Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell starrer Anyone But You was released last year with great anticipation from audiences. The fresh pairing of the two and their sizzling chemistry in the film led it to become a big hit, with many rushing to theaters to celebrate the film. The success of Anyone But You proved that audiences are yearning to see romantic comedies on the big screen.
Sydney Sweeney & Glen Powell in Anyone But You
Despite the film’s success, some people have pointed out some overdone and cringy scenes in the film. Being a loose adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, the film’s director Will Gluck addressed the criticisms and pointed out that all those ‘cringy’ tropes and scenes are directly lifted from Shakespeare’s writing.
Will Gluck Points Out Shakespearean Tropes in Anyone But You‘s Cringy Scenes
Critics were mixed on Anyone But You...
Sydney Sweeney & Glen Powell in Anyone But You
Despite the film’s success, some people have pointed out some overdone and cringy scenes in the film. Being a loose adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, the film’s director Will Gluck addressed the criticisms and pointed out that all those ‘cringy’ tropes and scenes are directly lifted from Shakespeare’s writing.
Will Gluck Points Out Shakespearean Tropes in Anyone But You‘s Cringy Scenes
Critics were mixed on Anyone But You...
- 4/24/2024
- by Rahul Thokchom
- FandomWire
Sydney Sweeney isn’t letting anyone keep her down. Yesterday, representatives for the “Immaculate” and “Madame Web” actress hit back at film producer Carol Baum for criticizing her appearance and disparaging remarks about her ability to act.
Following a public screening of the 1988 horror film “Dead Ringers,” which she produced, Baum spoke with Janet Maslin of the New York Times and randomly threw barbs at the “Euphoria” star.
Continue reading Sydney Sweeney Claps Back At Producer For Random Diss, Saying She “Can’t Act” at The Playlist.
Following a public screening of the 1988 horror film “Dead Ringers,” which she produced, Baum spoke with Janet Maslin of the New York Times and randomly threw barbs at the “Euphoria” star.
Continue reading Sydney Sweeney Claps Back At Producer For Random Diss, Saying She “Can’t Act” at The Playlist.
- 4/19/2024
- by The Playlist
- The Playlist
Basically, everyone knows Sydney Sweeney at this point. The young actress has had a string of successful projects after her breakout role in HBO’s Euphoria. Her new movie, the horror Immaculate, is currently in cinemas and while the young actress is slowly working on building her career, there are some who don’t seem to understand her success and are actually ready to publicly call her out because of that.
We know that many people think that Sweeney succeeded simply because of her looks, but is that really fair towards the young actress? There seems to be a lot of criticism directed at her, creating a toxic atmosphere that should not be there, and these recent comments show just how wrong all of that is.
So, what happened? One of America’s major female producers, Carol Baum, had a talk with film critic Janet Maslin and the two touched...
We know that many people think that Sweeney succeeded simply because of her looks, but is that really fair towards the young actress? There seems to be a lot of criticism directed at her, creating a toxic atmosphere that should not be there, and these recent comments show just how wrong all of that is.
So, what happened? One of America’s major female producers, Carol Baum, had a talk with film critic Janet Maslin and the two touched...
- 4/19/2024
- by Arthur S. Poe
- Fiction Horizon
Sydney Sweeney has starred in a string of hits of late, and her Hollywood career has truly taken off. The actress has delivered power-packed performances, showcasing her range as an artist. From her role as a troubled nun in Immaculate to a lovestruck woman in Anyone But You, Sweeney has been winning hearts.
Unfortunately, not everyone in the industry feels that way about the actress. Carol Baum thinks that the Euphoria star is not worth the hype she has been generating of late. Sweeney, who is known for speaking her mind, clapped back, and the drama has only intensified since then.
Sweeney came under a verbal attack (Source: Euphoria) Carol Baum is not a fan of Sydney Sweeney
Carol Baum is a very well-respected producer and executive in Hollywood. With projects such as Read Ringers and Buffy the Vampire Slayer to her credit, she is a force to be reckoned with.
Unfortunately, not everyone in the industry feels that way about the actress. Carol Baum thinks that the Euphoria star is not worth the hype she has been generating of late. Sweeney, who is known for speaking her mind, clapped back, and the drama has only intensified since then.
Sweeney came under a verbal attack (Source: Euphoria) Carol Baum is not a fan of Sydney Sweeney
Carol Baum is a very well-respected producer and executive in Hollywood. With projects such as Read Ringers and Buffy the Vampire Slayer to her credit, she is a force to be reckoned with.
- 4/18/2024
- by Sreshtha Roychowdhury
- FandomWire
Brian Cox Calls Joaquin Phoenix’s Performance In Napoleon “Truly Terrible”; Pokes Fun At His Name, “Wackeen… Wacky” (Photo Credit – Instagram)
Succession Star Brian Cox is not one to mince his words. The Veteran Actor, who has played timeless roles, has always made headlines because of his candor. He had feelings about Joaquin Phoenix‘s Napolean portrayal and is letting everyone know. Cox made some shocking revelations and said, “A truly terrible performance by Joaquin Phoenix.” Ouch, but if you think that is harsh, you will be surprised by his statements.
Brian played the role of Media Moghul Logan Roy, the patriarch who puts his kids through a game of hoops and leaps to take over the seat of the media conglomerate in the multiple Emmy and Golden Globe-winning series. The actor, the polar opposite of his character, has been known to stir feelings up because of his new statements at a London fest.
Succession Star Brian Cox is not one to mince his words. The Veteran Actor, who has played timeless roles, has always made headlines because of his candor. He had feelings about Joaquin Phoenix‘s Napolean portrayal and is letting everyone know. Cox made some shocking revelations and said, “A truly terrible performance by Joaquin Phoenix.” Ouch, but if you think that is harsh, you will be surprised by his statements.
Brian played the role of Media Moghul Logan Roy, the patriarch who puts his kids through a game of hoops and leaps to take over the seat of the media conglomerate in the multiple Emmy and Golden Globe-winning series. The actor, the polar opposite of his character, has been known to stir feelings up because of his new statements at a London fest.
- 4/18/2024
- by Aayushi Hemnani
- KoiMoi
Henry Cavill is the top choice of fans to replace Daniel Craig in James Bond. (Photo Credit – IMDb)
The name is Henry Cavill, and he might be the new James Bond. Reports and rumors of a new James Bond have been swirling online. With more names added to the list of potential 007s, Henry Cavill remains the fans’ top choice, so much so that a trailer goes viral on the internet and has garnered millions of views. The viral James Bond trailer also stars Barbie’s Margot Robbie as the Bond Girl. But here’s everything that happened!
Since the novels became a hit, the suave, quick, and ever-so-handsome 007 has been a craze. Secret agent Lores is famous for his thrilling adventures. The topic of who will play James Bond has haunted fans anytime; there is time to pass on the baton. Daniel Craig has played the role of Bond for some time now,...
The name is Henry Cavill, and he might be the new James Bond. Reports and rumors of a new James Bond have been swirling online. With more names added to the list of potential 007s, Henry Cavill remains the fans’ top choice, so much so that a trailer goes viral on the internet and has garnered millions of views. The viral James Bond trailer also stars Barbie’s Margot Robbie as the Bond Girl. But here’s everything that happened!
