Samuel L. Jackson Talks Star Wars Episode VII
Whilst launching new Male Cancer Charity initiative One For The Boys, Samuel L. Jackson added some serious weight to recent rumours that he’s eager to be a part of the new Star Wars franchise.
Speaking about his popular role in the Star Wars saga as purple lightsabre wielding Jedi Master Mace Windu, Jackson openly admitted he’d love to be part of Episode VII and work with new director J.J. Abrams.
Jackson also opened the door further by indicating he would perhaps settle for new role in the series by admitting he’d be happy to be in there as ‘something’ even if they don’t decide to revive his former Jedi Master.
Video Interview below:
Natalie Dormer On Game of Thrones Red Wedding
At the recent London premiere for new comedy The Heat we spoke to Game of Thrones star Natalie Dormer about the controversy surrounding the now infamous 9th episode of its award winning this season.
The hit HBO series has won much praise and acclaim for its frequent depiction of realistic sex and violence to bring the brutal fantasy world of Westeros to life. However the Red Wedding episode in the latest season grabbed headlines as a number of the main cast were ruthlessly massacred. The grisly scene was always part of the original books by George R.R. Martin, but critics and even some fans of the show claim that the scenes were perhaps too horrific this time for television.
Responding to the intense reaction Natalie Dormer, who plays Margaery Tyrell, explained that she felt that the Red Wedding was handled well and that the violence wasn’t gratuitous at all. She also admitted she’s looking forward to her characters own deadly wedding in season 4, but hopes her white dress doesn’t get too much blood on it.
Video Interview Below:
Ryan Reynolds Drops Out Of Highlander Reboot
Ryan Reynolds has dropped out of the lead role in Lionsgate’s Highlander reboot, having apparently decided it isn’t the franchise that will finally make him the A-list superstar that his likeable wit and chiselled six pack probably deserves. 28 Days Later director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo also recently abandoned the new Highlander re-imagining, citing the usual excuse of ’creative differences’.
The original Highlander has remained a popular cult classic thanks to a memorable Queen soundtrack and implausibly accented star turns from Christopher Lambert & Sean Connery. The first film has already inspired a string of questionable sequels, alongside a live action and even an animated TV series. However the studio seems to be struggling to find anyone willing to jump on board for this latest version.
Reynolds has ghostly police action flick R.I.P.D. out later this year, while his long planned Deadpool movie for Marvel Studios is still officially happening. Having botched the introduction of the popular anti-hero in X Men Origins: Wolverine the new Deadpool movie will also likely be a fresh start for the character. So one way or another Ryan Reynolds will get to play with swords!
The Wolf Of Wall Street Trailer
Here’s the fist official trailer for Wolf Of Wall Street, the film which sees Martin Scorsese team with dapper muse Leonardo DiCaprio for a fifth time. The Oscar winning director and accomplished actor have previously partnered on Gangs of New York, The Aviator, The Departed and Shutter Island.
DiCaprio slicks his hair back and turns on his best rich person sneer to play the film’s lead role as Jordon Belfort. The film is based on the real Belfort’s colourful autobiography which chronicles his spectacular rise and fall as one of Wall Street’s most iconic figures. Belfort’s hard partying drug fueled downward spiral certainly seems to look like a surprisingly fun ride based on the evidence of this trailer. Jonah Hill and Matthew McConaughey are among the enthusiastic supporting cast bringing the tale of suited sociopath’s greed and excess to life.
The Cripple of Inishmaan Review
The Plot:
The Cripple of Inishmaan is a dark comedy by Martin McDonagh loosely inspired by the real life filming of the documentary Man of Aran. Set in 1934, the inhabitants of Inishmaan a small island community off the western coast of Ireland are excited to learn of a Hollywood film crew’s arrival on a neighbouring Inishmore to make a documentary about island life. ‘Cripple’ Billy Claven, eager to escape the gossip, poverty and boredom of Inishmaan, vies for a part in the film, and to everyone’s surprise, the orphan and outcast gets his chance
The Good:
The play balances its dark subject matter with the kind of jovial Irish wit and farcical self-depreciation familiar to fans of Father Ted or Mrs Browns Boys. The grim realities of island life and the sad situation of ‘Cripple’ Billy are offset effectively by a steady stream of black humour. Flashes of cruelty and tragedy are soon lost among jokes about cows, dirty priests, alcoholic pensioners and folk acting like a big eejit. It’s precisely the kind of gentle silliness required to soften the sharp edges of the play’s bleaker moments.
In the title role, Daniel Radcliffe successfully delivers a performance and flawless Irish accent that should go a long way towards convincing those sceptical that his gifts extended purely to playing bespectacled boy wizards of his genuine acting talents. For perhaps the first time, fans will see Radcliffe truly physically and vocally transformed. There’s absolutely no trace of the wooden awkwardness of the young star’s early Potter appearances. It’s a nice step in his on-going transformation from cringe-worthy child actor to accomplished performer of stage and screen.
Given Radcliffe’s status as a real life movie star, there’s something especially amusing about having his character’s Hollywood dreams dismissed so bluntly by those around him. It’s a subtle and convenient in-joke with the audience, which takes its place among a host of successful running gags. Though the play flirts with grim melodrama, it’s never too far away from the next laugh, courtesy of a good natured ensemble of daft Irish stereotypes.
The world of Inishmaan is amusingly populated by a familiar array of local gossips, fusspot women, mean girls and idiot boys. Radcliffe may be the marquee name, but the play boasts an excellent cast that brings the rest of the dim witted island community to life. Conor MacNeill and Sarah Greene in particular steal most of the best laughs and much of the show as simple minded Bartley McCormick and his fiery tempered sister Helen. Their bickering and Helen’s violent bullying are one of the play’s most entertaining clichés.
The Bad:
Devoted Harry Potter fans that are simply eager to see the world’s most famous wizard in person may feel a little disappointed by the fact that Radcliffe is an occasional rather than constant presence on stage. Though he performs well, many scenes play out with the ‘star’ of the show either entirely absent or only offering minimal contributions. Radcliffe may have the title role and be the only face on the poster, but in truth he’s merely part of a talented ensemble.
Parents contemplating taking younger Potter fanatics to see their hero should also be warned that the play has dark themes and grim moments that make it obviously unsuitable. It will undoubtedly traumatize your children to see a disabled Harry getting violently physically and verbally abused. It’s perhaps safer to merely take them to the stage door for an autograph instead.
Even bigger kids and grown-ups may find that the play’s frequent jokes only goes so far in distracting from its somber undertones. It’s not always quite so easy to laugh away the gloom of the play’s more depressing moments and tragic revelations.
The Ugly Truth:
The Cripple of Inishmaan has enough star power and silliness to distract from its potentially upsetting themes and more serious moments. Titular star Daniel Radcliffe delivers a competent and unselfish performance alongside a great cast that take turns politely stealing the spotlight. The play ultimately succeeds in performing a quintessentially Irish trick of making audiences consistently laugh when in truth they should probably be crying. It’s a bittersweet treat that should be appreciated by anyone old enough to recognize the fine line between tragedy and farce.
Video Interview below with Daniel Radcliffe from this year’s Olivier Theater Awards talking about life on stage: