Thompson on Hollywood

Now and Then: 'Haywire,' 'Bourne' Trilogy Prove That Style Is Substance

Reviews

Steven Soderbergh is a tough guy to peg. He made his name with a densely talkative indie about orgasms ("sex, lies, and videotape"), and in 22 films since has tackled everything from classy capers ("Out of Sight, the "Ocean's" trilogy) to the biopic of an iconic revolutionary ("Che"). But one thing is clear: the man's got style.

By Matt Brennan
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May 7, 2012 6:06 AM
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'Avengers' Video Prep: A Super Mash-Up of 182 Super Hero Movies

Video

Before "Marvel's The Avengers" premieres May 4, here's a superior super-hero mash-up to remind you of its predecessors and help you to judge whether the upcoming genre-fest will be "the best super hero movie of all time." Glossing over 182 films by our count, this Sleepy Skunk production also has a fantastically detailed roster in the description that catalogues the featured films.

By Maggie Lange
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April 27, 2012 4:13 PM
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'Battleship' Nasty Early Reviews: Critics Unleash Nautical Brickbats

Reviews

"Battleship," which so far boasts a paltry 45% on Rotten Tomatoes, is currently hitting screens in Europe and premieres stateside May 18, 2012.

By Maggie Lange
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April 11, 2012 2:02 PM
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Trailer Watch: Action-Packed 58-Second Teaser for Ridley Scott's 'Prometheus'

Video

In case you missed this, check out Ridley Scott's "Alien"-inspired "Prometheus" whirlwind of a 58-second teaser trailer. Fox's teaser adds new material to shots from the first trailer, while retaining a shroud of mystery.

By Maggie Lange
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February 17, 2012 2:02 PM
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Now and Then: 'The Getaway' and 'Drive' — Heist Films with Arthouse Roots

Reviews

To call "The Getaway" (1972) a heist flick is like calling "Jaws" a film about fish: technically speaking you'd be right, but you'd also be missing the point entirely. Sam Peckinpah's Steve McQueen/Ali MacGraw vehicle is a tough, mean, innovative picture in which "getting away" has to do with a lot more than not getting arrested.

By Matt Brennan
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February 6, 2012 1:40 PM
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IN THE WORKS: 'Hunger Games'' Liam Hemsworth to Star in 'Timeless'

News

Relativity Media has signed "Hunger Games" star Liam Hemsworth as the lead in "Timeless," a romantic thriller about a man so consumed by love of his recently deceased wife that he attempts to achieve the scientifically impossible.

By Maggie Lange
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January 27, 2012 1:18 PM
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Soderbergh's 'Haywire' is Kick-Ass: Trailers and Early Reviews UPDATED

Reviews

I finally saw Steven Soderbergh's "Haywire" (January 20) at Relativity Media's Hollywood premiere at the DGA Thursday night. In his intro, Soderbergh said, "I happened upon Gina Carano beating a woman up in a cage." The way to make it even better? Have her beat the crap out of macho movie stars. "Did you meet Gina?" Soderbergh asked me at the after-party. "Don't say the wrong thing, she's very strong."

By Anne Thompson
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January 6, 2012 7:28 PM
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Trailer Watch: Fassbender Gets His Ass Kicked

News

Carano vs. Fassbender: EW has posted a Haywire trailer showing Gina Carano whupping Michael Fassbender, who is no slouch physically, as well as an interview with him on his fights with the MMA star. I'll be talking to Fassbender on the flip cam Friday. Stay tuned.

By Anne Thompson
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November 10, 2011 7:46 PM
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Bond Expert Deciphers Skyfall Intelligence, Craig's Development as 007

So what have we learned after Thursday's press conference in London about Bond 23? Bill Desowitz, who is writing a book about the Bond films, parses the available 007 intelligence.

By Bill Desowitz
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November 3, 2011 11:01 AM
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Trailer Watch: Safe House Stars Badass Denzel Washington, Ryan Reynolds, Vera Farmiga

Check out Universal's Safe House, from Swedish born director Daniel Espinosa. The plot sounds familiar, but we'll pay to see Denzel Washington in just about anything. Ryan Reynolds appears suitably second fiddle to Washington, and Vera Farmiga plays the tough CIA woman who balances out the requisite underwear-clad hot girlfriend. The film hits theaters February 2012.