Since the novels became a hit, the suave, quick, and ever-so-handsome 007 has been a craze. Secret agent Lores is famous for his thrilling adventures. The topic of who will play James Bond has haunted fans anytime; there is time to pass on the baton. Daniel Craig has played the role of Bond for some time now,...
- 4/18/2024
- by Aayushi Hemnani
- KoiMoi
Kanye West Punches Man Who Allegedly Assaults Kanye West! ( Photo Credit – Instagram )
Controversy around Bianca Censori and Kanye West ceases to end. Ye’s wife was allegedly s*xually assaulted by a man who not only inappropriately touched her but also blew her kisses. As expected, this did not go well with the Yeezy owner, who punched the accused in the face and is currently facing battery charges. Scroll below for all the details!
The incident allegedly took place on Tuesday night. Kanye reportedly lost his calm after a man allegedly pushed or grabbed his wife, Bianca. He punched the man in the face, although no treatment was required for his injuries. Police are currently investigating the matter, and Ye has been named a suspect in the battery report.
Bianca Censori s*xually assaulted?
A representative of Kanye West said in a statement to TMZ, “Grabbed’ is grossly inadequate as a description of what happened.
Controversy around Bianca Censori and Kanye West ceases to end. Ye’s wife was allegedly s*xually assaulted by a man who not only inappropriately touched her but also blew her kisses. As expected, this did not go well with the Yeezy owner, who punched the accused in the face and is currently facing battery charges. Scroll below for all the details!
The incident allegedly took place on Tuesday night. Kanye reportedly lost his calm after a man allegedly pushed or grabbed his wife, Bianca. He punched the man in the face, although no treatment was required for his injuries. Police are currently investigating the matter, and Ye has been named a suspect in the battery report.
Bianca Censori s*xually assaulted?
A representative of Kanye West said in a statement to TMZ, “Grabbed’ is grossly inadequate as a description of what happened.
- 4/18/2024
- by Jishika Madaan
- KoiMoi
What happened to women supporting women? Earlier this week Hollywood producer Carol Baum disparaged Sydney Sweeney’s acting ability and appearance, prompting the actress and fellow producer to respond.
“How sad that a woman in the position to share her expertise and experience chooses instead to attack another woman,” a representative for Sweeney said in a statement to press. “If that’s what she’s learned in her decades in the industry and feels is appropriate to teach to her students, that’s shameful. To unjustly disparage a fellow female producer speaks volumes about Ms.
“How sad that a woman in the position to share her expertise and experience chooses instead to attack another woman,” a representative for Sweeney said in a statement to press. “If that’s what she’s learned in her decades in the industry and feels is appropriate to teach to her students, that’s shameful. To unjustly disparage a fellow female producer speaks volumes about Ms.
- 4/18/2024
- by Emily Zemler
- Rollingstone.com
Actress Sydney Sweeney, who garnered significant acclaim for her role in ‘Euphoria’, slammed Hollywood producer Carol Baum after she claimed in a scathing review that Sydney “can’t act” and is “not pretty”.
Baum harshly attacked the 26-year-old star during an interview with New York Times film critic Janet Maslin in front of a live audience this week, reports ‘Mirror.co.uk’.
The 81-year-old producer ripped apart Sydney’s latest performance in the rom-com ‘Anyone But You’ alongside Glen Powell, claiming that the film was “unwatchable” while critiquing her acting abilities.
As per ‘Mirror.co.uk’, after Sydney caught wind of the harsh public criticism, she furiously slammed the producer for tearing down another hardworking woman in the industry.
A representative for Sydney told DailyMail: “How sad that a woman in a position to share her expertise and experience chooses instead to attack another woman.”
She continued, “If that...
Baum harshly attacked the 26-year-old star during an interview with New York Times film critic Janet Maslin in front of a live audience this week, reports ‘Mirror.co.uk’.
The 81-year-old producer ripped apart Sydney’s latest performance in the rom-com ‘Anyone But You’ alongside Glen Powell, claiming that the film was “unwatchable” while critiquing her acting abilities.
As per ‘Mirror.co.uk’, after Sydney caught wind of the harsh public criticism, she furiously slammed the producer for tearing down another hardworking woman in the industry.
A representative for Sydney told DailyMail: “How sad that a woman in a position to share her expertise and experience chooses instead to attack another woman.”
She continued, “If that...
- 4/18/2024
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Sydney Sweeney is inevitably one of the biggest currently raging hotshots in Hollywood. A massive sweetheart ruling the hearts of fans worldwide, the 26-year-old beauty is already nailing it as an actress and is already in a position that many other actors her age could only dream of. Yet, among all the people singing praises for her, one Hollywood veteran still doesn’t consider her good enough.
Sydney Sweeney in Euphoria.
This veteran is none other than the renowned producer Carol Baum, who seems to hold a lot of criticism for Sweeney and her projects that everyone else seems to love. But Sweeney isn’t one to just sit back and face the harsh criticism she doesn’t deserve either, for her reps have released a statement that perfectly coincides with fans’ opinion on the matter.
Sydney Sweeney had the Perfect Response to Carol Baum’s Criticism
Veteran producer Carol Baum,...
Sydney Sweeney in Euphoria.
This veteran is none other than the renowned producer Carol Baum, who seems to hold a lot of criticism for Sweeney and her projects that everyone else seems to love. But Sweeney isn’t one to just sit back and face the harsh criticism she doesn’t deserve either, for her reps have released a statement that perfectly coincides with fans’ opinion on the matter.
Sydney Sweeney had the Perfect Response to Carol Baum’s Criticism
Veteran producer Carol Baum,...
- 4/18/2024
- by Mahin Sultan
- FandomWire
Sydney Sweeney caught a stray last week when veteran Hollywood producer Carol Baum said at an event that Sweeney is “not pretty” and “can’t act” — and that her hit rom-com “Anyone but You” was “unwatchable.”
A representative for Sweeney has now fired back at Baum, saying in a statement shared with Variety: “How sad that a woman in the position to share her expertise and experience chooses instead to attack another woman. If that’s what she’s learned in her decades in the industry and feels is appropriate to teach to her students, that’s shameful. To unjustly disparage a fellow female producer speaks volumes about Ms. Baum’s character.”
Baum, a longtime Hollywood producer and executive behind films including “Dead Ringers,” “Father of the Bride” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” made the disparaging comments about Sweeney during a discussion in Pleasantville, N.Y., with New York Times film critic Janet Maslin.
A representative for Sweeney has now fired back at Baum, saying in a statement shared with Variety: “How sad that a woman in the position to share her expertise and experience chooses instead to attack another woman. If that’s what she’s learned in her decades in the industry and feels is appropriate to teach to her students, that’s shameful. To unjustly disparage a fellow female producer speaks volumes about Ms. Baum’s character.”
Baum, a longtime Hollywood producer and executive behind films including “Dead Ringers,” “Father of the Bride” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” made the disparaging comments about Sweeney during a discussion in Pleasantville, N.Y., with New York Times film critic Janet Maslin.
- 4/17/2024
- by Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
Sydney Sweeney‘s rep is speaking out in response to some comments made about the actress.
