Land of the Lost

‘Land of the Lost’ With Will Ferrell Should Never Be Found

BrianTT — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 10:29:40 -0600

Rating: 1.0/5.0

CHICAGO – “Land of the Lost,” starring Will Ferrell, Danny McBride, and Anna Friel, is horribly conceived, almost entirely laugh-free, and with absolutely no personality of its own. It’s one of the most inert, dull, and dead-on-arrival major summer films in a very long time with no target audience likely to be satisfied by it.

What exactly is the target audience of “Land of the Lost”? I’ll admit that I assumed it would be a PG-rated family comedy going in. Little kids love dinosaur poop jokes, right? Much to be great surprise, “Land of the Lost” is not for kids. Sure, it sounds like it was written by a 12-year-old, but parents may blush at jokes about characters getting “wet” or sitting on a vibrating crystal. Even pre-teens will roll their eyes when Chaka gropes Holly for the fifteenth time.

Read Brian Tallerico’s full review of “Land of the Lost” in our reviews section.

So, if the target audience isn’t families than it must be fans of the original TV show, a formula that has gotten Hollywood nowhere creatively. “The Beverly Hillbillies,” “The Flintstones,” “Bewitched,” and now “Land of the Lost” - why do they keep mining this well when it produces so little? The only positive thing I can say about “Land of the Lost” is that it’s so bad perhaps it will put an end to the classic-TV-to-film machine.

Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell) is a quantum paleontologist who we meet on “The Today Show” during a rather embarassing interview with Matt Lauer about time travel. A few years later, Rick is teaching science to kids whose most interesting questions are “do dinosaurs have boobies?”

‘Land of the Lost’ stars Will Ferrell, Danny McBride, Anna Friel, and Jorma Taccone. It was written by Chris Henchy & Dennis McNicholas and directed by Brad Silberling. It opens on June 5th, 2009. It is rated PG-13.

Continue reading for Brian Tallerico’s full “Land of the Lost” review.

(L to R) Has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell), research assistant Holly (Anna Friel) and redneck survivalist Will (Danny McBride) arrive at a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
Photo credit: Universal/Ralph Nelson

Slideshow: 34-Image Gallery For ‘Land of the Lost’ With Will Ferrell

BrianTT — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 10:57:02 -0600

CHICAGO – This 34-image slideshow contains the official press images for “Land of the Lost starring Will Ferrell, Danny McBride, Jorma Taccone, and Anna Friel. The film, written by Chris Henchy & Dennis McNicholas and directed by Brad Silberling, opens on June 5th, 2009.

Synopsis:

“Space-time vortexes suck.

Will Ferrell stars as has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall, sucked into one and spat back through time. Way back. Now, Marshall has no weapons, few skills and questionable smarts to survive in an alternate universe full of marauding dinosaurs and fantastic creatures from beyond our world—a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.

Sucked alongside him for the adventure are crack-smart research assistant Holly (Anna Friel) and a redneck survivalist (Danny McBride) named Will. Chased by T. rex and stalked by painfully slow reptiles known as Sleestak, Marshall, Will and Holly must rely on their only ally—a primate called Chaka (Jorma Taccone)—to navigate out of the hybrid dimension. Escape from this routine expedition gone awry and they’re heroes. Get stuck, and they’ll be permanent refugees in the Land of the Lost.

Based on the classic television series created by Sid & Marty Krofft, Land of the Lost is directed by Brad Silberling and produced by Jimmy Miller and Sid & Marty Krofft. ”

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 Ralph Nelson & Universal Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

LandOfTheLost_01: (L to R) Has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell), research assistant Holly (Anna Friel) and redneck survivalist Will (Danny McBride) arrive at a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_02: Director Brad Silberling on the set of Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_03: (L to R) Has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell), research assistant Holly (Anna Friel) and redneck survivalist Will (Danny McBride) find themselves in a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_04: The Sleestak emerge from hiding in a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_05: Research assistant Holly (Anna Friel) and redneck survivalist Will (Danny McBride) find themselves in a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_06: (L to R) Will Ferrell as has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall, Anna Friel as research assistant Holly, Danny McBride as redneck survivalist Will and director Brad Silberling on the set of Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_07: (L to R) Redneck survivalist Will (Danny McBride), has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell) and research assistant Holly (Anna Friel) are surrounded by painfully slow Sleestak in a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_08: Director Brad Silberling on the set of Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_09: (L to R) Will Ferrell as has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall, Anna Friel as research assistant Holly, Danny McBride as redneck survivalist Will and director Brad Silberling on the set of Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_10: Redneck survivalist Will (Danny McBride) takes in the amazing sights of a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_11: (L to R) Land of the Lost producers Sid & Marty Krofft on the set.
LandOfTheLost_12: Has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell) is ready for action in a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_13: (L to R) Has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell), research assistant Holly (Anna Friel) and redneck survivalist Will (Danny McBride) have arrived at a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_14: Research scientist Holly (Anna Friel) looks astonished at a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_15: Primate Chaka (Jorma Taccone) comes out of hiding in a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_16: (L to R) Redneck survivalist Will (Danny McBride) and has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell) in a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_17: Has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell) finds himself in a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_18: Has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell) arrives at a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_19: Research assistant Holly (Anna Friel) is surprised at what she sees in a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_20: (L to R) A T. rex named Grumpy tries to swallow has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell), redneck survivalist Will (Danny McBride), research assistant Holly (Anna Friel) and primate Chaka (Jorma Taccone) in a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_21: (L to R) A T. rex nemesis named Grumpy approaches has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell), redneck survivalist Will (Danny McBride), primate Chaka (Jorma Taccone) and research assistant Holly (Anna Friel) in a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_22: Has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell) is covered in alien spiders in a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_23: (L to R) Has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell), research assistant Holly (Anna Friel), redneck survivalist Will (Danny McBride) and primate Chaka (Jorma Taccone) arrive at a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_24: (L to R) Has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell), research assistant Holly (Anna Friel) and redneck survivalist Will (Danny McBride) introduce themselves to primate Chaka (Jorma Taccone) in a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_25: (L to R) Has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell), redneck survivalist Will (Danny McBride) and primate Chaka (Jorma Taccone) cant believe what they see in a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_26: The Sleestak descend upon their prey in a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_27: (L to R) Research assistant Holly (Anna Friel), primate Chaka (Jorma Taccone) and redneck survivalist Will (Danny McBride) stare in disgust as a giant mosquito bites has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell) in a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_28: (L to R) Has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell), research assistant Holly (Anna Friel), redneck survivalist Will (Danny McBride) and primate Chaka discuss their predicament in a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_29: Has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell) plays the banjo at a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_30: Research assistant Holly (Anna Friel) and has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell) prepare to plunge into a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_31: Has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell) finds himself in close proximity to a T. rex nemesis named Grumpy in a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_32: Has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell) looks curious about his new surroundings in a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_33: Has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell) and redneck survivalist Will (Danny McBride) are approached by two Sleestak in a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.
LandOfTheLost_34: Has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell) faces off against a T. rex nemesis named Grumpy in a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost.

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

The Best, Worst 2009 Super Bowl Movie Commercials

BrianTT — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 10:36:42 -0700

CHICAGO – While Al Michaels and John Madden may have been talking about the incredible play of Santonio Holmes and Larry Fitzgerald in the 2009 Super Bowl, audiences around the world were bombarded with previews for big movies for the summer of 2009 by studios hoping that their films would be the real subject of post-game conversation.

A total of 11 major spots aired during the annual festivities including “Land of the Lost,” “G.I. Joe: The Rise of the Cobra,” “Angels & Demons,” “Fast & Furious,” “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen,” “Up,” “Year One,” “Star Trek,” “Duplicity,” “Race to Witch Mountain".

