls and Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgandy.
Unfortunately for every gem there is a dud and then some. And 2004 had its share to say the least. So how about getting nostalgic and recalling some of the notable misses that were heaped on misled moviegoers...
Unfortunately for every gem there is a dud and then some. And 2004 had its share to say the least. So how about getting nostalgic and recalling some of the notable misses that were heaped on misled moviegoers...
- 6/11/2014
- by Frank Ochieng
- SoundOnSight
Ben Affleck understands backlash. One doesn.t star in a string of duds like Jersey Girl, Gigli and Surviving Christmas without acquiring a thick skin. The guy survived "Bennifer," the demeaning nickname born of an incredibly high-profile romance with Jennifer Lopez. He thinks he can handle some internet furor over his recent casting as Batman in Zack Snyder.s developing Man of Steel sequel, and I tend to believe him. Affleck sat down with Playboy magazine a while back for an interview that surfaced in the January/February issue of the publication (read the Sfw version here). While the conversation seemed to take place right after it was revealed that Affleck had been cast, the candid actor/director talks about the immediate reaction to his casting, as well as the parts of Snyder.s vision that lured him to the role. His comments are enlightening, and should be shared. About...
- 1/28/2014
- cinemablend.com
After blogging about my favourite Halloween movies this past October, I thought I’d impart my nerdy wisdom upon you for the holiday season and give you a rundown of just what movies I’ll be watching this Christmas. After all it wouldn’t be Christmas without the family sat round the TV watching a movie whilst the festive feast cooks in the oven (of course not everyone gets to watch the movie – someone has to cook)
For me Christmas movies are split into two categories: Christmas Mainstays and Christmas Madness. Mainstays are those films that you always watch during the festive season, those movies that are constantly shown on TV during the holiday. And then there’s what I call Christmas Madness – these are the movies that only the seasoned holiday movie veterans choose to watch at this time of year. Beware you have to be strong-willed (and strong-stomached...
For me Christmas movies are split into two categories: Christmas Mainstays and Christmas Madness. Mainstays are those films that you always watch during the festive season, those movies that are constantly shown on TV during the holiday. And then there’s what I call Christmas Madness – these are the movies that only the seasoned holiday movie veterans choose to watch at this time of year. Beware you have to be strong-willed (and strong-stomached...
- 12/11/2013
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Just a heads-up: if there's anything you've ever wanted to know about Ben Affleck, it's probably in his recent Playboy interview. The Oscar-winning actor, who is currently filming the big-screen adaptation of Gone Girl, sat down for the sexy men's magazine and proceeded to cover everything from his career highs and lows and Academy Award wins to politics and his bad-boy past. Ben also opens up about his longtime bromance with Matt Damon, as well as the other love of his life, Jennifer Garner - he had some especially aww-inducing things to say about falling for his wife on the set back in 2003. In addition to reflecting on the past, Ben also spoke out about his future projects; namely, the epic backlash that erupted after he was cast as the new Batman, saying, "If I thought the result would be another Daredevil, I'd be out there picketing myself." Here's more...
- 12/9/2013
- by Brittney Stephens
- Popsugar.com
Now that the dust has settled, anyone out there have a change of heart regarding the casting of Ben Affleck as Batman? No? Well, don't worry, I don't think anyone has. And while we have 2 more years of hating on the idea that Affleck as the Caped Crusader will never work, one of the producers on Batman vs. Superman talks about why they chose the guy who willingly starred in such films as Surviving Christmas and Gigli. Charles Roven is his name and putting out fires is his game.
- 11/21/2013
- by Craig Dietz
- GetTheBigPicture.net
It says something about our weird multihyphenate celebrity era that the two lead actors of Runner Runner are both highly regarded for everything besides their acting. Ben Affleck just won an Oscar as the director-producer of Argo, part of a larger career renaissance that started with Gone Baby Gone and The Town. And Justin Timberlake is, well, Justin Timberlake, the omnipresent musician who split his comeback album in two and saw both parts climb to the top of the music charts. It seems unlikely that either of them are smarting over the box office failure of Runner Runner, partially because...
