Eric Bana

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

HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 16 ‘Star Trek: D-A-C’ Xbox Games

HollywoodChicago.com — Wed, 13 May 2009 22:59:42 -0600

CHICAGO – We’re riding the critically acclaimed wave of the just-released “Star Trek” film from J.J. Abrams starring Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Simon Pegg, Eric Bana, Anton Yelchin, Zoe Saldana, John Cho, Leonard Nimoy, Bruce Greenwood, Ben Cross and Winona Ryder with an extremely exciting edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film!

We’re giving away 15 “Star Trek: D-A-C” Xbox 360 games plus one family four-pack grand prize to see the new film at any Kerasotes theatre as well as the Xbox game, too!

To win your very own copy of “Star Trek: D-A-C” for Xbox 360 and Xbox Live as well as for your chance at the grand prize all courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, all you need to do is convince us you’re the biggest Trekkie in the land using this Web-based submission form.

That’s it! Directions to enter this HollywoodChicago.com Hookup and immediately win can be found beneath the graphic below.

The poster for the “Star Trek: D-A-C” video game for Xbox and Xbox Live.
Image credit: Paramount Digital Entertainment

The new “Star Trek” film opened wide on May 7, 2009 and currently has raked in more than $100 million in box-office receipts. Here is the video game synopsis for “Star Trek: D-A-C”:

Star Trek: D-A-C is a fast-paced, top-down space shooter inspired by the new motion picture. This pick-up-and-play game allows you and your friends to choose starships (from a list that includes the all-new U.S.S. Enterprise) and battle it out online!

Enlist in Starfleet or join the Romulan empire as you battle with up to 11 friends in game play modes including solo play, online versus and online cooperative.

Command the powerful flagship, the nimble fighter or the devastating bomber each with their own unique capabilities. Choose your side, fire your weapons and boldly go where no man has gone before!

To secure your free “Star Trek: D-A-C” Xbox game and for your chance at our “Star Trek” grand-prize pack, you must be logged into your HollywoodChicago.com Web site account. If you don’t yet have one, you can quickly register here. Having a free Web site account with a valid e-mail address is required to win this HollywoodChicago.com Hookup.

Next, simply convince us why you’re the biggest Trekkie in the land! You must submit your answer using this confidential, Web-based submission form. Please do not comment in this Hookup. Your entry will be invalid if you only comment here and don’t submit into our Web-based form. Please only submit your answer using this submission form.

You must include your first and last name and e-mail address in your submission. Your personal information, which will be kept strictly confidential and is only for awarding winning entries, will not be sold or shared elsewhere.

Convince us why you’re the biggest Trekkie in the land now!

Like all Hookups here, this HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film is simple: The first 15 people who submit valid entries win our “Star Trek: D-A-C” Xbox games and one person has a chance at winning our grand prize of four movie passes for the new film as well as the Xbox game as well!

The one grand prize winner will be judged by us based on your energy and submission quality. All Xbox winners for this title will be e-mailed a unique code to download and receive the game to it can be stored on your Xbox permanently. Good luck!

Read our review of the new “Star Trek” film from J.J. Abrams.
Read our ranking of the various “Star Trek” films.
Read our “Star Trek: Motion Picture Trilogy” Blu-ray review.

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

Video: Clip From ‘Star Trek’ With Zachary Quinto, Chris Pine

BrianTT — Wed, 06 May 2009 16:14:02 -0600

CHICAGO – Before you go see “Star Trek” this weekend, check out this great clip courtesy of Paramount. The film features Chris Pine (Kirk), Zachary Quinto (Spock), Simon Pegg (Scotty), Zoe Saldana, John Cho, Anton Yelchin, Bruce Greenwood, Leonard Nimoy, Eric Bana and Winona Ryder and opens in theaters on Thursday, May 7, 2009.

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

Slideshow: 22-Image Gallery From ‘Star Trek’ With Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto

BrianTT — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:28:22 -0600

CHICAGO – This 22-image slideshow contains the official press images for “Star Trek” starring John Cho, Ben Cross, Bruce Greenwood, Simon Pegg, Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Winona Ryder, Zoë Saldana, Karl Urban, Anton Yelchin, with Eric Bana and Leonard Nimoy. The film, written by Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman and directed by J.J. Abrams, opens on May 8th, 2009.

Synopsis:

“The greatest adventure of all time begins with “Star Trek,” the incredible story of a young crew’s maiden voyage onboard the most advanced starship ever created: the U.S.S. Enterprise. On a journey filled with action, comedy and cosmic peril, the new recruits must find a way to stop an evil being whose mission of vengeance threatens all of mankind.

The fate of the galaxy rests in the hands of bitter rivals. One, James T. Kirk (Chris Pine), is a delinquent, thrill-seeking Iowa farm boy. The other, Spock (Zachary Quinto), was raised in a logic-based society that rejects all emotion. As fiery instinct clashes with calm reason, their unlikely but powerful partnership is the only thing capable of leading their crew through unimaginable danger, boldly going where no one has gone before!”

You can click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through this slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All photos credited to Industrial Light and Magic and Paramount. All Rights Reserved.

Star_Trek_01: James T. Kirk (Chris Pine, left) and Spock (Zachary Quinto, right) quickly form an adversarial relationship.
Star_Trek_02: The drill from the Narada in “Star Trek.”
Star_Trek_03: Chekov (Anton Yelchin), James T. Kirk (Chris Pine), Scotty (Simon Pegg), Bones (Karl Urban), Sulu (John Cho), and Uhura (Zoë Saldana) in “Star Trek.”
Star_Trek_04: Director J.J. Abrams (left) discusses a scene with Zoë Saldana (right, as Uhura) on the set of “Star Trek.”
Star_Trek_05: Director J.J. Abrams (center) discusses a scene with actors John Cho (left, as Sulu), Anton Yelchin (center left, as Chekov), Zachary Quinto (center right, as Spock), and Chris Pine (far right, as James T. Kirk) behind-the-scenes of “Star Trek.”
Star_Trek_06: Director J.J. Abrams (right) discusses a scene with actor Chris Pine (far left, as James T. Kirk) behind-the-scenes of “Star Trek.”
Star_Trek_07: Bruce Greenwood stars as Pike in “Star Trek.”
Star_Trek_08: Zoë Saldana (center) stars as Uhura in “Star Trek.”
Star_Trek_09: Uhura (Zoë Saldana, left) gets hit on by James T. Kirk (Chris Pine, right) at a bar in “Star Trek.”
Star_Trek_10: Spock (Zachary Quinto, left) and James T. Kirk (Chris Pine, right) in “Star Trek.”
Star_Trek_11: Spock (Zachary Quinto, left) and James T. Kirk (Chris Pine, right) in “Star Trek.”
Star_Trek_12: Scotty (Simon Pegg) in “Star Trek.”
Star_Trek_13: Spock (Zachary Quinto) in “Star Trek.”
Star_Trek_14: Eric Bana stars as Nero in “Star Trek.”
Star_Trek_15: James T. Kirk (Chris Pine, left) and Sulu (John Cho, right) in “Star Trek.”
Star_Trek_16: James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) in “Star Trek.”
Star_Trek_17: The rebellious James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) decides to enroll in Starfleet Academy in “Star Trek.”
Star_Trek_18: Chris Pine stars as the headstrong and rebellious James T. Kirk in “Star Trek.”
Star_Trek_19: Chief Engineer Olson (Greg Ellis, left) James T. Kirk (Chris Pine, center) and Sulu (John Cho, right) embark on their first mission in “Star Trek.”
Star_Trek_20: Anton Yelchin stars as the 17-year-old Chekov in “Star Trek.”
Star_Trek_21: Anton Yelchin stars as the 17-year-old Chekov in “Star Trek.”
Star_Trek_22: John Cho stars as Sulu in “Star Trek.”

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

Slideshow: 37-Image Gallery From London Premiere of ‘Star Trek’

BrianTT — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 07:00:29 -0600

CHICAGO – This 37-image slideshow contains red carpet and press conference photos from the London premiere of “Star Trek,” featuring Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Simon Pegg, Eric Bana, John Cho, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban, and director JJ Abrams. The film opens on May 8th, 2009.

You can click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through this slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All photos credited to Paramount Pictures/Jorge Herrera. All Rights Reserved.

ST_London_01: Zoe Saldana
ST_London_02: Zoe Saldana
ST_London_03: Zoe Saldana
ST_London_04: Zachary Quinto
ST_London_05: Zoe Saldana
ST_London_06: Simon Pegg
ST_London_07: Simon Pegg
ST_London_08: Eric Bana
ST_London_09: Karl Urban
ST_London_10: John Cho
ST_London_11: John Cho
ST_London_12: Zoe Saldana
ST_London_13: Camilla Dallerup
ST_London_14: Claire Merry
ST_London_15: Claire Merry
ST_London_16: Claire and Tom Chambers
ST_London_17: John Cho
ST_London_18: Karl Urban
ST_London_19: Zoe Saldana
ST_London_20: Zoe Saldana
ST_London_21: Zoe Saldana
ST_London_22: J.J. Abrams
ST_London_23: Chris Pine
ST_London_24: Chris Pine
ST_London_25: Chris Pine
ST_London_26: Chris Pine
ST_London_27: Chris Pine
ST_London_28: Simon Pegg
ST_London_29: Simon Pegg
ST_London_30: Simon Pegg
ST_London_31: Simon Pegg
ST_London_32: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto
ST_London_33: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto
ST_London_34: Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg and John Cho
ST_London_35: Eric Bana, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Chis Pine, Director J.J. Abrams, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg and John Cho
ST_London_36: Lorraine Kelly and Zachary Quinto
ST_London_37: Karl Urban, John Cho, Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto

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

Slideshow: 22-Image Gallery From Berlin Premiere of ‘Star Trek’

BrianTT — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 11:09:48 -0600

CHICAGO – This 22-image slideshow contains red carpet and press conference photos from the Berlin premiere of “Star Trek,” featuring Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Simon Pegg, Eric Bana, John Cho, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban, and director JJ Abrams. The film opens on May 8th, 2009.

ST_Berlin_01: Chris Pine
ST_Berlin_02: JJ Abrams
ST_Berlin_03: John Cho, Zoe Saldana
ST_Berlin_04: Karl Urban
ST_Berlin_05: Zachary Quinto
ST_Berlin_06: Zachary Quinto, JJ Abrams
ST_Berlin_07: Luise Helm
ST_Berlin_08: Andrea Kemter
ST_Berlin_09: Nandina Mitra
ST_Berlin_10: Jytte-Merle Bohrnsen, Tino Mewes
ST_Berlin_11: Zoe Saldana
ST_Berlin_12: Zoe Saldana
ST_Berlin_13: Zoe Saldana
ST_Berlin_14: Karl Urban
ST_Berlin_15: Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg
ST_Berlin_16: Sven Sturm, Eric Bana, Zachary Quinto, J.J.Abrams, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban, Simon Pegg, John Cho, Chris Pine
ST_Berlin_17: John Cho, Eric Bana, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana, J.J.Abrams, Zachary Quinto, Simon Pegg, Chris Pine
ST_Berlin_18: Eric Bana, Zoe Saldana
ST_Berlin_19: Zoe Saldana
ST_Berlin_20: Chris Pine
ST_Berlin_21: Davorka Tovilo
ST_Berlin_22: Zoe Saldana

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

Video: Trailer of J.J. Abrams’ ‘Star Trek’ With Chris Pine, Eric Bana

BrianTT — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 09:51:17 -0600

CHICAGO – We’re continuing to fill our video player with Summer 2009 movie previews and today’s entry is the highly-anticipated “Star Trek” from director J.J. Abrams. The film stars John Cho, Ben Cross, Bruce Greenwood, Simon Pegg, Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Winona Ryder, Zoë Saldana, Karl Urban, Anton Yelchin, with Eric Bana and Leonard Nimoy. “Star Trek” opens on May 8th, 2009.

Synopsis:

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

Slideshow: 26-Image Gallery From World Premiere of ‘Star Trek’ With Chris Pine, Eric Bana

BrianTT — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 10:49:29 -0600

CHICAGO – This 26-image slideshow contains red-carpet shots from the premiere of J.J. Abrams’ “Star Trek” in Syndey, Australia on April 7th, 2009. Cast and crew members in attendance include Zachary Quinto, Chris Pine, John Cho, Eric Bana, J.J. Abrams, Karl Urban, and Bryan Burk. “Star Trek” opens on May 8th, 2009.

Star_Trek_Premiere_01: Actor Eric Bana, who plays Nero, arrives.
Star_Trek_Premiere_02: Actor Zachary Quinto, who plays Mr Spock, arrives.
Star_Trek_Premiere_03: Actor Zachary Quinto, who plays Mr Spock, and Director J.J. Abrams arrive.
Star_Trek_Premiere_04: Actor Chris Pine, who plays James T Kirk, arrives.
Star_Trek_Premiere_05: Actor Zachary Quinto, who plays Mr Spock, and Director J.J. Abrams arrive.
Star_Trek_Premiere_06: Actor Chris Pine, who plays James T Kirk, arrives.
Star_Trek_Premiere_07: Tara Moss arrives.
Star_Trek_Premiere_08: Actor Eric Bana, who plays Nero, arrives with his wife Rebecca Gleeson.
Star_Trek_Premiere_09: Cast and crew (L-R) Karl Urban, Chris Pine, Bryan Burk, Zachary Quinto, J.J. Abrams, Eric Bana and John Cho arrive.
Star_Trek_Premiere_10: Jonathan Pease arrives.
Star_Trek_Premiere_11: Actor Zachary Quinto, who plays Mr Spock, arrives..
Star_Trek_Premiere_12: Actor Zachary Quinto, who plays Mr Spock, arrives..
Star_Trek_Premiere_13: Actor Eric Bana, who plays Nero, arrives.
Star_Trek_Premiere_14: Laura Dundovic and guest arrive.
Star_Trek_Premiere_15: Actor Eric Bana, who plays Nero, arrives.
Star_Trek_Premiere_16: Laura Dundovic arrives.
Star_Trek_Premiere_17: Laura Dundovic arrives.
Star_Trek_Premiere_18: Actor Karl Urban arrives.
Star_Trek_Premiere_19: Laura Csortan arrives.
Star_Trek_Premiere_20: Laura Csortan arrives.
Star_Trek_Premiere_21: Cast and crew (L-R) actor Zachary Quinto, director J.J. Abrams, producer Bryan Burk, actors Chris Pine, Karl Urban, Eric Bana and John Cho arrive.
Star_Trek_Premiere_22: Tara Moss arrives.
Star_Trek_Premiere_23: Tara Moss arrives.
Star_Trek_Premiere_24: Tara Moss and guest arrive.
Star_Trek_Premiere_25: Tara Moss, Rove McManus and his girlfriend Tasma Walton arrive.
Star_Trek_Premiere_26: Renee Bargh arrives.

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

New ‘Star Trek’ Trailer Debuts on Apple.com From J.J. Abrams With Zachary Quinto, Chris Pine

HollywoodChicago.com — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 11:21:03 -0700

CHICAGO – With the May 8, 2009 release date for the highly anticipated new “Star Trek” film quickly approaching, we just received word that another new trailer for the J.J. Abrams-directed film has been released on Apple.com.

“Star Trek” stars Chris Pine as Kirk, Zachary Quinto as Spock, Eric Bana as Nero, Simon Pegg as Scotty, Winona Ryder as Amanda Grayson, Zoe Saldana as Nyota Uhura, Karl Urban as Leonard “Bones” McCoy and John Cho as Hikaru Sulu.

“Star Trek” also stars Bruce Greenwood as Christopher Pike, Ben Cross as Sarek, Anton Yelchin as Pavel Chekov, Leonard Nimoy as the old Spock, Greg Ellis as chief engineer Olsen and Chris Hemsworth as George Kirk. The new trailer can be watched by clicking the image below. In addition to “trailer one,” “trailer two” and a “big game TV spot,” the new trailer is “trailer three”.

A new “Star Trek” trailer debuted at Apple.com on May, 6, 2009.
Image credit: Apple.com

We reported the release of a previous “Star Trek” trailer in Nov. 2008. We also wrote about new sex scenes in the film that month, too.

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