“SNL sucks now” isn’t as fresh a complaint as you might think. This sentiment was even a matter of public discourse way back in the early ‘90s, as evidenced by the not-so-cleverly titled 1994 Entertainment Weekly article, “Is Saturday Night Dead?”
The magazine wasn’t alone in expressing concern for the long-running comedy series during its 19th season. The New York Daily News noted that SNL would have to try and “find a desperately needed fresh sense of identity” following the loss of Dana Carvey and Chris Rock, and the announced departures of Phil Hartman, Julia Sweeney and Rob Schneider.
So EW offered up “20 suggestions” for “how to fix the show.” Looking back at this list, it’s amazing how spot-on some ideas are in retrospect — while others are laughably dated and arguably awful.
For starters, writer Bruce Fretts (who sadly passed away in 2020) suggested handing over the reins of Weekend Update to David Spade,...
The magazine wasn’t alone in expressing concern for the long-running comedy series during its 19th season. The New York Daily News noted that SNL would have to try and “find a desperately needed fresh sense of identity” following the loss of Dana Carvey and Chris Rock, and the announced departures of Phil Hartman, Julia Sweeney and Rob Schneider.
So EW offered up “20 suggestions” for “how to fix the show.” Looking back at this list, it’s amazing how spot-on some ideas are in retrospect — while others are laughably dated and arguably awful.
For starters, writer Bruce Fretts (who sadly passed away in 2020) suggested handing over the reins of Weekend Update to David Spade,...
- 9/26/2024
- Cracked
Many would surely agree with the argument that Meryl Streep is the best actor ever. Having made her stage debut in 1975, the Yale School of Drama alum already had two Oscar nominations to her name by 1980, even winning the Best Supporting Actress award for "Kramer vs. Kramer." You can't get a more auspicious start in Hollywood than that, and to Streep's credit, she managed to maintain her momentum throughout the next decade, receiving a further six Oscar nominations and scoring a Best Actress win for 1982's "Sophie's Choice." That's a remarkable achievement considering the actress had made her feature film debut just five years prior in 1977's "Julia."
Perhaps the only thing more impressive than Streep's almost instantaneous domination of Hollywood is the fact that she has remained just as esteemed as her career played out. Almost 50 years after her film debut, Streep is still one of the most respected actors in the game,...
Perhaps the only thing more impressive than Streep's almost instantaneous domination of Hollywood is the fact that she has remained just as esteemed as her career played out. Almost 50 years after her film debut, Streep is still one of the most respected actors in the game,...
- 9/16/2024
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
Before "Salem's Lot" returned to the zeitgeist with a highly-anticipated reboot movie, the Stephen King classic was a miniseries that shook the world. Directed by "Texas Chain Saw Massacre" mastermind Tobe Hooper, the two-part 1979 series was event TV at its spookiest.
The original "Salem's Lot" limited series has never been among the best King adaptations out there, but it holds a unique place in pop culture history thanks to its status as one of the earliest on-screen takes on a King book — plus some truly frightening moments. Several members of the show's sprawling ensemble cast, including David Soul, James Mason, Lance Kerwin, and vamp actor Reggie Nalder, have passed away in the decades since "Salem's Lot" first beamed its way into our collective consciousness. Of the actors who are still with us, several have gone on to award-winning careers in film and television, while others retired or found fulfillment in other careers.
The original "Salem's Lot" limited series has never been among the best King adaptations out there, but it holds a unique place in pop culture history thanks to its status as one of the earliest on-screen takes on a King book — plus some truly frightening moments. Several members of the show's sprawling ensemble cast, including David Soul, James Mason, Lance Kerwin, and vamp actor Reggie Nalder, have passed away in the decades since "Salem's Lot" first beamed its way into our collective consciousness. Of the actors who are still with us, several have gone on to award-winning careers in film and television, while others retired or found fulfillment in other careers.
- 9/7/2024
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
Over nearly 1,000 episodes, “Saturday Night Live” has given America some of its most successful comedians, iconic characters and quotable catchphrases. Now, just one year shy of the pop phenom’s 50th anniversary, director Jason Reitman gives back, turning an oral history of the very first episode into a rowdy, delectably profane backstage homage. “Saturday Night” kicks off at 10 p.m. on Oct. 11, 1975, and ticks its way in practically real time to Chevy Chase’s delivery of the infamous opening line. Fine, but who plays Chevy Chase? Or Gilda Radner? Or John Belushi, for that matter?
The research is one thing, but Reitman — whose father, Ivan, directed his fair share of “SNL” legends, and who always dreamed of writing for the show — sets a foolhardy challenge for himself in finding sufficiently funny people to play some of TV’s most beloved cut-ups. Miraculously, Reitman and casting director John Papsidera pull it off,...
The research is one thing, but Reitman — whose father, Ivan, directed his fair share of “SNL” legends, and who always dreamed of writing for the show — sets a foolhardy challenge for himself in finding sufficiently funny people to play some of TV’s most beloved cut-ups. Miraculously, Reitman and casting director John Papsidera pull it off,...
- 9/1/2024
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Albert Brooks’s films are as smooth and polished as any American comedy could hope to be, and yet they’re freighted with submerged neuroses. Mother embodies this tension between a book and its cover. It has a high concept, the jokes are honed with a jeweler’s precision, and the staging values functionality over poetry. It superficially suggests a sitcom, and yet there’s still very much the possibility of the audience feeling “seen” by Mother, as Brooks’s sharp punchlines are more revealing than they initially appear to be.
One of Brooks’s governing themes here—and perhaps the dominant theme of his work—is how neurotics of his generation try to talk themselves out of their neuroses. Brooks’s characters appear to say what they mean, giving his films a veneer of having no subtext. But his characters’ outbursts, modeled on their generation’s obsession with therapy,...
One of Brooks’s governing themes here—and perhaps the dominant theme of his work—is how neurotics of his generation try to talk themselves out of their neuroses. Brooks’s characters appear to say what they mean, giving his films a veneer of having no subtext. But his characters’ outbursts, modeled on their generation’s obsession with therapy,...
- 8/27/2024
- by Chuck Bowen
- Slant Magazine
Exclusive: Mare of Easttown star Angourie Rice and Spike Fearn (Ella McCay) are leading a UK-set romcom for Focus Features, Working Title and Parkville Pictures.
Cc: Emily is the debut directorial feature project for Alicia MacDonald, who has helmed episodes of Lena Dunham’s Too Much, Stephen Merchant’s The Outlaws and Kirstie Swain’s Pure for Netflix, BBC-Amazon and Channel 4 respectively. Rachel Hirons (A Guide to Second Date Sex) is penning the movie, which has just started principal photography on location in Manchester, UK.
Cc: Emily follows a lovesick musician, played by Fearn. When he is given the wrong number for his dream girl, he teams up with a driven psychology student (Rice) to find her. Together, they spark a hilarious campus-wide frenzy that tests their own hearts and ambitions along the way.
Australian star Rice broke out playing Kate Winslet’s daughter Siobhan in HBO smash...
Cc: Emily is the debut directorial feature project for Alicia MacDonald, who has helmed episodes of Lena Dunham’s Too Much, Stephen Merchant’s The Outlaws and Kirstie Swain’s Pure for Netflix, BBC-Amazon and Channel 4 respectively. Rachel Hirons (A Guide to Second Date Sex) is penning the movie, which has just started principal photography on location in Manchester, UK.
Cc: Emily follows a lovesick musician, played by Fearn. When he is given the wrong number for his dream girl, he teams up with a driven psychology student (Rice) to find her. Together, they spark a hilarious campus-wide frenzy that tests their own hearts and ambitions along the way.
Australian star Rice broke out playing Kate Winslet’s daughter Siobhan in HBO smash...
- 8/27/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The Ryan Gosling neo-noir action drama Drive is getting a limited edition Steelbook 4K Ultra HD release on Tuesday, August 27th (pre-order here).
Presenting the 2011 film in 4K resolution with Dolby Vision, the two-disc set includes a new “Back in the Driver’s Seat” featurette containing interviews with writer Hossein Amini, editor Mat Newman, composer Cliff Martinez, and actors Christina Hendricks and Ron Perlman.
