Thompson on Hollywood

'Les Miserables' Director Hooper Digs Into His Musical Audacity, It's Like 'Avatar' or Shakespeare

Interviews

Tom Hooper sounds sniffly. He calls it "flying related." He's calling me from Japan, where he's about to attend yet another premiere of "Les Miserables." "I have not managed to show the movie to our own Royal family," he says. "Now I'm showing it to the Crown Prince of Japan."

By Anne Thompson
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December 29, 2012 6:25 AM
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2012 Movie Roles That Should Have Gone to Someone Else

Features

As we look back at the year in film, we find -- as always -- there's room for improvement. Often by simply replacing a lead actor, a world of difference could be made on the overall effect of the film. Films come together the way they do for a reason. Often it's more about a star's marquee value or perceived bankability than it is about the part they are playing. Alas, here are the 2012 Movie Roles That Should Have Gone to Someone Else.

By Sophia Savage
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December 28, 2012 4:10 PM
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Which Stars Need a Comeback?

Awards

Everybody loves a comeback. Ben Affleck redeemed himself from "Jersey Girl" and Gigli" with "The Town" and "Argo," while President Obama gave Democrats hope by deciding to show up for his second debate against Mitt Romney after a frustratingly muted first round. So with the fall movie season upon us, HitFix names ten likely comebacks of the fall season, among them Robert De Niro, Jamie Foxx, Barbra Streisand, Helen Hunt and Robert Zemeckis. We also name a few of our own stars needing a comeback below.

By Sophia Savage
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October 18, 2012 4:25 PM
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FIRST LOOK: 'Les Miserables' Poster Roundup: Hathaway, Seyfried, Jackman and Crowe

News

Two more doe-eyed character posters have been added to the growing "Les Mis" artwork, this time featuring Amanda Seyfried as a grown-up Cosette and Anne Hathaway as a pre-shaved-head Fantine. (Someone needs to let us in on this French Revolution skin regimen.) Full roundup of character posters, including Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean and Russell Crowe as Javert, below.

By Beth Hanna
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October 12, 2012 3:07 PM
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Extended Look at Hooper's 'Les Miserables' with Jackman, Hathaway, Crowe & More

Video

If you weren't excited for Tom Hooper's "Les Miserables" already, this extended first look should do the trick. The epic story, this time starring Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfriend, Eddie Redmayne, Helena Bonham Carter, Samantha Barks and Sacha Baron Cohen, arrives Christmas day. Due warning: this team of actor-musicians is singing live. No canned studio sessions here. Oscar contenders, beware.

By Sophia Savage
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September 20, 2012 3:07 PM
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First Look: Russell Crowe Bearded and Burly As 'Noah' in Aronofksy's Biblical Genesis Epic

News

Check out the first official photo of Russell Crowe as the titular ark captain in Darren Aronofsky's "Noah." (The first glimpse of the legendary ark can be seen here.) While the role had a few other prominent (and younger) names attach and then drop out of the project...

By Beth Hanna
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August 10, 2012 3:58 PM
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CASTING WATCH: Aronofsky's 'Noah' Wants Winstone, Watson & Wife; Penelope Cruz Joins 'Counselor,' Reteams with Almodovar

Features

Darren Aronofsky's "Noah" is adding to its ark. Aussie Russell Crowe will play the titular Biblical character, while Brit Ray Winstone ("Sexy Beast," "The Departed," "Hugo") has been offered the villain role. Emma Watson is in talks to join as Ila, a girl rescued by Noah, a role Dakota Fanning had to turn down due to scheduling conflicts.

By Sophia Savage
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June 12, 2012 4:28 PM
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Trailer Watch: Anne Hathaway Sings Us Through the First Trailer of Tom Hooper's "Les Miserables"

Video

The first trailer for Tom Hooper's "Les Miserables" adaptation premiered Wednesday morning, giving us a first look and listen to a slew of movie stars in the 19th-century period musical. Although it's just Anne Hathaway singing in this first trailer, we see glimpses of Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Amanda Seyfried, and Eddie Redmayne.

By Maggie Lange
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May 30, 2012 11:43 AM
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Now and Then: On Film, America's Culture of Violence

Reviews

The most terrifying 80 minutes I've spent in my career as a film critic were those spent watching "Elephant," in which even the rhythmic click-click-click of photographic negatives being shaken in chemicals brought me the edge of what I can bear.

By Matt Brennan
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May 1, 2012 6:14 AM
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Will Crowe and Neeson Face Off in Aronofsky's 'Noah's Ark'

News

Christian Bale is a no-go for Darren Aronofsky's "Noah's Ark," but Russell Crowe may be taking the helm as Noah. Word is, Aronofsky is eyeing both Crowe and Liam Neeson for the biblical retelling with Crowe as the good guy and Neeson the bad...