Ones To Watch #10 - Gake No Ue No Ponyo

#10

Gake No Ue No Ponyo (dir.Miyazaki)

Expected Release Date: TBA

Starring: (English dubbed) Cate Blanchett, Matt Damon, Tina Fey & Liam Neeson

Studio: Studio Ghibli

Gake No Ue No Ponyo (Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea) is Jap-animation genius Hayo Miyazaki’s first full length feature since Howl’s Moving Castle (released in 2004). For those following, Miyazaki has created a fascinating library of films inspired by decades of Japan’s heritage, culture and environment.

A list of Miyazaki’s directorial acheivements:

Lupin III: Castle of Cagliostro
Nausicaa of The Valley of the Wind
Laputa: Castle In The Sky
My Neighbour Totoro
Kiki’s Delivery Service
Porco Rosso
Princess Mononoke
Spirited Away
Howl’s Moving Castle

The point of this list is not to highlight the brilliance of Miyazaki and of course, Studio Ghibli but more pertinently to understand the themes which traverse through the filmography.


Pixar, (perhaps the only animation studio which compares favourably to Ghibli) uses certain narrative devices throughout its films, lovingly borrowed from the Ghibli blueprint. Like with all great films, both studios passionately acknowledge that the relationships between the chief protagonists are the driving force behind real unflailing emotion.

See how early Ghibli classics like Lupin III, My Neighbour Totoro & Porco Rosso all hinge on unsual, imaginatively rich relationships between two central characters and how Pixar with films such as Monsters Inc, Finding Nemo, Ratatouille and Wall-E (to name but a handful) has followed this template and further embellished it.

Ponyo, garnered a stellar critical response in Venice last year and boosted Japan’s floundering box office returns in one fell swoop. Hopefully, the story of the fish who runs away from home will soon find a distributor and we the eager fans can watch what will likely be another masterpiece in the Studio Ghibli cannon.

Ones To Watch #11 - Bruno

#11

Bruno (dir. Mazer)

Expected Release Date: 10th July

Starring: Sacha Baron Cohen

Studio: Warner Bros

Funkyzeit Mit Bruno!

Bruno: Do you think if you changed the bible stories you’d get people more easy to relate to them? (sic)
Christian Rock Star: I don’t think you need to change anything bro…
Bruno: But if you had instead of the fish story and did it about sushi.

Just one of the countless ridiculous suggestions which has spouted from Bruno’s motor mouth.

Sacha Baron Cohen returns with Bruno, the faux-Austrian homosexual reporter, who terrorizes fashion runways and humiliates world luminaries. Bruno is the least known Sacha Baron Cohen (after Ali G and Borat) however his brand of humour always appealed to me the most.

Whereas Ali G attempts to be a bigot and annoying to his interviewees and Borat has a child-like naiviety which provides a charming edge to his character, Bruno is just a broth of pure evil. The way he questions his unlucky victims is the most beguiling and unsettling and provides an extra dimension to which most other comedians are not aspiring (their stand up routines being the sole exception).

In cinematic terms however, we have already seen Cohen use a basic plot as the vehicle for Borat to display his comedic talents. Therefore in terms of narrative backdrop, what can we expect? Well, word is inevitably schtum as Cohen’s increased familiarity provides a greater challenge to hit the right notes. If his recent mixed reception at the Golden Globes is any true indication, then work is cut out for him.

A masterpiece or a missed opportunity? We just have to wait with bated breath…



Freddy Prinze Junior!

He Just Aint That Into Ya Like

Yet another generic chick flick some might say and 'they' would be spot on in some ways. But this little story of love, lust and yearning is slightly different in its storytelling. It tells the tale of a group of interconnected twenty and thirty somethings navigating their way through the shallow end of the dating pool right up through to shark infested waters of married life. The group are trying to read the messages of the opposite sex with the hope of being the ‘exception’ to the rule and securing themselves a happy ending. Sound a bit like Love Actually?

With a stellar cast including Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, Justin long and Scarlett Johansen, this film isn’t short on pretty faces. Each play a stereotypical role in the dating game, from ‘the other woman’ to the committed singleton.

Gigi (Ginnifer Goodwin) is an insecure single gal trying to decipher the male psyche. The narrator of the film and a sucker for schmaltz, she goes on several dates which she thinks have been successful, each ending in exchanged phone numbers and promises of reunion. That is where it gets confusing. In the midst of Gigi getting all giddy and giggly thinking ‘he’s going to call’, she doesn’t realise that the message he was actually giving off was ‘I don’t think this will work out.’ In comes Alex (Justin Long of Dodgeball fame) to help our Gigi decode the vague and hazy message that men give (spoken like a true female -Nikesh) . The rules are simple. If he likes you, he will call. If he doesn’t, he won’t. Simple as pie.

Alongside this, we have our other couples, Neal (Affleck) and Beth (Aniston) who are the committed singles, although sweet together not particularly the marriage types. Polar opposites, Ben(Cooper) and Janine (Connolly) are a happily married couple who have lost the early hazy spark. So what happens? He cheats. His uncontrollable animalism takes over leading to a torrid affair with Anna (Johansson) his curvaceous yoga instructor.

The film twists and turns through each of these couples’ love lives, teaching women the simple rules of men and their ‘signals’. It points out that women love to think of a million and one reasons why a man isn’t calling you, isn’t interested in you, or isn’t sleeping with you. The simple truth of it all is, that if a man doesn't act interested, it's probably because he's not interested. It's a simple premise and one that some women may find slightly patronising

However, its a film that serves as a wake-up call for men and women alike. It is a tad on the long side but is still full of sitcom wit and drama enough to keep us all entertained on a friday evening. It isn’t up there with the masters of chick flicks, but it is a solid attempt nonetheless.

Grade: C+ (6/10)

Ones To Watch #12 - Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince

#12

Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince (dir. Yates)

Expected Release Date: 17th July

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint et al

Studio: Warner Bros

The sixth installment of the worldwide phenomenon that is JK Rowling’s Harry Potter returns to our screens this forthcoming July. It will have been a full two years since Order Of The Phoenix was released in July 2007, the longest gap between any of the films in the series.

The Half Blood Prince was originally slated to be released in late 2008 but the gargantuan success of The Dark Knight allowed Warner Bros to spread their eggs in several baskets, so to speak.

So what can we expect from The Half Blood Prince? Well, since Prisoner of Azkaban (the third book in the seven book series) each impending installment has introduced darker themes greatly tailored for adults. Of course, having previously directed Order Of The Phoenix, director Yates has the opportunity to push several boundaries which he himself constructed in the fifth film.

The plot as many of you will know involves the death of another major character and the continuation of the ever growing maturity spurt of the three leads. The Half Blood Prince involves arguably the most indispensible plot threads of the whole seven book series and having decided to split the final chapter, The Deathly Hollows, into two separate films there is an argument that the same could have been done here.

Ultimately, Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince is in safe hands with each film steadily improving on the previous.

Stand up and incessantly clamor for what will undoubtedly be the BIGGEST film of the year.

Chick Flick Heaven

With ‘Confessions Of A Shopaholic’ having hit the big screen last friday, let’s take a look at a collection of the biggest, girliest chick flicks of the past year.

Starting way back in March,

27 dresses

This film is for single women everywhere! Ever felt like the ever-present singleton at yet another wedding? Well this is exactly the case for our main girl, Jane (Katherine Heigl). Always a bridesmaid and never a bride. She may be the sad singleton with whom we sympathise, but she is eternally hopeful, that one day she will be the bride.

She has been the eager and dedicated bridesmaid 27 times, and has the dresses to prove it. With a wardrobe full of puff-ball madness and shimmering satin, her story starts to draw the attention of the sprightly Kevin (Josh Marsden), who, unlike our fair Jane, isn’t as optimistic about love. Ironically, he writes the ‘commitments’ column for the Sunday wedding section of the New York Journal. He is fascinated by Jane’s bridesmaid story and takes every opportunity he can to get his scoop of a story. But alas, the inevitable happens, love cynic Kevin realises that maybe, just maybe, he can feel love, and our single Jane, proves to women everywhere that the bridesmaid, can eventually become the bride!

Definitely, Maybe

The gorgeous Ryan Reynolds stars as the hapless Will, father of 10-year-old Maya(Abigail Breslin) who is having trouble dealing with why her parents are no longer in love. Her perfect picture of loving mummy and daddy isn’t what she has, she wants to know why. Will proceeds to tell her the story of how he met her mother but also of his love for two other women along the way. He changes the names of his three ladies in hopes that Maya can guess which one is her mother.

The film is real and portrays love in a different light. The script twists and turns telling us that love is something that is unpredictable and hard.

Like all good romantic-comedies, there is of course a happy ending, but its how we get there that is the heart of this film. Like Maya says in the film, "It's like a love story-mystery."

Sex and the City

The girls are back in town! With more shoes and handbags than I will own in a lifetime, Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha hit the screen to remind us just how much we adored the small screen delight.

The film is set four years after the TV series finale and each girl is still exactly where she wants to be: in love. Carrie and Big are shopping for apartments, Charlotte and Harry are happy parents, Miranda and Steve are still balancing work and play, and Samantha and Smith, are, well, Samantha and Smith!

But as the film progresses, as with any love story, their perfect lives start to show cracks. We see all four women go through all sorts of scenarios that a woman may encounter in her life, ranging from infidelity, pregnancy and not being appreciated.

Yet again, our Manolo wearing Carrie trips and falls thanks to ‘Big’. Will these two ever just be happy?

It is not until the last 10 minutes or so that we do find out if Carrie gets her fairytale ending, and it’s an ending worth waiting for.

The film is sexy, sentimental and, of course, tremendously materialistic. But so what? After all, all a girl wants are labels and love!

Well there you go! Three delectable films that score highly with women all over!

A Few Good Giggles

Live Oscar-thon!

Good evening all!

It's 11.04 and we're just under two hours away from the beginning of the show!

The red carpet hits over the next couple of hours so ill keep you updated with the highs and lows.

First, I need a vanilla chai latte.

11.10 Fearne's out ready to interview whoever she can crack, although with day glow pink eyeshadow (bright enough to blind) she looks a bit over eager...

11.25 It's Dominic Cooper! Yep the one from The Duchess and also the one from Mamma Mia! I swear he has been on more red carpets than films. Something he seems slightly embarrassed by!
11.27 Sir Anthony Hopkins likes Fearne's eyeshadow..."It's original" he quips. I couldn't agree more.


11.38 Kevin Kline Four words. A Fish Called Wanda. Apparently Mr Kline is due to present an award this evening. That's the total extent of the excitement so far!

11.42 "I'll be like Superman, getting changed in the phone booth. Except there are no phone booths now because we all have cell phones." Classic. The delightful Taraji Henson.


11.48 The Slumdog Kids (TM) are out in force which is fantastic! They're all high on skittles, smarties or something similarly hyperactivating. Can you imagine how their lives have changed since the film was released in India?

00.00 Danny Boyle. Cotton: "What does it mean to you to win an Oscar?" Boyle: "I don't know, I haven't won one!" Humble to the end.

00.04 Michael Shannon of Revolutionary Road ilk. The man does not cry!

00.12 It's another Michael...Michael Sheen this time. Why was he not nominated? "I've heard that they're really going for it tonight..." Interesting. Ooooh Ahhhh

00.19 Robert Pattinson (Twilight Vampire). I'll be honest, he has nothing to say (which is exactly what he says).

00.20 Fearne's watched Mamma Mia on DVD four times. There are a few problems with that statement. BUT WAIITTTTT! It's AMY ADAMMMMSSS! Highlight of the night already, though she has a really revolting piece of neckwear going on...

00.23 Sarah Jessica Parker & Matthew Broderick. She's wearing Dior, he looks like he doesn't give a toss. How about a Ferris Bueller sequel eh? Any takers for 'Ferris Bueller: Struck Off Work'?

00.25 Josh Brolin. Great in Milk. If he won an Oscar he would send it to the Coen's...right...

00.26 Ben Kingsley. It's going crazy now. Kingsley, stately as ever sporting a gangster beard-moustache combination. Favourite film: Slumdog Millionaire. After the show he'll be ''having a beverage." MARRRRISSAAAA TOMEEEIIII sporting an L-neck topped ivory dress. That's a new one! She's asked by Miss Cotton if 'The Wrestler' is the best film she has made. An understandingly flummoxed Tomei eventually replies that "it may just be..."

What better than 'The Guru'? Surely not...

00.32 Mickey Rourke. "I don't know what's gonna come out. I'm a bit absent minded." [ENTER OBVIOUS GENIUS SPEECH REMARK].

00.35 The real David Frost. He seems happy enough with Frost/Nixon. Maybe it nudged him gently into a light slumber.

00.37 Peter Gabriel. He isn't performing tonight because the Oscars titted the performing of his song. Fairplay.

00.44 I hate Claudia Winkleman and I'm not too fond of Gok Wan too... Brangelina have arrived. Mrs Pitt-Jolie looks rather regal really. Ohh and Fearne Cotton hasn't managed to grab the Cruzster. Must try harder.

10 minutes to showtime!

00.55 Brad waves hello to the UK. He's got five minutes to get in. Better run, Lt. Raine.

Right, I'm not blogging the red carpet now. NOPE! WAIT! Winslet. Save the best to last! I hope she wins for Revolutionary Road...ohh wait. She's wearing Yves Saint Laurent. Excellent.

Right, definately off. Back in a bit for the real deal.

01.05 HERE WE GO. ITS THE 81ST ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS!

Nope, not yet. First some Winkleman-Wan-Wankery.

Freida Pinto: Galliano. Good, not great.
Heidi Klum: Dior Galliano. Nice.
Amy Adams: Carolina Herrera. No No.
Sarah Jessica Parker: Dior Couture. Apparently needs some hair product.
Taraji Henson: Alberto Ferreti.
Marisa Tomei: Versace. Looks amazing. I agree.
Anne Hathaway: Armani (with a million quid worth of bling).
Kate Winslet: YSL. Always gets it right. Kate "lives in her body" according to Wan. Spooky.
Natalie Portman: Pink on red. This years look apparently.
Angelina Jolie: Wan likes it but...

The fashion review right there in a little nugget. Not my views, just Gok's. He KNOWS apparently.

01.28 A midnight menagerie. Idle thumbs. Fresh impetus. Invigorated outlook. And, here...we...go!

01.34 And here's our host, Hugh Jackman (Sexiest Man Alive). "I would swim a sea of excrement!"

The Reader in a quasi-Kraftwerk posterior. Who woulda funked it?

"IIIIIIIIIIIMMMMMMMMMM WOOOOOOOOLLLLLLVEEEERRRRIIIIIINNNNNNEEE!"

01.43 Jackman informs us that he is contractually obligated to mention Brangelina at least five times tonight. Four to go.

01.46 Introduction to Actress in a Supporting Role. Oscar has shaken up things here by bringing past winners on the stage to describe each of this year's nominations. Different, though I don't think it's a move which will make the Oscars shorter. Onstage luminaries include Angelica Huston, Tilda Swinton & Whoopi Goldberg.

And the Oscar goes to... Penelope Cruz! Yay!

"Has anyone ever fainted here?! I might be the first one!" Truly deserved. Slight water work burst followed by a twist of Espanola. I just love me an overwhelmed winner.

For the only other 50:50 acting award we have to wait for Leading Actor methinks.

01.55 Steve Martin & Tina Fey. Some witty banter then, Original Screenplay.

And the Oscar goes to... Dustin Lance Black (Milk). The best of the picture nominees so I'm glad it won (though Wall-E would've been a nice surprise also).

"God does love you." Amen to that.

02.01 Adapted Screenplay. Hmm will it be someone other than Simon Beaufoy? If it is I will burn the hair on my feet...

My feet live to walk another day as Simon Beaufoy wins. He looks as surprised as a male snake who has just been told he will be made into shoes at the earliest available opportunity. Therefore not very. Slumdog Millionaire is one for one.

02.06 Jack Black bets all his money (earned from work on Dreamworks productions) on Pixar. Good call Mr Black, good call. This not-so-secret tip leads us to Animated Feature which Wall-E will win. There I said it ok! Sorry to curtail any suspense...

Wall-E wins. Should have been in the Best Picture category. Baaaah Humbug.

Animated Short -La Maison En Petit Cubes. I haven't seen any of the shorts but I want to!

02.16 The background music is cloyingly annoying! Why do we need neo-jazz over the top of the award for Art Direction? Daniel Craig & Sarah Jessica Parker battle to get a word in.

And the Oscar goes to... The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. So it does win at least one award tonight. There was a possibilty (although distinct) it could have gone home empty handed.
Costume Design - Right, I get the picture. They are bundling the techies together in some sort of filmmaking narrative, which is time saving but unrequiringly glib. Kinda gives the impression that these awards matter less somehow. Taste Mouth Bitter In.

And the Oscar goes to... The Duchess which wins by default as it was the only one with 'out there' costume design.

Make-Up Design - The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button. Well done to this crew, terrific work all round to make Brad Pitt look quasi-pubescent. No matter how difficult that sounds (sticky jealousy).

02.25 Robert Pattinson & umm...The girl in Mamma Mia, Amanda Seyfried, introduce the best of Romance in 2008. How odd...will there be a best of narcotic teenagers segment later on?

02.32 Natalie Portman & a jungle-bearded Ben Stiller/Joaquin Phoenix introduce Cinematography. Anthony Dod Mantle (Slumdog Millionaire) grabs the gong. But you knew that already, did you not?

02.39 Jessica Biel presented the Sci-Tech Academy Awards. I'm not to sure why she presented it but good on the girl. If you have an open diary, host the tech awards!

02.42 Another 'best of' segment, this time Comedy with the Pineapple Express guys. Hilarious James Franco/Seth Rogan/Milk joke.

They then come on stage with Janusz Kaminski (Schinder's List framer) to present Live Action Short which goes to Spielzeugland (Toyland). Well done.

02.53 Hugh Jackman &...Beyonce Knowles in a old fashioned cabaret number which morphs into Grease & other assorted musicals. I've now seen it all. No I haven't as here come real-life couple Zac Efron & Vanessa Hudgens and not-so-real couple Dominic Cooper and Amanda Seyfired to help out. That was created by Baz Luhrmann by the way.

03.01 As I enter my fourth hour, the Actor in a Supporting Role descriptions begin. Christopher Walken, Kevin Kline, Alan Arkin, Joel Grey & Cuba Gooding Jr do the honours. Just the image of Heath Ledger makes my hands clammy and my spirit tremble. Nervous...

And he wins.

Followed by a montage on Documentary of 2008.

03.14 Can I just say Werner Herzog is a genius. Well I have! Grizzly Man was top, top documentary filmmaking. The winner this year is, Man On Wire which is as worthy winner as any film this year. Philippe Petit, ever the showman!

03.18 Smile Pinky wins Documentary Short.

03.23 It's Action 2008. RAAAWWWKK ME BAABBY. YEEEHHHHAAAWW! Half of these films are terrible!

03.25 Big Willie comes on to present Outstanding Visual Effects. Won of course for some astonishing work in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

03.28 Sound Editing. Ooh interesting one. Will Slumdog keep up it's sweeping course? NO! The Dark Knight wins. Makes sense to me.