The new 4K Ultra HD Steelbook comes from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. UK boutique distributor Second Sight Films previously brought Drive to 4K, but it was not widely available.
Based on James Sallis’ 2005 novel of the same name, Drive was directed by Nicolas Winding Refn. It stars Gosling as an unnamed Hollywood stunt driver who moonlights as a wheelman for criminals and gets in over his head with the wrong people.
The cast also features Carey Mulligan as his neighbor Irene and Oscar Isaac as her ex-convict husband,...
Presenting the 2011 film in 4K resolution with Dolby Vision, the two-disc set includes a new “Back in the Driver’s Seat” featurette containing interviews with writer Hossein Amini, editor Mat Newman, composer Cliff Martinez, and actors Christina Hendricks and Ron Perlman.
The new 4K Ultra HD Steelbook comes from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. UK boutique distributor Second Sight Films previously brought Drive to 4K, but it was not widely available.
Based on James Sallis’ 2005 novel of the same name, Drive was directed by Nicolas Winding Refn. It stars Gosling as an unnamed Hollywood stunt driver who moonlights as a wheelman for criminals and gets in over his head with the wrong people.
The cast also features Carey Mulligan as his neighbor Irene and Oscar Isaac as her ex-convict husband,...
- 8/26/2024
- by Eddie Fu
- Consequence - Film News
Here’s a look at this week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings in Los Angeles and New York, including events for Emily in Paris, Alien: Romulus, Bad Monkey and The Union.
D23
Disney held its signature D23 fan event in Anaheim over the weekend, showcasing its upcoming TV and film projects and theme park updates, as well as honoring 14 Disney Legends, including Harrison Ford, Jamie Lee Curtis, Miley Cyrus, Angela Bassett and James Cameron.
Agatha All Along and Mufasa: The Lion King stars Kathryn Hahn, Sasheer Zamata, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner and Aubrey Plaza The Mandalorian & Grogu duo Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni Harrison Ford Jamie Lee Curtis, Mickey Mouse, Jodie Foster and Lindsay Lohan Alien: Romulus premiere
Director Fede Álvarez and producer Ridley Scott joined cast members Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn and Aileen Wu at the L.A. premiere of the latest Alien film on Monday.
D23
Disney held its signature D23 fan event in Anaheim over the weekend, showcasing its upcoming TV and film projects and theme park updates, as well as honoring 14 Disney Legends, including Harrison Ford, Jamie Lee Curtis, Miley Cyrus, Angela Bassett and James Cameron.
Agatha All Along and Mufasa: The Lion King stars Kathryn Hahn, Sasheer Zamata, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner and Aubrey Plaza The Mandalorian & Grogu duo Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni Harrison Ford Jamie Lee Curtis, Mickey Mouse, Jodie Foster and Lindsay Lohan Alien: Romulus premiere
Director Fede Álvarez and producer Ridley Scott joined cast members Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn and Aileen Wu at the L.A. premiere of the latest Alien film on Monday.
- 8/16/2024
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Three years after “Boys State” won the Emmy for Best Documentary Special, its first companion film, “Girls State,” is competing for the same honor. While it has solid potential to directly follow “Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie” as the third Apple TV+ special to take this prize, it will have to stand out from a crowd of strong contenders, including the same platform’s “Steve! (Martin): A Documentary in 2 Pieces.”
Unlike most Primetime Emmys, Best Documentary Special is a non-competitive area award that is bestowed upon any nominee that earns the approval of 90% of the members of the TV academy’s documentary peer group. This means that the five programs in the 2024 lineup are not vying for a single trophy and could all potentially prevail. However, if no nominees hit said 90% threshold, only the highest-rated one will win.
In order to determine which of this year’s nominees...
Unlike most Primetime Emmys, Best Documentary Special is a non-competitive area award that is bestowed upon any nominee that earns the approval of 90% of the members of the TV academy’s documentary peer group. This means that the five programs in the 2024 lineup are not vying for a single trophy and could all potentially prevail. However, if no nominees hit said 90% threshold, only the highest-rated one will win.
In order to determine which of this year’s nominees...
- 8/13/2024
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
On Sunday, August 11, HBO and Max celebrated their 2024 Emmys nominations with a star-studded, day-long gala of panels, mingling and fun photo ops. TV academy members in attendance were treated to breakfast in the morning, lunch in the afternoon featuring music from director Jamila Wignot‘s “Stax: Soulsville U.S.A.,” and a dinner reception in the evening with specialty cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres. The FYC event took place at Nya Studios East in Hollywood.
This year, “True Detective: Night Country” leads all HBO and Max programming with a whopping 19 Emmy nominations, including for Best Limited Series and stars Jodie Foster and Kali Reis. “Hacks” is close behind with 16 bids, including for Best Comedy Series and actresses Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder. Find out who wins the gold when the Creative Arts ceremonies take place on September 7 and 8, and the Primetime event airs live on September 15.
SEEPrimetime Emmys odds...
This year, “True Detective: Night Country” leads all HBO and Max programming with a whopping 19 Emmy nominations, including for Best Limited Series and stars Jodie Foster and Kali Reis. “Hacks” is close behind with 16 bids, including for Best Comedy Series and actresses Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder. Find out who wins the gold when the Creative Arts ceremonies take place on September 7 and 8, and the Primetime event airs live on September 15.
SEEPrimetime Emmys odds...
- 8/12/2024
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
In 1973, PBS aired a 12-episode documentary series called The American Family that followed a year in the life of the Loud family of Santa Barbara, California. At first blush the very image of postwar American prosperity and contentment, the Louds slowly unraveled over the course of the show, revealing fissures in the mother and father’s marriage and the tumult of teenage adolescence in a time of rapid social upheaval and growing pessimism.
Critics and academics continue to debate the extent to which the cameras’ presence throughout The American Family, which is widely referred to as the first example of an American reality TV show, merely captured the hidden side of an ostensibly happy family or engendered tension by virtue of the participants’ awareness of being filmed for public scrutiny. And it’s this angle that Albert Brooks explores in his feature-length directorial debut, Real Life, which begins as a...
Critics and academics continue to debate the extent to which the cameras’ presence throughout The American Family, which is widely referred to as the first example of an American reality TV show, merely captured the hidden side of an ostensibly happy family or engendered tension by virtue of the participants’ awareness of being filmed for public scrutiny. And it’s this angle that Albert Brooks explores in his feature-length directorial debut, Real Life, which begins as a...
- 8/12/2024
- by Jake Cole
- Slant Magazine
Existential crisis, sarcasm, dry wit and soured relationships collide in Albert Brooks‘ charming comedy Mother. The director uses his signature style of comedic delivery and sentiment to explore the delicate nature of a mother’s bond with her son. Brooks has been called “The West Coast Woody Allen.” It’s easy to understand the comparison between the two prolific filmmakers. Afterall, they each write, direct and star in their own films, their stories are grounded and contemplative, and they’ve each voiced characters in animated features (Ants and Finding Nemo).
However, the nickname over simplifies Brooks’ work and minimizes the originality of his creative style. In Mother, Brooks uses his talents and skills — honed and perfected from over a decade behind the camera — for an in-depth, humanized reflection on growth, redemption and healing.
Mother plot
Struggling sci-fi writer John Henderson (Albert Brooks) finds his life at an impasse following his second divorce.
However, the nickname over simplifies Brooks’ work and minimizes the originality of his creative style. In Mother, Brooks uses his talents and skills — honed and perfected from over a decade behind the camera — for an in-depth, humanized reflection on growth, redemption and healing.
Mother plot
Struggling sci-fi writer John Henderson (Albert Brooks) finds his life at an impasse following his second divorce.
- 8/9/2024
- by Joshua Ryan
- FandomWire
Forty years ago, Rob Reiner made his feature directorial debut with “This Is Spinal Tap,” the mockumentary that launched his career and ultimately became a comedy classic. (Reiner is currently in post-production on a long awaited sequel.) At around that same time, Reiner began thinking about making a riff on “My Dinner With Andre,” starring him and his lifelong friend Albert Brooks.
“I saw that movie and immediately thought, wow, I could sit with Albert at a deli, and it could be ‘My Dinner With Albert,'” Reiner told IndieWire’s Filmmaker Toolkit podcast. “I said to Albert, ‘Let’s do it — we’ll sit in Jerry’s Deli or Art’s Deli and shoot for three or four days, and if you don’t like it, we throw it away.’ He never wanted to do it.”
Reiner never let go of the idea, however, and when he decided to...
“I saw that movie and immediately thought, wow, I could sit with Albert at a deli, and it could be ‘My Dinner With Albert,'” Reiner told IndieWire’s Filmmaker Toolkit podcast. “I said to Albert, ‘Let’s do it — we’ll sit in Jerry’s Deli or Art’s Deli and shoot for three or four days, and if you don’t like it, we throw it away.’ He never wanted to do it.”
Reiner never let go of the idea, however, and when he decided to...
- 8/8/2024
- by Jim Hemphill
- Indiewire
While we wait for the 50th season of "Saturday Night Live" to begin, complete with Maya Rudolph returning as Vice President Kamala Harris, another era of the late night sketch comedy series will soon be getting the spotlight too. Jason Reitman, director of "Juno" and "Up in the Air," is digging back into the annals of comedy history with his latest cinematic effort, "Saturday Night." The film will chronicle the relatively short window of time leading up to the October 1975 premiere of "Saturday Night Live," though the series wouldn't debut with that full title, premiering only as "Saturday Night."
"Saturday Night," described as a "comedy-thriller" by Reitman himself, promises to dig into all the behind-the-scenes chaos and drama that led to the breakthrough live comedy experiment that would become a late night staple and spawn some of the biggest names in comedy, starting with the Not Ready for Primetime Players like Dan Aykroyd,...
"Saturday Night," described as a "comedy-thriller" by Reitman himself, promises to dig into all the behind-the-scenes chaos and drama that led to the breakthrough live comedy experiment that would become a late night staple and spawn some of the biggest names in comedy, starting with the Not Ready for Primetime Players like Dan Aykroyd,...
- 8/7/2024
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
In the "Simpsons" episode "Homer Simpson, This is Your Wife", Homer (Dan Castellaneta) becomes obsessed with the crisp images on an HDTV and decides he has to purchase one. To get the money, he enlists his family into a reality TV series called "Mother Flippers," wherein the matriarchs of two families swap places. Marge (Julie Kavner) is sent to live with the dandyish Charles Heathbar (Ricky Gervais), while Homer welcomes Charles' stern wife Verity (Tress MacNeille). Over the course of the episode, Charles develops a crush on Marge, while Verity will begin developing a romance with Marge's sister, Patty (Kavner).
"This is Your Wife" aired during the 17th season of "The Simpsons," so the series was already enormous and influential. Indeed, "This is Your Wife" only came into being because the makers of "The Simpsons" were fans of the British TV series "The Office" and wanted to meet its creator and star,...
"This is Your Wife" aired during the 17th season of "The Simpsons," so the series was already enormous and influential. Indeed, "This is Your Wife" only came into being because the makers of "The Simpsons" were fans of the British TV series "The Office" and wanted to meet its creator and star,...
- 8/5/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
The tremendously funny, witty Albert Brooks was born on July 22, 1947. The actor, producer, writer and director began his career as a self-deprecating stand-up comic, performing several times on Johnny Carson‘s “Tonight Show” and earning a Grammy nomination for his 1975 comedy album “A Star Is Bought.” Brooks got his first break behind the camera when he was hired to direct six short films for the first season of “Saturday Night Live.” Later in 1976, he made his film debut as an actor with a dramatic role in Martin Scorsese‘s classic film “Taxi Driver.”
As an actor, Brooks earned an Academy Award nomination for 1987’s “Broadcast News,” as well as being nominated for a Golden Globe for his work in 2011’s “Drive.” And as a writer, he won Best Screenplay from the New York Film Critics Circle for writing 1996’s “Mother” and the same Award twice from the National Society of Film Critics...
As an actor, Brooks earned an Academy Award nomination for 1987’s “Broadcast News,” as well as being nominated for a Golden Globe for his work in 2011’s “Drive.” And as a writer, he won Best Screenplay from the New York Film Critics Circle for writing 1996’s “Mother” and the same Award twice from the National Society of Film Critics...
- 7/20/2024
- by Tom O'Brien, Zach Laws and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Director Rob Reiner has offered an update on the long-awaited sequel to the iconic 1984 mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap, revealing that he expects the film to be released in spring or summer of next year.
Reiner has returned as director of the actual sequel, Spinal Tap II, and as the fictional director Marty Dibergi within the movie. The sequel also features the three core members of Spinal Tap played once again by Christopher Guest (as Nigel Tufnel), Michael McKean (as David St. Hubbins), and Harry Shearer (as Derek Smalls), as well as the return of secondary characters portrayed by Fran Drescher and Paul Shaffer, among others.
In a new interview with Deadline, Reiner gave the latest update on the sequel, saying that filming is currently wrapping up in New Orleans.
“It’s going good,” revealed Reiner. “Our first screening for our family and friends will be probably in August, and...
Reiner has returned as director of the actual sequel, Spinal Tap II, and as the fictional director Marty Dibergi within the movie. The sequel also features the three core members of Spinal Tap played once again by Christopher Guest (as Nigel Tufnel), Michael McKean (as David St. Hubbins), and Harry Shearer (as Derek Smalls), as well as the return of secondary characters portrayed by Fran Drescher and Paul Shaffer, among others.
In a new interview with Deadline, Reiner gave the latest update on the sequel, saying that filming is currently wrapping up in New Orleans.
“It’s going good,” revealed Reiner. “Our first screening for our family and friends will be probably in August, and...
- 7/19/2024
- by Spencer Kaufman
- Consequence - Film News
Director Rob Reiner has offered an update on the long-awaited sequel to the iconic 1984 mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap, revealing that he expects the film to be released in spring or summer of next year.
Reiner has returned as director of the actual sequel, Spinal Tap II, and as the fictional director Marty Dibergi within the movie. The sequel also features the three core members of Spinal Tap played once again by Christopher Guest (as Nigel Tufnel), Michael McKean (as David St. Hubbins), and Harry Shearer (as Derek Smalls), as well as the return of secondary characters portrayed by Fran Drescher and Paul Shaffer, among others.
In a new interview with Deadline, Reiner gave the latest update on the sequel, saying that filming is currently wrapping up in New Orleans.
“It’s going good,” revealed Reiner. “Our first screening for our family and friends will be probably in August, and...
Reiner has returned as director of the actual sequel, Spinal Tap II, and as the fictional director Marty Dibergi within the movie. The sequel also features the three core members of Spinal Tap played once again by Christopher Guest (as Nigel Tufnel), Michael McKean (as David St. Hubbins), and Harry Shearer (as Derek Smalls), as well as the return of secondary characters portrayed by Fran Drescher and Paul Shaffer, among others.
In a new interview with Deadline, Reiner gave the latest update on the sequel, saying that filming is currently wrapping up in New Orleans.
“It’s going good,” revealed Reiner. “Our first screening for our family and friends will be probably in August, and...
- 7/19/2024
- by Spencer Kaufman
- Consequence - Music
One of Rob Reiner’s greatest filmmaking credits is the classic mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap. But he became the maker of an actual documentary – not a faux one – with Albert Brooks: Defending My Life. This morning (while working on the sequel to Spinal Tap in New Orleans) he learned he’s become an Emmy nominee for the HBO film about his lifelong buddy, Brooks.
“It’s a total surprise,” he said of the Emmy recognition for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special and for his direction of the film. “Especially because I’ve never made a real documentary. The only one I made was a fake one – Spinal Tap. It’s so funny to get recognized in this way.”
Related: Emmy Nominations Analysis: Fresh Blood Livens Up The Race For TV Gold
Rob Reiner speaks at the HBO Documentary Films screening of ‘Albert Brooks: Defending My Life’ at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
“It’s a total surprise,” he said of the Emmy recognition for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special and for his direction of the film. “Especially because I’ve never made a real documentary. The only one I made was a fake one – Spinal Tap. It’s so funny to get recognized in this way.”
Related: Emmy Nominations Analysis: Fresh Blood Livens Up The Race For TV Gold
Rob Reiner speaks at the HBO Documentary Films screening of ‘Albert Brooks: Defending My Life’ at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
- 7/17/2024
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
Some of the entertainment industry’s top filmmakers will go up against each other at the 76th Emmy Awards.
Oscar winner Ron Howard’s Jim Henson Idea Man earned eight Emmy nominations this morning, more than any other nonfiction contender in the race. The Disney+ film about the Muppets creator is nominated for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special, and Howard scored a nomination for directing the film. See the full list of Emmy documentary nominees below.
Howard is far from the only prominent name to earn recognition in the documentary categories. Rob Reiner earned a nomination for directing Albert Brooks: Defending My Life, and his HBO documentary will go up against Jim Henson Idea Man in the Nonfiction Special category. Reiner and Brooks have been friends for over 50 years.
Deadline Related Video:
“That’s the best part of it for me,” Reiner told Deadline as he reacted to his Emmy nomination,...
Oscar winner Ron Howard’s Jim Henson Idea Man earned eight Emmy nominations this morning, more than any other nonfiction contender in the race. The Disney+ film about the Muppets creator is nominated for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special, and Howard scored a nomination for directing the film. See the full list of Emmy documentary nominees below.
Howard is far from the only prominent name to earn recognition in the documentary categories. Rob Reiner earned a nomination for directing Albert Brooks: Defending My Life, and his HBO documentary will go up against Jim Henson Idea Man in the Nonfiction Special category. Reiner and Brooks have been friends for over 50 years.
Deadline Related Video:
“That’s the best part of it for me,” Reiner told Deadline as he reacted to his Emmy nomination,...
- 7/17/2024
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
Shōgun, The Bear and Only Murders in the Building lead the way at the 2024 Emmy nominations, which were revealed this morning.
Below is a list of the programs with five or more noms, following by a full list of nominees and the number they received.
Related: Emmy Winners For Best Drama Since 1960: A Photo Gallery
Related: Here Are The Actors Who Have Won The Most Emmys: Photo Gallery
Related: Emmy Winners For Best Comedy Since 1952
Here is the full list of 2024 Emmy nominations by program:
25 Nominations
Shogun
23 Nominations
The Bear
21 Nominations
Only Murders In The Building
19 Nominations
True Detective: Night Country
18 Nominations
The Crown
17 Nominations
Saturday Night Live
16 Nominations
Fallout
Hacks
The Morning Show
Mr. & Mrs. Smith
15 Nominations
Fargo
13 Nominations
Ripley
11 Nominations
Baby Reindeer
Palm Royale
10 Nominations
Feud: Capote vs. The Swans
Lessons In Chemistry
9 Nominations
Abbott Elementary
Slow Horses
8 Nominations
Jim Henson Idea Man
RuPaul’s Drag Race...
Below is a list of the programs with five or more noms, following by a full list of nominees and the number they received.
Related: Emmy Winners For Best Drama Since 1960: A Photo Gallery
Related: Here Are The Actors Who Have Won The Most Emmys: Photo Gallery
Related: Emmy Winners For Best Comedy Since 1952
Here is the full list of 2024 Emmy nominations by program:
25 Nominations
Shogun
23 Nominations
The Bear
21 Nominations
Only Murders In The Building
19 Nominations
True Detective: Night Country
18 Nominations
The Crown
17 Nominations
Saturday Night Live
16 Nominations
Fallout
Hacks
The Morning Show
Mr. & Mrs. Smith
15 Nominations
Fargo
13 Nominations
Ripley
11 Nominations
Baby Reindeer
Palm Royale
10 Nominations
Feud: Capote vs. The Swans
Lessons In Chemistry
9 Nominations
Abbott Elementary
Slow Horses
8 Nominations
Jim Henson Idea Man
RuPaul’s Drag Race...
- 7/17/2024
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
In October, it looks like the Criterion Collection will have you taken care of if you’re looking for classic horror for Halloween. And if classic horror doesn’t tickle your fancy, there are plenty of other options as well.
Read More: Criterion Adds Two New Albert Brooks Films, Martha Coolidge’s ‘Not A Pretty Picture’ & More For August 2024
On the horror side of things, the October Criterion selections include “Demon Pond,” a Japanese folk horror classic from director Masahiro Shinoda.
Continue reading Criterion’s October Selections Are Disturbing & Terrifying Including ‘Demon Pond,’ ‘Gummo’ & More at The Playlist.
Read More: Criterion Adds Two New Albert Brooks Films, Martha Coolidge’s ‘Not A Pretty Picture’ & More For August 2024
On the horror side of things, the October Criterion selections include “Demon Pond,” a Japanese folk horror classic from director Masahiro Shinoda.
Continue reading Criterion’s October Selections Are Disturbing & Terrifying Including ‘Demon Pond,’ ‘Gummo’ & More at The Playlist.
- 7/15/2024
- by Charles Barfield
- The Playlist
Younger readers might be shocked to hear this, but back in the mid-90s "The Simpsons" was nothing short of a phenomenon. While it has now become a sort of incongruous TV specter, simultaneously forgotten but somehow still haunting the airwaves with new episodes, "The Simpsons" was once about as popular as TV shows get. After "Married with Children" helped put Fox on the map by proving dysfunctional TV families could work just as well as the more wholesome fare being offered elsewhere, things were perfectly primed for "The Simpsons" to dominate — and dominate it did.
"Simpsons" mania was a real and inexorable force during the height of the show's popularity, and not just in the US. As a BBC Two documentary for the show's ten-year anniversary explained, the series created a "bonanza," whereby its biggest breakout star, Bart Simpson, became fodder for global bootleggers — surely the clearest sign that...
"Simpsons" mania was a real and inexorable force during the height of the show's popularity, and not just in the US. As a BBC Two documentary for the show's ten-year anniversary explained, the series created a "bonanza," whereby its biggest breakout star, Bart Simpson, became fodder for global bootleggers — surely the clearest sign that...
- 7/15/2024
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
"Saturday Night Live" is a comedy institution that has been on the air for nearly a half-century. Soon, the series will be celebrating its milestone 50th season, which will include a star-studded anniversary celebration coming to NBC in February 2025. Even if you're one of those people who (wrongly) tells people that "SNL" isn't funny anymore, you can't deny that the late night sketch comedy series has cultivated some of the most brilliant comedic minds in modern Hollywood history -- whether it's the rough edges of live TV comedy innovation that came with the likes of Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Bill Murray, and Gilda Radner in the 1970s or the off-kilter shenanigans of Mike Myers, Dana Carvey, Chris Farley, and Adam Sandler in the '90s. (Even the troublesome 1980s years under the supervision of producer Dick Ebersol gave us Eddie Murphy and Martin Short.)
The late '90s into the...
The late '90s into the...
- 7/10/2024
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
When Nicole Holofcener was coming up in the ’90s, she was celebrated as that rare thing: a female writer-director. Today, she’s no longer a rarity, and she’s still delivering sharp, funny observational comedies about flawed middle-class New York women. But somehow, the breadth and potential of her talent remains elusive.
Hollywood gives her scripts to write and rewrite and polish (for the big bucks). She wrote, with Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, “The Last Duel” for Ridley Scott, crafting the Jodie Comer character, and the Scarlett Johansson and Florence Pugh roles in Marvel’s “Black Widow.” She made more on that three-week assignment than three of her movies combined, she said at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, which tributed her this year, playing three of her films for an audience unfamiliar with her work. She’s currently writing for Gillian Anderson and Greta Lee in Disney’s latest iteration of “Tron.
Hollywood gives her scripts to write and rewrite and polish (for the big bucks). She wrote, with Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, “The Last Duel” for Ridley Scott, crafting the Jodie Comer character, and the Scarlett Johansson and Florence Pugh roles in Marvel’s “Black Widow.” She made more on that three-week assignment than three of her movies combined, she said at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, which tributed her this year, playing three of her films for an audience unfamiliar with her work. She’s currently writing for Gillian Anderson and Greta Lee in Disney’s latest iteration of “Tron.
- 7/5/2024
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Our latest look at new and recent books about (or connected to) cinema must start with a mention of Miss May Does Not Exist: The Life and Work of Elaine May, Hollywood’s Hidden Genius by Carrie Courogen (St. Martin’s Press). Check out my interview with Courogen here, and make sure to pick up the book, which is surely one of this year’s most important.