What did we learn from the movie commercials during last night's game? Besides the fact that nothing from your childhood is safe any more? (From "Land of the Lost" to "G.I. Joe," it's only a matter of time before the Hollywood machine works its way through every toy and TV show of your youth.) Which previews were the best and which were the worst? Let us offer our opinion. Watch the previews yourself and leave your own.

THE BEST

“Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen”

Here’s the sign of a sequel preview that works - it gets even the people who didn’t like the first movie talking about it. Selling a sequel to a fans of the original is like shooting fish in a barrel, but the spot for the second “Transformers” movie created the biggest “whoa” ripple of any of Sunday night’s ads among viewers. With almost no dialogue, massive explosions, and effects that look more impressive than the first, “Revenge of the Fallen” scored a touchdown. There’s no doubt that what will probably be at least the loudest if not the biggest movie of the summer was a perfect fit for the most over-the-top TV event of the year.

“Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” was directed by Michael Bay and stars Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Rainn Wilson, John Turturro, Josh Duhamel, Isabel Lucas, and Tyrese Gibson. It opens on June 26th, 2009.

“Land of the Lost”

It’s hard to tell with just 45 seconds, but the spot for “Land of the Lost” popped up, got people talking, and got out. The jury may still be deliberating if the movie will be any good but the blend of comedy and action has summer family hit written all over it. In a summer overrun with high-profile sequels, the spot for “Land of the Lost” did exactly what it needed to in under a minute - start building buzz.

“Land of the Lost” was directed by Brad Silberling and stars Will Ferrell, Danny McBride, Anna Friel, and Jorma Taccone. It opens on June 5th, 2009.

“Duplicity”

Clive Owen and Julia Roberts in a spy/romantic comedy with tones of “Mr. and Mrs. Smith”? Where do I sign up? Written and directed by the man behind “Michael Clayton,” the spot for “Duplicity” doesn’t give away too of the actual film but offers just enough of a taste to get audiences intrigued. This spot ran early in the game when a lot of people were still arriving at parties and filling out their squares, so it doesn’t have quite the same buzz the morning after, but it was still one of the best.

“Duplicity” was directed by Tony Gilroy and stars Julia Roberts, Clive Owen, Tom Wilkinson, and Paul Giamatti. It opens on March 20th, 2009.

“Year One”

I might be a little blinded by this one. The actual spot is just so-so, but the idea of Michael Cera, Paul Rudd, David Cross, and Jack Black sharing screen time has me as excited as any summer comedy. Considering Sunday night was packed with high-budget action movie commercials, it was refreshing to see something funny and low-key, changing speed from the predictable blockbuster ads that we were all expecting to see.

“Year One” was directed by Harold Ramis and stars Jack Black, Michael Cera, Olivia Wilde, David Cross, Paul Rudd, Oliver Platt, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, and Hank Azaria. It opens on June 19th, 2009.

“Up”

I agree that this one doesn’t work as well as the early ads for “The Incredibles,” “Ratatouille,” or “WALL-E,” but Pixar has built up so much goodwill with their amazing streak of brilliance that a lot can be foprgiven. In fact, it’s clear that they’re aware of that, using clips from their last few movies to get audiences prepared for “Up.” I was hoping for more footage and something, a visual image or great line, to get people buzzing this morning. The spot is oddly forgettable. But I’m also pretty confident that this is just the beginning and we’ll see some great stuff soon. This was just a taste.

“Up” was directed by Pete Docter & Bob Peterson and features voice work from Christopher Plummer, John Ratzenberger, Ed Asner, and Delroy Lindo. It opens on May 29th, 2009.

2009 Universal Pictures Preview: ‘Public Enemies,’ ‘State of Play,’ ‘Fast & Furious,’ ‘Land of the Lost,’ More

BrianTT — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 07:29:54 -0700

CHICAGO – Universal has released a slate of new images from their 2009 schedule of films. We brought you information and the first available images last year, but we’re back with 23 more exciting images.

This 23-image slideshow contains official press images and schedule information for the announced slate of films to be released by Universal Pictures in 2009 including new movies starring Ben Affleck, Russell Crowe, Matt Damon, Benicio Del Toro, Vince Vaughn, Adam Sandler, Will Ferrell, Johnny Depp, and Philip Seymour Hoffman.

These 2009 Universal Pictures include, in release order, “Fast & Furious,” “State of Play,” “Fighting,” “Wild Child,” “Drag Me to Hell,” “Land of the Lost,” “Public Enemies,” “Funny People,” “The Wolfman,” “The Green Zone,” “The Boat That Rocked,” “The Last House on the Left,” “Couples Retreat,” and “25/8”. All films have images in the slideshow below.

The release dates, cast lists, and filmmaker information for these Universal Pictures films can be found below in release date order, followed by a slideshow of available images.

“Fast & Furious”
Release Date: April 3, 2009
Genre: Action-Thriller
Cast: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, John Ortiz, Laz Alonso
Directed by: Justin Lin
Written by: Chris Morgan

“Fighting”
Release date: April 24, 2009
Genre: Action
Cast: Channing Tatum, Terrence Howard, Brian White,Luis Guzmán, Zulay Henao
Directed by: Dito Montiel
Writers: Dito Montiel, Robert Munich

“Wild Child”
Release date: May 8, 2009
Genre: Comedy
Cast: Emma Roberts, Natasha Richardson, Shirley Henderson, Alex Pettyfer and Aidan Quinn
Directed by: Nick Moore
Writers: Lucy Dahl

“Drag Me to Hell”
Release date: Friday, May 29, 2009
Genre: Horror
Cast: Alison Lohman, Justin Long, Lorna Raver, David Paymer, Dileep Rao
Directed by: Sam Raimi
Written by: Sam Raimi & Ivan Raimi

“Land of the Lost”
Release date: June 5, 2009
Genre: Comedy Adventure
Cast: Will Ferrell, Danny McBride, Anna Friel, Jorma Taccone
Directed by: Brad Silberling
Screenplay by: Chris Henchy & Dennis McNicholas

“Public Enemies”
Release date: July 1, 2009
Genre: Action
Cast: Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Channing Tatum, Billy Crudup, Leelee Sobieski, Emilie de Ravin, Giovanni Ribisi
Directed by: Michael Mann
Screenplay by: Credits TBA

“The Wolfman”
Release date: November 6, 2009
Genre: Action-Horror
Cast: Benicio Del Toro, Anthony Hopkins, Emily Blunt, Hugo Weaving, Art Malik
Directed by: Joe Johnston
Screenplay by: Andrew Kevin Walker and David Self

“The Green Zone”
Release date: TBD
Genre: Thriller
Cast: Matt Damon, Greg Kinnear, Amy Ryan, Brendan Gleeson, Jason Isaacs, Khalid Abdalla
Directed by: Paul Greengrass
Written by: Brian Helgeland

“The Boat That Rocked”
Release date: TBD
Genre: Comedy
Cast: Bill Nighy, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Gemma Arterton, January Jones, Emma Thompson, Kenneth Branagh, Rhys Darby
Directed by: Richard Curtis
Written by: Richard Curtis

“The Last House on the Left”
Release date: TBD
Genre: Suspense thriller
Cast: Tony Goldwyn, Monica Potter, Sara Paxton, Garret Dillahunt, Martha MacIssac, Riki Lindhome
Directed by: Dennis Iliadis
Screenplay by: Carl Ellsworth

“Couples Retreat”
Release Date: TBD
Genre: Comedy
Cast: Vince Vaughn, Jason Bateman, Jon Favreau, Malin Ackerman, Kristin Davis, Kristen Bell, Faizon Love, Kali Hawk and Jean Reno
Writers: Vince Vaughn, Jon Favreau, Dana Fox
Story by: Vince Vaughn
Directed by: Peter Billingsley

“25/8”
Release date: TBD
Genre: Suspense thriller
Cast: Max Thieriot, John Magaro, Emily Meade, Nick Lashaway, Denzel Whitaker, Shareeka Epps, Paulina Olszyinski, Raúl Esparza
Written and Directed by: Wes Craven

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 ©Universal Pictures. All rights reserved. Specific photographer credits where noted.

FastAndFurious_1: Paul Walker and Vin Diesel reteam as agent Brian O Conner and fugitive ex-con Dom Toretto for the ultimate chapter of the franchise built on speed. Photo Credit: Jaimie Trueblood
FastAndFurious_2: Vin Diesel as fugitive ex-con Dom Toretto in the ultimate chapter of the franchise built on speed. Photo Credut: Jaimie Trueblood
StateOfPlay_1: Newspaper editor Cameron Lynne (Helen Mirren) demands answers from reporters Della Frye (Rachel McAdams) and Cal McCaffrey (Russell Crowe) in a blistering political thriller about a rising congressman and an investigative journalist embroiled in a case of seemingly unrelated, brutal murders. Photo Credit: Glen Wilson
StateOfPlay_2: D.C. reporter Cal McCaffrey (Russell Crowe) questions U.S. Congressman Stephen Collins (Ben Affleck) in a blistering political thriller about a rising congressman and an investigative journalist embroiled in a case of seemingly unrelated, brutal murders. Photo Credit: Glen Wilson
Fighting_1: Manager Harvey Boarden (Terrence Howard) gives hard advice to star brawler Shawn MacArthur (Channing Tatum) in the action film Fighting. Photo Credit: Philip V. Caruso
Fighting_2: Star brawler Shawn MacArthur (Channing Tatum) faces off with nemesis Evan Hailey (Brian J. White) in Shawns latest bout in the action film Fighting. Photo Credit: Philip V. Caruso
WildChild_1: Pampered American princess Poppy (Emma Roberts) arrives at boarding school in a comedy about a 16-year-old who meets her match in a school of British girls who will not tolerate her spoiled ways. Photo Credit: Bill Kaye
WildChild_2: Josie (Linzey Cocker), pampered American princess Poppy (Emma Roberts) and Kate (Kimberly Nixon) in a comedy about a 16-year-old who meets her match in a school of British girls who will not tolerate her spoiled ways. Photo Credit: Giles Keyte
DragMeToHell: Loan officer Christine Brown (Alison Lohman) unearths a fresh grave in director Sam Raimi?s return to the horror genre, an original tale of a young woman?s desperate quest to break an evil curse. Photo Credit: Melissa Moseley
LandOfTheLost: Redneck survivalist Will (Danny Mcbride), has-been scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell) and research assistant Holly (Anna Friel) are surrounded by painfully slow Sleestaks in a place of spectacular sights and super-scaled comedy known as the Land of the Lost. Photo Credit: Ralph Nelson
PublicEnemies: Johnny Depp stars as legendary Depression-era outlaw John Dillinger, the charismatic bank robber whose lightning raids made him the number one target of the fledgling FBI, in the new action-thriller from filmmaker Michael Mann, Public Enemies. Photo Credit: Peter Mountain
Funny_People: Leslie Mann, Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen and Eric Bana star in writer/director Judd Apatow?s third film behind the camera, Funny People, the story of a famous comedian who has a near-death experience. Photo Credit: Tracy Bennett
Wolfman_1: Mr. Conliffe (Robert East), Lawrence Talbot (Benicio Del Toro), Gwen Conliffe (Emily Blunt) and Sir John Talbot (Anthony Hopkins) in the action-horror inspired by the classic Universal film that launched a legacy of horror, The Wolfman. Photo Credit: Frank Connor
Wolfman_2: Inspired by the classic Universal film that launched a legacy of horror, The Wolfman brings the myth of a cursed man back to its iconic origins. Photo Credit: Frank Ockenfels
GreenZone: Matt Damon and director Paul Greengrass re-team for their latest electrifying thriller in Green Zone, a thriller set in the chaotic early days of the Iraqi War when no one could be trusted and every decision could detonate unforeseen consequences. Photo Credit: Jason Boland
BoatThatRocked: Philip Seymour Hoffman stars as big, brash American DJ The Count in The Boat That Rocked, the new comedy from writer/director Richard Curtis that is inspired by the British pirate radio revolution of the ’60s. Photo Credit: Alex Bailey
BoatThatRocked_2: Philip Seymour Hoffman stars as big, brash American DJ The Count in The Boat That Rocked, the new comedy from writer/director Richard Curtis that is inspired by the British pirate radio revolution of the 60s. Photo Credit: Alex Bailey
LastHouseOnTheLeft_1: Krugs (Garret Dillahunt) vicious family in the suspense thriller that explores how far two ordinary people will go to exact revenge on the sociopaths who harmed their child. Photo Credit: Lacey Terrell
LastHouseOnTheLeft_2: Krug (Garret Dillahunt) taunts his captive, Mari (Sara Paxton), in the suspense thriller that explores how far two ordinary people will go to exact revenge on the sociopaths who harmed their child. Photo Credit: Lacey Terrell
LastHouseOnTheLeft_3: Dr. John (Tony Goldwyn) and Emma Collingwood (Monica Potter) hunt killers in the suspense thriller that explores how far two ordinary people will go to exact revenge on the sociopaths who harmed their child. Photo Credit: Lacey Terrell
CouplesRetreat: Kristen Bell, Jon Favreau, Kristin Davis, Faizon Love, Kali Hawk, Malin Ackerman, Vince Vaughn, and Jason Bateman in the upcoming comedy Couples Retreat, directed by Peter Billingsley and written by Jon Favreau. Photo Credit: John Johnson
25_8_1: Friends Alex (John Magaro), Bug (Max Thieriot) and Jerome (Denzel Whitaker) sense a killer is near in the latest suspense thriller from writer/director Wes Craven. Photo Credit: Nicole Rivelli
25_8_2: Bug (Max Thieriot) can feel an evil presence in the latest suspense thriller from writer/director Wes Craven. Photo Credit: Nicole Rivelli

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

2009 Universal Pictures Preview: ‘Duplicity,’ ‘The Wolfman,’ ‘State of Play,’ ‘Drag Me to Hell,’ ‘Land of the Lost,’ More

HollywoodChicago.com — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:48:02 -0700

CHICAGO – This new HollywoodChicago.com slideshow features production stills for films in the recently released 2009 Universal Pictures film slate.

These 2009 Universal Pictures films include “Duplicity,” “The Wolfman,” “State of Play,” “Wild Child,” “Drag Me to Hell,” “Land of the Lost,” “Fast and Furious,” “Funny People” and “Cirque du Freak”. The release dates, cast lists and filmmaker information for these Universal films can be found below.

“Duplicity”
Release date: March 20, 2009
Genre: Caper
Cast: Julia Roberts, Clive Owen, Tom Wilkinson and Paul Giamatti
Written and directed by: Tony Gilroy
Produced by: Jennifer Fox, Kerry Orent and Laura Bickford
Executive producer: Ryan Kavanaugh

“The Wolfman”
Release date: April 3, 2009
Genre: Action/Horror
Cast: Benicio Del Toro, Anthony Hopkins, Emily Blunt, Hugo Weaving and Art Malik
Directed by: Joe Johnston
Screenplay by: Andrew Kevin Walker and David Self
Based on the motion picture screenplay by: Curt Siodmak
Produced by: Scott Stuber, Benicio Del Toro, Rick Yorn and Sean Daniel
Executive producers: Bill Carraro, Andrew Z. Davis

“State of Play”
Release date: April 17, 2009
Genre: Political thriller
Cast: Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams, Robin Wright Penn, Jason Bateman, Jeff Daniels and Helen Mirren
Directed by: Kevin Macdonald
Screenplay by: Matthew Michael Carnahan, Tony Gilroy and Billy Ray
Based on the BBC TV series created by: Paul Abbott
Producers: Andrew Hauptman, Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner
Executive producers: Paul Abbott, E. Bennett Walsh, Liza Chasin and Debra Hayward
Note: No images are currently available for this film

“Wild Child”
Release date: May 8, 2009
Genre: Comedy
Cast: Emma Roberts, Natasha Richardson, Shirley Henderson, Alex Pettyfer and Aidan Quinn
Directed by: Nick Moore
Written by: Lucy Dahl
Produced by: Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner and Diana Phillips
Executive producers: Liza Chasin, Debra Hayward

“Drag Me to Hell”
Release date: May 29, 2009
Genre: Horror
Cast: Alison Lohman, Justin Long, Lorna Raver, Jessica Lucas, David Paymer and Dileep Rao
Directed by: Sam Raimi
Written by: Sam Raimi and Ivan Raimi
Produced by: Rob Tapert and Grant Curtis
Executive producers: Nathan Kahane and Joseph Drake

“Land of the Lost”
Release date: June 5, 2009
Genre: Comedy/Adventure
Cast: Will Ferrell, Danny McBride, Anna Friel and Jorma Taccone
Directed by: Brad Silberling
Screenplay by: Chris Henchy and Dennis McNicholas
Based on the series “Land of the Lost” by: Sid Krofft and Marty Krofft
Producers: Jimmy Miller, Sid Krofft and Marty Krofft
Executive producers: Julie Wixson-Darmody, Daniel Lupi, Adam McKay and Brad Silberling

“Fast and Furious”
Release date: June 12, 2009
Genre: Action/Thriller
Cast: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, John Ortiz and Laz Alonso
Directed by: Justin Lin
Written by: Chris Morgan
Based on characters created by: Gary Scott Thompson
Producers: Neal H. Moritz, Vin Diesel and Michael Fottrell
Executive producer: Amanda Lewis

“Funny People”
Release date: July 31, 2009
Genre: Comedy
Cast: Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann, Eric Bana, Jonah Hill, Jason Schwartzman, RZA, Aubrey Plaza, Maude Apatow and Iris Apatow
Written and directed by: Judd Apatow
Produced by: Judd Apatow, Barry Mendel and Clayton Townsend
Executive producers: Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Adam Sandler and Jack Giarraputo

“Cirque du Freak”
Release date: TBD
Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
Cast: John C. Reilly, Ken Watanabe, Chris Massoglia, Josh Hutcherson, Patrick Fugit, Ray Stevenson, Michael Cerveris, Frankie Faison, Jane Krakowski, Orlando Jones, Kristen Schaal and Salma Hayek
Directed by: Paul Weitz
Writers: Brian Helgeland and Paul Weitz
Based on the book series by: Darren Shan
Producers: Lauren Shuler Donner, Paul Weitz and Ewan Leslie
Executive producers: Dan Kolsrud, Andrew Miano, Kerry Kohansky, Sarah Radyclyffe and Courtney Pledger

You can click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through this slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. Unless otherwise noted, all image credits for this 2009 Universal Pictures preview go to Universal Pictures.

duplicity: “Duplicity” with Julia Roberts, Clive Owen, Tom Wilkinson and Paul Giamatti.
thewolfman: “The Wolfman” with Benicio Del Toro, Anthony Hopkins, Emily Blunt, Hugo Weaving and Art Malik.
wildchild: “Wild Child” with Emma Roberts, Natasha Richardson, Shirley Henderson, Alex Pettyfer and Aidan Quinn.
dragmetohell: “Drag Me to Hell” with Alison Lohman, Justin Long, Lorna Raver, Jessica Lucas, David Paymer and Dileep Rao.
landofthelost: “Land of the Lost” with Will Ferrell, Danny McBride, Anna Friel and Jorma Taccone.
fastandfurious: “Fast and Furious” with Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, John Ortiz and Laz Alonso.
funnypeople: “Funny People” with Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann, Eric Bana, Jonah Hill, Jason Schwartzman, RZA, Aubrey Plaza, Maude Apatow and Iris Apatow.
cirquedufreak: “Cirque du Freak” with John C. Reilly, Ken Watanabe, Chris Massoglia, Josh Hutcherson, Patrick Fugit, Ray Stevenson, Michael Cerveris, Frankie Faison, Jane Krakowski, Orlando Jones, Kristen Schaal and Salma Hayek. Image credit: Empire

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