Tuesday 30 June 2015

June's Best & Worst Movies By Carleton Rutter


Carleton takes you through the movies he saw in June!


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Official UK Main Trailer for Masterminds starring Zach Galifianakis


SYNOPSIS
MASTERMINDS unites a wealth of US comedy royalty, pairing Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover 1,2 & 3, Due Date, The Campaign) withKristen Wiig (Bridesmaids, Anchorman 2 and the upcoming Ghostbusters reboot) for the first time. Outstanding support comes from comedy king Owen Wilson (Wedding Crashers, Zoolander), stalwart Jason Sudeikis (Horrible Bosses 1&2, We’re the Millers) and introducing the hilarious newcomer Kate McKinnon (Saturday Night Live). Jared Hess directs (Napoleon Dynamite, Nacho Libre) alongside legendary producer Lorne Michaels, who has steered Saturday Night Live successfully for 40 years.

The film tells the hilarious true story of David Ghantt (Zach Galifianakis) a half-brained driver at an armoured car company who is led astray by his flirtatious work crush Kelly (Kristen Wiig). Kelly and her buddy Steve (Owen Wilson) convince David to do an inside job, and to everyone’s surprise he manages to pull off one of the biggest bank heists in US History! With Steve conspicuously flashing the cash and the FBI closing in on them the plan starts to go south, then further south. Meanwhile Ghantt is hiding out in Mexico awaiting the money and Kelly, but an unexpected guest arrives in her place. With everyone out for themselves, things quickly start to fall, stumble and slip apart…

They’re so dumb, it’s criminal.

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Masterminds is released in cinemas on 7th August 2015

Monday 29 June 2015

Competition: Win Two Men in Town on DVD

Two Men in Town is out on DVD on 6th July and to celebrate we have a great competition for you and 3 DVDs to give away

Synopsis:
After a troubled youth and 18 years in prison, William Garnett (Forest Whitaker) is being released. Despite the help of an idealistic parole agent (Brenda Blethyn), Garnett struggles to rebuild his life and overcome the violent impulses which possess him.

Bill Agati (Harvey Keitel), the Sheriff of the small New Mexico border county where Garnett is released is convinced that Garnett is unredeemable and is a threat to the security of his county, and launches a campaign to return Garnett to prison for life.


Win This:
Two Men in Town [DVD]

Competition Closed

Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.

Trailer:

Competition: Win Kill Zone on DVD

Kill Zone is out on DVD on 6th July and to celebrate we have a great competition for you and 3 DVDs to give away

Synopsis:
Lt. Samuel Drake (Chadwick Boseman, Marvel's Black Panther) is a troubled vet plagued by his actions whilst deployed in Iraq. Recently discharged, he is trying to piece his life back together. He attends counselling sessions led by Marshall (Billy Zane, Titanic) to help cope with the horrors of his past.

Drake s fragile new life is shattered when two executives (Peter Greene, Pulp Fiction and Ted Rooney, Grimm), who represent a private military contractor, present a new mission, one with no option to refuse; track down and kill Sgt. Devin Carter (Tory Kittles True Detective), an AWOL Marine Corps sniper who knows the truth about Drake s past and who himself is on a mission to target and kill members of a mercenary firm.

Kill Zone is a story of one man who is forced to face his violent past and the uneasy bond he forms with the mysterious assassin he must kill.


Win This:
Kill Zone [DVD]

Competition Closed

Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.

Sunday 28 June 2015

HOODIES Vs HOOLIGANS Trailer (Aka The Guvnors)


The former members of a legendary football firm reunite to take on the lawless criminals that now rule their old stomping ground.

After turning his back on a life of violence as the top boy of a legendary South East London firm, Mitch leads a peaceful existence with his family in suburban London. But beneath his aura of respectability are the echoes of a darker past. Echoes that erupt when a new generation of ruthless criminals, led by Adam (Harley Sylvester), begin to wreak havoc on Mitch's old turf.