Read on for new releases chronicling the careers of Michael Mann and Albert Brooks, a unique photographic study of the Barbie press tour, and, to start, two lovingly crafted books from A24. And watch for another column later this summer featuring more books of note for film fans.
New from A24: How Directors Dress: On Set, in the Edit, and Down the Red Carpet and Pi: The Guerilla Diaries by Darren Aronofsky
Explore an exclusive look at How Directors Dress above.
A24 is...
Read on for new releases chronicling the careers of Michael Mann and Albert Brooks, a unique photographic study of the Barbie press tour, and, to start, two lovingly crafted books from A24. And watch for another column later this summer featuring more books of note for film fans.
New from A24: How Directors Dress: On Set, in the Edit, and Down the Red Carpet and Pi: The Guerilla Diaries by Darren Aronofsky
Explore an exclusive look at How Directors Dress above.
A24 is...
- 7/3/2024
- by Christopher Schobert
- The Film Stage
Recent documentaries about Albert Brooks and Steve Martin give the comics their rightful flowers for introducing a fresh comic persona to popular culture — the smarmy show-biz performer, polished, unctuous and self-satisfied to the point of absurdity. But Martin Mull, the accomplished musician, painter and comedian who passed away yesterday at the age of 80, deserves to be mentioned in their company.
Fernwood 2 Night, a spin-off of Norman Lear’s Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, is one of those comedies more influential than beloved — no cable network has been running repeats for years. But catch a few episodes (thanks, Internet Archive!) and you’ll hear its echoes in It’s Garry Shandling’s Show and the mockumentaries of Christopher Guest. Mull starred as Barth Gimble, the obnoxiously hip co-host of a local talk show set in the fictional town of Fernwood, Ohio alongside Fred Willard’s clueless Jerry Hubbard.
Mull was the...
Fernwood 2 Night, a spin-off of Norman Lear’s Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, is one of those comedies more influential than beloved — no cable network has been running repeats for years. But catch a few episodes (thanks, Internet Archive!) and you’ll hear its echoes in It’s Garry Shandling’s Show and the mockumentaries of Christopher Guest. Mull starred as Barth Gimble, the obnoxiously hip co-host of a local talk show set in the fictional town of Fernwood, Ohio alongside Fred Willard’s clueless Jerry Hubbard.
Mull was the...
- 6/29/2024
- Cracked
There was a time when most stand-up comedians post Seinfeld and Everybody Loves Raymond dreamt of their own sitcom based on their material.
However, when Chicago stand-up Sebastian Maniscalco arrived in LA in the late 90s, it wasn’t really his m.o.
“I just wanted to do stand-up comedy,” the comedian tells us on Deadline’s Crew Call, “Anything that came out from the success of comedy, then I would entertain it.”
You can listen to our chat here:
And now the stand up has a half hour Max comedy series, Bookie, which he also executive produces, that feels like the quintessential Maniscalco comedy show — even though the guy with a crazy, blunt Italian father doesn’t have a history with taking sports bets.
Similar to how James L. Brooks’ creation of Aaron Altman in the 1987 movie Broadcast News was so organically Albert Brooks, co-creator Chuck Lorre has pulled...
However, when Chicago stand-up Sebastian Maniscalco arrived in LA in the late 90s, it wasn’t really his m.o.
“I just wanted to do stand-up comedy,” the comedian tells us on Deadline’s Crew Call, “Anything that came out from the success of comedy, then I would entertain it.”
You can listen to our chat here:
And now the stand up has a half hour Max comedy series, Bookie, which he also executive produces, that feels like the quintessential Maniscalco comedy show — even though the guy with a crazy, blunt Italian father doesn’t have a history with taking sports bets.
Similar to how James L. Brooks’ creation of Aaron Altman in the 1987 movie Broadcast News was so organically Albert Brooks, co-creator Chuck Lorre has pulled...
- 6/19/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Jimmy Kimmel started his summer with the best ratings his late night show has seen in five months.
During the week of June 3, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” averaged a 0.21 rating among the key adults 18-49 demographic. This marks the ABC show’s highest since the week of Jan. 15, and a 31% increase from the 0.16 rating achieved the previous week. In total viewers, it averaged 1.7 million from June 3 to June 7.
After two weeks of consecutive growth, “Jimmy Kimmel Live” led the pack, ranking as the No. 1 late night talk show of the week in 18-49 rating. It was 31% ahead of “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,” which followed with a 0.16, and 62% ahead of “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” which made a 0.13.
Scoring a 0.42, the highest-rated individual “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” telecast that week aired on June 6, when Kimmel hosted NBA legend Magic Johnson and comedian Jo Koy as guests with a musical performance from Doechii with Jt.
During the week of June 3, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” averaged a 0.21 rating among the key adults 18-49 demographic. This marks the ABC show’s highest since the week of Jan. 15, and a 31% increase from the 0.16 rating achieved the previous week. In total viewers, it averaged 1.7 million from June 3 to June 7.
After two weeks of consecutive growth, “Jimmy Kimmel Live” led the pack, ranking as the No. 1 late night talk show of the week in 18-49 rating. It was 31% ahead of “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,” which followed with a 0.16, and 62% ahead of “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” which made a 0.13.
Scoring a 0.42, the highest-rated individual “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” telecast that week aired on June 6, when Kimmel hosted NBA legend Magic Johnson and comedian Jo Koy as guests with a musical performance from Doechii with Jt.
- 6/18/2024
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Following the grand success of “Inside Out 2” at this weekend’s box office, TheWrap thought it wise to look back at the animation studio’s other most successful films from over the years.
In its opening weekend, “Inside Out 2” raked in $155 million at the domestic box office and $295 million worldwide, making it the highest global weekend launch ever for an animated film.
On top of that, the sequel is also the second highest three-day box office opening for nearly any film in the last 18 months, coming up just behind the “Barbie” opening ($162 million”).
From hundreds of millions to bank-rolling in the billies, here are Disney-Pixar’s Top 10 highest-grossing flicks:
“The Incredibles” (2004) — $631 million “The Incredibles” (Disney-Pixar)
The family of superheroes flew into the box office charts and pulled in a whopping $631 million.
“Up” (2009) — $735 million “Up” (Disney-Pixar)
Every Disney-Pixar films brings you to tears, but “Up” requires at least two tissue boxes.
In its opening weekend, “Inside Out 2” raked in $155 million at the domestic box office and $295 million worldwide, making it the highest global weekend launch ever for an animated film.
On top of that, the sequel is also the second highest three-day box office opening for nearly any film in the last 18 months, coming up just behind the “Barbie” opening ($162 million”).
From hundreds of millions to bank-rolling in the billies, here are Disney-Pixar’s Top 10 highest-grossing flicks:
“The Incredibles” (2004) — $631 million “The Incredibles” (Disney-Pixar)
The family of superheroes flew into the box office charts and pulled in a whopping $631 million.
“Up” (2009) — $735 million “Up” (Disney-Pixar)
Every Disney-Pixar films brings you to tears, but “Up” requires at least two tissue boxes.
- 6/17/2024
- by Raquel 'Rocky' Harris
- The Wrap
When you get the opportunity to interview Rob Reiner and Albert Brooks together it is indeed a special occasion. And that is just what I got to do earlier this week when they joined me at our Deadline Studio for this episode of my Deadline video series, Behind The Lens. Reiner has directed and appears with Brooks in the ultimate documentary (Reiner’s first) on Brooks entitled Albert Brooks: Defending My Life which is available on HBO and Max, and for fans of both it is a gem not to be missed. Our half hour conversation is not only hilarious in parts, but also eye-opening and full of some very surprising revelations. Check out a 2 minute preview where Brooks explains to me just how he and legendary director Stanley Kubrick became friends when Kubrick geeked out on Brooks’ film, Modern Romance. Click On The Video Above For The Preview And...
- 6/14/2024
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Shows like ‘True Detective,’ ‘Hacks,’ ’ The Sympathizer,’ and others are putting their best foot forward for Emmy voters.
The Primetime Emmy Awards are still three months out, but campaign season is in full gear. The nomination round of voting began this week and runs through Monday, June 24. As is often the case, Warner Bros. Discovery has dozens of titles up for consideration between the premium prestige programs of HBO and the buzzy streaming-exclusive shows on Max. To help remind voters of the series that they loved over the past year, Max is launching For Your Consideration (FYC) panels featuring the cast, producers, and crews of titles to make the case for their nominations. Subscribers can find a large selection of panels on Max now, and those who aren’t already signed up for Max can take advantage of the streamer’s limited-time free trial to check out the panels and the shows themselves!
