Christina Ricci

Film Review: Robert Pattinson Drains Life From Misguided ‘Bel Ami’

BrianTT — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 12:15:24 -0400

Rating: 2.0/5.0

CHICAGO – Robert Pattinson is such a divisive actor. While he’s clearly one of the most popular young stars in the world thanks to his work in the “Twilight” films, he has yet to prove to most people that he can really act. While some who have seen David Cronenberg’s upcoming “Cosmopolis” claim that this will be the film that finally allows Pattinson to break out of the franchise that has defined him, we’re stuck with something far lesser for now, the misguided and depressing “Bel Ami,” a film that does nothing to help the critical reputation of the man otherwise known as Edward Cullen.

The problem is that I somehow want to defend Pattinson. I think there’s something there. Cronenberg is one of the smartest men in filmmaking and he saw something in this brooding young actor. And so what’s the defense for this mess? He was in over his head and was miscast from the beginning. It’s not his fault that he got thrown into the deep end with more talented swimmers and drowns in this misguided costume drama.

Read Brian Tallerico’s full review of “Bel Ami” in our reviews section.

“Bel Ami,” based on Guy de Maupassant’s second novel, is a tale that requires a charismatic, fascinating lead. And Pattinson doesn’t work as the manipulative cad that this story demands. It doesn’t help that his character arc requires him to not only seduce but get emotionally entangled with truly charismatic actors like Uma Thurman, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Christina Ricci. It’s hard to believe any of them would give Pattinson a second glance.

Continue reading for Brian Tallerico’s full “Bel Ami” review.

“Bel Ami” stars Robert Pattinson, Uma Thurman, Kristin Scott Thomas, Christina Ricci, and Colm Meaney. It was written by Rachel Bennette and directed by Declan Donnellan and Nick Ormerod. It opens on June 22, 2012 and is currently available On Demand. It is rated R.

Bel Ami
Photo credit: Magnolia Pictures

Interview: Dominique Swain, ‘Lolita’ Star in 1997 Remake

PatrickMcD — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:38:04 -0500

CHICAGO – About 15 years ago, a controversy erupted over a new film version of Vladimir Nabokov’s classic novel, “Lolita.” The version was to be closer in spirit to the original novel, and therefore more open about a older man’s obsession with an underage teenage girl. Taking on the young girl role of Dolores Haze, AKA “Lolita,” was the actress Dominque Swain.

Swain was picked for the character after applications for the role numbered around 2500. Not only were the filmmakers for this new imagining of the novel fighting the censorship, but they were also competing against the version directed by Stanley Kubrick in 1962, who worked off a script from the original author and turned the May-December creepiness into broad satire.

At the center of the storm was Dominque Swain. Only 14 years old when the filming began, she took on one of the most notorious title roles ever created. She has had a steady career since that film, following up in 1997 portraying John Travolta’s daughter in the unique action film “Face/Off.” Other notable roles were in the independent favorite “Pumpkin” (2002) and the Nick Cassevetes-directed crime drama, “Alpha Dog” (2006).

Dominque Swain at the Hollywood Celebrities & Memorabilia Show, Chicago, September 2011
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

HollywoodChicago.com got the opportunity to speak to Dominque Swain at the Hollywood Celebrities & Memorabilia Show, on “Lolita” and a host of other career topics. Providing the Exclusive Portrait is photographer Joe Arce.

HollywoodChicago.com: What do you think you understood about the character of Lolita that got you the role over the 2,500 actresses that were auditioned?

Dominique Swain: Adrian Lyne [the director] blamed my spontaneity. He just said that I did things in a way that was totally different, pretty much every time. I was lucky to have an actor like Jeremy Irons, who is such a great actor and so solid, who was ready to work with a kid who had never been in a film before. I didn’t realize how grateful I was until I started working more, especially in television, where they want you to express it precisely, exactly the same every time.

HollywoodChicago.com: What do you admire most about the language and power of the Vladimir Nabokov novel, and how did you honor that novel in your performance?

Swain: I revere the novel, I’ve read it six times. Whenever there were scenes in the film, I would refer immediately back to the book for more information. One thing I wrote to Adrian Lyne on my audition tape that I initially sent, is that Lolita didn’t have a point of view, she was third person. I told him I know who she is, and I can give her a point of view. That’s all I wrote, and that’s what I felt. When you’re a kid, you have balls of steel. [laughs]

HollywoodChicago.com: It seemed that Lolita got more attention because of Adrian Lyne’s more literal translation of the novel than the Stanley Kubrick version. What do you think is better or more honest about your version as opposed to earlier film?

