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Michael Fassbender Joins Up With Thor's Chris and Olivia at London's Empire Awards

Allie Merriam — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 08:30:36 PDT

Last night's 2012 Empire Awards in London brought out a range of good-looking, foreign men. Michael Fassbender picked up the best hero statue and posed for photos solo afterward. It was a guys-only night for the actor - Michael was without girlfriend Nicole Beharie, who was his costar in Shame. Michael's X-Men costar James McAvoy was also without the leading lady in his life, wife Anne-Marie Duff. James stopped to smile for a picture, though, with Downton Abbey's Joanne Froggatt. Other honorees included best actor Gary Oldman for Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, best male newcomer Tom Hiddleston, and best sci-fi/fantasy Thor. The latter film's star Chris Hemsworth was on hand for the show, as was his costar Olivia Wilde. Chace Crawford suited up to join in on the fun as well.

Holiday Season Comes Early With the Arthur Christmas Trailer

Rose Curiel — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 11:34:51 PDT

We may still be a few weeks off from Halloween, but Sony is already getting us in the Christmas spirit with the trailer for the CGI animated film Arthur Christmas. The kid-friendly movie takes a look at the complicated, family-run operation in Santa's workshop, which exists with the help of his super-organized eldest son Steve (Hugh Laurie), and his bumbling youngest son Arthur (James McAvoy). Jim Broadbent, who voices the role of Santa, and Bill Nighy, who voices the grandfather, round out a cast of big-name British talent, which means the film offers one endearing English accent after another and Britishisms that include Granddaddy Claus cutely complaining about never being able to remember the "ruddy" names of the reindeer.

With his blind faith in the Christmas spirit and Santa, Arthur reminds me of an animated version of Buddy the Elf, which comes as a welcome contrast to some of the other films hitting theaters during the holidays. With movies like The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo billing itself as the "feel bad movie" of the holiday, my inner cheeseball is happy there's still a cutesy Christmas movie hitting the theater. Watch the trailer for Arthur Christmas after the jump

X-Men: First Class - A Prequel to the Rescue

Shannon Vestal — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 09:45:27 PDT

In a Summer full of sequels, X-Men: First Class does more than live up to its franchise - it improves upon it. With a combination of great actors, a compelling story, and a fun, swingin' '60s setting, X-Men First Class is an entertaining blockbuster that doesn't sacrifice any substance for style. Technically a prequel rather than a sequel, First Class visits the universe of the X-Men before they came into their own as superheroes. James McAvoy is the young Charles Xavier, a new professor studying genetic mutation, with his own to boot: telepathy. Michael Fassbender plays Erik Lensherr, a man who witnessed the murder of his family during the Holocaust as a boy, and who has spent much of his adulthood tracking down and killing those responsible. At his disposal is his own mutation: the ability to attract and manipulate metal like a magnet, eventually earning the nickname Magneto.

When upstart CIA agent Moira MacTaggert (Rose Byrne) is monitoring suspicious businessman Sebastian Shaw (Kevin Bacon) and his involvement with nuclear weaponry, she witnesses his alliance of mutant minions. Moira consults Charles for his mutant research, recruiting him to help in her investigation. Erik and Charles encounter each other while Erik is hunting Shaw, who happens to be the man who killed Erik's mother. Erik and Charles find that they have much in common and form a fast friendship. Though the plot is propelled forward by the pursuit of the villain Shaw, the real meat of the movie is in the origin story of the mutant characters and how they came to harness their powers as X-Men. It's an angle that breathes fresh new life into the series, and the clean slate is an opportunity that's not wasted by director and writer Matthew Vaughn. Find out why I enjoyed X-Men: First Class so much when you

After four other movies, the X-Men franchise felt like it was losing a bit of its spark, especially after X-Men Origins: Wolverine failed to reignite it. Perhaps that film's focus on one character was too limiting, because First Class's breadth gives you enough to chew on to keep your attention. Introducing us to several key characters and giving us the entire mutant story is much more effective.

The shared backstory is absorbing; using an invention of brilliant young scientist Hank McCoy (Nicholas Hoult), Charles and Erik locate several mutants, each in various states of bewilderment over their mutations. Most prominently, Raven (Jennifer Lawrence) suffers from the angst of being unable to accept her true, blue shape-shifting form, Hank has been ridiculed for his animal-like feet, and Alex (Lucas Till) lives in fear of hurting people with his fiery gift. Along with a few others, the young outcasts form a community for the first time, and Charles establishes a school for them at his home, training each of them to take control of their particular abnormalities. Eventually, they find their way, and new monikers: Mystique, Beast, Havok, Banshee, and Professor X, to name a few.

Though the characters themselves are recognizable, the fresh faces playing them are newbies to the series, and most are new to the superhero genre itself. Fassbender, McAvoy, and Lawrence are each known for their dramatic performances, and the combined acting chops are a boon in an action movie. The only negative takeaway I had was that I wanted to spend more time with the characters in their development and bonding. The relationships (and potential romances) among the mutants are far more interesting than Shaw's plot to incite a third-world war, even if it is necessary to explain how Charles and Erik came to be on opposing sides.

First Class finds a balance of drama and action that keeps it from being a mindless popcorn flick, while still retaining the high energy of one. The tone varies admirably; the movie can be tragic at times, but it also has plenty of lighthearted moments to prevent it from being a totally dark, dramatic take on X-Men. Charles has an affection for chugging beer and hitting on women, and Raven's adolescence makes her an incorrigible flirt. Likewise, Fassbender breezes into each scene with charm as murderous as his mutant skills. As cheesy as it may be, the fantastic cast and story can be summed up by its title: first class.

