BuzzSugar

A Good Year For Elizabeth Banks

BuzzSugar — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 14:00:39 -0800

Among all the great entertainment in 2008, a few people clearly stood out, including the beautiful and funny Elizabeth Banks. Why was this year good for Elizabeth Banks? Because she was everywhere.

The woman was in six - count 'em, six! - movies that were released this year. Some were ridiculous and silly (Meet Dave with Eddie Murphy, Meet Bill with Aaron Eckhart, Role Models with Paul Rudd) while one was ridiculous and raunchy (Zack and Miri Make a Porno alongside Seth Rogen). She got to be in the sweet movie Definitely, Maybe with Ryan Reynolds, and she did a serious Laura Bush impersonation, with Josh Brolin as her George, in Oliver Stone's W. And in just a few weeks we'll see her play a freaky stepmother in the scary movie The Uninvited.

She's got range and beauty and crazy comedic skills, and I wish every year could bring us this much Elizabeth Banks.

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What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 08:30:50 -0700

All of the new DVD releases hit stores (and Netflix) on Tuesdays. So each week in What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday, I sort through the best of the batch and tell you what to add to your queue. In addition to the titles below you can also bring home the blockbuster hit 10,000 B.C. and kid-friendly The Spiderwick Chronicles.

Definitely, Maybe
It's not a perfect movie, but I found myself totally happy with the charming Definitely, Maybe, despite a few faults. The main characters are nicely thought-out and far easier to identify with than characters in other romcoms this year like, say, Fool's Gold. Plus, Abigail Breslin is always an adorable treat.

The film follows Will Hayes (Ryan Reynolds), a recent divorcee attempting to explain the complications of love to his smart little girl (Breslin). The movie takes on a How I Met Your Mother plot structure, going back in time to the three major loves of of Will's life: Emily (Elizabeth Banks), April (Isla Fisher) and Summer (Rachel Weisz). He doesn't reveal to Breslin's character or the audience who the mother is and it's unclear who he'll end up with. Overall, it's a fun twist on the old romcom formula. If it didn't seem worthy of movie theater prices, you'll definitely (maybe?) feel good about watching this at home.

Special features include commentary with director Adam Brooks and Ryan Reynolds and deleted scenes.

Two more animated movies so read more.

Persepolis
There was a lot of good stuff out in theaters when Persepolis came to theaters and I'm so glad I was able to make the time to see this touching film based on the popular autobiographical graphic novel by Marjane Satrapi. The movie is visually something you never really see in popular animation, mostly drawn in black and white with big, bold, basic shapes. Rather than aiming for realism, the beauty of the animation lies in its simplicity.

The film is voiced in French with subtitles, and follows a young Marjane in 1978 Iran. Set against the backdrop of political upheaval, Persepolis tells Marjane's coming-of-age story, including her eventual separation from her beloved family. Full of warmth, humor, and a unique perspective on growing up in the non-West, it's no wonder the film earned an Oscar nomination.

Special features include an English language version of the film featuring the voices of Chiara Mastroianni, Sean Penn, Catherine Deneuve, Gena Rowlands and Iggy Pop, and the 2007 Cannes Film Festival press conference Q&A with cast and crew.

Futurama: The Beast with a Billion Backs
Another feature-length Futurama movie hits DVD stands and once again the fans go wild! In this one, the story picks up where Bender's Big Score left off. Netflix has a good plot summary: "The crew at Planet Express must work overtime to seal a portal between their universe and an alternate universe ruled by the gargantuan alien Yivo (David Cross), whose Earth-conquering plans include making Fry the pope of the alternate realm."

Special guest voices include Brittany Murphy and Stephen Hawking, and special features include: Futurama The Lost Adventure: A long-lost, full-length adventure produced for the Futurama Video Game, and a "Meet Yivo!" featurette with David Cross.

Rewind: This Week's Buzz

BuzzSugar — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 08:00:41 -0800

Hurray! The Indiana Jones trailer has arrived and now I can't get the music out of my head. Looks like a lot of you are excited for The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 as well - the girls look so grown-up!
In other "Hurray!" news, the strike finally ended this week and everyone is moving on - including the studios, which have renewed some shows and are figuring out what the primetime schedule is going to look like. I know most of you are ready to head back to the couch, so I put together a guide to help you sort through the post-strike calendar.
If you haven't filled out my Oscar ballot yet, get cracking! The show is just around the corner. I've been running down nominees in a bunch of categories including live-action shorts, documentaries, and art direction so you can stay on top of your Oscar knowledge.
It's a big weekend for movies, and while I know a lot of folks are looking forward to Jumper, I warned you may be disappointed. I would highly recommend Definitely, Maybe and if you can't make it to theaters, there are stellar DVD choices out this week. Of course, there's always catching up on reading for the Buzz Book Club.
Hopefully this week's episode wasn't the last of Friday Night Lights we'll ever see. I know there are plenty of fans out there that would do anything to keep this show on the air.
I swapped ideas with you all for Valentine's Day songs for bitter love and new love this week. We also got a peek at some new music from Panic at the Disco, and the 25th Anniversary Thriller album hit stores featuring remixes and collaborations with lots of popular young artists.
American Idol's top 24 have been selected now that Hollywood Week has concluded. Pop and I duked it out with our snap judgments on who we think you'll be seeing in the top 12.

Photo courtesy of Paramount

Definitely, Maybe: Definitely Adorable

BuzzSugar — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 07:30:00 -0800

Sometimes I get to thinking that the whole romantic comedy genre could use a good shake-up to get out of the hole that movies like Fool’s Gold keep digging the genre into. Rom-coms with smart, secure yet interesting female characters would be one way to do this. Stories with a likable male protagonist who’s neither misogynistic nor a total weenie would be another good way. Definitely, Maybe actually manages to achieve both these things, and it’s truly a relief to see.

Somehow, the movie hits a sweet balance between completely adorable and realistic. There are a few cheesy moments and some genuinely funny parts, but the real reason the movie succeeds is due to the well-drawn, well-developed characters, each of whom I found myself liking and rooting for. Ryan Reynolds charmingly plays Will, whose young daughter Maya (Abigail Breslin) is struggling to come to terms with her parents’ divorce. She begs her father to tell her the story of his relationship with his mother: why they fell in love, etc. Reluctant, Will decides instead to tell her the stories of three women from his past, and Maya can guess which one ended up being her mother.

This sets up a fun storytelling structure: alternating between Will’s sweet, funny tales of romance - though some of them are so true-to-life it makes me cringe - we come back to little Maya and her spunky commentary. Sure, sometimes she’s sort of annoying, but it’s also cute and refreshing to get her take on things. She contemplates which of these three different women could be her mother: the kind, gentle Emily (Elizabeth Banks), the sassy and fun-loving April (Isla Fischer) or the fiercely independent and intellectual Summer (Rachel Weisz). There's more to the movie than just this, though, so read more.

There are lots of good things about this movie. The performances are engaging and pretty much everyone in this movie is completely adorable. The relationship between father and daughter is incredibly endearing - as are the threads of sweet father-daughter relationships throughout the film - and the music is well-placed. In particular, the opening title sequence is one of the best I’ve seen in a long time: Will leaves work to pick up Maya at school and chooses a song on his iPod to enjoy during the walk. As we amble down the streets of Manhattan to the tune of "Everyday People" by Sly and the Family Stone we watch the kaleidescope of New York life drift by a relaxed Will. My main complaint is that the movie feels long and drags in parts, though I also admit that it might be hard to get the full story with a shorter film.

Perhaps those terribly cheesy and poorly written rom-coms like Fool's Gold have lowered my standards for this genre, but I enjoyed the film immensely. It’s not the best movie you'll ever see, but as a heartwarming romance, it easily and satisfyingly hits its mark. Here's hoping other rom-coms take some cues from Definitely, Maybe.

To see the trailer and clips from Definitely, Maybe, along with cast interviews, check out movies.ivillage.com.

