Quick question: What's the biggest movie released by Summit Entertainment outside of the massive Twilight franchise? It's Red, the 2010 action-comedy following older-than-average assassins led by Bruce Willis. The film grossed $90.3 million domestically and, thanks to its internationally recognizable cast and universal language of explosions, $199.0 million total worldwide. Naturally, a sequel's been in the works for the last year, and that Red sequel now has a director in the form of Dean Parisot.
The cast for R.I.P.D. continues coming together. Ryan Reynolds are both attached to star in the supernatural action comedy, with Kevin Bacon tentatively set to play the villain. Now, none other than Mary-Louise Parker, who plays an unlikely pot dealer on the Showtime series Weeds is in negotiations for a supporting role in the film, which is an adaptation of the Dark Horse comic series created by Peter Lenkov.
The first trailer for Battleship went online last week, and our first look at the Hasbro game-turned-action-blockbuster focused on Taylor Kitsch's rebelliousness, attacking extraterrestrials, Liam Neeson's gruff voice, and Brooklyn Decker's ample cleavage. Pop music mainstay Rihanna has a role in the film, and she appeared in the trailer, but so briefly that she was basically unnoticeable. Check the trailer again to see Miss Fenty in one shot at 1:08, hidden under a cap and sunglasses. So technically this new image is not a "First Look" deal, but to make absolutely clear that there is a Battleship movie and Rihanna is in it though, we now have an image of her unobscured by sunglasses.
If Miley Cyrus can host Saturday Night Live, then why can't Helen Mirren? The 65 year-old Oscar winner will take the stage of Studio 8H on April 9th in order to promote Arthur, in which she plays sardonic nanny Hobson to Russell Brand's titular irrepressible billionaire. Joining her on the show are musical guests the Foo Fighters. The preceding week's show, on April 2nd, will see a British musical giant getting his sketch on, as Elton John has been set to host the first episode in April.
This weekend I had a little bit of a reunion with some old friends. The years I worked at JoBlo.com, a few times we’d have some fun on the JoBlo Movie Podcast with the great Jim Law and Johnny Moreno. Well, these two kind gentlemen invited me back and we had one hell of a time.
The boys and I talked about everything from how cool Red is to The Rocky Horror Picture Show to Paranormal Activity and the joy of singing along with Grease. It is most definitely a conversation that goes all over the place. These two guys are two of my favorite people in the world, and it was such a pleasure to reconnect.
Robert Schwentke certainly had his work cut out for him. Previously coming from films like The Time Traveler's Wife and Flightplan, taking on a graphic novel presents a certain kind of challenge for a filmmaker. To make something like Red his own, yet staying true to the spirit of the comic, he has delivered a richly entertaining action flick that is more than just explosions. Audiences also seem to appreciate his latest as the film managed a nice weekend box office take, especially considering it was up against Jackass 3D.
iamROGUE.com and the director recently spoke about Red and his upcoming feature, R.I.P.D. which stars Ryan Reynolds and is another adaptation of a comic. We talked about Mary-Louise Parker and her chemistry with Bruce Willis, and of course why Red was finally ordered a PG-13 rating. Either way, it was a pleasure to talk to Robert, and we hope audiences continue to check out Red already playing at a theatre near you.
Jackass 3D swept the box office in a major way this weekend. While the film sliding into the top slot isn’t a big shocker, the total weekend take was. In a time when trips to the local cinema seem to be fading out, Jackass 3D brought the masses flocking, earning an impressive $50 million. It’s the best opening we’ve seen in quite a few weeks, and the Jackass crew should be quite proud.
There are nearly 25 movies opening this week in theatres. That’s a lot of flicks even though most won't be playing at a multi-plex near you. With that said, what are you going to spend your hard earned dollar on?
Many will want to test their gag reflexes with Paramount’s Jackass 3D. Although, Johnny Knoxville and crew aren’t the only ones stirring things up…
How about Helen Mirren with a machine gun and Bruce Willis in his best role in years? Red is also opening up today with generally favorable reviews.
Hereafter presents Clint Eastwood taking on a completely different type of feature. This supernatural thriller features Matt Damon and Haute Tension’s Cecile de’France.
Finally, an inspirational, true story called Conviction opens. Hilary Swank, Sam Rockwell and Peter Gallagher star in this tale of a sister (Swank) devoted to overturning her brothers (Rockwell) murder conviction.
Give us your review in the comments below!
Early on, Mary-Louise Parker was able to shine in a variety of roles. From her unbelievably touching performances in Fried Green Tomatoes and Boys on the Side, she offered us her vulnerable side. She showed strength and courage in the terrific “Miracle Run” opposite Zac Efron. And recently, she showed us her vindictive side in the wise and witty film, Solitary Man with Michael Douglas.
Parker is a major talent, working in theatre, film and television. Of course, “Weeds” has proven to be incredibly successful for this actress, who has and continues to be one of the most fascinating women in Hollywood. It is exciting to see her earn such widespread popularity with this critically acclaimed series.
Frank Moses (Bruce Willis) is a seemingly mild-mannered man. He lives alone yet has one connection that he clearly looks forward to. There is a girl named Sarah (Mary-Louise Parker) who he calls because his government check never seems to arrive. Actually the checks do arrive; he just rips them up so he can talk to this charming woman. Sarah also seems to enjoy their conversation; that is when her boss isn’t watching. This surprisingly sweet opening of Red offers some of the best guy-likes-girl moments we’ve seen in awhile. However, things are not always as they appear. Frank is a retired CIA agent who finds a group of armed men breaking into his home ready to kill. Lucky for Frank, he hasn’t lost his talent.
Once the audience realizes exactly who Frank is, all bets are off. Being that this is a spy movie, there are a number of twists that keep things moving along. And the energy really picks up when Frank tracks down Sarah and is forced to kidnap her. Thanks to their little chat sessions; Sarah is officially connected to him whether she likes it or not. She however, seems to have soured on the relationship due to the whole taken against her will issue.