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Video: Emma Roberts and Freddie Highmore on Their Big Teenage Crushes!

PopSugar — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 10:31:00 PDT

Emma Roberts and Freddie Highmore are the two stars of a new movie from writer and director Gavin Wiesen - check out The Art of Getting By's reviews! We sat down with the pair earlier this week to chat about what their high school experiences were like, as well as what their first big crushes were like. Emma also revealed her Summer plans, while Freddie's taking it easy after finishing a first year at Cambridge. Watch below!

The Art of Getting By: A Familiar but Sweet Coming of Age

Shannon Vestal — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 03:05:00 PDT

You've definitely seen a movie like The Art of Getting By before. It's the coming-of-age story of a young man trying to figure out what he wants to do with his life, and falling for his dream girl in the process. Though the Manhattan-set dramedy doesn't break new territory, it's still a heartwarming, clever film with a pair of appealing leads in Emma Roberts and Freddie Highmore.

Highmore plays George, a high school senior whose penchant for avoiding his assignments has earned him something of a reputation - and the risk of not graduating. The only things that can keep his attention are his art (well, his very concentrated efforts at doodling) and a girl named Sally (Roberts). Sally is the prototypical high school princess who beguiles George from the moment they start hanging out. Sally is intrigued by George and his talent for slacking, and they become friends, though it's obvious that George has more-than-friendly feelings for her. Even though the course of their relationship is as predictable as that of a Hollywood romantic comedy, watching George and Sally go from friends to something more is a pleasure. To find out what else I thought of The Art of Getting By, just

It's great seeing Highmore graduating from child actor (he was the sweet-faced title character in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) and growing up. He captures the quintessential teenage experience of feeling like an outsider among your peers but still fearful of what they think. And he's hardly an apple-cheeked youngster that you're constantly rooting for; George is a good kid, but also kind of a jerk at some points. His rudeness to his mother (Rita Wilson) is disconcerting, but it's also spot-on for a moody kid of that age.

Another actor who proves he's come into his own with this film is Michael Angarano. As irresponsible artist Dustin, he becomes a mentor of sorts to George. I used to think of Angarano as Jack's young son on Will & Grace, but he leaves his boyishness behind here. He's rakish and morally ambiguous as Dustin, and you're not quite sure if you want George to follow in his footsteps or not. Dustin's success validates George's laziness and belief that he'll be able to make it in life without putting in any effort. Alas, a series of misfortunes finally rouse George from his mindset, and he matures in front of our eyes.

It's an ending that you see coming, and really, predictability is the movie's main flaw. Luckily, bright young things Highmore and Roberts are the saving grace. With precocious charisma, they keep the timeworn boy-meets-girl formula afloat.

The Art of Getting By Trailer: Emma Roberts Beguiles Freddie Highmore

Shannon Vestal — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 08:30:42 PDT

Homework, the coming of age film that made a splash at the Sundance Film Festival in January, was recently renamed The Art of Getting By, and with its new title in place and a new trailer, it's ready it for its closeup. Set in NYC, the movie stars Freddie Highmore as precocious high school student George, who has slacked his way into his senior year, much to the chagrin of his teachers and advisors. He doesn't find much to get excited about besides art until he meets classmate Sally (Emma Roberts).

They become fast friends, showing each other their respective worlds, though it's obvious George is crushing on Sally from the moment he meets her. And as we do for every boy in a coming of age drama, we're left wondering if and how George will get the courage to act on his feelings. I'm a sucker for cute indie pieces like this, especially when you factor in the upbeat music in the preview (Peter Bjorn and John!). Michael Angarano, Elizabeth Reaser, and Alicia Silverstone round out the cast of the film, which is set for a June 17 release. To watch the trailer, just

Sundance Snapshot: Homework Makes the Grade

Becky Kirsch — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 18:04:34 PST

Freddie Highmore, the British actor who made a name for himself as the adorable Peter in Finding Neverland, is all grown-up now, and his latest film proves that he hasn't lost any of the raw talent that brought us to tears when he was just a boy. Homework, a teen dramedy of sorts, has already been acquired from Sundance by Fox Searchlight, so here's more on the film that will eventually be coming to a theater near you.

Who's behind it? In addition to Freddie Highmore and Emma Roberts, director Gavin Wiesen had plenty of stars to fill his supporting cast, including Rita Wilson, Alicia Silverstone, Blair Underwood, Elizabeth Reaser, and Michael Angarano.
What's it about? Highmore plays George, a teenage loner in New York City who refuses to do his homework assignments despite his obviously sharp mind. Consumed with the idea that all people are going to die eventually anyway, George can't find a reason to commit himself to schoolwork and instead chooses to spend class time nurturing his budding artistic skills. When he meets Sally (Emma Roberts), George finds his first true friend, and his world changes as he begins to experience emotions that he never knew he had - but his graduation from high school hangs in jeopardy.

