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Rene Russo Stays “In The Wave” With ‘Nightcrawler’

By
Greg Srisavasdi
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In Nightcrawler, Rene Russo is Nina, a news producer at a struggling, Los Angeles station. To bump up the program’s ratings, Nina buys violent footage from cameramen who capture the latest robberies and car accidents that occur within the suburban confines of Southern California.

Jake Gyllenhaal is Lou Bloom, a novice to the news profession who’s armed with a ton of ambition and a video camera at his disposal. Both Nina and Lou are desperate to climb the ranks of the tabloid driven media, even if it means crossing the line.

Although Russo had initial challenges in crafting Nina, she eventually found her footing without changing a word of Dan Gilroy’s dialogue (Gilroy penned and directed the film).

“I finally found a way to bring her to life,” said Russo, whose previous credits include Lethal Weapon 4, The Thomas Crown Affair, Big Trouble, and most recently Thor: The Dark World. “And that is through desperation. I know, for me,  if I ever crossed those moral boundaries, it’s usually because I’m scared to death.”

During the Nightcrawler interviews, I asked Rene Russo how she manages to stay “in the moment” as an actress. “Sometimes it is like catching a wave a little bit,” said Russo. “You’ve got to kind of stay in the wave.”

Click on the media bar below to hear Rene Russo talk about the “paintbox of emotions” which has helped her craft:

Nightcrawler opens nationwide October 31.

‘Pixies: Doolittle 25’ Celebrates Band’s Seminal Album In December

By
Greg Srisavasdi
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0

 

In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Pixies: Doolittle 25 comes out on CD, all digital formats, and a double-vinyl edition on December 2 (North America).

The deluxe, 3-disc edition contains all of the album’s B-sides, Peel Sessions and demos from the era, along with the original release. “Doolittle,” recorded in 1988 at Downtown Recorders in Boston, MA and Carriage House Studios in Stamford, CT, was released the following year via Elektra and the group’s British label, 4AD.

The album yielded several of the group’s more memorable tracks, including “Monkey Gone To Heaven,” “Debaser,” and “Here Comes Your Man.”

Pixies: Doolittle 25 totals 50 tracks, which also includes the original album in its demo form (the final release is on the first disc, with the demo version on the third).

Pixies took “Doolittle” on the road to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2009, and one has to wonder if they’ll step on stage for this next milestone.

Pixies: Doolittle 25 cover
Pixies: Doolittle 25 cover

 

Michael Pena Continues David Ayer Partnership With ‘Fury’

By
Greg Srisavasdi
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Michael Pena, so memorable opposite Jake Gyllenhaal in the gritty, Los Angeles cop drama End of Watch, continues his working relationship with that film’s director (David Ayer) with the WWII drama Fury. The picture, opening Friday, contains the hard earned grit of a Samuel Fuller war film (The Big Red One, The Steel Helmet) while continuing Ayer’s recurring themes of brotherhood.

This time, the male bonding mainly takes place within the confines of a battle scarred tank. With the hard-nosed Wardaddy (Brad Pitt) as their leader and Boyd (Shia LaBeouf) consistently spreading the good news of Jesus Christ, it’s the likable (yet ultimately haunted) Gordo (Pena) who stands in the middle ground. If you add Grady’s (The Walking Dead’s Jon Bernthal) quick trigger temper and Norman’s (Logan Lerman) wide-eyed naivete to the mix, Gordo may be the only even keeled serviceman of the bunch.

But looks are usually always deceiving, and Pena talked about the research he did for the role (he claims an estimated 500,000 Latinos served in WWII). Pena also added that he infused his character with a “level of depression,” a condition which led to Gordo’s dependence on alcohol.

Click on the media bar below to hear Pena explain how he and David Ayer developed the character of Trini ‘Gordo’ Garcia:

Fury opens Friday, October 17. Pena also stars in the Fox series Gracepoint.

‘The Voice’ Shocker – Adam Levine Says Goodbye To Joe Kirk

By
Greg Srisavasdi
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0

Last night’s most heartbreaking moment on The Voice came with the elimination of talented Nashville high school student Joe Kirk. Kirk faced fellow Team Adam (Adam Levine) member Alessandra Castronovo during the Battle Rounds, and their inspired performance of Rihanna’s “Stay” was the evening’s show stopper.

“What Joe Kirk just did, that may be one of the most perfect vocals I have ever heard,” said Blake Shelton after the performance, which nearly brought fellow judge Gwen Stefani to tears.

“Joe, I think that you have a career, for sure,” said Pharell. “Just your whole approach, I just found so much originality in it.”

Though Levine described Kirk as a “hard worker and a very talented kid,” he went with Castronovo (whom Pharell praised for her diva-like presence on stage). The choice left Kirk in an emotional state, and he was quickly comforted backstage by Pharell.

Both Castronovo and Kirk gave class-A performances during their battle, and the onus really shouldn’t go to Levine’s decision, but on the other coaches. Having nurtured young talent such as season four winner Danielle Bradbery and season six finalist Jake Worthington, Blake Shelton would have been the perfect coach to steal Kirk on his team. Pharell and Gwen Stefani should have also gone for the steal, but maybe we’ll give them a pass since their newbies (Pharell, along with Christina Aguilera, are coming back for the next cycle, reports Hitfix).

The good news is Kirk is undeterred by the elimination and will continue to pursue a music career (his older brothers perform as a country duo),  His determination is conveyed by his recent Vine posting:

I had Joe Kirk making it deep into the competition, and his pairing with Castronovo was one of this season’s highlights. If you haven’t seen their Battle Round performance of “Stay,” check out the video below.

http://youtu.be/600u9W67iKI

Did Adam Levine make the right choice, or was Castronovo the clear winner of the battle round? Did the other coaches miss a great opportunity by not stealing and placing Joe Kirk on their team? Please comment below and tell me what you think – Joe Kirk’s early exit was a total shocker to me, but maybe I’m in the minority.

The Voice airs on Mondays and Tuesdays (NBC, 8 pm et/pt).

THE VOICE -- "Team Adam Battle Reality" -- Pictured: (l-r) Alessandra Castronovo, Joe Kirk. Credit: Trae Patton/NBC
THE VOICE — (l-r) Alessandra Castronovo, Joe Kirk from Team Adam. Credit: Trae Patton/NBC

‘Tetris Ultimate’ Hits Nintendo 3DS In November

By
Greg Srisavasdi
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Great news this week for puzzle fans, as Tetris Ultimate is hitting the Nintendo 3DS on November 11. Ubisoft is charging $19.99 to gamers who purchase the game digitally through the Nintendo eShop, and it’s also available at retailers for $29.99.

The new game, according to Ubisoft’s press release, has “six exciting ways to play Tetris, plus a new single-player Challenge mode that will test the skills and determination of the most die-hard Tetris champions.” The ability for 1-4 players to compete in seven different game modes is also something I’m looking forward to.

The “Battle Ultimate” mode lets players dump blocks on their opponents and “Rotation Lock” suspends the ability to rotate the tetriminos. Though variation is more than welcome in the Tetris universe, but I’ll continue with the tried and true endless mode (keep clearing lines until you run out of room or stamina) with Tetris Ultimate.

Since my Tetris relationship dates back to the 1980s, I have nothing but biased love for the franchise, and my enjoyment of this iconic puzzler is already a given. Tetris Ultimate will also be available later this winter as a digital download for the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Windows PC, and PlayStation Vita .

Tetris Ultimate - Multiplayer (Ubisoft)
Tetris Ultimate – Multiplayer (Ubisoft)

 

Tetris Ultimate - Ubisoft
Tetris Ultimate – Ubisoft

 

‘I Am Ali’ Documentary Hits Blu-ray & DVD in November

By
Greg Srisavasdi
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0

Currently playing in select theaters and On Demand, I Am Ali comes out on Blu-ray and DVD on November 11 via Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

Directed and by Clare Lewins, I Am Ali (PG, 112 minutes) spotlights boxing’s biggest icon through a series of archival footage, audio journals collected by his children, and interviews with Muhammad Ali’s intimates.

During the I Am Ali roundtables, I asked Clare Lewins about the film’s Blu-ray and DVD release. Although she did not confirm that it will be on the disc, she did mention a wonderful interview she had with actor/singer Kris Kristofferson that was left off I Am Ali’s final cut.

Hopefully the Kristofferson footage will be featured on the Blu-ray and DVD release, but nonetheless I Am Ali is a first rate documentary that gives a closer look at the pugilist’s immense love for his family (his daughters Maryum and Hana are among the children interviewed in the doc).

IAmAli7

Click on the media bar below to hear Clare Lewins talk about the Kris Kristofferson footage that was left off I Am Ali:

Marcus Lemonis (‘The Profit’) Credits Family For Lifelong Work Ethic

By
Greg Srisavasdi
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0

The Profit returns tonight (CNBC, 10 pm et/pt), as Marcus Lemonis brings his business and collaborative savvy to struggling companies. Whether it’s as the CEO of Camping World or rescuing Crumbs Bake Shop out of bankruptcy, Lemonis is a very busy and determined individual.

“Crumbs is a big risk for me,” said Lemonis during an interview at the NBC Television Critics Association Press tour in July. “But if I’m right, then some of the companies that were on our show have a true, legitimate chance to be millionaires. If it works. That’s a gamble that I feel I have to take.”

Personal drive, along with a consistent work ethic are one of the many factors on one’s pathway to success. Riches and luxuries were handed to Lemonis on a silver platter, but instead he learned how to earn his keep thanks to common sense parenting.

