Film Gecko

March 26th, 2008

Richard Widmark Dies

Richard Widmark, who won a best supporting actor Oscar nomination for his first movie role in the 1947 gangster film “Kiss of Death,” has died. He was 93. Yet another one of the old-guard greats that will be sorely missed, although he’s been out of the limelight for many years.

Widmark’s wife, Susan Blanchard, said the actor died Monday at his home in Roxbury, Conn. She didn’t provide details of his illness, and said funeral arrangements will be private.

Widmark became known for playing heavies. In fact, the role that earned him the Oscar nod was that of a psychopathic murderer who pushed a crippled old woman down a flight of stairs. He also made quite a few westerns, including John Ford’s “Two Rode Together” and “Cheyenne Autumn.”

More after the jump…

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By Jane Boursaw -- 0 comments

March 26th, 2008

Elizabeth Banks to Play Laura Bush

I’m so happy to see Elizabeth Banks earning kudos for her acting. She’s been around since the 90’s, but really only started gaining steam a few years ago. I loved her in 2006’s “Invincible” (pictured) with Mark Wahlberg.

Now she’s on board to play First Lady Laura Bush alongside Josh Brolin’s President Bush in the Oliver Stone biopic, “W.” (What? Michael Moore isn’t doing this one?)

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Stone wrote the screenplay with his “Wall Street” co-writer Stanley Weiser. The film will focus on the life and presidency of George W. Bush, with a behind-the-scenes approach. Shooting is set to start in April.

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By Jane Boursaw -- 0 comments

March 26th, 2008

DVD Giveaway: "3 Pigs and a Baby"

“3 Pigs and a Baby” was released on DVD March 4, 2008. It’s a funny retelling of the familiar tale of the three little pigs (with special-ops wolves!).

Click HERE to read my review and watch a trailer.

THE GIVEAWAY: I have one “3 Pigs and a Baby” DVD to give away. To enter the contest, simply leave a comment on this post by midnight on Saturday, March 29, 2008. Be sure to include a valid email address. A winner will be drawn randomly. I’ll email the winner for their snail-mail address after the contest ends. Good luck!

Image: 3 Pigs and a Baby, The Weinstein Company, 2008

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By Jane Boursaw -- 129 comments

March 26th, 2008

DVD Review & Trailer: "3 Pigs and a Baby"

To win a copy of this DVD, click HERE.

I received a screener copy of “Unstable Fables 3 Pigs and a Baby” a few weeks ago, and it’s a funny little straight-to-dvd movie that’s mildly entertaining.

From The Jim Henson Company and The Weinstein Company (“Hoodwinked”), it’s a retelling of the familiar tale of the three little pigs. In this version, the pigs (voiced by Steve Zahn, Jon Cryer, and Brad Garrett) are the target of a special-ops teams of wolves. After repeated unsuccessful attempts to infiltrate the pigs’ homes, the wolves settle on a brilliant (or so they think) plan.

They leave a tiny wolf cub on the doorstep of the pigs, who raise him as their own. The new addition to the family, named Lucky (voiced by Jesse McCartney), grows into an insolent teenager unaware of his early beginnings — but he definitely knows he’s not like the other “pigs”. As he gets older and learns the truth, he has to make a choice whether to stick with his pig family or go with his bloodline, the wolves.

More after the jump, including a trailer!

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By Jane Boursaw -- 2 comments

March 25th, 2008

Cast Grows for "Crazy on the Outside"

Wow, the cast for Tim Allen’s directorial debut, “Crazy on the Outside,” is stacking up like, well, like crazy. Jeanne Tripplehorn, Sigourney Weaver and J.K. Simmons are the most recent stars to join the ex-con comedy.

The plot revolves around Allen’s character, a newly released prisoner who tries to persuade his parole officer (Tripplehorn), a single mom, to date him. His struggle to rebuild his life is further complicated by a loving but manipulative older sister (Weaver) and her sarcastic husband (Simmons).

Ray Liotta, Kelsey Grammer and Julie Bowen are also starring in the film, which reunites Allen with his “Galaxy Quest” co-star Weaver and draws some parallels to his own experience as an ex-con. You might remember he served time for cocaine possession.

Judd Pillot and John Peaslee penned the screenplay. Brett Gregory, Brian Reilly and Anastasia Stanecki are producing the independently financed feature for Allen’s Boxing Cat Productions. Richard Baker and Justin Moritt are executive producing.

Image: Tim Allen, Wild Hogs, Buena Vista Pictures, 2007

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By Jane Boursaw -- 0 comments

March 25th, 2008

New on DVD: March 25, 2008

Here’s a look at what’s new on DVD this week. All interesting flicks, but I’m especially curious about “Wristcutters: A Love Story.” Have you seen it? Did you like it? I have to say, it looks pretty darn funny.

Images: The Kite Runner, Paramount Vantage, 2007; The Mist, Dimension Films, 2007; Them, Dark Sky Films, 2006; Wristcutters: A Love Story, Autonomous Films, 2006

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By Jane Boursaw -- 0 comments

March 25th, 2008

Preview & Trailer: "Wristcutters: A Love Story"

Ok, this is interesting. “Wristcutters: A Love Story” is out on DVD today, and with a title like that, you’d hardly think it fits into the genres of comedy, drama, fantasy and romance. But that’s just what its IMDB.com page says. Ok, maybe the drama, but comedy? I haven’t seen this movie, so I’d love to hear comments from anyone who has.

The tagline is “Life is a trip, but the afterlife is one hell of a ride.” The story is set in a strange afterlife way station, reserved for people who’ve committed suicide (Sounds like “comedy,” doesn’t it?! We’ll call it “dark” comedy). It’s been the darling of film festivals in recent years, and garnered a ton of awards, including the Grand Jury Award at Sundance in 2006.

The movie stars Patrick Fugit, Shannyn Sossamon, Shea Shigham, Tom Waits (sold!), Will Arnett, and Leslie Bibb.   

Take a look at the trailer. It really does look like a great film, and I’ll be checking out the DVD: