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Sneak Peek: The Eva Longoria Parker Interview
Posted by Michael Avila on 01/31/08 at 06:14 PM | Comments (0)

Before she was up to her Stilettos in mayhem & mischief on "Desperate Housewives," Eva Longoria Parker was causing trouble in Genoa City on the daytime soap "The Young & the Restless" (and before that, she popped up on my favorite soap "General Hospital" as a Brenda Barrett look-a-like).

The beautiful Mrs. Longoria Parker dropped by the RT studios to chat with Jeffrey (a "Desperate" fan himself) and told him about the crash course in acting she learned on daytime TV. Watch the interview snippet after the jump.

She stars in the comedy "Over Her Dead Body" which drops in theaters this weekend. Catch more of Jeffrey's interview with Eva this weekend on Reel Talk.



No Way Out But Rehab For Sean Young
Posted by Michael Avila on 01/31/08 at 02:04 PM | Comments (0)

Sean Young at the 2008 DGAs.When I heard the news about Sean Young's embarrassing outburst at the Directors Guild of America awards dinner the other night, I was going to write something up and figured I'd take a few playful shots at her.

After all, you don't usually hear about actors heckling their peers at an awards dinner, which is what Young did to "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" director Julian Schnabel. I'm sure a lot of them have wanted to; some of the speeches at those events turn into marathons of monotony. But the traditions of the evening dictate you suck it up and endure all the 'thank you's' to the winner's support team, agent, family, manicurist, sponsor, etc.

Sean Young in Not sticking to tradition is what made Sean Young so interesting as an actress and an interview. She didn't follow protocol. This was the woman who tried to convince Warner Bros. to cast her as Catwoman in "Batman Returns" by putting on a homemade catsuit and walking onto the studio lot with it. She tried (and failed) to crash the Vanity Fair Oscar party a few years ago to try and schmooze her way back into the industry's good graces. That's moxie.

But this wasn't some resort town film festival awards dinner she was thrown out of. It was the DGA awards, for goodness sake! In a room full of people who typically have final say over who gets cast in their films, Sean Young, an actress who says she can't find work in Hollywood, gets thrown out for razzing one of the year's most heralded filmmakers.

Young's career has been dead for some time now. She may pop up every once in a while in a made-for-TV flick or an episode of "ER" but as she told Entertainment Weekly last year,"it's always another actress besides me. I mean, everybody always gets my part.'

DuneAnd that's a shame, because before her career went down in flames, she was on fire in the 1980s. Look at her resume: "Stripes," "Dune," "No Way Out," "Wall Street" and of course, "Blade Runner." I had a chance to talk with her last year at the San Diego Comic Con when she joined her fellow BR cast mates to promote the new DVD release. She was gorgeous and charming, and even commented on how much she enjoyed being back in the spotlight.

This incident probably put two extra nails in her career coffin. She's gone into rehab for alcohol abuse on the heels of her getting tossed from the DGA dinner. I hope she comes out a happier, healthier person. And I hope someone gives her a second chance to revive what was once such a promising career.


[All photos courtesy of TCM and Getty Images.]



Sundance Roundup: Great Films, Great Times
Posted by Michael Avila on 01/31/08 at 12:31 PM | Comments (0)

While there wasn't a festival-defining film discovered at this year's Sundance Film Festival like "Little Miss Sunshine" or "Once," the overall quality of the movies unspooled this year was way above average. And "Hamlet 2" starring Steve Coogan did sell for $10 million to Focus Features, so anyone who said studios didn't find much to like at Sundance this year weren't paying attention.

"The Wackness," "The Merry Gentleman," "Blind Date," "The Great Buck Howard," "Bottle Shock," these are all films you're going to see in your local multiplex in the near future. And I haven't even mentioned documentaries like "Made in America," and "Sugar," Sundance '08 may not have been buzz-worthy, but it was film-worthy.