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Box Office: Hudson and McConaughey Strike Gold

BuzzSugar — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 08:15:00 -0800

The chemistry between Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey proved lucrative once again as their comedy, Fool's Gold, won the top spot at the box office over the weekend, earning $22 million. Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins, starring Martin Lawrence and Cedric the Entertainer, came in No. 2 grossing $17 million, followed by Disney's super tween 3-D concert experience Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour in the third spot.

Fans of Hudson and McConaughey seem like they're most in the mood for this duo around Valentine's Day as their previous rom-com How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days opened the same weekend in 2003 with similar box office results, Variety reports.

Oscar nominee Juno remained in the top 10 coming in fifth this week just behind Jessica Alba's thriller, The Eye. Katherine Heigl's 27 Dresses continued to draw fans coming in sixth place and There Will Be Blood came in at No. 10.

If you're still in the mood for love next weekend, there will be even more to choose from when Ryan Reynolds and super cutie Abigail Breslin hit the screen in Definitely, Maybe.

Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.

Movie Preview: Definitely, Maybe

BuzzSugar — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 09:50:46 -0800

Putting aside the fact that Ryan Reynolds seems too boyishly young to be Abigail Breslin's father, Definitely, Maybe looks extremely adorable. Breslin plays Maya, a little girl who wants to learn about her parents' love story. Reynolds, as her nearly divorced father Will, wants to avoid the topic altogether but appeases his daughter by telling her stories of his relationships with three women, and Maya must figure out which one is the story of his romance with her mother.

From the trailer, the movie looks lighthearted and sweet and features some of the cutest actors out there (Ryan Reynolds, Isla Fischer, Abigail Breslin). Definitely, Maybe opens February 14, 2008 so to watch the preview and see what you think, read more

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Buzz Battle: What Is the Scariest Movie Ever?

BuzzSugar — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 06:30:00 -0700

We're almost at the end of our long battle to determine the Scariest Movie of All Time. The two movies left standing are definitely among the classics of the horror genre: The Exorcist and The Shining. We've heard some pretty heavy arguments for each side, (particularly from my girl Fab, a horror aficionado who is on team Shining all the way) - and even the Buzz editors stand as a team divided. In today's Buzz battle, we'll give you our arguments on why each movie deserves the ultimate title.

Editor S will support The Shining while Editor B will make a case for The Exorcist. Don't forget to make your own pick after reading our arguments!

Editor S: As someone's who's long been a chicken about watching scary movies, I tend to get freaked out by a horror flick, and then eventually get over it. I have never gotten over The Shining. It's scary because it's more disturbing than anything; it's not a supernatural story like The Exorcist that you can choose not to believe in; cabin fever could realistically happen to someone - someone you know.
Editor B rebuttal: I will admit that I do think The Shining is terrifying, but it didn't haunt me the way The Exorcist does. That face? That voice? The imagery of a girl crabwalking backwards down the stairs is imprinted in my brain! You can't unsee that kinda stuff, though I wish I could. And cabin fever may be real, but The Exorcist left me believing that maybe possession is real too.

To see the rest of the arguments, just read more.

Editor S: The Shining has just about every horrific horror film element you can think of: gore, psychological disintegration, cabin fever, possession; but none of them define the movie. It's such a complex, well done film with great acting and directing. While there are a few shocks, some of the scariest moments of the movie are the quietest, like when you gaze down an empty hall, see Jack at his desk, working, or discover what's been typed on Jack's typewriter over and over again with his wife. Because the terror is so simmering and pervasive in the movie, there's no time you can stop stressing out, no calm scenes in between the madness.
Editor B rebuttal: The Exorcist has all the elements that make horror films fun and terrifying at the same time. Monstrous images? Check. Creepy child? Check. Excessive amounts of bodily fluids (hello, green bile)? Check. Not to mention the over-the-top campiness, suspenseful moments, and perhaps the scariest theme music of all time. Oh, and levitation. Talk about being stressed out - just when you think there's a safe moment, a vision of the devil flashes across the scene, trying to brainwash us all.
Editor S closing argument: With most scary movies, you can become desensitized to a gory murder scene, tell yourself it's just a movie, but that doesn't work with The Shining. It stays with you more; even as great an actor as Jack Nicholson is, I'll never not see him wielding an axe at his terrified wife. And I'm also irrationally scared of empty hotels.
Editor B: The Exorcist is the kind of movie that you can watch at 10:30 in the morning, surrounded by friends and family, and still be scared to your core. (Ever had a daymare? This is the fast track to get you there). Jack Nicholson went on to find fame with other films, but nobody could ever look at Linda Blair again without envisioning her head turning all the way around.

