Mike Simmers' Latest Frat Pack Trailer Parody
by Kevin Crossman
Earmuff winner Mike Simmers is back with another trailer parody!
Here is the brand new video I made featuring Vince Vaughn as Raji as The Notorious BIG...also, I want to know what the Frat Pack fans want to see as the next video I make. eMail me at mikesimmers@yahoo.com and let me know what you want to see as the next Frat Pack Pictures parody trailer. Could be Transformers, GI Joe, whatever you want...
So, here's the newest Frat Pack Pictures trailer, The Notorious Raji...enjoy!
Good job Mike. As for the next project? I'm tempted to ask for a recut of The Hangover cut up as Old School Dos as originally envisioned by director Todd Phillips.
But, if you're looking for a challenge I would suggest Judd Apatow or Adam McKay's Public Enemies.
Vote for MTV Movie Award Nominations
by Rick Duran
Vote for the MTV Movie Awards Nominations. Voting Closes April 20th.
Choices include:
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Four Christmases
Get Smart
I Love You, Man
Marley & Me
Monsters Vs. Aliens
Observe & Report
Pineapple Express
Step Brothers
Tropic Thunder
Zack & Miri Make A Porno
New category: Best WTF Moment - Includes Paul Rudd's puke scene from I Love You, Man
New Movie to Headline Leslie Mann and Elizabeth Banks?
by Kevin Crossman
If you like your female comedians blonde and beautiful but still hilarious you'd be hard pressed to pick two better than Leslie Mann and Elizabeth Banks (sorry Amy Poehler fans). After play second-fiddle to Seth Rogen and Paul Rudd for the past couple years, it looks like there's a movie that will put the two gorgeous "Sorority Sisters" as the lead in an upcoming movie.
Variety is reporting that New Line has bought What Was I Thinking? with Leslie Mann and Elizabeth Banks attached to star. Writers Susanna Fogel and Joni Lefkowitz based the script on on the book of the same name by Barbara Davilman and Liz Dubelman. The story centers on a quartet of girlfriends who take a hedonistic ski trip after one of them gets dumped. The only questions is who to play the other two girlfriends?
Vintage Seth Rogen Stand-Up
by Kevin Crossman
It looks like Seth Rogen but it doesn't sound like Seth Rogen. That's because this is Seth Rogen circa 1996 when he was all of 13 years old! Thanks to our editor Drew Hunt for finding this. It's a great time to remember that back in the day Seth Rogen was an accomplished stand-up comedian, and that Seth will be returning to his stand-up roots in this summer's anticipated comedy, Funny People.
Fortune Rates Sandler Most Valuable Comedian
by Kevin Crossman
Spring must be in the air when a supposedly serious business magazine apparently has nothing better to do in covering the economy than to calculate a list of the most valuable comedians. Still, it's nice to see how our beloved Fratters appear on this most prestigious list. The actors are rated on a possible 10 point scale.
Zoolander and Dodgeball Pioneer New Form of Audience Participation
by Kevin Crossman
MuVChat is the latest combination of old-time Hollywood storytelling and Silicon Valley technology. At a screening of Zoolander this past January, audience members were invited to text comments where they were displayed on screen in nearly real-time. The Chicago Tribune article explains how it works:
Audience members text to a central number, which runs their comments through software. The MuVChat software then displays the texts in a three-line configuration at the bottom of the screen, like a vertical ticker, as the movie plays. Sitting in the projector booth with a standard computer, Heald uses a profanity screening program and can, on the fly, filter comments and ban abusive users.
Fans in the Chicago area can participate in the same way this Saturday with a screening of Dodgeball.
Seth Rogen on the Cover of Playboy
by Kevin Crossman
I guess this isn't as cool as Will Ferrell's appearance with Heidi Klum in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, but it's not often a guy appears on the cover of Playboy (for reasons that should be obvious...). Still, when it's played for comedy, it's not a bad thing. You can read excerpts of Seth Rogen's Playboy interview.
Guest List Gets Bigger and Funnier for Date Night
by Kevin Crossman
I don't think this film has been given an announced "official" start date but it does look like Steve Carell's next movie will indeed be Date Night with Tina Fey. Director Shawn Levy (Night at the Museum) is still onboard and it looks like they're lining up an impressive list of talent. The film revolves around a couple (Carell and Fey) who find themselves in harms way when a "date night" goes awry.
Check out the names coming on board.
This is increasingly sounding like a "big picture" for Steve (think: Get Smart) rather than the "small picture" (think: Dan in Real Life) it might have been. I happen to think the pairing of Fey and Carell is brilliant and it sure looks like they're being surrounded by A-list talents.
Dark Comedy Article Highlights... You Know Who
by Kevin Crossman
In honor of Seth Rogen's dark comedy Observe and Report, there's a news article out from AP/Yahoo! that describes how "some of the most influential tastemakers in comedy are turning to black humor and delusional characters to match the disaffected times."
The article features heavy and deserved coverage of Observe director Jody Hill, who seems to be making a career out of "comedy with a dark side." Also included is Adam McKay who's latest film Step Brothers wasn't exactly free of the darkness.
"Now that the whole system has collapsed and been shown for what it is, if you went and did a comedy like `The Animal' or `Wayne's World' — a great comedy — it wouldn't work now," said McKay. "If you're going to do comedy about (today's times), you better get a little dangerous and ugly."
The article then mentions Judd Apatow's involvement with an "old school" dark comedy, Cable Guy, before highlighting some recent films of similar vintage and color. Perhaps you've heard of a few of these films?
"The turn comes on the heels of a dominant run by lovable losers and earnest outsiders, highlighted by "The 40 Year-Old Virgin," "Old School," "Knocked Up," "Pineapple Express," "Wedding Crashers," "Superbad," "Talladega Nights" and "Forgetting Sarah Marshall."
The article also details an upcoming project from Will Ferrell and Adam McKay:
McKay and Ferrell are preparing a movie — already bought by Sony — tentatively titled "B-Team," to star Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg as cops. Said McKay: "Crime has been turned upside down, so we're trying to play with those kind of ideas."
Read the article: "Comedy darkens, matching leaner times, outrage"
Frat Pack Tribute Editors Agree: Observe and Report is Brilliant Filmmaking
by Kevin Crossman
Well, clearly I am doing something incredibly bad here at running the Tribute. Within minutes I received reviews of Observe and Report from not one but two of our senior editors. Then again, maybe I'm doing something right around here...
That out-of-left-field view of reality is key to understanding and appreciating Observe and Report. Thankfully, both Drew Hunt and Rick Duran are on the same page and both rave about the film.
Drew Hunt:
Rick Duran:
There are similarities between the two reviews, though I think Rick Duran highlighting of Seth Rogen's incredible performance is worth repeating. Along with Zack and Miri, Rogen is really growing as an actor.
And while there is no doubt that Observe and Report is a powerful movie, my only gripe was that Michael Pena's portrayal seemed largely out of place and often like it was in a different kind of movie. The resolution for that character is definitely in line with the rest of the film, however.
Please do take the time to read Drew and Rick's reviews of Observe and Report, and be sure to see the movie in a theatre near you.
2009's Annoying Movie Protest: "Date Rape" in Observe and Report
by Kevin Crossman
You know, I never thought I'd see a more pointless protest than last year's "R-Word" pickets before Tropic Thunder hit theatres. Well, I guess there's always somebody looking to snap up this year's Andy Dick Award for Dubious Achievement. According to numerous reports, women's groups and others are up in arms over a supposed date rape scene in this week's dark comedy, Observe and Report.
The scene involves Seth Rogen's twisted Mall Cop Ronnie taking out the object of his affection Brandi played by Anna Faris. Brandi forgets she has a date with Ronnie but he makes several reservations so they are able to get a table at a restaurant but end up sharing drinks. Faris' character loves her drink, orders another one, and then orders four tequila shots. The two share a motorcycle ride home where Brandi vomits prior a "kiss of acceptance" by Ronnie. We next see the two having intercourse, with Ronnie saying "Brandi, Brandi, Brandi" repeatedly before realizing she looks unconscious. He stops but then Brandi asks why he is stopping. He then continues.
Let's break this down. It isn't rape if consent is given, and Brandi clearly indicates her desire for Ronnie to continue. Of course, Brandi is drunk so presumably isn't in perfect condition to provide consent. True.
But what bothers me are the reports that "Rogen's character gets her drunk." Hardly. Brandi is the one who orders the drinks. She is the one who wants to get drunk!
Unfortunately, the protesters seems to have confused Observe and Report with Paul Blart: Mall Cop or something. Instead, Observe and Report plays out in the uncomfortable and shades of grey world we actually live it. The kind of world where "loose" women have men buy them lots of drinks so they will get horny enough to have sex with anyone. It is good behaviour? Of course not. And is Ronnie a "perfect gentleman" Clearly, not.
However, just as with Tropic Thunder, this scene in Observe and Report needs to be viewed in context. Ronnie's intentions are good: he's in love with Brandi (clearly evidenced by the "Brandi, Brandi, Brandi" during the exchange). So, he is not out to harm her character in any way (in fact, he's trying to protect her throughout the movie). Of course, the character is twisted, power hungry, and bipolar. But he didn't take advantage.
This scene is shown basically in entirety in the Red Brand Trailer, so you can see for yourself. Discuss Observe and Report in the Frat Pack Forum.
Merry Pranksters: Jack Black and Woody Harrelson?
by Kevin Crossman
CHUD is reporting that a movie adaptation of Tom Wolfe's The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test is being developed by Milk scribe Dustin Lance Black for director Gus Van Sant. Woody Harrelson has been tapped to play the lead, Ken Kesey, and now Jack Black is under consideration for a large role as well.
Jerry Garcia's wife Caroline endorsed Black for a role: "Black might be a fit for "The Mad Chemist," the infamous LSD impresario Owsley "Bear" Stanley, who launched an untold number of minds into outer space and was an artist and early sound engineer for the [Greatful] Dead."
In other Jack Black news, his biblical summer comedy Year One was recently rated R by the MPAA according to Cinematical. An appeal was made but the studio and director Harold Ramis did eventually have to make cuts to get the film down to PG-13. Considering the atypical subject matter, it is presumed that the studio and producer Judd Apatow didn't want to take any chances on the rating hurting the box office. Also, it sounds like this is a case of the film being "hard PG-13" anyway.
Year One is rated PG-13 "for crude and sexual content throughout, brief strong language and comic violence" and opens on June 19.
Jonah Hill and Danny McBride at Observe and Report Premiere
by Kevin Crossman
Thanks to tipsters John and Rick for pointing out that Jonah Hill and Danny McBride were, in fact, in attendance at the Observe and Report premiere. They were even kind enough to stand for a shot together.
In other Danny McBride news, HBO has renewed Eastbound & Down for a second season. The season will consist of at least six but possibly more episodes and production is expected to begin this fall. According to Variety, "The March 14 finale drew 904,000 viewers in its initial run. HBO researchers said each "Eastbound" episode was seen by about 3.4 million viewers when counting HBO's repeat runs and video-on-demand."