Hollywood producer Carol Baum recently shared some not so pleasant thoughts about the 26-year-old actress’ looks and her acting skills at a screening of her movie Dead Ringers.
“She’s not pretty, she can’t act,” she said. “I don’t get Sydney Sweeney.”
Keep reading to find out more…
Carol also commented how she watched Anyone But You on a plane.
“I was watching on the plane Sydney Sweeney‘s movie because I wanted to watch it,” she said. “I wanted to know who she is and why everybody’s talking about her. I watched this unwatchable movie- sorry to people who love this movie – [this] romantic comedy where they hate each other.”
The producer, who has worked on such movies like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Father of the Bride and The Good Girl,...
Hollywood producer Carol Baum recently shared some not so pleasant thoughts about the 26-year-old actress’ looks and her acting skills at a screening of her movie Dead Ringers.
“She’s not pretty, she can’t act,” she said. “I don’t get Sydney Sweeney.”
Keep reading to find out more…
Carol also commented how she watched Anyone But You on a plane.
“I was watching on the plane Sydney Sweeney‘s movie because I wanted to watch it,” she said. “I wanted to know who she is and why everybody’s talking about her. I watched this unwatchable movie- sorry to people who love this movie – [this] romantic comedy where they hate each other.”
The producer, who has worked on such movies like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Father of the Bride and The Good Girl,...
- 4/17/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Madame Web star Sydney Sweeney is a hugely in-demand actress right now, but one top producer doesn’t understand the hype. Carol Baum, who served as executive producer on films such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Father of the Bride, slammed the White Lotus actress during a discussion after a screening of her 1988 film Dead Ringers. According to the Daily Mail, Baum said she “didn’t get” Sweeney, who rose to fame playing Cassie Howard on HBO’s hit teen drama Euphoria and has gone on to star in films such as Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, The Voyeurs, Reality, Anyone But You, and Immaculate. “I was watching on the plane Sydney Sweeney’s movie because I wanted to watch it,” Baum continued, referring to Will Gluck’s 2024 romantic comedy Anyone But You. “I wanted to know who she is and why everybody’s talking about her.” She added,...
- 4/17/2024
- TV Insider
The Hollywood Reporter thanks the following 322 members of the global film community — listed alphabetically — for taking the time to cast a ballot to help us determine the 100 greatest film books of all time.
Seth Abramovitch
The Hollywood Reporter journalist/It Happened in Hollywood podcast host
Jo Addy
Soho House group film and entertainment director
Casey Affleck
Oscar-winning actor
Rutanya Alda
Author/actress
Stephanie Allain
Filmmaker
Victoria Alonso
Filmmaker/executive
Tony Angellotti
Publicist
Bonnie Arnold
Filmmaker/executive
Miguel Arteta
Filmmaker
Chris Auer
Filmmaker/film professor
John Badham
Filmmaker/film professor
Amy Baer
Executive
Matt Baer
Filmmaker
Lindsey Bahr
Journalist
Ramin Bahrani
Oscar-nominated filmmaker
Cameron Bailey
Toronto International Film Festival CEO/former film critic
John Bailey
Cinematographer/former Academy president
Bela Bajaria
Executive
Sean Baker
Filmmaker
Alec Baldwin
Oscar-nominated actor/author
Tino Balio
Author/film professor
Jeffrey Barbakow
Executive
Michael Barker
Executive
Mike Barnes
The Hollywood Reporter journalist
Jeanine Basinger
Author/film...
Seth Abramovitch
The Hollywood Reporter journalist/It Happened in Hollywood podcast host
Jo Addy
Soho House group film and entertainment director
Casey Affleck
Oscar-winning actor
Rutanya Alda
Author/actress
Stephanie Allain
Filmmaker
Victoria Alonso
Filmmaker/executive
Tony Angellotti
Publicist
Bonnie Arnold
Filmmaker/executive
Miguel Arteta
Filmmaker
Chris Auer
Filmmaker/film professor
John Badham
Filmmaker/film professor
Amy Baer
Executive
Matt Baer
Filmmaker
Lindsey Bahr
Journalist
Ramin Bahrani
Oscar-nominated filmmaker
Cameron Bailey
Toronto International Film Festival CEO/former film critic
John Bailey
Cinematographer/former Academy president
Bela Bajaria
Executive
Sean Baker
Filmmaker
Alec Baldwin
Oscar-nominated actor/author
Tino Balio
Author/film professor
Jeffrey Barbakow
Executive
Michael Barker
Executive
Mike Barnes
The Hollywood Reporter journalist
Jeanine Basinger
Author/film...
- 10/12/2023
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Janel Parrish (Pretty Little Liars) has been cast in Family History Mysteries: Buried Past, a new original premiering on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries in January 2023.
Parrish plays Sophie McClure, a genealogist who is an expert at digging up the past and bringing families together. When her close friend Jonathan urgently needs to find a bone marrow donor, it brings his twin brother (and Sophie’s old flame) Jackson back into her life. With Jackson’s help, Sophie must use her skills to track down the brothers’ long-lost birth father, a man they never even knew existed, in time to save Jonathan’s life. Ultimately, growing closer to Jackson on this search gives Sophie the push to finally explore the mystery of her own adoption.
Parrish is best known for her roles as Mona in Pretty Little Liars and for Margot in the...
Parrish plays Sophie McClure, a genealogist who is an expert at digging up the past and bringing families together. When her close friend Jonathan urgently needs to find a bone marrow donor, it brings his twin brother (and Sophie’s old flame) Jackson back into her life. With Jackson’s help, Sophie must use her skills to track down the brothers’ long-lost birth father, a man they never even knew existed, in time to save Jonathan’s life. Ultimately, growing closer to Jackson on this search gives Sophie the push to finally explore the mystery of her own adoption.
Parrish is best known for her roles as Mona in Pretty Little Liars and for Margot in the...
- 11/30/2022
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
The Hallmark Channel is headed to Britain this Christmas for a jolly holiday.
The network has cast Will Kemp (“The Christmas Waltz”) and Reshma Shetty (“Blind Spot”) in its upcoming original movie “Jolly Good Christmas,” which will premiere during its annual Countdown to Christmas programming event.
The movie was shot entirely on location, from residential areas in the north west of the city to Piccadilly Circus, and promises lots of glimpses of iconic London landmarks. In a first-look image shared with Variety, Kemp and Shetty can be see standing on the banks of the River Thames romantically looking into each other’s eyes.
In the film, Kemp plays David, an American architect who relocates across the pond to take up a job at a prestigious London firm. As the clock counts down to Christmas Day, David is running out of time to buy his girlfriend – who also happens to be...
The network has cast Will Kemp (“The Christmas Waltz”) and Reshma Shetty (“Blind Spot”) in its upcoming original movie “Jolly Good Christmas,” which will premiere during its annual Countdown to Christmas programming event.
The movie was shot entirely on location, from residential areas in the north west of the city to Piccadilly Circus, and promises lots of glimpses of iconic London landmarks. In a first-look image shared with Variety, Kemp and Shetty can be see standing on the banks of the River Thames romantically looking into each other’s eyes.
In the film, Kemp plays David, an American architect who relocates across the pond to take up a job at a prestigious London firm. As the clock counts down to Christmas Day, David is running out of time to buy his girlfriend – who also happens to be...
