BuzzSugar

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 08:30:32 PDT

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 also bring home John Cusack's War Inc.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Yesterday I was curious how folks were feeling about the fourth Indiana Jones now that there's been some time since its theatrical release. For those of you who said you still loved it (and for those of you who never got around to seeing it), good news! The DVD is out today.

There are, as you might expect, a ton of extras on the DVD, including: "The Return of a Legend: A tribute to Indy, his creators and the evolution of The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull," a 12-part in-depth look at the creation of the movie, and a featurette on the work that goes into preparing three pivotal action sequences.

Two more well-regarded movies up next, so

read more. Mongol This foreign-language film out of Kazakhstan (yes, Borat's Kazakhstan) is the country's first movie ever to be nominated for an Oscar in the Best Foreign Language Film category. The film dramatically portrays the life of Temudgin, the boy who grows up to be the warrior Genghis Khan. Epic in scale (shot mostly in Mongolia), the film won great reviews for its outstanding battle scenes and riveting performances. I am dying to see this, especially since it is likely the first of three movies documenting the life and times of this warrior. Special features include trailers and a featurette about the making of the movie.
4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days This movie is supposed to be amazing in terms of how real it feels, but also incredibly uncomfortable as it depicts two friends who enter the world of illegal abortions in the last days of communism in Romania. It's supposed to be extremely intense and difficult to watch at times, though apparently that's what makes it so great. I've been fascinated by this movie ever since it won the big award at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival, and I think that sitting on my own couch with some happy DVDs on deck (like the latest season of 30 Rock) may be the only way I can deal with watching it. Special features include an interview with writer/director/producer Cristian Mungiu.

Ben Kingsley Is the Man of the Hour

BuzzSugar — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 08:30:36 PDT

Ben Kingsley has always been a man of many faces (and accents), but lately it seems like he's popping up in every movie (and every time with a different accent). I knew he was in War, Inc. with John Cusack, and in one of my Tribeca favorites, The Wackness. And then when I checked out the trailer for Elegy (which is mesmerizing only because Penelope Cruz is so smoking hot no matter what she does), there he was again!

In addition to these recent theatrical releases, Kingsley has four films in various stages of production and four more titles in pre-production.

To check out my guide to recent and upcoming films featuring man-of-the-hour Ben Kingsley, hit "Start."

Box Office: Indiana Whips the Competition

BuzzSugar — Tue, 27 May 2008 07:00:00 PDT

Traditionally, Memorial Day weekend is very kind to Summer blockbusters, and this year was no exception for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. According to Variety, the return of the Steven Spielberg franchise was his biggest movie opening ever, hauling in an estimated $126 million over the four-day holiday.

While these results are a career high for Spielberg, the film itself did not break any box office records related to this holiday weekend or any other long weekend openings.

Disney's The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian dropped to second place followed by Iron Man. The fourth spot went to What Happens in Vegas, which continues to perform well, followed by Made of Honor at No. 5 and Baby Mama at No. 6.

John Cusack's War Inc. - also starring Hillary Duff - opened in limited release and did not make the top 10.

Photos courtesy of Paramount

Hilary Duff Shops and Speaks Scorpion

PopSugar — Mon, 12 May 2008 15:00:57 PDT

Hilary Duff spent her weekend around sunny LA looking casual shopping solo on Saturday before picking up Mike and some enormous flowers - perhaps for a special mom on Mother's Day? California transplant Hilary talked to LA Confidential in their new issue about War Inc. and what growing up in Texas had to do with the real scorpion she had in her pants - wow and eww. Here are some highlights:

On dropping a live scorpion down her pants: It was so scary. I grew up in Texas, and we had plenty of scorpions, but I never had to put one down my pants before. And my pants weren’t that baggy, so I couldn’t get any space. I did it a couple times with it going down my leg and it was terrifying. The little thing kept doing backbends because it obviously didn’t want to go in my pants, you know? Everyone on the set was cheering!
On her new role: When I read the script I knew I was ready for it. So I was really excited. Then it all sets in: Oh God, I have to have this foul mouth, be this rude and crude girl who tries to be sexy but she’s so young and kind of vulgar. But I think I’ve gotten to the point where I don’t really care. [...] I think I am kind of a good girl. I want my fans to still be there, and I do things for them. But I also want to grow, and for people to see me in a different way. I need to make myself happy. It’s a challenge.

To read more of Hilary's interview just

Hilary and Haylie Duff Are at War

PopSugar — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 07:05:00 PDT

Many of you want Hilary Duff to star in the 90210 spinoff but for now she's busy showing off her acting skills at the Tribeca Film Festival. We were hoping for a red carpet walk with her man, Mike who is in NYC with her, but, as expected, it was Haylie, who escorted her down the line. Buzz was there and she said Hilary was whisked away too quickly to ask about that crazy scorpion scene and unfortunately, the rain probably helped the quick appearance move right along but luckily there were some other fabulous folks to check out from War, Inc. including Marisa Tomei who Buzz said was gorgeous up close and in person. Click here to check out her details from the big night and more going on at the festival.

To see more from the premiere including Hilary Duff, Haylie Duff, Montel Williams, Marisa Tomei and others just read more

View 14 Photos ›

Images include: Marisa Tomei, Mark Leyner, Jeremy Pikser, Grace Loh, Joshua Seftel, Hilary Duff, Haylie Duff, Montel Williams, Thomas Cavanagh Source

Movie Preview: War, Inc.

BuzzSugar — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 07:30:00 PDT

War, Inc. is one of those head-scratchers where I'm at a loss as to whether or not this movie will be good, or even watchable. Starring John Cusack (who's also a credited writer on the film), it looks like one of those cynical, dark comedies where the goal is to make you think, "That's so absurd! The world isn't like that! Or is it?" See also: Wag the Dog.

Signs pointing to good/watchable movie include: both Cusacks on screen together (I love seeing Joan again!), smart twists on current events, and a darkly romantic sub-plot between the lovely Marisa Tomei and John Cusack.

Signs pointing to maybe not-so-watchable are: a whole lot going on - lots of characters, effects, music, bombs, journalists, etc.; and Hilary Duff playing a "Centeral Asian pop star" with an accent that is just. . .strange. Plus, she drops a scorpion down her pants.

War, Inc. opens in limited release May 23. To check out the trailer for yourself and tell me what you think,

John Cusack Loves Scary Movies, Hilary Duff

PopSugar — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 10:03:41 PDT

John Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson premiered their creepy horror flick 1408 this week in LA. In the film, which is based on a short story by Stephen King, John plays a paranormal specialist who checks into the room 1408 of a hotel in order to debunk the myth that it's haunted. Hilary Duff showed up to the premiere as well to support her costar in the upcoming film War, Inc. (previously Brand Hauser: Stuff Happens). The two have obviously become friends and John told MTV recently that he has nothing but respect for Ms Duff. Here's more:

Is it true you requested [Hilary Duff for War, Inc.]?
John: Yep. Well, the part was ... she played a pop idol from central Asia. So, she was like a Hilary - but not Hilary, because Hilary is so classy - but like a real, and I won't name names, but a real slutty pop star. ... Hilary is the opposite of that, of course. I think for her to play that, or to parody that, was really great.
What's the biggest misconception [of her]?
John: I think probably people wouldn't know how talented she is. I mean, she's a great actress. I just spent the entire fall with her and she was a revelation every day. I don't think people know that yet, but they're gonna.

Gee, I wonder what slutty pop star he could possibly be talking about? Luckily, Hilary works hard at setting herself apart from her pantyless trainwreck counterparts. Besides, she may be a pop star but she was an actress first so it's no wonder John was impressed with her talent. It will be interesting to see her play this parody of her counterparts.

For more pics including Haylie Duff, Samuel L. Jackson, Sophia Bush, and Tyrese just read more

View 17 Photos ›

Source

5 (Other) Green-Faced Characters We Love

GeekSugar — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 05:45:55 PDT

Heads up comic fans: Green Lantern opens in theaters today, and whether you're catching the flick this weekend because you're a fan of the comic books, or just a fan of Ryan Reynold's abs (we don't blame you), fact is, there are a few other green-faced characters we love; Some of which we can't wait to see hit the big screen again soon!

Talking Imperfect Perfection With Deborah Needleman

Elka Karl — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:00:51 PDT

This year at High Point Market I was thrilled to finally meet Deborah Needleman, one of my all-time design heroines. The lovely Ms. Needleman led a design luncheon at High Point where she talked about her new book, The Perfectly Imperfect Home. It has risen to the rank of my favorite home decor book of the past year, and it sits atop my slant-top desk next to a small box filled with antique German coins, one of the "smalls" that Deborah talks about that make my home personal, happy, and perfectly imperfect.

The former editor of Domino magazine and the current editor of WSJ. Magazine, Deborah recently answered some of my questions about her book, decorating philosophy, and personal favorite decorating ideas and quirky pieces. Keep reading for the first half of my interview with Deborah Needleman!
CasaSugar: What inspired The Perfectly Imperfect Home?
Deborah Needleman: It was inspired by how uncomfortable I feel in overly decorated, everything-just-so houses, and how inspired and comfortable and happy I feel in houses that are stylish and real. I love houses that are portraits of their owners.

CS: How do you think the concept of designing imperfectly can spark creativity and growth in decorating?
DN: You can’t be creative if you are constantly just trying to keep everything neat and perfect. If the evolution of your life is reflected in your decorating, that means your decoration will not remain static. It changes as you change; it grows and morphs with you. I’ve never liked or believed in the idea of decorating as something that can be finished. Like life, it is a work in progress.

CS: Can you describe one of the stylish, welcoming, and imperfect homes you’ve visited and found particularly inspiring?
DN: The decorator and design writer Rita Konig is my patron saint(ess) of stylish imperfection. She was raised by a fancy decorator (Nina Campbell), has lived in and visited beautiful houses her whole life, and knows all the rules of decorating, but she is never hampered by rules or fussiness. She is inspired by the kind of life she wants to go on inside her house. It is always inspiring, exciting, and completely comforting to be in her home. Her home always smells fantastic. It has a lot of personality, quirk, and color. There are soft pillows on the sofas and chairs, lots of books you want to read, and interesting things on the walls. Plus, she’s a doting host, always ready to make you something nice to drink and eat.

All the top editors at Domino had homes like you describe - stylish, welcoming, and imperfect - and they inspired me enormously. I hired them so they could inspire others like they did me. The brilliant Sara Ruffin Costello (who now writes the best and cheekiest decorating column out there for the Off Duty section of the Wall Street Journal), Tom Delavan (who is now editorial director of the recently launched GiltHome), Dara Caponigro (editor in chief of Veranda magazine), and the aforementioned Rita Konig (who is European editor of WSJ. Magazine magazine)

Keep reading for more of our conversation with Deborah Needleman!

Pilot Scoop: Pan Am

Shannon Vestal — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 09:30:30 PDT

The success of Mad Men has inspired TV to go back to the '60s, and the new Fall slate has a couple of contenders set in the same era as AMC's hit. ABC has the drama Pan Am, set in the friendly skies and the city the legendary airline was based out of: New York. The series, which premieres tonight, follows a group of stewardesses (they weren't yet flight attendants, you see) and pilots as they navigate their love lives and their travel routes - with a dose of some Cold War mystery thrown in for good measure.

What it's about: The core group of stewardesses is led by bohemian Maggie (Christina Ricci); Kate (Kelli Garner), a young woman getting caught up in the spy game; and her sister, Laura (Margot Elise Robbie), a beautiful girl escaping a prosaic life in the suburbs for a career.

Where it works: The pilot plants the seeds of some entanglements (both romantic and otherwise) and a few secrets under the surface without revealing too much. Plus, they manage to make the airline industry fascinating and glamorous, which would probably not be the case if it were set in present day.

Where it doesn't: Ricci is the most recognizable face in the cast, but her character seems the least interesting of the bunch - bad news if she ends up getting the most focus.

You might like this show if: You like to imagine that the life of a jet-setting flight attendant is exciting.

When it's on: Sundays at 10 p.m. on ABC.

To see some photos and preview of Pan Am, just