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Leonardo DiCaprio to Take No Prisoners

BuzzSugar — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 06:30:00 -0800

After this weekend's trip to Shutter Island, Leonardo DiCaprio is ready for another thriller: he's reportedly attached to star in the film Prisoners, a drama that focuses on a carpenter who kidnaps the person he suspects is guilty of snatching his own daughter and her best friend.

Hollywood makes its share of disappearing children movies (just last week we saw the trailer for Jon Hamm's Stolen), but DiCaprio tends to exclusively pick substantial scripts, so I'm betting this won't disappoint. Also, as of now there's no director for Prisoners, so I'm also curious to see who the picky actor will pair up with. Suggestions?

Shutter Island: Time to Take Your Crazy Pills

BuzzSugar — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 05:30:00 -0800

When the release date of Martin Scorsese's Shutter Island was pushed back, I started to panic a little. Postponing a much-anticipated film is usually not a good sign, particularly since the delay took Shutter Island out of the Oscar running. I entered the theater with managed expectations, and left feeling thoroughly satisfied. Though it's not Scorsese's finest, it's still a solid, engaging film - and the first truly good movie I've seen in 2010.

Don't let the promos fool you: Shutter Island is not a duck-and-cover horror movie. Sure, it has its share of creepy music, suspenseful moments, and harrowing scenes, but you'll be scratching your head more than covering your eyes. The movie is all DiCaprio, as US Marshal Teddy Daniels investigating an escape from Ashecliffe Hospital on Shutter Island (off the coast of Boston) in 1954. Backed by his new partner Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo), Daniels immediately runs into issues with Ashlecliffe's doctors and patients, and becomes convinced that there's a conspiracy hiding in the case. As Teddy grows more obsessed with revealing the truth, the line between sanity and insanity slowly grows blurred.

I promise not to give away any big spoilers, so just read more.

The movie is loaded with old Hollywood thriller elements, almost to a tongue-in-cheek point. For starters, we've got two guys running around a hospital for the criminally insane (the only prison that's also a mental hospital), and they're on an island that only has one way off: a ferry. Naturally, the doctors seem to be hiding something and just when the detectives suspect foul play, a hurricane rolls in right on cue leaving them stuck among 66 mentally ill patients and caretakers who seem to have a hidden agenda.

In some ways, Shutter Island has Hitchcock written all over it, but I actually found myself drawing comparisons to some of Kubrick's work - and not just One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. The film is hedged largely on Teddy's flashbacks to a tortured past: as he falls deeper into to the island's abyss, he begins having nightmares about his deceased wife (Michelle Williams) and his time spent serving the country in World War II. Teddy's visions are graphic, and often disturbing glimpses at his inner psyche, but Scorsese portrays the images with vivid colors and a delicate finesse that makes them quietly beautiful and reminiscent of Kubrick's storytelling.

Though I wonder what Kubrick may have done with the script, the film is still Scorsese's, and the director's reputation is both his blessing and his curse. Audiences will undoubtedly compare Shutter Island to Scorsese's body of work, and it likely won't live up to expectations set by films like The Departed and Gangs of New York. Though engaging, the movie never truly grabs the audience by the throat; it's intense, but those heart-pounding moments I was anticipating never showed up. The story itself is also not without its flaws: despite a fulfilling ending, the movie still has holes, unanswered questions, and sub plots that are unnecessarily nurtured.

Bottom line: Shutter Island is a creepy thriller that keeps the audience on its toes right until the final scene. It's a strong showing from Scorsese even if it's not his most memorable film.

If you'd like to review a movie you've seen recently, check out the Movie Reviews Group in community. I may even feature your critique on the site!

Leonardo DiCaprio, Marc Forster Team Up For Political Thriller

BuzzSugar — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 10:30:18 -0800

Catch him if you can: Leonardo DiCaprio has been a busy bee of late (Inception and Shutter Island are both slated for release this year), and he's not slowing down anytime soon. Marc Forster has signed on to direct The Chancellor Manuscript, which is intended as a starring vehicle for DiCaprio.

The thriller is about a man who writes a novel about political corruption and finds himself hunted by those who think his manuscript will expose them. The script is based on a book written by Robert Ludlum, who is behind the Bourne trilogy.

I'm always game for some DiCaprio action and equally on board with director Forster, whose past projects are as varied as they are critically or commercially successful (The Quantum of Solace, Monster's Ball, Finding Neverland). Are you excited for this project?

Buzz's Favorite Movie Bad Boys

BuzzSugar — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 16:30:03 -0800

This Friday we'll get a peek at Michael Cera's mustached, naughty alter ego, Francois, in the new release Youth in Revolt. Francois is a rebel, torching buildings and breaking into girls dorm rooms - and yes, naturally, he's French. In honor of his general badass-ness, I decided to round up some of my favorite Francois predecessors in film (warning: lots of greasy hair and leather jackets ahead). Check them out!

View Slideshow ›

Movie Preview: DiCaprio, Page, Gordon-Levitt in Inception

BuzzSugar — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 11:30:35 -0800

Back in August we got a glimpse at Christopher Nolan's Inception, but the latest trailer is definitely more exciting. The preview doesn't give away a ton of the plot, but the special effects speak for themselves (DiCaprio's short narrative helps a bit, too). From what I've gathered, the futuristic plot takes us to a world where certain events can be controlled with the mind. DiCaprio's the good guy, Joseph Gordon-Levitt's morality is questionable, and there's a whole lot of mind-bending action to feast your eyes on.

Christopher Nolan creates yet another gloomy, gray city (reminiscent of Gotham in Batman Begins and The Dark Knight), making this look like a fun one to see in the theater. The star-studded cast also includes Ellen Page, Marion Cotillard, Cillian Murphy, and Ken Watanabe. To check it out, just read more.

Link Time! Leona Lewis Debuts Her Music Video For "I See You"

BuzzSugar — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:30:33 -0800

Check out Leona Lewis's video for the Avatar theme song "I See You" - HitFix
Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke may sign on for Leonardo DiCaprio's The Girl With the Red Riding Hood - Cinematical
Susan Boyle's album is poised to hit double platinum - Vulture
Mark Salling, aka Puck on Glee, wrote this cute song for his cast mates - Watch With Kristin
The Situation gives Conan O'Brien a nickname...The Solution - TV.com
JJ Abrams casts Major Dad, Gerald McRaney, in his new pilot Undercovers - TV Squad
This Harry Potter/Dangerous Minds spoof is pretty darn funny - College Humor
The book The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo is getting the movie treatment here in the US. - Moviefone
Lots of photos from the premiere of Nine! - PopSugar

Leonardo DiCaprio and Mel Gibson to Go Viking

BuzzSugar — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:30:47 -0800

Leonardo DiCaprio and Mel Gibson are teaming up and going back in time for a period piece about Vikings. Not much is known about the project as of yet (including the title), but Gibson is slated to direct while DiCaprio will be the one slipping on the horns. William Monahan, whose credits include The Departed and Body of Lies, will pen the script - obviously he knows a thing or two about writing for DiCaprio.

The film is already being compared to Braveheart, and it certainly sounds like the kind of epic drama that DiCaprio loves to sink his teeth into. Plus, we all know that he's totally still lusting after an Oscar. Are you ready to see DiCaprio head into Viking battle?

Who Should Play Frank Sinatra in Martin Scorsese's Biopic?

BuzzSugar — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 07:57:25 -0700

And then there were three. Back in May I asked you all who you would choose to play Frank Sinatra in the upcoming biopic, and Martin Scorsese reportedly has narrowed it down to Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, and George Clooney. Apparently Scorsese's first choice is his muse DiCaprio, while Universal Pictures would like to see Depp in the role.

As for Clooney - he's the top pick for Tina Sinatra, who would like the movie to focus more on the more charming side of her father's personality rather than the more gritty aspects of his life. Rest assured that whoever snags the role won't have to sing - the music will feature Sinatra's original voice. So between these three guys, tell me - who should play Frank Sinatra in Martin Scorsese's biopic?

Angelina Jolie Is Going Gucci

BuzzSugar — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 06:30:00 -0700

Despite what she may have said in the past, Angelina Jolie's career isn't slowing down anytime soon. Last week we learned that she'll be taking Charlize Theron's place in The Tourist and she may be adding another femme fatale role to her resume. Jolie is in talks to take the lead in Ridley Scott's Gucci.

Jolie would play Patrizia Reggiano, who spent 29 years in prison for plotting the murder of her ex husband, Maurizio Gucci. The script is still being reworked and Ridley's search for his Maurizio continues - apparently Leonardo DiCaprio has been approached but has yet to sign on.

I could absolutely see Jolie in this role, and in general I like when she can show more of her acting chops and less of her kung fu skills. Bonus: Angelina and Leo would make for one hot big screen couple.

Leonardo DiCaprio to Make a Deep Blue Goodbye

BuzzSugar — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:44:07 -0700

This year's lineup of Fall movies has a big hole in it where Shutter Island once was, but fans of Leonardo DiCaprio can rest easy - the man has a whole lotta movies coming our way. His newest project is The Deep Blue Goodbye, which is based on John D. MacDonald's mystery novel series from the '60s. DiCpario will play Travis McGee, a beach bum who enjoys his slacker life aboard a houseboat in Florida. Of course, it isn't long before Travis finds himself in a world of risk, excitement, and ladies. DiCaprio will produce the film as well as star.

DiCaprio's most recent roles have been pretty meaty, which means lots of serious characters. Don't get me wrong, I never get tired of seeing Leo stretch his acting chops again and again. Plus, I'll take any excuse to see him tanned and shirtless again.