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The Help Trailer: Emma Stone Explores How the Other Half Lives

Becky Kirsch — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 16:00:21 PDT

As if there was any doubt, the trailer for The Help makes it clear that the film is a bona fide chick flick. Set in 1960s Mississippi, Emma Stone stars as Skeeter, a recent college grad who returns home and takes a job working for a newspaper. When she's asked to choose a topic that "disturbs her", she asks to interview her friend's housekeeper, Aibileen (Viola Davis). The more Skeeter learns about the life of the hired help, the bigger her project becomes. Meanwhile, she clashes with her friend Hilly (Bryce Dallas Howard), who has a very different view of how housekeepers should be treated.

The film tackles issues of class and racial segregation, but is delivered in a frothy, purple-and-yellow package. I was expecting more from the trailer considering the novel's popularity, though perhaps this is a case where the preview doesn't do justice to the finished product. At the very least, it's fun to see all the '60s-style costumes and sets. See for yourself and tell us what you think when you

Buzz's Favorite Animated Voices

BuzzSugar — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 12:36:10 PDT

A lot of animated films owe a huge part of their appeal and success to the talented voices behind the characters. The characters might already exist on paper, but - just like their human counterparts - they can't truly come to life until the actors dig in and figure out who they're portraying. With Wall-E on the horizon, I thought back on a few of my favorite voices from animated films of yore. To check out some of my picks, hit "Start."

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Spielberg's Next Project: Scholastic's 39 Clues

BuzzSugar — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 11:44:24 PDT

After the crazy success of the fourth Indiana Jones movie, what's one of Hollywood's biggest directors to do? Why, turn a "multi-media adventure" into a huge film franchise, of course.

DreamWorks has acquired the rights to Scholastic's "multiplatform adventure series" titled The 39 Clues. The whole thing will include books, movies and opportunities for kids to become little sleuths. Variety explains:

The 39 Clues, which launches Sept. 9, is envisioned as a 10-book series to be released over two years. It's described as a multimedia adventure that will include a set of collectible cards and an online game that will serve as a portal as young readers try to solve a mystery for a grand prize of $10,000.

The focus of The 39 Clues is the most powerful family in the world, the Cahills, who count Napoleon and Houdini among their relatives. Readers will be challenged to discover the source of the family's powers, revealed through 39 clubs that are hidden around the world and scattered throughout history.

DreamWorks co-chair/CEO Stacey Snider claims "There is enough material here for three or four movies," (which Spielberg would probably direct) and that she's excited about the project not just as a film professional, but as a mother. Spielberg noted that The 39 Clues takes "creative leaps to expand the story experience from the pages of the books to multiple stages of discovery and imagination." From a man who possesses a phenomenal imagination himself, his interest in the project is high praise. I'm curious to see how this whole thing turns out.

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Kung Fu Panda: Defies Expectations

BuzzSugar — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 06:30:20 PDT

Before seeing Kung Fu Panda, I guessed the plot went something like this: A big dopey Jack Black-voiced panda bear dreams of becoming a kung fu fighter but has to reach deep within himself to find the courage to do so. In the process, the naysayers that surround said panda will learn a little something about judging a book by its cover. And it turns out, this is basically the case. However, going into it I wasn't worried that I knew the storyline, I was worried that it would be dull. If this tired premise isn't done well, it's just boring and a waste of time.

But the truth is, I was surprised and delighted by the filmmakers' decision to just stick to making this movie what it should be: light, visually interesting, and funny. It's as if they were telling us (grown-ups): "Look, we know a movie about a panda doing kung fu is just fun and we're not going to bore you with animated animal soul-searching. Instead, we're going to give you a cute, totally conventional story, without pausing to explore what makes the praying mantis tick."

To which I would like to respond with: thank you DreamWorks! To see why I thoroughly enjoyed myself at this flick and why I think it's the perfect summertime family film,

read more. The word that keeps springing to mind when I think about this movie is "surprising." Jack Black is surprisingly restrained and while there is no mistaking that voice, this is a warmer and fuzzier Jack Black: charming, sweet, a little bumbling, but the nicest guy in the world. And all of those words also describe Po, the chubby, out of shape panda at the center of the story. Po works in his father's noodle shop but dreams of one day becoming a kung fu master like his idols, the Furious Five: Tigress (Angelina Jolie), Crane (David Cross), Mantis (Seth Rogen), Viper (Lucy Liu) and Monkey (Jackie Chan), who have all been taught by Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman). According to a prophesy, it turns out Po is destined to save his village from a scary villain. Po's destiny makes the Furious Five resent him, and it means that the cranky Shifu has to teach the big clumsy panda kung fu. This is where I thought we'd be in for some predictable wax-on-wax-off moments, but again I was surprised by how lovely and irreverent the scenes were between Po and Shifu. Once it's time to get down to business and the kung fu really gets going, it is surprisingly good. It's no Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon but it's genuinely exciting and well-executed. Another example of smart decision-making has to do with Po's dad - who is a bird. The movie flirts with explaining how this is possible, but hilariously never goes for that father-son moment where he admits Po isn't really his. Instead, we just giggle along with the absurdity of it. In the end, it's a briskly paced movie that is aware of how many times the audience has seen this same thing (be it an animated feature or a martial arts film) and figures a way around all that monotony by piling on the charm and honing in on the sweet nature of the story. You'll probably leave wearing a surprised little smile. Photos courtesy of Paramount Pictures

NY Magazine Already Panning The Lovely Bones

BuzzSugar — Mon, 07 May 2007 15:14:56 PDT

Last week I brought you the news that Peter Jackson has written a screenplay adaptation of Alice Sebold's novel The Lovely Bones, a story told from the viewpoint of a 14-year-old girl who was raped and murdered. All Jackson neeeded was a studio to give him the money - and a lot of it. Variety claims the budget for Bones could run close to $90 million. Well, Jackson got someone to bite: DreamWorks.