HOODIES Vs HOOLIGANS Trailer
A Movie directed by Gabe Turner
Cast : Harley Sylvester, Tom Davis, Doug Allen...
Release Date : August 18, 2015
Genre : Action, Thriller, Gang Wars
Also known as The Guvnors


Zarafa - Trailer



Under the cover of darkness a small boy, Maki, loosens the shackles that bind him and escapes into the desert night. Pursued by slavers across the moon-lit savannah, Maki meets Zarafa, a baby giraffe – and an orphan, just like him – as well as the nomad Hassan, Prince of the Desert. Hassan takes them to Alexandria for an audience with the Pasha of Egypt, who orders him to deliver the exotic animal as a gift to King Charles of France. And so Maki, Zarafa and Hassan take off in a hot-air balloon to cross the Mediterranean, setting off an adventure across Northern Africa, the bustling port of Marseilles, and over the snow-capped peaks of the Alps, arriving at last in Paris. But all the while, Maki is determined to find a way to return Zarafa to his rightful home.

An animated film directed by Rémi Bezançon & Jean-Christophe Lie.
Release Date : in Tompkins Square Park, NY, on June 26.
Across North America Summer 2015
Genre : Animation, Kids, Family

Saturday 27 June 2015

Minions Movie Review By Carleton Rutter


Synopsis
Evolving from single-celled yellow organisms at the dawn of time, Minions live to serve, but find themselves working for a continual series of unsuccessful masters, from T. Rex to Napoleon. Without a master to grovel for, the Minions fall into a deep depression. But one minion, Kevin, has a plan; accompanied by his pals Stuart and Bob, Kevin sets forth to find a new evil boss for his brethren to follow. Their search leads them to Scarlet Overkill, the world's first-ever super-villainess.

--

Carleton review's the spin off to the Despicable Me movies featuring the lovable Minions. Kids will love it, that much we already know - but will the adults?

Minions Movie Review By Carleton Rutter


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Thursday 25 June 2015

Vacation - New Posters


The next generation of Griswolds are on the road again. VACATION starring Ed Helms (“The Hangover” films) and Christina Applegate (the “Anchorman” films), takes the family on the road for another ill-fated adventure.

Following in his father’s footsteps and hoping for some much-needed family bonding, a grown-up Rusty Griswold (Helms) surprises his wife, Debbie (Applegate), and their two sons with a cross-country trip back to America’s “favorite family fun park,” Walley World.

Rounding out the cast are Leslie Mann (“The Other Woman”) as Rusty’s sister, Audrey; Chris Hemsworth (the “Thor” films) in the role of Stone Crandall, Rusty’s irritatingly successful brother-in-law; and Skyler Gisondo (“Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb,” “Hard Sell”) and Steele Stebbins (“A Haunted House 2”), who play Rusty’s sons, James and Kevin.  Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo reprise their roles as Clark and Ellen Griswold from the classic “Vacation” comedies.


In UK cinemas August 21, 2015

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl - Trailer and New Poster


Synopsis:
Winner of the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival, ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL is a uniquely funny and moving story about Greg, a high school senior who avoids deep human relationships as a way to safely navigate the social mine field that is teenage life. In fact he describes his best friend Earl, with whom he makes short-film parodies of classic movies, as being ‘more like a co-worker’. But when Greg’s mum insists he spends time with Rachel – a girl in his class who has just been diagnosed with cancer- Greg discovers just how powerful and important true friendship can be.

Director: Alfonso Gomez-Rejon
Cast: Thomas Mann, Olivia Cooke, R.J. Cyler with Nick Offerman, Molly Shannon, Jon Bernthal and Connie Britton

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is in UK cinemas September 4


Wednesday 24 June 2015

The Worst Parents on Film

The Worst Parents on Film

Cinema has a long and illustrious history when it comes to parents who aren’t perhaps best suited to bringing up their unfortunate offspring. To celebrate the home entertainment release of Can’t Come Out To Play, out on DVD and digital platforms from June 22, 2015 courtesy of Signature Entertainment, we take a look back at some of the worst parents to grace the big screen...

Katherine and Richard (Can’t Come Out To Play)
When it comes to overprotective parents, it doesn’t get much worse than Katherine and Richard (Samantha Morton and Michael Shannon). Their son Andy is in very poor health, and he must stay within his home adhering to the strict instructions of his mother - who also forbids him from having any visitors. When Andy’s new friend Maryann begins visiting and is discovered, Richard is seemingly fine with the visits, but Katherine does not feel the same, and her behaviour grows increasingly erratic...

Mr and Mrs Wormwood (Matilda)
Based on Roald Dahl’s beloved classic about a sweet and extremely intelligent girl with a love of books, this adaptation stars Mara Wilson in the titular role with Danny Devito and Rhea Perlman as her superficial, bad-tempered parents, who neglect Matilda in favour of her spoilt brother. After a while, her parents send her to school with Miss Trunchbull, the worst principal in the world. While trying to put up with her parents' and principal's constant cruelty, she unwittingly begins unleashing telekinetic powers, and is soon concocting a plan to drive her principal away from the school.

April and Frank Wheeler (Revolutionary Road)
Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet take the lead roles in this adaptation of the classic novel by Richard Yates about the futility of the American dream. Fundamentally flawed, selfish, and struggling with disillusionment, Frank and April Wheeler are raising two young children, while April has forgone her dream of becoming an actress, and Frank loathes his job, although he has no idea what he really wants to do. Self-involved and unable to connect with each other, their carefully constructed facade of a perfect family slowly begins to crumble around them, culminating in unimaginable tragedy...

Darth Vader (Star Wars)
When it comes to the award for ‘Worst Parent Ever’, the honour goes to Darth Vader a million times. Not only was discovering he was Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia’s father a cinematic shock, but the reveal seemed to change nothing. If there was any hope of Darth Vader transforming into father of the year material it was all lost when he cut Luke’s hand off.

Joan Crawford (Mommie Dearest) Joan Crawford (Faye Dunaway) may have been a screen queen to the world, but to her daughter Christina (Diana Scarwid) she was a living nightmare. While most mums are baking cookies for their kids Crawford was abusing and traumatizing hers. What makes her even more awful is that she was actually a real person.

Mrs. Livingston (Bubble Boy)
There is no doubt Mrs. Livingston (Swoosie Kurtz) loves her son, but she takes her love to downright suffocating extents. When loving your kid involves a lie that confines him to a bubble for much of his life there clearly is an issue there. As they say, if you love him let him go; a lesson Mrs. Livingston clearly did not learn.

Peter and Kate McCallister (Home Alone)
Peter (John Heard) and Kate (Catherine O’Hara) McCallister may be well intentioned and loving parents, but they make this list for their utter carelessness. It is one thing to forget to pack your toothbrush when going out of town, but leaving your child behind all together on a family vacation is never a good sign. In their case they are repeat offenders of leaving their son behind clearly showing their lack of parenting skills.

***


CAN’T COME OUT TO PLAY comes to DVD and digital platforms from June 22, 2015, courtesy of Signature Entertainment.

Best Loft Apartments on Film

Best Loft Apartments on Film

Over the years, the interiors of film have played a huge role in creating atmosphere, setting scenes, and in some cases, becoming a character all of their own. To celebrate the release of thriller The Loft (which features a slick, stylish high-rise apartment that takes centre stage), we take a look back at some of the other best apartments on film.


The Loft (2015)
This slick thriller sees five married friends embark on a decision to rent their very own stunning loft apartment for exclusive use as a home for their extra-marital affairs. However, when a mystery blonde woman is found dead at the apartment, their private world comes crashing around them as everyone becomes a suspect. Starring Karl Urban, James Marsden and Wentworth Miller, The Loft offers slick, sexy thrill after thrill as much as it issues a cautionary tale to straying men everywhere…



Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
Audrey Hepburn’s iconic turn as the effervescent Holly Golightly is arguably her most memorable role- but the stunning interior of her NYC brownstone apartment cannot be forgotten as a major supporting part. Inspiring a thousand copycats, the inside of the eponymous party girl’s home features the instantly recognisable half-bathtub sofa, satin cushions and NYC flea market finds galore, a plush tiger skin rug and, of course, Cat. 



A Single Man (2009)
Not strictly an apartment, but worthy of a place on the list nonetheless, the stunning John Lautner house used as the backdrop to this critically acclaimed drama is only one aspect of an entire film that maintains an achingly cool level of style throughout; no great surprise, given that it was directed by Tom Ford and the production design came courtesy of the geniuses behind Mad Men.



The Dark Knight
Bruce Wayne’s sleek, minimal Gotham penthouse is the backdrop to a large portion of The Dark Knight, as Wayne Manor is still being reconstructed following the events of Batman Begins. Moody lighting and the steel-gray and chrome interiors lend to the films overall look of a city on the brink of utter desolation, with the ever-present looming threat of Heath Ledger’s Joker. 



You’ve Got Mail (1998)
Meg Ryan's beautifully cozy NYC brownstone paints a gorgeous, if somewhat unrealistic picture of New York studio living. The interiors are wonderfully feminine, with vintage dressers, lace curtains and an abundance of flowers throughout, all pitched perfectly against the ever-present backdrop of the newly arrived technology that is seeping into everyday life. 



American Psycho
Patrick Bateman’s apartment is a masterclass in minimalism, with sleek lines, all white furniture, and barely any colour. Production designer Gideon Ponte and set designer Jeanne Develle went to great lengths to ensure that the apartment remained clinical and nothing looked too lived-in or comfortable; of course, adding to the effect of one particularly grisly scene that takes place within the pristine walls.  



Vertigo
Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece opens with Scottie Ferguson (James Stewart) realizing he suffers from vertigo, and retiring from his position as a private investigator, only to be lured into another case by his old college friend, Gavin Elster (Tom Helmore), who wants his wife, Madeleine (Kim Novak) followed. Scottie seeks solace with his ex-fiancee Midge (Barbara Bel Geddes), and her much-coveted, bric-a-brac filled apartment boasts some incredible views of New York City, looking west to Russian Hill from the top of Union Street on Telegraph Hill.  


Big
Penny Marshall’s classic 80’s fantasy stars Tom Hanks as Josh, the young boy who wakes up to find himself transformed into a grown man, leading to all manner of high jinks. Josh’s new ‘grown-up’ Manhattan loft taps into the child in all of us- complete with a basketball court in the hallway, a pinball machine and a trampoline in the living room. 



Sex and the City 2
The apartment Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) shares with Big (Chris Noth) in this sequel based on the HBO series beautifully reflects both of their personalities, combining old-school charm with up-to–the-minute stylish pieces. Set decorator Lydia Marks took inspiration for the apartment’s architecture from classic films, including Alfred Hitchcock’s back catalogue, in order to give the apartment a ‘proper NYC’ feel. 


THE LOFT is released on digital platforms from June 8th, 2015 and on DVD from June 15th 2015 courtesy of Signature Entertainment.

Top 10 Lotharios on Film

Top 10 Lotharios on Film


They are that special group of men that drive women crazy as much as they make them swoon. Our favourite on-screen lotharios have a knack for knowing exactly what it takes to make a woman melt in their hands. To celebrate the release of THE LOFT, out on digital platforms and DVD right now courtesy of Signature Entertainment, we take a look at some of greatest onscreen lotharios.


Chris Vanowen – THE LOFT
Chris Vanowen (James Marsden) in THE LOFT is not your typical lothario. He’s in touch with his feelings and unlike the rest of the guys in the film has the biggest conscience. He may have given into his desires and become a womanizer, but even then he is still not all bad. He has a heart and combined with his hopeless romantic nature he is a ladies’ man we love to love.

James Bond
James Bond whether he’s played by Connery, Dalton, Brosnan, or Craig he is the modern day definition of a Lothario. He may busy himself as a spy by day, saving the world from one disaster after another, but James always finds time to get the girl. He’s smooth talking, mysterious, and ever so charming, making his way with the ladies an institution that spans the test on time.

Casanova - Casanova
Giacomo Casanova (Heath Ledger), the man whose womanizing ways are so well known they have become synonymous with his very name. Casanova’s charming reputation with the ladies is no secret, and there is no obstacle he will not overcome to seduce the object of his desire. His lothario ways may drive us mad at times but his persistence and determination is pretty endearing.

Alfie - Alfie
Alfie (Jude Law) is the quintessential British ladies man. Between his devilish good looks, accent, and charm the ladies cannot resist him, and he certainly uses that to his full advantage. Working as a limo driver around Manhattan Alfie certainly meets a lot of ladies and uses that as a means to bed as many of them as he can. Alfie may get himself into a lot of trouble, but he is lovable so there is hope for him in the end.

Jon – Don Jon
Jon Martello (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) keeps life simple by maintaining a very short list of priorities. His priorities are along the lines of: His body, his pad, his ride, his family, his church, his boys, his girls, his porn.” Jon’s job as a New Jersey bartender lends itself to being the perfect place for him to exercise his lothario ways. Jon’s view on love and women may be distorted, but time and experience will be his salvation.

John Tucker – John Tucker Must Die
John Tucker (Jesse Metcalfe) is your typical teenage lothario in John Tucker Must Die. He’s good looking, charming, and popular and has every girl in his school swooning. We have all known a John Tucker in our lives at some point, and as much as we know we should avoid him we cannot help but be drawn in by him. Like most teenage charmers he eventually learns that his smooth operating ways are vastly flawed.

