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Link Time: Watch Kris Allen's Video For "Live Like We're Dying"

BuzzSugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:00:39 -0800

Kris Allen's music video for "Live Like We're Dying" is here - Music Mix

Jemaine Clement says that he and Bret may not return for Flight of the Conchords because they're dads now - Vulture

New Moon's Jamie Campbell Bower thinks Tim Burton should direct Breaking Dawn - MTV Movies Blog

Watch Jay-Z and U2 perform "Sunday, Bloody Sunday" in Berlin - Pitchfork

Five Mad Men spinoffs that would be great ideas - TV.com

Jim Carrey's new website may freak you out - MTV Movies Blog

JJ Abrams is directing and exec-producing the pilot for his show Undercovers for NBC - Coming Soon

Top Chef Masters is cooking for the cast of Modern Family today! - Steve Levitan's Twitter

This week's Parks and Recreation brings up an interesting relationship issue - TresSugar

Stephen Frears reunites with his High Fidelity screenwriter D.V. De Vincentis for Lay the Favorite - Cinematical

Disney's A Christmas Carol: A Fun New Spin on an Old Favorite

BuzzSugar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:00:00 -0800

Charles Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol is, quite literally, a tale as old as time. Hollywood has already turned the novel into countless films, so how do you keep it fresh to entertain old and young audiences alike? You give them a pair of 3-D glasses.

I was a bit skeptical about Disney's newest remake of the flick, even with the super stylized animation and all-star cast behind the voices. But once you put on those glasses, you'll be oohing and aahing right along with the kids, making the film a fun ride. It doesn't tug on the heartstrings the way other versions can, but it's not devoid of emotion either. To see what I mean, just read more.

Robert Zemeckis brings the story we already know and love; old Ebenezer Scrooge (voiced by Jim Carrey) defines miserly and crotchety, spending his days counting his pennies and bitterly snapping at those around him. On one particularly Christmas Eve, he his haunted by the ghost of his former partner, Jacob Marley. Sporting chains and a ghastly demeanor, Marley warns Scrooge that he will suffer the same miserable fate if he doesn't take heed of three spirits who will visit him over the course of the night.

The film stays very true to Dickens's short novel, borrowing much of the text straight from the book and incorporating some of the darker elements that I hadn't seen before in versions designed for kids. That said, I still feel like some of the scenes waver on the side of being too scary. Marley's introduction with the chains is frightening but funny, whereas the progression of the ghost of Christmas present to the ghost of Christmas future (complete with full decay from giant to skeleton) probably would have given me nightmares when I was younger.

The special effects are all you could want and more; the 3-D pulls you right in, carrying you along with Scrooge as he flies overhead in his nightgown (and later spits in your face). You're in the midst of Victorian England at Christmas time, from the snowstorms to the festive music. It's dazzling - until you hit the emotional stuff.

The tale is one with a great big heart, but the actors can only go so far using their voices alone. In the most sentimental scenes, I found myself just wishing I could see the big name actors (which includes Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, and Robin Wright Penn) gazing into each other's eyes pointedly. Instead, it feels a bit like watching two mannequins standing face to face. Still, you're never bored for long, and there's always another thrill waiting at every turn.

In the end, Disney accomplishes its goal, producing a film that looks amazing and will entertain kids and adults alike. It may not be the best version of the tale to date, but it will leave you feeling plenty merry on your way out of the theater.

Photos courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures

Movie Preview: Jim Carrey in Disney's A Christmas Carol

BuzzSugar — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:30:58 -0700

Summer's not even over yet, but once you pack away those swimsuits, the holidays are just around the corner. Disney is already gearing up for the season with a brand new trailer for A Christmas Carol, but the preview isn't exactly packed with warm fuzzies and cheer.

We get another peek at a craggy, crotchety Scrooge (voiced by Jim Carrey) in his nightgown as he's haunted by three spirits. In fact, there is so much focus on the ghosts we've come to know so well that I'd almost think a Halloween movie was being advertised instead. Back in May, most of you said you were excited about another version of the classic, but I'm not so sure. I love anything that gets me in the spirit (and I'm a big Jim Carrey fan to boot), so hopefully there's more to this movie than what I'm seeing in this trailer. Maybe I'm the only one feeling "bah humbug" though - check it out for yourself after the jump.

To see the trailer, just read more.

Image courtesy of Disney

Do We Need Another Version of A Christmas Carol?

BuzzSugar — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:30:18 -0700

Charles Dickens's 19th-century classic, A Christmas Carol, has been adapted to film in many different forms over the years. The long list includes Mickey's Christmas Carol, The Muppet Christmas Carol, Scrooged starring Bill Murray, and most recently the Matthew McConaughey/Jennifer Garner romantic comedy (loose) version of the story, among others.

Now we have a first look at another Disney production of the holiday story starring Jim Carrey as Ebenezer Scrooge (he also plays the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come). Directed by Robert Zemeckis, it looks like a straight-up telling of the tale using some cool technology. As visually impressive as this movie looks, though, are you interested in seeing another version of A Christmas Carol?

Image courtesy of Disney

Buzz News Roundup, 5/1

BuzzSugar — Fri, 01 May 2009 13:30:48 -0700

Jim Carrey may take the lead in The Beaver, an offbeat dark comedy about a man and the beaver puppet he wears on his arm. - The Hollywood Reporter
Coldplay will give out a free live album to fans who see the band on tour this Summer. - Billboard
Things are looking up for Chuck as NBC prepares to announce its returning and new series on Monday. - TV.com
Recount writer Danny Strong is working on a new script based on the life of a former White House butler. - Zap2it
Disney has officially joined the Hulu video site. - Reuters
Iranian drama About Elly and documentary Racing Dreams were winners at the Tribeca Film Festival. - AP
Ed Westwick and Eva Amurri are two of the latest guest stars to sign on for Californication. - The Futon Critic
Lizzy Caplan, Crispin Glover, and Sebastian Stan have joined the cast of Hot Tub Time Machine alongside John Cusack and Rob Corddry. - The Hollywood Reporter
John McCain will host a war movie marathon on AMC this weekend. - USA Today

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What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 07:30:51 -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 my selections below you can take home The Day the Earth Stood Still, The Tale of Despereaux, and Beverly Hills, 90210: Season 7.

Yes Man
I'm a little baffled as to why the DVD cover for Yes Man doesn't include Jim Carrey's costar, Zooey Deschanel. She's a major selling point for me! Anyway, this movie is actually pretty cute and a great choice if you're looking for some laid-back, feel-good entertainment at home.

The story follows divorced loan officer Carl (Carrey) who lives life turning down everything from invitations to parties to the loan requests he hears every day. One day Carl finds himself at a self-help-type meeting all about the power of saying "yes" to every opportunity and it completely turns his life around. While he's in the process of becoming a "yes man" he starts up a romance with the free-spirited Allison (Deschanel), and soon learns that there are some negatives to his new lifestyle.

Special features include "Downtime on the Set of Yes Man with Jim Carrey," and "Jim Carrey: Extreme Yes Man - The Outrageous Physical Stunts the Star Performs."

Two more up next so read more.

Doubt
If you're looking for some serious actors doing some serious work, look no further than Doubt. Adapted from a stage play, the movie follows Sister Aloysius (Meryl Streep), the principal of a Bronx Catholic school in 1964, who becomes suspicious of the parish priest (Philip Seymour Hoffman) when he takes a particular shine to one boy. Things get more complicated when a young nun named Sister James (Amy Adams) is pulled into the conflict and doesn't know who to believe. The movie also includes an excellent performance from Viola Davis.

Each main member of the ensemble cast - Streep, Seymour Hoffman, Adams, and Davis - earned an Oscar nomination for his/her work in this movie.

Special features include "Doubt: From Stage to Screen," "Scoring Doubt," and commentary with writer/director John Patrick Shanley.

Bedtime Stories
Directed by Hairspray's Adam Shankman, Bedtime Stories is about a handyman who tells his niece and nephew imaginative stories that start to come true. Whatever the kids come up with each evening he has to survive in real life, including a gumball rainstorm and being set on fire.

It's so cute-looking and I really like the idea of a kids' movie starring Adam Sandler. Keri Russell, Guy Pearce, and Russell Brand also pop up in the film.

Bonus features include deleted scenes and outtakes.

Are These Three the New Stooges?

BuzzSugar — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:30:16 -0700

I've been curious about the Farrelly Brothers' Three Stooges project for a while now, and "curious" is also the word I'd use to describe today's casting news. Sean Penn is, as rumored, on board to play Larry, and Jim Carrey has entered negotiations to play Curly. And while nobody's officially claimed the role of Moe, The Hollywood Reporter says Benicio del Toro has been named as a possibility.

So, let's take a look at these three. Could they be funny together? With the exception of Carrey, none of them is particularly known for being funny solo, but maybe there's a hidden world of pratfalls and "nyuk-nyuk"s buried deep inside of them. Also of note, this tidbit about the project itself:

Originally constructed as four separate shorts, the feature screenplay has since been streamlined into a single narrative. Included in the story line is an opening that shows the Stooges as kids in an orphanage, a device that will require some Benjamin Button-style visual trickery to place the adult actors' heads on child actors' bodies.

So, it seems we've got a lot to talk about. How do these three potential Stooges-to-be stack up to your recast picks (I can't believe they wouldn't/couldn't get John C. Reilly)? And how are you feeling about the project itself at this point?

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Jim Carrey and Jake Gyllenhaal Are Damn Yankees

BuzzSugar — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 12:30:41 -0800

Ha, I guess we picked a good time to talk about big-screen musical adaptations, because there's news about a new one heading our way. Jake Gyllenhaal and Jim Carrey will star in a modernized film adaptation of Damn Yankees, produced by the folks behind Hairspray.

The musical - which was produced for the first time in 1955 - centers on Joe Boyd, a married man "whose devotion to a hapless pro baseball team prompts him to make a Faustian bargain with the devil to help the team." Varitey continues:

He's transformed into slugger Joe Hardy, in exchange for Boyd's soul. Boyd can break the deal, but the deadline occurs during the World Series. For good measure, the devil engages Lola, a gorgeous lost soul, to seduce the slugger and seal his fate.

Gyllenhaal will play Boyd, while Carrey's the devil. It's the first time either of them has done a big-screen musical, though Gyllenhaal's showed us his singing chops on SNL before and Carrey had that whole Cuban Pete number in The Mask. What do you make of the news? Is Damn Yankees one of the musicals you think could be well-suited for film? And who should be their Lola?

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Yes Man: Genuinely Feel-Good Fare

BuzzSugar — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 07:30:31 -0800

It may be a silly and simplistic movie, but Yes Man is also one of the few movies this year that left me grinning from ear to ear at the end. From the premise we know that it's about the power of positive thinking and being open to things and changing one's life for the better, etc. etc. And the crazy, great thing about this ridiculous film is that it’s actually pretty effective in making you think that you can (and should) do just that. It's funny, sure, and even more inspiring. And what’s wrong with that - especially these days?

Divorced loan officer Carl (Jim Carrey) is basically a "no man," turning down everything from invitations to parties to the loan requests he hears every day. At the suggestion of a friend, however, Carl finds himself at a self-help-type meeting all about the power of saying "yes" to every opportunity that comes around. So, Carl makes a pact with himself to say "yes" to everything. And while this leads to some bizarre (and sometimes dangerous) situations, it also frees him to try new things, which ultimately improves his attitude, his job life and his relationships. He even meets the irresistibly fun, charming and beautiful Allison (Zooey Deschanel). But it turns out there are negative things that can come from this extreme yea-saying, and Carl learns that the program has its limitations. Yup, that's about it for plot, so for more of my take on the whole thing, read more.

As you can see, there's not a whole lot going on here. As a movie it isn't noteworthy or extraordinary; everything about it is straightforward, from the ordinary characters to the uncomplicated storyline to the unremarkable filmmaking. But maybe that's part of the point: It's just a simple story with a simple message: Just. Say. Yes. And because it's so basic and uncomplicated, it's pretty damn easy to get swept up in the joyful, positive, forward motion of it all.

It's not even heartwarming or all that sentimental - it's just happy. Jim Carrey is the perfect choice for this role since he's funny both when he's playing the curmudgeon and as the guy who's "seen the light," so to speak. He commits fully to both sides of this character, and thankfully scales back the hokey just a bit so we’re not left watching Ace Ventura slobber all over cute-as-a-button Zooey Deschanel. I really like him in this movie and it makes me want to see more of this Jim Carrey who we've glimpsed before a few times, the version who's not only comfortable but good at playing a regular guy who learns stuff but is still just a regular guy in the end.

That's the thing, really: He's relatable. And because we can see ourselves in him, we also end up thinking that maybe our lives could also change if we said "yes" more often. We drink the Kool-Aid, so to speak. That positive thinking thing, it's powerful stuff. It works for this random dude, why wouldn’t it work for me, too?

Photos courtesy of Warner Bros.

Movie Preview: Jim Carrey in Yes Man

BuzzSugar — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 06:30:20 -0700

Jim Carrey has made some interesting movies in recent years, and by "interesting" I mean, "I'm not jumping out of my seat to see them" (Horton Hears a Who is the exception, of course). But lately he's been signing up for projects that seem like better, smarter choices for an actor of his talent, including Yes Man.

In the teaser trailer we are introduced to Carrey's character as a man who is a bit of a nay-sayer, constantly dismissing and rejecting the opportunities that come his way. But then he learns how to say "yes," and he is suddenly free to live life to its fullest, pulling the hilarious Zooey Deschanel along with him. This is basically the point at which Carrey is given license to go a little nuts and it's good to see.

Other things making this movie highly desirable include cast members Bradley Cooper and Danny Masterson.

You'll be able to see Yes Man in theaters Dec. 19 and to check out the teaser (which is super long, for a teaser!), read more.

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