The Primetime Emmy Awards are still three months out, but campaign season is in full gear. The nomination round of voting began this week and runs through Monday, June 24. As is often the case, Warner Bros. Discovery has dozens of titles up for consideration between the premium prestige programs of HBO and the buzzy streaming-exclusive shows on Max. To help remind voters of the series that they loved over the past year, Max is launching For Your Consideration (FYC) panels featuring the cast, producers, and crews of titles to make the case for their nominations. Subscribers can find a large selection of panels on Max now, and those who aren’t already signed up for Max can take advantage of the streamer’s limited-time free trial to check out the panels and the shows themselves!
- 6/14/2024
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
Killer Collectibles highlights five of the most exciting new horror products announced each and every week, from toys and apparel to artwork, records, and much more.
Here are the coolest horror collectibles unveiled this week!
The People’s Joker Blu-ray from Altered Innocence
After sparking controversy on the festival circuit, The People’s Joker found a home with Altered Innocence. The coming-of-age trans superhero parody will hit Blu-ray on August 13.
Vera Drew makes her feature directorial debut from a script she co-wrote with Bri LeRose. Drew also stars with Kane Distler, Nathan Faustyn, Lynn Downey, and David Liebe Hart. Tim Heidecker, Bob Odenkirk, Maria Bamford, and Scott Aukerman make cameos.
Joe Lipsett’s review raves, “The People’s Joker is an unabashed love letter to Batman properties, to camp, stand-up comedians, and – most importantly – the trans community. It is daring and ambitious and unapologetic.”
Special features include: commentary by Drew; commentary by...
Here are the coolest horror collectibles unveiled this week!
The People’s Joker Blu-ray from Altered Innocence
After sparking controversy on the festival circuit, The People’s Joker found a home with Altered Innocence. The coming-of-age trans superhero parody will hit Blu-ray on August 13.
Vera Drew makes her feature directorial debut from a script she co-wrote with Bri LeRose. Drew also stars with Kane Distler, Nathan Faustyn, Lynn Downey, and David Liebe Hart. Tim Heidecker, Bob Odenkirk, Maria Bamford, and Scott Aukerman make cameos.
Joe Lipsett’s review raves, “The People’s Joker is an unabashed love letter to Batman properties, to camp, stand-up comedians, and – most importantly – the trans community. It is daring and ambitious and unapologetic.”
Special features include: commentary by Drew; commentary by...
- 6/14/2024
- by Alex DiVincenzo
- bloody-disgusting.com
There must be something in the air lately because I have been seeing and reviewing a number of really good and intriguing documentaries on iconic showbiz figures. At Cannes I saw new docus on Faye Dunaway (Faye), Elizabeth Taylor (Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes) and others on Michel LeGrand and Jacques Demy. Currently on Max you can see a wonderful docu on the great Albert Brooks directed by his longtime friend Rob Reiner, Albert Brooks: Defending My Life.
Add to the list of must-sees in this sector Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story, which clearly has the star’s blessing because she is prominently interviewed in it. The focus ultimately on how she became her own person, especially how she managed to navigate the spotlight put on her after mother Judy Garland’s all-too-tragic death caused much speculation that the same thing might happen to her equally talented powerhouse performer of a a daughter.
Add to the list of must-sees in this sector Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story, which clearly has the star’s blessing because she is prominently interviewed in it. The focus ultimately on how she became her own person, especially how she managed to navigate the spotlight put on her after mother Judy Garland’s all-too-tragic death caused much speculation that the same thing might happen to her equally talented powerhouse performer of a a daughter.
- 6/12/2024
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Albert Brooks: Defending My Life pays tribute to a pioneer whose irreverent humor has spanned late night TV, comedy albums, features, animated voice work and a novel. But what makes the film sing is the extended rap session between Brooks and his dear friend Rob Reiner, who directed the HBO documentary. The Hollywood legends met as teenagers at Beverly Hills High School, and Reiner structures the film around a lunch in which they swap anecdotes and punchlines about Brooks’ influential career. It’s an energizing way to frame what might otherwise be just another gushy celebrity profile.
Onscreen, Brooks tells stories about the early days of Saturday Night Live and Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show, his friendships with Carrie Fisher and Stanley Kubrick, the seven movies he’s written and directed and the marriage that made him a new father in his 50s. Many of today’s wry humorists owe a debt to Brooks,...
Onscreen, Brooks tells stories about the early days of Saturday Night Live and Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show, his friendships with Carrie Fisher and Stanley Kubrick, the seven movies he’s written and directed and the marriage that made him a new father in his 50s. Many of today’s wry humorists owe a debt to Brooks,...
- 6/3/2024
- by Matthew Jacobs
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
On Monday, June 3, 2024, Jimmy Kimmel Live! welcomes actor Albert Brooks, filmmaker Rob Reiner, comedian Ms. Pat, and singer-songwriter Gaby Moreno to the show. Albert Brooks, born Albert Lawrence Einstein, is an American actor, comedian, director, and screenwriter. He received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the 1987 […]
Jimmy Kimmel Live!: Albert Brooks, Rob Reiner, Ms. Pat...
Jimmy Kimmel Live!: Albert Brooks, Rob Reiner, Ms. Pat...
- 6/3/2024
- by Riley Avery
- MemorableTV
Synopsis
Ryan Gosling stars as a Hollywood stunt driver for movies by day and moonlights as a wheelman for criminals by night. Though a loner by nature, “Driver” can’t help falling in love with his beautiful neighbor Irene (Carey Mulligan), a young mother dragged into a dangerous underworld by the return of her ex-convict husband. After a heist goes wrong, Driver finds himself driving defense for the girl he loves, tailgated by a syndicate of deadly serious criminals (Albert Brooks and Ron Perlman). Soon he realizes the gangsters are after more than the bag of cash and is forced to shift gears and go on the offense.
Disc Details And Bonus Materials
4K Ultra HD Disc
Feature presented in 4K resolution with Dolby Vision, as approved by director Nicolas Winding Refn
English Dolby Atmos + English 5.1
Special Feature:
All-new: Back in the Driver’s Seat Featurette – featuring interviews with Writer Hossein Amini,...
Ryan Gosling stars as a Hollywood stunt driver for movies by day and moonlights as a wheelman for criminals by night. Though a loner by nature, “Driver” can’t help falling in love with his beautiful neighbor Irene (Carey Mulligan), a young mother dragged into a dangerous underworld by the return of her ex-convict husband. After a heist goes wrong, Driver finds himself driving defense for the girl he loves, tailgated by a syndicate of deadly serious criminals (Albert Brooks and Ron Perlman). Soon he realizes the gangsters are after more than the bag of cash and is forced to shift gears and go on the offense.
Disc Details And Bonus Materials
4K Ultra HD Disc
Feature presented in 4K resolution with Dolby Vision, as approved by director Nicolas Winding Refn
English Dolby Atmos + English 5.1
Special Feature:
All-new: Back in the Driver’s Seat Featurette – featuring interviews with Writer Hossein Amini,...
- 6/1/2024
- by ComicMix Staff
- Comicmix.com
Image Source: Amazon It’s amazing to think that Pixar’s beloved film Finding Nemo is now two decades old. This award-winning animated gem has truly become a classic, in the history of Walt Disney and Pixar. The stellar voice cast of the film included Albert Brooks, Brad Garrett, Elizabeth Perkins, Stephen Root, Allison Janney and Geoffrey Rush. One standout performance was Willem Dafoe’s portrayal of the antagonist character. Voice acting is a very difficult procedure, especially for animated movies like Finding Nemo. It can take years to finish, as many people may already be aware. When the finished product is seen by the public, all of the hard work pays off. For Dafoe being part of Finding Nemo was a great experience. Upon the film’s release he shared his thoughts on what it meant to him. (Click on the media bar below to hear Willem Dafoe) https://www.