So, which movie has your vote?

Rashida Jones and Chris Pratt Talk Parks and Recreation

BuzzSugar — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:38:35 -0700

Since the beginning of the Fall season, Parks and Recreation has gone from shaky midseason replacement to a solid half-hour of comedy, thanks in part to a talented and hilarious cast. Two of my favorite actors from the show, Rashida Jones and Chris Pratt, who play Leslie's best friend Ann and Ann's ex-boyfriend Andy, respectively, chatted with some reporters this week about Parks and what's in store for their characters.

Rashida on the possibility of Ann and Andy getting back together: You know, I don't think it's an impossibility. I think there's still love in Ann's heart for Andy. I think so much would have to change for him to be OK with her. But I don't think it's an impossibility.
Chris on whether Andy will get a job or home: Yeah, the writers have found a nice way for Andy to get out of the pit and get a job and start sort of working his way up into independence.

To read more on why Chris and Rashida think the second season has been better, Ann and Andy's ex relationship, and those nude scenes, just read more.

Rashida on whether she likes Ann and Andy better together or apart: I think there's a lot of comedy both ways. I mean, I like this particular paradigm; I think it's really funny, because I just think Chris gets to shine a lot here and do something with something that could potentially seem really kind of cartoony and big which is like him, you know - showing up places and pretending to be casual about seeing me and all that. But he manages to make it kind of realistic and really sweet. So I like this dynamic for now.
Chris on whether Andy will start dating: I think that Andy's undying devotion toward Ann is one of the only things that sort of redeems him, so I hope not. I hope that he just keeps pining after Ann for 10 seasons to come. That would be the best for me.
Rashida on what Chris wears when he's naked on the show: They have those really unappealing little dance belts that were uncomfortable for Chris Pratt.
Chris on the nude scenes: Yeah, let's just say there was a dance belt included and it was uncomfortable. They kind of just are these little things that cover up your junk, but it was almost as if I was wearing nothing at all. Yeah.
Rashida on the show clicking more in the second season: It just takes time. I think for the actors, for the writers, for the audience, you just need some time to settle into what the characters actually are, and what's funny about their dynamics. And I'm super grateful that people gave us a shot to get there but I definitely think it takes about 10 episodes to even know what anything is, you know? I mean, you watch some early Seinfeld, you watch some early Sex and the City, it's nothing like the show turned out to be; the things that people loved about that show did not exist at the beginning of that show, you know.
Chris on the same: I've noticed that, as a fan of the show, I've seen it get better and better, and working on it I've noticed the scripts coming down the pipes have gotten better, but it kind of goes back to what Rashida said: it takes time for everybody. And I think it's just a matter of finding the sensibilities to all the characters and starting with Amy, you know; I think a lot of people compared Steve Carell to Ricky Gervais from The Office when they first started the American version of The Office. But he has a different style of comedy, and maybe they were writing for Steve the way they did for Ricky Gervais. And maybe in the beginning, they were writing for Amy the way that they wrote for Steve Carell, but her comedic sensibility is a little different. Maybe it's not that funny to watch her be uncomfortable the way it is with Steve Carell, but it's so goddamned endearing when she smiles. And you see her and when she's enjoying herself, so is the audience. And you see her doing that a lot more now; kind of just becoming comfortable in who she is, and like the episode with the beauty pageant, she's standing up for women's rights. You're seeing more dimensions of her. And maybe it's always been who they've envisioned her to be, or maybe they're figuring it out, but I sure like Leslie a lot more in the second season. I just enjoy watching her more and I think that's starting to happen with all the characters.