The first season was shot in North Carolina but as viewers know the storyline was left open in the season finale for a change in scenery. Let's just hope that costar Katy Mixon is back to perk up the attention of male viewers.
Mike Judge's Extract Trailer Hits the Net
by Kevin Crossman
Thanks to tipsters like Adam for the heads up on the next film from Mike Judge (Office Space, Idiocracy). The film stars a host of Frat Pack friends headlined by Jason Bateman and costarring Mila Kunis and Kristen Wiig. Also appearing are J.K. Simmons (I Love You, Man) and David Koechner (Anchorman). We all hope that this film will get a better release date and marketing budget compared to Judge's previous films, especially incredibly underrated Idiocracy.
Observe and Report Premiere Photos
by Kevin Crossman
Anna Faris made a tabloidy splash with her interestingly patterned dress, but honestly the biggest surprise was the lack of the "premiere regulars" that seem to show up to these things. No Ben Stiller. No Jonah Hill. No Judd Apatow. No Will Ferrell. No Jack Black.
Danny McBride, who of course is a writing partner with Observe director Jody Hill and briefly appears in the movie, was also a no show. But Anna Faris' new funbags did at least make an apperance.
Star Seth Rogen
Anna Faris crazy pose (I actually lke the dress)
Cast members Celia Weston, Ray Liotta, and Michael Pena
director Jody Hill, Michael Pena, Anna Faris, Seth Rogen and Ray Liotta
Seth Rogen and girlfriend Lauren Miller
Observe and Report opens this Friday
Seth Rogen Hosts SNL Tonight; Bill Hader Talks About Ben Stiller
by Kevin Crossman
Seth Rogen will reteam with his Superbad costar Bill Hader when he hosts Saturday Night Live for the second time tonight. Expect to see jokes about Rogen's Green Hornet inspired weight loss...
Speaking of Bill Hader, there's a great interview in this week's Entertainment Weekly. The online version of the article has additional questions and Hader describes an early encounter with a pre-Christine Taylor Ben Stiller.
Speaking of arrested: If you're arrested at 1 a.m., who do you call: Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Judd Apatow, Ben Stiller, Seth Rogen, or Tom Cruise?
Oh wow. That's a tough one. I guess I would have to call Tom Cruise, because there'd be no question I'd be getting out. Tom Cruise would bail me and Matt Stone out of jail, I think is what would happen.The first famous person you befriended?
Ben Stiller, when I was 17. I met Jeanne Tripplehorn and Ben Stiller at the same time. She's from Tulsa [too], and my best-friend-at-the-time's mom is best friends with Jeanne Tripplehorn. I had Thanksgiving with them. I gave Ben a short film that I made, and he actually watched it and liked it, which blew my mind. He took me to see Casino with all of them. When I got SNL, I got a phone call from my agent saying, "Ben Stiller wants to have coffee with you," and it was this awesome kind of reunion. I sat down, and he was like, "Wow, man, you made it. What's goin' on?" He's always been unbelievably good to me. He's given me two jobs [Tropic Thunder and next month's Night at the Museum sequel], so I can't say enough nice things about Ben.Star Wars or Star Trek?
To be honest, and this sounds crazy, I didn't really start getting into Star Trek until about six months ago. Ben Stiller is a huge Star Trek fan, and while we were doing Night at the Museum 2, he was like, "You've never seen an original Star Trek?" I just blindly bought three seasons of Star Trek, and I love 'em. But I'm a Star Wars geek.
Adventureland Opens Today
by Kevin Crossman
Just a reminder that the new movie from Superbad director Greg Mottola, Adventureland, opens today. The 80's "coming of age" romantic comedy features a host of familiar faces including Bill Hader, Kristen Wiig, and Martin Starr.
The above image was "obtained" from the incredible fan site Bill Hader Online, so to make up for our blatant theft, how 'bout you click on the link and visit the site, eh?
New Franco/McBride/Green Project and Carell gets Dumped
by Adam Stevenson
James Franco will be joining Danny McBride in Your Highness, a medieval comedy for Universal Pictures that is being directed by Pineapple Express and Eastbound and Down helmer David Gordon Green, says Variety.
Written by McBride and Ben Best, the comedy follows two spoiled and arrogant princes in a medieval fantasy setting. When an evil wizard casts a spell on their father and kidnaps the older prince's fiance, they're forced to go on a quest to save their family and the kingdom.
The film begins production July 20 in Belfast.
Warner Bros. has acquired Dumped, a comedy that will be adapted by Vic Levin (NBC's "The Larry Sanders Show," Win A Date with Tad Hamilton!) as a star vehicle for Steve Carell based on a novel by Andrew Gottlieb, reports Variety. Carell is producing and would play a man searching for new meaning in his life after his wife abruptly files for divorce.
Carell next stars with Tina Fey in the Shawn Levy-directed Fox comedy Date Night, and he is expected to next reprise his Maxwell Smart role in a Pete Segal-directed Get Smart sequel for WB next spring.
Marley & Me on DVD Today
by Kevin Crossman
For those who are embarassed to cry in movie theatres comes Owen Wilson's big comeback vehicle, Marley & Me, costarring Jennifer Aniston. The film is available on DVD/Blu-ray today, so you can cry all you want during the film's third act. The film was a big hit over Christmas and for those who missed it, now is a perfect time to catch up on a film that, believe it or not, isn't completely about the antics of the dog.
Seth Rogen on Letterman
by Kevin Crossman
Boy oh boy has Seth Rogen slimmed down. He almost looks like he's wasting away! Check him out in the tight-fitting and dapper suit. Rogen was on the late night laffer to promote Observe & Report, coming to theatres on April 10th. Rogen also voices the popular B.O.B. character from this weekend's box office king, Monsters vs. Aliens.
Land of the Lost Getting Subversive Buzz
by Kevin Crossman
Gotta say, I did not see this one coming. While the trailer for Land of the Lost made it look a little... weird, I have always viewed this as more of a Get Smart-style "straight" remake. But, three spy reports posted on Ain't It Cool News make it sound like this is actually quite a bit more subversive.
Once this thing gets going it is the fucking most genius HILARIOUS flick I've seen in years. Its dirty then flat out raunchy then weird and random... for a really expensive Summer tent pole, I'm a bit shocked that they got away with this. This is NOT for the little one, guys. But its the most witty, entertaining, self aware, referential comedy I've seen in a major studio movie in sooo long.
This thing is like Anchorman crossed with Jurassic Park. Danny McBride is in his (too early to call it a trademark?) gonzo hillbilly mode. At one point he says something like "I moved tres times just to be closer to a Ruby Tuesday's." Actually Ferrell and McBride play this whole thing like Ricky Bobby and Kenny Powers' Excellent Adventure."
This, in my opinion, is a different Will Ferrell than we've seen. Instead of playing the guy spewing out opinions and statements that are intended to get a laugh and are completely non-sensical, we get a Will Ferrell who's really playing a character that you almost want to believe in. It's a very thin but discernable line and is very refreshing as it's not so slapstick as usual.
McBride's Eastbound and Down was an unexpected treat this Winter, as the show was hilarious and touching. I really think McBride has come into his own and it sounds like he's moving into John C. Reilly's territory as an "equal" cohort, rather than mere sidekick.
Monsters vs Aliens Premiere Photos
by Kevin Crossman
The Dreamworks animated film with a host of familiar voices opens tomorrow and here are some photos from the Los Angeles premiere this past Sunday.
Seth Rogen flanked by costars Hugh Laurie and Keifer Sutherland
Reese Witherspoon has the movie's lead role and
has been doing the most press for the movie
Supporting Voice Paul Rudd
Star Will Arnett and wife Amy Poehler
Scene Stealer Seth Rogen
Jack Black channeling Jack Nicholson
Jonah Hill
Judd Apatow
Pohler, Rogen, and Arnett sing "Happy Birthday" to Reese Witherspoon
I Love You, Man Review (
)
by Drew Hunt
According to urbandictionary.com, the word “bromance” is defined as “a non-sexual relationship between two men that are unusually close.” A word that has emerged into the pop culture lexicon thanks to the onslaught of Frat Packers and Apatow ethos, movie audiences seem to be chomping at the bits to see these guys do their thing – and, admittedly, with good reason. The latest foray into male-bonding is I Love You, Man, from Along Came Polly director John Hamburg.
Although not a Judd Apatow production, I Love You, Man without a doubt follows all the rules of one. Apatow regulars Paul Rudd and Jason Segal reunite after sharing some engaging scenes in last years Forgetting Sarah Marshall and effectively carry the entire film with their affable, man-boyish charm. Although both actors are exceptionally funny in both roles, the real revelation here is Rudd: having seen Segal do his leading-man-thing with Marshall, it’s now Rudd’s turn to stretch his legs as the films main protagonist – an honor that is certainly overdue. Starting out as a field reporter for an illustrious news team, all the way down to his turn as a role model, it seemed that it would only be a matter of time before Rudd became a name unto his self.
The time has come with I Love You, Man.
As funny and engaging as the film is, I Love You, Man is more of an ascendance for Rudd. If anybody doubted the man or his star-status before, they can’t now. Is he really on his way to a Steve Carrell, Stiller-like fame? In the opinion of this review: totes magotes.
Can We Start to Say Paul Rudd and F Word?
by Kevin Crossman
No, we're not talking that F word, we're talking "Frat Pack." With I Love You, Man opening to approximately the same box office level as Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Role Models, it proves those previous movies were no flukes with audiences. Here's Paul Rudd's Entertainment Weekly cover (sent to subscribers only), and as you can see we're not alone in thinking Rudd's time has come.
"Move Star?" EW seems to think so, which got me thinking about our "criteria" for "graduating" Frat Pack Pledges to full-fledged status.
Factoring in are two high-profile projects on the dock for Rudd. Next up is an untitled romantic comedy with Owen Wilson and Reese Witherspoon, directed by James L. Brooks (As Good as it Gets, Terms of Endearment). Later this fall, it is looking increasingly likely that Rudd will join Steve Carell in Dinner for Schmucks for director Jay Roach (Meet the Parents).
Unlike collaborators like Seth Rogen or Justin Long, Paul Rudd is in the same age range as the Frat Pack stars (who currently are between ages 46 and 37). And based on Steve Carell's SNL routine one would argue he's "just like Jack Black but better" in terms of popularity. Moreover, Rudd has built an impressive resume of collaboration with the Frat Pack, arguably with more connections than Luke Wilson or Steve Carell.
Paul Rudd in the Frat Pack?
View the Chart
Has Little Fockers Found a Director?
by Kevin Crossman
We reported recently that Little Fockers is nearing production but the director of the previous two installments, Jay Roach, will not be returning. Though writer John Hamburg is a director himself (Along Came Polly, I Love You, Man), he will not be in the director's chair.
Variety is reporting that Get Smart helmer Peter Segal is being tapped to direct the third film in the Fockers series. Segal had been expected to start filming on a Get Smart sequel, but it now looks like Steve Carell will spend his spring hiatus filming Date Night with Tina Fey, leaving an opening for Segal to step into Roach's shoes. Segal previous directed a series of movies from Sandler and company (Tommy Boy, The Longest Yard, 50 First Dates).
I Love You, Man Opens Today
by Kevin Crossman
Otherwise known as the movie that makes Paul Rudd a household name. Yep, the hype machine is rolling for Paul Rudd right now, thanks to great reviews for the new movie, an Entertainment Weekly cover story, and personal appearances.
I Love You, Man has a Frat Pack pedigree from the creative talent (John Hamburg) and guy-focused storyline. The film opens wide today and it looks hilarious. You need to go this it.
Black and Cera Shine in Year One Trailer
by Kevin Crossman
Thanks to tipster Mike for the lead on the brand new full trailer for Jack Black and Michael Cera's summer comedy, Year One. The trailer features a host of Apatow regulars in the movie directed by Harold Ramis.
I have to say this is looking really good, and playing up the love-interest storylines will definitely help change perceptions that is is nothing but a film full of dudes. I am not so sure the historical accuracy of the dialogue, though. I'll have to do some research about that.
I Love You, Man Premiere Photos
by Kevin Crossman
Thanks to tipster Laura... here are some photos from last night's Hollywood premiere.
Star Jason Segel
Star Paul Rudd and wife
Costar Jon Favreau
Christine Taylor and Ben Stiller
Tonya Haden-Black and Jack Black
Jason Bateman and wife
Jerry Stiller
Future Earmuff Nominee for Best Celebrity Cameo, Lou Ferrigno
Christopher Mintz-Plasse
Year One Director Harold Ramis
Elizabeth Banks
Ben Stiller Salutes Ron Silver
by Kevin Crossman
Tony Award-winning actor and poltical activist Ron Silver died Sunday at 62, after a long bout with cancer.
Today, Ben Stiller wrote an irreverant tribute to the man who costarred in one of the most important but obscure Frat Pack projects, Heat Vision and Jack.
10 years ago two writers from Milwaukee named Rob Schrab and Dan Harmon wrote a TV pilot called Heat Vision and Jack. It was a Six Million Dollar Man/Knight Rider inspired series about an astronaut played by Jack Black who flew too close to the sun on a mission, so when it was daylight he was the smartest man in the world, and when the sun set he was normal again. Owen Wilson was the voice of his talking motorcycle.
And the villain of the piece was Ron Silver as himself -- Ron Silver the actor, bad guy from Time Cop, but that was just his cover -- in actuality he was the head of NASA, which in this reality was an evil organization trying to take over the world. Weirdly, it didn't get picked up. But Ron was genius in it, playing it as straight as could be. I hope some people YouTube it, because it showed what a great sense of humor he had. I never got caught up in his politics. I just always loved him as a person and a talent. I know he struggled over the last couple of years, and I can only believe he is in a better place now. He will truly be missed.
Hollywood's Hottest Bromances
by Nathan Hughes
I guess there is nothing happening with the economy lately, since Forbes decided it was time to do an in-depth article on the hottest "bromances."
Of course with Paul Rudd and Jason Segel hitting theatres this week with I Love You, Man, I guess we can cut the folks at Forbes a break. Here's the list.
Frat Pack Friends Doing Their Thing in Management
by Kevin Crossman
I'm sure Management won't strike a chord with those who like their humor strickly Frat Pack style. But if you happen to like these familiar faces this project sure looks intriquing. Headlined by Jennifer Aniston who is playing a "plain Jane," the film also stars quirkly Steve Zahn (Reality Bites) and Woody Harrelson (Semi-Pro). I can't say enough about Aniston's track record and basically love her in anything.
Management Opens on May 15
Ben Stiller Lining Up Several Projects
by Kevin Crossman
A increasingly "shaggy" Ben Stiller (see photo, below) is lining up several projects as both an actor and producer.
Greenberg from director Noah Baumbach (Margot at the Wedding) is a dramedy about a New Yorker (Stiller) who moves to Los Angeles to housesit for his brother and figure out his life. He ends up having a relationship with his brother's assistant (Greta Gerwig). Rhys Ifans (Notting Hill), Brie Larson (Hoot) and Juno Temple (Year One) have reportedly joined the project according to Variety. Ifans will play Stiller's best friend, who is going through a divorce. Larson will play Stiller's college-age temptation, and Temple will portray her buddy.
Larson is doing great work on Showtime's United States of Tara and is a star in the making (and can play young-mature just as well as someone like Ellen Page). Notting Hill happens to be one of my favorite movies and Ifans definitely will bring the same kind of manic energy often seen from costars when Stiller plays it "uptight." (think Jack Black in Envy or Philip Seymour Hoffman in Along Came Polly).
Meanwhile, Ben is producing Klutz starring Jay Baruchel. The film centers on a lovable loser who is impervious to pain. Rob McKittrick (Waiting...) has come aboard to help write the film.
Ben Stiller introduces Lance Armstrong at the launch of Stages, a global art exhibition to raise funds and awareness in the fight against cancer held in Los Angeles Saturday, March 7, 2009.
Seriously, though... what's deal with the hair?
I Love You, Man Clip
by Kevin Crossman
The more I see, the more I like. This R-rated clip definitely tells us everything we need to know about the type of comedy to expect in the movie that opens next weekend. Bromance, "dick flick" buddy comedy, or whatever label you prefer, Segel and Rudd make a great team.
Will Ferrell's HBO Special This Saturday
by Kevin Crossman
A reminder that Will Ferrell's Broadway show "You're Welcome America. A Final Night With George W. Bush" is airing this Saturday evening on HBO. The special airs live at 9 pm ET/PT.
Role Models Drops Tuesday
by Kevin Crossman
Just a reminder that the hilarious Role Models hits video stores on Tuesday. I've had time to listen to more of director David Wain's commentary (remember, only available on the Rated edition of the film). It's a refreshingly honest DVD commentary, and Wain goes into a lot of detail about how he came into the project late, which scenes were shot without much of a script, and which scenes were from a series of reshoots. It's a great commentary and anyone who liked the movie or it's stars should seek this out.
Paul Rudd, David Wain, Seann William Scott from Role Models
The DVD features a series of extras including deleted or alternate takes such as this one from a signature scene from the film. This scene features great work from Paul Rudd and Christopher Mintz-Plasse but also Kerri Kenney and Ken Marino.
The DVD features the following extras:
The Blu-Ray features additional extras:
Check the Role Models Official Website for more details and the Babe Watcher game.
Zoolander Sequel Has a Name
by Mario Bernengo
Thanks to tipster Bonnie for finding this article from MTV news about plans for Zoolander.
“Ben [Stiller] and I have talked about it for a little while,” revealed the film’s scribe, John Hamburg, about a film that would reunite Stiller’s Zoolander with his nemesis-turned-comrade Hansel (Owen Wilson). “I think someday we will make that movie.”
While he offered no details about a plot, nor any hint about other potential returning stars like Will Ferrell and Christine Taylor, Hamburg did drop a possible title for the film: “Twolander.”
“It’s best for sequels to wait 14-19 years, I think,” said Hamburg, before actually giving a serious explanation. “I think to catch up with two male models ten years later, there’s a lot of room for comedy.”
Of course, the seriousness didn’t last for long. “It would be great for Ben and Owen to do a movie together,” he said, “because they’ve only done 17.”
Twolander, eh? Dunno how I feel about that. I mean, on the one hand, I hate it when they "pun" the sequel (Too Fast Too Furious, Shrek the Third, etc), but there is some justification for this, as it could be interpreted as playing off Hansel's namecalling ("Boo-lander!") of Derek before the walk-off.
But then again, it feels a bit silly calling it something "punny" like that when they're doing the sequel so many years after the first one (if it gets made).
But I don't care what they call it, as long as they make it!
Rudd, Segel, and Jones in NYC
by Kevin Crossman
Thanks to tipster Laura for this photo of I Love You, Man stars Jason Segel, Rashida Jones, and Paul Rudd. They were in New York City for a screening sponsored by the The Cinema Society and Details magazine.
Carell and Rudd Ready to Reteam?
by Jon West
Rumors are swirly about Jay Roach's comedy Dinner for Schmucks is now finally moving to production with Steve Carell and Paul Rudd starring.
According to Worst Previews, "Roach (Meet the Parents) has been trying to get "Schmucks," which is a remake of the French comedy "Le Diner des cons," made for a while. But now, both Carell and Rudd are clearing their schedules to begin shooting in October."
Sacha Baron Cohen was originally aboard to star in the film, but recently left the project.
The Schmucks storyline involves a stupid man who has the ability to ruin the life of anyone who spends more than a few minutes in his company. Carell would play the "schmuck" while Rudd would play a self-absorbed man who has his live ruined after having dinner with the Carell character.
Meanwhile, rumors also indicate Carell is finalizing plans to star and produce Hi-T, a movie about a man who takes testosterone after an injury, only to find the hormone creates wild mood swings.
Will Ferrell Scores Another Viral Video Hit with Bat Fight
by Kevin Crossman
The Landlord set a high bar but I have to say I am loving Will's latest Funny or Die video, Bat Fight. Costarring Craig Robinson, Bat Fight features Will in the costume of his Eastbound & Down character, Ashley Schaeffer.
If you love hearing Will Ferrell singing, like I do, then you'll really dig the Bat Fight song. There are some great lyrics too: "Generally good natured, you'll have a good time. Only in rare occasions does it get out of hand."
Take a look at the video that features one of the best punch lines I've ever seen.
Seth Rogen Highlights Monsters vs Aliens Spy Buzz
by Nathan Hughes
I just got back from a screening of the animated 3D film Monsters vs. Aliens which will be released later this month. The film’s cast includes Frat Pack friends Seth Rogen, Paul Rudd, and Will Arnett as well as Stephen Colbert, Rainn Wilson, and Reese Witherspoon.
The animation was amazing and the 3D was a blast. Don’t believe that the 3D experience will compare to what you may have seen during the Super Bowl promo (which was actually kind of disappointing), as the actual film is much more advanced. The storyline was interesting and there were many great voice performances by the actors.
It seems every phrase out of Seth Rogen’s mouth was hilarious, and his B.O.B. character usually earned the most laughs. The jokes are aimed at all groups as there were definitely a few over some of the kids’ heads in the audience. Overall, the film was enjoyable and I’m willing to bet it will spawn several sequels.
Vanity Fair Cover with Pledge Class, Frat Pack Friends
by Kevin Crossman
Check out this incredible image of Paul Rudd, Seth Rogen, Jason Segel, and Jonah Hill. They are the cover models for the April 2009 issue of Vanity Fair, and are front and center for a series of photos recognizing the best group of comedians who are coming of age and moving from B-List to A-List.
In addition to Rudd, Rogen, Segel, and Hill, Vanity Fair's profile includes a few other actions you may have heard of: Jason Bateman, Bill Hader, Anna Faris, Leslie Mann, Russell Brand, Danny McBride, Amy Poehler, and Will Arnett. And, it's funny and perhaps not a coincidence that all of these actor except Faris have strong Frat Pack ties (though, you may recall, Faris did costar with Luke Wilson in the not-terrible My Super-Ex Girlfriend a couple years ago).
Role Models DVD in Stores Next Tuesday, March 10
by Kevin Crossman
The surprise comedy hit Role Models arrives in stores on DVD and Blu-Ray on March 10. The film starring Seann William Scott and co-writer Paul Rudd arrives in the original R-rated version as well as an "Unrated" version on the same disc. The Unrated version is three minutes longer but I did not notice a big difference in the film. While the film itself is a must see, the DVD extras are just okay and make one desired feature hard to find.
Role Models features a stellar cast, including Earmuff Award winner Jane Lynch, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Elizabeth Banks, and Bobb'e Thompson. The ensemble comedy features small but memorable roles from familiar faces including Role Models director David Wain, co-writer Ken Marino, Ken Jeong, and Matt Walsh. Of course, Rudd and Scott have a history of great work in male-oriented buddy comedies and this is no exception. Both do great work here, even if the roles aren't exactly far removed from their typical personas. Having watched the movie again I would say the movie holds up quite well and is a worthwhile addition to any comedy fan's video collection.
The DVD features the following extras:
The Blu-Ray features additional extras:
The commentary by director Wain is easy to miss. It doesn't appear on the box cover and is not present in the menus if you select the unrated version. This is unfortunate as Wain's commentary is pretty interesting for a solo film commentary.
To learn more about Role Models, check out Frat Pack Tribute interviews:
Review of Will Ferrell's Broadway Show (contains spoilers)
by Kevin Crossman
Anders from the Will Ferrell Fan Forum posted this incredible review of Will Ferrell's Broadway Show, You're Welcome America. A Final Night With George W. Bush.
The show starts with a very funny message by (I think) Adam McKay as Dick Cheney. Moments later, we hear a chopper, and coming down from the ceiling strapped to another guy (who I first thought was McKay as well, but it later turned out it wasn’t him) is Will Ferrell. The crowd starts to cheer; and they should as it was quite an entrance. Will has to wait patiently for about a minute for the crowd to stop cheering and clapping. As soon as he opened his mouth the laughter started and didn’t stop until he left the stage about 75 minutes later, which generated even more cheering and clapping.
Throughout the show there was some strong language, which I guess could be expected. It never went overboard though. Will did what he did best when he’s in total control. He improvised a lot of the audience reactions like a master.
Other than Will Ferrell we got to see his brother Patrick Ferrell as his bodyguard, who did a great job with a constant straight-face except for the times he’d do some highly impressive dance-moves as soon as Will Ferrell went to change his outfit (which he did pretty often). We also got to see a hilarious erotic dance-routine between Condoleezza Rice & Dubya that had the crowd in stitches. Of course, Will was smart enough to include the now infamous shoe-throwing incident that happened to Bush when he was in Iraq a couple of months ago, and made a hilarious bit out of that. He actually harassed a guy sitting two rows behind me during the show, which would later turn out to be the shoe-throwing man, not a real ticket-holder of the show.
Now keep in mind, you don’t have to have been very involved and alert regarding George W. Bush’s eight years as president of the United States, you can still laugh your ass off at the material presented to you by Will Ferrell’s great comedic mind, because the show is not all references of his two terms in the White House. But it certainly doesn’t hurt to have been updated about some of the more known incidents during his period in office; it will definitely make you laugh more. For those of us very acquainted with his movies, we can spot several references from the two Ferrell/McKay movies Talladega Nights & Step Brothers.
As if the show wasn’t awesome enough and by far the funniest thing I have ever seen on any stage, I was actually handpicked by Will Ferrell in one of the bits of the show which requires a lot of improvisation from Will. The bit was this: He wanted the audience members to raise their hands, give him their name and what they do for a living and he would come up with a nickname for them, to show the audience he (Bush) is quick on his feet, if I remember correctly (he was talking about some of the qualities he had)
So at first, I wasn’t sure I wanted to do it, because I suspected I would stutter and make no sense with my Swedish accent (my English is good, but if I’m nervous when speaking English I’ll sound terrible). He came by my part of the crowd (I was on the front row), I decided to raise my hand in the last second, but it was too late, he gave the opportunity to someone else. He then kept moving to the other sections of the audience. I thought he wouldn’t come back to where I was sitting, but he did. As soon as I saw him walking towards my section, I raised my hand. Now before I share my brief but awesome interaction with him, keep in mind that the other members of the audience he talked to worked with travelling, human resources, store-owners & financial stuff. My job was the least attractive one up to that point. This is not 100% accurate of our words of exchange, but almost:
Will: (walking towards me & looking at me while my heart rate goes through the roof, points his finger at me) You?
Me: I’m Anders and I work in storage
Will: You’re Anders and you work in storage…? (Gives an odd look followed by laughter from the crowd)
Me: Yeah
Will: So you put stuff in boxes & shit? Move them around in different positions?
Me: Yeah (laughing with the crowd)
(Silence from Will while the crowd laughs at his physical reenactment of working in storage)
Will: I’m gonna call you Captain Nerd! (at this time the audience laugh even harder, as did I, and I raised my hands and clapped with delight of my new nickname)
It doesn’t end there though. By the end of the show he reminisces about what he’s said on stage, and says “I’ve come up with some cool nicknames…” He then turns his head towards me, looks & points at me, gives me a thumbs up and says “Captain Nerd…” In return I give him a thumbs up, and get two thumbs up from him back.
The show ended about 2 minutes later and I walked out as if I was walking on clouds. Before I left the theatre I bought a shitload of merchandise from the show though! So to sum it all up, great show, lots of laughter & greatest night of my life.
FYI, I had a camera with me in case photos were permitted, they were not. Some took pictures despite of that fact, but I decided to respect the rules of the theatre.
Hornet Gets Director and new Ferrell/McKay Project announced
by Adam Stevenson
Michel Gondry, director of Jack Black's early 2008 film Be Kind Rewind, is in negotiations to direct Seth Rogen's Green Hornet. It was announced yesterday by Doug Belgrad and Matt Tolmach, presidents of Columbia Pictures. The film will be executive produced by Michael Grillo.
Commenting on the announcement, Tolmach said, "From the very beginning, Seth, Evan, and Neal wanted this film to stand out from the pack with its originality. You couldn't ask for a better director than Michel Gondry to bring that to life."
Michel Gondry (right) with Frat Pack Fan Paul Searle
Moritz added, "We're huge fans of Michel Gondry. 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' and all his films are as daring as they are extraordinary, fueled by creative ideas that spring from his unique worldview. Our first rule, always, is to make the movie that we want to see, and that couldn't be truer than with Michel bringing his stylish and original touch to the helm."
Said Gondry, "I'm very excited about 'The Green Hornet' and all that I hope to bring to it. This story has always been close to me and now Seth & Evan have written a script that is both funny and real - the best of both worlds. I cannot wait to further collaborate with them on it."
Gondry, an award-winning film, commercial, and music video director, is set to release his most recent film, Tokyo!, a triptych film telling three stories about the iconic city, on March 6, 2009. As metioned above Gondry recently released his film Be Kind Rewind, which inspired Gondry's debut book, "You'll Like This Film Because You're In It: The Be Kind Rewind Protocol." Gondry's recent films include The Science of Sleep, Dave Chappelle's Block Party, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, for which Gondry received a 2005 Academy Award for original screenplay, for his contribution to the storyline alongside Charlie Kaufman. Gondry co-produced both Be Kind Rewind and The Science of Sleep through his production company Partizan Films. The film will begin shooting this summer and is set for release June 25, 2010.
Variety says studios that are trying to fill 2010 release slates are weighing packages that would give them either an Adam McKay-directed action comedy starring Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg, or a drama that will reunite Matt Damon with his The Bourne Ultimatum screenwriter George Nolfi.
Several studios were bidding Tuesday on B Team, a McKay-directed action comedy that casts Ferrell and Wahlberg as cops, with Chris Henchy writing the script.
Henchy co-wrote the upcoming Land of the Lost, and he is co-executive producer of "Entourage."
Extreme Movie - Low Expectations, But Still A Must See
by Kevin Crossman
Arriving on DVD today is Extreme Movie, from Dimension Extreme. The awful cover makes this look like a sex-infused Scary Movie but this is more of a vingette-style movie with just a few storylines and characters that appear throughout the movie. Sort of a cross between Scary Movie and SNL (fake commercials, etc.).
Toplined by Michael Cera, Extreme Movie must have sat on the shelf for two years. Because as the photo would indicate this isn't exactly the high-quality, intellectual content you've come to expect from Cera over the past two years (Superbad, Juno). In fact, Cera only appears for less than ten minutes in the film (which is about five minutes longer than another headliner, Frankie Muniz).
Though the film is listed as "unrated" this isn't exactly the most explicit sex comedy. Unless the idea of looking at a rubber vagina is your idea of explicit. That said, the rubber vagina vingette is pretty damn funny and nearly worth your rental right there.
Ryan Pinkston is the nominal star here, playing a nerdy high school kid who ends up in Sex Ed with his hottie wannabe love-interest. A series of humuliating events ensue, such as ending up with the smallest dildo in class and being made fun of by the teacher played by John Farley. But Pinkston does a good job with the average material.
Matthew Lillard appears as himself, doling out politically incorrect sex advice. And in the "look how fall they've fallen" department we have Jamie Kennedy playing... well... the less said the better.
But, every Frat Pack fan needs to see Extreme Movie! Why? Because at the end of the movie there is a musical number featuring both Kyle Gass of Tenacious D (as a porn director) and Dan Finnerty of The Dan Band (as a porn actor with "big talent"). Plus, it's a pretty funny tune about porn. And we all know that porn+funny=appointment television. Check it out! 
Jonah Hill. Just Because He Has a Hot Girlfriend
by Kevin Crossman
That's Jonah Hill at the Vanity Fair post-Oscar party with his gorgeous blond girlfriend. I saw an interview with the two and they seem to make a happy couple, as she complimented him on being funny. When the interview ended, Jonah said "sorry I wasn't more interesting."
I'm sorry, Jonah. Did you say something? I was... staring. At something.
Oscar Broadcast Recap
by Kevin Crossman
Well, it's no surprise that our Frat Pack favorites went down in flames tonight at the Oscars. In the award categories, at least. As expected, Robert Downey Jr, Amy Adams, Richard Jenkins, and Anne Hathaway all failed to take the golden guy.
In terms of presenters, however, the Frat Pack continued their long tradition of bringing down the house.
First up was a very funny and charming pairing of Jennifer Aniston and Jack Black presenting two animation awards. Jack had a funny line about making more money off of animation than regular acting gigs, because he takes the money he earns from Dreamworks and then bets on Pixar at the Oscars. Gotta say, I thought Jack and Jenn had great chemistry. Sign these two to a movie!
Next, we had a great filmed segment featuring Seth Rogen and James Franco in Pineapple Express personas. This was nominally the montage of 2008's comedy films, but this particular segment had quite a bit of original material that was simply hilarious! And we'll never think of Janusz Kaminski quite the same way. Rogen, Franco, and yes Janusz Kaminski presented an award together as well.
Lastly, we had Natalie Portman looking quite fetching along with Ben Stiller to present an award. Instead of "Ben Stiller" it was Ben mocking Joaquin Phoenix, who's recent appearance on Letterman is already stuff of legend. Given Ben's long history of mocking popular culture and actors in particular, this was a wonderful return to that territory. To me, this was the comedy highlight of the night.
Video Footage of Black, Rogen, and Stiller is Available on Worst Previews
Oscar Appearance News
by Kevin Crossman
We'll keep updating this post as we hear more. The list of Oscar presenters is supposed to be secret, but E! is reporting that Jennifer Aniston will be presenting with Jack Black at the Oscars tonight.
Of course, Jack's Tropic Thunder costar Robert Downey Jr. is expected to be present and has already rehearsed his "loser clap" numerous times this award season. Richard Jenkins, Amy Adams and Anne Hathaway are other Frat-related nominees who's odds are long.
Update #1: Rick Duran says Seth Rogen is slated to appear, likely part of the comedic montage/sketch put together by Judd Apatow.
Update #2: Just saw Seth Rogen being interviewed. Stay tuned for photos of Leslie Mann who is also in attendance.
Gotta Love the Necklace on Amy Adams
Robert Downey Jr. Looks Happy
Judd Apatow and Gorgeous Leslie Mann
Anne Hathaway's Dress has a Great Fish-Scale Look
Seth Rogen
Richard Jenkins and wife Sharon R. Frederick
Observe and Report One-Sheet Poster
by Kevin Crossman
Well, they continue to emphasize that this isn't the "happy go lucky" mall cop movie. At least we can say it is truth in advertising.
New Land of the Lost Clip
by Kevin Crossman
Check out this funny clip featuring a riff on the theme song from the original Land of the Lost TV series. Will Ferrell definitely brings the funny and the special effects look great.
Statement from Earmuff Winner Mike Simmers
by Kevin Crossman
There are but a mere few people that I hold dear to my heart...
My father...
My high school sweetheart...
My music teacher from middle school...
The guy who wrote "Catcher In The Rye"...
Nat King Cole...
Carrot Top...
Jay-Z...
and of course...
The Frat Pack Tribute.
When I was first told that I was nominated for the Earmuff Award for Best Community-Generated Content...I almost B'd an L all over MY T's! I have been a fan of the Frat Pack and all of their glorious projects since the days of The Ben Stiller Show, Swingers and The Daily Show. Every one of the members of the Frat Pack and Team Apatow bring a different dynamic to the screen that hasn't been seen in quite some time. It was an honor to be nominated not once...but twice for the same award.
Both parodies of 300 and The Dark Knight took quite some time to work on. Like you said, syncing up the mouths was one of the hardest parts of my video making. But, it was all worth it. To win with The Dark Knight which was my favorite video that I made this past year, was incredible. Pulling Vince Vaughn in as the Joker was hands down my first choice. The laugh alone is hilarious and one of a kind. So...in closing, thank you to everyone who voted. And if you thought The Dark Knight parody was good...you bitches ain't seen nothing yet! 2009 has just begun!
Tropic Thunder Blows Competiton Away with 12 Earmuff Awards
by Kevin Crossman
Critical acclaim for Ben Stiller's Tropic Thunder continued with a landslide victory in the 4th Annual Frat Pack Earmuff Awards, according to earmuffawards.com creator Kevin Crossman. The satire of Hollywood filmmaking won twelve awards including Best Picture, Best Director (Ben Stiller), Best Actor (Robert Downey, Jr.), Best Catch Phrase, Best Sound Bite, Best Costume Design, Best Visual Effects, and Best Multimedia Feature.
Earmuff voters made their opinions clear with their pick in the Andy Dick Award for Dubious Achievement category. The organizations who protested Tropic Thunder's use of the "R-word" drew ire from Earmuff voters, as well as the studio's decision to include a Public Service Announcement on the Tropic Thunder DVD. Meanwhile, Earmuff voters stayed distraction-free and recognized that very material with the award for Best Scene-Play ("Nobody Goes Full Retard").
2008 Earmuff Scorecard
Podcast #181: The 4th Annual Frat Pack Earmuff Awards
Welcome to the 4th Annual Frat Pack Earmuff Awards. Tonight, we recognize
the cinematic achievement of the Frat Pack and their hollywood friends. The
earmuffs are voted on by members of the Frat Pack Tribute website and podcast
community. Join host Kevin Crossman and Rick Duran for this year's Earmuff Award ceremony.
Tune in to find out who will the coveted earmuff awards for categrories such as Best Sex Scene, Best Celebrity Cameo, or the Andy Dick Award for Dubious Distinction. Our show also includes the best musical moments, best sound bites, and best catch-phrases in this year's Frat Pack movies, along with a special lifetime achievement award.
Subscribe
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http://www.the-frat-pack.com/the-frat-pack.xml
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Will Ferrell Says Goodbye to Conan as Bush Show Sets Record
by Kevin Crossman
Will Ferrell combined two of his most famous antics as a goodbye to Conan O'Brien, who's final Late Night show aired Friday evening. Ferrell appeared as (an apparently drunk) Geoge W. Bush, then stripped to bikini bottoms in honor of St. Patrick's Day. Loyal Tribute readers might remember that our first news posting on this site back in 2004 was a news item about Will Ferrell and Vince Vaughn appearing on Craig Kilborn's last show. So, I guess Will loves those 12:30 talk shows.
Ferrell happened to be in New York because his Broadshow show is playing there. Now the New York Times is reporting that “You’re Welcome America. A Final Night With George W Bush” has recouped its original investment of $2.09 million. The article notes that the show broke the house record at the Cort Theater, taking in $846,507.05 for the seven days ending February 15.
Funny People Trailer Impresses
by Kevin Crossman
Our inbox was literally overflowing with notices of the trailer for Judd Apatow's high anticipated third directorial effort, Funny People. Starring Adam Sandler as a famous comedian and movie star (a stretch, we know) who befriends an up-and-coming comic played by Seth Rogen (yeah, I know...), the trailer is not the typical "teaser" variety.
This is the full thing. Plot points. Lots of character details from the stars including Leslie Mann and Eric Bana. Plenty of screentime for supporting players like Jonah Hill, Jason Schwartzmann, and the Apatow girls. Jokes about doctors with funny accents. Crying! Circumcision catch-phrases. In other words, this thing has it all!
My favorite parts are the use of actual Adam Sandler footage from back in the late 80's MTV days, and the "cameo appearance" by Elizabeth Banks. Clearly, this film is even more in the "a comedy with a lot of serious moments" mold that Apatow's two previous films were known for. Funny People will be released on July 31.
Check it out!
Update: Some have asked about the Elizabeth Banks reference. Check the movie poster in the trailer very carefully...
Owen Wilson Set for Larger Role in Fockers Sequel?
by Kevin Crossman
We haven't been uniformly excited about a third Meet the Parents/Fockers sequel, due to the perception of diminishing returns. And the "Little Focker" concept of Ben Stiller's Gaylord Focker as a nervous "no do right" father isn't a concept we've embraced (plus, didn't we already see that in the second movie?). But, recent developments actually have me excited about the project.
The Hollywood Reporter is reporting that the sequel is coming together but with some changes to the players. And one of the changes is a really, really big one.
Director Jay Roach is reportedly off the project as director, though he will continue as producer. Candidates to helm the movie include Paul Wietz (In Good Company), David Wain (Role Models), and Peyton Reed (The Break-Up).
Original Meet the Parents scribe John Hamburg is on the project. Hamburg is also a commodity as a director (Along Came Polly, I Love You, Man) so you'd think the gig would be his if he wanted it.
On the casting side, Stiller, Robert De Niro and Owen Wilson — the last of whom had unrelated small parts in the first two pics as an ex-fiance and a minister, respectively, but could have an expanded role here — are in negotiations to star in “Fockers.”
Clearly, the folks at the Hollywood reporter don't realize that Owen actually played the same character (Greg's nemesis, Kevin) in both movies,
The franchise has made over $800 million to date. According the article, the film is expected to shoot as early as summer or fall.
More H'Wood News: Jonah's big payday & Stiller's Hardy Men moves forward
by Rick Duran
Jonah Hill made news late last week for selling a new script called The Adventurer's Handbook to Universal Pictures, in which he will co-star with his Funny People castmate and real-life pal Jason Schwartzman. The script sold for "seven figures" (ka-ching!), after a bidding war with several studios. Apparently this screenplay, co-written by Hill and writers Matt Spicer and Max Winkler, was so hot that EW reports it was printed on water-marked red paper to prevent it from being photo-copied.
The Adventurer's Handbook follows "four 20-something guys who, inspired by a book of the same name, set out overseas in search of a mysterious location described in the book" and is described as "an edgy, broad comedy." Jonah will next be seen in Judd Apatow's previously-mentioned Funny People, has a cameo in Night at the Museum 2, and starts filming the Forgetting Sarah Marshall spin-off Get Him to the Greek with Russell Brand this spring.
In other development news: following Nikki Finke's story last week about Ben Stiller's various film deals transferring to Dreamworks, it now looks like one of those projects is moving forward. The Ben Stiller/Tom Cruise long-rumored action comedy Hardy Men (which we first reported over two years ago) has recruited Men in Black/Charlie's Angels writer Ed Solomon to write the script. After seeing Cruise ham it up in Tropic Thunder last year, we're stoked to hear this film might actually be happening. Ed Solomon hasn't written much in the last decade, but we're trusting Stiller's judgment on this one.
Lobbying the Pack: Rudd in talks for new films with Wilson and Carell
by Rick Duran
For the past four or five years, we here at the Tribute have been supporting Paul Rudd actively more than most film websites. With last November's smash hit Role Models and next month's I Love You, Man, Hollywood is catching up to what we've known since 2004: Paul Rudd is a star.
Now Variety reports that Rudd is in talks to join Owen Wilson and Reese Witherspoon in a new romantic comedy from Oscar-winning director James L. Brooks (As Good As It Gets). According to Variety, the currently-untitled film centers around a white-collar executive (Rudd) "vying for Witherspoon's affections, while Wilson would portray a professional baseball pitcher who is also a love interest."
But that's not the only major film Rudd is currently considering: Entertainment Weekly reports he is also in negotiations to join the long-delayed comedy Dinner for Schmucks from director Jay Roach (Meet the Parents/Fockers), which his Anchorman/40 Year-Old Virgin co-star Steve Carell is also in early discussions for. In this project, Rudd would play a self-absorbed man facing the consequences of bringing an obnoxious man (Carell) to a dinner. Remember the "Dinner Party" episode of The Office? Picture that + Paul Rudd.
Rudd also has a cameo in this June's Year One opposite Jack Black (which can be spoiled right here), and the world is still waiting to hear if Anchorman 2 will ever happen (which Rudd vocally supports.)
Luke Wilson Wows Golf Fans
by Kevin Crossman
I've been watching Luke Wilson's 2008 indie dramedy Henry Poole is Here this week and it's great and he's great. It's really too bad this movie didn't get more press when it was released last year.
Wilson has Tenure in the can but no release date yet. Meanwhile, he turns to his other love - golf! Here's Luke Wilson at Pebble Beach this weekend for the National Pro-Am. Wilson was paired with Charley Hoffman but missed the cut.
Eastbound and Down is McBride at His Best 
by Kevin Crossman
I must admit it took a while to warm to Danny McBride. After seeing him for the first time in The Heartbreak Kid, I really didn't "get" his persona and humor. But the man's track record over the past two years is unmistakable. Now McBride starsin Eastbound and Down, a new series on HBO from Gary Sanchez Productions (Will Ferrell and Adam McKay). The series premieres on Sunday, February 15.
I've caught the debut episode and it is the culmination of everything we've seen McBride in to date -- and more! There's a little bit arrogant athlete Fred Simmons from The Foot Fist Way, a little of the diabolical Red from Pineapple Express, and just a tad of the hick with a heart of gold Cody in Tropic Thunder. As former All-Star pitcher Kenny Powers, McBride pulls all the personas together into a character with so many hilarious flaws that we can't wait to see what will happen next.
Eastbound comes from the same creative talent behind The Foot Fist Way and has high production values for a show that features that handheld psuedo-documentary feel that's so popular right now. The show features a formidable cast including Andrew Daly (Semi-Pro), Katy Mixon (Four Christmases), and John Hawkes (Deadwood). All the actors really get to dig into their material that features riffs on professional sports, high school sports, and Southern culture.
Eastbound and Down is a show that could turn into the next Entourage. The pilot episode is certainly a very strong introduction to the characters and setting for the show. Future episodes feature guest stars like Will Ferrell, which might put the show over the top. Or... well, it might jump the shark. Either way, Danny McBride is a winner. Be sure to check it out.
He's Just Not That Into You Review
by Kevin Crossman
He's Just Not That Into You is an ensemble dramedy filled with angst-filled singles and couples with relationships on the rocks. Director Ken Kwapis (License to Wed, He Said, She Said, The Office) keeps things moving along and brings the movie down for a satisfactory ending. The film features an all-star cast including Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, Justin Long, and Bradley Cooper and does feature a considerable amount of "male point of view" to make it worthwhile for husbands and boyfriends to actually enjoy being dragged to the theatre. Though the film hardly breaks new ground, it's also a good time at the movies if this sort of thing is, well, your thing.
Frat Pack fans could do worse on date night than this film that features so many familiar faces. Bradley Cooper leaves behind Sack from Wedding Crashers and has a good mix of comedy and drama in his role. It's a shame that Aniston and Long do not share screen time, since they had good chemistry in The Break-Up. But both are wonderful here and remind us why they've been so consistently great in the past few years. Long graduates from geeky earnestness and moves into a great role as a confident lothario. Aniston has some supremely touching scenes but also gets to deliver the film's sole PG-13 f-bomb.
Fanboys Review
by Kevin Crossman
It is hard to talk about Fanboys without acknowledging the long and difficult journey it has had making it to theatres. The studio wanted a major storyline cut, test audiences didn't love it, and Judd Apatow was brought in to produce reshoots. Originally scheduled for release in 2007, Fanboys finally makes it to theatres in limited theatrical release. And the question you have to ask yourself is "is it worth my time to see this movie?" And while the film is flawed with a capital F, it's definitely a must see.
If you're a fan of any of the following Fanboys is a must see:
Seth Rogen's Observe and Report Red-Band Trailer
by Kevin Crossman
By now I think we all know this is the "black comedy" version of the mall-cop movie, as opposed to Paul Blart's "family comedy" take on the same kind of source material. But if there was any question how dark this movie actually is, just take a look at the red-band trailer.
There's funny stuff to be sure but this is soooo not going to play well in middle-America. The only hope is that the people that made action-comedy Pineapple Express a hit will see this as the logical successor.
Observe and Report in theatres April 10th
Land of the Lost Trailer
by Kevin Crossman
There's a brand-spanking new trailer for Land of the Lost making it's way to the airwaves and the internet tonight. Check out trailer on the marketing cross-promotion website Subway Fresh Buzz.
This is essentially similar to the Super Bowl ad but slightly longer. Gotta say I am enjoying Will Ferrell in the ads, acting similarly to his part in Kicking & Screaming (a role I happened to really enjoy). Wish we saw more of Danny McBride, but hey...
Ben Stiller to Produce The Big Year with Steve Carell and Jack Black?
by Kevin Crossman
The news doesn't get any bigger here in Fratville than another Ben Stiller project that happily pairs a couple of Fratters. According to Deadline Hollywood Daily, Stiller's Red Hour Productions is moving from Dreamworks to Fox. Among the projects mentioned is a Paramount production that Fox is considering acquiring is:
The Big Year, with Marley & Me's David Frankel directing and Stiller producing. It stars Steve Carell and Jack Black.
Of course, this is really really early word. The same article mentions the failed Used Guys project so this should obviously be taken with a grain of salt. But, looks like Steve and Jack may have had more to talk about in Washington D.C. than the inauguration, eh?
Bateman and Aniston Team up for The Baster
by Rick Duran
Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman are teaming for the romantic comedy The Baster, which Mandate Pictures will shoot in the spring in New York.
Will Speck and Josh Gordon, who co-directed Blades of Glory, will direct the feature, which screenwriter Allan Loeb (21) has adapted from a short story by Jeffrey Eugenides that was published in the New Yorker.
Bateman and Aniston will play best friends Wally and Kassie. When Wally learns that Kassie plans to become pregnant through artificial insemination, he replaces the donor's semen with his own and must live with the secret that he is the father of her child.
I got to read this script back in the day when I had "contacts."
Definitely one of the better ones I read. The script seems to have changed in the last two years, the cast seems to be older than the version I saw. The female lead was Asian and a personality similar to Kate Winslet in Eternal Sunshine. The male lead back then seemed a closer fit for Zach Braff.
Not sure what the script has turned into, but the earlier version had a very interesting role for a child. I'd say it's hard to imagine a child actor being able to handle so much brainy dialogue (assuming the script still has that character/storyline.) But if he's still in there, this should be a very funny movie.
Danny McBride Being Courted by Frat Pack and Team Apatow
by Kevin Crossman
Danny McBride has made a big impact in Fratville over the past two years with roles alongside Ben Stiller in The Heartbreak Kid and Tropic Thunder, Will Ferrell in Land of the Lost, and Owen Wilson in Drillbit Taylor. The latter film was also produced under Judd Apatow and Seth Rogen's banner and McBride had roles in Rogen/Apatow's Pineapple Express and in the Apatow-led Fanboys reshoots. So, it's obvious that Danny McBride has a number of fans from the comedy elite.
A Press Association article has even gone so far as to dub McBride as "an official member of the Frat Pack" to which McBride noted he has several offers on the table.
"I'm not sure if I'm really a member of the Frat Pack. Seth Rogen has been trying to get me to join the Jew-tang clan as well. At this point I just really need to weigh my options."
He added the Frat Pack are really rather boring "other than the strippers, cocaine binges, and chainsaw dance parties they throw every week."
Of course, here at the Tribute we understand that while the Frat Pack and Team Apatow have some distinct aspects, there is considerable overlap between the two loosely-formed comedic cliques. So, there's no reason McBride can't be a member of both. I just wish we'd get invited to the parties every once in a while.
Meanwhile, McBride talked about Land Of The Lost costar Anna Friel.
"It's a wild movie. I saw a cut recently with no special effects and I was still blown away by the sheer scope of the film. I loved running away from dinosaurs with Anna Friel. And if I was ever really trapped in an alternate universe with aliens and dinosaurs I'd definitely want Friel to be there. She would fuck those beasts up. No question."
Judd Apatow Producing Segment for Oscar Telecast
by Kevin Crossman
Comedic mastermind Judd Apatow is returning to the Oscars. After cowriting the amazing "Comedian at the Oscars" song for Jack Black, Will Ferrell, and John C. Reilly in 2007, Apatow will be returning this year for a special comedic trubute according to Oscar producer Bill Condon.
"We're thrilled to say that our contemporary comedy master Judd Apatow is contributing both a film and live material to that part of the show. Judd was truly a prince to hop on and truly whip up special shooting for it. It's a big deal."
The Oscars air on Sunday, February 22. A reminder that Tropic Thunder's Robert Downey Jr. will be on hand to lose the Oscar to Heath Ledger.
Thanks to tipster Laura for this story and the one above.
I Love You, Man Spy Report
by Kevin Crossman
Some days it's awfully fun running the website. Like today, when we received this spy report from tipster Nathan. I Love You, Man opens on March 20th.
Just wanted to let you know that I went to a free screening yesterday for "I Love You, Man" starring Paul Rudd, Jason Segal, and Rashida Jones.
Even though we watched it in a small theater, the laughter from the entire audience was deafening. One scene that ended with a pretty disgusting moment had the entire theater in uproars for 10-15 seconds, making us miss a few jokes afterwards.
I enjoyed the film and was surprised to see some interesting cameos from extras in "The Office" including Mr. Brown from "Diversity Day", and one the Asian girls Michael 'falls in love with' in "A Benihana Christmas". There were other small roles for Lou Ferrigano ("The Hulk"), Jon Favareu ("Swingers"), Joe Lo Truglio ("Superbad"), and Thomas Lennon ("Reno 911!"), among others. I enjoyed the film, but not as much as Segal's "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" and Rudd's "Role Models".
The film was really good and I believe it will do well when it comes out next month.
Jack Black's Big Day
by Kevin Crossman
Did you see Jack Black today? If the answer is no you weren't really trying.
Of course, the main event was Jack's guest appearance in a movie-within-a-tv-show on The Office tonight. His cliched love story with Cloris Leachman was met with laughs in our house. I think this apperance will be met with mixed response by some Office fans. Stay tuned to the That's What She Said podcast for more of my take.
Jack also appeared in a School of Rock clip alongside a rotund funnyman of yore, John Belushi.
Watch the Pepsi Ad with Jack Black
Finally, the Year One website and preview clip are now officially available. There was a commercial for the movie during the Super Bowl and this thing looks great!
Poster for Night at the Museum: Battle for the Smithsonian
by Kevin Crossman
Thanks again to our tipster Mike for the heads up on this. It's an interesting poster that shows the diversity of talent. But it's hard to see the details unless you look at a really large version of the image.
Podcast #180: Frat Pack Earmuff Award Nominations
It's awards time in Fratville and first and foremost our very own Frat Pack Earmuff Awards. Drew Hunt joins Kevin Crossman to announce the awards and provide picks and analysis. Who was snubbed and who deserves your vote? Tune in to find out!
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Fan Review of Will Ferrell's Broadway Show
by Kevin Crossman
Check out this detailed post from our Frat Pack message board. Thanks to Mcbrizzle for the report!
Just got back from today's matinee of the show and really only one word can describe...AMAZING!!!! Seriously this might be the funniest thing Ferrell has ever done because I have never laughed so hard in my life (probably the closest time that I have ever laughed this hard was watching Anchorman the first time but this beats that even!!!) Now I am obviously a HUGE Will Ferrell fan so I, along with my two cousins, had huge expectations going in. On the opposite end, my dad, uncle, and aunt all had low expectations going since they are not the biggest Will Ferrell fans. The verdict...Fan or not we all agree that it was not only the funniest thing Will Ferrell has ever done, it might be the funniest thing we had EVER seen.
Overall the experience was one I'm going to remember for a life time. Ferrell really went all out with this show and it paid off when everyone left the theater with smiles on their faces. The only negative of the day was me missing Will Ferrell's arrival by less then a minute (lucky bastard standing who was there got his autograph). Other then that, I only hope when the Tiger Woods guy is done his term, someone will be able to do as good as a job as Ferrell did with W.
"You're Welcome America. A Final Night with George W. Bush" is in previews and official opens on Thursday. Cort Theater, 136 West 48th Street, New York City. (212) 239-6200. www.willferrellonbroadway.com
Get Ready for Super Bowl Sunday
by Kevin Crossman
Although we are interested in the game itself, of most interest to us here in Fratville are the connections with our Frat Pack comedy heroes.
First, check out the preview of the Land of the Lost Super Bowl commercial. This gives us a great view of the film's special effects and storyline. Although we hardly see costar Danny McBride, we get a great idea of what Will Ferrell is up to: screaming and yelling!
What? You're surprised? After all, this is a Will Ferrell movie, right? In any case, I think the production design and quality of special effects will surprise a lot of folks. And if Will and Danny can bring the funny like last summer's action-comedy-remake, Get Smart, I'm sure the film will be a hit.
Expect the Land of the Lost official website to be updated soon with this trailer in a variety of formats.
Update! Year One Clip!
Folks, here we go! Here is the first, absolutely fricking awesome, look at Jack Black's summer comedy from Harold Ramis. And not only does costar Michael Cera get a few great lines in, we're also treated to the cameos from Paul Rudd and David Cross! Thanks to tipster Mike for the link.
Of course, that's really the appetizer. The main course for Frat Pack fans will be the episode of The Office that airs after the Super Bowl. The episode features a roast of Steve Carell's character, Michael Scott. There's also a cinematic storyline that features a Frat Pack guest star (yes, I'm aware that many of you already know who this is... I hope those who like to avoid spoilers have appreciated our continued shielding of this major guest star).
As many of you know, I cohost the That's What She Said podcast about The Office. Please join us in the TWSS Chat Room during the episode.
Wal-Mart Censors Zack and Miri Make a Porno DVD Cover
by Kevin Crossman
Warning: Rant Approaching
Count us in the crowd of folks who liked Kevin Smith's fall comedy with Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks. And while the film underperformed by Rogen's standards, it was in fact the biggest box office grosser of Smith's career. The film was a hilarious but heartwarming tale of two friends who do what they need to do to pay the rent.
So, of course, we're looking forward to the DVD release on Febrary 3rd. But if the cover art for the DVD looks like it has something missing you would be right. This is the DVD cover for the Wal-Mart version.
Look, we get it. Wal-Mart is supposed to be a "family friendly" store. And the word "porno" isn't exactly a charge-less word. But come on Wal-Mart. Is anyone really going to think this is really a pornographic movie? And while this movie does feature some fairly reasonable R-rated content it is far, far less sexually explicit than any number of movies already for sale at Wal-Mart. For example, they sell two Basic Instinct movies that contain not just harder sex but also tons of violence (and bad acting). Of course, Basic Instinct does not contain a shot of Jason Mewes' penis, so maybe we could call it even?
But you know what? It isn't like Best Buy or Target aren't trying to friendly to families. And they have no problem with the "P-Word." The film is called Zack and Miri MAKE A PORNO! Deal with it!
This kind of unreasonable censorship needs to stop. I certainly encourage everyone to send a message by boycotting Wal-Mart.
Recent News Puts Basketball Photo in Context
by Rick Duran
With yesterday's news that Jason Segel is likely joining Jack Black for Gulliver's Travels now we know why these two have been so chummy lately.
Jason Segel and Jack Black
Attending Lakers game on January 6
Worth remembering: Jack and Jason co-wrote an Entourage-ish pilot for HBO earlier this decade with Seth Rogen that never got made.
Thanks to Laura for the tip.
Segel Joining Black for Gulliver's Travels?
by Kevin Crossman
This still isn't a done deal, but it's looking likely that Jason Segel will be costarring opposite Jack Black this spring in Gulliver's Travels. The movie is a "reimagining" of the Jonathan Swift tale and is penned by Segel's Forgetting Sarah Marshall director Nicholas Stoller. The live-action film is being directed by Rob Letterman who worked with Black on Shark Tale. Letterman has Monsters vs. Aliens with Paul Rudd, Seth Rogen, Will Arnett, Rainn Wilson, Reese Witherspoon, and Stephen Colbert coming to theatres this year.
According to Variety, Segel and Emily Blunt (Dan in Real Life) are in negotiations to star opposite Jack Black as Lemuel Gulliver, a travel writer who takes an assignment to the Bermuda Triangle and washes up on the island of Lilliput, where he's a giant among the tiny population. Blunt will play a Lilliputian princess and Black's love interest. Segel will play Horatio, Gulliver's best friend from Lilliput who helps rescue Gulliver when he's captured.
Jason Segel and Jack Black with familiar faces...
Rogen: Green Hornet is Still On
by Adam Stevenson
No need to worry folks, Seth Rogen is still here to save the day! That's right, according to an article on CHUD.com, The Green Hornet is still a go, and that's awesome. He said they're still in search of a director, and Chow has only left the director's spotlight of the film, not the role of Kato, which was played by the legendary Bruce Lee in the '60s TV show.
Rogen wrote in an email:
[The studio heads] have every intention on making it, and assuming we're able to hire a new director in the upcoming weeks, which seems like a distinct possibilty [sic], it should still hit the release date.
Meanwhile, the LA times is reporting that Rogen's Funny People costar Adam Sandler will have a small role as surpise superhero.
Earmuff Nomination DVD Winner
by Kevin Crossman
Congrats to Susan Doversberger who was the winner of our Earmuff Award nomination DVD giveaway. Susan wins a DVD copy of Will Ferrell's Semi-Pro.
Remember, it's not too late to vote for this year's Earmuff Award winners.
Frat Pack Earmuff Awards - Voting Now Open
by Kevin Crossman
You heard about the nominations, but now you can vote for the winners. Our fourth annual Frat Pack Earmuff Awards are shaping up to be the biggest ever! Now all Frat Pack fans can determine the winners by voting on our electronic ballot.
As a reminder, the Best Picture nominees are:
Just head on over to the Earmuff Awards website and vote now.
Seth Rogen's Green Hornet in Trouble?
by Rick Duran
Drew McWeeny (aka Moriarty from AICN) is DEEPLY connected within the Team Apatow community. There are few people I'd trust on this subject more than him.
So consider this bad news with a fair degree of credibility.
Saturday, Jan 24, 2009
Has Rogen's 'Green Hornet' Been Defeated?
Posted by Drew McWeeny
There are certain film projects that seem to pick up a curse as they wind their way through development, perpetually threatening to get made but never actually ending up in front of the camera. Right now, it looks like "The Green Hornet" is about to collapse again, and if this particular configuration doesn't happen, then I suspect it never will.
Ever since Stephen Chow started to waffle about his participation in the film, I've been hearing rumors that there were major hesitations at Sony. Then at Sundance, I heard several people say that the film was off completely. I spoke this afternoon with a source close to the film, and while they didn't call it completely dead, they did say it is "highly unlikely" that the film will shoot in 2009 at all.
That's a shame. I'm not going to pretend to have some lifelong passion for the character or the property... I doubt anyone my age is genuinely nostalgic about "The Green Hornet," since it's really a relic of an earlier age. The TV show was in the '60s, and the radio show predates that. But I am aware of the property, and Bruce Lee playing Kato means that there's some historic relevance that they can play off of. I liked the idea of Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg revitalizing the material, and when they were talking about Chow as director and co-star, it seemed like a can't-miss proposition. Seth even trained for the movie, and if you've seen him in the last few months, you probably noticed how much leaner Seth was looking.
I'll continue to look into this, but for now, it looks like "The Green Hornet" has gone onto life-support at Sony, with a good chance the studio's going to kick the plug out any moment now.
Was never completely jazzed about this, but I do feel bad for Seth and Evan considering the long months of effort they've put into this over the last two years. Seth's got his pick of the litter with projects to rebound with, but it's sad to see something so big fall off the wagon very publicly.
Kirk Lazarus Robert Downey Jr. Scores Oscar Nomination
by Kevin Crossman
Congratulations to Robert Downey Jr. for his Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor in Tropic Thunder. Thanks to a series of precursor award nominations this isn't the surprise it might have been a few months ago. But it's still quite an accomplishment, not only because comedies like Tropic Thunder usually don't receive "serious" recognition but also due to the controversial nature of Downey's role and makeup.
Downey will compete against Josh Brolin, Milk, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Doubt, and Michael Shannon, Revolutionary Road to see who will get to lose to prohibitive favorite in this category, Heath Ledger of The Dark Knight.
Congrats as well to some familiar faces. Step Brothers costar Richard Jenkins scored a Best Actor nod for The Visitor. Get Smart's Anne Hathaway's dramatic role in Rachel Getting Married was recognized with a Best Actress nom. Talladega Nights and Night at the Museum 2 costar Amy Adams received her second Oscar nomination for her supporting role in Doubt.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Tropic Thunder Lead '08 Earmuff Nominations
by Kevin Crossman
Romantic farce Forgetting Sarah Marshall led all contenders with 27 nominations for the 2008 Frat Pack Earmuff Awards. The film written and starring Jason Segel was nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Sex Scene, and Best Character, amongst others.
Ben Stiller's action-comedy Tropic Thunder received a Best Picture nomination and 21 nominations total. Stiller was nominated for Directing and Robert Downey Jr. and Jack Black received acting nods. Protests from humor-adverse advocacy groups garnered a nomination for Dubious Achievement.
Will Ferrell received a Best Actor nomination for Step Brothers, a film that received 14 total nominations including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Catch-Phrase, and Best Sound Bite. Step Brothers' costar John C. Reilly received a nomination for Best Performance by a Frat Pack Friend.
Stoner comedy Pineapple Express was a summer favorite and recieved numerous nominations from the Earmuff voters. In addition to Best Picture, the film received several nominations in the category for Best Use of Drugs/Alcohol as well as for Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Character.
Steve Carell received a total of four nominations, leading all individuals. In addition to a Voice-Over award for Horton Hears a Who!, Carell also received a Best Actor nod for Get Smart. The film also scored nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress and 9 nominations in total.
The Earmuff Awards are voted on by Frat Pack fans worldwide. The ballot for fans to vote for the winners will be available on January 25th.
Jack Black and Steve Carell in Washington
by Kevin Crossman
Steve Carell and Jack Black were featured during the We Are One - Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.
Update: here's one of Steve and Jack together.
The Office Previews Super Bowl Episode with Frat Pack Guest Star
by Kevin Crossman
Does anyone not know who the big Frat Pack guest star is? Well, if you don't want to know, don't click on the video...
I Love You, Man Red-Band Trailer
by Kevin Crossman
If there was any doubt that this is the first must-see film of 2009, run do not walk to check out the incredible red-band trailer for Paul Rudd and Jason Segel's spring release, I Love You, Man. In addition to some additional R-rated dialogue, there's a hilarious capper from Jon Favreau of all people. Looks like director John Hamburg (Along Came Polly) has a hit on his hands!
Why are you still reading this? Check it out!
New Frat Pack Trailer Mashup from Mike Simmers
by Kevin Crossman
Mike Simmers is back with a brand-new trailer mashup. Clearly, this is an obvious move to build support for a highly coveted Earmuff Award nomination that Simmers is currently in the running for (remember: Earmuff Voting ends on January 19).
For 2009, Simmers has put together the Wolverine trailer and merged it with Zoolander and host of other Frat Pack favorites. It's amazing! I really like the "assemble a team" aspect and the effective use of Tropic Thunder footage.
Frat Pack Friends are Incredibad
by Josh Watts
Frat Pack friends on the SNL payroll, the comedy team "The Lonely Island" are set to release their debut album Incredibad sometime this year. The track listing and album cover have been released, and I think you'll be intrigued by some of the names on the list.
01. Who Said We’re Wack?
02. Santana DVX (ft. E-40)
03. Jizz in My Pants
04. I’m on a Boat (ft. T-Pain)
05. Sax Man (ft. Jack Black)
06. Lazy Sunday (ft. Chris Parnell)
07. Normal Guy (Interlude)
08. Boombox (ft. Julian Casablancas)
09. Shrooms (Interlude)
10. Like a Boss
11. We Like Sportz
12. Dreamgirl (ft. Norah Jones)
13. Ras Trent
14. Dick in a Box (ft. Justin Timberlake)
15. The Old Saloon (Mix Tape Edit) (Interlude)
16. Punch You in the Jeans
17. Space Olympics
18. Natalie’s Rap (ft. Natalie Portman and Chris Parnell)
19. Incredibad
Really cool to see some star musicians like E-40, T-Pain and Norah Jones on there. Not to mention there's a song with our beloved Jack Black featured on it! Plus with favorite SNL tracks like "Lazy Sunday" and Natalie Portman's rap included, this'll definitely be one to watch out for in '09.
Role Models DVD Details
by Kevin Crossman
A couple interesting notes about the March 10 release of Role Models on DVD/Blu-Ray. First, interesting to see Christoper Mintz-Platz on the DVD cover in what is kind of a reimagining of the movie's theatrical one-sheet poster.
Next, there's no "two disc extended DVD" and many cool extras are exclusively Blu-Ray only. This is the first time I've seen such a discrepancy with a new home video release and I guess it was inevitable that this sort of thing would start to happen. But it doesn't make it suck any less for those of us without Blu-Ray and still using good ol' DVDs.
Bonus Features
Bonus Features Exclusive to the Blu-Ray
In addition to the aforementioned bonus features, all shown in high definition, the Role Models Blu-ray Hi-Def will also include the following bonus content:
Pineapple Express DVD Easter Eggs
by Jon West
When you are viewing the second disc of Pineapple Express, click on the subtitles option on the main menu. If you click just above Gary Cole's head you will find the first easter egg featuring Jonah Hill. It takes place at the time when James Franco's Saul is first taken to the secret barn. Jonah is holding James but the director is not happy with it. I won't spoil what happens in the little scene, but it is definatly funny stuff and classic Jonah.
The second easter egg can be found on the disc 2 special features menu. On the first page of the special features if you click on the asain's face in the middle that is framed, to the left of Dr. Ken you will find the second easter egg. It is a bonus scene that takes place at the barn after everything goes down featuring Seth and James enjoying some more pineapple express.
The third easter egg can be found on the third page of the special features on the second disc. If you click on the hair of the workout buddy from the highschool you will see it. It is a little feature with Joe Lo Truglio on the art of a social butterfly. Its his five mantras and shows us more of his great awkwardness/creepiness.
That are all the easter eggs that I was able to find, I hope you find them too and enjoy them as much as I did.
Blades of Glory meets Charlie's Angels
by Kevin Crossman
Check out this great shot at a Golden Globes after-party. The funny thing is that the AP sent this with the title "unnamed man" next to Drew Barrymore. Of course, those of us in Frat-land know that is Justin Theroux of Charlie's Angels, Zoolander, and Tropic Thunder/Rain of Madness fame.
Will Arnett, Amy Poehler, Justin Theroux, Drew Barrymore
Barrymore has been catching flack for her "post-coitus" hairstyle. But I happen to think it looks great!
No Golden Globe Winners
by Rick Duran
Not much worth reporting from the Golden Globes, since The Office, Downey, Carell, and Franco all lost.
So here are the stars we care about. Thanks to Laura for research assistance.
Little Miss Sunshine's Uncle Frank makes an appearance
Seth Rogen
Elizabeth Banks
Robert Downey Jr.
Will Arnett and Amy Poehler
Tom Cruise stood no chance of winning,
but the Tropic Thunder star made an appearance
Jenna Fisher and the ladies
Isla Fisher
Amy Adams
Los Angeles Times Preview of 2009 Releases
by Kevin Crossman
Today's Los Angeles Times has an extensive preview of 2009 releases. Some of the images are ones we previewed here the other day. But these are a few new images of interest.
Jason Segel, Paul Rudd, Rashida Jones in I Love You, Man
Seth Rogen in Observe & Report
Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen in Funny People
Ferrell Says Bush Show Will Surprise
by Kevin Crossman
Will Ferrell says audiences should expect the unexpected from his upcoming one-man Broadway show and HBO special about President George W. Bush.
Ferrell, known for his Bush impersonation on "Saturday Night Live," said Friday there's nothing derivative about the production. He says it will surprise people with its twists and turns and what it has to say about Bush.
Executive producer Adam McKay says the show aims to be funny but also hold the Bush administration's feet to the fire.
"Will Ferrell: You're Welcome America. A Final Night with George W. Bush" is set to begin previews Jan. 20 and open Feb. 5. It will air live on HBO March 14.
Thanks to Beth in Memphis for the tip.
Tropic Thunder Wins Critics Choice - Best Comedy
by Kevin Crossman
With Robert Downey Jr. losing every award to Heath Ledger, here's some great news from tonight's Critics Choice Awards, broadcast on VH1. Tropic Thunder was Best Comedy, besting Forgettng Sarah Marshall, Role Models, Vicky Christina Barcelona, and Burn After Reading.
Ben Stiller accepted the award and thanked the usual suspects, then made a joke about this award being the best of the evening... because it was the only one they were nominated for. You can watch Ben's speech at about the ten mintute mark in the following clip from the show.
Christine Taylor with Ben Stiller
Jason Segel and Kristen Bell Presenting an Award
Preview Images from Universal
by Kevin Crossman
Here are some promo photos from some of Universal's upcoming 2009 slate of movies.
First up is a brand new photo from Judd Apatow's Funny People, starring Leslie Mann, Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, and Eric Bana. The movie is scheduled for release on July 31.
Next, an updated and cleaner promo photo of Danny McBride, Will Ferrell, and Anna Friel surrounded by Sleestaks in Land of the Lost. There's a close-up of the Sleestaks too. Lost hits screens on June 5.
I thought this photo was cool, even though I have no idea what this movie is. Here's John C. Reilly as vampire Larten Crepsley in Cirque Du Freak. The movie is described as "the frightening tale of a boy who is pulled into a fantastic life of misunderstood sideshow freaks and grotesque creatures of the night." There is no announced released date for Cirque.
And finally a look at Couples Retreat, a film with an impressive cast but to date no release date (think Fall). The film is written by Jon Favreau and directed by first-time helmer Peter Billingsley.
Kristen Bell, Jon Favreau, Kristin Davis, Faizon Love, Kali Hawk
Jason Bateman, Vince Vaughn, Malin Akerman
Pineapple Express in Stores Tuesday
by Kevin Crossman
If you like weed, violence, pot, one-liners, ganja, profanity, and marijuana then you'll love Pineapple Express, last summer's action-comedy starring Seth Rogen, James Franco (who scored a Golden Globe nomination), and Danny McBride. The DVD hits stores on Tuesday.
Seth Rogen, James Franco, Producer Judd Apatow, Director David Gordon Green,
Producer Shauna Robertson, Writer Evan Goldberg
The Two-Disc Extended DVD includes deleted scenes, alternate and extended scenes, gag reel, Line-o-rama, raw footage, commentary by the cast and director, "Behind-the-Scenes" and "The Making of" documentaries, and more.
Marley & Me Still Going Strong
by Kevin Crossman
Marley & Me will be number one at the box office this weekend, according to estimates. The Owen Wilson film looks to fetch about $24 million this weekend with a cumulative total of over $106 million by Sunday.
Jack Black is the 2008 Frat Pack Tribute Man of the Year
by Kevin Crossman
Our yearly award for Man of the Year was far from a no-brainer. Huge comebacks for Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson. Another great summer for Will Ferrell and Steve Carell. And how could we not pick Ben Stiller?
It all makes perfect sense. Check our write-up and read why Jack Black is the Frat Pack Tribute Man of the Year for 2008.
EW Previews Land of the Lost and Year One
by Kevin Crossman
Thanks to tipster Mike for this one. Entertainment Weekly has previews of anticipated movies coming in 2009, including a first look at Jack Black and Michael Cera in Harold Ramis' comedy, Year One.
Judd Apatow-produced Year One pairs Jack Black and Michael Cera as Zed and Oh, hunter-gatherers who are banished from their village and wander through scenes from the Old Testament, encountering the likes of Cain and Abel (David Cross and Paul Rudd) and Abraham (Hank Azaria). Asked if he expects the film's religious satire to offend, Ramis laughs: ''I hope so!''
EW also has a new image from Land of the Lost, starring Will Ferrell and Danny McBride.
Will Ferrell confirms the effects will not be as cheesy as the original series, confirmed by the image below from EW's Land of the Lost preview. ''We thought it was better served if it errs more on the side of Jurassic Park in terms of realism, and the dinosaurs are just scary as s---, and the comedy plays off of that,'' Ferrell says. ''You're not going to see the zipper up the back of the Sleestaks' costumes.''
Besides one wallpaper, there's nothing on the newly launched Land of the Lost official website but at least we know where to look for updates.
The Frat Pack Tribute
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