Swain: In terms in an adaptation of the novel, Kubrick was up against even a more puritanical culture then our production faced. And yet, we were widely criticized as well. I think the reason was that we were more racy, it was because I was a kid, I went from 14-years-old to 15 while I was filming it. I think the whole point of ‘Lolita’ is that Humbert Humbert [the main character] is attracted to the kid. It was his arrested development, he was a kid as well. He saw the girl and couldn’t resist, because he was attracted to the kid in her. I think that made people a lot more uncomfortable, because he is attracted to the child in her person.

HollywoodChicago.com: You done a number of films and have worked with many directors. Which director did you have the best working relationship with, and how did that relationship translate into your performance in the film?

Swain as the Title Character in ‘Lolita’
Photo credit: Lions Gate Films Home Entertainment

Swain: Adrian Lyne was like a second father to me. Zev Berman from ‘Briar Patch’ [2003], I love him and his creative vision. Nick Cassavetes is amazing as a director [Alpha Dog, 2006], he saw different people’s strengths and catered to them completely. He was also able to see the differences in people’s attitudes, and what he wanted to inspire in the characters that he had created, so he was very much a master puppeteer.

I think your relationship overall with the director is very important. Some directors think it’s not their job to influence the actors at all, and I think that’s completely dumb. They hire you because they know what we can do, and when it’s a collaborative vision, it’s always going to be better. I can give them what I have as an actor, but if you can figure out what I’m capable of, it does inspire confidence and risk taking.

HollywoodChicago.com: Given that your career started with the one-two punch of ‘Lolita’ and ‘Face/Off,’ what type of role have you yet to play that you are anxious to try?

Swain: I would like to do voiceover work, like a Disney princess or something for Pixar. A guest appearance on ‘The Simpsons,’ I would put that at the top of my resume. I even had yellow hair as a girl, that was me. [laughs]

HollywoodChicago.com: What can you tell us about Christina Ricci that the rest of the world doesn’t know?

Swain: Lots of things. [laughs] She’s really cool. The first time I talked to her is when we worked on a scene together in ‘Pumpkin.’ And she said, ‘the girl doesn’t think that’s a good idea.’ And I thought, what girl? Then I realized she was talking about herself. It wasn’t something she did all the time, but I thought that was just the funniest thing. It was a great idea, just blame another version of yourself. It was fantastic. She is smart, sexy, hilarious and awesome.

The “Hollywood Celebrities & Memorabilia Show” is now “The Hollywood Show” and will be in Chicago on March 24th and 25th, 2012. Click here for details.

By PATRICK McDONALD
Senior Staff Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

TV Review: Breezy ‘Pan Am’ Pilot Exudes Promise in Flawed Launch

mattmovieman — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 15:33:24 -0400

CHICAGO – Feminism continues to be redefined for a new generation in this season’s slate of TV dramas. While NBC’s “The Playboy Club” makes the age-old error of confusing exploitation with empowerment, ABC’s “Pan Am” argues that flight attendants paved the way for the modern woman. Both programs offer a predominantly female perspective of the era recently popularized by “Mad Men,” while emulating Matthew Weiner’s cinematic approach to a small-screen serial.

Yet while “Playboy Club” is awash in dreary melodrama, “Pan Am” has the breezy tone and gauzy look of Steven Spielberg’s droll period piece, “Catch Me If You Can.” Loosely based on the experiences of former stewardess Nancy Ganis (who serves as executive producer), the show promises a palatable hodgepodge of romantic soap opera and nostalgic whimsy served with a dash of cold war espionage. Though the pilot succeeds as a promising launching pad, it is not without its instantly identifiable shortcomings.

Television Rating: 3.0/5.0

Christian Ricci heads the exceedingly attractive cast as Maggie, a skilled stewardess temporarily grounded on a uniform violation. She’s called on last minute to fill in for an absent co-worker during the maiden flight of the 707 jet, described by cocky captain Dean (Mike Vogel) as “the newest clipper jet in the Pan Am fleet.” By opening the show in 1963, it’s clear that creator/writer Jack Orman (“ER”) intends on exploring key moments in the decade from a wide-angled perspective, since the ladies’ globe-hopping job opens the doors for plenty of intentional intrigue.

Despite being top-billed, Ricci has scant screen time in the pilot, which focuses on the lives and back-stories of her three fellow employees. French brunette Colette (Karin Vanasse) is shocked to discover that the man she slept with after a previous flight is married with children. Blonde novice Laura (Margot Robbie) is equally mortified by the sight of her face gracing the cover of “Life Magazine,” presenting passengers with an image too daunting for her to fill. Meanwhile, Laura’s sister Kate (Kelli Garner) spends much of the pilot sneaking quick looks at an ominous man with glasses and a suspicious briefcase. It takes a while for the pilot to reveal the ambiguous nature of Kate’s relationship with the mystery man, resulting in a twist many viewers will reject as flat-out absurd. It remains to be seen whether the ambition of Orman’s plot will lead the show to tantalizing destinations or mere flights of lunacy.

Christina Ricci stars in ABC’s Pan Am.
Photo credit: ABC

“West Wing” director Thomas Schlamme does a fine job helming the pilot, which never drags and allows each of its fine actresses to shine (with the exception of Ricci, who better get a major plotline stat). Robbie is particularly touching as an anguished bride-to-be desperate to reroute her aimless existence by following in the footsteps of her sister. Laura’s inexperience causes her to come off as a klutz, but she’s never depicted as a stereotypical bubblehead. In fact, there isn’t a ditz among these sleek stewardesses, who are all well-educated, fluent in multiple languages and impeccably dressed (though a few occasionally need to be reminded to wear a girdle). When chauvinistic first officer Ted (Michael Mosley) refers to the attendants as a “new breed of women,” Dean snarls, “Don’t try and ground them.” This single line is meant to portray Dean as anything other than an arrogant jerk. His extreme level of self-absorption leads to a moment late in the pilot so inane that it nearly grinds the entire production to a halt (we’ll get to that in a moment).

Margot Robbie and Kelli Garner star in ABC’s Pan Am.
Photo credit: ABC

With a predictable array of pop tunes largely borrowed from the Bobby Darin songbook (such as “Faraway Places” and “Mack the Knife”), “Pan Am” breaks no new ground in its familiar portrayal of the period. ABC made the rather dopey decision to have its characters refrain from smoking, while playing up the angle that stewardesses served as an inspiration for the young girls of America. Sure, they were objectified nearly as much as the Playboy Bunnies, but did their worldliness and sophistication represent a giant leap for womankind? The jury is still out on that verdict, and the pilot’s feminist anthem is as earnest as it is overplayed.

There are certainly enough fabulous, faraway places for “Pan Am” to explore and enough enticing plot threads to keep attention rapt. Yet Orman risks sinking the whole show if he allows hokey subplots to upstage fascinating historical set-pieces. In what is surely the worst sequence in the pilot, one of the characters flashes back to a stealth mission where a Pan Am flight team rescued Cuban prisoners during the Bay of Pigs. This scene is taken directly from Ganis’s life story, but the show never pauses long enough to do it justice. What had the potential to be a tense sequence of fact-based heroism instead turns into a melodramatic proposal between first officer Dean and the flight attendant of his dreams. Despite the captain’s desperate pleas to get the prisoners off the ground, Dean stands outside the plane and demands to have her hand in marriage, thus stalling the mission in favor of his trivial pursuits. I suppose Orman figured that the scene would look more dramatic with the engines whirring and the actors’ hair blowing in the wind, but staging the scene outside as opposed to in the cockpit is…well…just plane silly.

‘Pan Am,’ which airs on ABC, stars Kelli Garner, Margot Robbie, Christina Ricci, Karine Vanasse, Mike Vogel, Michael Mosley and Annabelle Wallis. The show was created by Jack Orman. The first season premieres on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011 at 9PM CST.

By MATT FAGERHOLM
Staff Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
matt@hollywoodchicago.com

Film Review: Torturous, Awful ‘Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star’

BrianTT — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 14:27:14 -0400

CHICAGO – Adam Sandler lost a bet. How else to explain the existence of “Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star,” a movie that no one but the man behind Happy Madison would possibly finance? If you took this script (co-written by Little Nicky himself) to any sane film producer, they would assume you were pulling a prank. When you told them the shockingly untalented Nick Swardson was attached as the lead, they’d call security. And yet here it is, one of the worst comedies of all time. Must have been a hell of a gamble that resulted in this comedic abomination.

Rating: 0.5/5.0

“Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star” is awful on two levels. First, there’s the to-be-expected juvenile humor that thinks saying “YouPube” instead of YouTube and “Erection” instead of action qualifies as writing a joke. But bad writing is merely half the problem with this laugh-free excuse for a comedy. The second level of awful comes courtesy of some of the worst direction I’ve seen in a major cinema in years. “Bucky Larson” contains some comic timing so horrendous that it practically approaches Ed Wood or Tommy Wiseau pacing. Lines are said and then everyone stands around, as if you can see them waiting for someone to call cut. It’s obvious something this puerile doesn’t need a lot of character development but director Tom Brady (not the New England Patriot, I hope) doesn’t seem competent enough on basic tools of direction like camera placement, continuity, blocking, and, most importantly, how to produce a laugh. It’s like he called action and went to get a coffee. Or something stronger.

Read Brian Tallerico’s full review of “Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star” in our reviews section.

The title character is played by the abrasive and annoying Swardson as a buck-toothed man-child. He’s grown up in Iowa, where he’s been sheltered from every element of the real world, especially sex. When he learns that his parents weren’t just kind-hearted yokels but actually had former lives as porn stars Rosie Bush and Dick Spraysium, he decides that his destiny is to be an actor in “nude” movies – never mind that he’s never had sex and has a penis so small that a straw can be used as a condom (not a joke on my part but in the actual movie…and not a joke there really either). Bucky packs his bags and gets on the bus to Hollywood, determined to follow in the footsteps of his infamous parents.

Continue reading for Brian Tallerico’s full “Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star” review.

“Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star” stars Nick Swardson, Christina Ricci, Stephen Dorff, Kevin Nealon, and Don Johnson. It was directed by Tom Brady. It is rated R and opened on September 9th, 2011.

Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star
Photo credit: Sony Pictures

HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 3 VIP Prize Packs For ‘Alpha and Omega’ With Hayden Panettiere

HollywoodChicago.com — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 17:13:59 -0400

CHICAGO – In this edition of the HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 3 VIP prize packs up for grabs to the new animated film “Alpha and Omega” with the voices of Hayden Panettiere, Dennis Hopper, Danny Glover, Justin Long and Christina Ricci!

The film also stars Larry Miller, Eric Price, Vicki Lewis, Chris Carmack, Kevin Sussman, Brian Donovan and Bitsie Tulloch from directors Anthony Bell and Ben Gluck and writers Chris Denk and Steve Moore. “Alpha and Omega” opened in theaters on Sept. 17, 2010.

To win your free “Alpha and Omega” prize pack courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, just answer our question in this Web-based submission form. That’s it! Directions to enter this HollywoodChicago.com Hookup and immediately win can be found beneath the image below.

The movie poster for “Alpha and Omega” with Hayden Panettiere, Dennis Hopper, Justin Long and Christina Ricci.
Image credit: Lionsgate

Each “Alpha and Omega” prize pack includes the following branded items:

Nintendo DS game for “Alpha and Omega”
Run-of-engagement movie pass (see the film where you want, when you want)
Lenticular bookmark
Activity sheets
Stuffed wolf

Here is the synopsis for “Alpha and Omega”:

What makes for the ultimate road trip? How about hitchhiking, truck stops, angry bears, prickly porcupines and a golfing goose with a duck caddy. Just ask Kate and Humphrey: two wolves who are trying to get home after being taken by park rangers and shipped halfway across the country.

Humphrey is an omega wolf whose days are about quick wit, snappy one-liners and hanging with his motley crew of fun-loving wolves and video-gaming squirrels. Kate is an alpha: duty, discipline and sleek, Lara Croft moves fuel her fire. Humphrey’s motto is “make ‘em laugh”. Kate’s motto is “I’m the boss”. And they have a thousand miles to go.

Back home, rival wolf packs are on the march and conflict is brewing. Only Kate and Humphrey can restore the peace. But first, they have to survive each other.

Lionsgate and Crest Animation present “Alpha and Omega” starring Justin Long, Hayden Panettiere, Dennis Hopper, Danny Glover and Christina Ricci. “Alpha and Omega” is directed by Anthony Bell and Ben Gluck from a screenplay by Christopher Denk and Steve Moore. The film is based on a story by Steve Moore.