03.32 Sound Mixing. Wall-E contains un-bel-ievable sound mixing and should win. But Slumdog Millionaire wins. How strange then that it didn't win Sound Editing. You would think they would go hand in hand!

03.35 Film Editing. Slumdog Millionaire wins! I'm so happy I want to kick a dog. Actually this one is well deserved. The editing truly made this film. Four wins out of five so far for the Mumbai movie.

03.43 The Jean Hersholt Award to Jerry Lewis. Love his role in Scorcese's King of Comedy.

03.50 Original Score expertly played by the in-house orchestra. Out come Alicia Keys & Zac Efron to present. A.R Rahman wins for Slumdog Millionaire.

John Legend comes on to sing Down To The Ground from Wall-E (written by Peter Gabriel & Thomas Newman). The song is flanked by the two Slumdog nominees (Jai Ho & Oh Saiya). The ending is the strangest combination of the night. No contest.

04.01 Original Song. Jai Ho wins. I thought the Slumdog pair would split the vote but alas I am wrong! That makes six wins. It's got two more to come (Picture & Director) and it's favourite for both.

04.05 Liam Neeson & Freida Pinto come-a-prancing to present the award for Foreign Language Film. Departures (Japan) wins!!! Probably the biggest shock of the night so far. I had Waltz With Bashir, The Class and The Baader-Meinhof Komplex ahead of Departures.

In Memoriam...to those who will stay with us for all of time...

04.19 Reese Witherspoon arrives with swan-like grace to present the first of the four big 'uns, Directing. Danny Boyle wins his first and seventh for Slumdog Squarepants. He bounces up and down on the stage, a reference to Tigger from Winnie the Pooh. Winkleman and her merry crew are overjoyed.

04.25 No let up now, Actress in a Leading Role. Last year's winner Marion Cotillard was an unexpected pleasure, same again this year?

Halle Berry, the aforementioned Marion Cotillard, Sophia Loren et al arrive on stage.

Kate Winslet for The Reader. Wrong film, right actress. 'Nuff said really.

04.36 Actor in a Leading Role. OK now I'm seriously excited. I haven't got a clue. Who did I predict. Penn you say? Could be a tie in my view. Both performances just elevate each other's performance to that next step of greatness.

Out come an ostentatious group of actors. Robert De Niro, Sir Ben Kingsley, Anthony Hopkins, Adrian Brody & Michael Douglas. Wow.

Sean Penn wins! Harvey Milk will be remembered forever and Penn has a huge part in that. It's Penn's second win and even though his reputation as a great actor was already secured this just solidifies the status further. Well done Sean! (Mickey your turn will come).

04.47 The 'Berg comes out to draw a close to proceedings. I'll eat my telly if Slumdog doesn't win. I'm rooting for Milk. Best Picture is won by. . . Slumdog Millionaire! Well done to the cast and crew who are all on the stage (and some drape just off centre).

Eight awards. Slumdog is topdog tonight and 2008.

I'm off to bed! Thanks to the few who stayed up and checked out the live blog!

It's An Oscar Jamboree!

The end of the film year is nigh (though my patriotic inner-self tells me that the year ended on the night of the BAFTAs). This Sunday, the Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences wraps up a splendid year for world cinema. Many new and unexpected twists are expected at the Kodak Theatre this year, not least the producers attempting to shave a whole hour off the ceremony's bloated girth.

What won't be as surprising are the winners on the night, many of which could have been settled as locks several moons ago...

So predictions are as predictions will always be, pointless and ultimately fruitless apart from those categories which still have some sort of lottery attached;


Rourke Vs Penn

A monolithic acting face off. Probably the most exciting category of the night and to be honest either winning would greatly ameliorate what is certain to be a dour night in award terms. Many pundits would claim that Rourke is the sentimental choice, Penn the actors' choice. But that is a disservice to both men, who will have a much larger voting base and could conceivably cancel each other out. I love both performances (the Leading Actor category is arguably the strongest category in the field) but I just feel Penn will edge the voting.

Winslet Vs Hathaway Vs Streep

Not as uncertain as Rourke/Penn but another category which won't necessarily mean victory for Winslet. As with the Leading Actor race, Streep won the SAG award (voted for by actors, the largest group in the Academy) and Hathaway has picked up a few critics awards during the award season. But with Winslet having won the Golden Globe and BAFTA I won't be the one to back another actress!

Cruz Vs Tomei Vs Davis

Davis winning would not be the biggest surprise to be honest. Cruz still remains favourite in my view though Tomei could also nick the prize.

I think the other races are pretty much signed, sealed and delivered. Slumdog will win at least six prizes including Best Picture (the most boring line-up since Chicago won a few years back). The Curious Case of Benjamin Button should win two or three techies including visual effects and make-up. Wall-E for animated film, Waltz with Bashir for foreign language film and Man on Wire for documentary.

Another indicator for the night will be the two sound categories (mixing and editing). If Slumdog wins both then we're looking at the first clean sweep since Return Of The King in 2003.

Just A Quickee

For those of you who don't have access to Sky One & Sky Movies Premiere this Sunday, i'll be live blogging the whole Oscar she-bang from the red carpet to the encore come 4-5am (undoubtedly a herculean task). Hopefully, I will be able to get my hands on live images and video and stick them up on the blog as and when they arrive.

Check out the blog from 11pm ish on Sunday evening. Should be bangin!

Ones To Watch #13 - Nine

#13

Nine (dir. Marshall)

Expected Release Date: TBA

Starring: Daniel Day Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Judi Dench, Stacy Ferguson, Kate Hudson & Sophia Loren

Studio: The Weinstein Company

Would you just look at that cast! You don’t need me to tell you the extent to which it must have taken to put this ensemble together…

Nine, directed by Chicago director Rob Marshall, is based on the musical of the same name, with the original play written by Mario Fratti who was inspired by Federico Fellini’s 8½ (for me the greatest film ever made). The play was called Nine as “when you add music to 8½, its like half a number more”.

Personally I can’t reimagine 8½ as a musical. The whole notion sounds ridiculous, however, the play has been running strongly since 1982 achieving countless awards since its conception.

So, what is the potential banana skin? Well, my largest gripe is with director Rob Marshall. Chicago was a fun though dramatically limited film with some excellent song-and-dance scenes scattered throughout. That it won Best Picture over The Pianist at the Academy Awards shows what numbnuts the members can be (no doubt a conversation for another morning…). Marshall’s follow up feature, Memoirs of A Geisha, was silkily woven but ultimately singly layered and lacking in any sort of emotional resonance. You just get the feeling that without a strong script Nine could end up following the same path.

BUT! And what a marvellous and intriguing BUT! Daniel Day Lewis in the lead role is the most exciting casting choice of 2009 and Nine will hopefully provide another chance to watch the Cruzster (tm) steal the limelight.

Just for those enticing subplots alone, Nine would make my top 20.

Ones To Watch #14 - Green Zone

#14

Green Zone (dir. Greengrass)

Expected Release Date: TBA

Starring: Matt Damon, Brendan Gleeson, Jason Isaacs, Greg Kinnear, Amy Ryan

Studio: Universal Pictures

The ‘Green Zone’ is a small area in Central Baghdad, Iraq (roughly 12km2) and the zone of international establishments in the city.

Green Zone, is adapted from the 2006 book, Imperial Life In The Emerald City written by journalist Rajiv Chandrasekaran (currently working at The Washington Post). The novel garnered much acclaim on its release for succeeding as a tense and edgy thriller. It went on to win the Samuel Johnson Prize for non-fiction, one of the most prestigious book prizes in world literature.

In my view (and I can be quoted on this), Paul Greengrass is the best British director in the business at the moment. Since 2002s Bloody Sunday he has continued to excel in almost discreet fashion with Bourne Supremacy and Ultimatum. His greatest acheivement however is United 93, which surely would have won more end of year awards if not for its sensitive subject matter.

Films based on the Middle East have not prospered too kindly in the last year or so with Lions For Lambs, The Kingdom & Rendition among many others coming short. But Greengrass has created an immaculate track record thus far and the fact that it’s his third reteaming with Matt Damon should ensure sparks will fly!

Ones To Watch #15 - Star Trek

#15

Star Trek (dir. Abrams)

Expected Release Date: 8th May

Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Eric Bana, Simon Pegg, Winona Ryder

Studio: Paramount Pictures

Geek a-hoy! Space-freaks rejoice!

The opening of the first full trailer of Star Trek is a grand statement and in those terms a statement of intent which will hopefully translate into an exciting and entertaining film. The sequence involves a young boy being chased by an interstate cop on a desert highway until they reach the cliff-edge, at which point our protagonist is introduced.

Cop: What is your name?
Young Kirk: My name is James Siberius Kirk!

Star Trek, the eleventh full length feature since the (film) series began in 1979, is a full retelling of the original story for a new generation of science fiction lovers. Will the film alienate it’s core fanbase in trying to reach out for a new one? All will be revealed…

Certainly, Chris Pine & Zachary Quinto seem to have a natural charisma and on screen presence together which is promising seeing as they are following in the steps of Trek luminaries, Shatner & Nimoy.

Another note to keep in mind is that the film was originally scheduled for released in December 2008. Paramount executives claim that this was because the film would attract a larger audience in a prime summer slot and that the film was completed towards the end of 2008. To be honest, there is no real evidence for this as Star Trek is an established name (much in the vein of a Narnia, Potter or Frodo Baggins) so it will be interesting to see what, if any, difference six months in the pipeline provides.

Purple Reign

Just a quick note for all the fashionistas out there...

Carolina Herrera, the majorly influential fashion designer has just unveiled her collection for Spring 2009. For those of you wondering why this matters, well... Mrs Herrera's collections have featured in many a rom-com including a much blogged yellow dress worn by Kate Hudson in How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days (perhaps the highlight of the film!) It seems the next wave to hit the screens will be purples and violets.

Don't say I didn't help in advance...

Ones To Watch #16 - Watchmen

#16

Watchmen (dir. Snyder)

Expected Release Date: 6th March

Starring: Billy Crudrup, Patrick Wilson, Carla Gugino, Jackie Earle Haley

Studio: Paramount Pictures

Snyder. Stylize. Sensationalize. Satisfy the hardcore Alan Moore legions?

300, Snyder’s last major feature split audiences right down the middle. On the one hand it’s a technical and visual wonder each sequence an artistic triumph writ with panache and verve but on the other hand it’s an acting hollow ground, all bellow and muscle, day tan and testosterone.

It’s public knowledge that Alan Moore wasn’t too happy with the direction the production was taking. At the same time, not-so-quiet whispers from the cast promised a darker adaptation was in the offing. Early trailers have confirmed simply that nothing can be confirmed. The stylings, similar to 300, except the pallette here consists of neon bleus rather than rustic rouges.

Nonetheless, the source material is a cherished work among graphic novelheads and so ballsing the film up doesn’t really weigh in as an option for Snyder. We can all but hope there is an equal serving of brain and brawn to make the film worthwhile.

Don’t forget Watchmen is released on 6th March, so only a few weeks before true judgement can be made.

Ones To Watch #17 - A Serious Man

#17

A Serious Man (dir. Coens)

Expected Release Date: TBA

Starring: Adam Arkin, Simon Helberg, Richard Kind, George Wyner, Michael Stuhlbarg

Studio: Focus Features/ Working Title

Those of you who have read previous entries on this blogsite, will have gathered a little understanding of my fondness for the Coen brothers. For that reason, I don’t need to repeat myself. But ‘A Serious Man’ is something altogether more peculiar…

Larry Gopnik is the film’s central character, with the screenplay revolving around his struggles in Jewish suburbia. He eventually seeks advice from three rabbis in the hope that his problems will be solved and he can become a serious man.

The film has been described early doors as a black comedy which suggests something closer to Fargo than Intolerable Cruelty.

Any other details are hard to come by at the moment, which gives me the impression that the film will come out rather quietly out of the gate (in comparison to the last few Coen films). I’m still waiting on a release date for this one as well as UK distributor so ill keep you all posted in the next couple of months.

Ones To Watch #18 - X Men Origins: Wolverine

#18

X Men Origins: Wolverine (dir. Gavin Hood)

Expected Release Date: 1st May 2009

Starring: Hugh Jackman

Studio: 20th Century Fox

As with Sam Raimi’s Spiderman trilogy, X-Men: The Last Stand continued the cinematic trend of ‘three-quelitis’ in that it could not reach the heights aspired to in X-Men and reached in X2 by Bryan Singer.

The first problem was created in hiring Brett Ratner, director of the cringe-worthy ‘Rush Hour’ trilogy. Now I know there are fans of that particular series (like hermits hiding under rocks…), but even they will recognise that the only debatable positive was the incessant energy of the two leads, Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker.

Secondly, Ratner was a natural fit to produce a mindless blockbuster. The visual effects of the third X-Men film were at times, spectacular, however they lacked an intense screenplay in which they could operate. Ultimately, quantity was favoured over quality, with far too many ineffectual characters being introduced with previously developed storylines being hastily sidelined.

X Men Origins: Wolverine therefore qualifies as the franchise reboot. Of course, there are key differences to its parents. Although Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine was the driving force and real beacon of humanity in the first two films, he became less pivotal (although still at the fore) in that lumpy custard of a third film.

What I love (although reservedly until I have seen more footage), is what director Gavin Hood can potentially bring to the crapshoot. It’s an off-centre choice as Hood is known for his more dramatic films such as Rendition and the fantastic Tsotsi. For Jackman, it’s a chance to further his credentials only a few months after hosting the brand-spanking-new-be-sure-to-watch ™ Oscars ®.

The project can be classed as a substantial risk with a production budget of around $110 million (not too dissimilar to Bond rebirth Casino Royale), not to mention the marketing costs which will accumulate over the next few months, but hopefully the quirky gambles taken by the studio will prove fruitful for you,me and your neighbour.

What To Watch (13th Feb)

In the Noughties, 'Friday the 13th' for cinema-lovers means one of two things:

1) An american gore/slasher horror pic will be released
2) The film will be hell-stirringly awful

This trend continues in 2009 where we are treated to yet another should-be-bargain-bin (read. drivel) remake of the original dating back to 1980. Now the original wasn't exactly the greatest of horror films (stalk and slash films had been around for a while by this time) but it's influence on the horror boom which blossomed in the 80's remains unchallenged. The legendary Evil Dead was released just a year later.

But this is not 1980, this is twenty-fricking-nine years later. So my question is where did the love go? Apparently not into the remake, into which critics (for those who have been granted the pleasure of advanced screenings) have been meticulously sticking forks in its ornate range of monstrosities.

As you can tell, avoid like the bubonic plague.

Other films looking to divulge tax payers money (not quite with such stealth) this weekend include:

Notorious, which is not the name of a Duran Duran musical, but a biopic of the late great Notorious B.I.G. who died choking on spit roasted marshmallows. I kid you. Surprisingly, reviews have been positive on the whole for this one, with special notices for Jamal Woolard who plays the bigger-than-life titlular character. For those with an interest in the rap-hip hop genre, this could prove to be a bittersweet but entertaining weekend viewing.

The final film of note this weekend, Hotel For Dogs, is your staple meat and potatoes weekly comedy release. The keywords here seem to be slapstick and dogs. Dogs of all smells and angles seem to be major box office draws nowadays, especially considering the box office bang of Beverly Hills Chihuahua, so if you like you some photogenic canines watch the film otherwise avoid it and go and see Bolt instead.

If none of these three films appeal to you, there are still strong films on general release from the past few weeks to catch up on! I'm sure next weekend won't be as much of a movie graveyard...

Loved-up Lusciousness

With Valentine's Day just a night away, here is a selection of five films to add to the gleeful romance, love and fun you may have planned.


When Harry Met Sally
Starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan.
This has got to be the ultimate in romantic movies. What makes it so great? The fact that it is oh so real and definitely believable! The story revolves around a couple who ultimately end up together after a series of bad relationships and chance encounters.



The film is set over a period of around 12 years and sees the pair hate, tolerate, respect and eventually...love one another.

If it’s to listen Harry’s many insightful quotes on women and relationships, or to laugh at Sally’s fake orgasm, this is definitely one to watch. It appeals to both men and women of all ages and rings true in its depiction of love and relationships. Snuggle up close to your loved one and laugh the night away at this ever so cool rom-com. Then watch... (RM)


Titanic
Starring Kate Winslet and Leonardo Di Caprio
It may be over a decade old, but this film will live on to be one of the biggest romantic films of all time. The film may be based on the story of the unsinkable ship, but it’s the story of this couple love that melts our hearts.

We all know the story of frustrated damsel Rose (Winslet) who is from an upper-class family whose whole life has centred around money, stature and reputation. Her unfulfilling life is turned upside down when she meets Jack (Di Caprio), a lower-class drifter who shows her that there is more to life than tea parties and social engagements.

Their story gives us hope, it gives us faith, that we can be who we want to be and still be loved. Though historically ridiculous, it conveys the message that there is someone out there for everyone and that even the shortest of love stories can be carried with you throughout the rest of your life. It will make you cry, thats for sure, but its a film that will never die in the hearts of the millions around the world caught in its spell. Pass me the tissues! (RM)

Moulin Rouge
Starring Nicole Kidman & Ewan McGregor
Moulin Rouge is an exuberant red-currant rich sorbet of ideas, performances, extravagance and showiness. Pop culture in two hours. What a film! How to describe it with such limitations. You don't want a thesis...

Baz Luhrmann creates such amazing images and his extensive palette of song and colour just creates a gorgeous meringue which is too sweet and heavenly to dismiss. Kidman and McGregor are terrific but this is all about the overall show. Watch it in high definition and you'll be blown away further...from Bastille to Battersea and everyone in between, it's a film to be adored. (NG)



Before Sunrise/Sunset
Starring Ethan Hawke & Julie Delpy
This double bill is the strongest and most resonant love parable of recent times. It triumphs Hollywood blockbusters and other BIG movie events in its intimacy and tenderness.

Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy are simply fabulous and share such great chemistry they put the likes of Kate Winslet and Leonardo Di Caprio to shame. The first film, Before Sunrise, is youthful and elegaic whereas Before Sunset, shadows the maturity of its mid-aged and world worn protagonists (almost completely viewed in real time). The revelations lie in the screenplays which hop through family tales, politics, war, the environment and the unpredictable meandering streams of life.



On top of this, Before Sunset ends with what is possibly the greatest ending to a romantic drama EVVVVEEEER. It will stay with you through every positive and negative amoral experience in life. (NG)

And an indulgent 6th film...

Breakfast at Tiffany's
Starring Audrey Hepburn & George Peppard
She's the most beautiful of brats, a feline carousel and yet even the toughest cat can be tamed!

Seven Pounds Richer!

The latest edition to a successful list of films for the mighty box-office champ, Will Smith comes in the form of the semi-blatantly titled, Seven Pounds.

Now for those expecting something along the lines of Pursuit of Happyness, I'm sorry to say you will be sadly disappointed.

Directed by Gabriele Muccino (incidentally the director of the aforementioned film), it is indeed a tearjerker and does make you think twice. But this story is logically put together so that you don’t completely realize why or what is going on until towards the end. Throughout the duration of the film you are constantly asking yourself two questions, ‘Why is he torturing himself?’ and ‘why is he seeking out these people?’

Will Smith portrays Ben Thomas with an unearring ease, and as an audience you will instantly empathize with Ben. Smith is able to channel the character's inner demons and portray them on screen, leaving the audience more involved in what is happening.

The story centres around Ben Thomas (Smith) and his need to better the lives of certain individuals. He seeks out these people in order to give a 'pound of flesh' back to seven deserving people having been responsible for the death of seven individuals in a car accident. His redemption involves seeking blind helpline employee (Woody Harrelson) and heart transplant patient (Rosario Dawson).

As mentioned earlier, the film may not hold together as well as Pursuit of Happyness, but not for a lack of effort. For me, Will was yet again brilliant; the story held well and remained thought provoking and involving. Unfortunately, a problem would be that it was just a tad too long. You learn so much about the characters early on that there is no need to iron it out with unnecessary scenes of heroichood!

Grade: B- (6.5/10)

Ones To Watch #19 - Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen

#19

Transformers: Revenge of The Fallen (dir. Bay)

Expected Release Date: 26th June

Starring: Megan Fox, Shia LeBeouf, John Turturro, Rainn Wilson & Tyrese Gibson

Studio: Dreamworks/ Paramount Pictures

Michael Bay & Co return for the sequel to 2007’s mega-hit Transformers. Having generated over $700 million in worldwide ticket sales, (not to mention the record breaking home video sales) a sequel was greenlit within three months of Transformers release date.

The film clearly entertained audiences and had a lasting appeal relative to many other blockbusters which tend to charge out of the gate and run out of steam as quickly. Critics were generally positive in their acclaim for the picture, siting the special effects of the transformers and light hearted nature of the film a success. Those who weren’t as kind seemed to miss the point of a toy-based action movie built for mass-entertainment. It was clear Bay had met a perfect match for his gung-ho, over-the-top approach to filmmaking.

The stakes are therefore raised for the sequel. What extra ingredients can ‘Fallen’ bring to the fore? Well for starters there’s a wider global perspective, with early promo images promising a showdown at the Great Pyramids in Giza, Egypt along with other locations such as the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe.

The early Superbowl spot suggests everything this time around will be louder and most definitely BIGGER (see how The Fallen completely dwarfs Optimus Prime…). As long as the film retains the lack of seriousness and fun whilst maintaining the jet stream pace of the original, ‘Fallen’, like its predecessor will enjoy a summer to remember.

Enter The Jackman

Ones To Watch #20 - Whatever Works

#20

Whatever Works (dir. Woody Allen)

Expected Release Date: TBA

Starring: Evan Rachel Wood, Larry David, Patricia Clarkson, Kristen Johnston

Studio: Sony Picture Classics

Woody Allen has been returning to form with every new film released in the last few years. First there was Melinda and Melinda, then Match Point and now Vicky Cristina Barcelona. Vicky Cristina Barcelona is the strongest of the three, but is more a breath of fresh air in relation to the rest of Allen’s recent output. Comparisons to his peak from the mid-70’s into the 80’s are rather wide of the mark. What gave Vicky Barcelona its edge were the performances of Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz who elevated a fairly monotone script into a stronger film.

The cast of Whatever Works raises hopes once again that Allen can reach those hallowed heights close to an Annie Hall or Manhattan. I’m glad for one that Scarlett Johansson doesn’t star in his latest as she was on auto-pilot in Barcelona.

Larry David stars an older New York man in a relationship with a much younger girl (an Allen staple…). David has always been a clever performer with terrific comic timing (see Curb Your Enthusiasm) so my hope is that together actor and director can create something special.

La Pfeiff Is Back!

Michelle Pfeiffer at the 59th Berlin Film Festival to promote the world premiere of her latest film, Cheri.

Discs To Spin (9th Feb)

NEW RELEASE OF THE WEEK

Burn After Reading (dir. Joel & Ethan Coen)

The Coens are the most fascinating filmmakers in Hollywood today. Its a bold statement, but on further inspection it makes sense. To make films as thematically strong as Fargo, Miller's Crossing & No Country For Old Men are great individual acheivements on their own merits, but the Coen's have almost made an entirely different career path for themselves with Intolerable Cruelty, The Hudsucker Proxy and now Burn After Reading.

It's a throwaway pleasure, which arguably would almost deem it unnecessary. But that would be a disservice to what is quintessentially the most dumb, farcical and inspired comedy cast in recent memory.

Rental highly recommended.

Available on DVD & Blu-Ray.

Other releases this week:

Taken (dir. Morel)

This is the film after which Liam Neeson can add BAD-ASS onto his CV. Luc Besson is the writer here and to be fair his track record including Leon & the Taxi films suggest a sprightly yet ultimately generic thriller. Qui Gon battles Albanians in Paris. Farfetched fun for all.

Gomorrah (dir. Garrone)

Gomorrah is thrilling, unsettling cinema. It's definately not a film for everyone. With stories of Italian underground crime remaining unresolvingly ubiquitous, it is difficult not to delve into cliche. However, the film retains an unrelenting tenure on the viewer right until the final credits with its fresh directive on the the mafia, Camorra.

Thematically, I would compare Gomorrah to Fernando Mereilles' masterstroke 'City of God' although in conception Gomorrah is more night to City of God's day.

BARGAIN DVD OF THE WEEK


28 Days Later (dir. Boyle)

One of the best British horror flicks of the last few years (alongside 'The Descent'). Danny Boyle helms the story of a Britain which is taken over by a potent virus which enrages and ravages the lives of those infected. It's an emotionally powerful film that thrills and scares in equal measure and the bargain of the week @ PLAY.com for under four pounds.

http://www.play.com/DVD/DVD/4-/114189/28-Days-Later/Product.html

Boyle-In-Show

Last night's BAFTAs threw up nothing with regards to major surprises so i'll keep my grating short and rough!

Key Points:

1. Slumdog looks set for a sweep come the Oscars claiming 7 BAFTAs. Arguably it was a lock in for 4 awards (Picture, Director, Adapted Screenplay & Music). On top of this it picked up the awards for editing, sound and cinematography. Best Sound?!! Bizarre...but definately signs of a sweep.

2. Mickey Rourke knows how to give a speech! Even though he didn't know what he was saying, it delivered a little menthol cool into the night. His remark about enjoying seeing Marisa Tomei naked brought the house down! He's probably the favourite for the Leading Actor Oscar now.

3. Winslet & Cruz both solidified their positions as the favourites for their respective Oscar categories (although not locks) and they both seemed genuinely rapturous with each other's victories.

4. Brangelina sulked...until Jagger stole the show!

5. Amy Adams and Marisa Tomei. Just divine.

6. Sharon Stone presenting the award for 'Best British Film'. I won't say more...

7. Finally, placing the In Memoriam segment directly after Heath Ledger's posthumous victory smacks of insensitivity. His performance should be honoured on its own merits and not as a token gesture as a result of his death.

Thats my lot!

Stay tuned for; my Top 20 Anticipated of 2009, Discs to Spin and the week's new releases all in the next few days!

What Will Those Barmy BAFTA Members Choose This Year?

It's the time of year when our treasured National Awards Body (NAB) rewards the British talent of the year, with a few American winners sprinkled in between. Last year saw Atonement take the Best Picture BAFTA whereas No Country For Old Men took the Oscar. The nominees this year:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7830076.stm

No real gripes this year apart from the rather smitten choices to include Dev Patel and Freida Pinto in the acting categories for Slumdog Millionaire. They were good, but seriously, that good?! The other real shames are Brits, Sally Hawkins (Happy-Go-Lucky) & Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight) missing out. I'm not even going to delve into the flaws in nominating 'The Reader'.

So here go my predictions:

Best Picture: Slumdog Millionaire. Easy Peasy.
Best Director: Danny Boyle. Could be Fincher, or maybe even Daldry (yikes!) but i'm sticking with Boyle.
Best British Film: In Bruges. I can't see them giving 'Slumdog' two best film prizes...
Leading Actor: Sean Penn. There's a strong case for Mickey Rourke also, but I think Penn as he hasn't won a BAFTA award before.
Leading Actress: Kate Winslet (Revolutionary Road). Though she could win for that other film she was in...or could split the vote and hand the prize to Streep.
Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger.
Supporting Actress: Penelope Cruz. Why the hell is Viola Davis (Doubt) not on this list? I'd give it to Cruz either way, but Tomei is also deserving.
Original Screenplay: Milk. Should get some love somewhere, though look out for the brilliantly scripted 'In Bruges' again.
Adapted Screenplay: Slumdog Millionaire. I'm trying to find a place for 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button' somewhere but this won't be it.
Film Not In The English Language: Waltz With Bashir. I've only seen one of the nominees, 'Gomorrah', which is mind-bendingly brilliant. But 'Bashir' is also worthy apparently.
Animated Film: Wall-E. Should be in the Best Picture line-up...
The Carl Foreman Award: Simon Chinn (Man on Wire). I haven't a clue.
Music: Slumdog Millionaire. The Dark Knight is the potential spoiler here.
Cinematography: The Dark Knight. Again 'TCCOBB' would be a fair winner.
Editing: Slumdog Millionaire. Chris Dickens, the editor of 'Slumdog', edits like a possessed, ravaging dog which is a good thing as it provides boundless energy to an already boundlessly energetic script.
Production Design: Revolutionary Road. The 50's setting looked fabulous so this is the place to reward the film.
Costume Design: Changeling? Again I don't have a clue...maybe 'The Duchess'?
Sound: The Dark Knight. Booming and disturbing sounds scampering through city skyscrapers.
Special Visual Effects: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. In the bag baby.
Make-Up and Hair: The Dark Knight. Maybe not the best of the year in this category, but probably the best of the five nominees. It's all part of the plan...
Short Animation & Film: I'm not going to be the fool who pretends to know much about these nominees. Although Wallace & Gromit: A Matter of Loaf & Death should win in the short animation category.
The Orange Rising Star Award: Voted by the public, who won't have seen the wonderful Rebecca Hall (Vicky Cristina Barcelona) until 2 days before the show itself but I'm backing her!

I have 'Slumdog' and 'Knight' for four wins apiece. Can't be right...bring on Sunday!

The BAFTAs start on BBC2 from 8pm and then switch to BBC1 from 9pm, Sunday 8th February

Whatever Happened To...The Breakfast Club

How did John Hughes's 80's output kept teenagers so entertained? 'Sixteen Candles', 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off', 'Wierd Science', 'Planes, Trains & Automobiles' and arguably the most famous of the all, 'The Breakfast Club' is how...

The 'Brat Pack' were synonymous with the legendary party and booze scenes of the MTV generation. But where are they now?!

Left to Right:

Judd Nelson


Nelson went from playing major roles in 'The Breakfast Club' & 'St. Elmo's Fire' to bit part appearances thereafter including a brief appearance in 'Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back' (!) and also 'CSI: New York'. Currently, he has just completed a role in the film 'Dirty Politics' and continues to play leading men in straight-to-TV movies.

Emilio Estevez


Since his breakout role in the film, Estevez (son of the legendary Martin Sheen) has been limited to roles in films such as 'Young Guns' & 'Men at Work'. However, directing gigs on popular US TV series; 'Cold Case' & 'CSI:New York' kept his profile simmering and the comeback was topped off with the 2006 star-studded and critically acclaimed 'Bobby' (which told the story of the assasination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy).

Ally Sheedy


To be frank, Sheedy's career peeked in 1985! But she does have some credits to her name, most notably the 'Short Circuit' films as well as cameo roles in 'Betsy's Wedding' as well as 'Home Alone 2: Lost in New York'.

Molly Ringwald


After 'Sixteen Candles' & 'The Breakfast Club', Ringwald went on to have a relatively successful few years with films such as 'Pretty in Pink' & 'Betsy's Wedding'. But since then her film career nosedived with her only role of (mild) interest being a nostalgic cameo in 'Not Another Teen Movie' (2001).

Anthony Michael Hall


Ironically, the least likely breakout star of 'The Breakfast Club' has possibly had the most success ever since (well, relative to the others). The only actor to play a major supporting role in three of John Hughes' films, (the other two, 'Sixteen Candles' and 'Wierd Science'), Michael Hall then went on to become a household performer on Saturday Night Live in the mid-late 80's. Since then his film credits range from 'Edward Scissorhands' to 'Freddy Got Fingered', his last role as a reporter in 2008 uber-blockbuster 'The Dark Knight'