- 5/10/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
At this point, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ governors election looks more like a round-up than a race; more than 180 members have declared their interest in filling 17 contested spots on the 54-member Board of Governors.
Voting in the run-off round starts on Monday and ends May 18. That will narrow the present field to a maximum of four nominees per branch in the final round, which follows.
For now, there are on average about 11 candidates in the running for each slot. In the casting directors and costume design branches, only three members have declared for each slot. But not so in the actors branch, where 17 members — including Brie Larson, Jacki Weaver and Meg Ryan — are vying for the spot being vacated by termed-out Tom Hanks; or the producers, executives, and public relations branches, all of which have a bumper crop of candidates. Marvin Levy, currently a governor in the public relations branch,...
Voting in the run-off round starts on Monday and ends May 18. That will narrow the present field to a maximum of four nominees per branch in the final round, which follows.
For now, there are on average about 11 candidates in the running for each slot. In the casting directors and costume design branches, only three members have declared for each slot. But not so in the actors branch, where 17 members — including Brie Larson, Jacki Weaver and Meg Ryan — are vying for the spot being vacated by termed-out Tom Hanks; or the producers, executives, and public relations branches, all of which have a bumper crop of candidates. Marvin Levy, currently a governor in the public relations branch,...
- 5/11/2018
- by Michael Cieply
- Deadline Film + TV
Films include Eli Roth’s Knock Knock, Anton Corbijn’s Life, Boychoir starring Dustin Hoffman and Spooks feature.
German distributor SquareOne Entertainment has acquired all German-speaking rights to four upcoming films, which all generated major buzz at the Cannes Marché in May.
The titles include Knock Knock, Life, Boychoir and Spooks: The Greater Good, all of which SquareOne will release theatrically in 2015.
Knock Knock was acquired from Voltage Pictures. Eli Roth is currently filming the feature in Chile with stars Keanu Reeves, Ana de Armas and Lorenza Izzo, of which the latter starred in Roth’s upcoming horror The Green Inferno.
The film tells the story of two young women, who show up unexpectedly at the home of a married man (Reeves) where they seduce him and wreak havoc on his life.
The deal was negotiated by Al Munteanu on behalf of SquareOne Entertainment and by Elisabeth Costa de Beauregard on behalf of Voltage Pictures.
Life was acquired...
German distributor SquareOne Entertainment has acquired all German-speaking rights to four upcoming films, which all generated major buzz at the Cannes Marché in May.
The titles include Knock Knock, Life, Boychoir and Spooks: The Greater Good, all of which SquareOne will release theatrically in 2015.
Knock Knock was acquired from Voltage Pictures. Eli Roth is currently filming the feature in Chile with stars Keanu Reeves, Ana de Armas and Lorenza Izzo, of which the latter starred in Roth’s upcoming horror The Green Inferno.
The film tells the story of two young women, who show up unexpectedly at the home of a married man (Reeves) where they seduce him and wreak havoc on his life.
The deal was negotiated by Al Munteanu on behalf of SquareOne Entertainment and by Elisabeth Costa de Beauregard on behalf of Voltage Pictures.
Life was acquired...
- 7/2/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Debra Winger, Eddie Izzard, Josh Lucas and Kevin McHale have joined Dustin Hoffman and Kathy Bates on the cast of Informant Media’s Boychoir, which commenced shooting in Connecticut this week (24).
Embankment Films handles international sales and has already closed more than 30 territories on the story of a troubled youngster who locks horns with a demanding choir master.
Newcomers Garrett Wareing, Joe West and River Alexander star as choristers following a worldwide casting call.
Francois Girard directs from a screenplay by Ben Ripley. Boychoir will also shoot in Stamford, Fairfield, New Haven and New York.
Informant Media’s Judy Cairo produces alongside Carol Baum and Jane Goldenring. Informant Media’s Michael A Simpson and Eric Brenner serve as executive producers with Ben Ripley.
Luke Bracey has joined Gerard Butler in Alcon Entertainment’s Point Break reboor, which Lionsgate International is pre-selling. Bracey will play the role of Johnny Utah, a young FBI agent who goes undercover to infiltrate...
Embankment Films handles international sales and has already closed more than 30 territories on the story of a troubled youngster who locks horns with a demanding choir master.
Newcomers Garrett Wareing, Joe West and River Alexander star as choristers following a worldwide casting call.
Francois Girard directs from a screenplay by Ben Ripley. Boychoir will also shoot in Stamford, Fairfield, New Haven and New York.
Informant Media’s Judy Cairo produces alongside Carol Baum and Jane Goldenring. Informant Media’s Michael A Simpson and Eric Brenner serve as executive producers with Ben Ripley.
Luke Bracey has joined Gerard Butler in Alcon Entertainment’s Point Break reboor, which Lionsgate International is pre-selling. Bracey will play the role of Johnny Utah, a young FBI agent who goes undercover to infiltrate...
- 2/24/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Paramount and Permut Presentations have hired Tom Bezcuha to write the English-language remake of “A Matter of Size,” a character-driven sumo wrestling comedy that will be directed by Jon Turteltaub (“Last Vegas”), TheWrap has learned. A representative for Paramount did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment. David Permut (“Face/Off”) will produce with Carol Baum (“Father of the Bride”) and Howard Rosenman (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”). Also Read: ‘Last Vegas’ Becomes CBS Films’ Highest-Grossing Movie Ever Story follows four overweight friends who get fed up with dieting and decide to start a sumo wrestling team, which helps them learn to love themselves.
- 12/10/2013
- by Jeff Sneider
- The Wrap
Dustin Hoffman, Alfred Molina and Kathy Bates will star in "The Red Violin" director Francois Girard's new drama "The Boychoir" at Informant Media and Embankment Films.
Ben Ripley penned the script about a stern choirmaster (Hoffman) who locks horns with a talented youngster from the wrong side of the tracks.
Molina plays another teacher and Bates is the headmistress. A global search is underway for a young performer with dramatic and musical talent to play the lead.
Judy Cairo, Carol Baum and Jane Goldenring are producing. Filming begins in February in Connecticut and New York.
Source: Screen...
Ben Ripley penned the script about a stern choirmaster (Hoffman) who locks horns with a talented youngster from the wrong side of the tracks.
Molina plays another teacher and Bates is the headmistress. A global search is underway for a young performer with dramatic and musical talent to play the lead.
Judy Cairo, Carol Baum and Jane Goldenring are producing. Filming begins in February in Connecticut and New York.
Source: Screen...
- 10/31/2013
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Kathy Bates, Dustin Hoffman and Alfred Molina are set to star in The Red Violin director Francois Girard's new film, Boychoir , says a story today at The Hollywood Reporter . The original screenplay arrives from Source Code scribe Ben Ripley and follows a choirmaster and his relationship with a troubled 11-year old who is sent to the school that he runs alongside Bates and Molina's characters, the headmistress and a teacher, respectively. The role of the boy, a central character to the production, has not yet been cast. Boychoir is produced by Carol Baum, Judy Cairo and Jane Goldernring of Informant Media. Executive producers include Eric Brenner, Ben Ripley and Michael A. Simpson. (Photo Credit: Nikki Nelson / FayesVision / WENN.com)...
- 10/31/2013
- Comingsoon.net
Dustin Hoffman will star in Informant Media’s drama alongside Alfred Molina and Kathy Bates. Embankment Films handles international sales and will introduce at Afm next week.
Judy Cairo, Carol Baum and Jane Goldenring are producing Boychoir, scheduled to start principal photography in February in Connecticut and New York.
Francois Girard of The Red Violin fame will direct from Ben Ripley’s screenplay about a stern choirmaster who locks horns with a talented youngster from the wrong side of the tracks.
The producers are conducting a global search for a young performer with dramatic and musical talent to play the lead. Singers from the renowned American Boychoir School will feature in the production.
Molina will play a teacher at the school and Bates will portray the headmistress. Informant Media’s Michael A Simpson and Eric Brenner are on the executive producer roster with Ripley.
“These boys’ voices soar with this rare, unearthly ability...
Judy Cairo, Carol Baum and Jane Goldenring are producing Boychoir, scheduled to start principal photography in February in Connecticut and New York.
Francois Girard of The Red Violin fame will direct from Ben Ripley’s screenplay about a stern choirmaster who locks horns with a talented youngster from the wrong side of the tracks.
The producers are conducting a global search for a young performer with dramatic and musical talent to play the lead. Singers from the renowned American Boychoir School will feature in the production.
Molina will play a teacher at the school and Bates will portray the headmistress. Informant Media’s Michael A Simpson and Eric Brenner are on the executive producer roster with Ripley.
“These boys’ voices soar with this rare, unearthly ability...
- 10/30/2013
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Dustin Hoffman will star in Informant Media’s drama alongside Alfred Molina and Kathy Bates. Embankment Films handles international sales and will introduce at Afm next week.
Judy Cairo, Carol Baum and Jane Goldenring are producing Boychoir, scheduled to start principal photography in February in Connecticut and New York.
Francois Girard of The Red Violin fame will direct from Ben Ripley’s screenplay about a stern choirmaster who locks horns with a talented youngster from the wrong side of the tracks.
The producers are conducting a global search for a young performer with dramatic and musical talent to play the lead. Singers from the renowned American Boychoir School will feature in the production.
Molina will play a teacher at the school and Bates will portray the headmistress. Informant Media’s Michael A Simpson and Eric Brenner are on the executive producer roster with Ripley.
“These boys’ voices soar with this rare, unearthly ability...
Judy Cairo, Carol Baum and Jane Goldenring are producing Boychoir, scheduled to start principal photography in February in Connecticut and New York.
Francois Girard of The Red Violin fame will direct from Ben Ripley’s screenplay about a stern choirmaster who locks horns with a talented youngster from the wrong side of the tracks.
The producers are conducting a global search for a young performer with dramatic and musical talent to play the lead. Singers from the renowned American Boychoir School will feature in the production.
Molina will play a teacher at the school and Bates will portray the headmistress. Informant Media’s Michael A Simpson and Eric Brenner are on the executive producer roster with Ripley.
“These boys’ voices soar with this rare, unearthly ability...
- 10/30/2013
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Dustin Hoffman will star in Informant Media’s drama alongside Alfred Molina and Kathy Bates. Embankment Films handles international sales and will introduce the drama at Afm next week.
Judy Cairo, Carol Baum and Jane Goldenring are producing Boychoir, scheduled to start principal photography in February in Connecticut and New York.
Francois Girard of The Red Violin fame will direct from Ben Ripley’s screenplay about a stern choirmaster who locks horns with a talented youngster from the wrong side of the tracks.
The producers are conducting a global search for a young performer with dramatic and musical talent to play the lead. Singers from the renowned American Boychoir School will feature in the production.
Molina will play a teacher at the school and Bates will portray the headmistress. Informant Media’s Michael A Simpson and Eric Brenner are on the executive producer roster with Ripley.
“These boys’ voices soar with this rare, unearthly ability...
Judy Cairo, Carol Baum and Jane Goldenring are producing Boychoir, scheduled to start principal photography in February in Connecticut and New York.
Francois Girard of The Red Violin fame will direct from Ben Ripley’s screenplay about a stern choirmaster who locks horns with a talented youngster from the wrong side of the tracks.
The producers are conducting a global search for a young performer with dramatic and musical talent to play the lead. Singers from the renowned American Boychoir School will feature in the production.
Molina will play a teacher at the school and Bates will portray the headmistress. Informant Media’s Michael A Simpson and Eric Brenner are on the executive producer roster with Ripley.
“These boys’ voices soar with this rare, unearthly ability...
- 10/30/2013
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Poster for the Last Call at the Oasis documentary movie, directed by Jessica Yu. Featuring activist Erin Brockovich, respected water experts including Peter Gleick, Jay Famiglietti and Robert Glennon and social entrepreneurs championing revolutionary solutions, the film posits that we can manage this problem if we are willing to act now. Pic produced by director Jessica Yu and Elise Pearlstein, the film is rated PG-13 for some disturbing content and brief strong language. Executive produced by Jeff Skoll, Diane Weyermann, Carol Baum and David Helpern. Last Call at the Oasis opens in theaters via Ato Pictures on May 4th. Firmly establishing the urgency of the global water crisis as the central issue facing our world this century, this documentary illuminates the vital role water plays in our lives, exposes the defects in the current system and shows communities already struggling with its ill-effects...
- 3/22/2012
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Poster for the Last Call at the Oasis documentary movie, directed by Jessica Yu. Featuring activist Erin Brockovich, respected water experts including Peter Gleick, Jay Famiglietti and Robert Glennon and social entrepreneurs championing revolutionary solutions, the film posits that we can manage this problem if we are willing to act now. Pic produced by director Jessica Yu and Elise Pearlstein, the film is rated PG-13 for some disturbing content and brief strong language. Executive produced by Jeff Skoll, Diane Weyermann, Carol Baum and David Helpern. Last Call at the Oasis opens in theaters via Ato Pictures on May 4th. Firmly establishing the urgency of the global water crisis as the central issue facing our world this century, this documentary illuminates the vital role water plays in our lives, exposes the defects in the current system and shows communities already struggling with its ill-effects...
- 3/22/2012
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Poster for the Last Call at the Oasis documentary movie, directed by Jessica Yu. Featuring activist Erin Brockovich, respected water experts including Peter Gleick, Jay Famiglietti and Robert Glennon and social entrepreneurs championing revolutionary solutions, the film posits that we can manage this problem if we are willing to act now. Pic produced by director Jessica Yu and Elise Pearlstein, the film is rated PG-13 for some disturbing content and brief strong language. Executive produced by Jeff Skoll, Diane Weyermann, Carol Baum and David Helpern. Last Call at the Oasis opens in theaters via Ato Pictures on May 4th. Firmly establishing the urgency of the global water crisis as the central issue facing our world this century, this documentary illuminates the vital role water plays in our lives, exposes the defects in the current system and shows communities already struggling with its ill-effects...
- 3/22/2012
- Upcoming-Movies.com
"National Treasure" film series director Jon Turteltaub is attached to helm "A Matter of Size", a remake of a sumo-themed 2009 Israeli comedy at Permut Presentations and Paramount Pictures says The Hollywood Reporter.
Howard Franklin is penning the character-driven comedy about a group of overweight people who become sumo wrestlers.
