Latest Movie News From Moviefone |
- Matthew McConaughey's Rom-Coms, Ranked From Just Alright to Alright Alright Alright
- That 'Inside Out' Bing Bong Scene Was Originally Even Sadder
- The 2016 People's Choice Awards Nominations Are Here
- Tim Gunn Says He 'Hated' 'Project Runway' Season 14
- 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' Title Design Is Toothy Fun
- Jon Stewart Is Headed to HBO to Produce Digital Content
- 9 Unforgettable Moments From the 'Back to the Future' Trilogy
- 'Star Wars' Actors Support Terminally Ill Fan's Campaign to See 'Force Awakens' Early
- Immortality Is Possible in This Exclusive 'Victor Frankenstein' Clip
- Quiz: Match the James Bond Gadget to the Correct Movie
- Nicole Kidman May Join 'Wonder Woman' as Amazon Warrior: Report
- Brie Larson's Ma Introduces Jack to His Reflection in This Exclusive 'Room' Preview
- Here's the Full List of 2015 Hollywood Film Awards Winners
- 'The O.C.' Is Finally Available to Stream Online Via CW Seed
- 11 Best Training Montages in Movie History, Ranked
- Lightsabers, Masks Banned from Some 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Screenings
- Best of Late Night TV: The 'Hey Jimmy Kimmel, I Told My Kids I Ate All Their Halloween Candy' Challenge
| Matthew McConaughey's Rom-Coms, Ranked From Just Alright to Alright Alright Alright Posted: Matthew McConaughey can now preface his name with the phrase "Oscar-winning," but he'll always be the king of the rom-com to us. Don't get us wrong -- we appreciate his dramatic acting (especially those Lincoln commercials) but his rom-com work is in a class all its own. So, in honor of the star's birthday (and with a nod to his trademark phrase), we're ranking McConaughey's contributions to the genre, from just alright to alright, alright, alright -- because, duh, he wouldn't have it any other way.  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| That 'Inside Out' Bing Bong Scene Was Originally Even Sadder Posted: In an interview with MTV News, Kind discussed the scene in question, in which (SPOILER) Bing Bong is trying to help Joy out of the memory dump abyss, and sacrifices himself so that she can survive and reunite with Sadness (Phyllis Smith). It's an absolutely heartbreaking scene, especially when Bing Bong tells Joy, "Take [Riley] to the moon for me." Kind admitted that that last bit of dialogue "kills me" and "gives me chills," but added that originally, there was even more content to depress audiences. He told MTV: Reliving Bambi's mother's death isn't something we'd like to do, either, so we appreciate director Pete Docter and co. sparing us that fate. Kind added that the bonus Bing Bong footage showed the character "get a little desperate. It was a lot sadder," but we agree with him that the version we saw onscreen was the right choice for the flick. So when you go to watch the movie again, and get upset over Bing Bong's death all over again, just remember: It could have been much, much worse. You're welcome. [via: MTV News] Photo credit: Disney This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| The 2016 People's Choice Awards Nominations Are Here Posted:  Nominations for the 2016 People's Choice Awards were announced on Tuesday, and there's lots of love for ABC's TGIT lineup, with that trio of Shonda Rhimes-produced shows scoring multiple nods across a bunch of the top TV categories.In addition to all the attention for "Grey's Anatomy," "Scandal," and "How to Get Away with Murder," other series that received multiple nominations include "Empire," "The Big Bang Theory," and "Pretty Little Liars." On the movie side of the equation, "Jurassic World," "Trainwreck," "Furious 7," and "Inside Out" scored multiple nods each. Jane Lynch is hosting the ceremony, which airs on CBS on January 6, 2016. Check out the full list of movie and TV nominees below. (Nominations in other categories can be found on the official People's Choice website.) FAVORITE MOVIE Avengers: Age of Ultron Furious 7 Inside Out Jurassic World Pitch Perfect 2 FAVORITE MOVIE ACTOR Channing Tatum Chris Pratt Johnny Depp Robert Downey Jr. Will Smith FAVORITE MOVIE ACTRESS Anne Hathaway Melissa McCarthy Meryl Streep Sandra Bullock Scarlett Johansson FAVORITE ACTION MOVIE Avengers: Age of Ultron The Divergent Series: Insurgent Furious 7 Jurassic World Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials FAVORITE ACTION MOVIE ACTOR Chris Hemsworth Chris Pratt Dwayne Johnson Robert Downey Jr. Vin Diesel FAVORITE ACTION MOVIE ACTRESS Charlize Theron Emily Blunt Michelle Rodriguez Scarlett Johansson Shailene Woodley FAVORITE ANIMATED MOVIE VOICE Adam Sandler Amy Poehler Rihanna Sandra Bullock Selena Gomez FAVORITE COMEDIC MOVIE The DUFF Pitch Perfect 2 Spy Ted 2 Trainwreck FAVORITE COMEDIC MOVIE ACTOR Jack Black Kevin Hart Mark Wahlberg Robert De Niro Will Ferrell FAVORITE COMEDIC MOVIE ACTRESS Amy Schumer Anna Kendrick Melissa McCarthy Rebel Wilson Sofia Vergara FAVORITE DRAMATIC MOVIE The Age of Adeline Fifty Shades of Grey The Longest Ride The Martian Straight Outta Compton FAVORITE DRAMATIC MOVIE ACTOR Channing Tatum George Clooney Johnny Depp Matt Damon Will Smith FAVORITE DRAMATIC MOVIE ACTRESS Blake Lively Dakota Johnson Jennifer Lopez Kate Winslet Rachel McAdams FAVORITE FAMILY MOVIE Cinderella Home Hotel Transylvania 2 Inside Out Minions FAVORITE THRILLER MOVIE The Boy Next Door Insidious: Chapter 3 Poltergeist Taken 3 Unfriended FAVORITE TV SHOW The Big Bang Theory Game Of Thrones Grey's Anatomy The Voice The Walking Dead FAVORITE NETWORK TV COMEDY 2 Broke Girls The Big Bang Theory Mike & Molly Modern Family New Girl FAVORITE COMEDIC TV ACTOR Andy Samberg Jesse Tyler Ferguson Jim Parsons Johnny Galecki Matthew Perry FAVORITE COMEDIC TV ACTRESS Anna Farris Kaley Cuoco Melissa McCarthy Sofia Vergara Zooey Deschanel FAVORITE NETWORK TV DRAMA Empire Gotham Grey's Anatomy How To Get Away With Murder Scandal FAVORITE DRAMATIC TV ACTOR Jesse Williams Justin Chambers Scott Foley Taylor Kinney Terrence Howard FAVORITE DRAMATIC TV ACTRESS Ellen Pompeo Kerry Washington Sara Ramirez Taraji P. Henson Viola Davis FAVORITE CABLE TV COMEDY Baby Daddy Faking It It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia Real Husbands of Hollywood Young & Hungry FAVORITE CABLE TV DRAMA Bates Motel The Fosters Pretty Little Liars Rizolli & Isles Suits FAVORITE CABLE TV ACTOR Adam Devine Christian Slater Eric Dane Kevin Hart Taye Diggs FAVORITE CABLE TV ACTRESS Ashley Benson Hilary Duff Lucy Hale Sasha Alexander Shay Mitchell FAVORITE PREMIUM CABLE TV SHOW Girls Homeland Masters of Sex Shameless Veep FAVORITE PREMIUM CABLE TV ACTOR Dwayne Johnson Joshua Jackson Justin Theroux Matt LeBlanc Nick Jonas FAVORITE PREMIUM CABLE TV ACTRESS Claire Danes Emmy Rossum Julia Louis-Dreyfus Kristen Bell Lisa Kudrow FAVORITE TV CRIME DRAMA Bones Castle Criminal Minds NCIS Person of Interest FAVORITE CRIME DRAMA TV ACTOR Jim Caviezel LL Cool J Mark Harmon Nathan Fillion Shemar Moore FAVORITE CRIME DRAMA TV ACTRESS Emily Deschanel Lucy Liu Mariska Hargitay Pauley Perrette Stana Katic FAVORITE NETWORK SCI-FI/FANTASY TV SHOW Arrow Beauty and the Beast Once Upon a Time Supernatural The Vampire Diaries FAVORITE CABLE SCI-FI/FANTASY TV SHOW American Horror Story Game of Thrones Outlander Teen Wolf The Walking Dead FAVORITE SCI-FI/FANTASY TV ACTOR David Tennant Ian Somerhalder Jensen Ackles Misha Collins Sam Heughan FAVORITE SCI-FI/FANTASY TV ACTRESS Caitriona Balfe Emilia Clarke Ginnifer Goodwin Jennifer Morrison Lady Gaga FAVORITE COMPETITION TV SHOW America's Got Talent American Ninja Warrior Dancing with the Stars MasterChef The Voice FAVORITE DAYTIME TV HOST Dr. Oz Ellen DeGeneres Rachael Ray Steve Harvey Wendy Williams FAVORITE DAYTIME TV HOSTING TEAM Good Morning America Live with Kelly and Michael The Talk Today The View FAVORITE LATE NIGHT TALK SHOW HOST Conan O'Brien James Corden Jimmy Fallon Jimmy Kimmel Stephen Colbert FAVORITE STREAMING SERIES House of Cards The Mindy Project Orange is the New Black Transparent Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt FAVORITE ACTOR IN A NEW TV SERIES Chace Crawford John Stamos Josh Peck Rob Lowe Zachary Levi FAVORITE ACTRESS IN A NEW TV SERIES Emma Roberts Jamie Lee Curtis Lea Michele Marcia Gay Harden Priyanka Chopra FAVORITE ANIMATED TV SHOW American Dad Bob's Burger Family Guy The Simpsons South Park FAVORITE NEW TV COMEDY Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Dr. Ken Grandfathered The Grinder Life in Pieces The Muppets Scream Queens Truth Be Told FAVORITE NEW TV DRAMA Blindspot Blood & Oil Code Black Heroes Reborn Limitless Minority Report The Player Quantico Rosewood Supergirl Wicked City [via: People's Choice Awards] Photo credit: AFP/Getty Images This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Tim Gunn Says He 'Hated' 'Project Runway' Season 14 Posted:  If you think that this season of "Project Runway" has been a little bit of a letdown, you're not alone: Beloved mentor Tim Gunn completely agrees, going so far as to say he "hated" it.In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Gunn sounded off on the show's about-to-wrap season, telling the site, "I hated season 14." He continued, "I felt that other than a couple of designers, they weren't working up to their potential. The whole thing was lackluster." Those are strong words from Gunn, who typically takes a gentle approach with contestants, guiding them to smarter design choices through frank but sensitive critiques and tough-but-sensitive love. But apparently that love just wasn't enough this time around, and Gunn said that had a lot to do with the contestants themselves, who he says "just weren't hungry" enough for the show. "Their audition videos from home, you know, they're sitting by a pool, they're taking us into their closet with all their designer clothes, and I just thought, they're not hungry!," Gunn told EW. " ... And I think that was largely the issue." One contestant in particular that we know Gunn is talking about is Swapnil Shinde, who Tim famously chewed out in one of the few times he ever lost his cool in "Project Runway" history. Another is designer Gabrielle Arruda (who was eliminated fairly early on), who showed off her lavish clothing collection during her audition. Here's hoping that next season's crop of contestants steps up its game. Having Tim Gunn disappointed in you is one of the worst fates we can imagine for a designer. [via: Entertainment Weekly] Photo credit: Astrid Stawiarz via Getty Images This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' Title Design Is Toothy Fun Posted:  We're still more than a year away from the release of "Harry Potter" spinoff "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them," but that doesn't mean we're not insanely excited to see more of J.K. Rowling's magical world. Now, the flick has revealed its first image: its toothy title design.The image, which debuted on Entertainment Weekly, is as instantly iconic for the new "Beasts" series as the lightning bolt-centric title design was for the "Harry Potter" series. The font features teeth jutting out of several letters, and a large, twisted "S" smack dab in the middle, which resembles a serpent or dragon; both touches are a nice nod to protagonist Newt Scamander's job as a magizoologist (a.k.a. someone who studies magical creatures). The prominent placement of the "Fantastic Beasts" lettering in the logo also suggests that that wording will stick with the franchise throughout the planned trilogy, with "and Where to Find Them" eventually getting replaced by future films' subtitles. The series could also adopt a "Twilight" or "Hunger Games"-style title format, with "Fantastic Beasts" appearing in the name, followed by a colon and the full title. If it seems like this is a lot of speculation and excitement over a measly few words, let us remind you again of just who and what we're dealing with here: This is a new story set in the same world as "Harry Potter" (it takes place 70 years prior to the events of "Sorcerer's Stone"); it's written by Rowling herself and directed by longtime "Potter" helmer David Yates; and it features a sprawling, star-studded cast that includes Eddie Redmayne, Colin Farrell, Katherine Waterston, Alison Sudol, Dan Fogler, Ezra Miller, Samantha Morton, Jon Voight, Ron Perlman, Gemma Chan, and Carmen Ejogo. Need we say more? "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" is due in theaters on November 18, 2016. In case you couldn't tell, we can't wait. [via: Entertainment Weekly] Photo credit: Entertainment Weekly This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Jon Stewart Is Headed to HBO to Produce Digital Content Posted: HBO announced the partnership on Tuesday, revealing that