Jonah Hill

HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 15 ‘The Invention of Lying’ Chicago Passes With Jennifer Garner

HollywoodChicago.com — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 16:14:55 -0600

CHICAGO – In our latest comedy edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 15 admit-two passes up for grabs to the Chicago screening of “The Invention of Lying”!

“The Invention of Lying” stars Jennifer Garner, Ricky Gervais, Jonah Hill, Louis C.K., Rob Lowe, Tina Fey, Jeffrey Tambor, Fionnula Flanagan, Martin Starr, Jimmi Simpson and Nathan Corddry from writers and directors Ricky Gervais and Matthew Robinson. Ricky Gervais is the award-winning creator and star of the original BBC series “The Office”.

To win your free pass to the Chicago screening of “The Invention of Lying” courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, all you need to do is answer our trivia question below. That’s it! This screening will be held on Monday, Sept. 28, 2009 at 7 p.m. in downtown Chicago. Directions to enter this Hookup and immediately win can be found beneath the graphic below.

“The Invention of Lying” stars Jennifer Garner, Ricky Gervais, Jonah Hill, Louis C.K., Rob Lowe and Tina Fey.
Image credit: Warner Bros.

Here is “The Invention of Lying” plot description:

From Ricky Gervais – the award-winning creator and star of the original BBC series “The Office” as well as HBO’s “Extras” – comes the new romantic comedy “The Invention of Lying”.

“The Invention of Lying” takes place in an alternate reality in which lying – even the concept of a lie – does not exist. Everyone – from politicians to advertisers to the man and woman on the street – speaks the truth and nothing but the truth with no thought of the consequences.

But when a down-on-his-luck loser named Mark (Gervais) suddenly develops the ability to lie, he finds that dishonesty has its rewards. In a world where every word is assumed to be the absolute truth, Mark easily lies his way to fame and fortune.

But lies have a way of spreading and Mark begins to realize that things are getting a little out of control when some of his tallest tales are being taken as gospel. With the entire world now hanging on his every word, there is only one thing Mark has not been able to lie his way into: the heart of the woman he loves.

“The Invention of Lying” stars Ricky Gervais, Jennifer Garner (“Juno”), Jonah Hill (“Superbad”), comedian Louis C.K., Jeffrey Tambor (TV’s “Arrested Development”) and Fionnula Flanagan (“Yes Man”) with Rob Lowe (TV’s “Brothers & Sisters”) and Tina Fey (“Baby Mama,” TV’s “30 Rock”).

The comedy is written and directed by Ricky Gervais and Matthew Robinson. The film is produced by Lynda Obst (“How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” “Sleepless in Seattle”), Oly Obst, Gervais and Dan Lin (“Terminator Salvation,” upcoming “Shorts”) with Ted Field, Paris Kasidokostas Latsis, Terry Dougas and Sue Baden-Powell serving as executive producers.

The behind-the-scenes creative team includes director of photography Tim Suhrstedt (“17 Again”), editor Chris Gill (“28 Weeks Later”), production designer Alexander Hammond (“Flightplan”), costume designer Susie DeSanto (“13 Going on 30”) and composer Tim Atack (“Among Giants”).

“The Invention of Lying” movie trailer can be watched now below.

To secure your free tickets now, make sure you’re logged into your HollywoodChicago.com account. If you don’t yet have one, you can quickly register here. Having an account with a valid e-mail address is required. Then, simply add a new comment in the form below. In your comment, include an answer to this trivia question:

In “The Invention of Lying, Ricky Gervais’ character is a screenwriter. Name one of the real-life projects for which Gervais serves as a writer.

Like all Hookups here, this HollywoodChicago.com Hookup is simple: Just submit your comment below and we will award 15 people randomly via e-mail. Winners needs to arrive early as seats are consumed on a first-come, first-served basis.

By ADAM FENDELMAN
Editor-in-Chief/Publisher
HollywoodChicago.com
adam@hollywoodchicago.com

Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen Star in Ambitious But Flawed ‘Funny People’

BrianTT — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 09:59:18 -0600

CHICAGO – Judd Apatow’s “Funny People,” starring Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, and Leslie Mann, is like watching a friend try out a new stand-up routine. As with a lot of attempts at trying something untested, it doesn’t quite work out, but you have to admire the effort, if not the execution.

Rating: 3.0/5.0

The three films that Apatow has written and directed could be viewed as a natural trilogy about common chronological development through the life of a man. “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” is about sexuality, “Knocked Up” is about fatherhood, and “Funny People” is about mortality. If it sounds like deep material for what has been advertised as a raunchy comedy, it is, but that doesn’t mean it works.

Read Brian Tallerico’s full review of “Funny People” in our reviews section.

“Funny People” is an undeniably ambitious piece of work about infidelity, regret, death, fame, friendship, and love, but it simply got away from one of the most talented comedy writer/directors of the last decade. The romantic end of “Virgin” and the lessons about responsibility in “Knocked Up” had an emotional resonance that’s missing from the over-long, often-rambling “Funny People,” a film with great parts that never quite develops into a cohesive sum.

Like a lot of successful comedians, George Simmons (Adam Sandler) is kind of an a-hole. Life has left him with no friends and less real love. The star of “Merman” and “My Best Friend is a Robot” learns at the beginning of the film that he’s dying. Looking at the face of death sends George back to his roots, bringing him back to the stand-up stage and regretting the one that got away, Laura (Leslie Mann).

‘Funny People’ stars Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann, Jonah Hill, Jason Schwartzman, and Eric Bana. It was written and directed by Judd Apatow. It opens on July 31st, 2009. It is rated R.

Continuing reading for Brian Tallerico’s full “Funny People” review.

(L to R) Ira (Seth Rogen) and George (Adam Sandler).
Photo credit: Tracy Bennett/Universal

Slideshow: 30-Image Gallery For ‘Funny People’ With Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen

BrianTT — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 09:31:06 -0600

CHICAGO – This 30-image slideshow contains the official press images for “Funny People,” starring Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann, Eric Bana, Jonah Hill, Jason Schwartzman, RZA, Aubrey Plaza, and Aziz Ansari. It was written and directed by Judd Apatow. The film opens on July 31st, 2009.

Synopsis: “Over the past few years, writer/director Judd Apatow (The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up) has shown that nothing?not even losing your virginity or the miracle of childbirth?is sacred. About his third film behind the camera, he says, “I’m trying to make a very serious movie that is twice as funny as my other movies. Wish me luck!” Apatow directs Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen and Leslie Mann in Funny People, the story of a famous comedian who has a near-death experience.”

You can click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through this slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. Photos credited to Tracy Bennett and Universal Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

Funny_People_01: (L to R) Seth Rogen as Ira, writer/director/producer Judd Apatow and Adam Sandler as George.
Funny_People_02: (L to R) Ira (Seth Rogen) writes jokes with George (Adam Sandler).
Funny_People_03: Seth Rogen stars as young comic Ira Wright.
Funny_People_04: Seth Rogen stars as young comic Ira Wright.
Funny_People_05: Seth Rogen stars as young comic Ira Wright.
Funny_People_06: (L to R) Family members Mable (Maude Apatow), Ingrid (Iris Apatow), Laura (Leslie Mann) and Clarke (Eric Bana) share dinner with guests George (Adam Sandler) and Ira (Seth Rogen).
Funny_People_07: (L to R) George (Adam Sandler) and Ira (Seth Rogen) share an uncomfortable meal.
Funny_People_08: (L to R) Leslie Mann, Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen and Eric Bana star.
Funny_People_09: (L to R) George (Adam Sandler), Clarke (Eric Bana) and Ira (Seth Rogen) watch Aussie rules football.
Funny_People_10: Adam Sandler stars as George Simmons.
Funny_People_11: (L to R) George (Adam Sandler) has an awkward conversation with Laura (Leslie Mann) and her husband, Clarke (Eric Bana).
Funny_People_12: (L to R) Ira (Seth Rogen) and George (Adam Sandler) have a tense moment with George’s ex-girlfriend’s family—Mable (Maude Apatow), Ingrid (Iris Apatow), Clarke (Eric Bana) and Laura (Leslie Mann).
Funny_People_13: (L to R) Mable (Maude Apatow) and her sister, Ingrid (Iris Apatow), have a serious conversation with George (Adam Sandler).
Funny_People_14: Clarke (Eric Bana) tries to explain himself to wife Laura (Leslie Mann).
Funny_People_15: (L to R) Ira (Seth Rogen) and George (Adam Sandler).
Funny_People_16: (L to R) George (Adam Sandler) and Ira (Seth Rogen).
Funny_People_17: Adam Sandler stars as George Simmons.
Funny_People_18: Laura (Leslie Mann) flirts with George (Adam Sandler).
Funny_People_19: Writer/director/producer Judd Apatow on the set.
Funny_People_20: George (Adam Sandler) and Laura (Leslie Mann).
Funny_People_21: (L to R) Ira (Seth Rogen) and George (Adam Sandler).
Funny_People_22: (L to R) George (Adam Sandler) and Ira (Seth Rogen).
Funny_People_23: (L to R) Roommates Mark (Jason Schwartzman), Ira (Seth Rogen) and Leo (Jonah Hill).
Funny_People_24: Jonah Hill stars as young comic Leo.
Funny_People_25: Comics Ira (Seth Rogen) and Daisy (Aubrey Plaza).
Funny_People_26: (L to R) Roommates Leo (Jonah Hill) and Mark (Jason Schwartzman) kiss up to George (Adam Sandler).
Funny_People_27: George (Adam Sandler) gives a Thanksgiving toast to his hosts.
Funny_People_28: (L to R) George (Adam Sandler) and Ira (Seth Rogen) discuss a joke.
Funny_People_29: George (Adam Sandler) greets Laura (Leslie Mann) backstage.
Funny_People_30: (L to R) Roommates Leo (Jonah Hill), Ira (Seth Rogen) and Mark (Jason Schwartzman).

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

‘Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian’ is Predictable, Clustered Drivel

Ebeth — Fri, 22 May 2009 13:26:56 -0600

CHICAGO – The sequel “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian” is, presumably, an effort by director Shawn Levy (“Night at the Museum” in 2006 and “The Pink Panther”) and writers Robert Ben Garant and Thomas Lennon (who both wrote the first film) to weave together an exciting and educational film.

Rating: 2.0/5.0

After all, the concept remains clever and plot endless in possibilities. Museum exhibits come to life through ancient magic with wildlife running amuck, significant historical figures repossessed and left to interact as well as all sorts of artifacts renewed and at the disposal of all.

Add to this formula a knockout cast – with Ben Stiller, Amy Adams, Owen Wilson, Hank Azaria, Robin Williams, Steve Coogan, Ricky Gervais, Bill Hader and Jonah Hill – and one can expect hilarity and stimulation.

Instead, the filmgoer will quite amazingly find little engagement in this movie and instead will be confronted with a predictable, “when’s it going to end?” storyline that amounts to little but clustered drivel. The opposite of stimulating, the film simply numbs and dumbs the mind.

Read Elizabeth Oppriecht’s full review of “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian” in our reviews section.

Upon opening, we find that former museum guard Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) has left his job at the Museum of Natural History to pursue a more lucrative career: inventor and infomercial personality.

It becomes clear through rushed and skipped-about scenes that he’s unfulfilled in his new life and is quickly led back to wander the halls of his former museum-guard dwellings.

Upon his return to the Museum of Natural History, Larry finds that the majority of the exhibits he came to know in the original “Night at the Museum” are being shipped for storage in the basement of the Smithsonian.

“Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian,” which stars Ben Stiller, Amy Adams, Owen Wilson, Hank Azaria, Robin Williams, Steve Coogan, Ricky Gervais, Bill Hader and Jonah Hill from director Shawn Levy and writers Robert Ben Garant and Thomas Lennon, opened everywhere on May 22, 2009. The film is rated PG for mild action and brief language.

Read Elizabeth Oppriecht’s full review of “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian” in our reviews section.

Ben Stiller returns as heroic museum guard Larry Daley in “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian”.
Photo credit: Doane Gregory, Fox Pictures

Read Elizabeth Oppriecht’s full review of “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian” in our reviews section.

Judd Apatow Again Fashions Gimmick Into Gold in Uproarious ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’

HollywoodChicago.com — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 10:00:19 -0600

CHICAGO – After being blitzed by an onslaught of attention-demanding advertising that begged the question “who is Sarah Marshall?” even before you realized it’s a film, anticipation was ravenous.

It became nothing short of voracious upon learning it’s backed by producer Judd Apatow of “Superbad,” “Knocked Up,” “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby,” “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” and “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy” fame (also with high hopes for his “Pineapple Express,” which opens on Aug. 8, 2008).

Read Adam Fendelman’s full review of “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” in our reviews section.

View our huge “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” image gallery.

Through his Apatow Productions company, Apatow has made beaucoup bucks and a mountainous name by banding together the same stooges time and time again. In “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” we’re treated to the return of Bill Hader and Jonah Hill (both in Apatow’s “Superbad” and “Knocked Up” together).

While it’s still early in the year and few films have stood out to date, “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” indeed delivers on its hype as the funniest comedy so far in 2008.

Apatow has once again fashioned what could have been cheesy gimmick into delicious gold. In a telltale sign of its riotous good time, Chicago critics have even been promising to return on opening weekend for a second paid viewing with friends.

While first-time filmmaking talent is often a precarious, hit-or-miss gamble, it pays off in spades here.

Kristen Bell as Sarah Marshall in “Forgetting Sarah Marshall”.
Photo credit: IMDb

Jason Segel (left) and Kristen Bell in “Forgetting Sarah Marshall”.
Photo credit: IMDb

Read Adam Fendelman’s full “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” review…

Dr. Seuss’ ‘Horton Hears a Who!’ Heard Loudly Into Instant Children’s Classic

HollywoodChicago.com — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 20:37:13 -0600

CHICAGO – One of Dr. Seuss’ most famous storybooks has finally been granted life with its self-titled animated feature “Horton Hears a Who!,” which involves a morally righteous elephant, philosophical timbre and Dr. Seuss’ ingenious lyrical rhymes.

A star-studded cast supports this vibrant tale and Dr. Seuss’ ethical elephant and morally slated advice about equality are well represented in this CG-animated adaptation.

The elephant Horton (Jim Carrey) comes to the rescue of a speck crying for help as it floats by in the colorful jungle of Nool. When Horton decides to help the speck even though he can’t see the Whos who inhabit it, the famous line “a person’s a person no matter how big or how small” comes into the film and sets the Suessian tone of the tale.

Click here to read Allison Pitaccio’s full review
of “Horton Hears a Who!” in our reviews section!

Click here for our full “Horton Hears a Who!” image gallery!

Isla Fisher in “Horton Hears a Who!”.
Photo credit: IMDb

“Horton Hears a Who!”.
Photo credit: IMDb

‘R’-Rated, Three-Minute ‘Superbad’ Clip Leaks Onto YouTube

HollywoodChicago.com — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 17:15:55 -0600

A high-quality, “R”-rated “Superbad” clip has leaked online. This is three minutes from the film and is not the television trailer.

The film, which stars Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Seth Rogen and Bill Hader, opens in theaters on Aug. 17.

My July 26 post about the Chicago Q&A with Hill, Cera and Mintz-Plasse can be found here.

By ADAM FENDELMAN
Editor-in-Chief
HollywoodChicago.com
adam@hollywoodchicago.com

‘Superbad’ Trio Riles Up Chicago at Screening, Open Q&A

HollywoodChicago.com — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 12:06:35 -0600

I had a blast screening “Superbad” tonight. The theater was packed and people genuinely seemed antsy to laugh after a long day at work. That we all did.

Michael Cera (left) and Jonah Hill in “Superbad”.
Jonah Hill, Michael Cera and first-timer Christopher Mintz-Plasse – or the “Superbad” trio – stole the show. The duo Bill Hader and Seth Rogen were critical faces fused in the mix, too.

The film was made by the same guys who brought you “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” and “Knocked Up”.

While I’ll save the full review until the film opens on Aug. 17, I will share with you my impressions from the open Q&A following the screening. The session had the feeling of nearly complete liberty.

The stars were free to speak, curse, joke and laugh like they’d do normally. Fans snagged “McLovin” bumper stickers that said: “Gangstas, what’s up?”

The charmingly geeky Michael Cera – man, geeky really is the new cool these days – walked in just as the credits were rolling. He innocently pointed out: “That’s us from the movie.” The simple comment started the crowd off with their respect.

Jonah Hill said a lot of the material was improvised. They reflected on particularly having fun with the “genital confession” bit. While I won’t spoil it, suffice it to say the actors e-mailed around ideas about different drawings.

The unfortunate result of an open Q&A can be ridiculously ignorant questions asked by fans who most certainly have not done their research. There were several here. Interestingly, though, the question was posed whether actors really got sloshed on set.

Hill said while looking up at his escorts: “No. That’s the safe answer, right?” In response to why none of the women were on tour with them, he joked: “Because too many babies would get made.”

Christopher Mintz-Plasse (left) in “Superbad”.
The sensitive question came up about a sequel. While actors cannot announce news in this kind of setting, Cera was rather revealing. He said:

If they’d let us make a sequel, we’d walk out of the mall at the end of the film and get shot in the head by the cops (Hader and Rogen). The next film would be about their lives spinning out of control.

Please do not misinterpret this information. This is not a confirmation of a sequel in the works. This is merely an idea they have pondered. Ultimately, they’ve left the film open to a sequel and expressed interest in it if the first film performs.

While taking in the scene and the multi-level theater, I noticed that Hill seemed to squint frequently. He either needed contacts or stronger ones. After the Q&A ended, the trio casually walked about the AMC River East theater.

I bumped into Hill in the bathroom like he was any other guy and Cera had his small video recorder out in the front of the theater to capture fireworks at Navy Pier. Guards were around them, but in general, they were very free, warmly received and certainly entertaining.