David Permut will produce. Permut was previously in talks with Dimension Films about the project but that never happened, so now things are moving at Paramount. Carol Baum and Howard Rosenman are also producing.
Howard Franklin is penning the character-driven comedy about a group of overweight people who become sumo wrestlers.
David Permut will produce. Permut was previously in talks with Dimension Films about the project but that never happened, so now things are moving at Paramount. Carol Baum and Howard Rosenman are also producing.
- 2/1/2012
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
The weekend came to a close at the American Film Market on Sunday with sales and finance houses adding cast to projects to encourage buyers to splash the presale cash, while a flurry of deal memos also landed.
Buyers were greeted by the news that Sharon Stone and Amanda Peet have joined the cast of Nigel Cole's Five Dollars a Day, sold here by U.S. banner ThinkFilm International and financed by U.K. sister company Capitol Films.
Billed as a riotous father-and-son road-trip movie, Stone and Peet join Christopher Walken and Alessandro Nivola in the film, from a script by Neal and Tippi Dobrofsky. Carol Baum, Jane Goldenring and Kia Jam are producing.
Meanwhile, buzz is building on three titles.
The Weinstein Co. is said to be circling the horror film Eden Lake, from Pathe International, billed as a cross between Deliverance and Stand By Me.
The sales agent also is repping Jacques Perrin and Jacques Cluzaud's sea documentary Oceans, a follow-up to their Winged Migration. Disney is among the companies circling the big-budget project, due in mid-2009, and could see the studio reunited with Participant and National Geographic.
One of the most talked-about projects of the festival is the Peter Jackson-produced sci-fi film District 9, from director Neill Blomkamp and financier/sales rep QED International. Sony is among the strongest candidates to buy the film, set to shoot in the spring, sources said.
High-profile deal memos and pacts were beginning to land thick and fast during the weekend as attendees' thoughts turned to planning their exit from this year's market in the next day or so.
Buyers were greeted by the news that Sharon Stone and Amanda Peet have joined the cast of Nigel Cole's Five Dollars a Day, sold here by U.S. banner ThinkFilm International and financed by U.K. sister company Capitol Films.
Billed as a riotous father-and-son road-trip movie, Stone and Peet join Christopher Walken and Alessandro Nivola in the film, from a script by Neal and Tippi Dobrofsky. Carol Baum, Jane Goldenring and Kia Jam are producing.
Meanwhile, buzz is building on three titles.
The Weinstein Co. is said to be circling the horror film Eden Lake, from Pathe International, billed as a cross between Deliverance and Stand By Me.
The sales agent also is repping Jacques Perrin and Jacques Cluzaud's sea documentary Oceans, a follow-up to their Winged Migration. Disney is among the companies circling the big-budget project, due in mid-2009, and could see the studio reunited with Participant and National Geographic.
One of the most talked-about projects of the festival is the Peter Jackson-produced sci-fi film District 9, from director Neill Blomkamp and financier/sales rep QED International. Sony is among the strongest candidates to buy the film, set to shoot in the spring, sources said.
High-profile deal memos and pacts were beginning to land thick and fast during the weekend as attendees' thoughts turned to planning their exit from this year's market in the next day or so.
- 11/5/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
- The role of father was pretty much confirmed a while back when Christopher Walken was circling the project and Variety reports that Alessandro Nivola will play son to the conman's father. In a project that dates back to 03’ with the like Nick Cassavetes and John Curran to direct, it looks like the project is moving forward with Nigel Cole (A Lot Like Love, Calendar Girls) at the helms.Written by Neal H. Dobrofsky and Tippi Dobrofsky, Five Dollars a Day is a road movie that pits a con artist against his more conservative son. Walken will play a conman proud of living like a king on $5 a day, and Nivola his offspring, who had been jailed for one of his father's crimes.Capitol Films greenlit the project for its Th!NKFilm arm to release. Carol Baum, Jane Goldenring and Kia Jam are producing. Look for shoooting to begin in New Mexico and Atlantic City,
- 8/9/2007
- IONCINEMA.com
This review was written for the screening at the Tribeca Film Festival.
NEW YORK -- If you would believe Hollywood movies, hit men are usually lovable figures whose professional lives are hampered by psychological angst that can usually be alleviated by therapy. Or, in the case of "You Kill Me", in which the protagonist has a drinking problem, with a 12-step program. John Dahl's black comedy might not win any points for originality, but its razor-sharp script by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely and the hilariously deadpan comic performances by Ben Kingsley and Tea Leoni make it a consistent pleasure. Recently showcased at the Tribeca Film Festival, the film is scheduled for a commercial release in the summer by IFC Films.
Kingsley plays Frank, a Polish hit man in Buffalo who has bungled more than a few jobs because of his propensity for getting drunk on the job. When he fumbles the killing of a Greek mobster (Dennis Farina) who is his boss' Philip Baker Hall) chief rival, he's sent to dry out in San Francisco.
There, thanks to the help of his handler (Bill Pullman), he gets a job as an undertaker's assistant and begins attending AA meetings. Although initially resistant, he's taken under the wing of a friendly fellow member (Luke Wilson) and soon begins to open up, confessing to the startled group not only his addiction but also his profession.
He also begins a relationship with the beautiful and acerbic Laurel (Leoni), who seems to have little problem with either Frank's alcoholism or the way he makes his living. Frank's idyllic recovery is eventually interrupted when the mobster he neglected to eliminate begins raising trouble for his employers.
While the film attempts a level of absurdity that it doesn't quite successfully bring off -- Laurel's quick acceptance of Frank's lifestyle is never convincing, for instance -- it does mark the most hilarious depiction of a professional killer's angst since "Grosse Pointe Blank". The script's subtle humor is consistently hilarious (Frank points out at the AA meeting that he never knew he had a drinking problem because he lives in Buffalo), and its comic gems are perfectly realized by the terrific performances and the deceptively atmospheric direction by Dahl.
Kingsley, not always known for his restraint, underplays beautifully as Frank, ultimately becoming an unlikely but entirely winning figure. And while Leoni is simply too stunningly gorgeous to render Laurel's romantic desperation convincing, she too finds just the right comic tone. There is also wonderfully funny work by Wilson, Farina, Pullman and a variety of perfectly cast supporting players.
YOU KILL ME
IFC Films
Bipolar Pictures, Carol Baum Prods., Code Entertainment, Echo Lake Prods., Green Tulip Prods.
Credits:
Director: John Dahl
Screenwriters: Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely
Producers: Al Corley, Burt Rosenblatt, Eugene Musso, Carol Baum, Mike Marcus, Zvi Howard Rosenman
Executive producers: Tea Leoni, Jonathan Dana
Director of photography: Jeffrey Jur
Production designer: John Dondertman
Music: Marcelo Zarvos
Co-producer: Kim Olson
Costume designer: Linda Madden
Editor: Scott Chestnut
Cast:
Frank: Ben Kingsley
Laurel: Tea Leoni
Tom: Luke Wilson
Roman: Philip Baker Hall
O'Leary: Dennis Farina
Dave: Bill Pullman
Stef: Marcus Thomas
Doris: Alison Sealy-Smith
Running time -- 92 minutes
No MPAA rating...