Video: Michael Fassbender's Ginger Pride and James McAvoy's Heartthrob Drawback

PopSugar — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 03:50:00 PDT

X-Men: First Class costars Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy were more than happy to chat all about their film, as well as a few more personal topics, during a recent press day in NYC. The guys complimented each other's secret skills, and James even revealed one downside to being a world-renowned heartthrob. Michael, meanwhile, took off his cap to flaunt his new blond locks, though he admitted that his hair color allegiance is still with the "gingers" of the world. Check out the X-Men: First Class reviews and watch below!

James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender Hug It Out Alongside January and Zoe

Katie Henry — Thu, 26 May 2011 13:29:16 PDT

January Jones joined her X-Men: First Class costars in NYC this morning for a promotional stop by The Today Show. The foursome sat down with Matt Lauer to chat about their prequel, which opens nationwide June 3, and even shared what superpowers they would like to have; January, Zoe Kravitz, and James McAvoy chose the power of flight while Michael Fassbender joked he'd like to be able to grow a tail. The stars stepped out together last night for the film's Big Apple premiere, with Kevin Bacon, Lucas Till, and Rose Byrne joining the posse for photos. They were still missing a few key members of the all-star cast, since Jennifer Lawrence and Nicholas Hoult weren't able to attend. January was decked out in an asymmetrical dress for the a.m. interview after rocking a Preen ensemble last night, though she introduced a particularly sexy maternity style when she wore a sheer shirt back in LA earlier this week.

Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy, and Pregnant January Jones Dress Up to Show Off X-Men

Allie Merriam — Thu, 26 May 2011 07:22:56 PDT

The stars of X-Men: First Class rolled up to their premiere at NYC's Ziegfeld Theatre last night in a collection of vintage cars, perfect for the blockbuster set back in the '60s. Leading men Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy were dapper on the carpet following a long day of work at their press junket - stay tuned next week for our chat with the guys! January Jones covered up her baby bump in a blue and black Preen dress while Zoe Kravitz supported her longtime pal Alexander Wang in a gray velvet maxi. The cast was rounded out by Rose Byrne, Lucas Till, and Kevin Bacon, who fit a stop by The Late Show between afternoon interviews at the evening's screening. Rumored couple Zoe Kravitz and Michael Fassbender kept their distance on the carpet, posting with their many costars in between. The movie actually brought together another duo, since Jennifer Lawrence and Nicholas Hoult are apparently dating now, too! Jennifer and Nicholas, though, weren't able to attend yesterday's event. The X-Men family connections keep coming, with Zoe's dad Lenny now set to star in The Hunger Games with Jennifer.

Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy Steam Up London During a Night Off From X-Men

Allie Merriam — Tue, 24 May 2011 12:27:39 PDT

X-Men: First Class costars Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy were spotted outside their hotel in London last night. The hot duo are in the midst of a press tour for the blockbuster that hits theaters in the US on June 3. The next stop on their itinerary will be NYC in order to participate in a junket tomorrow. Shooting the blockbuster, which took place over the course of the last year, actually seems to have started a love connection for Michael. He's rumored to be dating their cast mate Zoe Kravitz, and she even turned out to support Micheal as he made the promotional rounds for his last movie Jane Eyre. There must have been something in the air, since they aren't the only people who coupled up during the course of production - Jennifer Lawrence is reportedly seeing Nicholas Hoult after they met on set! She has done a few interviews on behalf of their joint project, but she's been booked lately prepping for her starring role in The Hunger Games. The latter series actually brings her back to the X-Men family, since Zoe's dad, Lenny Kravitz, was just cast as Cinna.

Video: The Hottest Blockbuster Boys of Summer For 2011!

BuzzSugar — Fri, 20 May 2011 03:45:00 PDT

Nothing beats the Summer movie season when it comes to hot films starring even hotter guys. From Ryan Gosling's six-pack abs to Johnny Depp's pirate swagger, here are the movies - and men - we can't wait to see!

Link Time - Alec Baldwin Heads to Rome With Woody Allen

BuzzSugar — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 13:58:51 PDT

Alec Baldwin signs on for Woody Allen's next film - Moviefone
The new Wonder Woman will actually have three different costumes - Vulture
More spoilers from The Office season finale - TV Squad
Ashton Kutcher's PSAs against human trafficking are bizarre - PopWatch
10 child actors who stole the movie - Flavorwire
James McAvoy scores a role in Welcome to the Punch - The Wrap
Decorating ideas to borrow from wedding movies - CasaSugar

Keira Knightley Joins Lily Cole and James McAvoy For a Winning Evening

Lindsay Miller — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 12:28:26 PDT

Keira Knightley and James McAvoy teamed up in London last night at the Jameson Empire Awards. The actors were on hand for the annual celebration of British filmmaking, where a Rodarte-clad Keira was honored with the Hero award. Keira may be best known for her movie roles, but she has been focusing on her part in The Children's Hour and her role as the face of Coco Mademoiselle perfumes lately. She posed with fellow model Lily Cole on the red carpet yesterday before the ceremony. Lily smiled for the cameras despite a late Friday out at The Box with her rumored new guy, Jude Law. The pair, who dated previously, have been spotted getting cozy since his recent split from Sienna Miller.