The “Alpha and Omega” trailer can be viewed now below.

To secure your free VIP 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 answer our question. 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, e-mail address and physical mailing address in your submission. Your personal information will not be sold or shared, will be kept strictly confidential and is only for awarding winning entries. Please answer our question below.

Are you an alpha or omega personality type?

This HollywoodChicago.com Hookup is simple: 3 lucky HollywoodChicago.com readers will be randomly selected as the VIP prize pack winners for our “Alpha and Omega” Hookup! The prize packs will be mailed to the winners at our expense. Good luck!

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

DVD Review: ‘After.Life’ Notable Only For Being So Awful

BrianTT — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 16:33:45 -0400

CHICAGO – Loyal readers will know that I am often forgiving of bad horror films merely due to my love for the genre but there’s nothing that can save “After.Life” from the company of the worst movies of 2010. The copious nudity from Christina Ricci and the admittedly interesting premise may draw those who haven’t seen it to this monumentally stupid film but prepare to lose a few brain cells in the process.

DVD Rating: 1.0/5.0

A common criticism of horror films is that too many writers have been inspired by great anthology shows like “The Twilight Zone” or “The Outer Limits” and they fail to realize that while their idea may be interesting enough to have made a great half-hour episode of television, it falls apart when stretched to the running time of a feature film. If you’re ever trying to make this point in the future, “After.Life” would be a PERFECT example of something that simply wasn’t filled out into an actual movie after the main idea was conceived. (In fact, a very similar concept was actually executed — and much more successfully — on “Tales From the Crypt.”)

Said idea is that a young woman (Christina Ricci) wakes up in a funeral home after a horrible car accident…or does she? The funeral director (Liam Neeson) explains to her that she’s actually dead and that he has the ability to speak to people on their way from life to the other side. But she begins to doubt this explanation and is convinced that she’s being held by a madman. The audience is forced to question whether or not they’re watching a ghost story or serial killer movie long after they care about the answer. Either reading of the film only reveals the project’s immense stupidity and deep, deep flaws.

After Life will be released on DVD and Blu-ray on August 3rd, 2010
Photo credit: Anchor Bay

Liam Neeson made a number of bad decisions this year including “Chloe” and “Clash of the Titans” (although he was slightly redeemed by “The A-Team”) but “After.Life” is the worst film of his career. It’s a thriller with no thrills and a horror movie that’s biggest scare is the realization of how you could be better-spending your time.

“After.Life” is one of the most repetitive movies ever made, consisting almost entirely of conversations between Neeson and a usually-naked Ricci about whether or not she’s actually dead inter-cut with enough dream sequences to make David Lynch roll his eyes and sequences of the consistently dull Justin Long over-emoting about the loss of the love of his life. Yawn. The only reason to pick up the DVD is if you have trouble sleeping. Boring horror movies are common but what distinguishes “After.Life” is the pretension with which the boredom is doled out. The team behind “After.Life” thinks their film is saying something about death, life and love when it’s really saying absolutely nothing at all. Over and over again.

Special Features:
o “Delving Into the After.Life: The Art of Making a Thriller”
o Audio Commentary with Co-Writer/Director Agnieszka Wojtowicz-Vosloo
o Theatrical Trailer

“After.Life” stars Liam Neeson, Christina Ricci, Justin Long, Chandler Canterbury, and Josh Charles. It was written by Agineszka Wojtowicz-Vosloo and Paul Vosloo & Jakub Korolczuk and directed by Wojtowicz-Vosloo. It will be released on DVD on August 3rd, 2010 and is rated R.

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

Annoyingly Inept ‘After.Life’ Bores Audience to Death

BrianTT — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 11:38:31 -0400

Rating: 1.0/5.0

CHICAGO – “After.Life” is one of the first truly awful films of 2010. Its aggressive solemnity combined with its head-slapping silliness will cause most viewers to simply laugh it off the screen. There’s at least two possible ways to interpret its murky story, and they’re both ludicrous. The only mystery guaranteed to linger in moviegoers’ minds is the inexplicable motivation of Christina Ricci and Liam Neeson to take part in this direct-to-video dreck.