In the video below, Marcus Lemons how his work ethic was positively shaped by his family:

Marcus Lemonis, THE PROFIT - (Photo by: CNBC)
Marcus Lemonis, THE PROFIT – (Photo by: CNBC)

‘Whiplash’ Achieves New York Visions With Downtown L.A. Production

By
Greg Srisavasdi
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0

One of Whiplash’s strengths rests in the sheer physicality of the performance of actors Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons. The story of a highly ambitious young drummer (Teller) who takes his sanity to the limits while learning from an abusive jazz instructor (J.K. Simmons), Whiplash should be a favorite come awards season time, and the feature also marks the arrival of promising filmmaker Damien Chazelle.

Whiplash maintains its fever pitch throughout its 106 minutes, and the final chapter, which features a showdown between the drummer and his mentor, is a sight to behold. “We don’t think of instruments as physical,” said Chazelle, whose story was inspired by his own experience as part of a high school jazz orchestra. “We think of dance as physical. We think of sports as physical. (With) music, we don’t. But trumpeters screw their lips up, violinists screw their backs up, and drummers screw their hands up.”

Although Terence Fletcher (Simmons) is a teacher who crosses the line with his students, there is a perverse method to his madness. Certain musicians thrive under pressure and may actually flourish under abusive tactics, and it’s an issue that Chazelle addresses in the narrative:

“I had teacher like (Terence Fletcher) and it made me a better drummer. But as a humanist I can’t condone what he does – and I wanted to make the character as monstrous as possible so that it’s hard to condone what he does. It’s undeniable that it’s a big part of jazz and music history – this kind of streak of tyranny leading to great musicianship.”

J.K. Simmons, Damien Chazelle, Miles Teller (Sony Pictures Classics, CR: Daniel McFadden)
J.K. Simmons, Damien Chazelle, Miles Teller (Sony Pictures Classics, CR: Daniel McFadden)

Whiplash captures the pulse and rhythm of New York, but most of the production was shot in downtown Los Angeles. During the press conference, Chazelle explains why, even with tax credits available in the Big Apple, he shot Whiplash in the City of Angels.

Whiplash is now playing in New York and Los Angeles.

Penelope Cruz Is Named Esquire’s “Sexiest Woman Alive”

By
Greg Srisavasdi
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0

Esquire magazine has named Oscar winning actress Penelope Cruz (Vicky Cristina Barcelona) as the “Sexiest Woman Alive.” Cruz, whose film credits include Abre Los Ojos, Vanilla Sky, Volver, and last year’s underrated drama The Counselor, is featured on the November issue of Esquire, which hits newsstands October 21.

In her Esquire interview, Penelope Cruz talked about her willingness to explore the dark corners of humanity in various roles:

“I’ve played a lot of tricks on myself. I’ve made it hard for me sometimes, especially in my teens and twenties. I had an attraction to drama. Most of us have that, especially if you are an artist— you feel like you are tempted to explore the darkness. I could not be less interested now. For me, the most attractive, charming, cool, fun, interesting thing—how could I call it? A plan.”

Cruz is Esquire magazine’s 11th “Sexiest Woman Alive,” as she follows two time winner Scarlett Johansson (the pair worked together on Vicky Cristina Barcelona).

Penelope Cruz - Esquire Magazine
Penelope Cruz – Esquire Magazine

 

Penelope Cruz - Esquire Magazine
Penelope Cruz – Esquire Magazine

 

‘Marry Me’ Finds Comedic Bliss With Casey Wilson & Ken Marino

By
Greg Srisavasdi
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0

Premiering tomorrow night, Marry Me centers on Annie (Casey Wilson) and Jake (Ken Marino), a couple who’ve been together for six years but still haven’t made the trip down the aisle. Annie believes Jake just doesn’t want to commit, but unfortunately Jake’s recent marriage proposal ended up in disaster.

Will Jake finally get down on one knee and pop the question, and will any kind of proposal satisfy Annie’s expectations? Writer David Caspe (who’s married to Wilson and worked with her on Happy Endings), director Seth Gordon (The Goldbergs) and producer Jamie Tarses (Men at Work) have all played a part in nurturing the project, whose success will partly hinge on the chemistry between Wilson and Marino.

“It’s going to be more of a show about  a couple and their friends and parents versus a show about a wedding,” said Wilson, who also co-penned the 2009 Anne Hathaway/Kate Hudson comedy Bride Wars. “It’s not super girly – it’s kind of about a relationship that I think everyone can hopefully relate to.”

In the video clip below, Casey Wilson talks about how a portion of Marry Me is inspired by her union with Caspe (he also penned the 2012 Adam Sandler comedy That’s My Boy).

Marry Me, co-starring Tim Meadows, John Gemberling, and Sarah Wright Olsen, premieres Tuesday, October 14 (9 pm et/pt) on NBC.

http://youtu.be/3BCTZFGygz0

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