NEW YORK -- If you would believe Hollywood movies, hit men are usually lovable figures whose professional lives are hampered by psychological angst that can usually be alleviated by therapy. Or, in the case of "You Kill Me", in which the protagonist has a drinking problem, with a 12-step program. John Dahl's black comedy might not win any points for originality, but its razor-sharp script by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely and the hilariously deadpan comic performances by Ben Kingsley and Tea Leoni make it a consistent pleasure. Recently showcased at the Tribeca Film Festival, the film is scheduled for a commercial release in the summer by IFC Films.
Kingsley plays Frank, a Polish hit man in Buffalo who has bungled more than a few jobs because of his propensity for getting drunk on the job. When he fumbles the killing of a Greek mobster (Dennis Farina) who is his boss' Philip Baker Hall) chief rival, he's sent to dry out in San Francisco.
There, thanks to the help of his handler (Bill Pullman), he gets a job as an undertaker's assistant and begins attending AA meetings. Although initially resistant, he's taken under the wing of a friendly fellow member (Luke Wilson) and soon begins to open up, confessing to the startled group not only his addiction but also his profession.
He also begins a relationship with the beautiful and acerbic Laurel (Leoni), who seems to have little problem with either Frank's alcoholism or the way he makes his living. Frank's idyllic recovery is eventually interrupted when the mobster he neglected to eliminate begins raising trouble for his employers.
While the film attempts a level of absurdity that it doesn't quite successfully bring off -- Laurel's quick acceptance of Frank's lifestyle is never convincing, for instance -- it does mark the most hilarious depiction of a professional killer's angst since "Grosse Pointe Blank". The script's subtle humor is consistently hilarious (Frank points out at the AA meeting that he never knew he had a drinking problem because he lives in Buffalo), and its comic gems are perfectly realized by the terrific performances and the deceptively atmospheric direction by Dahl.
Kingsley, not always known for his restraint, underplays beautifully as Frank, ultimately becoming an unlikely but entirely winning figure. And while Leoni is simply too stunningly gorgeous to render Laurel's romantic desperation convincing, she too finds just the right comic tone. There is also wonderfully funny work by Wilson, Farina, Pullman and a variety of perfectly cast supporting players.
YOU KILL ME
IFC Films
Bipolar Pictures, Carol Baum Prods., Code Entertainment, Echo Lake Prods., Green Tulip Prods.
Credits:
Director: John Dahl
Screenwriters: Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely
Producers: Al Corley, Burt Rosenblatt, Eugene Musso, Carol Baum, Mike Marcus, Zvi Howard Rosenman
Executive producers: Tea Leoni, Jonathan Dana
Director of photography: Jeffrey Jur
Production designer: John Dondertman
Music: Marcelo Zarvos
Co-producer: Kim Olson
Costume designer: Linda Madden
Editor: Scott Chestnut
Cast:
Frank: Ben Kingsley
Laurel: Tea Leoni
Tom: Luke Wilson
Roman: Philip Baker Hall
O'Leary: Dennis Farina
Dave: Bill Pullman
Stef: Marcus Thomas
Doris: Alison Sealy-Smith
Running time -- 92 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 6/21/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This review was written for the screening at the Tribeca Film Festival.
NEW YORK -- If you would believe Hollywood movies, hit men are usually lovable figures whose professional lives are hampered by psychological angst that can usually be alleviated by therapy. Or, in the case of You Kill Me, in which the protagonist has a drinking problem, with a 12-step program. John Dahl's black comedy might not win any points for originality, but its razor-sharp script by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely and the hilariously deadpan comic performances by Ben Kingsley and Tea Leoni make it a consistent pleasure. Recently showcased at the Tribeca Film Festival, the film is scheduled for a commercial release in the summer by IFC Films.
Kingsley plays Frank, a Polish hit man in Buffalo who has bungled more than a few jobs because of his propensity for getting drunk on the job. When he fumbles the killing of a Greek mobster (Dennis Farina) who is his boss' Philip Baker Hall) chief rival, he's sent to dry out in San Francisco.
There, thanks to the help of his handler (Bill Pullman), he gets a job as an undertaker's assistant and begins attending AA meetings. Although initially resistant, he's taken under the wing of a friendly fellow member (Luke Wilson) and soon begins to open up, confessing to the startled group not only his addiction but also his profession.
He also begins a relationship with the beautiful and acerbic Laurel (Leoni), who seems to have little problem with either Frank's alcoholism or the way he makes his living. Frank's idyllic recovery is eventually interrupted when the mobster he neglected to eliminate begins raising trouble for his employers.
While the film attempts a level of absurdity that it doesn't quite successfully bring off -- Laurel's quick acceptance of Frank's lifestyle is never convincing, for instance -- it does mark the most hilarious depiction of a professional killer's angst since Grosse Pointe Blank. The script's subtle humor is consistently hilarious (Frank points out at the AA meeting that he never knew he had a drinking problem because he lives in Buffalo), and its comic gems are perfectly realized by the terrific performances and the deceptively atmospheric direction by Dahl.
Kingsley, not always known for his restraint, underplays beautifully as Frank, ultimately becoming an unlikely but entirely winning figure. And while Leoni is simply too stunningly gorgeous to render Laurel's romantic desperation convincing, she too finds just the right comic tone. There is also wonderfully funny work by Wilson, Farina, Pullman and a variety of perfectly cast supporting players.
YOU KILL ME
IFC Films
Bipolar Pictures, Carol Baum Prods., Code Entertainment, Echo Lake Prods., Green Tulip Prods.
Credits:
Director: John Dahl
Screenwriters: Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely
Producers: Al Corley, Burt Rosenblatt, Eugene Musso, Carol Baum, Mike Marcus, Zvi Howard Rosenman
Executive producers: Tea Leoni, Jonathan Dana
Director of photography: Jeffrey Jur
Production designer: John Dondertman
Music: Marcelo Zarvos
Co-producer: Kim Olson
Costume designer: Linda Madden
Editor: Scott Chestnut
Cast:
Frank: Ben Kingsley
Laurel: Tea Leoni
Tom: Luke Wilson
Roman: Philip Baker Hall
O'Leary: Dennis Farina
Dave: Bill Pullman
Stef: Marcus Thomas
Doris: Alison Sealy-Smith
Running time -- 92 minutes
No MPAA rating...
NEW YORK -- If you would believe Hollywood movies, hit men are usually lovable figures whose professional lives are hampered by psychological angst that can usually be alleviated by therapy. Or, in the case of You Kill Me, in which the protagonist has a drinking problem, with a 12-step program. John Dahl's black comedy might not win any points for originality, but its razor-sharp script by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely and the hilariously deadpan comic performances by Ben Kingsley and Tea Leoni make it a consistent pleasure. Recently showcased at the Tribeca Film Festival, the film is scheduled for a commercial release in the summer by IFC Films.
Kingsley plays Frank, a Polish hit man in Buffalo who has bungled more than a few jobs because of his propensity for getting drunk on the job. When he fumbles the killing of a Greek mobster (Dennis Farina) who is his boss' Philip Baker Hall) chief rival, he's sent to dry out in San Francisco.
There, thanks to the help of his handler (Bill Pullman), he gets a job as an undertaker's assistant and begins attending AA meetings. Although initially resistant, he's taken under the wing of a friendly fellow member (Luke Wilson) and soon begins to open up, confessing to the startled group not only his addiction but also his profession.
He also begins a relationship with the beautiful and acerbic Laurel (Leoni), who seems to have little problem with either Frank's alcoholism or the way he makes his living. Frank's idyllic recovery is eventually interrupted when the mobster he neglected to eliminate begins raising trouble for his employers.
While the film attempts a level of absurdity that it doesn't quite successfully bring off -- Laurel's quick acceptance of Frank's lifestyle is never convincing, for instance -- it does mark the most hilarious depiction of a professional killer's angst since Grosse Pointe Blank. The script's subtle humor is consistently hilarious (Frank points out at the AA meeting that he never knew he had a drinking problem because he lives in Buffalo), and its comic gems are perfectly realized by the terrific performances and the deceptively atmospheric direction by Dahl.
Kingsley, not always known for his restraint, underplays beautifully as Frank, ultimately becoming an unlikely but entirely winning figure. And while Leoni is simply too stunningly gorgeous to render Laurel's romantic desperation convincing, she too finds just the right comic tone. There is also wonderfully funny work by Wilson, Farina, Pullman and a variety of perfectly cast supporting players.
YOU KILL ME
IFC Films
Bipolar Pictures, Carol Baum Prods., Code Entertainment, Echo Lake Prods., Green Tulip Prods.
Credits:
Director: John Dahl
Screenwriters: Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely
Producers: Al Corley, Burt Rosenblatt, Eugene Musso, Carol Baum, Mike Marcus, Zvi Howard Rosenman
Executive producers: Tea Leoni, Jonathan Dana
Director of photography: Jeffrey Jur
Production designer: John Dondertman
Music: Marcelo Zarvos
Co-producer: Kim Olson
Costume designer: Linda Madden
Editor: Scott Chestnut
Cast:
Frank: Ben Kingsley
Laurel: Tea Leoni
Tom: Luke Wilson
Roman: Philip Baker Hall
O'Leary: Dennis Farina
Dave: Bill Pullman
Stef: Marcus Thomas
Doris: Alison Sealy-Smith
Running time -- 92 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 6/21/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
CANNES -- David Strathairn is set to star in Challenger, a drama about Nobel Laureate Richard Feynman's investigation into the explosion of the space shuttle Challenger that Philip Kaufman will direct from a screenplay by Nicole Perlman. Media 8 Entertainment Inc. will co-produce, finance and distribute the feature in association with Code Entertainment and Carol Baum Prods. Carol Baum, Rick Berg and Peter Kaufman will serve as producers. Media 8 will sell international rights to the film at the Cannes Film Market. With the project, Kaufman returns to the subject of the U.S. space program, which he explored in 1983's The Right Stuff, which won four Academy Awards.
- 5/17/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Adam Shankman is in negotiations to direct and Sarah Jessica Parker is in negotiations to star in Slammer for Revolution Studios. The dark comedy was brought in by Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, head of Revolution Studios' East Coast office, who will produce the film with Howard Rosenman and Carol Baum. Deborah Schindler and Jennifer Gibgot are serving as executive producers. The script is by Sara Goodman and based on a story by Tim Metcalfe and John Slotnick and a screenplay by Metcalfe.
- 4/21/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Adam Shankman is in negotiations to direct and Sarah Jessica Parker is in negotiations to star in Slammer for Revolution Studios. The dark comedy was brought in by Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, head of Revolution Studios' East Coast office, who will produce the film with Howard Rosenman and Carol Baum. Deborah Schindler and Jennifer Gibgot are serving as executive producers. The script is by Sara Goodman and based on a story by Tim Metcalfe and John Slotnick and a screenplay by Metcalfe.
- 4/21/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Scribe Naomi Foner Gyllenhaal is teaming with Sandra Bullock and her Fortis Films on the indie biopic Grace. The project is based on the life of scribe Grace Metalious, whose first novel was the 1956 tome Peyton Place, an inspiration for both a television show and a feature film. The success of such a unique book for the time period brought Metalious many rewards, but it also led to a broken marriage, family problems and alcohol addiction that eventually took her life less than 10 years later. Bullock and her Fortis Films are producing along with Carol Baum.
- 7/14/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
John Q helmer Nick Cassavetes has signed to direct the Fine Line Features drama Five Dollars a Day. Written by Neal H. Dobrofsky and Tippi Dobrofsky, Five Dollars revolves around a son who is forced to reunite with his con artist father for a cross-country odyssey. The film will be distributed by New Line Cinema. The project is being produced by Carol Baum and Jane Goldenring, while New Line production president Toby Emmerich, CEO/executive vp Mark Ordesky, and Guy Stodel are overseeing for the studio. Cassavetes previously worked with Fine Line's parent company, New Line Cinema, on the 2002 release John Q. He has also helmed the upcoming drama The Notebook for the studio. That adaptation of the best-selling Nicholas Sparks novel is slated for release next year. "Nick has directed two really good movies for us with 'John Q' and 'The Notebook, ' and we're thrilled to have his next project," said Emmerich. Cassavetes is repped by WMA and the Firm.
- 10/2/2003
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Scott Hicks is in talks to direct Fine Line Features' Five Dollars More, sources have confirmed. The project would reunite Hicks with the same studio for which he directed and co-wrote Shine, the 1996 drama that earned him Academy Award nominations in the directing and screenplay categories. The project, by writing duo Neal H. Dobrofsky and Tippi Dobrofsky, is the tale of a son forced to reunite with his con-artist father for a cross-country odyssey. Dollars will be produced by Carol Baum (The Good Girl, My First Mister) and Jane Goldenring (Heart of a Stranger, My First Mister). Guy Stodel will oversee the project for Fine Line along with Meredith Finn. Fine Line picked up the project in the fall for low- against mid-six figures (HR 10/22). Hicks, repped by CAA, directed Hearts in Atlantis and Snow Falling on Cedars.
- 3/12/2003
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Fine Line Features has rung up an option on the spec script Five Dollars a Day by writing duo Neal H. Dobrofsky and Tippi Dobrofsky. The project -- picked up for low- against mid-six figures, according to sources -- follows the tale of a son forced to reunite with his con-artist father during a cross-country odyssey. Dollars will be produced by Carol Baum (The Good Girl, My First Mister) and Jane Goldenring (Heart of a Stranger, Mister). Guy Stodel will oversee the project for Fine Line along with Meredith Finn. Said Fine Line topper Mark Ordesky of the pact: "We are delighted to be working with Neil and Tippi, who have fashioned a brilliantly charming script infused with warmth and humanism in the tradition of such classics as Paper Moon and Max Dugan Returns." The Dobrofskys' credits include the Judd Nelson-Gina Gershon starrer Flinch, the USA miniseries To Have and to Hold and the spec Kiss the Sucker, which is in turnaround from Warner Bros. Pictures. The deal was negotiated by Caroline Blackwood and Stodel for Fine Line. The writers were repped by Leah Antonio-Ketcham of Loeb & Loeb and Wendi Niad at her Niad Management. The producers were repped by attorney Mitch Smelkinson at Stone, Meyer & Genow.
- 10/22/2002
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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