Don't forget to tune in to watch Ann and Andy on tonight's special Halloween episode; something tells me that some of what Rashida and Chris talked about will start developing sooner rather than later!

House Rundown, "Instant Karma"

BuzzSugar — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:30:00 -0700

This week's House continued to stick to the tried-and-true show recipe, and our favorite doctor was there pulling the strings - even if he isn't technically in charge. The episode answered one or two of my previous questions, and while the writers quickly tied up the dilemma involving last week's death of the dictator (breathe a collected sigh of relief), I highly doubt that Chase and Foreman's shared secret is just going to be swept under the rug for good.

I'm curious to see how everything plays out, but for now, take a look at my questions (some spoilers!) from this week's episode and share your thoughts when you read more.

Foreman brings up a good point, when will House get back his license? I'm interested to see how long they drag it out for, although I do kind of like to see him play the annoying backseat driver to poor Foreman.
Why isn't Chase a little more nervous about the M&M presentation at the beginning? He seems a bit too cocky about getting away scot-free.
Thirteen! Man, I love seeing her and House spar. Wilson is right - she's the only one who doesn't get sucked into the "House vortex." I know she's boarding a plane at the end, but I think she'll be back, don't you? Once Jennifer Morrison leaves, it would be strange to have just Chase and Foreman debate the odd medical scenarios.
Speaking of Cameron's departure, it definitely seems like the writers are going to use Chase's secret to cause a rift in their relationship. First, they keep showing her alone in bed night after night, but then she asks him what was going on, and he continues to dig himself even deeper into the lie. When she does learn the truth - I'm thinking soon - there's going to be a huge blow-up.
Why is it that House's pervy comments always make me laugh?! I love this one that he said to Thirteen: "I wasn't talking to you; I was spying on the MILF in the running shorts." Ha!
I think this episode really shows a softer side to House. It started when he tells Foreman, "You're going to be a good boss, Boss." Awww, is that an actual tender moment from the crotchety doctor?! And then he goes on to save Chase and Foreman from their M&M review, and he tries to bring back Thirteen? House may say his heart is "three sizes to small," but he is spreading good will all over the hospital - well, good will for House at least.
Anyone else find the "Midas" dad kind of annoying? I don't dig his cocky attitude, and I was actually more interested in how things were playing out between the doctors than the actual medical case in this episode.
Here's a real philosophical question for you: Do you think that in some karmic way, that the father getting rid of his fortune really does help his son? House seems to be deep in thought over it at the end of the episode - or maybe he's questioning taking over the team again?
I love the moment where Chase tells House that he will always be in the guy in charge, but perhaps House is doubting his leadership. He does tell Cuddy that the combination of puzzles and power proved to be a bad mix for him. Still, I'm ready to see him running the place again, even if he pretty much already does.

What'd you think of the episode? Do you think House may be turning into a softie? Will he take over the reins from Foreman? And how will Thirteen finally make her return (if she does)? I want to hear all your hypotheses!

If this didn't satisfy your House hunger, head over to the House Group in the BuzzSugar Community to keep the conversation going!

Photo courtesy of Fox

Isla Fisher Lands Two New Movie Roles!

BuzzSugar — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 05:30:33 -0700

Isla Fisher's career has yet to live up to my expectations. I loved her in Wedding Crashers - who else can hold their own against Vince Vaughn the way she did? - but then Definitely, Maybe and Confessions of a Shopaholic weren't the launch into leading lady status that I'd hoped they'd be. Earlier this year, we heard that she was working on a film script with Amy Poehler, but we still haven't seen her on the big screen in months. Too long if you ask me.

But wait! This week's casting news reveals that Fisher has two new films in the works at Universal. First up is Life Coach, about a woman who consults - wait for it - a life coach. The second project is a rom-com based on a French script titled, Un Jour Mes Princes Viendront or in English, One Day My Princes Will Come.

With so few details at this point, it's hard to say whether either film will prove to be Fisher's big breakthrough, but I really want to see her career take off as the A-list funny lady I know she can be. I'm keeping my fingers crossed - how about you? Are you excited to see Isla Fisher get more work?