To see why the film shines, just

What did I think? I wasn't expecting much more than a typical teen movie, but the film delivers a surprising amount of depth. Don't get me wrong: the cliches are aplenty, from George's overbearing stepfather to the "cool" principal at school, but Highmore brings enough complexity to his role to make George more than just a precocious slacker. Though George's feelings are universal (and not just to high school students): he's grappling with the questions of how to find meaning in life and whom to share it with. George's "homework" is much more than just term papers and problem sets; he's trying to figure out what kind of person he wants to be. The beauty is that Highmore's performance makes the audience realize George's potential long before he does.

The supporting players, though for the most part one-dimensional, add layers to George's story without introducing a slew of subplots. His relationship with Sally is the heart of the film, but George's interactions with everyone around him (his parents, his teachers, etc.) shed more light on what makes George tick. Teen films often try to veer off in too many directions or follow too many characters, but Wiesen is wise to keep the story focused on Highmore - and Highmore carries the weight with ease, proving that he's on the brink of transforming from child star to leading man.

Link Time! Emma Roberts Buckles Down For Homework

BuzzSugar — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:30:00 PDT

Emma Roberts and Freddie Highmore join teen romance Homework - Collider
Seth Rogen and Chris Pine may court Reese Witherspoon for This Means War - The Wrap
Johnny Depp directed this music video - Music Mix
Big Love star Mireille Enos nabs AMC's The Killing - TV Squad
James Franco's Howl to release in September - Film School Rejects
Yes! Community webisodes - PopWatch
These onscreen bridesmaids teach real ones what not to do - TresSugar
Groan: an old-man version of The Hangover with Jack Nicholson - Slash Film
Julia Roberts to produce biopic about George Mallory - Cinematical
Check out this dream list of movies for Jennifer Aniston to direct. I'm 100 percent behind a Friends film or a John Mayer biopic - The Frisky

Movie Preview: Astro Boy

BuzzSugar — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 13:30:46 PDT

Back at Comic-Con I was treated to a sneak peek at Astro Boy, Summit's CG-animated film based on the Japanese TV series. At the time, the movie was overshadowed by New Moon anticipation, but I finally got a chance to see the cool, futuristic trailer without distraction.

Freddie Highmore voices the title character, a boy robot who's been engineered to perfection with all kinds of fun gadgets. Things seem to be going fine for Astro and his pals (including Cora, voiced by Kristen Bell) until the evil Dr. Elefun (Bill Nighy) decides the robo-boy would be a perfect addition to his army. Just like geeksugar, I've got a soft spot for robots, so I'm diggin' this pint-sized superhero. Check out the trailer and let me know if you agree.

To see the trailer, just

Buzz News Roundup, 6/16

BuzzSugar — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 13:36:25 PDT

M.I.A. announced her retirement from live shows at Bonnaroo, NME reports - while the Associated Press details how Kanye West angered the crowd by delaying his show till 4:25 a.m.
Veteran screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan (Return of the Jedi, Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Big Chill) will write the script for a film adaptation of the 1980s cartoon Robotech, with Tobey Maguire producing, writes Hollywood Reporter.
Speaking of The Big Chill, its star William Hurt will reunite with Glenn Close in season two of Damages, Variety reports.
According to ComingSoon the voice cast for a CG-animated movie version of Astro Boy has been announced, with Freddie Highmore in the main role and Bill Nighy, Donald Sutherland and Nathan Lane (among others) supporting.
West Wing star Janel Moloney is among four actors cast in an ABC fantasy pilot called Captain Cook's Extraordinary Atlas, reports Zap2it.
Variety reports that while The Incredible Hulk reigned supreme in U.S. theaters over the weekend, The Happening was No. 1 at the box office overseas.
Jason Bateman has scored a deal to develop series at Fox, writes the Hollywood Reporter. Meanwhile, in other Arrested Development alumni news, writers of Mitchell Hurwitz's show Sit Down, Shut Up are striking to get WGA benefits.
Coldplay's latest album Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends "raced" to the top spot on U.K. charts, writes Billboard.

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Hayden Takes Care of Her Own

PopSugar — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 14:00:52 PST

With no Milo Ventimiglia in sight, Hayden Panettiere had a much younger man, her brother Jansen, on her arm at the premiere of The Spiderwick Chronicles in LA last night. Hayden's still a family girl at heart, but earlier this week that backfired a bit. At Wednesday's Old Navy party mom Panettiere's dress was a little too risqué for her daughter's taste and Hayden had to leave the dance floor in order to try and keep her mother decent. We all know what it's like to be embarrassed of your parents, but let's hope that Mrs. Panettiere doesn't turn into a party mom.

Lots more of Hayden and her little brother along with Nick Nolte and others so

View 14 Photos ›

Images include: Hayden Panettiere, Jansen Panettiere, Freddie Highmore, Nick Nolte, Joy Lauren, Martin Short, Zane Huett, Michael Indelicato

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Lindsay and Hayden Hang Out in Capri

PopSugar — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 05:05:00 PST

Lindsay Lohan was honored this weekend at the 12th Annual Capri Hollywood International Film Festival for her amazing work in film. Clearly they missed out on all the other shocking LL headlines and amazing photos as evidence which most of us were following. Maybe this honor will help LL continue her good girl stride and have her concentrate more on those great performances we remember like Freaky Friday and Mean Girls. Also honored at the event was Heroes star, Hayden Panettiere. We're not really sure what kind of criteria these folks are using to choose their honorees, but young blonde Hollywood starlets were on the top of their list this year.

To see more from Capri including Lily Cole, Freddie Highmore and lots of LL and Hayden just

View 21 Photos ›

Images include Hayden Panettiere, Lindsay Lohan, Lily Cole, Edoardo Costa, Valeria Marin, Freddie Highmore, Carla Gugino, Salvo Ficarra

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Michael Angarano on Working and Taking Punches in NYC, and the Blockbusters He Loves to Watch

Allie Merriam — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 05:30:00 PDT

Michael Angarano is one of the young cast members in The Art of Getting By, formerly known as Homework, which is out today. The film, a debut from writer and director Gavin Wiesen, is a coming-of-age story that features a love triangle. Angarano's Dustin, a twenty-something artist living in a Brooklyn loft, finds himself caught between Freddie Highmore's George and Emma Roberts's Sally, who are both about to graduate high school. We were able to chat with Angarano earlier this week about having a role in the film that was shot in his hometown of NYC, his own experiences as a teenager, and what blockbusters he's pumped to see this year. He even revealed that he got caught in a bar fight while shooting! He said:

On what he was like in high school: "I was more of an athlete, I played soccer and I ran track, you know I did things like that. And so were my friends. But I was always working at the same time so I had the way of expressing myself. I felt like if I went to high school as a kid who wasn’t an actor I feel like it would have been completely different. I probably would have discovered in high school theater and film."
About having his first teenage love: "I feel like we all have it at about the same age, and if we don’t, we will. It’s that moment where you realize that living for yourself is not what life’s all about. It’s where you have this moment, and it’s a moment, that changes you. Because you realize that you love this person and you will live for them, or that you’ll at least die for them. It’s kind of that love that makes you realize that life isn’t all about what’s going on in your head, it’s about what’s going on around you, between these people. So it changes everything, it changes how you think and how you act and what you do things for, what motivates you."
On enjoying shenanigans while shooting in NYC: "I did! There were a lot of shenanigans for me. I only worked eight out of the 22 or 25 days. I got punched in the face while filming. I was at a bar and I got punched. It was bad because we had to film that Monday, and it was a Friday. There’s a scene in the movie where I have a nice black eye that’s covered up in makeup. . . I was trying to stop a fight. And I got punched. I was at this bar downtown, I don’t even know where, all I know is there were these gold skulls lining the walls. And it seemed like some form of hell."

To read what big films Michael is looking forward to seeing this Summer and what his plans are, as well as how it was coming home to NYC, just

On his Summer plans: "I'm actually going to start a movie called The Brass Teapot with a girl named Juno Temple in July in upstate New York. . . And so I’m really excited about that, I’m going to spend most of the Summer in upstate New York."
On his Summer vacation plans: "This, in a weird way is kind of like my vacation. Well, I live in LA and when you work as an actor there are weeks or months at a time where you kind of just are able to live your life unbothered, really, because there’s a lack of stuff going on or you have something planned, so it’s not, so you can kind of do whatever you want. . . So that’s where I’m at right now. I’ve been hanging out, not working. Last year I worked pretty consistently, and now those movies are finally coming out."
On shooting in NYC: "It was inexplicably, indescribably amazing. It was really really fun for me, because it was almost like I was discovering the city for the first time. It was almost like experiencing something in a whole different way that I was so familiar with. I had lived in the city - no well I didn’t, I lived in Staten Island - but I spent my whole life in the city. I never got to walk around the city by myself. I was always in a car with my dad or I was working. So to be able to live in Greenwich Village and be able to walk to set and basically be in the same wardrobe. It was kind of like living the lifestyle of the character which made it a very seamless experience for me."
On the Summer movies he wants to see: "I saw Tree of Life and I saw Bridesmaids and all of those were really great. I live for Terrence Malick movies so Tree of Life blew me away. But I just saw Super 8, that was a fun experience. Just watching the Summer blockbusters I feel is discovering what it means to be an avid movie lover. Even if the movie isn’t great in your eyes because you’re critiquing it because there’s a messed up frame or something you come to analyze as you be in movies. But I still very much enjoy watching the huge movies, because that’s why you want to become an actor for movies like that, basically."