News flash here: Philip Seymour Hoffman is a good actor. Cut from that unconventional Charles Laughton, Ernest Borgnine, Gene Hackman mold of movie stars, Hoffman shows up in film after film, always adding depth and humanity to his roles. This year, tack on two more solid performances to the PSH resume with Moneyball and The … Continue reading
Monthly Archives: January 2012
Two Actors Who Blew Up in ’11
Both had three critically acclaimed films released this past year. Films that made us stand and cheer. Each performance stood out – both stocks rising, no doubt. Each had a blockbuster hit – one got to work with Pitt. The camera loves them far and close – I better keep this moving before I go … Continue reading
The Desert Island List
After reading the recent New York Times list of most desirable travel destinations, I couldn’t help but notice how self-indulgently pompous one can get when sharing such subjective trivialities in the name of public service. Oakland? Number 5? Okay, I see you working. But…no, I don’t. Oakland? Panama City number 1? Whatever. Lemme tell you, … Continue reading
Who knew Madonna was from Tanzania?
A few observations from last night’s Golden Globes telecast: Ricky Gervais was funnier last year, but he still had me grinning. Loved when he asked Johnny Depp if he had even seen The Tourist. Speaking of Johnny Depp, his bio says he’s from Owensboro, Kentucky, not Bordeaux, France. Ditch the accent, Depp. It doesn’t make you … Continue reading
Enough Already with this Jason Statham Guy
What was mildly amusing over a decade ago when Guy Ritchie delivered us Jason Statham in Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels (1998) and Snatch (2000), has so outstayed its welcome it’s now become infuriating. And to be perfectly honest, I was already sick of him by Snatch. Watching Jason Statham on-screen is like thumbing through … Continue reading
Jack in the 70’s
I shot a commercial last year with an interesting bit of trivia. At the wardrobe fitting I was informed that the location we would be using for my home in the spot was used in Chinatown (#19 on AFI’s TOP 100) – the modest Los Angeles home where Faye Dunaway’s character hid away her little sister. … Continue reading
War Horse Soars
INSPIRED – The amazing Steven Spielberg has done it again! Making a terrific film that not only works on a high artistic level, but has that elusive golden Spielbergian touch of mass appeal. War Horse wisely scheduled its release for Christmas day – and what a present it is. Co-written by Lee Hall and Richard Curtis … Continue reading