Stewart signed a four-year deal with the premium cable channel. He'll begin his HBO tenure with a new project that sounds suspiciously similar to what he did on "The Daily Show" (and what "Daily Show" alum John Oliver is doing on HBO's "Last Week Tonight"), just with a digital bent. Here's the scoop from the press release: The project will also be made available on HBO Go and "other platforms," though the cabler declined to mention specific details about those logistics. In a statement, Stewart said he was "so excited" join HBO, adding, "Appearing on television 22 minutes a night clearly broke me. I'm pretty sure I can produce a few minutes of content every now and again." No word yet on when Stewart's project will make its debut. Stay tuned. [via: HBO PR] Photo credit: Getty Images for Comedy Central This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| 9 Unforgettable Moments From the 'Back to the Future' Trilogy Posted: Unless you've been avoiding the Internet for the past few weeks, you know that "Back to the Future" mania is in full swing. As of October 21, the entire trilogy now takes place entirely in our past. Somehow, we don't think that'll stop us from obsessively rewatching these movies until we grow as old as Doc Brown. In honor of this big milestone, here are our seven favorite moments from this epic saga of time travel, hoverboards and the power of love. "Back to the Future 30th Anniversary Trilogy" is available to own now on Blu-ray & DVD.  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| 'Star Wars' Actors Support Terminally Ill Fan's Campaign to See 'Force Awakens' Early Posted:  A lifelong "Star Wars" fan who has terminal cancer has started an online campaign to get an early screening of "The Force Awakens," and several stars of the flick have thrown their support behind the man.Daniel Fleetwood, 32, has spindle cell sarcoma, a rare form of connective tissue cancer, and was told by doctors in July that he only had two months to live. Fleetwood, who's currently in home hospice care, says he's been a huge "Star Wars" fan since he was a boy, has one dying wish: to see "The Force Awakens," which isn't due in theaters until December. "Judging by how progressive the disease has gotten in the past two months I really don't think that I'll be able to make it," Fleetwood told local Houston news station KPRC. Friends and family started an online campaign, #ForceForDaniel, to show their support for Fleetwood's wish, and several members of the "Star Wars" universe have also tweeted their approval of the cause. Both Mark Hamill and John Boyega retweeted KPRC's story about Fleetwood, and Peter Mayhew (a.k.a. Chewbacca) also retweeted another post featuring the hashtag. "It's a commitment and he still has that commitment, that drive, and that love and I think that it's a beautiful thing," Fleetwood's wife, Ashley, told KPRC. "Even if it's just a movie. That's magic for a lot of people." There's been no word yet from Disney or "Force Awakens" helmer J.J. Abrams, though we expect that the director will eventually grant Fleetwood's request. Abrams made a similar wish come true back in 2013, when a "Star Trek" fan with terminal cancer campaigned to get an advance screening of "Star Trek Into Darkness." Abrams agreed, and that fan, Daniel Craft, died only days after seeing the film. Our fingers are crossed for Fleetwood. [via: KPRC, h/t The Hollywood Reporter] Photo credit: Twitter This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Immortality Is Possible in This Exclusive 'Victor Frankenstein' Clip Posted:  Dr. Frankenstein has the cure for what ails you: immortality."Igor and I stand on the cusp of creating life out of death," says Victor Frankenstein (James McAvoy), attempting to convince lady friend Lorelei (Jessica Brown Findlay) that he's on the brink of scientific breakthrough, in Moviefone's exclusive first look at "Victor Frankenstein," hitting theaters November 25th. The conversation then turns to matters of science, with Igor (Daniel Radcliffe) getting in on the action. "Victor Frankenstein" is a new twist on Mary Shelley's classic "Frankenstein" tale, one that focuses more on the the relationship between the genius Dr. Frankenstein and his equally brilliant protégé, Igor. Just like in the classic story, Victor's experiments go too far, and only Igor can bring his mentor back from the brink of madness. Watch the clip, then check out "Victor Frankenstein" on Nov. 25th. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Quiz: Match the James Bond Gadget to the Correct Movie Posted:  Laser watches. Jet packs. Invisible sports cars. If there's a gadget that can be worn, fired, flown, or driven, James Bond has used it.He's like a walking Sharper Image catalog -- but with 100% more explode-y things. With 24 films under his belt, Bond's generously dipped into Q Branch's stash of field tech. And in "Spectre," he adds a shiny new Aston Martin (complete with rear flame thrower!) to his collection. Which means it is the perfect time to test your super spy knowledge -- take our quiz to see if you can match the gadget to its Bond movie. Oh, and unlike 007, try to bring the equipment back in one piece. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Nicole Kidman May Join 'Wonder Woman' as Amazon Warrior: Report Posted:  The upcoming "Wonder Woman" movie may be adding an Oscar winner to its ranks: Nicole Kidman is reportedly in talks for a high-profile role in the picture.According to TheWrap, Kidman is in the midst of negotiations to appear in "Wonder Woman" alongside titular star Gal Gadot. The site writes that she's being eyed to play "a high-ranking Amazonian warrior," a member of the same race as Wonder Woman herself. It's unclear at this point if the flick will follow the traditional comics storyline, but TheWrap reports that Kidman could be playing Hyppolyta, the Queen of the Amazons and Wonder Woman's biological mother. We'll have to wait for official word from Warner Bros. before we know for certain (and whether or not Kidman is indeed joining the film). Gadot will make her debut as the superheroine in "Man of Steel" sequel "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice," due in theaters in spring 2016. Her standalone flick, which also costars Chris Pine, is then slated for release on June 23, 2017. [via: TheWrap] Photo credit: Getty Images for OMEGA This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Brie Larson's Ma Introduces Jack to His Reflection in This Exclusive 'Room' Preview Posted: This exclusive clip from the movie features Brie Larson's Joy, aka "Ma," and her 5-year-old son, Jack (Jacob Tremblay). Seven years ago, Joy was tricked by a man called Old Nick and kidnapped, brought to a shed she just calls "Room." This is the only world Jack has ever known, but when he and Ma escape Room, they still have to face the culture shock of the real world. The scene shows Ma and Jack in their first post-Room bathroom visit, which may not sound like a major event, but it's all new to Jack. You can tell from Ma's attire and wristband that they're in a hospital. Mirrors and showers are foreign to Jack, and in this touching scene, Ma shows him their reflections. "That's us." Jack is more concerned with Old Nick than his own appearance, asking, "Ma, will he find us?" Ma looks him in the eye and promises, "No, he will never find us." That poor sweet little boy, and his incredibly brave mother. This is going to be a beautiful heartbreaker, and we can't wait to see it play out on the big screen. In addition to young Jacob Tremblay and the amazing Brie Larson, who is already a lock for awards season, "Room" stars Sean Bridgers, Joan Allen, and William H. Macy.  Want more stuff like this? Like us on Facebook.This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Here's the Full List of 2015 Hollywood Film Awards Winners Posted: For only the second time ever, the awards ceremony was aired on CBS, with "Late Late Show" host James Corden serving as emcee for the proceedings. Presenters were just as impressive as honorees, with everyone from Ryan Gosling to Selena Gomez to Jamie Foxx to Amy Poehler handing out trophies. Check out the full list of winners -- including Will Smith, Amy Schumer, the "Straight Outta Compton" cast, and "Inside Out" -- below. Career Achievement Award: Robert De Niro, presented by David O. Russell Producer Award: Ridley Scott for "The Martian," presented by Russell Crowe Director Award: Tom Hooper for "The Danish Girl," presented by Amber Heard Actor Award: Will Smith for "Concussion," presented by Jamie Foxx Actress Award: Carey Mulligan for "Suffragette," presented by Jake Gyllenhaal Supporting Actor Award: Benicio Del Toro for "Sicario," presented by Reese Witherspoon Supporting Actress Award: Jane Fonda for "Youth," presented by Laura Dern Breakout Actor Award: Joel Edgerton for "Black Mass," presented by Johnny Depp and Dakota Johnson Breakout Actress Award: Alicia Vikander for "The Danish Girl," presented by Armie Hammer New Hollywood Award: Saoirse Ronan for Brooklyn, presented by Ryan Gosling Ensemble Award: "The Hateful Eight" cast, including Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Channing Tatum, Bruce Dern, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, Walton Goggins, Demian Bichir, presented by Jamie Foxx Breakout Ensemble Award: "Straight Outta Compton" cast, including Corey Hawkins, O'Shea Jackson, Jr. & Jason Mitchell, presented by Ice Cube Comedy Award: Amy Schumer for "Trainwreck," presented by Selena Gomez Director Award: Adam McKay for "The Big Short," presented by Steve Carell Screenwriter Award: Tom McCarthy and Josh Singer for Spotlight, presented by Mark Ruffalo Blockbuster Award: "Furious 7" (award accepted by Vin Diesel, Tyrese Gibson, Jordana Brewster, Michelle Rodriguez), presented by Kurt Russell Song Award: Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth for "See You Again" from the Furious 7 soundtrack, presented by Vin Diesel Animation Award: "Inside Out" (award accepted by director Pete Docter), presented by Amy Poehler Documentary Award: Asif Kapadia for "Amy" Cinematography Award: Janusz Kaminski for "Bridge of Spies" Film Composer Award: Alexandre Desplat for "The Danish Girl" and "Suffragette" Editor Award: David Rosenbloom for "Black Mass" Visual Effects Award: Tim Alexander for "Jurassic World" Sound Award: Gary Rydstrom for "Bridge of Spies" Costume Design Award: Sandy Powell for "Cinderella" Makeup & Hair Styling Award: Lesley Vanderwalt for "Mad Max: Fury Road" Production Design Award: Cory Gibson for "Mad Max: Fury Road" [via: CBS News] Photo credit: Getty Images This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| 'The O.C.' Is Finally Available to Stream Online Via CW Seed Posted:  It's been more than eight (!!) long years since "The O.C." signed off the airwaves after its four-season run on Fox, and the Chrismukkah gods must have heard our cries of sorrow: The entire series is now available to stream online, for free, via CW Seed.The show quietly made its way online on Monday, and fans of Ryan, Seth, Summer, and yes, even Marissa, could barely contain their collective glee. While the series is available on DVD, and individual episodes can be purchased via Amazon and iTunes, this is the first time it's been available via a streaming platform, a head-scratching omission that has now, thankfully, been righted. While CW Seed may seem like an odd place for the program, which aired on Fox, it likely ended up there instead of on more popular platforms Netflix and Hulu thanks to its rights holder, Warner Bros. Television. The CW, if you'll recall, was the product of a merger between The WB and UPN. However it happened, we couldn't be more thrilled. Here's to many nights ahead spent with Captain Oats, Sandy Cohen's eyebrows, and copious Death Cab for Cutie references. Welcome to "The O.C." streaming, bitch. [via: CW Seed] Photo credit: CW Seed This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| 11 Best Training Montages in Movie History, Ranked Posted:  Ralph Macchio's birthday -- he turns 54 on November 4 -- reminds us that, not only do we love the Karate Kid, but we love even more a training montage.You know, that staple of feel-good, fist-pumping, sweat-exuding movies, especially from the aerobicized '80s, that shows rapid-cut clips of the star getting in shape or mastering some arcane fighting technique, usually set to some inspirational, synth-heavy anthem. By the end of that decade, the training montage had become such an overblown cliché that it fell out of favor, which is why we cherish the few new ones that come along and relish the old ones that still make us feel like slackers. So cue up Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger," raise a glass of raw eggs, and drink a toast to the best training montages ever. 11. 'G.I. Jane' (1997) Training to become the first female Navy SEAL, Demi Moore's Lt. Jordan O'Neill shaves her head, endures hellish and brazenly sexist hazing, and, in a brief montage, shows off an enviable skill at one-armed push-ups. Bonus style points for conducting her workout in the dark, and to the tune of Three Dog Night's "Mama Told Me Not to Come" instead of some inspirational electronica anthem. 10. 'Wet Hot American Summer' (2001) The spoof of '80s summer camp movies also includes a spoof of '80s training montages, particularly the one in "Rocky III." Here, lovelorn counselor Coop (Michael Showalter) gets trained, for no particularly good reason, in the "New Way," by psycho Vietnam vet-turned-camp-chef Gene (Christopher Meloni). The montage includes a lot of slow-motion running, pointless dancing, bro-hugging, and a conspicuous lack of improvement in Coop's muscle tone. 9. 'Batman Begins' (2005) Haunted by his parents' deaths at the hands of a mugger, future Batman Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) travels to the Himalayas for martial arts training, and who better to teach him than the guy who played Jedi master Qui-Gon Jinn? Liam Neeson's Henri Ducard puts Bruce through his paces, teaching him to channel his anger constructively, to treat criminals without mercy, to practice stealth like a ninja, and to survive a swordfight atop an ice-covered lake. This last never seems to come in handy back in Gotham City, but it sure looks cool. 8. 'Bloodsport' (1988) The movie that made Jean-Claude Van Damme a star features a lengthy montage where the Belgian kickboxer's character, an American named Frank Dux (yes, an American, just go with it) becomes one of the rare Westerners to learn the fighting techniques used in the Kumite. Like Luke Skywalker, he has to learn a lot of his skills while blindfolded, including one bizarre segment where he has to serve tea, sightless, while fighting off the occasional blow. Here, JCVD's woodenness serves him well, proving he's impervious to pain. 7. 'Mulan' (1998) Turns out the training montage works just as well in Disney cartoons as in live-action. Like other martial-arts training sequences, this one involves swordfighting, stick fighting, and lugging around pails of water. But it also includes a song sung by Donny Osmond, (voicing the drill instructor, Shang), the ironic "I'll Make a Man Out of You." 6. 'The 36th Chamber of Shaolin' (1978) The warrior monks in this Hong Kong classic put the art in martial arts. This is perhaps the most beautifully choreographed training sequence ever. The monks' swordfighting, stick fighting, kickboxking workouts are graceful. And their other trials, involving spikes and flaming hoops, are seriously badass. The most promising student, San Te (Gordon Liu), who makes remarkably quick progress through the instruction rooms referred to in the title, is shown mastering some especially hazardous-looking moves. Fittingly, Liu went on to play Pai Mei, who puts Uma Thurman through similarly brutal training in "Kill Bill Vol. 2." 5. 'Rocky III' (1982) Bromance, plus calf-high tube socks, equals pure awesome. Rocky and Apollo, boxing buddies (this fall on CW!), dance shirtless in front of a mirror, spar, and run slow-mo on a beach -- their bulging thighs glistening in their short shorts. It all ends in a big, sweaty hug. You'll want a shower after this one. 4. 'Team America: World Police' (2004) How is marionette hero Gary Johnston to prepare himself to fight North Korean bad guys? "We're gonna need a montage." What follows, in Trey Parker and Matt Stone's satirical puppet show, is an '80s-style synth-rock number called "Montage" whose lyrics are the best things your ears will never hear. 3. 'The Karate Kid' (1984) This 80s staple has two uh-mah-zing montages. A training one, where Mr. Miyagi proves he is the craftiest sensei of all time. Not only does he teach Daniel-san karate moves by burning them into his muscle memory, but he also gets Daniel to paint his fence and his house, sand his deck, and wax his cars in the process. Sadly, the internet denied us a video of it. But it did give us Montage #2 (above), scored to the immortal classic (and montage anthem) "You're the Best." You're welcome. 2. 'Rocky' (1976) Here's the training montage that started it all -- and the one that still remains a sentimental favorite. Set to the tune of Bill Conti's soon-to-be-famous "Gonna Fly Now," the montage famously shows the Italian Stallion punching sides of beef, taking blows to the stomach, doing all sorts of push-ups, and doing lots of running. You can tell he's improving because the Philadelphia locales gradually transition from eyesores to picturesque tourist spots, culminating in that celebrated ascent of the stairs of the art museum. 1. 'Rocky IV' (1985) Here's the training montage to end all training montages. This one smartly crosscuts between Stallone's Rocky, working out with farm equipment in the snow-covered Siberian countryside, and Dolph Lundgren's Ivan Drago, in a sophisticated gym, being monitored by computers (and an admiring Brigitte Nielsen) and getting pumped full of steroids. Here, Rocky does everything only a human in a movie would do to prepare for battling the boxer equivalent of the Cold War: He goes for a nice jog through snow while outrunning a car, turns a barn into "CrossFit Begins," and ascends a mountain peak where, naturally, bellows Drago's name -- calling out his foe from the faraway summit. And that's just the first half of the montage, which goes on eight punishing minutes. (#Blessed). 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| Lightsabers, Masks Banned from Some 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Screenings Posted:  Moviegoers hoping to don impressive cosplay for the premiere of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" may want to check their local theater's policy first: Some cinema chains are banning lightsabers, blasters, and masks from screenings.National chains including Cinemark and AMC have adopted bans for certain costume items and accessories, with Cinemark announcing its policy on posters promoting the December release of the latest "Star Wars" flick. The notice reads: AMC, meanwhile, posted its own, slightly more lenient policy on its website, in a special "Costume Policy" sidebar placed prominently on the page. It says: Though no reason for the ban was given, it's likely to amp up security in the wake of deadly movie theater shootings in recent years. In 2012, 12 people were killed and 70 more were injured during a "Dark Knight Rises" screening in Colorado; this summer, two people were killed and nine others injured at a screening of "Trainwreck" in Louisiana. The Hollywood Reporter writes that both AMC and Regal enacted bans on masks and fake weapons following the 2012 shooting, and increased the number of bag checks as part of regular security. This summer's shooting also prompted discussions of installing metal detectors at movie theater entrances, THR reports. "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" opens on December 18. [via: CBS Los Angeles, AMC, h/t The Hollywood Reporter] Photo credit: Disney This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Posted:  If you're like us and value your sleep, you probably nodded off into your Ambien dreamland before the party started on post-prime time TV. Don't worry; we've got you covered. Here's the best of what happened last night on late night.The moment you've been waiting for is finally here: it's time for Jimmy Kimmel's "Hey Jimmy Kimmel, I Told My Kids I Ate All Their Halloween Candy" YouTube challenge. One word: YAS. This year's video compilation was absolutely incredible, but hat's off to that kid who started crying. Oh wait, that was all of them. Over on "Late Night," Jon Hamm discussed what Don Draper's next move might have been on "Mad Men," and he's willing to bet that Don pitched his Coke idea the very next day. *Full body shivers* / *Weeps because "Mad Men" is no longer on the air* Rounding out an excellent night, Bryan Cranston visited "The Tonight Show" and showed footage from the, cough, "show" he starred in with Jimmy Fallon. These faux flashbacks are always hilarious, so enjoy an episode of "Suspended Suspense:" This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
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