Webisode Contest Winner and Latest Office Webisode
by Kevin Crossman
Congrats to Nick Neumann of San Francisco. Nick wins one of these cool tshirts, which is great since his favorite character on The Office is Michael Scott.
This
week we are giving another "World's Best Boss" tshirt, featuring
Steve Carell of course. We'll be giving away one of these this week,
and have more coming with the launch of new webisode segments.
To enter the drawing, just send us:
And, here's another great Office webisode. This time we get the "full cast" (of the webisodes anyway), featuring smooth talking Darryl (Craig Robinson). This one provides a lot of the "awkward humor" that The Office is famous for!
Apparently this is the last of the Kevin's Loan webisodes. Which is kind of a shame because I was just starting to really get into it! I've been told there will be more webisodes later this year.
Learn About Jeff Portnoy
by Kevin Crossman
The latest segment from the Rain of Madness documentary shows the tensions between Tropic Thunder director Danien Cockburn (Steve Coogan) and star Jeff Portnoy (Jack Black).
In addition, check out these new faux-websites:
More Comic-Con Notes: Tropic Kudos
by Nathan Hughes
Here are some pictures I took at the San Diego Comic-Con convetion of the The Office section that was set up in the NBC booth. One of the attached images is of the T-shirt that I bought, showing Michael with all of his "swag".
Also, I got a free ticket to Tropic Thunder last night, and I have to say this is the funniest film I've seen in the theaters for a long time. This is definitely rated R and the cameos abound. Tom Cruise was remarkable and Robert Downey Jr. was excellent in every scene. Jack Black started off kind of slow, but got really funny near the end of the film. Ben Stiller was great as well, and the faux trailers were hilarious.
Before the screening there was a small clip of Ben Stiller, Jack Black, and Robert Downey Jr. introducing the film, actually welcoming the Comic-Con fans in the audience. Stiller joked about auctioning off Spock's ears and a monster head from Star Trek for all of the nerds in the audience. In the film, the ears can be seen on Matthew McConaughey's desk and the monster head is shown when Stiller is watching his Video iPod. I'm definitely going to see this again in theaters and I really hope it does well at the box office.
The Office Comic-Con Panel
by Kevin Crossman
You know, I haven't always said the kindest things about NBC in the past year. Yes, I'm still peeved about NBC pulling their TV shows from iTunes. But, I have to give credit where it is due, and this is one of those times.
The writers from The Office were at Comic-Con this weekend, along with star Rainn "I'm still promoting The Rocker" Wilson who moderated the panel. And NBC has the entire segment available on their website. That's a great thing for the fans of the The Office, so three cheers for NBC. Hooray!
The Rocker Review (
)
by Adam Stevenson
The
Rocker is the latest comedy from Fox Atomic under the direction
of Peter Cattaneo (The Full Monty), starring Rainn Wilson,
Christina Applegate, Jane Lynch, Emma Stone, Jason Sudeikis, Bradley
Cooper, Will Arnett, and Fred Armisen, in what could be one of the
surprise comedy hits of 2008.
“Rocker” tells the story of Robert "Fish" Fishman (Wilson), a failed drummer who is given a second chance at fame.
Step Brothers Review (
)
by Drew Hunt
Are
people getting sick of Will Ferrell? The question has certainly been
asked -- in reviews, to the blogs and back again. And it is certainly
a valid one: his previous effort, the basketball comedy Semi-Pro was both a box office failure and a painful watch. Seeing Ferrell
lose his footing was not exactly pleasant.
So has he returned to the well in his latest farce Step Brothers? Quite possibly -- but thank the heavens he did. Re-teaming with director and co-writer Adam McKay was a step in the right direction: as was adding his newest collaborator John C Reilly. With the last piece of the puzzle obviously being Judd Apatow, the super-producer behind his two most successful films, Ferrell has set himself up for yet another box office hit.
Big Opening for Step Brothers
by Kevin Crossman
With between an estimated $11-11.7 million in box office receipts, Step Brothers looks on track for a big $30 million plus opening weekend. That would place behind only Talladega Nights ($47m) and Blades of Glory ($33m) among Ferrell's releases. And quite a bit better than John C. Reilly's last wide-opening star-vehicle, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story ($4m).
The film is getting great reviews, too. Look for a formal review here on the Tribute soon. In the meantime, check this great Moviefone Unscripted with Will and John (and check the bonus clips). Thanks to tipster Alex.
Of course Step Brothers won't open at number one, since a slightly popular film is already out in the marketplace. Thankfully, Will and John are prepared to tell you everything you need to know about The Dark Knight.
Everyone Celebrate! Step Brothers is Here!
by Kevin Crossman
Finally a straight-up comedy in a summer filled with action, superheroes, and retro franchises. Here is an original comedy from the team that brought you Talladega Nights and Anchorman. More importantly, for the first time in I don't know how long it is a Will Ferrell movie featuring "normal" Will Ferrell hair. Think about it. Semi-Pro: Will with afro. Blades of Glory: Will with long hair. Talladega Nights: Will with sideburns. You get the point.
So, will Step Brothers break the 2008 box office slump seen recently by our Frat Pack faves? Kudos to Steve Carell for helping make Get Smart a hit, but elsewhere it has been fairly bad. Will Ferrell's Semi-Pro opened at number one but only made a little over $30 million. Same for Owen Wilson's Drillbit Taylor. And the less said about the box office performance of Jack Black's Be Kind Rewind or Vince Vaughn's Wild West Comedy Show the better.
According to Tracking data, Step Brothers looks to be the weekend's top-grossing new release.
Stepbrothers will be the weekend's big wide-release opener, possibly snagging $30 million or so -- tracking at 89 general awareness, 40 definite interest and 19 first choice. X-Files: I Want to Believe is running at 81, 25 and 9...bomb.
The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (August 1) is running at 90, 39 and 9 -- showing promise, possibly decent opening. Kevin Costner's Swing Shift...I'm sorry, Swing State...I meant to say Swing Vote (also 8.1) is running at 58, 20 and 1 -- big trouble.
Pineapple Express (8.6) is running at 47, 37 and 5. (The 8.6 opening is about getting some traction before the Beijing Olympics begin on August 8th.) Sisterhood fo the Traveling Pants 2 (also 8.6) is at 78, 22 and 4.
Tropic Thunder (8.13) is at 59, 33 and 2 -- an okay number for now, opening in the middle of the Olympics.
Anyway, Step Brothers opens today in theatres everywhere. So go see it!
Webisode Contest Winner and Latest Office Webisode
by Kevin Crossman
Congrats to Kelly Briscoe of Yorktown Heights. Kelly wins one of these cool Michael Scott tshirts. Kelly's favorite character on The Office is Dwight Schrute.
This
week we are giving another "World's Best Boss" tshirt, featuring
Steve Carell of course. We'll be giving away one of these this week,
and have more coming with the launch of new webisode segments.
To enter the drawing, just send us:
And, now that we're all feeling good about the free tshirts, check out latest webisode from The Office. This time, Craig Robinson (Knocked Up, Walk Hard, Pineapple Express) is featured.
It's a Two-Fer
by Kevin Crossman
Will Ferrell was scheduled to promote Step Brothers on The Daily Show, but look who came out with him... John C. Reilly! Great interview, including a reference to our beloved Dewey Cox. There's also a very funny clip featuring Adam Scott (Knocked Up) as the younger brother of Ferrell's character Brennan. Thanks to Beth for the tip.
Also funny but lacking an embed code, was Will's recent appearance on David Letterman. In a surprising move, Ferrell seems to indicate he wants to leave acting behind and move into politics. Will Ferrell for VP?
Pineapple Express Moved Up Two Days - to Debut August 6
by Kevin Crossman
Thanks to our tipster Anthony Jones for this one. Following the lead of Tropic Thunder, Pineapple Express will now debut two days early on August 6. This, no doubt, allows it to have a full-week of box office prior to Thunder's opening.
A reminder to check out The Tribute's early review of Pineapple Express:
Rogen on Cover of GQ; Upstaged by Wiig Hotness
by Kevin Crossman
Seth Rogen is on the cover of GQ's annual Comedy issue. There's Frat Pack goodness sprinkled throughout, including references to Heat Vision and Jack, Kyle Gass and Jack Black, Tropic Thunder, a Will Ferrell movie plotline generator, and more.
Oh, and this amazingly hot photo of Kristen Wiig. Amy Poehler is gonna need to work out pretty hard to get her "Best SNL tummy" title back.
Footage of Tenacious D's Tribute to The Who
by Kevin Crossman
Here's Jables and Kage performing "Squeeze Box" in their tribute to The Who on VH-1 Honors. There's great footage from this event, including Adam Sandler's signature reworking of "Magic Bus."
Will Ferrell at the ESPYs
by Kevin Crossman
Will Ferrell is at it again. He appeared at the ESPYs to collect the Male Sportsman of the Year for Tiger Woods who was unable to attend due to injury.
First Photo from Land of the Lost
by Kevin Crossman
This image comes from Entertainment Weekly's preview of ComicCon. And it's a great shot of Danny McBride, Will Ferrell and Anna Friel. And a whole lot of Sleestacks! According to Lost director Brad Silberling " 'The dinosaurs can't be wagging their tails like puppies. They have to be f---ing brutal.'' Ferrell notes, ''We still have Chaka and the Sleestaks that move way too slow,'' he says.
A teaser trailer is expected to debut at ComicCon (July 24-27) and the movie is scheduled for a July 17, 2009 release.
Meanwhile, Will is doing promotion for Step Brothers, now just a week away. One of the best things to check out is this video from New York Times Magazine. It is actually fairly revealing, as Will is notorious for never giving serious answers in interviews. Check it out.
Other NYTM videos from this series:
Seth Rogen
Elizabeth Banks
James Franco
Steve Coogan
Anna Faris
Two Deleted Scenes from Step Brothers
by Kevin Crossman
Two deleted scenes have surfaced over at FunnyOrDie.com. These are pretty funny, so let's hope that these were deleted because there was too much other funny stuff in the movie. Step Brothers opens next Friday.
Steve Carell Nominated for Emmy - The Office News Rundown
by Kevin Crossman
Once again, Steve Carell was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (for the episode, "Goobye Toby"). The Office received a total eight nominations, including Outstanding Comedy Series ("Local Ad") and Rainn Wilson for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series ("Money"), along with additional nominations for directing, writing, editing, and sound mixing.
And, it should be noted, Jenna Fischer and John Krasinski also picked up something today. Big ol' snubs.
Congratulations are also in order for Frat Pack pledge Amy Poehler who received a support actress nomination for her work on Saturday Night Live. Meanwhile, rumors were swirling today regarding the "The Office spinoff" that Poehler confirmed she'll be a part of. Nikki Finke had the best coverage and finally today it was confirmed that the show will not be a spinoff, but a show in the same style from same creative team.
The latest Office webisode launched today. This one is quite a bit funnier than last week's, and once again features Kevin (Briam Baumgartner) looking to get a loan. Check it out, it's pretty funny.
We also have another giveaway. Check out this cool "World's Best Boss" tshirt, featuring Steve Carell of course. We'll be giving away one of these this week, and have more coming with the launch of new webisode segments.
To enter the drawing, just send us:
Finally in our massive Office news update today, a reminder that the Season 4 DVD will be arriving in stores on September 2nd. The Season 2 and Season 3 DVDs were feature packed and this year looks to continue the trend. In addition to all episodes from this past season, there are great bonus features:
You can preorder now to get the very best price from Amazon.com.
Step Brothers Premiere Coverage
by Kevin Crossman
The premiere was held in Los Angeles last night and here are some photos featuring Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly of course. Check the video and additional photos.
Costars John C. Reilly and Will Ferrell don't exactly look like step brothers
Director Adam McKay and Producer Judd Apatow with contrasting expressions
Ted Danson admiring wife and Step Brothers costar Mary Steenburgen
(looking awfully fetching...)
Step Brothers' dad, Richard Jenkins
Jason Bateman
Former Ferrell and Reilly costar Jane Lynch
The last thing John C. Reilly ever saw. We'll sure miss him.
Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly Fight Over Steve Carell
by Karen Pok
Click the image to see a fun little video that I made. You can make one yourself at Stepbrothersduel.com. Step Brothers opens on July 25th!
Tom "Crooze" Makes Another Appearance
by Rick Duran
Turns out the TuggSpeedman.com viral site is actually a parody of TomCruise.com
More Trouble for Andy Dick
by Kevin Crossman
We love Andy Dick's work. So much that we actually gave him the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Frat Pack Earmuff Awards earlier this year. Which is why it is so sad that Andy's personal troubles are still continuing.
As widely reported, Andy was arrested earlier this morning in Murrieta, CA on charges of drug possession and sexual battery. Police found marijuna and Xanax in Dick's posession, shortly after he was seen urinating in the parking lot of the Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant. More disturbing is the charge that Dick pulled down the tanktop of a 17 year old girl, exposing her breasts. Bail has been set for $5,000.
In a personal note, I have long been a fan of celebrity mugshots. Vince Vaughn had one where he looked quite a bit upset about the arrest. And with Tropic Thunder coming up, it's easy to remember Nick Nolte as the greatest celebrity mugshot ever.
But there's nothing funny about Andy Dick's mugshot. Consider what he was alleged to have done, the smirk is highly inappropriate.
Amy Poehler Set for Office Spinoff Related Show
by Kevin Crossman
Well, this is interesting news. Apparently Amy Poehler (Blades of Glory, Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny) is being tapped for the new show from Greg Daniels and Michael Schur from The Office. Initially identified as a "spinoff" it now appears that the show is "a whole new series" and "not an extension."
There's no word on Poehler's intended role, or whether this means the end of her very successful run on Saturday Night Live. As noted in the article by Variety, Poehler recently co-headlined the modest hit Baby Mama and is toplining the animated The Mighty B.
Tropic Thunder Release Date Moved Up Two Days
by Kevin Crossman
Well, this is great news for those of us who have been watching news about this movie since last summer. And for some of us, every single day that goes by without seeing Tropic Thunder is a single day too many. So, we're pleased to report that Tropic Thunder will now be opening on August 13! This surely is a sign of strength for the movie to open on a Wednesday rather than the traditional Friday.
To celebrate, here's a segment from the faux-documentary, Rain of Madness featuring Steve Coogan (the director of "Tropic Thunder") and Ben Stiller ("Tugg Speedman"). Don't say it, do it!
The faux-website movie promotion trend continues. Check out the websites for:
Video of Jack Black's Blender Cover Shoot
by Kevin Crossman
Thanks to our anonymous tipster for setting us hip to this. I actually hadn't realized Jack's interview with Blender referened yesterday was for the the cover.
Watch Jack Black get into character while promoting his new film Tropic Thunder for the Blender Magazine cover shoot. In this video clip, Black discusses the film, breaking a guitar, and pays homage to King Kong and Angus Young. The commercial that plays is kind of annoying but the Jack stuff is top stuff.
It's Official! School of Rock 2: America Rocks
by Kevin Crossman
There'd been Rock 2 chatter for a couple months now but Variety has all the details tightly wrapped in a bow.
Paramount is developing a sequel to Jack Black's 2003 breakthrough comedy. All the principals are back: Jack to star, Mike White to write, Richard Linklater to direct.
Variety says "School of Rock 2: America Rocks," which picks up with Finn leading a group of summer school students on a cross-country field trip that delves into the history of rock 'n' roll and explores the roots of blues, rap, country and other genres." Jack had been rumored to start in Man-Witch for Todd Phillips (Old School) but recently left the project.
The Variety article also notes that Jack's comedy from Apatow Productions, Year One, is now slated for a June 2009 release.
Tenacious D Honor The Who
by Kevin Crossman
Here's a great shot of Jack Black and Kyle Gass performing as Tenacious D at the VH1 Rock Honors The Who, to be broadcast on July 17.
According to an AP report, Jack Black said before acoustically performing "Squeeze Box," "It's an honor to honor what I consider to be the greatest band of all time. Wanna know why they were the greatest? Because they were the first ones to really rock hard."
Danny McBride Stars in Drunk History Vol. 3
by Kevin Crossman
After antagonistic supporting turns in The Heartbreak Kid and Drillbit Taylor, Danny McBride takes the logical next-step in his career by playing George Washington in the lastest installment of Drunk History over at FunnyOrDie.com. This is funny stuff and McBride definitely brings the kind of gravitas expected while portraying the father of our country. Language NSFW.
Remember... Jack Black is a Rock Musician Too
by Kevin Crossman
Tenacious D will perform as part of the Vh1 Rock Honors The Who on July 12th at UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles. A few tickets remain available.
The show will air on Vh1 on Thursday, July 17th at 9/8c.
Also, Blender magazine has an interview with Jack, nominally about his role in Tropic Thunder. But, since Blender is a music magazine, they focused their excerpt on Jack's "rock and roll lifestyle." We have made a conscious effort to minimize "gossip" chatter here on the Tribute but since this is making the rounds and is an actual interview with Jack I guess we'd be remiss by not pointing it out.
Rogen Talks Superbad and Pineapple Sequels
by Kevin Crossman
With the "buzz" getting stronger for Pineapple Express, coming on the heels of the boffo August box office for Rogen's Superbad, Seth discussed the possibility of sequels to both films.
"They've been wanting us to do a sequel to 'Superbad' for so long – but we've held off," said Rogen. "We eventually said No. But this one, it's not a precious coming-of-age story like 'Superbad,' it's a weed action-movie and if it did well, and they gave us like $50 million dollars (as opposed to the $26M we got for this one) we could benefit from that."
So, looks like a sequel is a strong possibility if the movie does as well financial as it seems to be doing critically.
New Webisodes from The Office
by Kevin Crossman
Don't expect to see Steve Carell or any other of the "Big Four" on this summer's Office webisodes, but for Office fans this might still turn out to be a fun series.
This year's series is called "Kevin's Loan" and centers on accountant Kevin (Brian Baumgartner) and his gambling debts. The first episode, "Money Trouble," also features Oscar Nunez and has a few funny moments. Frat Pack friend Craig Robinson is scheduled to appear in future episodes. Take a look!
Thunder Drumbeat for War Continues with Rain of Madness
by Kevin Crossman
Well, holy shit! Check out this amazingly brilliant mock documentary about the making of the movie in Tropic Thunder! Entitled Rain of Madness, there is an official website and a mock trailer (see below) for the film that is supposed to provide insight into the movie that after five days of filming was two months and $100 million over budget. The clip also provides insight into the characters played by Bill Hader and Justin Theroux.
This isn't exactly spoiler material per se, as I doubt this will be in the actual Tropic Thunder film. But it sure would be a hoot to see this trailer in front of the movie, eh?
Update: Here's the Rain of Madness one-sheet poster
Is Greek a Sarah Marshall Spin-off?
by Rick Duran
When the new Jonah Hill/Russell Brand film Get Him to the Greek was announced, we figured Brand's rock star character wouldn't be a stretch from his Aldous Snow role in Forgetting Sarah Marshall. However, in a recent interview, Brand suggests that his role might actually be a reprise of Aldous:
"I'm doing another film with Judd Apatow, playing the character that I played in the first film Aldous Snow but back on drugs. And Adam Sandler is producing a film that I'm writing with Matt Morgan from my Radio 2 show that I'm doing myself. I'm doing the voice for a really big animation film that I can't tell you about because it's too big a deal, I've got a special on Comedy Central with my stand-up."
So was that a literal translation of Brand playing a back-sliding Snow? Or was it a sarcastic way of saying the character is basically Snow, but on drugs? Brand will next be seen in Adam Sandler's December comedy Bedtime Stories, but hopefully we'll get a solid answer on his Greek role before then. In the meantime, Sarah Marshall (which has grossed over $96 million worldwide to date) is tentatively slated for a September 30th DVD release date. Maybe director Nick Stoller, whom is also writing/directing Greek, will do some DVD-related press and answer the Aldous Snow question.
Frat Pack Movie Tie-ins Coming To Stores
by Kevin Crossman
Tropic Thunder is coming to theatres on August 15, and in addition to a slightly new international trailer over on the official international website, there's some big news for fans who can't get enough "thunder!"
E! is reporting via Advertising Age that the fictional drink seen in the movie is actually coming to stores. Yes, a few hundred thousand cases of the cherry-flavored drink Booty Sweat will be available in college bookstores, the retail outlets Hot Topic, Wherehouse and Coconuts and through Amazon.com.
This follows in the footsteps of the drink from the Luke Wilson cult-classic, Idiocracy. That film's Brawndo: The Thirst Mutilator was licenced and is available for sale in some markets.
Meanwhile, there is also word that Sex Panther, the infamous cologne from Anchorman will finally be available in stores for the first time since the 1970's! Sex Panther, which is made from real panther so you know it's good, will be available in stores in September.
Thanks to tipster Nathan Hughes.
Steve Carell is a Gentleman but not in the Frat Pack?
by Kevin Crossman
Steve Carell has been overseas doing press for his hit film Get Smart, and there were two recent developments of note.
First is this video of a press conference. Thanks to our tipster Sonja from The Real Steve Carell Blog, check out this video from 1:03 - 2:04. He seems to indicate he doesn't think he's a member of the Frat Pack, because he doesn't have the other Fratters on speed-dial. Sounds like Ben Stiller needs to update his address book, eh? It's one thing to leave Luke Wilson off the list, but Steve Carell? Unforgivable.
In more positive news, Steve Carell proved himself to be every bit the classy gentleman that his reputation proceeds. At the Italian premiere of Get Smart, an uncouth reporter asked costar Anne Hathaway about her recent high-profile breakup by probing "Was the separation from your ex-boyfriend painful?"
According to People, Hathaway remained silent and attempted a faint smile.
But, as if on cue, her costar Steve Carell valiantly stepped in to declare: "In my role of agent [for] Miss Hathaway, I would like to say that she does not answer questions relating to this subject."
If that isn't a guy you want in your Pack I don't know who is!
Jack Black Working on New Tenacious D Material
by Kevin Crossman
After the woeful performance of the hilariously underrated Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny, we feared we might not see another album from The D. The movie's soundtrack actually did fairly well, as it was the 200th most popular album of 2007 (which means there were a lot of albums that were less popular, right?). So, we're really stoked to hear that Jack Black and Kyle Gass are working on new material for their third album.
Apparently, Jack is being tightlipped about the project, according to the Post Chronicle. "The songs we come up with are so stupid. We've got one good song - that's it. I'm not going to tell you what it's about, though. I'm afraid someone's going to steal it!"
Jim Carrey Lets it All Hang Out
by Kevin Crossman
Yes, Jim isn't exactly a true Frat Pack member. But since The Cable Guy was directed by Ben Stiller and featured small roles for a couple of up-and-comers named Jack Black and Owen Wilson, let's just say that Jim is a friend-of-the-Pack.
Anyway, Jim's latest exercise in hilarity was to wear girlfriend Jenny McCarthy's bathing suit. Not bad, but I guess if I'm thinking about "Jim in Matching Outfits" I'd rather they actually went ahead and made Used Guys, the Sci-Fi comedy where Jim and Ben Stiller were the last two men on earth. Then again, I think Jenny looks better in a bikini than Ben Stiller does, despite his "good marks" in that department (see: Meet the Parents, Zoolander).
click for more photos
Night at the Museum 2 Cast Update
by Rick Duran
You know an ensemble cast has grown so large when it's hard to keep track of all the names mentioned in articles. Thanks to our tipster Beat Kiyoshi for noting that we missed the news item about French actor/director Alain Chabat will be playing Napoleon in Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian.
Beat informs us:
Alain Chabat has been a very popular actor/writer/director here since he created the comedian group Les Nuls (in a TV Show which looked exactly like Saturday Night Live). He also directed the great blockbuster Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra, and you might have seen him in Michel Gondry's third movie The Science of Sleep.
Any of our readers fluent in French are encouraged to visit
Beat Kiyoshi's comedy blog L'Antre
de la Comédie.
Yes Luke Can!
by Rick Duran
The new poster for Luke Wilson's Henry Poole is Here may look familiar to you. In a direct spoof of the Barack Obama "Change"
and "Hope" posters, the film beat the presidential campaign in claiming
the other "inspirational" buzzword: "Believe." In Henry
Poole, Luke plays a dying man reluctant to follow the religious phenomenon
taking over his neighborhood. This dilemma is further displayed by the film's
new domain for its Myspace page: www.WillHenryBelieve.com.
And in case the movie hasn't beaten its theme over your head enough yet, its
trailer prominently features The Bravery's hit song... "Believe."
Click the image to view a larger version
Henry Poole is Here opens in theaters August 15th.
Talladega Nights Team Rejoins for 'Sherlock Holmes' Comedy
by Rick Duran
Big news from Variety: Sacha Baron Cohen will play Sherlock Holmes and Will Ferrell will play his assistant, Dr. John Watson. The two comedy powerhouses will
join their Talladega Nights producers Judd Apatow and Jimmy
Miller for the Columbia Pictures project, while Etan Cohen (Tropic
Thunder, Idiocracy) will write the script. This isn't the only
high profile remake of Sherlock Holmes; Warner Bros. is currently piecing
together another version with director Guy Ritchie. Clearly, our money is
on the version with two of the world's biggest comedy stars. Being under the
watchful eye of Judd Apatow doesn't hurt either.
We're sure the fans will have a lot to say about this huge announcement, especially with Will playing assistant to Sacha. Want to chime in on this news? Discuss this story over on our message board.
Museum 2 Expands Cast, Alters Title
by Rick Duran
Lots
of updates for 2009's Ben Stiller sequel. Hollywood
Reporter notes that the title has now changed to Night at the Museum:
Battle of the Smithsonian (the original title was Escape from the Smithsonian.)
Next, it's been reported that improv veteran Christopher Guest will join the
cast playing Ivan the Terrible. A lot of dialogue from the first film was
improvised, so Guest's inclusion should offer some great material. In less
surprising casting, SNL's Bill Hader will join the film playing
General Custer. These are busy times for Hader, who will be seen next month
in Tropic Thunder and Pineapple Express, and next summer's Year
One. IMDb notes that another Pineapple Express cast member, The
Office's Craig Robinson, will be joining the sequel playing one
of the Tuskegee Airmen. Museum screenwriters (and Reno: 911 stars) Thoman Lennon and Robert Ben Garrant will also be making cameos as
the Wright Brothers.
This sequel just keeps growing. Just to round up this constantly growing cast, here's a list of folks that have been previously reported to appear: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Dick Van Dyke, Ricky Gervais, Amy Adams, Robin Williams, Steve Coogan, Hank Azaria, Jonah Hill, Ed Helms and now Christopher Guest, Bill Hader, Craig Robinson, Thomas Lennon and Robert Ben Garrant.
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian hits theaters May 22nd,
2009.
Pineapple Express Review ()
by Rick Duran
Pineapple Express may be the most mainstream stoner comedy in recent years. Exercising the male-bonding sensitivity of Superbad, excessive violence, and hilarious one-liners, Pineapple Express is a winning comedy that also prominently features casual drug-use throughout the entire film. What sets this adventure apart from previous pot comedies is an emphasis on real action, and two strong performances from stars Seth Rogen and James Franco. While there are some script and timing issues, this film is a high-energy comedy event that should appeal to fans of past hits under the Apatow Productions banner.
Patriotic Steve Carell and Stephen Colbert
by Kevin Crossman
Just in time to get ready for the upcoming July 4th holiday, and to celebrate Steve's hit movie Get Smart comes a great video with Carell along with his former Daily Show and Ambiguously Gay Duo pal, Stephen Colbert. Here they are singing "The Star Spangled Banner."
Get Smart Review ()
by Drew Hunt
To say I'm a fan of Hollywood interpretations of classic television series would not be a truthful statement - but then again, I'm not entirely against it. Sometimes, a revisit to a once popular show can revitalize lost spirit: the Brady Bunch Movie, per example, wasn't as much a remake, but more a cheeky look at the absurdities that made the show so loveable. But that's not the angle director Peter Segal took for his update of the classic Mel Brooks/Buck Henry 1960s spy comedy Get Smart: instead, he manages to bring the concept to a new era but still remain true to the show's original concept and feel (something those Charlie's Angels movies tried but miserably failed to do.).
Maybe it's
the nostalgic buzz generated by that awesome theme song; maybe it's seeing
the famous CONTROL shoe phone (rendered obsolete in the film, but skillfully
used at crucial point, paying homage to the classic image), but the fact
remains that Segal and co. somehow (and thankfully) managed to re-imagine
Get Smart without taking a proverbial leak all over their source material.
Steve Carell stars as Maxwell Smart, a desk jockey who dreams of being a full-time field agent for the super-secret government organization known as CONTROL. He finally gets his shot after his fellow operatives, including the super-smooth Agent 23 (Dwayne "No Longer The Rock" Johnson) are outed by the evil group known only as KAOS. The Chief (Alan Arkin) teams Smart with Agent 99 (played by oober-fox Anne Hathaway) and together they follow the clues to track down KAOS and their mysterious leader, Siegfried (Terrence Stamp).
Quite simply, the casting of Carell as Maxwell Smart is perfect: he takes slight cues and ticks from the character's original portrayer, Don Adams, but tastefully creates his own persona. It's the perfect balance of paying homage to the past and embracing ones comedic sensibilities. The new Maxwell Smart is all Carell, but he's certainly not without its roots - not unlike his turn as Michael Scott on The Office: taking an already established character, but creating an entirely new personality. It sounds a little "too easy" on the surface, but Carell's sublime comedic talents are very much his own.
The rest of the cast shines as well: Arkin, Johnson and Hathaway are all pleasing as members of CONTROL, while Carell and Hathaway make a charming comedic duo. The always reliable David Koechner plays Agent Larabee, a great source of laughs during some effective scenes set in CONTROL's made offices, located deep below the Smithsonian.
While it remains an honest effort, Get Smart purists will likely be offended by the tinkering of the story line: CONTROL is portrayed as more of a dinosaur of an organization rather than an imperative aspect of national security, operating solely to combat KAOS.
This still does not change the fact that Get Smart rose above the constraints of its nature - because lets face it: it could have really sucked. But great casting paired with great performances mixed with great thrills and big laughs make this one of the best movies of the Summer.
Ask Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly a Question
by Kevin Crossman
Moviefone is doing another Unscripted session, this time with John C. Reilly and Will Ferrell from the upcoming Step Brothers. The taping is Wednesday, so Get Your Unscripted Questions in Now.
Get Smart is a Hit!
by Kevin Crossman
Congrats to Steve Carell and the gang from Get Smart for a great $39 million opening weekend, according to estimates. That literally crushes the comedic competition, The Love Guru who landed with $14 million.
This is Steve's best opening for a live-action picture, and easily outdistances the $33 million opening weekend of last summer's Evan Almighty. That movie went on to gross $100 million, so Get Smart would seem to be on track for that an beyond.
Frat's Eleven
by Kevin Crossman
Well, I guess we should have seen this one coming. Another cool parody video from Mike Simmers
Mike Simmers' Incredible Frat Pack Parody Movie Trailers
by Kevin Crossman
Every once in a while, all our hard work keeping up The Tribute site really pays off. Today I received a note from Mike Simmers, who produced two parody trailer featuring our beloved Frat Pack stars. His Dark Knight trailer with Vince Vaughn as The Joker is pure genius, and I love that Christine Taylor is featured! It is going to be awfully hard to top these "community generated content" videos when we do the Frat Pack Earmuff Awards early next year.
First off, I just wanted to say how big of a fan I am of The Frat Pack and your website. I have every Frat movie and friend movie available! Love it! I am such a huge fan, that I made 2 new fan made trailers. Looking around on YouTube, I found a bunch of "300" parody movie trailers. Stuff like Family Guy and The Simpsons using the audio from the 300 movie trailer with their shows. Well, it hit me...THERE'S NOT A FRAT PACK 300!!!!!! So, I made it! So, check it out...
Also, being on a roll, I figured...Why not do a Dark Knight trailer, too. So, of course, using The Frat Pack...with Ben Stiller as Batman & Vince Vaughn as The Joker. I hope you enjoy this one, too.
The Frat Pack Tribute vs. Trivia War Podcast: Old School
by Kevin Crossman
I had the pleasure of recording a segment for an upcoming episode of The Trivia War Podcast, where I battled one of the hosts with questions related to Old School. We competed in three categories: True/False, General Knowledge, and Who Said That?
You'll have to tune in to find out, but let's just say that in addition to my encyclopedic knowledge of the seminal Frat Pack film, I also had Rick and Drew down the street in a black van...
Get Smart Tracking For Steve's Best Opening Ever?
by Kevin Crossman
Rick Duran will be posting Get Smart box office updates this weekend while I am on vacation and ponder refreshing the Tribute site and upgrading to a true blog platform. But, before I leave I thought I'd post some of the latest tracking news from around the web.
Entertainment Weekly has a poll up with their "Most Anticipated Summer Comedies" and the results are fairly interesting.
Firstly,
this is great news for Get Smart, as it is far, far out ahead of
several other high-profile comedies. More importantly, it's tracking 34
points higher than The Love Guru, which is opening on Friday as well.
It isn't like people don't know Guru is coming out, since Mike Myers
has been really hitting the PR trail hard. This says to me that a lot of
people are going to go to the movies this weekend to laugh and end up with
Steve and Anne instead of Mike and Verne.
The results for Tropic Thunder and Pineapple Express are also encouraging since both are "hard R" movies with edgy subject matter, and both aren't opening until August. And Step Brothers? Well, these results are not good news.
Meanwhile, Cinematical is predicting a $40 million opening weekend for Get Smart. That would be good news for Steve Carell's movie career as it would top all his previous box office openings aside from Horton Hears a Who! There's also a major plot device in Get Smart that I think will cause some viewers to want to rewatch the movie again and have a "second look" at what happens early in the movie.
I guess we'll know more sometime this weekend. I know I'm really looking forward to seeing the movie!
Step Brothers Website Update
by Kevin Crossman
The official Step Brothers website has been updated with its final look, and includes some cool goodies like desktops (see below), screensavers, character biographies, and more. The Will Ferrell/John C. Reilly comedy opens on July 25.
Tropic Thunder in South Park
by Rick Duran
Here's the latest in our Frat Pack in South Park series: Tropic Thunder.
Get Smart Premiere
by Kevin Crossman
The Hollywood premiere of Get Smart was held yesterday. See below for photos from the event.
Reader SaraLynnUtso attended and posted this note on our message forum:
I was there!! Yep, Agent Sarah went to ANOTHER premiere! I met Steve Carrell. Quite possibly the sweetest, most gracious man I've ever met. Aside from Beloved (Vince Vaughn), of course.
GREAT movie. I really enjoyed myself.The best parts of the movie are NOT in the trailers, FYI. It is VERY good. I really enjoyed it. Maybe a touch long, but it wasn't that much to bother me.
Stars Anne Hathaway and Steve Carell
The Stars of Get Smart, including Dwayne Johnson
and Alan Arkin
Steve Greets the Fans
Dwayne Johnson says goodbye to "The Rock"
Great shot of Jenna Fischer
Night at the Museum's Carla Gugino - still waiting
for Stiller's call for a sequel
A nice shot of Anne Hathaway
The Foot Fist Way Review: this movie is amazingly great. See
it!!!
by Drew Hunt
Today’s
comedy heavyweights, from Adam Sandler to Will Ferrell and all in between,
seem to have at least one common persona they hang their comedic hats on:
that of the Man Child. The likes of Billy Madison, Ron Burgundy, and Derek
Zoolander have all, for better or worse left their juvenile marks on the
face of comedy. However, it’s the actors that portrayed them that
have reaped the benefits, becoming blockbuster heavyweights by emulating
the most infantile facets of their personalities.
Ready to join the ranks is one Danny McBride.
Exclusive Get Smart Clip on iTunes
by Kevin Crossman
Steve Carell and Anne Hathaway have their "old married couple" schtick down pat in this exclusive clip available for free from iTunes. It's a good clip with some funny moments, though some of what's going on might be disorienting (and not just because of the skydiving). For example, if you weren't aware that Maxwell Smart was a career desk jockey out on his first mission then this might go over people's heads.
Regardless, go ahead and check out the clip. Remember, Get Smart opens next Friday, June 20th.
Rumor and Innuendo Thursday
by Kevin Crossman
I wasn't going to post anything about this, but enough folks have sent it into our news desk and it does seem to be getting some play in the mainstream press.
'Man-Witch'
loses Jack Black magic - that's the headline from Variety who are
reporting that Jack Black has dropped out of the film helmed by Todd Phillips
(Old School). The storyline centers on a man who discovers he's got
witchlike abilities and ends up teaching little girl witches-in-training.
An insider said conflict arose between the studio and Black's Endeavor agent, Sharon Sheinwold. Other sources attributed the parting of ways to bad blood between Phillips and Endeavor -- which Sheinwold recently joined after an ugly breakup with UTA. Phillips was the original director on Endeavor-repped Sacha Baron Cohen's "Borat" and shot scenes for the box office hit before being replaced by Larry Charles. Phillips eventually received co-writing credit on the film.
This is all very "inside baseball" and sort is both a disservice to both Black and Phillips as this kind of coming and going isn't exactly uncommon in Hollywood.
In a related story, Jack Black indicates he will only return to a School of Rock sequel if director Richard Linklater is present.
“It would have to be [with Richard],” Black said. “I wouldn’t do it without him.”
Despite earlier statements to the contrary, however, Black insisted that there wasn’t actually a concrete plan for “School of Rock 2.” The “Kung-Fu Panda” star would only reveal that “a draft is being written.”
“I look forward to reading it. I hope it happens because I had such a great experience the first time, it would be fun to do it again,” Black enthused. “I love to rock. I love making movies. So it is kind of like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, you put the acting and the rock together in a delicious sweet chocolately smash.”
Director Hopes To Lure Steve Carell Back Into ‘Storage’ - that's the second very speculative headline of the day. And it sounds very important, until read that the details don't amount to much.
Remember American Storage, the short film starring David Krumholtz and Martin Starr that featured a blink-and-you'll-miss-it cameo from Seth Rogen and a supporting turn from a Virgin-era Steve Carell? Well, according the blog at MTV, the creators are "hard at work developing a feature length version" and when asked about Carell returning Andrew Cohen said "We’d love for that to happen." Well, of course they would. But it doesn't mean much is actually happening on the project. As Vince Vaughn once said, "come on, you're better than that!"
Upcoming Apatow Film is Funny People
by Kevin Crossman
Well, I guess this is sort of in the same "generic title" vein as The 40 Year-Old Virgin and Knocked Up, though the concept isn't quite as humorous as those others. But, at least we have a title and can stop calling it the "untitled Judd Apatow project starring Seth Rogen and Adam Sandler."
Set in the world of stand-up comedy, Cinematical is reporting that the film is called Funny People. In addition to the previously announced cast of Rogen, Sandler, and Leslie Mann, additional cast members include Apatow regular Jonah Hill, Jason Schwartzman, and (get this) Eric Bana. I guess Apatow really is a fan of Munich. Though apparently Bana started his career as a stand-up in his native Australia, perhaps Bana will be adding to the film's "dramatic elements."
The film is scheduled to begin filming in Los Angeles in September.
"South Park" Apatow Tribute - click for full-sized version
Jay and Seth vs. the Apocalypse gets Silver Screen treatment
by Adam Stevenson
That's right, everyone's favorite roomates and Undeclared pals Seth Rogen and Jay Baruchel will have their short film made into a feature. The film is written by Rogen and Evan Goldberg, based on the story by Goldberg and Jason Stone. See the original short below.
According to Variety, the project revolves around two average stoner dudes trying to deal with life after an undisclosed worldwide cataclysm. The project is set up at Mandate Pictures and will reportedly shoot some time next year -- no telling how that might impact the plans for Rogen's The Green Hornet.
And speaking of Hornet, the official site for the movie is already up stating in big green letters, "Seth Rogen is The Green Hornet." Can't wait for June 25, 2010
Stiller and Witherspoon in new Cameron Crowe film
by Rick Duran
This is huge for Ben. Assuming Crowe's script is more Jerry Maguire/Almost
Famous and less Elizabethtown, this could be the substance Stiller's
career needs. I'm very excited about this. Meanwhile, after costarring with
Luke Wilson (Legally Blonde) and Vince Vaughn (Four Christmases),
Reese Witherspoon seems to be building up her "Frat Pack" credentials
and challenging Jennifer Aniston as its most common high-profile female
costar.
Ben Stiller and Reese Witherspoon will star in an untitled Cameron Crowe romantic comedy adventure at Columbia Pictures.
Columbia was the winning bidder, beating out four rival studios, in landing the fully developed project, which is being produced by Scott Rudin. Crowe, who wrote the screenplay, is also producing.
Studio is keeping the logline of the contemporary-set project under wraps.
Project reunites Crowe with Columbia for the first time since the helmer's "Almost Famous" in 2000. Crowe and studio topper Amy Pascal have a long-standing relationship that dates back to the filmmaker's 1989 "Say Anything," when Pascal was an executive at 20th Century Fox. Crowe made "Jerry Maguire" -- his biggest box office success -- for Columbia and Pascal.
Film, which will begin lensing in January when Stiller and Witherspoon's schedules open, brings together Rudin and Crowe for the first time. (Variety)
Ben Stiller Wanted to Join the Brat Pack
by Kevin Crossman
An interesting quote comes from the June 8, 2008 edition of Parade Magazine. Ben Stiller was asked what advice to give to his younger self and this was his quote:
"I'd say chill out and relax and wait until 1998, when everything will be cool. Back in 1986, I was pretty hard on myself, going, 'I'm not in the Brat Pack. What's wrong with me?' Now, I'm so happy I wasn't."
Luke Wilson at Dodge Challenger Celebrity Drag Race
by Kevin Crossman
Thanks to Laura Telles for helping us keep up with the latest entry in Luke Wilson's celebrity lifestyle diary. Luke recently attended the Dodge Challenger Celebrity Drag Race, though it doesn't look like he actually raced.
While Luke said he didn't consider himself a gearhead, he did say "I like cars a lot." Wilson also found time to pal around with Old School chum Snoop Dogg.
There is additional coverage:
Kung Fu Panda is Box Office Champ
by Kevin Crossman
Congrats to Jack Black for a $60 million opening weekend for Kung Fu Panda, according to estimates. The film pulled in about $20 million more than Don't Mess with the Zohan, starring Adam Sandler and cowritten by Judd Apatow.
Jack Black and Judd Apatow (center) with friends
Kung Fu Panda Mini Review ()
by Amy Gilbert
We arrived early to watch it on IMAX, but the time we wanted was sold out. So we settled for a later showing which also sold out. Some parents even had their kids were sitting on the floor in front because the seats were full. Jack was at his usual "awesomeness" and the animation, colors and action were unbeatable. The boys were transfixed, stayed in their seats, and did not have to reminded once to act like they had been in public before. My household will be full of karate chopping and kung fu moves for many weeks.
An Earmuff Award nomination for the Heat Vision Voiceover Award: Jack Black!! Hands down. Damn, we need an Earmuff for best action sequence: Po and the Dumplings!
I wish the other big stars were used more. Jackie Chan had only about two words and Seth Rogen was about five sentences.
This movie is 100% five root beer mugs.
The Madagascar 2 trailer's "wiggling bottoms" has the boys rolling. After wiping the tears from their eyes one of them said, "We wanna see that one!!!" Which was a much better response than the one I got from the Marley and Me teaser.
If you've seen Kung Fu Panda, enter your thoughts on our message board
Jack Black Headlines Kung Fu Panda - Opening Today
by Kevin Crossman
On track for a $40-50 million weekend, Jack Black headlines the new animated film Kung Fu Panda. As with School of Rock and Nacho Libre, Dreamworks is hoping the "cute and cuddly" Jack will be hit at the box office.
The film costars the voices of a number of actors with Frat Pack connections:
Seth Rogen
David Cross (Curious George, Arrested Development, Run Ronnie Run)
Dustin Hoffman (Meet the Fockers, The Holiday)
Jackie Chan (Shanghai Noon, Around the World in 80 Days)
Lucy Liu (Shanghai Noon, Charlie's Angels)
Angelina Jolie (Mr. and Mrs. Smith)
News Team, Assemble! Paul Rudd is in!
by Kevin Crossman
Well, looks like someone tapped Paul Rudd on the shoulder to ask him what he thought of an Anchorman sequel and it sounds like he's up for the job!
According to IESB, Rudd said:
"I think that it would be awesome, I would be in there for sure, and I emailed Adam McKay afterwards, I think he was serious, I don’t think there’s a script or anything like that, I don’t know if there’s been any ideas, and it was so fun to do and I saw him recently and we were just talking about what a blast that was, so hopefully.
IESB: That film was kind of ground zero for what is going on now with of a lot of Judd, the freedom to make the kind of films he’s making, and for a lot of you guys, it just kind of exposed you to a wider audience so now you can kind of mix and match and do these kind of all star comedy ensembles.
"Yeah, it was really the most incredible thing to be a part of that, and it changed my life for sure, these last few years all these movies I’ve worked on have stemmed from that really, that crew, and also they’ve been a lot of fun, I’ve never worked, since “Anchorman”, it seems like on working with Judd, there’s a way of making them that’s different than anything I’d ever worked on up to that point, and creatively it’s fulfilling in ways that other things aren’t, and I’m just blown away by how funny all those guys are, to sit and listen to McKay and Will Ferrell talk is so intimidating because it’s so crazy and funny and smart."
Thoughts on Anchorman 2
by Rick Duran, Senior Editor
We asked Rick to put the rumors of an Anchorman sequel into context, with Steve Carell's positive comments about the project and the past perception that the slowdown in recent projects featuring multiple Fratters was primarily due to financial rather than creative reasons (meaning: it's a lot more expensive to get Ben, Owen, and Vince for your movie than it was in 2003 when 'Starsky & Hutch' was filmed.) - Kevin Crossman
The good thing about Steve is, before Get Smart opens anyway, his quote never grew too high. He's probably still in that $5-7 million range. And Will has taken a paycut before for Blades and Stranger to make the bigger cast possible.
These two team players will probably take big cuts for Anchorman 2, though they'll both probably have profit-participant percentages once the film breaks even. I know that was part of what made Ben Stiller's megabudget Used Guys with Jim Carrey remotely possible prior to it's last minute demise.
The Will/Steve combo is possible, just like we have Stiller/Black this summer in Tropic Thunder (I think Jack also quotes below $10m.) Those are financially possible. It's a matter of getting the monster paycheck combos of Will, Ben, Vince, and Owen. Those are the ones that are toughest to arrange (though I'm betting Vince and Owen are on the verge of returning).
I think the model to watch out for is the upcoming Judd Apatow movie with Seth Rogen and Adam Sandler. It's rare for studios to co-finance a comedy. Usually they only partner up on action films, or one studio agrees to market overseas. But this time, Sony and Universal are splitting the cost of a seemingly minimal budget (i.e. they're essentially splitting Sandler's pay). If the Vince/Owen movie happens, rather than give the guys big percentages of the grossing, we'll probably see two studios co-finance the film and give the guys what they ask.
New Stills from The Promotion
by Kevin Crossman
Cinematical has additional stills from the John C. Reilly/Seann William Scott laugher that is opening this weekend in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. The film also starts Jenna Fischer and Fred Armisen, and it's a flick we'd love to see (if we lived in the right metro markets).
Great Odin's Raven! Steve Carell "Absolutely" On Board for Anchorman 2!
by Kevin Crossman
Interviewed by MTV, Steve Carell confirmed he'd be up for a return to Brick Tamland in a sequel to Anchorman: The Ron Burgundy Story.
“Oh, absolutely,” Carell said to MTV News, as talk of an “Anchorman” sequel continues to build momentum. “Yeah, in a second.”
“I’ve heard some inklings as to what Adam McKay has in mind for a sequel, and it’s really funny. But I couldn’t say anything more than that.”
“Everybody’s a friend. That is one of the most fun things I ever did. I laughed until I cried, every day on that movie.”
This is, needless to say, incredible news! Because at the end of the day, it would be cool to see Ron Burgundy again. But what wouldn't be cool is Ron Burgundy next to Champ Kind (David Koechner) and a couple of news team members played by, say, Danny McBride and Rob Corddry (not that we don't love McBride and Corddry, you know).
In fact, if we didn't hear Steve Carell say it we might not believe it. Thankfully, you can hear for yourself! Let's go to the videotape embedded web video.
Thanks to Rick Duran for additional reporting on this breaking story.
Seth Rogen's The Green Hornet is Greenlit
by Kevin Crossman
Entertainment Weekly is reporting that Sony is moving ahead with superhero flick The Green Hornet, starring and written by Seth Rogen. A director has not been named but Rogen is writing the script with Evan Goldberg (Superbad). The movie is scheduled for a June 25, 2010 release.
Rogen will play Britt Reid, a playboy who inherits his father's crusading newspaper and spends his nights fighting crime with his sidekick, Kato.
Madagascar 2 One-Sheet
by Kevin Crossman
You like to move it, move it... Here's the poster for Ben Stiller's blockbuster animated sequel...
Helms Trades Days at The Office for Night at the Museum
by Rick Duran
The Office's Ed Helms is the latest familiar face to sign for 2009's Night at the Museum 2: Escape From the Smithsonian. According to Variety, Helms will play a co-worker of Ben Stiller's character. Production recently wrapped in Washington D.C. and will move to Vancouver this month.
Helms shot a cameo in the first Museum film playing a news reporter, but can only be seen on the deleted scenes available on the 2-Disc edition. We assume his role in the sequel is a completely different character.
In addition to playing Andy Bernard on The Office, Frat Pack might recognize Helms from small cameos in Evan Almighty, Walk Hard and Semi-Pro, in addition to his long stint on The Daily Show. Ed Helms is the latest new face joining Museum 2, in addition to the previously revealed Amy Adams, Hank Azaria and Jonah Hill. Director Shawn Levy has confirmed that all cast members from the first film will be returning including Owen Wilson, Steve Coogan, Robin Williams and Ricky Gervais. We haven't seen any confirmations if Paul Rudd will also be reprising his role from the original, though we can confirm the return of Dexter the Monkey.
Night at the Museum 2: Escape from the Smithsonian is targeting a May 22nd, 2009 release date.
Semi-Pro and Wild West Comedy Show Tuesday
by Kevin Crossman
It's not often we get more than one anticipated DVD release on the same day in Fratland, though this week's releases come to the anticipated list from different directions any way you slice it.
Semi-Pro was a heavily hyped Will Ferrell sports-comedy and was hoped that the R rated would herald a return to the kind of human that made Frank the Tank or Chazz Reingold comedic quote machines. Unfortunately, the film underperformed and grossed a disappointing $32 million domestically. While not a bad film, it certainly isn't in the Ferrell pantheon. That said, this is the kind of film that Frat Pack fans will often run out to catch up on and perhaps savor while viewing at home.
Semi-Pro comes in a single-disc edition, as well as a two-disc unrated version with additional extras.
Vince Vaughn's Wild West Comedy Show: 30 Days and 30 Nights - Hollywood to the Heartland is the longest Frat Pack title ever, but is also one of the funniest. The film follows Vince Vaughn, four unknown standup comedians, and a host of special guests like Jon Favreau, Justin Long, and Peter Billingsley on a road-trip comedy tour. There's lots of hilarious material here, both on stage and off. There's also heartfelt emotion as well, though we don't get a lot of insight to the nominal star of the production, Vince Vaughn.
The film had a limited release in February and even underperformed low expectations. So it sort of comes to DVD in it's single-disc format with a bit of a chip on it's shoulder. But, this is a gem that every Vince Vaughn fan will love forever.
As a reminder, we are able to offer five DVDs of Will Ferrell's basketball comedy Semi-Pro and five copies of Vince Vaughn's Wild West Comedy Show! All you have to do is send email and we'll randomly draw from all the entires. One DVD per person and you must be a United States resident.
CinemaNow Debuts Frat Pack Collection
by Kevin Crossman
Our friends at CinemaNow have put together a special collection of movies on their web-based on-demand movie service. Ever have the burning need to watch Made and The Royal Tenenbaums at a moments notice? Well, CinemaNow is for you!
You can also check out this week's two new releases, Semi-Pro and Wild West Comedy Show.
Spring Breakdown Heading Straight to DVD
by Kevin Crossman
This is a movie we've been waiting for some time now. Spring Breakdown stars Amy Poehler, Rachel Dratch, and Parker Posey as a trio of mature ladies who go on spring break and have a run-in with the college-aged women who normally inhabit spring break. The movie also features Frat Pack regulars Missi Pyle (Dodgeball), Jane Lynch (Talladega Nights), and Will Arnett (of Will Arnett has seen the Circle fame).
The movie was supposed to be released in spring of 2007 and again this spring before being put on the "TBA" list. There was hope that good box office for Poehler's Baby Mama would ressurect this female-oriented flick, but even after good box office for that film and Sex in the City, Nikki Finke is reporting that the film is coming straight to DVD.
Some days it is a real bummer running this site.
MTV Movie Awards Coverage
by Kevin Crossman
Gotta say, this was one of the best MTV Movie Awards shows in years. Lots of funny stuff, especially if your comedic tastes run beyond Fratville and into the SNL pack of Adam Sandler, Mike Myers, and great cameos from Dana Carvey and Rob Schneider. You can view some of the individual clips below, or you can watch the entire show on-demand.
Ben Stiller and Tom Cruise Backstage
Ben Stiller, Jack Black, and Robert Downey Jr. Present Best Movie
to Transformers (yeah, we know Superbad fans... we know)
At least Ben looked appropriately displeased when announcing the award
Check out the marks on Jack's neck. Funny stuff.
Watch the clip
Rainn Wilson's Furry Bear with Megan Fox
Watch the clip
The full version of the "MTV Viral Video" with
Ben Stiller, Jack Black, and Robert Downey Jr.
Jonah Hill and Seth Rogen Express Outrage at
Losing Best Comedic Performance to Johnny Depp
Watch the clip
Tom Cruise presents the Generation Award to Adam Sandler
(Cruise's speech and Sandler's acceptance song were funny)
Dwayne Johnson, Steve Carell, and Anne Hathaway
react to a fan's "That's What She Said"
Steve's comedic bit was talking too close the mic and Johnson correcting him
(this is a pet peeve of mine, too... so kudos for handling this sensitive topic!)
Watch the Clip
Rainn Wilson stikes a pose
(Rainn did a funny bit about the length of acceptance speeches)
Watch the clip
Get Smart's Anne Hathaway Poses with Jonah Hill
Jon Favreau and Robert Downey Jr. Win the
Best Summer Movie So Far for Iron Man
Watch the clip
Seth Rogen and James Franco smoke "fake weed"
Watch the clip
Danny McBride and Will Ferrell presented Best Fight
(and tried to fight iliteracy)
Watch the clip
Ellen Page tries to kiss Juno costar Jason Bateman after he
expressed
faux-disappointment with her win for Best Female Performance
Watch the clip
Ben Stiller, Robert Downey Jr., Jack Black Get Close
Frat Pack Wins at Guys Choice Awards
by Kevin Crossman
Well, they had the awards last night even though the awards ceremony won't be broadcast until June 22 on Spike TV. But, maybe knowing these results will get you interested in watching the Second Annual Guys Choice Awards.
Jack Black a Daddy Again
by Kevin Crossman
Word has leaked that Jack Black and wife Tanya have another son: Jack. Yep... named after his daddy (well, technically it is daddy's middle name since our favorite rocking Fratter is actually named Thomas Jack Black, but you know...)
Parody Video from MTV Movie Awards
by Kevin Crossman
Looks like this is a teaser version of the parody video produced for Ben Stiller, Jack Black, and Robert Downey Jr. for the MTV Movie Awards, airing tonight. Funny stuff!
Screencap of the Year
Apatow Drops Details of Third Directing Effort
by Kevin Crossman
As you may recall, we learned a few months ago that Judd Apatow's directorial follow-up to Knocked Up would star Seth Rogen, Adam Sandler, and Leslie Mann. But at the time there wasn't a title or even any plot details. Well, now we know a little more.
According to Ain't It Cool News, they are reporting that the film centers on some stand-up comedians, though as with Apatow's previous work there is a degree of drama in the movie as well. They quote from MTV News (though I don't see the quote in their referenced interview with Adam Sandler).
"It's a comedy, but it has more drama in it. A hilarious drama is what I'm going for," Apatow said. "Every movie, I'm trying to find a way to go deeper, to tell stories about subjects that are important and make them less and less broad while making them equally as funny. [This film is] another step in that progression.
More Cities for Foot Fist Way
by Rick Duran
The movie's limited release is expanding a little more next week.
June 6, 2008:
Danny McBride to Star in New Movie from Pineapple Express Director
by Rick Duran
If the stars align, 2008 could be the Summer of Danny McBride. That is unless Tropic Thunder and Pineapple Express bomb like McBride's last three movies (Hot Rod, The Heartbreak Kid, and Drillbit Taylor). On the eve of McBride's much-buzzed about indie The Foot Fist Way opens in New York and L.A. this weekend, Variety reports on a new starring role for McBride.
Universal Pictures has set David Gordon Green to direct Your Highness, a comedy that will star Danny McBride. McBride, who wrote the script with Ben Best, will play an arrogant, lazy prince who must complete a quest to save his father's kingdom. Best wrote The Foot Fist Way with McBride and Jody Hill; he also co-stars in the film.
Green is on our radar, as he directed McBride in this August's Seth Rogen action comedy Pineapple Express and McBride is currently filming Land of the Lost with Will Ferrell.
In related news, be on the lookout for new online ads featuring McBride's Frat Pack co-stars Ferrell, Rogen and Ben Stiller raving about The Foot Fist Way (which our own editor Jenny Spaulding recently reviewed right here on The Frat Pack Tribute.) The L.A. Times recently name-dropped The Frat Pack in an article about McBride's sudden surge in Hollywood's comedy clique ('Is Danny McBride the next comedy superstar?')
Zack and Miri Make a Porno Teaser!
by Kevin Crossman
Speaking of Seth Rogen... here's the first teaser from Kevin Smith's October release, Zack and Miri Make a Porno. This teaser features Rogen alongside costar Elizabeth Banks. Check it out! (NSFW, obviously...)
Marley and Me Release Date Moved to December 19
by Kevin Crossman
Thanks to Anthony Jones for this tip that Marley and Me's release date has been moved back a few days to December 19. The Owen Wilson / Jennifer Aniston film had previously been scheduled for a Christmas Day release.
I view this change as a show of strength for the film, in that it moves the big Christmas box office dates to a second week and doesn't rely on a big box office weekend to boost its first week. For point of comparison, Aniston's Christmas Day 2005 release Rumor Has It was received to middling reviews and was kind of considered a flop - but still made over $40 million domestically (far more than Owen Wilson's Drillbit Taylor and Will Ferrell's Semi-Pro, remember). So, Christmas is a really good time to open a movie.
The Foot Fist Way Mini Review
by Jenny Spaulding
I saw an advanced screening of this last night. Can't say I was super excited about it and mainly checked it out because it was free. But I have to admit, it's pretty funny and entertaining. I wasn't crazy about Danny McBride in The Hearbreak Kid. Well, to be fair, I wasn't crazy about the movie either, but McBride's smug, self-important schtick didn't fit in that film, but serves him well in The Foot Fist Way.
McBride plays Fred, a Tae Kwon Do instructor, who takes martial arts and himself, very seriously. His self deluded outlook is extremely funny to watch. In some ways the movie feels like a Christopher Guest mockumentary because Fred plays it so straight it can be incredibly awkward. He mentors his students -- ranging from children to senior citizens -- with great bravado and pearls of wisdom. The film itself is segmented by the basic tenets of Tae Kwon Do: courtesy, integrity, self-control, perseverance, and indomitable spirit. Humorously, the exact opposite of which is often being depicted on screen.
Fred has a hot, yet trashy looking peroxide blonde wife who had one of my favorite lines (paraphrased): "Something happened. I got drunk, Myrtle Beach drunk." Her infidelity propels much of the story and road trip to meet Fred's hero, Chuck "The Truck" Wallace, a second-rate martial arts movie star.
This is pretty low budget, basic film, but it has a charm that won me over and definitely had me rooting for the underdog. It's a very limited release, but I expect it'll turn up on cable or DVD soon. It's definitely worth checking out. It has a surprisingly high Rotten Tomatoes rating. Currently the one negative review isn't all that negative!
Shawn Levy Promises a Bigger and Better Night at the Museum 2
by Amy Gilbert
About.com has an interview with director Shawn Levy and he dishes on his high-profile sequel currently filming.
“I’ve got to tell you, the script is better, the cast is bigger, the action’s bigger, so we’re feeling pretty good. I’m here telling you, I don’t think anyone’s going to be disappointed.”
“Everybody…literally everybody is back. And we got Amy Adams playing Amelia Earhart. We got a number of other really cool pieces of casting, so it’s all good. They’re all back. Rexy is back. Dexter’s back, plus a lot more creatures."
“We start by going to the Smithsonian, which is the biggest museum in the world. And it involves like aircrafts and various historical figures. It has 18 museums and I’ll just say that in this movie, they leave the museum. So it’s not just inside; they bust out into the world.”
Step Brothers Red Band Trailer Kills
by Kevin Crossman
Big props to the cool folks over at /Film for scoring the red band trailer to Step Brothers. Now, we were not kind to Will Ferrell's spring release Semi-Pro that was also R-rated. That film didn't use its profanity as effectively as in past Ferrell flicks ("Ma! The Meatloaf" anyone?). But we're starting to get a good feeling about Step Brothers which is kind of running under the radar for a July 26 release this summer.
The best thing about this trailer is that it gives a bit more screentime for the parents of the characters played by Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly. Mary Steenburgen played Will's stepmother in Elf and Richard Jenkins is familar to Frat Pack fans from his role in Ben Stiller's 1998 film, Flirting with Disaster. In fact, it's quite funny to see Steenburgen drop an F-Bomb!
In other Step Brothers news, the official website has been updated with an animated version of the one-sheet poster that is very funny at least judging by the reaction at my local cineplex. Be sure to refresh the page to see several hilarious vignettes.
Ben Stiller and Jack Black to Create Short Films for MTV Movie Awards
by Kevin Crossman
You should be familiar with past MTV Movie Awards work by these two guys. Who can forget Ben and Vince Vaughn's hilarious pitch for a fourth Lord of the Rings movie, or Jack and Will Ferrell's Panic Room parody?
Now, Stiller and Black will be joined by their Tropic Thunder costar Robert Downey, Jr. to create original short films for the awards show, airing June 1st.
Stiller hired Mike Bender to write the piece and it will be directed by Forgetting Sarah Marshall helmer (and former Red Hour Films employee) Nick Stoller. The film is a "very funny tribute to viral films," said Robin Reinhardt-Locke, senior vp studio relations and celebrity talent at MTV. The video also will air at MTV.com and other sites after its on-air premiere.
New Tropic Thunder Photos
by Kevin Crossman
Rick Duran uncovered these beauties over the weekend (thank you Dreamworks!). Here's the best of the bunch, featuring Ben "Two Tickets to the Gunshow" Stiller.
More Tropic Thunder Photos on our Preview Page
Slow News Weekend But Stay Tuned for Free DVD Contest
by Kevin Crossman
We're taking a break from website updates this weekend. If you're looking for the latest news, check out our Message Boards.
So have fun this holiday weekend and remember to come back about a week from now for a special contest that includes DVD giveaways featuring a couple of upcoming releases from Frat Pack stars.
Ben Stiller and Will Ferrell Tapped for Presenters at MTV Movie Awards
by Kevin Crossman
This isn't big news but is welcome nonetheless. Mike Myers is hosting the MTV Movie Awards on June 1st, but our Frat Pack pals Ben and Will have been announced as presenters. Superbad led all films with five nominations.
Jack Black, Steve Carell, Robert Downey Jr., and Seth Rogen were previously announced as presenters.
Lost Scene from Talladega Nights
by Kevin Crossman
Remember that cool shot of Ricky Bobby on stage from the Talladega Nights trailer? Remember how disappointed we were when it never showed up on DVD?
Thanks to FunnyorDie now you can see the scene featuring Chris Issak.
Owen Wilson Gets Married... to Jennifer Aniston?
by Kevin Crossman
Yes, this is just more tabloid fodder for those who haven't been paying attention to the seemingly everlasting Marley and Me shoot. Obviously, this is just part of the storyline where Owen and Jen's characters start their married life together. Still, it's a great look for both of them. More photos are available.
Ben Stiller Sequel News
by Kevin Crossman
Looks like Night at the Museum 2: Escape from the Smithsonian is starting to film. Check out Ben Stiller as Larry Daley in Washington DC (home of the Smithsonian, remember?). All our favorites from the first film are back, including Owen Wilson, Steve Coogan, and Robin Williams. Joining the cast this time are Frat Pack Friends Hank Azaria (Dodgeball) and Amy Adams (Talladega Nights). More photos are available.
Additional Links:
Meanwhile we have a quote from Fockers director Jay Roach. The third film will reportedly focus on parenthood and be called Little Fockers Roach said:
"The way we go after these is when we have a story that can make it earn itself back," he explained. "Sequels shouldn't always be automatic; there's a certain amount of pressure if something works, to have it work twice. But that doesn't always mean it will work three times. We're just trying to find the right story that makes it worth doing again. We always talk about ideas for it, and it would be a great group of people to get back together, for sure."
Tropic Thunder isn't a sequel, of course. But if we're talking about Ben Stiller this seems like an appropriate place to reference the performance on American Idol tonight. Ben, Jack, and Robert performed as The Pips, singing with Gladys Knight as she performed her classic hit, "Midnight Train to Georgia."
Purchase the Video from iTunes - Proceeds to Charity
Thanks to Jon and Bonnie for contributing to this story
Drillbit Taylor DVD Specs
by Kevin Crossman
Thanks to DVDActive, we have the specs and street date for Owen Wilson's underrated comedy, Drillbit Taylor. While this won't go down as a classic of "Owen-ness" I liked this movie and it deserves more attention when it arrives on DVD on July 1st.
As expected, there is a standard and extended ("unrated") edition with additional footage (and, likely, profanity).
Standard Edition
Extended Survival Edition
Jack Black Talking School of Rock 2?
by Kevin Crossman
Yes, you heard that right. According to film-industry.biz, Jack is considering a sequel to his 2003 commercial breakthrough.
“I’d really like to do it, the last one was great,” Jack Black said at Cannes. “We are seriously thinking about it, there’s already a script. In a few weeks we have to decide if we go through with the project or not.“
Black made no comments on the return of director Richard Linklater or writer and frequent collaborator Mike White.
Forgetting South Park Marshall
by Rick Duran
Had been meaning to do this one for a while...
(I love how Rick used the "red band" logo over "Peter" - Kevin Crossman)
New Tropic Thunder One-Sheet
by Kevin Crossman
Thanks to Mike Markus for sending us this revised new poster for Tropic Thunder. Get some!
Jonah Hill on his Unexpected High-Profile Projects
by Rick Duran
The blogs have been buzzing about Jonah Hill these past two weeks. First came the story about Hill being offered a sidekick role in Transformers 2, which fell through days after the story broke. Then came word that Hill was writing, producing, and possibly starring in the film adaptation of 21 Jump Street. He recently had a candid talk with MTV about these two surprising offers, including confirmation that Sony wants a "comedic" 21 Jump Street.
Jonah Hill is currently filming a supporting role in This Side of the Truth opposite Ricky Gervais, Tina Fey and Jason Bateman, and will have a cameo in next summer's Night at the Museum 2. Hill's next lead role will be in Universal's Get Him to the Greek, reteaming with the Forgetting Sarah Marshall team of co-star Russell Brand, director Nick Stoller and producer extraordinaire Judd Apatow.
Tropic Thunder Red-Band Trailer
by Kevin Crossman
Thanks to numerous folks for tipping us to the incredible red-band trailer for Tropic Thunder. It's available from the official website and via iTunes in several formats.
In addition to showing even more hilarious footage from the movie, there are some interesting tidbits:
Stiller to produce starring vehicle for Rob Corddry
by Rick Duran
Daily Show alum Rob Corddry, who had a silent role in Old School, has been building his Frat Pack resume with small roles in Blades of Glory, The Heartbreak Kid and Semi-Pro. Now Corddry's attached to headline New Line's Project A for producer Ben Stiller and Stuart Cornfeld's Red Hour Films, from a screenplay written by Etan Cohen (Tropic Thunder, Idiocracy).
Corddry will star as the "A" in the venture, playing a man trained by the U.S. government as a Cold War experiment to become the world's biggest jerk.
The project has been in development for several years, and Corddry has long wanted in on it. Ben and Stuart gave it to me to read years ago, and it's always been the first thing I ask my agents and managers about," Corddry told The Hollywood Reporter. "They've always said, 'Go open a movie first!' " [Hollywood Reporter]
Steve Carell Hosting SNL on Saturday
by Kevin Crossman
Y'all remember the last time Steve hosted SNL, don't you? Steve sang a little song about a group of comedians you might be familiar with...
"See, I'm in the big leagues now. I'm in a category with the Vince Vaughns, the Owen Wilsons, and the Ben Stillers. I'm one of those guys now, raking the box office numbers. I'm not bragging, but it's not bad to brag, when you're just like Jack Black but better. Hey, move over, Will Ferrell, Vince Vaughn, out of my way. I hear Stiller's a big kiss-ass, and Owen Wilson is gay!"
McKay Keeps the Drumbeat Going for Anchorman 2
by Rick Duran
Some very interesting stuff from Anchorman writer/director Adam McKay over at the FunnyorDie Blog:
Tom Brokaw was kind enough to be interviewed by Ron Burgundy at Radio City Music Hall on the FOD tour . And it was one of the greatest things I have seen. The most respected and real anchorman being interviewed by the least respected and fake anchorman. I thought the stage might explode.
In fact, it was Ferrell doing Burgundy on the tour that reminded us how enjoyable the character is and got us talking about doing a sequel. The conversation quickly went from why not to let's definitely do it. You only live once. Plus we know as well as anyone how sequels are usually tired and lame so we vowed not to let it be tired and lame. The trickiest thing will be reassembling that cast. Carrell is now a big star as is Vince and Rudd... Koechner is quite busy and just starred in the first Gary Sanchez Prod movie "The Goods" with Jeremy Piven and James Brolin. We also must have Seth Rogen return as the camera man again. So that's the toughest part...In the mean time enjoy Burgundy interviewing Tom Brokaw. Coming this week. It's like seeing a Sasquatch pop out of the woods: frightening, beautiful, and rare.
That's all from me. We're finishing up Step Brothers and getting ready for the release of Foot Fist Way on May 30th. Check out both trailers as well as Judd's Pineapple Express trailer here on FOD.
McKay name-dropping Vince and Seth, in addition to the core cast, makes me think they've already had "discussions." This is a great sign. If it doesn't happen, I will smash my computer in anger.
Jack Black Outs Angelina's Twins
by Kevin Crossman
I guess Jack Black and Angelina Jolie know how to get press for a film. The two were in Cannes doing press for Kung Fu Panda, and during an interview Jack "let slip" that Jolie was pregnant with twins as rumored. Here's the transcript from Access Hollywood.
JACK BLACK:
You're gonna have as many as Brady Bunch when you have these.
NATALIE MORALES:
So is that confirmed? Is it two?
ANGELINA JOLIE:
Yeah, yeah.
NATALIE MORALES:
So you're having twins?
JACK BLACK:
I'm all-- I'm glad I didn't blow it!
ANGELINA JOLIE:
Well Jack's just confirmed it actually.
JACK BLACK:
Is that true?
ANGELINA JOLIE:
Yeah, you did.
JACK BLACK:
I can't confirm or deny.
ANGELINA JOLIE:
No, no, no. We're out. We're fine.
Jack Black "Can" Do Cannes
by Amy Gilbert
Jack has discovered the perfect accessory to make anyone look slim: 50 dancing Pandas! Check the video of the event from OMG!
Cinematical has additional photos from Cannes and they are pretty awesome, so check it out. Kung Fu Panda opens on June 6, starring Jack Black as the title character and also featuring the voices of Seth Rogen, Jackie Chan, Dustin Hoffman, Michael Clarke Duncan, David Cross, Lucy Lui, and Angelina Jolie.
In the least-surprising news of the week, we now have an audio clip of Cee-Lo Green and Jack Black's cover of "Kung Fu Fighting" from the Kung Fu Panda soundtrack (on sale May 27th as a single and June 3rd for the soundtrack).The Foot Fist Way Premiere
by Rick Duran
Danny McBride has carved himself a rather large piece of slice of the Frat Pack Friend pie lately, thanks to roles in The Heartbreak Kid, Drillbit Taylor, Tropic Thunder, Pineapple Express, and Land of the Lost. McBride's seminal movie is The Foot Fist Way, an independent production that's gotten a ton of "insider" buzz and now scheduled for limited release on May 30th. Here are some shots from the premiere in Hollywood.
Star Danny McBride and director Jody Hill
(currently directing Seth Rogen's Observe and Report)
This drink may have been poured from Jonah Hill's Superbad detergent bottle
Will Ferrell and Jonah Hill continuing to brag about seeing Foot Fist Way years before you did
Foot Fist Way co-star Ben Best ("Is that blood?" guy from Superbad) and Will Ferrell
Jody Hill, Danny McBride, Will Ferrell, and Adam Corolla
Summer Movie Poll Update
by Rick Duran
As of this morning, here are the results in our Most Anticipated Summer Movie Poll:
Does our poll spell trouble for Get Smart? A franchise tentpole like that shouldn't be polling 4th place, especially with TV ads already airing. Flipside of those results: Surprising amount of support for Pineapple Express.
New Talladega Nights DVD Edition Coming in July
by Kevin Crossman
With Will and John reuniting for Step Brothers in late July, I guess we should have seen this one coming. There's a new Talladega Nights DVD coming to stores on July 15.
The new 2-disc Revved Up Edition of Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby is unrated and features an all-new added value disc!
Hilarious never-before-seen special features including 10 additional deleted scenes, interviews with Ricky and Jean, raw takes, Writer/Director Adam McKay’s Video Diaries, cast auditions and more!
Thanks to Greg Mariotti for the tip.
Seth Rogen News
by Kevin Crossman
There are several Seth Rogen news items this week:
Kevin Smith updated his blog with a new image Zack and Miri Make a Porno and said that the first test screening will be held this coming Tuesday. An Internet-only trailer is expected soon. Smith confirms he will be at the San Diego Comic Con on the 25th in the "big room," which is likely a panel discussion. Expectations are that Elizabeth Banks and Seth Rogen will most likely be in attendance. Empire has further script details:
Tropic Thunder and Step Brothers Take Golden Trailer Awards
by Kevin Crossman
Ben Stiller's all-star summer comedy Tropic Thunder won the award for Best Comedy Trailer at the 9th Annual Golden Trailer Awards. The picture was nominated against Forgetting Sarah Marshall,
Juno,
Meet Bill, and Pineapple Express.
The Will Ferrell comedy Step Brothers won the award for Best Comedy Poster, against nominees Evan Almighty, In Bruges, and Semi-Pro.
Speed Racer Does Not Star Jack Black
by Kevin Crossman
Just a reminder. Besides the fact that Speed Racer is an awful movie, Frat Pack fans are under no obligation to see this movie.
That's Emile Hirsch (Into the Wild) playing the title character. It's not Jack Black like you might have thought. Thought I should let y'all know, just in case.
I guess Vince Vaughn was smart to drop out of the project (he had been long associated and tapped to play Racer X). The movie is the first bomb of the summer.
Take our Summer Movie Poll
by Rick Duran
The Frat Pack and their expanding clique have some huge releases scheduled for Summer 2008. Which are you most excited about?
Steve Carell Interviewed in Playboy
by Kevin Crossman
Our friends at Playboy gave us the heads-up that this coming, and then let us know that their interview with Steve Carell is now available on newstands everywhere (well, not every-where, but you know...).
The June 2008 issue features a great interview with Steve, including this excerpt.
What's at the core of Michael [Scott]'s behavior? Does he crave the spotlight?
Well, sure, but everyone wants a moment to shine. It's a very human quality. Even the most reserved and shy people love the spotlight every once in a while. You know what I liken it to? On the game show Deal or No Deal, when the contestants are given the choice of walking home with $300,000 or possibly getting $375,000, I believe part of the reason they stay is that they're the star. It's not about the money at that point. I was watching an episode a few weeks ago, and one contestant said something I thought was very telling. She was offered a pretty good deal, and she said, "I don't want to leave." She was the center of attention. It's the same for Michael. He is the focus of this documentary. Camera crews follow him around all day. He embraces it, and it gives him a sense of importance he would not otherwise have. It's kind of the best and worst thing that's ever happened to him.
Lastly, because this is Playboy and all, I am legally required to make fun of the sexual pantomime in the photo of Steve.
Jonah Hill Appearing in Night at the Museum 2?
by Adam Stevenson
The possible role for Jonah Hill in Transformers 2 as Shia LeBeouf's college roommate / sidekick has thankfully fell through, but even better news has arrived in which he may have a cameo in Night at the Museum 2.
If he's going to play a historical figure, I've got some ideas for what his role could be:
The Henry Poole One-Sheet is Here
by Kevin Crossman
Props to our editor Amy Gilbert for finding this one. It's the incredible poster for Luke Wilson's feel good summer comedy, Henry Poole is Here. The indie flick is scheduled to open on July 25, 2008, the same weekend as Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly's Step Brothers. But you know what? I'm actually looking forward to Henry Poole more than Step Brothers. Okay, as several have pointed out the release date is now August 15th, which means it's now going up against Tropic Thunder. Now, I'm not going to lie and say I'm looking forward to Henry Poole more than Tropic, but I'm still super excited to see the film.
Click on the poster to check the Henry Poole trailer and MySpace site.
McKay Confirms Anchorman 2
by Kevin Crossman
You know, if we posted every time we heard a rumor about a Crashers 2 or Old School Dos we'd never post any real news. A sequel to 2004's Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy is usually mentioned in the same breath, but this time it might be different.
Anchorman writer/director Adam McKay was interviewed over at Collider, and he had this to say about an Anchorman sequel.
Adam McKay: I'm looking to do another movie, I might do this other movie called Channel 3 Billion which is kind of this science fiction/Brazil type comedy. Then after that, Will and I are like let's do Anchorman 2…so you're talking like 2 years maybe we'll do it. But we're going to do it, for sure.
Collider: That's like 100%?
Adam McKay: Yeah, yeah, yeah. We're dying to do it. Unless we can't get the cast together, which is always kind of a tricky thing. But, I think, with that cast we're all friends, so yeah, we want to do it.
This still seems a bit uncertain, and it sounds like a script hasn't even been written yet. Plus, Anchorman kind of tied up the storyline after the events that concluded at the San Diego Zoo, so a sequel kind of seems redundant. But, if the script was great I'm sure all the members of the news team would reassemble including Steve Carell. Let's just hope Owen Wilson is free for a cameo this time.
Buzz Building for Tenure with Wilson, Mol, and Koechner
by Kevin Crossman
Big props to Laura Telles for setting us hip to the Rosemont College Blog. Rosemont is one of the schools where Tenure is filming with Luke Wilson, Gretchen Mol, and David Koechner. Yes, that's Koechner (Anchorman, Semi-Pro) on the left sporting a beard in these photos posted to the blog.
The movie is a romantic comedy set in the world of collegiate academics, where Wilson's character must battle Mol's for tenure at fictional Grey Collge. The movie's director Mike Million sat down with Koechner in this interview seen on YouTube.
I gotta say I think the premise of this movie sounds great, especially considering the talents of the three principals. Mol was superb as a sexy librarian in The Ten, so I think she'll be a great foil for Wilson. And we couldn't be happier to see Koechner latch onto a plum supporting role similar to Rainn Wilson's in My Super-Ex Girlfriend. The movie is scheduled for release in 2009.
Tribute senior editor also wanted to chime in with sentiments we endorse:
I'm getting way too ahead of myself, especially since the movie (considering Luke's track record) could tank, but is it possible that Tenure might wind up being an Frat Pack classic? I was looking at the pics Laura posted and it certainly seems like this is a larger role for Koechner than even Anchorman.
Too soon to tell (and performing worse than Walk Hard or Pick of Destiny won't help its case) but Tenure is definitely on my radar.
Owen and Jen Take in a Ballgame
by Kevin Crossman
That's Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston filming a scene from Marley and Me at the Florida Marlins baseball game last evening.
According to a report on MLB.com, here's how the scene went down:
A backdrop to the Marlins beating the Padres, 6-4, on Friday night was the shooting of a scene for the upcoming movie "Marley & Me," starring Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson.
Friday was a "Bark at the Park" night for the Marlins, a promotion through which fans can bring their dogs to the stadium. And as it happened, a dog running on the field is part of a scene in the movie, which is set to be released on Christmas Day.
Aniston and Wilson were at the ballpark, filming a few scenes. The first took place in the stands, with a dog racing down the aisles, Wilson and then Aniston in pursuit.
And after Hanley Ramirez of the Marlins was thrown out trying to steal third base, ending the eighth inning, Wilson and Aniston surfaced again, chasing after a dog in left field.
Players were leaving and entering the field but momentarily stopped as the two actors finally grabbed the dog and were whisked away. The segment lasted about a minute and didn't interrupt the game.
Frat Pack and baseball fans may remember that Jennifer Aniston filmed a memorable scene at Wrigley Field for The Break-Up with Vince Vaughn. Thanks to our tipster Justin Roberts for the heads-up on this story.
Jon Favreau Interview
by Kevin Crossman
Here's a great interview with Frat Pack Friend Jon Favreau (Elf, The Break-Up), who's blockbuster action movie Iron Man is now playing in theatres. Check it out and thanks again to our friends at ReelTalk for the link.
The Promotion Poster
by Kevin Crossman
Formerly titled Quebec, The Promotion has been getting great buzz after wild applause at SXSW in March. The comedy starring Seann William Scott and John C. Reilly is scheduled for release on June 6, 2008. Here's the incredible one-sheet for the film.
Iron Man Premiere Photos
by Kevin Crossman
Opening tonight is Jon Favreau's superhero flick Iron Man, starring Robert Downey Jr. (Tropic Thunder). The Hollywood premiere took place last night and here are some photos of the notables.
Jon Favreau (director) and Robert Downey Jr. (star)
Gwyneth Paltrow (star) looking great
Jack Black mugging with wife Tanya
"The Tall Guy from Dogeball" has looked better
Christine Taylor looking healthier with Ben Stiller
Nice photo composition featuring the Tribute's premiere favorite, Mr. Smirk
New Step Brothers Stills
by Kevin Crossman
Direct from the MySpace site. Step Brothers opens on July 25, and is Adam McKay's follow-up to Talladega Nights. Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly play two step brothers in the raunchy R-rated comedy that we're really looking forward to.
Mike Judge's Next Film Stars Jason Bateman
by Adam Stevenson
When people hear that Office Space creator Mike Judge is directing another workplace comedy, a sequel to his cult classic is the first thing that comes to mind. Instead, his next flick, Extract, will be a comedy starring Jason Bateman, about a guy who "explores what it's like to be the boss when everything seems to be shifting around you."
Extract will be written and directed by Judge and under Judge's new team, Ternion Productions, which he formed with writer-producers John Altschuler and Dave Krinsky. (Variety)
Vince Vaughn Visits Owen Wilson in Miami
by Kevin Crossman
We try not to add much fuel to the tabloid fire here on the Tribute (heck, we didn't even promote Ben Stiller dropping Blue Steel over at TMZ.com). But, this story is too good to pass up.
Yes, that's Vince Vaughn spotted over the weekend spending some quality time with Wedding Crashers costar Owen Wilson who is Miami filming Marley and Me with Vaughn's ex, Jennifer Aniston.
It's unclear what Owen and Vince are discussing. Perhaps Owen is trying to play matchmaker. Or, maybe there was some Wedding Crashers 2 talk, thanks to disappointing box office for Fred Claus and Drillbit Taylor. Of course, sometimes a visit it just a visit. At least Vince kept his pants on, unlike Owen's last brofriend visitor, Woody Harrelson.
Amy Peohler and Will Arnett Are Expecting
by Kevin Crossman
I guess we can't avoid the Baby Mama jokes, especially with the film opening strongly at number one this weekend. So, here we go...
Amy Pohler is now a real-life "baby mama," now that her rep Lewis Kay confirmed that she and her husband and fellow Frat Pack Friend Will Arnett are now expecting. Coindicentally, hardcore Frat Pack fans will recall pregnancy was the theme of Arnett's recent underrated comedy The Brothers Solomon ("Let's make a baby for Dad!").
The child is expected in the late Fall, putting into question Peohler's SNL schedule for the fall. The couple have been married since 2003, and last year costarred as brother and sister in the Frat Pack comedy Blades of Glory.
The Frat Pack Tribute is sending our best wishes to Will and Amy for an healthy and happy pregnancy.
Steve Carell On the Cover of Wired
by Kevin Crossman
Looks like Steve is starting to get the promo push out for Get Smart, coming to theatres on June 20th. He's now the coverboy for a brain-oriented series of articles in Wired (brain... Get Smart... get it?).
Steve's article is "Steve Carell on How to Act Brilliant" and includes some advice from the man.
Wes Anderson Takes Darjeeling Limited to the Bank
by Mario Bernengo
The Darjeeling Limited is now officially Wes Anderson's most successful at the box office film to date - overseas, that is. As Wes moves further into Woody Allen box office territory, he proves that Europe loves America's auteurs as much as Americans seem indifferent to them.
The director's latest feature, the all-but-ignored The Darjeeling Limited, possibly his best film thus far, underperformed to the tune of $11,897,548 in its limited stateside release, putting off moviegoers who were often forced to drive to the next town to catch the India-set comedic drama starring Frat Packer Owen Wilson, whose "incident" last year coincided with the film's September 2007 world premiere at Venice - where it won The Lion Cub - and excluded him from the promotion of the film, immediately stirring a debate among insiders over whether the Owen-heavy headlines would "help" or "hurt" the film's financial success. In the end, the entirely inappropriate discussion was probably a zero sum game - the problem was a release that merely - and very briefly - reached 698 theaters.
In the rest of the world, however, Darjeeling recently surpassed The Royal Tenenbaums as Wes Anderson's most successful film ever overseas, earning $19,400,682 compared to Tenenbaums' $19,077,240. The public's enthusiastic response has been accompanied by rave reviews and even a couple of awards for the director. Besides winning Venice's Lion Cub - chosen among Italy's school children - this genuinely American yet europhile storyteller scored once again at Stockholm later in the year, winning The Visionary Award (and baffled the audience by holding his acceptance speech entirely in Swedish).
The trend is clear, especially if you take into account that the director's domestic and foreign gross percentages have been inverted since the release of The Royal Tenenbaums. While the foreign 19 mil of that film made up just 26.7 % of the total earnings, the same sum for The Darjeeling Limited constitutes a whopping 62% of its total.
So, will Wes follow Woody - with whom he curiously shares the initials WA - over the pond? It's a shame that such original filmmakers find it so hard to reach the audience they deserve at home, but it seems that Europeans, Australians and South Americans will make sure they get to keep making movies.
Old School recut as: The Harrison College Kidnappings
by Kevin Crossman
Kind of a slow news week in Fratville. Here are a couple tidbits:
So, our feature today is an incredible mashup of Old School that we stumbled across on YouTube. "There's a kidnapper/killer on the loose at Harrison College...and time is running out." Great stuff, says we!
Semi-Pro Bear Kills Trainer
by Kevin Crossman
Sad news today. Rocky the Bear who appeared in Semi-Pro with Will Ferrell attacked and killed a trainer. Three experienced handlers were working with the grizzly Tuesday at the Predators in Action wild animal training center when the bear attacked Stephan Miller, 39, said San Bernardino County sheriff's spokeswoman Cindy Beavers.
The bear scene was a highlight of an otherwise mediocre Ferrell sports vehicle. There is more information about the story, as well as a YouTube video of the scene available at The Huffington Post.
Hill/Brand in Get Him to the Greek for Stoller/Apatow
by Rick Duran
Russell Brand hinted at this project in our interview with him, and now Variety has details a new Apatow production with two of the stars of Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
"Forgetting Sarah Marshall" helmer Nick Stoller is reteaming with Judd Apatow and Universal Pictures for the comedy "Get Him to the Greek," with Jonah Hill and Russell Brand attached to star.
Stoller has been tapped to write and direct the laffer, which centers on a fresh-out-of-college insurance adjuster (Hill) who is hired to accompany an out-of-control rock star (Brand) from London to a gig at L.A.'s Greek Theater.
Hill and Brand played supporting roles in U's "Sarah Marshall"; Stoller made his feature directing debut on the pic. "During the table read on 'Sarah Marshall,' Jonah and Russell had such a great chemistry," said Stoller, who described "Greek" as a very dirty take on "Almost Famous." "Even though they are such different actors with different styles, I thought there could be a great buddy comedy there."
Stoller is co-writing and will direct the comedy "Five-Year Engagement" for Universal, with Jason Segal co-writing and attached to star. He and Segal are also collaborating on "The Muppet Movie" for Disney. Stoller's writing credits include the forthcoming Jim Carrey starrer "Yes Man." (Variety)
"A dirty take on Almost Famous" was the selling point for me.
New Tropic Thunder Photos
by Kevin Crossman
More great images from Tropic Thunder were released yesterday.
Jack Black and Jay Baruchel: Enemies of Water Buffalo Everywhere
Group shot featuring Nick Nolte (center)
Robert Downey Jr. and Jack Black
Entertainment Weekly recently predicted Thunder would be the biggest comedy of the summer. Let's hope the R rating doesn't prevent people from checking out the latest true Frat Pack film with two Fratters in starring roles.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall is a Hit
by Kevin Crossman
Looks like Team Apatow is back on track, with Judd Apatow's latest production Forgetting Sarah Marshall opening strongly at number two with an estimated $17.4 million. While this is less the openings from previous Apatow summer comedies The 40-Year-Old Virgin ($21.4M), Knocked Up ($30.7M), and Superbad ($33.1M). However, it was stronger than the debuts of the most recent Apatow productions, Walk Hard ($4.2M) and Drillbit Taylor ($10.3M).
There's no doubt that Forgetting Sarah Marshall is a must-see. You'd do well to see this in the theatre too, as the big screen does justice to the Hawaiian locations. Plus, the big screen does amazing things to the mesmerizing eyes of Mila Kunis (pictured above with Jason Segel). I never really vibed on her on the small screen but on the big screen she's absoutely stunning and moreover brings a powerful portrayal to what could have been a typical role. It's really an Earmuff worthy performance!
Plus, there's a crowd-pleasing end credits sequence featuring a major (and non-Apatow regular) Frat Pack friend that's a hoot. So, go see the thing okay?
If you can't get enough Forgetting Sarah Marshall, check out the coverage over at Manny the MovieGuy who scored a bunch of interviews in Hawaii with the cast and crew.
Luke Wilson's Comeback... a Drama?
by Kevin Crossman
There's finally a trailer for Luke Wilson's next film, Henry Poole is Here. We haven't heard much about the movie aside from some Sundance buzz but a MySpace site/trailer for the film is now available.
Here's the synopsis:
"Luke Wilson (The Royal Tenenbaums, Old School), Academy Award® nominee Adriana Barraza (Babel) and Radha Mitchell (Finding Neverland) star in a modern day fable about the unexpected wonders of the everyday from director Mark Pellington (U2 3D, The Mothman Prophesies). Henry Poole is Here tells the funny, poignant and uplifting story of a disillusioned man who attempts to hide from life in a rundown suburban tract home only to discover he cannot escape the forces of hope."
The film is scheduled for release on July 25, 2008 and we're really excited about this movie. Wilson looks great and it seems that it might have that crowd-pleasing mix of drama and comedy that made hits out of Little Miss Sunshine and Juno.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall Opens Today
by Kevin Crossman
Yeah, I guess we've been pimping this pretty hard ever since we first heard about the movie and then were invited for a set visit last summer. But, the movie is finally hitting theatres here in North America, and it's been getting rave reviews. Our reviewer Rick Duran gave the film 5 beermugs and called it "the funniest film so far this year."
So, be sure to check out Jason Segel, Kristen Bell, and the rest of Team Apatow now in theatres. If you've seen the movie, leave comments on our message board.
) and Movie PreviewPodcast #175: Russell Brand Interview
Russell Brand is a wild, fast-talking comedian from the UK, introducing himself to US audiences in Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Brand plays Aldous Snow, a rock singer who has started dating Sarah Marshall, much to the horror of her ex-boyfriend Peter. Brand, a successful stand-up and tabloid sensation in the UK, is a unique sight to behold in person; A daunting mix of tall hair, chains, open shirts and his own self-declared “androgynous sexuality.”
The Frat Pack Tribute participated in a hilarious roundtable interview session with Brand during Los Angeles press day for Forgetting Sarah Marshall. We did not know what to expect from Brand, and the following interview is one of the funniest we’ve been lucky to take part in.
Subscribe
Free in iTunes
Point your podcasting client to our feed
http://www.the-frat-pack.com/the-frat-pack.xml
Download MP3
Links:
Christopher Mintz-Plasse Needs Your Help: McLovin' Fund
by Kevin Crossman
We've been giving a lot lately, what with the Night of Too Many Stars benefit earlier this week. But here's a critical need if we've ever seen one. Join Forgetting Sarah Marshall's Kristen Bell in supporting Superbad's Christopher Mintz-Plasse.
Funny or Die Turns One Today
by Kevin Crossman
Congrats to Will Ferrell, Adam McKay, and all the comedians who make Funny or Die one of the success stories of the viral video world. To celebrate, FoD has put out a birthday video featuring Will Ferrell, Ed Helms, Rachael Harris, and others. And, yes, Pearl...
Charity Bids to Meet Owen Wilson or Ben Stiller
by Kevin Crossman
There's news today of two auctions to benefit the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial (online until May 7th) in which celebrities, political figures, designers, and various corporations have generously donated experiences to be auctioned off.
Donations from the CharityBuzz.com Online Auction will help the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial (www.rfkmemorial.org) to continue providing innovative support to courageous human rights defenders around the world. RFK supports their partners with projects combining technology, legal support, advocacy to governmental and international bodies, and media outreach to help overcome human rights abuses in places like New Orleans, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Brazil and Chad among other places.
Farrelly Bros eyeing Danny McBride for new comedy franchise?
by Rick Duran
Variety and The Hollywood Reporter have broke the story that 20th Century Fox pre-emptively bought a script titled "Beaujolais," to be produced by Peter and Bobby Farrelly, possibly as a directing vehicle from them. According to Variety, "Project has been dubbed a redneck action-adventure with a protagonist along the lines of an Austin Powers or Ace Ventura." Hollywood Reporter adds that "the name describes a treasure-hunting character" and that "the studio sees the project as a franchise starter."
Interesting to note that when the article first went online, they mentioned the studio was looking to Danny McBride to star, but have since removed his name. McBride is a rising star on our radar, recently appearing in The Heartbreak Kid and Drillbit Taylor, and will be seen this summer in Tropic Thunder and Pineapple Express, in addition to his indie film The Foot Fist Way; He is currently filming Land of the Lost with Will Ferrell. The Farrelly Brothers, who praised McBride's Foot Fist Way on The Heartbreak Kid DVD commentary, are excited about this new Beaujolais project; "We haven't stepped up and done something like us in a while," Bobby Farrelly said. "Everything sort of aligned for us on this project."
Juno I Love You Baby
by Jenny Spaulding
Ok, so that headline is cheesy, unoriginal, or stolen -- possibly all three. But it's still true. I loved Juno.
Did that love affair begin when I spotted director Jason Reitman's father Ivan, who helmed of one of my all time favorite films (Ghostbusters) and was to be the future producer of Old School, dining out at Universal's City Walk during a family vacation? Or was it when I stumbled across a spunky, young ex-stripper bantering with David Letterman back in March of 2006? It certainly wasn't when I first heard the story pitch for Juno: an unwed teenage girl plans to give her baby to a yuppie couple. Huh? This is going to be a comedy?
But as the festival circuit buzz built, so did my anticipation to see Juno. When I finally did see it last December, I was thrilled that it was the first comedy I'd seen in months (say, since Superbad) that had more than exceeded my high expectations for it. Every line and performance was pitch perfect.
For the last few years, there seems to be one smaller film that touches a nerve with me more than all other many movies I see--and I see a lot. There's been Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Garden State, Sideways, and more recently, Little Miss Sunshine. They often go on to be sleeper hits at the box office and critics' darlings. They begin to generate Oscar buzz (and sometimes Oscar backlash). This year it seemed inevitable that Diablo Cody's screenplay would be nominated. It brims with sharp, hip dialog that comfortably and quickly shifts between the hilarious and the heartfelt. Reading her stripping memoir Candy Girl, you get a sense of what a fierce and fearless chick Diablo truly is. The book manages to be both bawdy and naughty while telling an enticing fish out of water adventure that seems destined for a big screen as well.
So no, it wasn't surprising that Juno's screenplay was nominated for Best Screenplay. It wasn't even that shocking when Ellen Page was nominated as Best Actress since there is often a dearth of Oscar-worthy female leads and this was quite a break through role. (Although if you've seen her in Hard Candy, you know she's astoundingly talented.)
I thought nominations for Best Picture and Director were a little more surprising, but ones that were well deserved. And Juno definitely became this seasons' most impressive money maker, easily raking in over twice as much as its four Best Picture competitors. It became a wonderful word of mouth success that charmed many and even generated a top-selling soundtrack.
Did I love this movie so much because part of me wanted to be Juno? Not the being knocked up part, but I wish I were the hip and sassy girl with the sharply honed sense of humor, the one who always has the snappy retort and wields word plays like weapons. No matter what the reason is, I loved this movie. If you didn't catch Juno in the theater, I recommend checking out the DVD. Currently, both the single disc versions and the double disc one which includes a digital version are part of the top ten sellers on Amazon.com. You're going to love it, honest to blog!
New R-Rated Trailer for Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Contest Results
by Rick Duran
There's a new R-Rated trailer for Forgetting Sarah Marshall available on the official website. Definitely more R-Rated!
A while back we were running a Forgetting Sarah Marshall Movie Giveaway in conjunction with the good folks working to promote the film. We're pleased to announce that the Frat Pack Tribute's winner was Diane Allen. Congrats Diane!!
Remember, the film opens this Friday and you can read our review.
Podcast #174: Nicholas Stoller Interview
Nicholas Stoller makes his directorial debut with Forgetting Sarah Marshall, the latest hysterical R-Rated romp from the Apatow Productions camp and Universal Pictures. This time around, Stoller is directing Knocked Up scene-stealer Jason Segel, whom he previously collaborated with on Apatow’s Undeclared series. The Frat Pack Tribute had a chance to participate in a roundtable interview session with Stoller during the Forgetting Sarah Marshall Los Angeles press day.
In our interview, Nicholas Stoller discusses directing improvised material, what to expect on the DVD, his upcoming projects and the challenges of shooting Segel’s much-discussed nude scene.
Subscribe
Free in iTunes
Point your podcasting client to our feed
http://www.the-frat-pack.com/the-frat-pack.xml
Download MP3
Links:
Frat Pack Give Back at Night of Too Many Stars
by Kevin Crossman
Once again the Frat Pack made an impact at Comedy Central's Night of Too Many Stars, broadcast last evening. The event was hosted again by Jon Stewart and is a benefit for austiasm research and awareness. Participants included Ben Stiller, Jonah Hill, Will Arnett, Stephen Colbert, Fred Armisen, Amy Poehler, Chris Rock, Jerry Stiller, and more. The replay is available on the Comedy Central website for a short time.
Donate now! Learn more about autism and some educational programs at www.newyorkcenterforautism.com, www.alpinelearninggroup.org, and www.autismspeaks.org.
Steve Carell drinks six gin & tonics, eats a
whole chocolate cake and a bottle of cough syrup
Will Ferrell Dusted Off His George W. Bush Impression
Ben Stiller and Will Forte
E! Debuts Respectful True Hollywood Story about Luke and Owen Wilson
by Kevin Crossman
We think we do a pretty good job covering what's happening with our beloved Fratters, but it's clear we're not always on our A-game. Point of fact: we have no idea E! was running a True Hollywood Story about Luke and Owen Wilson. Thankfully, Bonniech from our message boards was on the spot with this review:
When I first heard about this I rolled my eyes because E! has the tendency to sensationalize their stories and I figured the Wilson's were given this "honor" only because of Owen's troubles. With that said I watched this tonight and was quite impressed. They were very sensitive over Owen's situation and didn't promote the "rumors" out there which was a pleasant and welcomed surprise. If you didn't catch it I suggest you do, then share your thoughts and see if you agree.
Some random thoughts:
- My favorite part of the story was the details involving Owen's time at Military School.
- Owen sure did give his parents a workout.
- The one negative: Poor Andrew....he gets only a footnote.
- The one positive: They remembered Andrew.
- I found it ironic how they discussed Luke not being able to handle the paparazzi while dating Gwyneth Paltrow and then to have his brother become a paparazzi magnet.
- I can't tell you how happy I was that they had the Psychologist they did and not Dr. Drew. I was afraid since he's a E! show that they would've had him yapping his jaw on the show and thankfully they didn't.
- It's heartwarming of how close this family is. That's so rare in Hollywood. I agree with the Psychologist, that family has got to be Owen's saving grace.
- I really hope Owen is writing again. And hopefully he's writing with Wes.
- One gripe: Why do people think if one brother is more famous then the other that there has got to be the Cain and Abel concept?
- Impressed that Luke holds two records in track at his school 20 years later. Go Luke!
Thanks Bonnie. The show did do a credible job covering the brothers. They even mentioned the Frat Pack, though interestingly there was nary a mention of Steve Carell (understandable) or Jack Black (glaring omission - Bongwater anyone?).
This episode of E! True Hollywood Story will be re-running throughout the weekend.
Music Video for Forgetting Sarah Marshall
by Adam Stevenson
EW.com has posted a hilarious music video for Russel Brand's character in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Aldous Snow of Infant Sorrow, called "We've Got to Do Something." Infant Sorrow also has a MySpace page.
The new tie-in music video for the movie suggests why, as the cheeky, overwrought song finds the smug Snow prances around on a busy street and standing in a public transportation terminal and singing to passersby about the world's injustices, while holding up signs that say "False untruths kill" and "Sodomize intolerance." It also features him dry humping the marble floor of the terminal and groping a nun.
This is probably something we will find on the DVD. But here it is for you viewing pleasure.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall Premiere Photos
by Laura Telles
A who's who of Team Apatow at the Forgetting Sarah Marshall premiere in Hollywood last evening.
FSM star and writer Jason Segel
FSM stars Kristen Bell and Russell Brand want to get leid
FSM star Mila Kunis
Seth Rogen and FSM costar Paul Rudd
FSM Producer Judd Apatow
FSM Director Nick Stoller and costar Jonah Hill
Leslie Mann
Elizabeth Banks
Christopher Mintz-Plasse
Andy Dick Got Leid
Paul says "Huh?"
Seth says "Huh?"
And the truly demented one is...
Ben Stiller on Idol Gives Back
by Kevin Crossman
Ben had a funny bit at the end of the show, too. We've seen this schtick before, but I'm still not sick of it.
Cars Sequel Set for 2012 Release
by Kevin Crossman
Funny how we get another Disneyland related story today. Today, Disney announced their slate of upcoming Disney, Pixar, and Home Video releases for the next several years. Notably, a sequel to Cars is set for a summer 2012 release. The original 2006 film grossed $244 million domestically and starred Owen Wilson as the voice of Lightning McQueen. Plus, the merchandise for the film has done very well, far better than other Disney properties such as Pirates of the Caribbean.
Some you may recall the big Pirates premieres held at Disneyland Park. Well, it just so happens that Disney has recently announced a major rennovation of Disney's California Aventure Park in Anaheim, with a Cars-themed land slated to open... yes, in 2012. So, it doesn't take a genius to guess where the premiere is likely to be held.
There is no official word on casting but Wilson is expected to reprise his role as the red race car. Disney did indicate that new characters would be expected for the sequel and it would shock me if they didn't pay homage to some other funny racers.
Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story in Stores Today
by Kevin Crossman
Every Frat Pack fan should "walk hard" to stores today to pick up John C. Reilly's musical masterpiece, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story. Produced and cowritten by Judd Apatow, and directed by Jake Kasdan, Walk Hard mixes parody of the musical biopic with elements of straight farce and a tad bit of drama. We loved this movie and thought it was one of the best of 2007!
The movie tanked at the box office, so now is your chance to show the film some love. Pick it up in stores today!
We recommend the Unrated 2-Disc DVD or Blu-Ray edition of Walk Hard. There is also a single-disc DVD offering with the R-rated theatrical cut and UMD version for play on the Sony PSP. Among the host of special features on the set is over 30 minutes of new footage and full song performances.
The Unrated 2-Disc DVD and Blu-Ray features:
Frat Pack Tribute Review: Forgetting Sarah Marshall ()
by Rick Duran
Forgetting Sarah Marshall is the latest product from Team Apatow, in which Jason Segel leads a talented ensemble through a series of uncomfortable moments and broad laughs. Set around a poorly-timed trip to Hawaii, this amusing film allows star and writer Segel to successfully introduce himself to the audience, while following a familiar formula and appeal that has crafter yet another winner.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall takes a mundane plot, crafting it into the funniest film so far this year.
The film is a smart mix of R-Rated laughs, awkward sex and natural charm that delivers from start to finish. It’s exciting to watch Segel, yet another largely-unknown face from Judd’s vault, emerge as one of Hollywood’s top new talents. It shows that this type of sex comedy is still viable, and we can’t wait to see who will be the next funny co-star given a shot at the comedy steering wheel.
Best Halloween News Since Boingo Broke Up
by Kevin Crossman
I went to college in the 1980's and Oingo Boingo's Halloween shows were legendary. Now, comes word of perhaps the best time anyone could ask for come October 31st.
I'm a big fan of the the-frat-pack.com. I check it on a regular basis and even cited it for a speech on The Frat Pack in my Public Speaking class last year in college. Anyway I haven't seen anything about the release of Zack and Miri on the website so I figured I'd let you know the date. Zack and Miri Make A Porno is set for release in the United States on October 31, 2008. Also, here is the official website. It has a few new pictures from the movie and a pretty cool logo for the film.
Anyway thanks for creating the-frat-pack.com and keep up the good work.
Murph
Thanks, Murph. Zack and Miri looks like a hoot and we happen to love Elizabeth Banks maybe more than Seth Rogen. So, we're definitely looking forward to the latest comedy from Kevin Smith.
Leslie Mann "Loves" Jim Carrey
by Rick Duran
This is a big project for Leslie Mann:
Leslie Mann is joining Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor in the black comedy "I Love You Phillip Morris." Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, the scribes behind "Bad Santa," are directing.
The story follows a married father (Carrey) who is sent to prison and falls in love with a cellmate named Phillip Morris. His love leads him to make several escape attempts. Mann will play Carrey's wife.
Mad Chance's Andrew Lazar is producing with Far Shariat. Luc Besson's EuropaCorp. is fully financing, and Besson is executive producing. Production begins later this month. (Hollywood Reporter)
Meanwhile, our tipster Adam Stevenson says that the Untitled Judd Apatow production starring Mann, Seth Rogen, and Adam Sandler is now targeting a July 31, 2009 release date.
Ben Stiller Issues Statement About Nick Stevens
by Rick Duran
As we reported earlier, Ben Stiller has left United Talent Agency and will be following Nick Stevens to Endeavor.
Yesterday Ben issued a statement through his publicist: "I think Nick Stevens is a unique entity in this business: an agent with integrity, a point of view, and most of all, humanity. He's Jerry Maguire at the end of the movie. I would be with him if he was working out of the Sunglass Hut at the Beverly Center."
Also, StarPulse has an article about the Frat Pack ("The Frat Pack: Pledging to Make Audiences Laugh"), including a list of the Top 10 Frat Pack Quotes.
April 6, 2008
Podcast #173: The Return of Steve Carell and The Office
Steve Carell's hit series returns this Thursday and to celebrate we've invited Matt from the That's What She Said Podcast and Sarah from The Office Alliance podcast to tell us what they think about the return. Topics include the season and character story arcs, the Office spinoff, and the movie careers of The Office cast.
Subscribe
Free in iTunes
Point your podcasting client to our feed
http://www.the-frat-pack.com/the-frat-pack.xml
Download MP3
Links:
Podcast #171: Jason Segel Interview
Jason Segel is the latest Freaks and Geeks alum given the chance to headline his own film, under the watchful eye of producer Judd Apatow. Audiences are most familiar with Segel from his role as Seth Rogen’s roommate in Knocked Up, and his weekly role on CBS’ How I Met Your Mother. This time, Segel leads an all-star cast in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, which he also wrote the screenplay for.
The Frat Pack Tribute had a chance to sit down with Segel during the film’s press day roundtable session, including hilarious discussions about Dracula, Muppets and penises. You read that right.
Subscribe
Free in iTunes
Point your podcasting client to our feed
http://www.the-frat-pack.com/the-frat-pack.xml
Download MP3
Links:
Hollywood Agency Shuffle: UTA Continues to Lose the Pack
by Rick Duran, Senior Editor
Three weeks ago, we reported on Vince Vaughn's exit from the United Talent Agency (which lost Will Ferrell and Jim Carrey in the past 24 months.) Now, Nikki Finke's DeadlineHollywoodDaily is reporting that UTA is losing one of its key partners, Nick Stevens, the man who helped nurture the careers of many of our beloved comedy stars. Stevens, agent of clients Ben Stiller, Judd Apatow, Owen Wilson and Jack Black, will leave UTA for the Endeavor agency. Stiller is the first major client to announce he will follow Stevens to Endeavor.
Why is this story important to our readers? Stevens is one of the architects of our so-called Frat Pack. His style of agenting is setting up clients like Stiller and Apatow with the authority to write/direct/produce projects and package them with co-stars from the same shared management. In other words, you know how these comedies share so many cast members? That's no coincidence, it's a business model fueled by creative freedom that generates profit. The jump to Endeavor only broadens the potential pairings down the line.
For one agency to lose major stars like Stiller, Vaughn, Ferrell and Carrey signals frustration with UTA's business dealings (such as the Used Guys debacle.) Similarly, Stiller's following Stevens shows just how influential the agent is in setting up Ben Stiller vehicles like Tropic Thunder and Zoolander, arranging deals where the star operates with unprecendented independence from studios. The same can be said for fellow Stevens client Judd Apatow, who has the rare freedom of making movies with own brand of actors, directors and writers. These guys have had their careers guided for over a decade, each step carefully calculated, bringing results that we ultimately purchase.
Does this development really mean the old days of the Pack are over? Six years ago, they were all housed at UTA (Stiller, Vaughn, Ferrell, Black, Owen, Judd), now they've split. I think the point isn't about broadening the Circle, but rather that a new Pack may emerge.
But, and I had to dig through our research database to find this, who else is housed at Endeavor? Steve Carell.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall Talk Show Schedule and Auction
by Rick Duran
Here's the first round of Forgetting Sarah Marshall appearances in April:
Russell Brand, Leno, 8th
Jack McBrayer, Today, 10th
Kristen Bell, Letterman, 15th
Jason Segel, Letterman, 18th
Jonah Hill, Leno, 18th
Kristen Bell, Ferguson, 19th (Night on the 18th)
Russell Brand, Letterman, 23rd
I cannot stress enough how you need to watch a Russell Brand interview at least once.
In other FSM news, there is a charity auction you can participate in. Now through April 6, you can log onto eBay to bid on an exclusive opportunity to attend the premiere of Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Plus take home props and wardrobe from the film, such as "Sarah Marshalls" red dress that we saw during our Frat Pack Tribute set visit. All proceeds from the auction will benefit the Equal Justice Initiative, a nonprofit organization.
Tropic Thunder Posters Revealed Online
by Kevin Crossman
Credit to IESB for snagging the exclusive being the first to post these one-sheets and banner for Tropic Thunder. Of course, there's no surprise as this design has been seen on the official website and restricted promo trailer but we still are lovin' these things (especially Black's).
Gretchen Mol Joins Luke Wilson on Tenure
by Kevin Crossman
Count us giddy as a school-girl over the latest news for the professor romcom that's starring Luke Wilson and costarring David Koechner. First, Philly.com is reporting that Wilson and Koecher have been hitting the town:
Luke Wilson and David Koechner, here shooting the film Tenure, raised a stir by dropping in for dinner at Amada in Old City on Tuesday. After, they cabbed to Xochitl on Head House Square for beers.
Next, and even more important, Variety is reporting that Gretchen Mol will star opposite Wilson in Blowtorch Entertainment's collegiate laffer about two professors competing for the same permanent spot on the roster. Koecher plays Wilson's sidekick colleague.
We praised Mol's segment in The Ten, and she was excellent in The Notorious Betty Page. She definitely has a friendly Kate Hudson-style sass that always compliments Luke Wilson (see also: Reese Witherspoon, Drew Barrymore, Eva Mendes).
Podcast #171: Kristen Bell Interview
Kristen Bell is one of the fastest rising female stars in Hollywood. From her critically acclaimed former show Veronica Mars to a wildly popular guest stint on NBC’s Heroes, Bell is now moving on to the film world as the title character in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, the latest R-Rated romp from Judd Apatow’s comedy goldmine.
The Frat Pack Tribute had a chance to participate in the film’s press day roundtable session with Ms. Bell as she discussed her Hawaii adventures with Jason Segel and Russell Brand, in addition to her many other projects. We were also fortunate enough to witness an emotional moment as she discussed the cancellation of Veronica Mars and her relationship with the cast.
Subscribe
Free in iTunes
Point your podcasting client to our feed
http://www.the-frat-pack.com/the-frat-pack.xml
Download MP3
Links:
Pineapple Express Poster
by Kevin Crossman
Thanks to many of you who sent this one in. Here's a great one-sheet for Pineapple Express. That's Danny McBride alongside Seth Rogen and James Franco, which kind of seems strange since there are only two names above the title (and Danny's isn't one of them).
If the poster seems familiar, perhaps you might have seen the poster it is trying to parody.
Ad Campaign for Forgetting Sarah Marshall Hits Full Swing
by Kevin Crossman
The unusual but memorable marketing campaign for Forgetting Sarah Marshall is making a big impact. Our New York editor Jenny Spaulding snapped a couple shots of the posters "in the wild."
Of course, the ads play off the ever expanding empire of fake websites related to the upcoming "disaster" comedy Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
The campaign seems to so realistic and believable that the posters are causing ire by women who are actually named Sarah Marshall. That's Sarah Marshall of Manhattan below, as profiled by an article in the New York Daily News. Thankfully, the real life Sarah Marshalls seem to have a good sense of humor about Sarah Marshall.
NBC Announces The Office Spinoff
by Kevin Crossman
Well, this certainly set the blogosphere on fire... NBC announced their fall schedule and included in the mix was a series called The Office Spinoff, which seems to be just that. A spinoff of the Steve Carell comedy. The series will be produced by the current creative team from The Office but other than that there are nary details.
Given that spinoffs have at best a spotty track record, many Office fans are upset. The best rant we've seen so far comes from Matt Sommer over at That's What She Said. Matt says:
"It just makes me incredibly sad to think that one of the best shows on TV is going to screwed with in this way. Will I watch the new show? Of course. Maybe I'll even love it. But right now, it just worries me more than anything else." (That's What She Said)
Other bloggers were more optimistic. At Life in the Office they said:
"Another Office quality show?! This news is BANANAS, B-A-N-A-N-A-S!!!" (Life in the Office)
And what do we think about this over at the Tribute? Well, we'd hate to see any of The Office regulars farmed out to a spinoff, so no "Dwight Show" please. At the same time we'd probably hate even more one of those faux-spinoffs where they introduce brand new characters on an episode of your favorite show and then create a series around them.
What they need to do is build a new show around a slightly familiar character or supporting player and build the show around those characters. And when I think of The Office the best example of this kind of character is the one played by everyone's favorite Frat Pack pinch hitter, "Champ" Kind himself, David Koechner. Koechner's Office character Todd Packer has been a favorite of mine and certainly would be a different kind of "boss" than Steve Carell's Michael Scott.
What's Happening with Fanboys?
by Jenny Spaulding
A couple of years ago I got hooked on Kristen Bell's TV show Veronica Mars. I was impressed with her performance and style and sought out as much of her filmography as I could. One upcoming film listed on her IMDB page was Fanboys about a group of friends who decide to steal Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace from George Lucas so one of their buddies can see the film before he succumbs to cancer. At the time, the other co-stars of the movie didn't mean much to me: Jay Baruchel, Seth Rogen, and Dan Fogler. But now, two years later, they sure do!
Fanboys seems destined to go the way of Paul Rudd's I Could Never Be Your Woman as it's been sitting on a shelf for quite some time. There's been a lot of scuttlebutt on the web so who knows what's true, but it seems Judd Apatow's producing partner, Shauna Robertson was brought it to help tweak the movie, killing the cancer subplot, so to speak. Or maybe it's Harvey Weinstein who was scared off by the cancer story line. Drillbit Taylor director Steven Brill apparently helmed the reshoots, causing additional fan ire. Now they seem to be test-marketing both versions to decide which one to go with for a potential theatrical release. Supposedly both would end up as DVD release.
But rabid fans have been causing a ruckus and demand the original cut be released. They've staged protests and started a website StopDarthWeinstein.com (which currently doesn't seem active.)
So for now, we'll have to wait and see and try to be satisfied that Bell stars along with Judd cohort Jason Segel in the upcoming Forgetting Sarah Marshall. She'll also appear with Will Arnett, Jon Heder, and Dax Shepard in the newly announced comedy When in Rome.
Ben Stiller's Fantasy World in The Return of King Doug
by Rick Duran
Ben Stiller is attached to produce and possibly star in The Return of King Doug, an adaptation of an upcoming Oni Press graphic novel whose film rights were picked up by DreamWorks.
Written by Greg Erb and Jason Oremland, "King" centers on a man who must return to the fantasy world which he abandoned 30 years earlier. Erb and Oremland will also write the screenplay.
Stiller, Stuart Cornfeld and Jeremy Kramer will produce through their DreamWorks-based Red Hour Productions. (Hollywood Reporter)
The Frat Pack Tribute
This page last modified on
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Copyright © 2007 Kevdo.com. 