Now take a break from the work your boss is paying you for and check out the great interviews we snagged in Park City. From Jack Black to Alan Rickman to Bono(!), it was a whole lotta busy fun. Can't wait for next year!



'It's Still Alive' - 'Cloverfield 2' In Talks
Posted by reeltalk on 01/31/08 at 11:37 AM | Comments (0)

alive.gifAccording to Variety, Paramount and Matt Reeves are in talks to create a sequel to 'Cloverfield.'

This news is pretty interesting, seeing that 'Cloverfied' took a HUGE 68% drop in box office revenue in its second week. Again, this is interesting news, but expected. If you stayed for the closing credits, you definitely heard the "Help Us" whisper.


With the fun viral campaign this movie had prior to the premiere, you're bound to know that "Help Us" means more. Take the phrase and play it backwards and you you'll hear "It's Still Alive." Pretty eerie, but it hints at a sequel. Don't believe me, listen here:




Hannah Montana Concert Movie Causing Tix Stampede
Posted by Michael Avila on 01/30/08 at 07:31 PM | Comments (0)

Getty ImagesLooks like the Hannah Montana juggernaut is about to blow the roof of multiplexes nationwide. The "Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus Best of Both Worlds Concert" 3D movie is selling out showtimes at a record pace. Fandango.com and movietickets.com report the film accounted for 90 percent of their total sales Wednesday!!

The movie debuts Thursday at midnight on less than a thousand theaters, all equipped to show Digital 3D. Obviously, parents of the movie's target audience -- tween girls -- are bending their curfew rules so their kids can go see it. Not like they really have a choice. Late-night and early morning screenings may be the only chance you have to see it if you haven't bought tickets yet. Most weekend showings are already sold out.

The film was shot during Cyrus' sold-out 2007 concert tour, which caused a ticket-scalping frenzy that rivaled Springsteen & U2.

Disney says the film is only in theaters for a week, but with sales this strong, how can they NOT extend the theatrical run??

Check out Jeffrey & Alison's review of the "Hannah Montana 3D Concert Movie" this weekend on RT.



Fox 'CHOKES' On Dark Comedy
Posted by reeltalk on 01/30/08 at 04:35 PM | Comments (0)

Courtesy of Random HouseFox recently acquired the worldwide rights to distribute the dark comedy “CHOKE,” adapted for the screen by Clark Gregg. The screenplay is based off Chuck Palahniuk’s follow-up novel to “Fight Club.”

The movie, recently premiered at Sundance, stars Sam Rockwell, Anjelica Huston, Brad William Henke and Kelly Macdonald.

According to the press rep, Fox will anticipate an August 1st release date with a limited platform distribution.



Maria Bello Keeps Busy in Park City
Posted by Michael Avila on 01/30/08 at 03:36 PM | Comments (0)

Maria Bello -- Getty ImagesWe caught up with the always-busy Maria Bello while at the Sundance Film Festival, where she was promoting not one, not two but THREE indie films (all intense movies about serious subject matters), "Nothing Is Private," "Downloading Nancy" and "The Yellow Handkerchief."

I don't know where she finds the time to read her scripts, let alone fit all the productions into her schedule. Alison caught up with her at the premiere of the last film and asked her about her love of all things indie. Watch it after the jump.













Romantic Shorts to Remind You You're Still Single
Posted by reeltalk on 01/30/08 at 12:42 PM | Comments (0)

Atom Films' 'Film Lovers'In celebration of Valentine’s Day, we’d like to feature a few short films that deal with the subject amore.

Our first film is titled “Film Lovers,” by director Anthony Rose. It’s cleverly made and quite enjoyable.


Sit back, enjoy and check back often to see more of our picks! You can find more romantic shorts on AtomFilms.com.

[Clip Courtesy of AtomFilms.com]



REEL TALK's Mix Tape Tuesday: Books, Music, Video
Posted by reeltalk on 01/29/08 at 04:25 PM | Comments (0)

Photos Courtesy of Apple and Getty ImagesIf you were gone this weekend, not to worry! We've developed a set of links sure to fill you with all the entertainment sound bites you need to know. Check back every Tuesday for our new series: "REEL TALK's Mix Tape Tuesdays!"


- A little while ago, we wrote about casting notes on the new “G.I. Joe” movie. Now, Movieblog.UGO reports extra casting details.

- Habbo Entertainment is partnering with Paramount to start a series of virtual movie licenses. Guess it’s time to get my Second Life account reactivated.

- Political candidates as entertainment techies? Well, if Mitt Romney can tech out, then it’s time for my Grandmother to embrace technology. Go Grannie, Go Grannie!

- New on DVD:

  • "El Cid" with Sofia Loren. In the promo picture, Loren looks like a cleaned up Amy Winehouse, don’t you think? Also stars NRA’s star member Charlton Heston.

  • "Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Complete Sixth Season," because when Seinfeld gets outdated, we’ll always turn to Larry David’s comedic verse to bring us back to the ‘00s.

  • "The King of Kong," the documentary about compulsive gamers.

    - And you thought his TV reign stopped with “Cleopatra 2525.” Sam Raimi is returning to the telly to produce “Wizard’s First Rule” – based off of Terry Goodkind’s book series

    - Cool graphic novels for kids.

    Courtesy of Getty Images- What's M. Night Shyamalan up to today? After “The Lady In The Water,” it seemed as if the director took a long hiatus. Brownie points if you leave up-to-the-minute details in the comments section.

    - Check out Buzzsugar’s lexicon of books to read if you’re not watching television (or haven’t paid your cable bill).

    - Veteran actor Christopher Allport passed away this weekend during an avalanche at California’s Mountain High Ski resort. He was 60-years-old.

    [Photos courtesy of Getty Images and Apple Inc.]



  • Jeffrey's Valentine's Day Picks
    Posted by Jeffrey Lyons on 01/29/08 at 12:03 PM | Comments (2)

    sally.jpgWith Valentine's Day in a few weeks, I’ve listed a few romantic movies for guys who want to impress their date.

    "Two For The Road"
    Albert Finney and Audrey Hepburn in a marriage, which has become strained, looking back on happier times, as they drive through the gorgeous French countryside.


    "When Harry Met Sally"
    The "I'll have what she's having" scene is worth watching just for itself!

    "Casablanca"
    Co-written by the grandfather and uncle of Theo Epstein, general manager of the World Champion Boston Red Sox.

    "The St. Valentine's Day Massacre"
    Ha! Just want to see if you're paying attention. Not romantic, of course, but Jason Robards makes a superb Al Capone.



    'Spartans' Conquers Box Office
    Posted by reeltalk on 01/28/08 at 04:28 PM | Comments (0)

    This weekend, the satirical spoof "Meet The Spartans" opened in second place while Stallone's return to to his OTHER famous character, suitably titled "Rambo," was a close second.

    With Oscar nominations fresh on movie-lovers lips, these box office box office receipts are surprise. As we all know, four out of five nominations for best picture were dramas. And one would think that pictures like "Untraceable" or "The Air I Breathe" would smother the box office on their opening weekend. This is prime proof that everyone needs a good laugh once and a while -- especially during times like today.

    Watch a clip from "Meet The Spartans" after the jump.

    What's your opinion on this? Did "Meet The Spartans" do well due to the national moral or is this movie simply a well-made picture?

    Sound off on our forum!




    U2 3D A 'Must-See'
    Posted by Alison Bailes on 01/25/08 at 12:15 PM | Comments (0)

    The newest concert film "U2 3D" by the superstar Irish rock band is an incredible experience.

    Shot in state-of-the-art 3D with multiple cameras during the band's 2006 South American tour, it looks like nothing else you've ever seen, though you'll have to take my word for it. Since it was filmed in 3d, we can only show you scenes from the movie in 2D -- check them out here.

