Thompson on Hollywood

Robin Wright Hits a Groove, from 'House of Cards' to Upcoming 'Congress' and 'Most Wanted Man'

Television

After three strong supporting roles in 2011 ("Moneyball," "Rampart," "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"), Robin Wright returned with headliner power in Netflix's "House of Cards." Much has been said about how the show (reviews: TOH, Indiewire) heralds the new post-TV era (as of February 12 it was the most-streamed title on Netflix). But for many observers, the big reveal of the series (available in its 13-episode entirety on Netflix) is not the always showy Kevin Spacey, or yet another wily Mara sister, but scene-stealer Wright as Washington powerbroker Claire Underwood.

By Sophia Savage
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February 19, 2013 6:17 AM
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Oscar Dark Horse: Jake Gyllenhaal Talks Must-See 'End of Watch'

Awards

Of all the dark horse Oscar hopefuls this year, none deserves more consideration than Jake Gyllenhaal for his role as an LA cop in David Ayer's "End of Watch." It's such a competitive year for leading actors that I hope this performance in an admittedly small but well-reviewed indie film will be seen. Critics groups may give it some attention.

By Anne Thompson
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November 19, 2012 12:21 PM
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Career Watch: Joaquin Phoenix - He's Still Here

Features

By Sophia Savage
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September 18, 2012 3:24 PM
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Career Watch: Salma Hayek - Does 'Savages' Signal a Comeback?

Features

Salma Hayek won't be giving up her sex symbol status any time soon, but it's been ten years since her Oscar nomination for 2002's "Frida."

By Sophia Savage
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July 10, 2012 2:23 PM
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Career Watch: Marky Mark Wahlberg - A Big, Bright, Shining Star

Features

Mark Wahlberg's "Ted" opened strong this past weekend, and while it's no awards contender, it does prove Wahlberg's box office power. Although none of his upcoming projects scream "Oscar nom #2!" one must admit that Marky Mark has come a long way...

By Sophia Savage
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July 3, 2012 4:11 PM
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Jennifer Lopez's 'Carmen Sandiego' Gets Writer Darren Lemke for Globe-Hopping Adaptation

News

The script for Jennifer Lopez's big screen adaptation of "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego" will be written by Darren Lemke...

By Sophia Savage
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June 27, 2012 1:08 PM
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Career Watch: Keira Knightley Skids Without Joe Wright, Luckily "Anna Karenina" Is Next

Features

With a face like hers, stardom was probably inevitable for Keira Knightley. At 27 and with over a decade on the A-list, she's already had hits and misses, a handful of Oscar and Golden Globes nominations and a beauty endorsement with Chanel. She is adored by many of both sexes, but has suffered a string of disappointments since 2007's "Atonement."

By Sophia Savage
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June 25, 2012 8:08 PM
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Career Watch: Charlize Theron Bids for Marquee Stardom with 'Huntsman' & 'Prometheus'

Features

Charlize Theron is back in the spotlight with "Snow White and The Huntsman" and that's where she'll stay with "Prometheus" opening this week. And in July she starts shooting George Miller sequel “Mad Max: Fury Road” in Namibia (after three years of waiting, "It’s time to skin this cat already," she says).

By Sophia Savage
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June 4, 2012 1:44 PM
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Career Watch: Will Smith, Still on His Throne?

Features

Music-TV-film superstar Will Smith did not mark his return to the box office (after a four year hiatus) with a bang, but it wasn't a crash either. "Men in Black III" knocked "The Avengers" off its top spot, and while it's no disaster, it finished the weekend short of expectations. It's better than expected, but only because the bar with "MIB2" had been set so low. While the landscape has changed and movie stardom doesn't mean what it once did, it's undeniable that Smith is one of our last remaining beloved stars, with a string of successful dramas, comedies, action movies and thrillers. He's been in the public eye for the majority of his life, and has yet to dance on Oprah's couch. Does anyone not love Will Smith?

By Sophia Savage
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May 29, 2012 4:22 PM
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Career Watch: Jennifer Lopez - Still Real?

Features

Tracking the highs and lows of Jennifer Lopez's career is complicated. As her star power goes up, the quality of her acting goes down. She got serious attention with "Selena" and "Out of Sight," and pop stardom followed. She became a celebrity, an icon, an empire, a brand. She now hosts "American Idol," has a Latin talent show ("Q'Viva: The Chosen") with ex-husband Mark Anthony, and just returned to the big screen with "What To Expect When You're Expecting." But the serious acting potential that she revealed in the late nineties seems to have become irrelevant. Is it too late for her to revive it?