First-time feature director Agnieszka Wojtowicz-Vosloo tries far too hard to get a reaction out of her audience. There are countless instances where loud clangs are heard on the soundtrack, followed by characters asking Ricci (and presumably the viewer), “Are you scared?” Frankly, there were more scares in “Casper.” The filmmakers spend so much time making noise that they forget to build suspense. Paul Haslinger’s irritating score has perhaps the greatest overuse of suspended cymbal rolls in film history, punctuating nearly every scene with a blaring crescendo until it quickly becomes an unintentional running gag.

Read Matt Fagerholm’s full review of “After.Life” in our reviews section.

Ricci plays Anna, a morose teacher who listlessly wanders through her daily routine as if the life has been drained from her body (she’s literally dead on arrival). Her long-suffering boyfriend Paul (Justin Long) improbably puts up with her cool indifference. In the first of many forced conflicts, Anna storms out of a restaurant after an inane misunderstanding with Paul, and immediately gets in a car crash. She awakens in a funeral home, where the seemingly sinister funeral director, Eliot Deacon (Neeson), is beginning to prepare her body for burial. He explains to her that he has the gift of communicating with souls of the deceased as they transition to the after.life, but Anna insists that she isn’t dead. Is Eliot endowed with a sixth sense, or is he merely a self-righteous serial killer?

‘After.Life’ stars Christina Ricci, Liam Neeson, Justin Long, Josh Charles, Chandler Canterbury and Celia Weston. It was written by Agnieszka Wojtowicz-Vosloo & Paul Vosloo & Jakub Korolczuk and directed by Agnieszka Wojtowicz-Vosloo. It opened on April 9th in local theaters. It is rated R.

Continuing reading for Matt Fagerholm’s full “After.Life” review.

After.Life
Photo credit: Anchor Bay Entertainment

HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 50 Chicago Passes to ‘After.Life’ With Christina Ricci, Liam Neeson

HollywoodChicago.com — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 11:21:32 -0400

CHICAGO – In our latest horror/thriller edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 50 admit-two passes up for grabs to the advance Chicago screening of “After.Life” starring Christina Ricci, Liam Neeson and Justin Long!

“After.Life” also features Josh Charles, Chandler Canterbury, Celia Weston, Anna Kuchma, Shuler Hensley, Rosemary Murphy, Malachy McCourt, Laurel Bryce, Bill Perkins, Luz Alexandra Ramos and Laurie Cole from writer and director Agnieszka Wojtowicz-Vosloo. The film opens on April 9, 2010.

To win your free pass to the advance Chicago screening of “After.Life” courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, just answer our question below. That’s it! This screening is on Tuesday, April 6, 2010 at 7 p.m. in downtown Chicago. Directions to enter this HollywoodChicago.com Hookup and immediately win can be found beneath the graphic below.

The movie poster for “After.Life” with Christina Ricci, Liam Neeson and Justin Long.
Image credit: Anchor Bay Films

Here is the “After.Life” plot description:

After a horrific car accident, Anna (Christina Ricci) wakes up to find the local funeral director Eliot Deacon (Liam Neeson) preparing her body for her funeral. Confused, terrified and feeling still very much alive, Anna doesn’t believe she’s dead despite the funeral director’s reassurances that she is merely in transition to the afterlife.

Eliot convinces her he has the ability to communicate with the dead and is the only one who can help her. Trapped inside the funeral home with nobody to turn to except Eliot, Anna is forced to face her deepest fears and accept her own death. But Anna’s grief-stricken boyfriend, Paul (Justin Long), still can’t shake the nagging suspicion that Eliot isn’t what he appears to be.

As the funeral nears, Paul gets closer to unlocking the disturbing truth, but it could be too late. Anna may have already begun to cross over to the other side. With an unrelenting edge of menace, “After.Life” is a stylish and psychological thriller that provocatively questions the line between life and death.

The “After.Life” 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 question:

Do you believe in an afterlife?

Like all Hookups here, this HollywoodChicago.com Hookup is simple: Just submit your comment below and we will award 50 people randomly via e-mail for our “After.Life” Hookup. Winners need to arrive early as seats are consumed on a first-come, first-served basis. Good luck!

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

HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 35 ‘New York, I Love You’ Chicago Passes to New Powerhouse Cast Film

HollywoodChicago.com — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 21:09:43 -0400

CHICAGO – In our latest romance/drama edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 35 admit-two passes up for grabs to the Chicago screening of the new film “New York, I Love You” from an eclectic group of some of today’s most imaginative filmmakers. This film also features a powerhouse of today’s hottest stars!

“New York, I Love You” stars Bradley Cooper, Justin Bartha, Andy Garcia, Hayden Christensen, Rachel Bilson, Natalie Portman, Irrfan Khan, Emilie Ohana, Orlando Bloom, Christina Ricci, Maggie Q, Ethan Hawke, Anton Yelchin, James Caan, Olivia Thilrlby, Blake Lively, Drea de Matteo, Julie Christie, John Hurt, Shia LaBeouf, Ugur Yucel, Taylor Geare, Carlos Acosta, Jacinda Barrett, Shu Qi, Burt Young, Chris Cooper, Robin Wright Penn, Eva Ammuri, Eli Wallach and Cloris Leachman.

The film is directed by Natalie Portman, Fatih Akin, Yvan Attal, Allen Hughes, Shunji Iwai, Wen Jiang, Shekhar Kapur, Joshua Marston, Mira Nair, Brett Ratner and Randall Balsmeyer.

To win your free pass to the advance Chicago screening of “New York, I Love You” courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, all you need to do is answer our question below. That’s it! This screening will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009 at 7 p.m. in Chicago. Directions to enter this Hookup and immediately win can be found beneath the graphic below.

“New York, I Love You” stars a powerhouse cast including Andy Garcia, Hayden Christensen, Rachel Bilson, Natalie Portman, Orlando Bloom, Christina Ricci, Maggie Q, Ethan Hawke, Anton Yelchin, James Caan, Olivia Thilrlby, Julie Christie, John Hurt, Shia LaBeouf, Chris Cooper, Robin Wright Penn and more.
Image credit: Vivendi Entertainment

Here is the “New York, I Love You” plot description:

Directed by an eclectic group of some of today’s most imaginative filmmakers (including Jian Wen, Mira Nair, Shunji Iwai, Yvan Attal, Brett Ratner, Allen Hughes, Shekhar Khapur, Natalie Portman, Fatih Akin, Joshua Marston and Randy Balsmyer), “New York, I Love You,” invites audiences into the intimate lives of New Yorkers as they grapple with, delight in and search for love.

In the Diamond District, an intercultural romantic fantasy transforms the purchase of a precious stone. Meanwhile in Chinatown, a desperate artist pursues a reluctant muse. Within an Upper East Side hotel, a sophisticated guest and a mysterious bellboy journey outside of time.

After an unexpected night in Central Park, a young man’s prom date has a surprising revelation. Traveling toward the Village, two lovers speed by taxi, subway and foot to meet for the first time after what they thought was a one-night stand. In Tribeca, a pickpocket finds the tables turned when he follows an alluring girl.

In Brooklyn, a moment of Coney Island bliss envelops an octogenarian couple. These stories and more are all woven together to form a colorful and lyrical collage not only of the city but of the deep yearning for love and human connections that sustain everyone within it.

Bringing to life the film’s host of unforgettable New York characters is an all-star cast that includes Bradley Cooper, Justin Bartha, Andy Garcia, Hayden Christensen, Rachel Bilson, Natalie Portman, Irrfan Khan, Emilie Ohana, Orlando Bloom, Christina Ricci, Maggie Q, Ethan Hawke, Anton Yelchin, James Caan, Olivia Thilrlby, Blake Lively, Drea de Matteo, Julie Christie, John Hurt, Shia LaBeouf, Ugur Yucel, Taylor Geare, Carlos Acosta, Jacinda Barrett, Shu Qi, Burt Young, Chris Cooper, Robin Wright Penn, Eva Ammuri, Eli Wallach and Cloris Leachman.

Following on the heels of the acclaimed “Paris, je t’aime,” the project is the second in a series of “cities of love” movies conceived by Emmanuel Benbihy who produced this film with Marina Grasic of “Crash”.

The “New York, I Love You” movie trailer can be watched now below.

What do you strongly love or dislike about New York?

Like all Hookups here, this HollywoodChicago.com Hookup is simple: Just submit your comment below and we will award 35 people randomly via e-mail for our “New York, I Love You” Hookup. Winners needs to arrive early as seats are consumed on a first-come, first-served basis. Good luck!