- 5/31/2024
- by Hollywood Outbreak
- HollywoodOutbreak.com
“Rob (Reiner) always wanted to do from the moment My Dinner With Andre came out — ‘My Lunch With Albert,” Albert Brooks shares about his best friend’s vision for a movie about himself.
“I never wanted to do that,” Brooks adds.
But when a documentary about the stand-up comic turned Oscar nominated Best Supporting Broadcast News actor fell apart, Brooks reached out to Reiner for help. What if they combined the documentary with the whole ‘My Lunch With Albert’ concept?”
“Then everything lit up,” emphasizes Brooks on today’s Crew Call with Reiner.
And that’s how the Max documentary, directed by Reiner, Albert Brooks: Defending My Life came to be.
Walk down memory lane with us below:
“Because I’ve known Rob forever, it seemed ideal. We could do our lunch, we could branch out, he could talk to people he chose to talk to,” said Brooks.
We chat...
“I never wanted to do that,” Brooks adds.
But when a documentary about the stand-up comic turned Oscar nominated Best Supporting Broadcast News actor fell apart, Brooks reached out to Reiner for help. What if they combined the documentary with the whole ‘My Lunch With Albert’ concept?”
“Then everything lit up,” emphasizes Brooks on today’s Crew Call with Reiner.
And that’s how the Max documentary, directed by Reiner, Albert Brooks: Defending My Life came to be.
Walk down memory lane with us below:
“Because I’ve known Rob forever, it seemed ideal. We could do our lunch, we could branch out, he could talk to people he chose to talk to,” said Brooks.
We chat...
- 5/30/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Deadline has learned that Oscar-nominated, Golden Globe and Emmy Award winning actress Sharon Stone has inked with Independent Artist Group.
Stone rocketed to global stardom in Paul Verhoeven’s blockbuster feature Basic Instinct opposite Michael Douglas which minted $353M at the box office. Her marquee rose further in the role of Ginger McKenna, the wife to Robert De Niro’s casino boss Sam ‘Ace’ Rothstein in Martin Scorsese’s Casino, a turn which garnered her widespread critical acclaim and numerous accolades including an Oscar nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Leading Role and a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress-Drama.
Among the notable projects Stone has recently starred in are Steven Soderbergh’s The Laundromat and Lena Waithe’s Beauty, both for Netflix, in addition to A24’s The Disaster Artist and Billy Crystal’s Here Today. Some of her early hits include Total Recall alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger,...
Stone rocketed to global stardom in Paul Verhoeven’s blockbuster feature Basic Instinct opposite Michael Douglas which minted $353M at the box office. Her marquee rose further in the role of Ginger McKenna, the wife to Robert De Niro’s casino boss Sam ‘Ace’ Rothstein in Martin Scorsese’s Casino, a turn which garnered her widespread critical acclaim and numerous accolades including an Oscar nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Leading Role and a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress-Drama.
Among the notable projects Stone has recently starred in are Steven Soderbergh’s The Laundromat and Lena Waithe’s Beauty, both for Netflix, in addition to A24’s The Disaster Artist and Billy Crystal’s Here Today. Some of her early hits include Total Recall alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger,...
- 5/29/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
After beaching off Ken in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie and highlighting the hard work of stunt performers in David Leitch’s The Fall Guy, Sony is capitalizing on the “Gosling-ssance” with the release of his 2011 thriller Drive on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray. The brutal film from Nicolas Winding Refn drips with style, presents Gosling in one of his most iconic roles, and is due for a comeback in crisp, clean, high definition.
Here’s Sony‘s official synopsis for Drive:
Ryan Gosling stars as a Hollywood stunt driver for movies by day and moonlights as a wheelman for criminals by night. Though a loner by nature, “Driver” can’t help falling in love with his beautiful neighbor Irene (Carey Mulligan), a young mother dragged into a dangerous underworld by the return of her ex-convict husband. After a heist goes wrong, Driver finds himself driving defense for the girl he loves,...
Here’s Sony‘s official synopsis for Drive:
Ryan Gosling stars as a Hollywood stunt driver for movies by day and moonlights as a wheelman for criminals by night. Though a loner by nature, “Driver” can’t help falling in love with his beautiful neighbor Irene (Carey Mulligan), a young mother dragged into a dangerous underworld by the return of her ex-convict husband. After a heist goes wrong, Driver finds himself driving defense for the girl he loves,...
- 5/28/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Al Ruddy, who co-created the famed CBS sitcom Hogan’s Heroes, then captured Academy Awards for producing the best picture winners The Godfather and Million Dollar Baby, has died. He was 94.
Ruddy, also credited as one of the creators of the long-running CBS police drama Walker, Texas Ranger, died Saturday following a brief illness at UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center, a publicist announced.
On the heels of The Godfather (1972), Ruddy produced another box-office hit with the original The Longest Yard (1974), the prison-set football movie that starred Burt Reynolds. The pair then reteamed for the action road films The Cannonball Run (1981) and its 1984 sequel, both directed by stuntman-turned-helmer Hal Needham.
The personable Ruddy also produced such films as Bad Girls (1994), the first Western with all female leads (Madeleine Stowe, Mary Stuart Masterson, Andie MacDowell and Drew Barrymore); the baseball comedy The Scout (1994), starring Albert Brooks and Brendan Fraser; and Matilda (1978), a comedy...
Ruddy, also credited as one of the creators of the long-running CBS police drama Walker, Texas Ranger, died Saturday following a brief illness at UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center, a publicist announced.
On the heels of The Godfather (1972), Ruddy produced another box-office hit with the original The Longest Yard (1974), the prison-set football movie that starred Burt Reynolds. The pair then reteamed for the action road films The Cannonball Run (1981) and its 1984 sequel, both directed by stuntman-turned-helmer Hal Needham.
The personable Ruddy also produced such films as Bad Girls (1994), the first Western with all female leads (Madeleine Stowe, Mary Stuart Masterson, Andie MacDowell and Drew Barrymore); the baseball comedy The Scout (1994), starring Albert Brooks and Brendan Fraser; and Matilda (1978), a comedy...
- 5/28/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Quick Navigation Eddie Izzard – $20 million Albert Brooks – $30 million Whitney Cummings – $35 million Chelsea Handler – $35 million Kathy Griffin – $35 million Louis C.K. – $35 million Amy Schumer – $45 million George Lopez – $45 million Dave Chappelle – $60 million Howie Mandel – $60 million Chris Rock – $60 million Bob Newhart – $65 million Russell Peters – $75 million Roseanne Barr – $80 million Martin Lawrence – $110 million Jon Stewart – $120 million Woody Allen – $140 million Steve Martin – $140 million Ricky Gervais – $140 million Jeff Dunham – $140 million Bill Maher – $140 million Terry Fator – $160 million Drew Carey – $165 million Jim Carrey – $180 million Eddie Murphy – $200 million Steve Harvey – $200 million Ray Romano – $200 million Bill Cosby – $400 million David Letterman – $400 million Larry David – $400 million Adam Sandler – $440 million Kevin Hart – $450 million Jay Leno – $450 million Ellen DeGeneres – $500 million Jerry Seinfeld – $950 million
Most stand-up comics are barely getting by. Many are happy if they can make it onto a stage and elated if people laugh at their jokes. Stand-up comedy is a complex art, but some people make it look effortless.
Those who make...
Most stand-up comics are barely getting by. Many are happy if they can make it onto a stage and elated if people laugh at their jokes. Stand-up comedy is a complex art, but some people make it look effortless.
Those who make...
- 5/22/2024
- by Anne De Guia
- Your Next Shoes
When Saturday Night Live began, it wasn’t even called Saturday Night Live. That honor belonged to a rival variety show hosted by Howard Cosell that launched the same year on ABC primetime. Hence why the young, hungry, and immensely talented sketch comedians assembled in 1975 were dubbed the “Not Ready for Primetime Players.”
That earliest and now quasi-mythical first class of SNL alumni remain the only ones to hold that title. Perhaps this is because the joke stopped working after many of them proved more than capable of carrying a primetime television series. In fact, most of them went on to have successful careers on TV, the Broadway stage, and for the precious and most spectacular few… in the movies.
Ever since Chevy Chase exited SNL after its first season, the series has been viewed—sometimes to creator and producer Lorne Michaels and NBC executives’ consternation—as a launchpad for movie stardom.