    Comprised of 14 U2 hits, including "Sunday, Bloody Sunday,” “With or Without You" and "Vertigo,” and none of the usual extraneous interviews or onstage babble you find in concert films, (like the band's 1988 release "Rattle & Hum"), "U2 3D" is the most exhilarating concert I’ve never attended. The depth and clarity of the picture is amazing. I felt as if I was on stage alongside Bono. The set list is superb, crossing smoothly between old and new, high energy and more thoughtful songs.

    "U2 3D" opened January 23 In limited release nationwide on IMAX & DLP theaters and well worth seeking out.
    You should also check out the band and the filmmakers discuss the making of "U2 3D" and the incredible technology used in the process.



    Ask Eva Longoria!
    Posted by reeltalk on 01/24/08 at 11:32 PM | Comments (1)

    Eva during a photo shoot for to promote her new movie Mrs. Longoria-Parker is coming to the REEL TALK studios, so if you have a question you would like us to ask the star of the upcoming "Over Her Dead Body," send 'em in!

    You know the drill, submit your questions in the comment section of this post and if chosen, we’ll post the results.

    Hurry, this contest ends Tuesday, January 29 at 11:59 PM.

    Good luck!



    Quik Clip: Diane Lane on Hubby's Oscar Snub
    Posted by Michael Avila on 01/24/08 at 03:47 PM | Comments (2)

    Diane Lane and Josh Brolin are one of those ridiculously attractive and successful Hollywood couples that you want to hate just out of pure envy -- but you can't because they're not only great actors who make great films, they're also extremely nice people.

    So when Diane came in this morning for an interview with Jeffrey to promote "Untraceable" (opens this weekend) the topic of Josh being overlooked by Academy voters for "No Country for Old Men" and "American Gangster" came up. Listen to what she told Jeffrey:

    Watch more of Jeffrey's interview with Diane Lane this weekend on REEL TALK.



    Next Bond Movie Title Revealed!!
    Posted by Michael Avila on 01/24/08 at 02:56 PM | Comments (1)

    Ready to learn what the 22nd James Bond adventure will be called. Are you ready?

    "QUANTUM OF SOLACE".

    Umm... What in the name of Dr. Holly Goodhead does that mean? OK, the title stinks. It's not slick, menacing, gritty, catchy or memorable like previous Bond titles. Who cares?

    The name was revealed today outside London's legendary Pinewood Studios. One of the film's producers Michael G. Wilson, said the title comes from a story by Bond creator Ian Fleming found in his collection "For Your Eyes Only."
    Wilson said the title refers to what's happening to 007 in the film, which picks up shortly after 2006's "Casino Royale."

    If you've decided not to go see a new Bond movie because of a bad title, then you're nuts. As long as Daniel Craig is back as 007, Judi Dench as M (and they're both are), that's all that should matter. And Marc Forster ("The Kite Runner" and "Monster's Ball") is directing. 'Nuff said.

    Don't forget Mathieu Amalric from "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" is the bad guy. Great casting! He was awesome as the shady informant in Spielberg's "Munich."

    "Bond 22" .. er, "Quantom of Solace" opens Nov. 7th.



    Rambo's Back - Bring Extra Body Bags
    Posted by Michael Avila on 01/23/08 at 09:15 PM | Comments (1)

    rambo.jpgAs a guy who saw "First Blood" in the theater as an 11 year old, and who actually owns the Rambo DVD collection, the release of the 4th film in the series had me excited and anxious at the same time.

    I love the John Rambo character. I didn't want him to become a joke, and let's be honest, Sylvester Stallone's over 60. I didn't think he could pull it off.

    But just like he did with "Rocky Balboa" Stallone surprises us again.

    I just got out of a screening of "Rambo" tonight -- and it rocked!!

    Stallone does a great job bringing John Rambo back down to Earth. He's no longer the unstoppable super-soldier he was in 2nd & 3rd Rambo films. Don't get me wrong, he amasses a higher body count in this movie than he did in the first 3 Rambo pics combined. But like Stallone in real life, Rambo's older, worn down, tired. And so was I, once this lightning-quick 90 minute finished. The action scenes are absolutely insane.

    Be warned, though. "Rambo" is a bloodbath. Heads blown off, bodies exploding... I can't believe this didn't get an NC-17. Stallone (who directed the pic) really went all-out to show the violence that's really happening in Burma.

    This film wasn't going to be screened in advance for critics. I'm glad someone at Lionsgate came to their senses because it's GOOD. Jeffrey & Alison review the movie on this weekend's RT, so tune in to hear what they think.

    "Rambo" opens this Friday at theater everywhere.



    Tommy Lee Deserves Nomination
    Posted by Alison Bailes on 01/23/08 at 02:34 PM | Comments (2)

    Tommy Lee Jones and Susan Sarandon People seemed to be shocked that Tommy Lee Jones was nominated for best actor for “In The Valley Of Elah” because no one saw the film. Everyone expected him land a nomination for his role in “No Country For Old Men.”

    I actually preferred his performance in the former….a very strong film that didn’t connect with audiences. Perhaps its subject matter of American servicemen committing crimes was too close to home. The story was literally ripped from the headlines.

    Tommy Lee Jones has played similar roles before, specifically in his own “The Three Burials Of Melquiades Estrada.” No one can do gruff, Western sheriff better than he. In “No Country For Old Men” he was the voice of experience -- and of cynicism. He provided some of the humor in that film. But in “Elah,” I was struck by the sadness he managed to convey in his face. The scene on the phone with his wife, (played by Susan Sarandon, in a tiny, but Oscar worthy role!) Is superb. As he tries to hold in his grief and comfort his wife, his years of blind patriotism are called into question. By the end of the film, he has gone from proud military man, to a father who has lost his trust in this country. It’s a quiet, but powerful performance.



    Ledger's Death Stuns Hollywood
    Posted by reeltalk on 01/23/08 at 10:16 AM | Comments (0)

    heath.jpgActor Heath Ledger, of "Brokeback Mountain," "10 Things I Hate About You," "A Knight's Tale" and the soon to be released "The Dark Knight," was found dead in his lower Manhattan apartment.

    UPDATE: 1/23
    According to the NY Times, Ledger said in a interview last November that portraying the Joker, a character whom he called a "psychopathic, mass-murdering, schizophrenic clown with zero empathy," caused him to have trouble sleeping.

    "Last week I probably slept an average of two hours a night," Ledger said during the fall interview. "I couldn't stop thinking. My body was exhausted, and my mind was still going."

    He noted that he had been taking Ambien, a prescription only sleep aid, yet his recommended dosage of two pills would only last an hour.

    Principal photography on “The Dark Knight” finished in the fall and the film is still set to premiere July 18th. However, it has been rumored that Warner Bros. will change the marketing scheme for "The Dark Knight." Switching the focus from the "Why So Serious" tag line with various "ghoulish" pictures of the Joker, to a second phase campaign with focus on other characters within the movie.

    Ledger Coverage:

    WNBC - New York | NY Times | LA Times| Variety | 2002 Interview



    More Indie Films Receive Academy Nominations
    Posted by Alison Bailes on 01/22/08 at 02:25 PM | Comments (1)

    Having worked covering independent film for several years before my current gig with “REEL TALK,” I was thrilled to see so many indie made and indie-spirited films receive Oscar nominations this morning. To me it’s a sign that Hollywood is ready to embrace alternative fare and films that take more risks than your average studio produced movie.

    Of course, “Juno” is the talk of the town, with its nods for actress, screenplay and picture, which I think stunned everyone. It seems like a shoe-in for best original screenplay, although I don’t think it can compete with more ‘serious’ films such as “There Will Be Blood” (my pick!) and the costumed glory of “Atonement.”

    “The Savages” has also connected with Academy voters. A small, very dark comedy, it was nominated for original screenplay by Tamara Jenkins and best actress, Laura Linney -- always a friend to the indies.

    And then there’s Tilda Swinton in “Michael Clayton.” Although the film isn’t a small indie project, Swinton is an actress whose love of off-beat projects keeps her energized. from “Orlando” to “Stephanie Daley,” she is always challenging her audiences. She also does not fit in to the current ideals of beauty that Hollywood espouses -- nor does she pander to its vanities, and she is all the more beautiful for it. This week she was out at Sundance promoting a documentary she produced, wrote and narrates about British film pioneer Derek Jarman.

    I’m rooting for her to win best supporting actress for her portrayal as a merciless corporate attorney in “Michael Clayton.”



    Oscar Tension Begins...
    Posted by Jeffrey Lyons on 01/22/08 at 10:20 AM | Comments (1)

    Oscar PosterIt remains to be seen if there will be an Oscar ceremony at all this year, due to the ongoing writers strike, though director Gil Cates says he has a "Plan B." Translation: a version not many people will watch if no stars turn up.

    Now, I have no quarrel with the deserving nominees, but did anyone at the academy see "The Kite Runner?" The five nominations for best foreign films haven't been screened here, though I am seeing "The Counterfeiters" soon. I’ve never heard of the others yet, but we'll get to them when they open.

    Other notable snubs were Philip Bosco as the Alzheimer's stricken father in "The Savages, Amy Adams for "Enchanted, " Angelina Jolie for "A Mighty Heart” (one of the best performances I've ever seen), Christian Bale for "Rescue Dawn" or "3:10 To Yuma," Russell Crowe for "American Gangster," and Frank Langella as a lesser-known literary type in "Starting Out In The Evening."

    Matthew Amalarc for "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" was also overlooked, as was Tom Hanks for "Charlie Wilson's War."

    Those who made the following movies, however, weren't disappointed and probably didn't tune in: "Reno 911 Miami," “Daddy Day Camp," "The Bratz Movie," "Smokin' Aces" and any other dud you care to add.

    So now the tension begins. Not so much about the awards, but if they will manage to solve the writers strike in time. If not, who will present the Oscars to an empty auditorium?

    See a full list of 2008's Oscar nominees.



    Coming Home
    Posted by Michael Avila on 01/21/08 at 01:22 PM | Comments (0)

    (12:25 pm Sunday) – As I type this on my used & abused iBook, we’re en route back to NYC. We’re some where between The Great Lakes and LaGuardia Airport (Had a layover in Minneapolis, where it’s a balmy 13 degrees – BELOW ZERO!!).

    Our whirlwind trip to cover the opening weekend of the Sundance Film Festival turned out even more productive than we hoped it would be. Alison cranked out a dozen interviews with quite the eclectic group of actors – Sir Ben Kingsley, Maria Bello, Jack Black, Stanley Tucci, etc. Our photographer Adam managed to talk with Bono from U2 and also shot a ton of video for stories that hopefully will give our viewers a taste of what Sundance is all about -- from the great films to the celebrity factor, the gifting suite mania and the ‘Going Green’ push that’s the big fad of this year’s fest.

    Covering the Sundance is key to fulfilling REEL TALK’s mission to bring all things cinema to the movie fans who watch us each week -- and hopefully log on to our site daily. :)

    We’ll have a bunch of our interviews and stories here on REELTALktv.com in the next few days, keep checking back.

    Time to nap.



    Star Sightings
    Posted by Michael Avila on 01/21/08 at 11:46 AM | Comments (0)

    William Hurt in a Sundance Fan CrowdWhen it comes to celebrity sightings, few places can beat the Sundance Film Festival in terms of raw numbers. We spotted so many famous faces on Main Street, like William Hurt walking past the nightclub Harry O’s . Danny Glover meanwhile couldn’t take two steps without shaking hands and taking pictures with fans.

    Bill Pullman, Michael Keaton, Esai Morales, Armand Assante, singer John Legend and some girl from “High School Musical” (not Tisdale or Hudgens) all made the gift suite rounds at The Dance. And who do we run into at the Greenhouse suite but E!’s tree-lovin' movie critic (and Reel Talk guest host) Ben Lyons.

    We also crossed paths with the charming (and sexy) Tilda Swinton on Main Street, directly across from where PETA activists where trying to shame Mary Kate Olsen for apparently wearing fur around town.

    Tilda SwintonAlison interviewed Swinton earlier for the movie “Derek,” which she wrote and stars in. I asked if she was anxious for Tuesday to arrive and she had a blank expression for a second until she remembered it’s the day Oscar Nominations are announced! (trust me, she wasn’t faking. She honestly didn’t remember)

    She told us if she’s nominated for “Michael Clayton” (we think she will) she won’t be disappointed if the Writers Strike derails the Oscar event. Why? Because she’s scared to death about doing the whole dog-n-pony red carpet thing! She has no desire to go through the fashion hassle. How refreshing is that?



    Sir Ben Kingsley's 'The Wackness'
    Posted by Alison Bailes on 01/20/08 at 03:41 PM | Comments (0)

    Premiere of The Wackness at SundanceCaught the premiere of "The Wackness" at the Racquet Club the other night. It stars Sir Ben Kingsley, who shows he has quite the comedy chops. Didn't love his Now York accent, but thought his take on a pot-smoking therapist was a hoot.

    He had nice chemistry with co-star Josh Peck and even made a make-out session with Mary-Kate Olsen not seem so icky!

    We'll put up my interviews with Sir Ben Kingsley & Josh Peck once we return from Park City. Check back often for details!



    A (Sundance) Homecoming for U2
    Posted by Michael Avila on 01/20/08 at 01:59 PM | Comments (1)

    The world's biggest rock band U2, confirmed those rumors we told you about the other day about dropping in on Park City to promote their new concert film. But as usual, the boys from Dublin were a few steps ahead of everyone. Ahh, everyone except team REEL TALK!

    Saturday, word spread around town they would be appearing at the Bon Appetit Supper Club on Main Street sometime after 5 pm. The crowd outside the venue grew so large the sidewalks and the street in front were impossible to pass.

    We had already spent all day shooting various story elements and I had to drive Alison back to our condo because of certain personal concerns…No details but trust me, traveling with a lactating mom can be tricky. But I digress.

    As we left, our hustling photographer Adam Siegel rolled the dice and went around back to see if the band would try to skip the media circus out front and sneak in through the back. Total shot in the dark, right?

    His frigid 2-hour stakeout would pay off, because who else but Bono, the Edge and Larry Mullen Jr. came out of a few chauffeured SUVs just after 6p, right in front of the only TV photog waiting in the right place, at the right time!

    Adam not only got U2's arrival, he scored a (very) brief interview with Bono about "U2 3D," the new film that promises to redefine concert movies. It was premiering late Saturday night and was hands down, the festival's toughest ticket.

    This being our last night here, scoring the biggest 'get' of the festival up 'til now was a great way to wrap things up. Kudos to Adam for pulling it off.

    Because with the ginormous media contingent that's overrun Park City, trust me when I say a 'Good Get' is hard to come by at Sundance.



    Keaton's Directorial Debut a Hit
    Posted by Alison Bailes on 01/19/08 at 08:54 PM | Comments (2)

    Keaton and BailesI also managed to take in the premiere of Michael Keaton's first directing effort, "The Merry Gentleman." He stars as a suicidal hitman who can't quite do the deed and then starts a relationship with a young woman, played by Kelly Macdonald, who is the only witness to his last hit.


    It's perfect Sundance fare -- an offbeat romance sprinkled with some darkly humorous moments. Keaton is a stylish director. He has great performances from the cast, plus the film had a lazy pace with good musical choices.