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

Interview: Kenny Johnson of TNT’s ‘Saving Grace’ on Second Season, Co-Starring With Holly Hunter

PatrickMcD — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:40:16 -0500

Television Rating: 3.0/5.0

CHICAGO – “Saving Grace,” which is the unusual and popular police drama on TNT, returns on Monday nights with all-new second-season episodes. Starring the Academy Award-winning actress Holly Hunter, the series focuses on her Oklahoma City detective character Grace Hanadarko.

Grace struggles with so many demons in her life that an angel named Earl (Leon Rippy) has been sent to give her a second chance.

Co-starring with Hunter is Kenny Johnson, who plays Ham Dewey, Grace’s partner and sometimes lover. HollywoodChicago.com recently sat down with Johnson – the veteran character actor who was also in “The Shield” – who spoke about his relationship with Holly Hunter, the ensemble strength of the show and its particular spirituality.

“I fell in love with Holly way back when she was working with the Coen Brothers, and her appearance in the film ‘Always,’ Johnson said.

“What she brings to the table is ultimate professionalism,” he added. “She personally wants to explore as much as she can, otherwise she wouldn’t take on the character. She takes it to a depth and a level that not many actors like to go to.”

Holly Hunter of “Saving Grace” on the TNT Network
Photo credit: TNT

Johnson gave a preview as to what Ham Dewey can expect with his ongoing relationship with Grace in the upcoming episodes.

“Secretly in his heart he loves Grace, and wants to get back with her as a partner, as a human being, he related. “But she is like, ‘whatever, dude, you blew it, you’re gone.’ The fact that Ham wanted another partner, he’s going to have to live with it.”

“There is tension later on, as Grace won’t forgive Ham for not allowing her in his life when he was having all the trouble. It was she who opened up and he pushed her away.”

Kenny Johnson, Ham Dewey on “Saving Grace”, in Chicago on February 25th, 2009.
Photo credit: Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

Balancing the gritty police drama in the story with the peculiar spiritual aspect of having angels and parallel redemption intrigues Johnson.

“We’re all trying to find something positive to give back to life,” he said. “This show gives Grace a second chance. It’s never too late and there is something out there that wants to help if you will open up and try.”

“For me, that parallels my own journey and beliefs,” he added. “I don’t have an angel named Earl, but I definitely believe there is a much bigger thing at work that has helped me in my life and that I can’t explain in any other way.”

Saving Grace is a highly female-centric show, reflected in its star and series creator Nancy Miller. Johnson compared his two police show experiences when considering the nature of this series.

“The female perspective brings a subtle, multi-layered dimension to all the work. If I compare working with Holly versus Michael Chiklis on ‘The Shield’, he’s cool testosterone and she is really coming from an angle that is much more challenging for me.”

“I feel most vulnerable when I share Ham’s heart with Holly’s character. To make that genuine and real is more difficult than doing conventional emotions. I’m sharing a part of me that is more naked emotionally.”

Another “character” on the show is its setting in Oklahoma City. Hanging over Grace’s persona is the loss of a sister in the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building there.

“When I went there initially to research the cops, I talked to a couple guys who were first on the scene after the bombing,” Johnson recalled. “I found out what they saw and what they went through and that was an emotional experience.”

Kenny Johnson (left) and Holly Hunter in “Saving Grace” on TNT.
Photo credit: TNT

“It began to mean something to me because one of the guys explained to me the horror of what he saw and the people he had to help,” he added. “If through the show we can sometimes communicate that, it’s nothing but a good thing.”

After playing cops in two major police dramas, Johnson shared some background similarities with his life and career to portraying law enforcement.

“I definitely think playing sports in college, physically gives you a competitive edge. Team play and instincts are characteristics of cops,” he said. “I also got into a bit of trouble when I was younger, so I saw the other side of the cell (laughs). It gave me both perspectives on that life, which also helped me to prepare.”

In conclusion, Kenny Johnson talks about the close professional relationships developed in an ensemble show like Saving Grace, and the overriding influence of Holly Hunter.

“Obviously you build a lot of trust between each other, and Holly is a very open person and extremely supportive and loving,” he said.

“She always wants us to speak up for what we believe in. With that kind of trust, it makes all of our characters that much better.”

“Saving Grace” returns with all-new episodes beginning Monday, March 2, at 10pm/9 Central. Starring Holly Hunter, Kenny Johnson, Laura San Giacomo, Leon Rippy, Lorraine Toussaint and Bokeem Woodbine. Christina Ricci guest stars in three upcoming episodes.

By PATRICK McDONALD
Staff Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com