So what will $90 million get you? New York Magazine has already reviewed Jackson's screenplay and the verdict is not great. Noting Jackson's successful fantasy-drama Heavenly Creatures, the New York Magazine writer figured The Lovely Bones would be equally promising. Not so, apparently.

Jackson doesn't get into Susie's head the way he did Pauline and Juliet's, and the incursion of the supernatural into everyday life feels showy rather than integral. The fantasy scenes in Heavenly Creatures were momentous, despite the shakiness of the special effects; though it's certain that the effects in The Lovely Bones will be brilliant, the scenes in Heaven, and Susie's interaction with Earth, don't have much magic on the page.

It certainly seems premature to dis on a movie that has a long way to go before it's a presentable film ready for critique, though I can't deny this article makes me slightly nervous for The Lovely Bones.

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War Horse: Spielberg's Perfectly Pleasing Horse Tale

Shannon Vestal — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 03:05:00 PST

Leave it to Steven Spielberg to make an engaging, epic, and poignant movie with a horse as the main character. The legendary director is behind War Horse, a World War I-set drama that follows a horse named Joey as he's raised in Britain and trained by his doting owner, Albert (Jeremy Irvine). Due to financial circumstances, Albert's family is forced to sell Joey to the war effort, and as the horse is involved in various battles and trades, he's passed from different owners and opposing sides all over Europe.

As Joey enters the life of each temporary caretaker, we experience a snapshot of these characters' lives and how the war has affected them. Though the movie is a long and sprawling tale, Spielberg makes each vignette compelling and touching enough that you want to ride along with Joey on his journey. To find out where else War Horse succeeds, just keep reading.

Reese Raves About Jen at the Women in Hollywood Event, With Barbra, Naomi, and More

Allie Merriam — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 14:14:15 PDT

The Elle Women in Hollywood Tribute, held inside LA's Four Seasons Hotel last night, brought out many A-list stars to toast honorees Jennifer Aniston, Barbra Streisand, Michelle Pfeiffer, Viola Davis, Evan Rachel Wood, Freida Pinto, Naomi Watts, Elizabeth Olsen, and DreamWorks studio head Stacey Snider. Jennifer Aniston brought boyfriend Justin Theroux along for the bash, and she looked amazing in a Kaufmanfranco dress. Elizabeth and Freida, meanwhile, picked Calvin Klein dresses for the occasion.

Many of the ladies paid tribute to legend award-winner Barbra, though Reese reserved her comments for Jennifer. Reese raved about Jennifer, saying, "You just want to get your nails done with her, and you want to make out with her at the same time. At least I do - and that's what we do sometimes on Saturdays." Reese also had time to say hi to her This Means War costar and pal, Chelsea Handler, as well as Robin Wright. Katherine Heigl made it an adorable date night with her husband, Josh Kelley, and Rachel Zoe stepped out in a long, flowy gown. We caught up with some of the ladies on the gray carpet before the event began. Naomi spoke about how amazing it was to shoot with Leonardo DiCaprio on their upcoming movie, J. Edgar, and joked that unlike some actors she's worked with, she likes him just as much as his work. Katherine Heigl admitted that she was inspired to act by Jennifer, and Michelle said she was so honored to be there - stay tuned for more later today on PopSugar Rush!

Box Office: Footloose Almost Knocks Real Steel Off Balance

BuzzSugar — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 03:05:00 PDT

It took fancy footwork to win the box office this weekend, but it was boxing and not dancing that got the victory. Real Steel got to the top of the box office for the second week in a row with $16.3 million. It just barely edged ahead of dance reboot Footloose, which earned $16.1 million in its first weekend out. Fellow new release and remake The Thing came in third with $8.7 million. Political drama The Ides of March stayed in the game at the No. 4 spot with $7.5 million, followed by Dolphin Tale with $6.3 million. Unfortunately, the Steve Martin/Jack Black/Owen Wilson comedy The Big Year didn't crack the top five; it came in ninth with a meager $3.3 million dollars.

Photo courtesy of DreamWorks

Film Forum: Did The Ides of March Win Your Vote?

BuzzSugar — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 05:30:00 PDT

The box office was rife with new movie options this weekend, including the opportunity to catch George Clooney playing a presidential nominee in The Ides of March. Did the handsome candidate accompanied by his equally good-looking costar Ryan Gosling entice you to head to the theater? Or maybe you opted for a ringside seat to the battle between robobots in Real Steel instead? Whether you headed to the theater for either of those new movies, or caught older releases like Dolphin Tale or Moneyball, tell us what you thought about 'em in the comments!

Photos courtesy of DreamWorks and Sony Pictures

Box Office: Real Steel Fights For Victory

BuzzSugar — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 03:05:00 PDT

Boxing robots waged an admirable box office battle this weekend, even defeating a pair of ruthless politicians. Real Steel won the first place at the box office with $27.3 million, while fellow new release, political drama The Ides of March, starring Ryan Gosling and George Clooney, came in second place with a total of $10.4 million. Following them in third place was the previous box office winner, Dolphin Tale, which earned $9.2 million. Brad Pitt's baseball flick Moneyball came in No. 4 with $7.5 million, and cancer comedy 50/50, starring Seth Rogen and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, completed the top five with 5.5 million.

Photo courtesy of DreamWorks