Funny People

Adam Sandler Takes Box Office Title With Disappointing ‘Funny People’

BrianTT — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 07:19:45 -0600

CHICAGO – Adam Sandler can lay claim to another #1 film with this weekend’s opening of “Funny People,” co-starring Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann, Jonah Hill, and Jason Schwartzman, but the box office win was bittersweet as the film failed to deliver either by the standards of its star or even its acclaimed writer/director Judd Apatow.

Adam Sandler stars as George Simmons. “
Photo credit: Tracy Bennett and Universal Pictures

According to Box Office Mojo, “Funny People” made $23.4 million over the weekend with a per-screen average of $7,793. They are not horrible numbers by any stretch, but they do fall below industry and studio expectations.

Two years ago, Judd Apatow’s “Knocked Up” opened with $31 million without the star power of Adam Sandler and even “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” nearly matched the opening of “Funny People” with just over $21 million in 2005.

“Funny People” also fell significantly short when compared to recent Adam Sandler openings. It was his lowest wide opening weekend since “Spanglish” in 2004. Last summer’s “Bedtime Stories” and 2007’s “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry” both opened with over $34 million in their first frame.

Word-of-mouth will be essential to the success or failure of “Funny People”. Both of Apatow’s other films thrived for weeks, each producing about five times their opening weekend gross by the end of their run.

Two films that didn’t screen for critics opened this week with “Aliens in the Attic” landing in 5th place with $7.8 million and a per screen average of $2,511. “The Collector” opened on significantly fewer screens and nearly cracked the top ten with an 11th place opening after collecting $3.6 million over its first three days.

In holdover news, “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” held on to second place, watching “G-Force” slide by it from first to third. “Potter” dropped only 40% and made $17.7 million for a total of $255.5 million since it opened - the highest total after 19 days for any film in the franchise. The film has made an amazing $660 million worldwide. Domestically, “Potter” is already #4 on the year and seems lvery ikely to make it to #2 overall (behind only the behemoth known as “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen”).

“G-Force” fell 46% to 17.1 million and has made a very nice $66.5 million in its first ten days. It’s not official, but numbers like this make a sequel to the best 3D guinea pig movie ever made inevitable.

“The Ugly Truth” with Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler fell 53% in its second weekend with $13 million and a total of $54.5 million in ten days. The third opener from last weekend, “Orphan,” fell 44% to sixth place with a weekend of $7.3 million and $26.8 million to date.

The rest of the top ten were filled out by popular favorites, four films that have been out five weeks or more - “Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs” ($5.3 million weekend, $181.8 million overall), “The Hangover” ($5.1 million, $255.8 million overall), “The Proposal” ($4.9 million, $148.9 million overall), and “Transformers 2” ($4.6 million, $388.1 million overall).

Adam Sandler is likely to be tackled by “G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra,” opening on August 7th on roughly 3,500 screens. Other films likely to appear in the top ten include “Julie & Julia” with Meryl Streep & Amy Adams and “A Perfect Getaway” with Steve Zahn & Milla Jovovich.

1. Funny People - $23.4 million - $23.4 million
2. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - $17.7 million - $255.5 million
3. G-Force - $17.1 million - $66.5 million
4. The Ugly Truth - $13 million - $54.5 million
5. Aliens in the Attic - $7.8 million - $7.8 million
6. Orphan - $7.3 million - $26.8 million
7. Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs - $5.3 million - $181.8 million
8. The Hangover - $5.1 million - $255.8 million
9. The Proposal - $4.9 million - $148.9 million
10. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen - $4.6 million - $388.1 million

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@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

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