- 10/7/2013
- by Darren Franich
- EW.com - PopWatch
Batman's black armor will not be Ben Affleck's first superhero costume. You already know he played the blind Daredevil in 2003. But he also wore another, even more iconic, superhero outfit: Superman's. In 2006, after a string of cinematic missteps (Gigli, Jersey Girl, Paycheck, Surviving Christmas), Affleck starred in Hollywoodland, a biopic about the mystery behind the suicide of George Reeves, who played the Man of Steel in the fifties TV series Adventures of Superman. While Affleck briefly wears the tights, he also dons Reeves's depressed outlook on playing the superhero — in one scene, he burns his Superman costume to "celebrate" Adventures of Superman's cancellation in 1958. But that cape. Those boots. That single curl. Did he pull it off? Here's a compilation of what the critics had to say.Ben Affleck can act! * "There are degrees of torture, grief, and self-pity in Affleck's performance. But the real surprise...
- 8/25/2013
- by Lindsey Weber
- Vulture
Ben Affleck will be a great Batman.
Ben Affleck will be a horrible Batman.
Ben Affleck will be an okay Batman.
Ben Affleck will be a meh Batman.
After 48 hours since the news broke that Ben Affleck is the new Batman, people are still debating over this controversial move by Warner Brothers.
So far, the instant reaction is mostly negative on Twitter and Reddit just a tad more receptive. Even on Latino-Review, the writing staff can’t even agree on whether this is a good move or not.
Our own El Mayimbe went on Schmoes Know’s Thursday night podcast to discuss Affleck being chosen as Batman. And yours truly, I went on a television show in Fresno to review the latest weekend movies, but the host wanted to talk about Ben Affleck instead.
So comic book fans or non-comic book fans, it’s kind of a big deal.
How...
Ben Affleck will be a horrible Batman.
Ben Affleck will be an okay Batman.
Ben Affleck will be a meh Batman.
After 48 hours since the news broke that Ben Affleck is the new Batman, people are still debating over this controversial move by Warner Brothers.
So far, the instant reaction is mostly negative on Twitter and Reddit just a tad more receptive. Even on Latino-Review, the writing staff can’t even agree on whether this is a good move or not.
Our own El Mayimbe went on Schmoes Know’s Thursday night podcast to discuss Affleck being chosen as Batman. And yours truly, I went on a television show in Fresno to review the latest weekend movies, but the host wanted to talk about Ben Affleck instead.
So comic book fans or non-comic book fans, it’s kind of a big deal.
How...
- 8/25/2013
- by Gig Patta
- LRMonline.com
It's been hard to find a prominent, talented actor who's had as streaky a filmography as Gerard Butler-- "streaky" meaning a mostly bad streak. The Scottish star has had an odd career after a hot start. Can he take comfort in the paths of other actors, or, after reviewing his career to date, does he even deserve to be mentioned in the same breath? Many good actors got off to similarly hot career starts only to hit the skids with a series of duds and/or poor decisions: John Travolta's had at least one if not two career comebacks after hitting the skids; Ben Affleck (Surviving Christmas, Gigli, Hollywoodland, Chasing Lanes, Daredevil). Sean Connery, Ray Liotta and Renee Zelwegger also come to mind. Cuba Gooding Jr. might be the best parallel for Butler, though...
Read More...
Read More...
- 3/23/2013
- by Craig Phillips
- Movies.com
Rustle up some eggnog and mistletoe because it's that time of year again!
'Tis the season for your TV to be invaded by St. Nicholas & Co., and we don't want you to miss one minute of cinematic cheer this year. So, to service your DVR-ing needs, here's a ho-ho-holiday movie guide featuring the what, when* and where on your favorite Christmas flicks.
And, if these times aren't working for you, check our service provider's On Demand channels — most are offering some season's greetings of their own.
The Classics 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas!' (1966)
Saturday, Dec. 15: 5:30 p.m. on Cartoon Network
Tuesday, Dec. 18: 8:00 p.m. on ABC
Tuesday, Dec. 25: 8:00 p.m. on ABC
'It's a Wonderful Life' (1946)
Monday, Dec. 24: 8:00 p.m. on NBC
'Miracle on 34th Street' (1947)
Saturday, Dec. 15: 4:45 p.m. on AMC
Sunday, Dec.
'Tis the season for your TV to be invaded by St. Nicholas & Co., and we don't want you to miss one minute of cinematic cheer this year. So, to service your DVR-ing needs, here's a ho-ho-holiday movie guide featuring the what, when* and where on your favorite Christmas flicks.
And, if these times aren't working for you, check our service provider's On Demand channels — most are offering some season's greetings of their own.
The Classics 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas!' (1966)
Saturday, Dec. 15: 5:30 p.m. on Cartoon Network
Tuesday, Dec. 18: 8:00 p.m. on ABC
Tuesday, Dec. 25: 8:00 p.m. on ABC
'It's a Wonderful Life' (1946)
Monday, Dec. 24: 8:00 p.m. on NBC
'Miracle on 34th Street' (1947)
Saturday, Dec. 15: 4:45 p.m. on AMC
Sunday, Dec.
- 12/14/2012
- by Amanda Bell
- NextMovie
Dear Santa, have we been naughty? How else to explain all the lumps of cinematic coal dumped into our movie theaters? Spending Christmas With the Kranks made us really cranky. We barely survived Surviving Christmas, and then Four Christmases was, well, four too many! Next time, just run us over with a friggin' reindeer! We'd have to be Blitzened out of our minds to watch any of these joyless flicks again. And still, no amount of eggnog could wash away their rancid taste and our bitter tears. Don't believe us? Check out the crème-de-la-crap—our list of the 10 worst Christmas movies ever—and see if you don't wanna hurl your holiday cookies.
- 12/14/2012
- E! Online
The best day of the Good Will Hunting star's acting career was the day it died; it made him go off and become more interesting
Oh, we've had our ups and downs, me and Ben Affleck, over the years. Time was, back in his not-so halcyon tabloid years, during his tenure as garcon-du-jour with Aniston, Lopez etc, and as a succession of blockbuster flops tore the bark off his fame, I found myself rooting wholeheartedly for the total extirpation of his career. I groaned through Pearl Harbor, head in hands, wishing I could actually slap the screen. I spent Armageddon tightly clutching my thrice-filled and overflowing barf-bag, and during The Sum Of All Fears, when we saw the city of Baltimore nuked to ashes, I wanted to scream at the screen, as I relished Affleck's failure to save America. "In your face, Jack Ryan!"
But then there was other evidence,...
Oh, we've had our ups and downs, me and Ben Affleck, over the years. Time was, back in his not-so halcyon tabloid years, during his tenure as garcon-du-jour with Aniston, Lopez etc, and as a succession of blockbuster flops tore the bark off his fame, I found myself rooting wholeheartedly for the total extirpation of his career. I groaned through Pearl Harbor, head in hands, wishing I could actually slap the screen. I spent Armageddon tightly clutching my thrice-filled and overflowing barf-bag, and during The Sum Of All Fears, when we saw the city of Baltimore nuked to ashes, I wanted to scream at the screen, as I relished Affleck's failure to save America. "In your face, Jack Ryan!"
But then there was other evidence,...
- 11/3/2012
- by John Patterson
- The Guardian - Film News
By Sean O’Connell
Hollywood News
***
Some of us are still getting used to talking about Ben Affleck, The Director.
Most of us grew up watching Ben Affleck, The Marquee Star. Ever since the fresh-faced Bostonian shocked the world (or, at the very least, the film industry) by winning an Oscar for his first screenplay of Good Will Hunting, Affleck has been an integral part of the Hollywood scene. Mostly, he was carrying popcorn blockbusters such as Daredevil or Armageddon. He earned indie cred collaborating with Kevin Smith on Chasing Amy, then fell victim to a string of poor acting choices that resulted in Gigli, Paycheck and Surviving Christmas.
In 2007, Affleck reinvented himself. He cast a fantastic ensemble for his adaptation of Dennis Lehane’s moody detective thriller Gone Baby Gone. Critics and audiences raved. Affleck followed that with The Town, an equally tough-talking Boston gang drama. It was as good,...
Hollywood News
***
Some of us are still getting used to talking about Ben Affleck, The Director.
Most of us grew up watching Ben Affleck, The Marquee Star. Ever since the fresh-faced Bostonian shocked the world (or, at the very least, the film industry) by winning an Oscar for his first screenplay of Good Will Hunting, Affleck has been an integral part of the Hollywood scene. Mostly, he was carrying popcorn blockbusters such as Daredevil or Armageddon. He earned indie cred collaborating with Kevin Smith on Chasing Amy, then fell victim to a string of poor acting choices that resulted in Gigli, Paycheck and Surviving Christmas.
In 2007, Affleck reinvented himself. He cast a fantastic ensemble for his adaptation of Dennis Lehane’s moody detective thriller Gone Baby Gone. Critics and audiences raved. Affleck followed that with The Town, an equally tough-talking Boston gang drama. It was as good,...
- 10/11/2012
- by Melissa Buckman
- Scott Feinberg
James Gandolfini has been in a few comedies over the course of his career, with roles in movies like Get Shorty, In The Loop, and Surviving Christmas, but they are hardly what he's known for. Thanks to his enormous stature, he has made a career out of playing mafiosos and muscle men, most notably during six seasons of The Sopranos, but now he's apparently ready to make people laugh again. Showbiz 411 recently caught up with Gandolfini at a big HBO gala and learned that the actor is currently developing a new comedy with Steve Carell called The Bone Men. Set up at Carell's production company, the movie will reportedly feature the two actors as paleontologists working in the late 1800s. Apparently Fox 2000 and HBO are already interested in the project, which Gandolfini simply described as "very funny." But while that film may be in the earliest stages of development, it...
- 9/24/2012
- cinemablend.com
Seth MacFarlane’s “Ted” is doing excellently and deservedly solid business on both sides of the pond this month, with its Boston-set tale of a soft, cuddly and very rude bear and his impact on Mark Wahlberg’s attempts to behave like a grown up in his relationship with long-term girlfriend Mila Kunis.
Why Boston-set? Well presumably it is part of the “write what you know” adage. MacFarlane is a born and bred New Englander (Englandian?), hailing originally from Connecticut, before studying in Rhode Island (where Family Guy is set). In fact, IMDb tells us that in 2001 MacFarlane missed a flight from Boston to Los Angeles due to a mix-up over flight times that would have abruptly ended his life – the aeroplane in question was hijacked and flown into the North Tower of the World Trade Center.
Following on from that slightly ominous introduction, Ted is far from the first...
Why Boston-set? Well presumably it is part of the “write what you know” adage. MacFarlane is a born and bred New Englander (Englandian?), hailing originally from Connecticut, before studying in Rhode Island (where Family Guy is set). In fact, IMDb tells us that in 2001 MacFarlane missed a flight from Boston to Los Angeles due to a mix-up over flight times that would have abruptly ended his life – the aeroplane in question was hijacked and flown into the North Tower of the World Trade Center.
Following on from that slightly ominous introduction, Ted is far from the first...
- 9/5/2012
- by Dave Roper
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
They may be brothers and sisters in real life, but in the acting world, sibling actors are often fierce competitors. Sometimes they're even up for the same roles.
You could call these cases of sibling rivalry being played out on the big screen a real family affair, along the lines of "Mom always liked you best."
We've come up with a list of top actors who have competing brothers or sisters. Vote on your favorites of each brother-brother, brother-sister or sister-sister pairing -- and may the best siblings win.
The Wilsons
Luke Wilson: This Wilson brother has had a vibrant career since the mid-'90s, when he hooked up with Wes Anderson for "Bottle Rocket." He's known and loved for comedies like "Legally Blonde" and "Charlie's Angels," but occasionally takes a turn into darker filmic territory like "3:10 to Yuma."
Owen Wilson: Starring in Woody Allen's "Midnight in Paris...
You could call these cases of sibling rivalry being played out on the big screen a real family affair, along the lines of "Mom always liked you best."
We've come up with a list of top actors who have competing brothers or sisters. Vote on your favorites of each brother-brother, brother-sister or sister-sister pairing -- and may the best siblings win.
The Wilsons
Luke Wilson: This Wilson brother has had a vibrant career since the mid-'90s, when he hooked up with Wes Anderson for "Bottle Rocket." He's known and loved for comedies like "Legally Blonde" and "Charlie's Angels," but occasionally takes a turn into darker filmic territory like "3:10 to Yuma."
Owen Wilson: Starring in Woody Allen's "Midnight in Paris...
- 5/10/2012
- by Hillary Atkin
- NextMovie
It’s been an odd journey for Ben Affleck. A successful acting career spanning nearly ten years was derailed by some pretty terrible decisions, with ‘Gigli’ (2003) and ‘Surviving Christmas’ (2004) among the worst. It seemed like Affleck’s career had come to a disappointing end.
It was 2007′s outstanding ‘Gone Baby Gone’ which marked the return of Affleck as one-to-watch in Hollywood. Only this time Affleck was behind the camera, providing solid direction to his Boston crime-drama. ‘Gone Baby Gone’ was received extremely positively by audiences and critics alike, with much of the attention being drawn by this debut filmmaker.