    We'll post my full interview with Keaton in the upcoming days - stay tuned!



    Alison In Demand
    Posted by Michael Avila on 01/19/08 at 09:33 AM | Comments (1)

    So what happens when journalists run out story ideas at Sundance? They interview each other.

    Right after Alison finished interviewing director Stacy Peralta about his new documentary "Made in America" (about the gang-infested South Central LA area. We'll have that interview up on the site in the next few days), a couple of high school reporters from Iowa asked Senora Bailes for a few moments of her time. They proceeded to pick her brains about the movies she had seen so far -- and even had her do a shout-out for their high school basketball team.

    Go Fireflies!!



    Last Call For Main Street
    Posted by Michael Avila on 01/18/08 at 10:42 PM | Comments (0)

    Someone or something pulled the plug on Park City Friday night - or at least Sundance Central, AKA Main Street. With celebrities of varying importance filling the couches of every bar, restaurant and lounge you could find on the long, climbing boulevard, at around 10pm, everything just went dark.

    No flickering beer signs, no pounding dance music shaking nearby buildings, no strobe lights -- nothing. I had just left the premiere party for "The Wackness" starring Sir Ben Kingsley, Nickelodeon teen star Josh Peck and Mary Kate Olsen (who was the tiniest thing, BTW) and hopped in a cab to return to our condo when everything went dark.

    Having experienced the 2003 Blackout that crippled NYC (and much of the Northeast), I wondered how everyone would react. From what I could tell, most people who came pouring out of the clubs onto the street looked stunned by the sudden darkness.

    Of course, they could have just been freezing their behinds off, since it is about 15 degrees here.

    Anyway, power popped back on around 10:45 pm or so. An interesting end to a busy day.



    U2 To Perform?
    Posted by Michael Avila on 01/18/08 at 04:40 PM | Comments (0)

    The big rumor spreading through Park City is that U2 will be popping up and playing a few songs at Cisero's tomorrow night. Their concert film "U2 3D" premieres Saturday night so what better way to draw the crowds and create buzz? Seems to be working too. If you check Craigslist, someone's selling a pair of tickets to tomorrow night's premiere for $1500!!!



    Avoid The Crowds - It's Worth It
    Posted by Alison Bailes on 01/18/08 at 04:17 PM | Comments (0)

    crowd.jpgOne sure way to get the inside scoop on a festival is to talk to the locals, and today I was treated to two very different attitudes about the annual influx of film folk to Park City.

    This morning I decided to forgo the $200 blow dry from one fancy salon in favor of the $30 dollar local place. I spent a fun 40 minutes at Hair Solutions, feeling like I was hanging out with Jennifer Coolidge from “Legally Blonde.”

    Megan, who did my hair wasn't too thrilled about the kerfuffle that is the Sundance Film Festival. It took her an hour to drive her usual 20-minute commute. She also seemed to think that local merchants weren't too thrilled. I thought all the out-of-towners would be buying up Sundance tokens like mad, but according to her, many shop owners shut their doors and leave town for the frenzied 10 days.

    It was a different story when we went to Leger's Sandwich Shop. Mr. Leger was thrilled with his extra business and seemed genuinely interested in hearing where we were from and why we were in town. By the way, each of his sandwiches would have fed the cast of "Ben Hur" and cost less than our three-minute taxi ride last night.

    Oh, and for the record, my hair looks fabulous.



    This Weekend on REEL TALK
    Posted by reeltalk on 01/18/08 at 03:15 PM | Comments (0)

    This weekend might feel like a dedicated James Marsden weekend here on REEL TALK. Not only do we interview the actor during our ‘Spotlight On’ section but we also review his latest film, “27 Dresses.” You can view the extended length interview here.

    Also reviewed this weekend is the cautionary tale "Teeth," (which is actually an urban legend of some sort), "Day Zero," "Cassandra’s Drea