That earliest and now quasi-mythical first class of SNL alumni remain the only ones to hold that title. Perhaps this is because the joke stopped working after many of them proved more than capable of carrying a primetime television series. In fact, most of them went on to have successful careers on TV, the Broadway stage, and for the precious and most spectacular few… in the movies.
Ever since Chevy Chase exited SNL after its first season, the series has been viewed—sometimes to creator and producer Lorne Michaels and NBC executives’ consternation—as a launchpad for movie stardom.
- 5/17/2024
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Boutique DVD/Blu-Ray label The Criterion Collection always has a terrific monthly line-up, and its August 2024 releases are no different. Highlighting late summer’s Criterion announcements are a pair of comedian Albert Brooks films that have been out of print on DVD for quite some time. The first is Brooks’ 1979 directorial debut, the reality TV spoof “Real Life,” and the second is the 1996 comedy “Mother” co-starring Debbie Reynolds.
Continue reading Criterion Adds Two New Albert Brooks Films, Martha Coolidge’s ‘Not A Pretty Picture’ & More For August 2024 at The Playlist.
Continue reading Criterion Adds Two New Albert Brooks Films, Martha Coolidge’s ‘Not A Pretty Picture’ & More For August 2024 at The Playlist.
- 5/15/2024
- by The Playlist
- The Playlist
It all started when Rob Reiner tried to convince Albert Brooks to let him film his own version of “My Dinner with Andre” titled “My Lunch with Albert Brooks.” His high school chum refused. After someone else came to Brooks wanting to make a documentary about him, the financing fell through. Then the men decided to combine the two things.
“There’s about 4000 documentaries now,” said Brooks at an FYC event with Reiner and moderator Judd Apatow this week at the Academy of Motion Pictures. “It’s the way they’re willing to spend money without spending real money. Everyone has a story and 99 out of 100 are done pretty much the same way. Either the person’s no longer living, or they’re being talked about from an off-stage voice. So to be able to do that this way…that’s what makes it special. Because it’s Rob and...
“There’s about 4000 documentaries now,” said Brooks at an FYC event with Reiner and moderator Judd Apatow this week at the Academy of Motion Pictures. “It’s the way they’re willing to spend money without spending real money. Everyone has a story and 99 out of 100 are done pretty much the same way. Either the person’s no longer living, or they’re being talked about from an off-stage voice. So to be able to do that this way…that’s what makes it special. Because it’s Rob and...
- 5/10/2024
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
PodcastOne (Nasdaq: Podc), a leading podcast platform and a subsidiary of LiveOne (Nasdaq: Lvo), announced today that its award winning podcast The Adam Carolla Show hosted by revered comedian Adam Carolla, is celebrating its 15th Anniversary. Carolla, who was inducted into the 6th Annual Podcast Hall of Fame during Podfest Expo earlier this year, launched his world-famous eponymous show in 2009. The Podcast Hall of fame celebrates the outstanding individuals who have left an indelible mark on the podcasting industry.
Since 2009, The Adam Carolla Show with its host Adam Carolla has entertained millions of listeners. Completely uncensored, Carolla welcomes a wide range of guests, such as Jimmy Kimmel, Jay Leno, Nicolas Cage, Alec Baldwin and Matt Damon in the studio for in depth interviews and a front row seat to his unparalleled ranting. With an unsurpassed library of episodes available, The Adam Carolla Show has remained one of the most popular...
Since 2009, The Adam Carolla Show with its host Adam Carolla has entertained millions of listeners. Completely uncensored, Carolla welcomes a wide range of guests, such as Jimmy Kimmel, Jay Leno, Nicolas Cage, Alec Baldwin and Matt Damon in the studio for in depth interviews and a front row seat to his unparalleled ranting. With an unsurpassed library of episodes available, The Adam Carolla Show has remained one of the most popular...
- 4/19/2024
- Podnews.net
Synopsis
Winner of the prestigious Golden Palm at the Cannes Film Festival (1976) and nominated for 4 Academy Awards® including Best Picture (1976), Taxi Driver stars Robert De Niro in Martin Scorsese’s classic film of a psychotic New York cabbie driven to violence by loneliness and desperation. Co-starring Jodie Foster, Albert Brooks, Harvey Keitel, Peter Boyle and Cybill Shepherd. Disc Details And Bonus Materials
4K Ultra HD Disc Restored from the original camera negative, presented in 4K resolution with Dolby VisionEnglish 5.1 + mono
Special Features:
Making Taxi Driver Documentary
Storyboard to Film Comparisons with Martin Scorsese
Introduction
Animated Photo Galleries
20th Anniversary Re-Release Trailer
Blu-ray Disc™
Feature presented in high definition, sourced from the 4K master
English 5.1
Special Features:
40-Minute Taxi Driver Q&a featuring Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster and Many More Recorded Live at the Beacon Theatre in New York City at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival
Commentary with director...
Winner of the prestigious Golden Palm at the Cannes Film Festival (1976) and nominated for 4 Academy Awards® including Best Picture (1976), Taxi Driver stars Robert De Niro in Martin Scorsese’s classic film of a psychotic New York cabbie driven to violence by loneliness and desperation. Co-starring Jodie Foster, Albert Brooks, Harvey Keitel, Peter Boyle and Cybill Shepherd. Disc Details And Bonus Materials
4K Ultra HD Disc Restored from the original camera negative, presented in 4K resolution with Dolby VisionEnglish 5.1 + mono
Special Features:
Making Taxi Driver Documentary
Storyboard to Film Comparisons with Martin Scorsese
Introduction
Animated Photo Galleries
20th Anniversary Re-Release Trailer
Blu-ray Disc™
Feature presented in high definition, sourced from the 4K master
English 5.1
Special Features:
40-Minute Taxi Driver Q&a featuring Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster and Many More Recorded Live at the Beacon Theatre in New York City at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival
Commentary with director...
- 4/17/2024
- by ComicMix Staff
- Comicmix.com
Before we can even get on the record, before that most familiar robot warning of “This meeting is being recorded,” Frederick Elmes is swapping stories about Albert Brooks. After greeting me by name, he mentions a news piece I had written––a blurb about the recent Brooks documentary Defending My Life. He worked with Brooks some, he says, as a camera operator, goes on to speak generously and thoughtfully about the atmosphere the director cultivated and maintained on set, what that meant in turn to his work as a cinematographer, to the cast and crew more generally. I am sitting and grinning like an idiot, not unlike an ancillary Brooks character––maybe Bruno Kirby in Modern Romance. It strikes me that this moment represents Elmes’ approach to tending the moving image: careful research, a focus on listening, the sharing of ideas stemming from observation, and an immediate instinct for collaborative thinking.
- 4/11/2024
- by Frank Falisi
- The Film Stage
“My whole life is backwards,” muses Steve Martin during the second “episode” of Morgan Neville’s Steve! (Martin) A Documentary in Two Pieces.
The point that Martin is making stems not from some Benjamin Button-style anomaly, but from his contention that he has gone from being riddled with anxiety in his 30s to achieving contentment and happiness in his 70s.
While I would posit that this isn’t all that remarkable — “Finding wisdom and peace with age” seems ideal and not unusual — there’s truth to Martin’s bigger point. Biopics and bio-docs tend to have familiar arcs that allow us to reconcile the contradictions of complicated lives; Martin’s biography has no such arc.
Neville’s approach, in the annoyingly titled documentary that I will henceforth only call Steve!, is to bifurcate Martin’s life.
The 98-minute “Then” looks at the origins of Martin’s comic style — a...
The point that Martin is making stems not from some Benjamin Button-style anomaly, but from his contention that he has gone from being riddled with anxiety in his 30s to achieving contentment and happiness in his 70s.
While I would posit that this isn’t all that remarkable — “Finding wisdom and peace with age” seems ideal and not unusual — there’s truth to Martin’s bigger point. Biopics and bio-docs tend to have familiar arcs that allow us to reconcile the contradictions of complicated lives; Martin’s biography has no such arc.
Neville’s approach, in the annoyingly titled documentary that I will henceforth only call Steve!, is to bifurcate Martin’s life.
The 98-minute “Then” looks at the origins of Martin’s comic style — a...
- 3/28/2024
- by Daniel Fienberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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