2010 saw him return to directorial duties with his follow up ‘The Town’. Also putting in a great turn in front of the camera, ‘The Town’ proved Affleck was no one-trick pony in the director’s chair, delivering one of the best films of 2010. Thus, Ben Affleck managed to turn a waning...
It was 2007′s outstanding ‘Gone Baby Gone’ which marked the return of Affleck as one-to-watch in Hollywood. Only this time Affleck was behind the camera, providing solid direction to his Boston crime-drama. ‘Gone Baby Gone’ was received extremely positively by audiences and critics alike, with much of the attention being drawn by this debut filmmaker.
2010 saw him return to directorial duties with his follow up ‘The Town’. Also putting in a great turn in front of the camera, ‘The Town’ proved Affleck was no one-trick pony in the director’s chair, delivering one of the best films of 2010. Thus, Ben Affleck managed to turn a waning...
- 5/9/2012
- by Richard Grimes
- Obsessed with Film
If one movie is never enough for you and you're looking for a flick to get you in the mood for this week's new release, Double Feature Friday is here to help. Every week we break down the new releases and pair them with older movies that you should catch before heading out to the theater. Or just skip the new movie and check out the classic we recommend.
"Wanderlust" & "Martha Marcy May Marlene"
Compared side-by-side, Justin Theroux's Seth in "Wanderlust" and John Hawkes' Patrick in "Martha Marcy May Marlene" may not look that different. These charismatic leaders of their respective communities welcome new members to their tight-knit, alternative families with songs on guitar and soft-spoken charm. That's about where the similarities end. Seth leads a free-living commune, while Patrick heads a dangerous cult. The similarities and differences here make quite the pairing, and with "Martha Marcy May Marlene...
"Wanderlust" & "Martha Marcy May Marlene"
Compared side-by-side, Justin Theroux's Seth in "Wanderlust" and John Hawkes' Patrick in "Martha Marcy May Marlene" may not look that different. These charismatic leaders of their respective communities welcome new members to their tight-knit, alternative families with songs on guitar and soft-spoken charm. That's about where the similarities end. Seth leads a free-living commune, while Patrick heads a dangerous cult. The similarities and differences here make quite the pairing, and with "Martha Marcy May Marlene...
- 2/24/2012
- by Kevin P. Sullivan
- MTV Movies Blog
I know this probably seems like bad news, but give me a few minutes and I’ll explain why it may not be; Variety reports that Mike Mitchell has signed on to direct Jitters, an action film aimed at the lucrative family audience, for Paramount. Mitchell’s last effort was last year’s Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked for Fox.
Details on the project are light, which I’m sure absolutely thrills you, but Jitters is being described as “being in the same vein as Gremlins“. And while that is intriguing, bear in mind it’s 2012 and family movies have all but become watered down and somewhat insulting. (Whoa, I feel like I’ve said that before about something.)
So Mitchell is responsible for not only Chipwrecked, but for Surviving Christmas and Shrek Forever After. Those three movies alone probably don’t inspire any confidence, but I counter with this:...
Details on the project are light, which I’m sure absolutely thrills you, but Jitters is being described as “being in the same vein as Gremlins“. And while that is intriguing, bear in mind it’s 2012 and family movies have all but become watered down and somewhat insulting. (Whoa, I feel like I’ve said that before about something.)
So Mitchell is responsible for not only Chipwrecked, but for Surviving Christmas and Shrek Forever After. Those three movies alone probably don’t inspire any confidence, but I counter with this:...
- 2/14/2012
- by jpraup@gmail.com (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
Part of a series by David Cairns on forgotten pre-Code films.
No Christmas movie is complete without the prospect of a suicidal plunge into icy waters... festive!
Yes, 1935 was the year after the Production Code came in. But these are the Daft Days, between Christmas and New Year, when nothing really matters. Besides, this is a film worth writing about, it has a seasonal hook, is full of early thirties atmosphere, social concerns, and a little suggestiveness, and anyway, it's a remarkable fact about pre-Code cinema that virtually none of them take any interest in Christmas.
They do, however, take a good bit of interest in the winter, since winter is something that has to be prepared for if it's to be survived. Thus comedy relief Vince Barnett in The Girl in 419 (1933) spends most of his scenes talking about the fur coat he's going to buy for his sweetie once he's saved enough money,...
No Christmas movie is complete without the prospect of a suicidal plunge into icy waters... festive!
Yes, 1935 was the year after the Production Code came in. But these are the Daft Days, between Christmas and New Year, when nothing really matters. Besides, this is a film worth writing about, it has a seasonal hook, is full of early thirties atmosphere, social concerns, and a little suggestiveness, and anyway, it's a remarkable fact about pre-Code cinema that virtually none of them take any interest in Christmas.
They do, however, take a good bit of interest in the winter, since winter is something that has to be prepared for if it's to be survived. Thus comedy relief Vince Barnett in The Girl in 419 (1933) spends most of his scenes talking about the fur coat he's going to buy for his sweetie once he's saved enough money,...
- 12/29/2011
- MUBI
You already know to avoid CGI Tom Hanks when selecting a Christmas movie, but there are many more holiday bombs to be wary of. Here's a round-up of the best and worst
Baby, it's cold outside. So what better way to warm your toes (and your heart) than by curling up with a Christmas movie? But choose wisely, dear reader. Christmas movies can be a minefield of shmaltz. Allow us to present you with our not-quite-definitive list of the best and worst of the genre.
The best ...
It's A Wonderful Life, 1946
It may be an obvious choice and we may nod in half-hearted agreement with the New York Times' original description of the movie as "sentimental" and "facile" but despite that, Capra's ending still makes me weep.
Best moment: "That's a lie Harry Bailey went to war…' A despairing Jimmy Stewart realizes just what he's lost
See also: Miracle...
Baby, it's cold outside. So what better way to warm your toes (and your heart) than by curling up with a Christmas movie? But choose wisely, dear reader. Christmas movies can be a minefield of shmaltz. Allow us to present you with our not-quite-definitive list of the best and worst of the genre.
The best ...
It's A Wonderful Life, 1946
It may be an obvious choice and we may nod in half-hearted agreement with the New York Times' original description of the movie as "sentimental" and "facile" but despite that, Capra's ending still makes me weep.
Best moment: "That's a lie Harry Bailey went to war…' A despairing Jimmy Stewart realizes just what he's lost
See also: Miracle...
- 12/21/2011
- by Sarah Hughes
- The Guardian - Film News
Every year around this time, we start to settle into some of our well-established family and/or personal traditions and if you're a film fan, odds are your holiday traditions involve watching a favourite flick or two. Inevitably, the discussion around the blogosphere gravitates toward singling out some of the best Christmas movies of all time, but a topic that isn't often addressed is the exact opposite: the worst Christmas movies of all time. And let's face it, there have been plenty of stinkers over the years trying desperately to carve out a piece of that holiday pie. This year Fandango decided to hold a poll on that very subject, and the results were interesting, although probably not that surprising. The 1964 cult classic Santa Claus Conquers the Martians ended up on top with 23% of the votes, while the Hulk Hogan turd Santa with Muscles also figured highly in the voting.
- 12/20/2011
- by Sean
- FilmJunk
ReelzChannel Celebrity Rundown
Hugh Hefner says he had "mixed emotions" about hiring Lindsay Lohan for his Playboy pictorial, but one thing Hef absolutely insisted on is that LiLo be absolutely naked. Hefner says that during negotiations, "Some of the people around her said, 'No, no, no, I don't want her nude.' And I said, 'No, this is how it's going to be. This is how it is.' "
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Transgender Dancing with the Stars contestant Chaz Bono is back on the market after his seven-month engagement to fiancée Jennifer Elia has ended. It's on good terms apparently as Bono tweeted "Thanks for your concern about our separation. I'm doing fine, and we remain on good terms with nothing but respect and affection 4 eachother (sic)"
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Rooney Mara had her nipple, nose, and brow pierced to play badass Lisbeth Salander in the American remake of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, but...
Hugh Hefner says he had "mixed emotions" about hiring Lindsay Lohan for his Playboy pictorial, but one thing Hef absolutely insisted on is that LiLo be absolutely naked. Hefner says that during negotiations, "Some of the people around her said, 'No, no, no, I don't want her nude.' And I said, 'No, this is how it's going to be. This is how it is.' "
***
Transgender Dancing with the Stars contestant Chaz Bono is back on the market after his seven-month engagement to fiancée Jennifer Elia has ended. It's on good terms apparently as Bono tweeted "Thanks for your concern about our separation. I'm doing fine, and we remain on good terms with nothing but respect and affection 4 eachother (sic)"
***
Rooney Mara had her nipple, nose, and brow pierced to play badass Lisbeth Salander in the American remake of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, but...
- 12/20/2011
- by reelz reelz
- Reelzchannel.com
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