Tropic Thunder Update
According to Tim Ryan's blog Tropic Thunder will begin principal photography on July 13. We look forward to seeing some spy shots of the filming and additional details. If you are in Kauai, please drop us a line.
On Kauai, DreamWorks’ Tropic Thunder is bringing a lot of kala to the Garden Isle since just the filming will be as long as four months not counting pre production and post-production clean up. Tropics’ overall budget is reportedly $100 million…Second unit aerial photography will be July 10, 11 and 12. Principal photography begins Friday, July 13, but without actors. The full production with major actors begins Monday, July 16. A pre-filming party for principal cast and executives will be Saturday, July 14 in Kapaa…
Review of You Kill Me with Luke Wilson
This unusual romantic comedy with a criminal edge has been doing good business in limited release. Now, Jenny Spaulding has a review (
) for us.
Justin Long: Action Hero?
Moving away from the geeky high school computer nerd he played in Dodgeball and other films, Justin Long is costarring in Live Free or Die Hard as a geeky twenty-something computer nerd. The film opens everywhere today.
While the role is not a stretch for the man sometimes known as "Mac" it's certainly nice to see Long show a different kind of range in this anticipated action picture. We already know from Idiocracy that he can play frightened and screaming, which should be an assett as well. Bruce Willis is one of our favorites, too.
Speaking of Die Hard, we'd be remiss in reminding you of one of the best bits from the original The Ben Stiller Show way back in 1992. Die Hard 12: Die Hungry is an outstanding bit of parody featuring all of the The Ben Stiller Show regulars, Bob Odenkirk, Andy Dick, and Janeane Garofalo.
Also featured as the villain of "Diet Harder" is Taylor Negron of Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Punchline fame, who at the time was just coming off playing the crazed villain in another Bruce Willis classic, The Last Boy Scout.
Die Hard 12: Diet Harder
The Ben Stiller Show (1992)
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Ben Stiller at License to Wed Premiere
I don't even want to think about what Ben's babysitting bill looks like, since it seems he appears at every Hollywood movie premiere starring one of his friends.
This time? License to Wed starring Night at the Museum's Robin Williams, along with John Krasinski and Mandy Moore. Christine Taylor is also in the movie, in a supporting role. The premiere was last night and the movie opens on July 3rd.
Ben Stiller and Robin Williams
Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor
Pearl McKay Makes EW's Must List; Retires
Entertainment Weekly's EW 100 Hot List was announced and FunnyorDie.com made the list (see illustration). The star of the new comedy video network is The Landlord's Pearl McKay of course.
Now we learn that Pearl is Reuniting with Will Ferrell for the new video “Good Cop, Baby Cop,” Premiering today on www.funnyordie.com. Shockingly, the video marks ‘Pearl’s Farewell Performance’ as 2 year-old announces early retirement.
“My ventures as an actor on the internet have been rewarding and spiritually fulfilling, but now I must look to broader challenges as I approach my 26th month,” says Pearl. “I shall always reflect upon these days with much fondness, and also, I have no idea what I just said, and I want banana-nana and the upside down show.”
Pearl McKay's contributions to show business will not be forgotten soon!
Watch “Good Cop, Baby Cop”
Catching Up with the Frat Pack Friends
Here are some recent photos of some Frat Pack friends... Thanks to Becky and Laura for the help.
Patton Oswalt and Janeane Garofalo at the Ratatouille Premiere
Christine Taylor and Daughter Ella at the Ratatouille Premiere
Christine Montage from the red carpet
(we like the tan and blonde version of Chrstine)
Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor at Michael Muller's 'Another Night Upon Us'
Opening Reception - June 14, 2007 - M+B Gallery, Los Angeles
Looks like Ben is going back to black hair for Tropic Thunder
Chest Waxing is Favorite Steve Carell Moment Say Fans
The results are in from The Frat Pack Tribute's Favorite Steve Carell Moments Contest. The fans voted and the chest waxing scene from The 40 Year-Old Virgin was the overwhelming favorite. Coming in second place were various scenes of Brick Tamland from Anchorman, including "I Love Lamp." Third place was a tie between Steve's performance in Bruce Almighty and the recent sequel, Evan Almighty.
The winners of the contest were Brent Spirnak from San Diego, CA and Sarah Pesto from Gainseville, FL. Sarah was part of the chest wax voting block while Brent's favorite Carell moment was his Daily Show report on responsible drinking where he ended up getting drunk. The winners get one of two Evan Almighty Prize Packs, courtesy the fine folks at Universal Studios.
Thanks to all who participated in the contest.
When Opening at Number One with $32 million is Considered a Failure
Commentary by Kevin Crossman
Evan Almighy opened at number one at the box office this weekend, grossing $32 million according to studio estimates. This is the biggest opening for Steve Carell and is higher than anything from the Wilson Brothers or Jack Black. It's larger than Universal's last summer comedy, Knocked Up, which opened at just over $30 million.
So, why is it considered a box office failure?
I had a chance to see Evan this weekend. I went in with high expectations, having read Brandon Angelilli's five star Frat Pack Tribute review (others on our forums echoed the five star rating).
And my take? Three stars. About the same as Kicking and Screaming - meaning that the film would have been funnier if they weren't trying to wrap the family values around the comedy (something Night at the Museum was noticably restrained about...).
Steve Carell is outstanding, showing previously unseen strengths as a physical comedian. Also good are Wanda Sykes, Jonah Hill, and Ed Helms. Lauren Graham looks nice with the tight jeans she wears throughout the film but does not bring much emotional weight to her role (unlike her counterpart Jennifer Aniston, in the first Almighty film). And the kids and villain (John Goodman) are generic as they come. There are a few good special effects, and a few bad ones. A lot of the pop culture references (Ark Building for Dummies, a 40 Year-Old Virgin reference) were flat.
Podcast #127: Five Stars for Evan Almighty
Brandon Angelilli has the early review of the movie that he says is five stars! Don't think the move doesn't deserve it? Listen to the review to find out more.
Plus, we have a killer track from the Superbad soundtrack, lots of news of upcoming movies from Vince Vaughn, Luke Wilson, Jack Black, and Ben Stiller. In the listener feedback section, we have a discussion about Harold Ramis and whether is deserves to be called a Frat Pack Friend.
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Trailer for Margot at the Wedding with Jack Black
After Bewitched, the last actress I want to see in a movie is Nicole Kidman, but this dramedy from Noah Baumbach (The Squid and the Whale) does look interesting. In the film, Malcom (Black) is set to marry Pauline (Jennifer Jason Lee). Then, Pauline's sister Margot (Kidman) arrives and tries to stop the wedding. Hilarity ensues.
The film opens in limted release on October 19. View the Trailer.
Trailer for Into the Wild with Vince Vaughn
I guess this is our lucky day because we also have a trailer for Vince Vaughn's fall drama, Into the Wild. Directed by Sean Penn and starring Emile Hirsch Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt, and Catherine Keener.
Based on Penn's adaptation of Jon Krakauer's bestseller, the film centers on Christopher McCandless (Hirsch), who graduated from college in 1992, abandoned his possessions and hitchhiked to Alaska to live in the wilderness and return to nature. He died four months later in an abandoned bus at a remote campsite.
We're very interested in this movie, especially since a big turn here and great box office for Fred Claus would likely cement Vaughn for Frat Pack Man of the Year. However, we must say we're disappointed that Vince seems, well, like Vince in the clips. Where's the stretch in acting? Let's hope all the "Vince" moments are in the trailer and the movie will bring a darker, more serious role for Mr. Vaughn. View the Trailer.
The First Eight Minutes of Luke Wilson's Smart Mob Movie, You Kill Me
Luke isn' in this clip, but Ben Kingsley does in this interesting looking dark comedy from John Dahl (Rounders, The Last Seduction). Kingsley's character ends up in A.A. and his sponsor is played by Luke Wilson. Tea Leoni is the love interest in this movie that opens in limited release this weekend. Also check the official website, YouKillMethefilm.com.
Eight Minute Evan Almighty Clip
Who needs trailers when you have an HD-quality clip that runs eight minutes long? This clip features some great physical comedy from Steve Carell, a great line by costar Lauren Graham, as well as appearances by Molly Shannon, Wanda Sykes, and John Michael Higgins. However, we can't be helped but be a bit distracted by fakest looking beard this side of G.I. Joe.
Nonetheless, check out Evan Almighty: Build a Boat?
Jack Black, Todd Phillips teaming up for Man-Witch
Old School director Todd Phillips is working with Jack Black to develop a film called Man-Witch for Warner Brothers. In the comedy, Black will play a schoolteacher who suddenly discovers he has witchlike abilities. Taken in by a coven, he is persuaded to attend a school for witches, only to discover that his classmates are all girls.
Jay Reiss, currently starring on Broadway in "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," is penning the script based on a pitch by Josh Stolberg and Bob Florsheim. Original Film's Neal Moritz and Phillips are producing; Scott Budnick exec produces for the Todd Phillips Co. and Ori Marmur for Original Film. (Variety)
New Dark(?) Comedy Project for Ben Stiller?
DreamWorks and Red Hour are teaming on the comedy In Deep as a potential starring vehicle for Ben Stiller, says The Hollywood Reporter. Mark Romanek (One Hour Photo) is attached to direct the project, which is based on an original screenplay by George Beckerman. Red Hour's Stiller and Stuart Cornfeld are producing In Deep, and Robert Weide and Romanek are executive producing.
Steve Conrad (The Pursuit of Happyness) has been hired to do a Page One rewrite/reconceive of Beckerman's screenplay, which chronicles the nightmarish tale of a man who fights a parking ticket and becomes increasingly enmeshed in criminal allegations.
Evan Almighty Review (
)
Senior Editor Brandon Angelilli caught Evan Almighty and brings his parental and comedic tastes to bear with our review of the movie.
Evan Almighty is a carefully crafted PG family movie, perhaps being the kind of film church groups take their kids to after Sunday school but not for the same reason as The Passion of the Christ or The Chronicles of Narnia. It has nothing to do with Bruce, and I say it’s better off this way. Read the complete review of Evan Almighty
June 18, 2007
Podcast #126: Celebrating Steve Carell
Gearing up for Evan Almighty, we are announcing our Steve Carell Favorite Moments Contest and play three songs from Steve in our Main Event. Brandon returns with a brief but positive review of Evan Almighty as well. Plus, we have Steve Carell "in person" as our special guest host.
Our podcast of the week features some Frat talk from Luke Wilson and some hard-hitting interviewing by the Frat Pack Tribute's own Mario Bernengo, who peppers Luke with questions ranging from a Bottle Rocket deluxe DVD to Old School 2.
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Owen Officially Confirmed for Thunder; Old News to Frat Pack Fans
Variety is reporting that Owen Wilson and Nick Nolte are on board for Ben Stiller's Tropic Thunder. 
No details of either actor's role in the movie, but the article does also include additional casting details. Steve Coogan is confirmed for the movie, along with Matt Levin (Archie in Zoolander, also Dodgeball, Blades of Glory), Brandon Jackson (Envy) and Andrea De Oliveira (who plays a pilates instructor in the movie).
The casting of regular Stiller collaborator Wilson is no surpise to regular readers of the Frat Pack Tribute website, since we were the first news outlet to break this story a month ago, on May 18th. Nonetheless, this development is significant in that it may mean that Wilson's role is larger than the cameo we assumed it was when we picked up on costar Jay Baruchel's comment at the Knocked Up press juket.
The addition of Levin to the cast adds another role to his resume in Ben Stiller productions.
Visit the Frat Pack Tribute's Tropic Thunder preview page.
Stiller, Vaughn, Aniston on Forbes Celebrity Power List. Where's Ferrell?
Tinseltown's triumphs are reflected in this year's Celebrity 100, Forbes' annual list of the world's most powerful--and best-paid--celebrities. To generate the list, Forbes analyzes celebrity earnings, plus media metrics like Google hits, press mentions as compiled by Lexis/Nexis, TV/radio mentions from Factiva and the number of times an A-lister appears on the cover of 32 major consumer magazines.
Coming off two back-to-back $100 million grossers, a Golden Globe nomination, Viral Video Internet buzz, GQ's Man of the Year, and the cover subject of Premiere Magazine's last issue, you'd think Will Ferrell would make the Top 100, but he's not there. Apparently more powerful and successful are Hayden Panetteire (#98), Paula Deen (#99), and Bobby Flay (#100). Bobby Flay?
Time Magazine Highights Comedy Economic Trends
Focusing on the box office profitability of movies like Knocked Up, Time has a nice article ("Comedians' Little Secret") discussing the realities of how comedy movies are made today. Additionally, there is some nice background highlighting the evolution of comedic personas over the years.
Seth Rogen and Steve Carell are two examples of underknown talents with ordinary looks who were given lead roles in movies and instantly proved their pull as comedy stars; they could make the audience fall in laugh with them.
Moguls love to hit the home run of a Pirates or a Lord of the Rings, but they live on the bloop doubles of Talladega Nights and Meet the Fockers. A top comedy star may earn the same as an action star, $20 million to $25 million a picture, but that could be nearly half of a comedy film's budget; everything else (script and director, supporting cast, production cost) is cut-rate. "You can make three comedies for every action movie," says an industry power broker.
The personas of most of today's funny guys could be said to flow from Steve Martin. As a stand-up comic in the '70s, he played the idiot with an utterly unwarranted belief in his coolness, while in his first hit movie, The Jerk, he played ... a jerk. The first type has bloomed in the strutting film personalities of Ferrell, Vaughn, Jack Black, Owen Wilson and many others; the second in Sandler, who teams this summer with another lout, TV's Kevin James, in I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry. Lower on this fast-food chain are Rob Schneider and Larry the Cable Guy.
The only star who simmers with comic angst is Stiller. He's the put-upon loser, a jocular Job, in films like There's Something About Mary and Night at the Museum, when he's not taking roles as the pompous, uptight bad guy (in, say, Dodgeball) or the preening oaf, as in the well-nigh-immortal Zoolander. The moneymen love Stiller too, because he's the rare comic star with international box-office clout.
Like major league teams with their farm system, comedies offer a chance for young talent to move up. Vaughn provided comedy relief for nearly a decade before his breakthrough with Wilson in Wedding Crashers. Rogen was one of Carell's buddies in The 40 Year Old Virgin; in Knocked Up, he had his own posse, and one of that group, Jonah Hill, will star this fall in the Rogen-written Superbad with Michael Cera, who's the male lead in the just wrapped Juno. John C. Reilly, Ferrell's foil in Talladega Nights and the forthcoming Step Brothers, gets his shot at stardom in the Apatow-produced Walk Hard.
Jay and Seth vs. The Apocalypse?
Holy shit, what is this?
Apparently there's a short film called "Jay & Seth vs The Apocalypse."
Perhaps this is one of those DVD Extras they filmed at the end of Knocked Up's shooting schedule, or maybe it's really a forthcoming film. Whatever it is, it looks absolutely hilarious
Swingers: Steel Magnolias for Guys
Vince and Jon accept their award putting Swingers into the SpikeTV Guys Hall of Fame.
Will Ferrell Accepts "Funniest M.F." at the Guys Choice
Will Ferrell Accepts "Most Viral Video" at the Guys Choice
Knocked Up: An Alternate View
by Josh Watts (contains mild spoilers)
I hate being this guy. The one who comes in to everyone tossing out a 5-star rating without bringing one of his own. But I'm not gonna lie; Knocked Up was horribly disappointing.
I took a good buddy of mine, who was also excited about the movie but not as much as I was, expecting it to be great. But I was really disappointed from the get-go. For one thing, Ben's clique was far too much of an extreme. The idea that every single one of them was unemployed (but still able to rent a decent place) was enough of a stretch by itself, and then the porno website idea was just stupid, and in no way believable. I seriously doubt that anyone would be stupid enough to tell a girl that that was what they did for a living anyway, especially if said website was just an "under construction" page.
Also, almost every joke that I would have laughed at was already featured in a trailer. It wasn't like I was the only one in the theater feeling this way, either. The theater was decently packed for a mid-week screening, but there were maybe three group laughs throughout the whole film. One or two couples left before it was over.
My friend also found it disappointing, and we both agreed it was at least a half-hour too long. The scene with the mushrooms was another low point. It seemed contrived, stilted and forced, something it seemed they did just to start a pretty generic conversation between Rogen and Rudd. (Though I must admit, the five chairs thing was pretty funny.) The parts of the story involving the relationship between Debbie and Pete were actually rather interesting. I found them much more intriguing than Alison and Ben.
I also thought I was going to shoot myself in the face if anyone in that movie said "Spider-Man 3" one more time. We get it, Knocked Up, you take place right now. The current-movie shout-outs don't make you hip. In the end, it was a decent movie, but very disappointing as a comedy. 
Do you agree or disagree with Josh? Join the discussion!
Great Deleted Scene from The 40 Year-Old Virgin
Steve Carell is in fine form along with The Office's Jenna Fischer (who appears only briefly in the final cut of the movie).
Frat Pack Kick Ass at Guys Choice
Big props to Vince and Favs for winning the Guy Movie Hall of Fame Award for Swingers at Spike TV's Guys Choice, broadcasting Wednesday night (10 p.m. to Midnight).
Great expression from newly trim Jon Favreau
Will Ferrell is nominated for several Guys Choice awards, including Funniest M.F. and Most Viral Video (The Landlord).
The show features a "sizzing performance" from Carmen Electra (Starsky & Hutch) and appearances by Elisha Cuthbert (Old School), Seth Rogen, Will Forte, and others. Be sure to tune in (or, if you want spoilers, read the press release announcing the winners).
Evan Almighty Premiere Photos
The premiere for Steve Carell's new biblical comedy was yesterday at Universal Studios Hollywood. There are additional photos at IESB.com. Be sure to check our Evan Almighty Preview.
Costar Lauren Graham
Costar Jonah Hill
Costar Wanda Sykes
Leslie Mann and Judd Apatow
Paul Rudd
The Apatows Again
Ben Stiller was not in attendance, the first Frat Pack related premiere that Ben has missed in some time.
Podcast #125: "Live" from the MTV Movie Awards
We sent Brandon Fantana, our lead reporter in the field, to the MTV Movie Awards and he has all the Frat Pack related info. We also talk about Knocked Up's success, Jack Black replacing Owen Wilson in Year One, Oscar Bait, and more. Plus, a podcast of the week, more listener feedback, and a reminder to subscribe free to get the latest podcast episodes right away.
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Will Ferrell Plays Golf for Charity; Auction for Role in Upcoming Movie
Will Ferrell gave Golf.com exclusive access as he joined his frat buddies (no, not those Frat buddies) for a round of golf to promote a tournament benefiting his pal's cancer charity.
The site has several hilarious videos of Will explaining his philosophies of golf. More importantly, Will is promoting an upcoming event to raise money for charity.
15th annual Cancer for College golf tournament, Sept. 28, at Temecula Creek Inn Golf Course, in Temecula, California. All proceeds go to Will's favorite charity, Cancer for College, which helps cancer survivors pay for higher education.
This year's event will include an auction, in which one lucky attendee—maybe you—will win a slot as an extra in an upcoming Will Ferrell movie. For more information, or to donate to the charity, go to cancerforcollege.org, or call 760-510-9571.
Thanks to Kelley Jones for uncovering this for us.
The Frat Pack Tribute's Evan Almighty Preview Page Debuts
Need to get caught up on Steve Carell's summer comedy? Check out the photo gallery, spy photos, posters, and more at our Evan Almighty Preview.
Kauai Readies for Tropic Thunder
From Tim Ryan's Reel Hawaii:
Ben Stiller wanted 90 days worth of time-lapse still photography of the Vietnamese village being built in the bamboo jungle west of Lihue, Kauai for his film Tropic Thunder and that’s what he’s getting thanks to Bill Paris and his Crew Hawaii production house, Kauai sources said. Paris and company this week set up two Pentax digital 35mm SLR cameras in waterproof housings atop 25-foot poles and inside small roofed structures for additional rain protection. The cameras, which are powered by solar panels, use four gigabyte cards, shoot one frame every six minutes for 12 hours or 120 images a day. The edited images will be used in behind-the-scenes footage for the DreamsWorks/Paramount Tropic Thunder HD DVD Tropic Thunder begins filming July 16…
Learn more about Tropic Thunder
Be Kind and Dan in Real Life Positioning for Oscars?
Thanks to Senior Editor Brandon Angelilli for spotting these changes over at Box Office Mojo.
Katherine Heigl on the Cover of Entertainment Weekly
I guess you know your movie is a hit when they put you on the cover and bump off George and Brad... Well, that and looking better in a dress.
By the way, Knocked Up has been holding up really well at the box office, finishing in first place on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. So far, the $30 million budgeted film has made over $42 million.
Katherine Heigl - "Baby It's You" (EW cover story)
Seth Rogen - "The Joy of Seth" (EW)
The Frat Pack Tribute's Knocked Up Review/Preview
(Now featuring more photos!)
The Knocked Up Official Website has been updated with additional R-Rated clips, including Jonah Hill's brilliant Brokeback Mountain rant. Check the Edit Bay section of the official website.
Steve Carell Bruce Almighty Outtakes
This scene was a really big one for Steve's Carell's career, and the "Steve Almighty" team has a great series of outtakes. A reminder that Evan Almighty is right around the corner and arrives in theatres on June 22.
Justin Long and Jason Schwartzman Complete Fab Four in Walk Hard
According to a Collider.com Interview, Justin Long confirms that he'll play George Harrison in the John C. Reilly musical spoof Walk Hard. He also indicates Jason Schwartzman will be Ringo Starr, completing the Beatles cast alongside Paul Rudd (Lennon) and Jack Black (McCartney). I must say these two are quite well-cast, especially Schwartzman who is quite the "ringer" for Starr. Long indicates the scene may be cut from the final version of the film, but I can't "imagine" how they'd leave these four on the cutting room floor. Sounds like a crowd-pleaser to us!
This is really incredible and only cements Long's Frat Pack Pledge status. Schwartzman has a number of Frat Pack connections as well, working previously with Ben Stiller (The Marc Pease Experience), Will Ferrell (Bewitched) and the Owen Wilson (Rushmore, The Darjeeling Limited).
Our Senior Editor Rick Duran has his own take...
Apatow Power Couple Explain How It All Started
There's a great interview with Judd Apatow and Leslie Mann who talk about their life together ever since they met on the set of The Cable Guy, and why Mann was not the actress who was Knocked Up.
"Leslie came in and auditioned for a part and, afterwards, I was walking out of the building with Ben Stiller and I said: “Isn’t it weird that the future Mrs. Apatow would walk into the building like that?"
Swingers Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau Will Receive the First-Ever 'Guy Movie Hall of Fame Award
NEW YORK, June 4 /PRNewswire/
As chosen by voters at www.spiketv.com, Adam Sandler has been deemed as the ultimate "Guy's Guy" and will be honored as such at Spike TV's first annual "GUYS CHOICE." Expect to see Sandler toasted and roasted at the show by friends including Kevin James and his favorite band of all time STYX.
In addition, Jon Favreau and Vince Vaughn will be in attendance to accept the first-ever "Guy Movie Hall Of Fame Award" for their movie, "Swingers." This star-studded event is scheduled to tape on June 9 at Radford Studios in Los Angeles. Spike TV's "GUYS CHOICE" premieres Wednesday, June 13 at 10:00 PM, ET/PT, will feature everything guys want including comedy, the hottest women in the world, the best in music, sports the most viral videos and so much more.
More Info about The Guys Choice
Wendell Baker Starts College Tour
ThinkFilm has a list of new cities that are showing The Wendell Baker Story this month. Coming on June 8, we have San Jose, Seattle, and Antlers, Oklahoma. On June 15, the movie is coming to Chico, CA.
Be sure to see this cinematic gem if comes to a town near you.
Learn more about The Wendell Baker Story
The Year One Now with Jack Black as Star, Replacing Owen Wilson!
The caveman comedy from writer/director Harold Ramis and Producer Judd Apatow has a new star. Originally conceived as a star-vehicle for Owen Wilson (who will Exec. Produce), the film will now star Jack Black according to Variety. Michael Cera (Superbad) is also starring in the movie.
We'd be shocked not to see an Owen cameo, but really - does anyone think Owen would be a better caveman than Jack Black?
Will and Sacha Kiss and Tell
Yes, that's Will Ferrell and Sacha Baron Cohen kissing again! They won the MTV Movie Award for Best Kiss and Cohen won for Best Comedic Performance for Borat. No word on whether the Talladega Nights costars will be cohabitating as co-people.
Knocked Up is a hit!
The film made over $29 million in North American theatres, according to box office estimates (BoxOfficeGuru.com), good for second place to Pirates of the Caribbean. However, playing in only 2871 theaters (compared to over 4000 for Pirates and Shrek), Knocked Up had the highest average per theatre in the top ten. The film only cost $30 million to make, so the execs at Universal must be pleased with the profitability of the Seth Rogen comedy.
South Park Style Image by Karen Pok
MTV Movie Awards Live Tonight
Just a reminder that the Sarah Silverman-hosted MTV Movie Awards air tonight at 8 pm. Blades of Glory is up for several awards, including Best Movie (opposite Earmuff winner Little Miss Sunshine, amongst others). And Will Ferrell is up for both Best Kiss (Talladega Nights) and Best Fight (Blades).
Podcast #124: Knocked Up Review and Extravaganza
The comedy of the summer is here and we have two reviews and a whole lotta discussion about the movie, writer-director Judd Apatow, stars Seth Rogen and Paul Rudd, and more. Plus, lots of Ben Stiller news with the Heartbreak Kid trailer unveiling, Tropic Thunder, Hardy Men, and Tom Cruise news. We also have news of Will Ferrell's recent "fright flight" and Jack Black and Tenacious D news too.
In addition, we have some great listener feedback from people 15 to 50! And a great track from the Knocked Up soundtrack.
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Go See Knocked Up () Today!
It's finally here! Judd Apatow's follow-up to The 40 Year-Old Virgin, Seth Rogen's acendancy to stardom, and what many are calling the funniest film of the year. It's a movie filled with Frat Pack connections, including cameos by Steve Carell and Andy Dick, familiar faces such as Alan Tudyk (Dodgeball), Jonah Hill (Virgin, Accepted, Evan Almighty), and of course Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann. Our Senior Editor Rick Duran gave the movie 5 Stars, so get out there and see it!
If you've seen the movie, please drop us a line, call our hotline (206-666-FRAT) or join the forum discussion.
Also, check our Knocked Up Review from Rick Duran. Here are some quotes from Rick's review:
The "Back Pack"?
God bless our friends at USA Today for recognizing Judd Apatow's excellent ensemble of young male actors, Jonah Hill, Jay Baruchel, Martin Starr, and Jason Segel. But do they really need a name like the Back Pack?
'Back Pack'? They're out front now
Jonah Hill and Jason Segel
Martin Starr and Jay Baruchel
We'd prefer to see a label for Apatow's entire "pack" including Rogen, Rudd, Mann, and Carell. And include Ben Stiller, too, since Apatow said "People connect the dots and see all the people I've worked with, but really, it all comes from Stiller." (AP). One of our editors, Drew Hunt, suggested Apatow Association and that sounds a lot better to me.
South Park Style Image of Judd Apatow by Karen Pok
First Image of Jack Black in Be Kind, Rewind
Big thanks to tipster Nathan Hughes for pointing us to the article at Twitch. The shot includes Jack alongside costar Mos Def in the upcoming movie from Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine). A man (Black) whose brain becomes magnetized unintentionally destroys every tape in his friend's video store. In order to satisfy the store's most loyal renter, an aging woman with signs of dementia, the two men set out to remake the lost films, which include Back to the Future, The Lion King, and Robocop.
Ben Stiller's The Heartbreak Kid Trailer is Here!
Ben's long-awaited return to R-Rated sex comedies is coming this fall and the trailer is here! There's lots of physical comedy and appearances by some Frat Pack friends as well. Check the trailer at Yahoo!. You can also visit the movie's official website (don't get your hopes up for anything besides the trailer, though).
Another patentened Stiller meltdown (with costar Malin Akerman)
A brief glipse at what surely will be the Earmuff
winner for Best Sex Scene (take it to the bank!)
Frat Pack Friends Rob Corddry and Jerry Stiller
Swedish Knocked Up Movie Poster
Thanks to Rick Duran for finding this one. Strange, but interesting in it's own right. For some reason, Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann are toplined alongside Rogen and Heigl.
Blades of Glory Coming to DVD/HD/BluRay on August 28th
No details of the content of the discs, but according to the official website that's the date. Looks like a single disc, though. Let's hope the DVD kicks ice.
Knocked Up Interview Transcripts
For those who prefer reading to listening, we now have transcripts to the Knocked Up press junket interviews. You can also listen to the audio on each page as well.
Knocked Up Fan Art Contest Winner
We held a Knocked Up Fan Art Contest and had some great entries. The winner was drawn at random from all entries.
Our winner Adam "Andy Stitzer" Stevenson used the Knocked Up website to create a baby with Leslie Mann! Adam is clearly one lucky fellow.
See the best of the contest runners up. Thanks to all who entered.
May 28, 2007
Paul Rudd Confirms Walk Hard Cameo with Jack Black!
Here's a bombshell for you, courtesy Paul Rudd in the June 1st issue of Entertainment Weekly. In the article, Rudd mentions that he has filmed a cameo for the John C. Reilly starrer Walk Hard, written and produced by Judd Apatow. In the semi-parody of movies like Ray and Walk the Line, Reilly's character, Dewey Cow, meets a series of real-life musical legends. Jack White of the White Stripes has already been tapped to play Elvis Presley.
And now, Rudd confirms his own cameo as John Lennon.
"I don't think you can feel much more pressure than that" he says. "Even though it is ridiculous. I get into a fight with Paul McCartney (played by) Jack Black. So it's not like we're going for authenticity."
Early View of Knocked Up DVD Material
This was one of the DVD extras that Judd Apatow mentioned in the press-junket interview (featured in the post below). They filmed various actors who were "originally cast" as Ben in Knocked Up. Here's Michael Cera (Superbad) losing it...
Podcast #123: Knocked Up Press Conference with Judd Apatow
Knocked Up Press Junket Recording #4 of 4. Recorded May 20, 2007 and features writer/director Judd Apatow. Judd discusses his approach to creating the movie, including how celebrity humor is all in good fun.
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May 25, 2007
Knocked Up Interviews: Judd Apatow, Seth Rogen, and Katherine Heigl speak to "Hollywood One on One"
Podcast #122: Knocked Up Press Conference with Seth Rogen
Knocked Up Press Junket Recording #3 of 4. Recorded May 20, 2007 and features Seth Rogen holding court as the star of a major motion picture. Hear how loose Seth is while he talks about his approach to comedy and being a romantic leading man. He also talks about how Judd Apatow scarred his childhood and changed his life forever.
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May 24, 2007
Podcast #121: Knocked Up Press Conference with Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann
Knocked Up Press Junket Recording #2 of 4. Recorded May 20, 2007 and features Leslie Mann talking about putting her kids in an R-Rated movie. Paul Rudd discusses improvization and what it's like working again with Judd Apatow. Plus, lots of "dirty stuff."
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Podcast #120: Knocked Up Press Conference with Jonah Hill, Jay Baruchel, and Martin Starr
Knocked Up Press Junket Recording #1 of 4. Recorded May 20, 2007 and features Jay Baruchel's bombshell confirming Owen Wilson, Steve Coogan, and Tom Cruise in Tropic Thunder. Jonah Hill talks The Middle Child with Seth Rogen and of course lots of Knocked Up talk.
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Knocked Up Premiere Photos
Monday night in Los Angeles. Jack Black and Will Ferrell were also in attendance.
Could someone please sign these guys up for Outsourced
now that Vince and Owen are no longer onboard?
Seth Rogen looking very dapper
Katherine Heigl
Paul Rudd
Leslie Mann and husband Judd Apatow
Christine Taylor and Ben Stiller made their requisite
red carpet appearance in support of Frat Pack friends
Jason Segel and Jonah Hill
Jay Baruchel
Leslie Mann
Christine Taylor
Elizabeth Banks
Justin Long
Another one of beautiful Christine Taylor
Podcast #119: Four Wilsons
Lots of Wilson news, as we have reports from Sharon Gruber, Mario Bernengo, and Jennifer Spaulding about Luke and Andrew Wilson's Times Talk in New York City. There's also breaking news about Owen's role in Ben Stiller's Tropic Thunder, and Brandon Angelilli returns with a "review" of Daniel Wilson in Things to Do.
We also discuss 40 Year-Old Virgins and being Knocked Up. And of course, the long-awaited premiere of The Wendell Baker Story now in theatres.
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Knocked Up Clips, Deleted Scenes, Director Diaries
Head on over to the official movie website and check out "The Edit Bay" where you can view a series of interesting and hilarious clips (I happen to be fond of "Drive to the Gyno Office"). There's also info about the film's soundtrack and features such as the Baby Conversion Quiz.
Our Knocked Up Fan Art Contest Ends Tomorrow
Get your entries in now
Another Wilson Brothers "Times Talk" Report
by Sharon Gruber
I hate writing reviews, I'm glad that I re-thought journalism as a career. Maybe that's why I'm going into photography, so if this review doesn't do justice, I hope some of my photos do. Let's just say that this is more of my experience rather than a review.
I arrived at Cuny Graduate Center at about 5:20pm. I found the line for the Wilson brothers and waitied for about 20 minutes until they seated us. Seats were first come first serve, except for one row which was reserved, I'm guessing for journalists. I was close to the front of the line so I sat in the second row all the way to the right of the stage. This row was longer than the first so I had an open area right in front of me where I could have ran from my seat to the stage in an attempt to force security to get me off of Luke. Ok, well I'm not that obsessed, but it was a nice thought.
After waiting about 15 minutes in our seats, they introduced the woman who interviewed Luke and Andrew, as well as Luke and Andrew themselves. Everyone then began to clap and cheer. They said that Owen couldn't make it, I don't recall them saying that he was sick, either I missed it or Jennifer Spaulding just guessed that was the situatuion. They started off with the trailer for The Wendell Baker Story. The lights dimmed, and Luke and Andrew watched, "as if it were the first time seeing it", as the woman who interviewed them said. Luke of course joked back with a funny comment which I had forgotten. Maybe Mario has a better memory than me and he can fill in the rest when he writes up his review.
They talked about the Frat Pack, and explained what the Frat Pack was to the audience members who weren't in the know. They did leave out Vince Vaughn when they named them all. They named every one of them except Vince, I was insulted! Kidding, but seriously, they left him out.
Most of the interview they asked questions that had been asked to them many times before. Nothing really new. They talked a bit about their childhood, and how Luke's father used to take him to the bar and take him and his brothers to see R-rated movies. The interviewer said that it was nice that their father wanted to spend quality time with them and teach them, which Luke replied back about how his father just wanted to see a movie, or go get a drink. Luke used to go to the bar with him and sit on the bar stool, or play the arcade games in the bar while his father had some drinks.
Luke described his experience working on a film with Bob Dylan called Masked and Anonymous.
He said that he didn't want to ask Bob about his music, because he must have gotten that all the time. He said that Bob would come in to work and ask hi
m if he saw the movie Thinner, (which Luke then did his best Bob Dylan impression while quoting what Bob had said to him). He said, "did you see that movie, Thinner? I was watching it last night..." The audience liked Luke's impression of Bob Dylan, it was actually pretty good.
After the interview they asked if anyone wanted to ask questions and if so that they should go to the mics that were on each side of the auditorium. One girl asked them how someone just starting out as an actor/actress could get ahead in the business. They gave her some general tips, but then Andrew and Luke said, "and you need a lot of money". Finally, Mario Bernengo got up to ask a question, he said that he came there all the way from Sweden and the audience was shocked, haha. Mario asked about Old School 2, which Luke said that he would do, even if Will or Vince didn't do it. So, then it would be him and two other guys.
The event ended five minutes early, but it was nice to see Luke and Andrew up close and see them in person rather than on a television set. It was actually almost like watching it on television. That was the feeling that I got while I was there. Something along the lines of "Inside the Actor's Studio." I was hoping to meet them afterwards but they went off the stage, (probably to some disclosed location where they went out of a back door and right into a limo that would be waiting for them). I enjoyed it; It wasn't as exciting as I thought it would be but it was a nice experience, and I got a few pictures for memories.
Afterwards I met up with Mario Bernengo (who conducted the interview with the Things to Do filmmakers for the Frat Pack Tribute site). I had no idea what Mario (pictured with Sharon at right) looked like but after talking to him on the Frat Pack Forum when he went up to ask his question and said he was from Sweden then I knew that it was him. I would have asked a question for Luke or Andrew but I couldn't think of anything. Mario and I thought that maybe we could get backstage and try to ask Luke and Andrew some questions. So, we said that we were with a website and wanted to know if we could maybe speak with them and ask them a few things. The guy who was the head of the PR department told us that we had to schedule an appointment to speak with them, and even then we probably wouldn't have a chance. Oh well, we tried.
Overall, it was a nice experience and I'm glad that I went.
Thanks for a great report Sharon and Mario! - Ed
Wilson Brothers "Times Talk" Report
by Jennifer Spaulding
Tonight was the interview with the Wilson Brothers as part of The New York Times "Times Talk" series. Unfortunately Owen was sick and so it was only Luke and Andrew. At first I was disappointed, but I have to say that Luke was so charming and witty that I quickly got over the Owen's absence.
They discussed a lot about their relationship as brothers (Luke joked that for the longest time Andrew didn't know they were brothers and just thought he was a neighbor kid who was always hanging around the family). As well as first breaking in with Bottle Rocket and how he spent a long time developing The Wendell Baker Story and how he's working on another script he hopes to have Martin Lawrence star in.
One audience member asked about Old School 2. Luke said he hadn't read the script and imagined it would be difficult to get Will and Vince on board (implying that if the material wasn't as good as the first they wouldn't do it.) When asked if he would do it he replied in his deadpan way, "Yes, I have too" (seeming to joke he wasn't on their level and wouldn't turn it down).
He also told a really funny story about having to fire his mother as a still photographer on the set of Wendell Baker. Apparently there was a conflict with her and another photographer and so she said he goes or I do. Luke said, so you're quitting? She said yes and he said that's coincidence because you're fired.
I'm not sure if any of these anecdotes are being done justice because so much of their humor came from their delivery. Often times they eventually post these events as audio podcasts, so I'll let you know if that happens.
Speaking of podcast, Creative Screenwriting Magazine did an interview with Luke about the movie that is pretty good too (yes, that's a great interview -- Ed.).
I saw The Wendell Baker Story and enjoyed it a lot. It has this wonderful sweetness and genuineness about it. Luke is perfect for the role since he seems to possess a down to earthness and innocence. I certainly found it amusing at times, but was more surprised by how touching parts of it struck me. I was really rooting for Luke's character to fulfill his dreams and enjoyed the relationships he had with the nursing home characters. I think the movie is being promoted as a romantic comedy, but I think that's a bit misleading. I find it's one of those hard to categorize films and would say it's more about how Wendell learns to be a better person (as corny as that sounds.)
I wish a had better pictures from tonight, but it's hard to catch good in focus moments while trying not to be obtrusive.
Wendell Baker Box Office Report
The Wilson Brother's production made $53,600 according to box office estimates, and ranked 10th in per-screen average this weekend ($3,152). This is not bad for a movie that had no advertising but not outstanding either.
Comparatively, Idiocracy averaged $956 but opened in seven times the number of theatres.
Paul Rudd Talks Frat Pack
Paul is on the cover of June 2007 Men's Journal and it's a nice career overview interview. Here's the key quote about how he feels about the Frat Pack:
"Rudd's role in 2001's indie hit Wet Hot American Summer caught the eye of the eye of "comedy people" he says, "which led to Anchorman which led to The 40 Year-Old Virgin. Which led me to be part of this group."
That group is the so-called Frat Pack, a loose coalition of comedy actors that includes Ben Stiller, Seth Rogen, and the Wilson brothers, among others who want to work together again and again, simultaneously embracing and spoofing eternal male adolescence."
New Frat Pack Tribute Feature: Frat Pack Box Office
Did you know that the Frat Pack stars' movies have made over $14 billion at the box office? Do you know which Frat Pack Classic has made the most, or least, money? Well, thanks to Research Editor Amy Gilbert all your questions can now be answered. Just head on over to our new Features tab and check out the Frat Pack Box Office page. Look for more features coming soon, including a countdown of the Top 10 Frat Pack Soundtracks as well as Frat Pack Filming Locations.
BREAKING NEWS: Owen Wilson, Tom Cruise, and Steve Coogan Confirmed
in Tropic Thunder!
Our
Senior Editor Rick Duran has the scoop direct from Thunder costar
Jay Baruchel at today's Knocked Up press junket. Baruchel said that
the movie will be filming for four months and it's a huge production. And
he confirmed the long-standing rumor that Tom Cruise will appear in the movie.
More importantly for Frat Pack fans, Owen Wilson is confirmed as well! Since Owen was named alongside his Night at the Museum buddy
Steve Coogan, we can only speculate that the role will be a small one. Nonetheless,
this means that three Frat Pack stars are appearing in the movie that costars
Ben Stiller (also director/writer) and Jack Black.
Visit the Frat Pack Tribute's Tropic Thunder preview page.
We'll have a lot more from the Knocked Up press junket in the coming days, including the name of the Knocked Up costar who frequents our site...
Paul Rudd Wins Praise in Ex Bomb
Drew Hunt has checked in with a review of the Jason Bateman/Zach
Braff romcom, The Ex. Hindered by an anemic marketing campaign, the
film fared poorly at the box office this past weekend, and unfortunately for
the filmmakers Drew's review does not put a critical shine on the movie either.
Paul Rudd's cameo is praised, however. Check the clip and then read the Frat Pack Tribute's review of The Ex.
Jenna Fischer Update
Judd Apatow noted that Walk Hard had finished filming during today's
press junket. Now, Jenna’s husband James
Gunn (show in photo) posted to his myspace blog:
"Jenna is in some pain, but she’s doing okay. There is no permanent damage, thank God, but she fractured her back in 4 places. She will be okay in time to shoot the new season of The Office, and she just got done shooting Walk Hard. So, as far as good times for breaking your back, now is it.
We’re very very appreciative of all the fan support. The notes are very nice.
A few people have inquired about sending care packages, etc. Please don’t! We are overwhelmed with flowers, snacks, gifts, and just plain stuff! We definitely don’t need anything else.
If people really want to do something, just make a small donation to Rover Rescue in Jenna’s name. Some people have already done this and it’s really appreciated!"
This is good news and those of us at the Frat Pack Tribute wish Jenna well (and we donated to Rover Rescue too!). By the way, Jenna has been doing fine work on The Office, including her Emmy-worthy turn on yesterday's season finale. And word comes today that Walk Hard will be released on December 14, 2007.
The Only Reason I'm Interested in Shrek The Third
Yes, that's Frat Pack Pledge Amy Poehler as Snow White from Shrek The
Third. She's among the new voices on hand for the third Shrek film.
Poehler is joined by some faces voices familiar to Frat Pack fans:
From Left: Cinderella, (Amy Sedaris, Elf, Bewitched), Snow White
(Amy Poehler, Blades of Glory, Envy, Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny),
Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz, Something About Mary, The Holiday),
Rapunzel (Maya Rudolph, Idiocracy, Wake Up Ron Burgundy), and Sleeping
Beauty (Cheri Oteri, SNL).
Also look for listen for Seth Rogen as a ship's captain
and John Krasinski as Lancelot.
And while these actors are interesting, I'd still rather be in New York, Los Angeles, or Texas this weekend to see The Wendell Baker Story. If you've seen the movie, please drop us a line, call our hotline (206-666-FRAT) or join the forum discussion.
Apatow Shoots... Scores!
Does this cement Judd Apatow as the coolest guy ever or what? Maybe
he heard about our Knocked Up Fan
Art Contest and decided to show us how it's done. I almost feel
like he should be declared the winner, have the posters sent to him and see
what happens.
Look for more Knocked Up coverage in the coming days!
Wilson Brother Chats Continue
Tonight's chat with Luke and Andew Wilson is at 6:30 pm Pacific time. AIM
name "Wendellbaker71"
The
delay tonight is no doubt due to Luke's promotion of The
Wendell Baker Story on David Letterman tonight. Luke appeared on
Letterman back in 2005 to promote the movie, so Dave must be a big supporter.
Another Late Show note: Jonah Hill from Knocked Up will be guesting
on Friday.
"Ye Olde" Comedy with Jack Black, Will Arnett, John C.
Reilly, and Tim Robbins
Screen
Daily is
reporting on a new romantic comedy called Ye Olde Times starring
Jack Black. The two leads are out to casting but Tim Robbins, Will Arnett,
Missi Pyle, and Cary Elwes will also star with a cameo by John C. Reilly.
The contemporary story is budgeted at under $10m and takes place against the world of Renaissance Fairs as two rival Medieval shows vie for supremacy. Black will play the story's narrator Professor Shockworthy, a character in the vein of School Of Rock's Dewey Finn, who tutors a pair of romantically entwined actors in the ways of love and life.
It's unclear how large the roles are for Jack and his Frat Pack friends. With a budget of only $10 million, Jack must not be the star, or it's a labor of love. Either way, we'll be sure to follow the progress of this potential gem.
Shooting is scheduled to begin in September in Gilroy, California, with Michael Mendelsohn producing and Rob A. White making his feature directorial debut.
"Steve Almighty"
NBC
Universal will present an exclusive first look at the upcoming Universal Pictures
event comedy "Evan Almighty" in a simultaneous "roadblock"
on 10 of its networks tomorrow night, Thursday, May 17. This first-ever opportunity
to see new material from the motion-picture comedy will be offered for the
first time anywhere at 8:58 p.m. EST/PST on NBC, MSNBC, SciFi, Bravo, USA,
Universal HD, CNBC, Mun2, Chiller and Sleuth.
On NBC, the first look comes at the conclusion of the season finale in the hit third season of "The Office," starring Steve Carell, who also toplines "Evan Almighty." Following the on-air premiere, an extended preview from "Evan Almighty" will be available exclusively at DotComedy.com.
With this exclusive debut, DotComedy will launch its "Steve Almighty" microsite, a compelling and hilarious online experience which will present new video content every day featuring the comedy of Steve Carell, including material from "Evan Almighty," "The Office," "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" and other sources. Users should return every day to see the new "Steve Carell Clip of the Day" and enjoy the archived content.
Jenna Fischer Recovering from Broken Back
It's true, according to this blog entry on USA
Today's Pop Candy page
"An inquisitive e-mail came from Pop reader Abby V. today:
"I've been hearing that Jenna Fischer got hurt recently, and I was wondering if you had heard anything or knew someone to ask ..."
Unfortunately, there's some truth to that rumor. Fischer's rep tells me the Office star "fractured her lower back in four places" in New York Monday after falling down some marble stairs in high heels. Her pal and co-star Angela Kinsey "has been with her the whole time" and her husband, filmmaker/actor James Gunn, has flown to be with her.
He added, "She is expected to make a full recovery and will not miss any time on The Office.""
It's unclear how this may effect shooting of Walk Hard, the musical parody that Jenna is costarring in with John C. Reilly.
Best wishes to Jenna for a speedy recovery. You may wish to post a comment on Jenna's MySpace page.
May 15, 2007
Luke and Andrew Wilson Chat With Fans and Press
You can't say these guys aren't trying their best to promote The Wendell
Baker Story, a film we called a "charming must-see!"
(
).
Check The Frat Pack Tribute's Wendell
Baker Preview Page.
Now, we see that co-directors Luke and Andrew are chatting with fans all week! Stay up to date by adding Wendell Baker to Your MySpace Friends.
LIVE CHAT WITH LUKE WILSON AND ANDREW WILSON ALL THIS WEEK
Thats right - Chat with Luke and Andrew the creators of "The Wendell Baker Story" live Chat on AIM or you can submit your questions through myspace - Theyll be available for an hour each day until the film opens on May 18th - you can ask pretty much anything!!!
It really is Luke and Andrew
BE THERE 1pm - 2pm towmarro MAY 15th.
AIM name "Wendellbaker71"
Thank you
WALDO
Vice President of Huntsville Productions
Here's the chat thread from Frat Pack Tribute Senior Editor Rick Duran earlier today:
FPT: Is there one particular role you've played that you're most proud of?
wendellbaker71: Dink Jenkins in My Dog Skip. was any important part to me. A chance to try something different
FPT: any idea if Barry Munday is still going to be made?
wendellbaker71: not sure
FPT: why Andrew didn't want to use Luke's dog, Brother?
wendellbaker71:Brother couldn't act - Because He's a little to high strong and Naraotic
FPT: How was it different co-directing with Andrew
wendellbaker71: I dont know how to compare it- but if anything I think it helped us to codirect So much is happening on a set-just outside of the actual scenes- that it was really helpful workin with andrew
FPT: What does Luke think of the Frat Pack Circle of Trust
wendellbaker71: have not seen circle of trust
FPT: Details on the script he's writing with Andrew:
wendellbaker71: Electric Avenue _ buddy comedy - about friendship and redemtion
FPT: Henry Poole sounds like a pretty dramatic project. Excited to work on that one?
wendellbaker71: Im excited about Henry Poole. - always a little nervous working with people I dont know
Press Links
Owen, Andrew, and Luke: The Wilson Brothers
Complete List of Theatres Showing Wendell Baker on May 18
Here's the list of theatres in New York, Los Angeles, and Texas where The Wendell Baker Story will open on May 18.
Luke Wilson and Andy Dick in Blonde Ambition - Trailer
While we think Andy Dick and Penelope Ann Miller look great as the devious
villains of the movie, we are a bit concerned that this might be the worst
edited movie trailer we've seen for some time. Still, we're holding out hope
that the movie is worth a look when it arrives in theatres later this year.
Wilson Brothers Premiere Wendell Baker in Beverly Hills
The premiere of The Wendell Baker Story at The Writer’s Guild
in Beverly Hills was Thursday night. The brothers arrived to the premiere
separately, but each showed up wearing a dark suit and collared shirt without
a tie! It was as if they had planned for a family portrait.
Luke is on the cover of LA
Confidential magazine and laid this Frat Pack quote down:
"People ask if that bothers me and I say, “Shit, maybe it bothers
somebody like Ben [Stiller] or Jack Black.” But I just feel lucky to
be included in the group. What’s good about it is that every one of
these guys gets his own thing done. When you’re able to get your own
thing done, it does make it easier to say, “Hey, do you mind if I use
Will [Ferrell] in this part?” Or for Ben to have Owen do a part, and
Vince [Vaughn]…. But it’s comedy, so maybe people think, “Oh,
boy, who’s gonna pop up in this?”"
More Wilson Brothers goodness:
Movie Updates
Just a few updates on some Frat Pack related projects:
May 11, 2007
Lots of Updates to Knocked Up Websites
Check out the goodies the promo team has been working on! Check the Official Knocked Up
Website.
NEW
Media! Check out the Media section to view the Knocked Up Trailer, TV Spots, Clips and a special 'A Look Inside' behind-the-scenes
piece! All media can be added to your online profiles and shared with your
friends! Spy Review of Stiller/Farrelly R-Rated Comedy
Lots of spoiler-filled goodness from the film that may or may not eventually
be called The Heartbreak Kid.
May 10, 2007
KNOCKEDUPBABYMAKER.COM...because
making babies is fun.
This would be a great way to enter our Knocked Up Fan Art Contest, BTW
Frat Pack Tribute Viral Video "Shout"
Senior Editor Rick Duran really earned his salary this week by putting together
this awesome montage video featuring some of the best dance sequences and
other hilarious moments from the Frat Pack films. There's also a high-quality
mpeg video download available.
Please share the video with your friends!
Enter the Frat Pack Tribute Knocked Up Fan Art Contest! Deadline is May 23rd.
Send
in your best Knocked Up related fan art to be entered for a drawing
of two one-sheet posters from the movie.
The art can be done in any visual medium including drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, or video. Take a picture of yourself dressed as your favorite Knocked Up character, or show us how skilled you are with pen and paper. Get creative!
Contest Details on our Knocked Up Preview page
Jack Black Joins Woody Harrelson
With recent public appearances with longtime pals Luke and Owen Wilson, and
costarring in Semi-Pro with Will Ferrell, Woody Harrelson has recently
crept into the Frat Pack Circle of Trust.
And who showed up at the third annual Silverlake Music Conservatory Hullabaloo at the Henry Fonda Theater Saturday (to raise money towards music programs for children of low-income families) where Harrelson was the MC? Yes, that's fellow "hemp" enthusiast Jack Black. Black wasn't there to perform, but to introduce his father-in-law, jazz musician Charlie Haden. More details and photos of the event.
Wendell Baker Story Premiere Photos
Some of these are simply
incredible. The Dallas premiere of the long-awaited feel good comedy was
Monday, and many of the stars of the movie were in attendance. The Wendell
Baker Story opens in New York and Los Angeles on May 18, and in other cities
in June. In a recent interview, Luke
Wilson indicated that a feature-laden DVD will be coming in October.
Photos from the kind and generous (and obviously talented) folks at Hudson Photographic
Owen (co-star, villain), Andrew (co-director), and Luke (star,
writer, co-director)