Daniel Cleaver – Bridget Jones’s Diary
Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant) is that charmer in Bridget Jones’s Diary whose reputation with women is well known from the very beginning, and yet Bridget (Renée Zellweger) cannot resist him. Daniel is fun, but indisputably a piece of trouble who does not learn from his womanising ways. His character may not have a salvation point but is around to teach you the hard lessons in life you cannot escape.

Nick Marshall - What Women Want
Nick Marshall (Mel Gibson) is that smooth talking ad executive that knows just what to say to get the ladies in What Women Want. When circumstances allow him to read women’s minds, he does not use this talent for the most honourable of intentions. Eventually Nick has a moment of clarity and learns to use his talents to give women what they want. Needless to say, he gets the girl in the end.

Tony Stark – Iron Man
In Iron Man, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is single, a billionaire, and a real life superhero; he couldn’t be more of a playboy. With so much at his disposal and an ego the size of the planet, Tony has no desire to settle down (not until the sequel, anyway!). His constant wisecracks and one-liners make it no surprise that he receives a lot of attention from the ladies.

Jacob Palmer - Crazy, Stupid, Love
Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling) in Crazy, Stupid, Love. is confident, stylish, and an obvious hit with the ladies. From his mischievous smile to his ability to make women feel instantly enamoured, Jacob knows how to work the room. Nevertheless, behind the womanising exterior he’s got a heart that you cannot help but hold out hope for.
***

The Loft is released on digital platforms from June 8th, 2015, and on DVD from June 15th 2015, courtesy of Signature Entertainment

Tuesday 23 June 2015

Terminator Genisys TV SPOT - Never Done (2015) - Emilia Clarke, Arnold Schwarzenegger


The year is 2029. John Connor, leader of the resistance continues the war against the machines. At the Los Angeles offensive, John's fears of the unknown future begin to emerge when TECOM spies reveal a new plot by SkyNet that will attack him from both fronts; past and future, and will ultimately change warfare forever.


Top 5 US Weekend Box Office: June 19-21


Both Jurassic World and Inside Out had an amazing showing, but the dinosaurs took a bigger bite.

Monday 22 June 2015

Sponsored Video: Knock Knock Official Trailer

Knock Knock

Keanu Reeves stars as Evan Webber, a happily married architect who appears to have everything a man could ever dream of – a loving and successful wife, two beautiful children and an expensive home. During a weekend alone, his peaceful existence is interrupted by the sudden arrival of two lost and seemingly innocent young girls. After naively inviting them in while they wait for a taxi, the night takes a sudden and disturbing turn when a debaucherous mistake evolves into a living nightmare.

Out in UK Cinemas 26th June


Competition: Win The Last Knights on Blu-ray

The Last Knights is out on DVD and Blu-ray on the 29th June and to celebrate we have a great competition for you and 3 Blu-rays to give away

Synopsis:
Clive Owen and Morgan Freeman star in this medieval action feature directed by Kazuaki Kiriya.

After being appointed commander of his kingdom's knights, skilled warrior Raiden (Owen) is forced to seek justice for his noble master Bartok (Freeman) who refuses to bow to pressure from the corrupt lords of the realm.

With Bartok's house destroyed and his loyal men dispersed it is up to Raiden to avenge his master's persecution by going after the influential and power-hungry minister Gezza Mott (Aksel Hennie).


Win This:
The Last Knights [Blu-ray]

Can you name the two featured actors in The Last Knights?

To enter Email us on competition@beentothemovies.com with your answer, along with your name and address.

When the competition ends as indicated on this page, any and all entries received after this point will not count and emails blacklisted due to not checking this page first.

Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.

Trailer:   

Friday 19 June 2015

Sicario - Official Trailer (2015) Emily Blunt, Benicio del Toro


In Mexico, Sicario means hitman. In the lawless border area stretching between the U.S. and Mexico, an idealistic FBI agent is enlisted by an elite government task force official to aid in the escalating war against drugs. Led by an enigmatic consultant with a questionable past, the team sets out on a clandestine journey forcing Kate to question everything that she believes in order to survive.

Release Date: September 18th, 2015
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Writer: Taylor Sheridan
Stars: Jon Bernthal, Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin, Benicio Del Toro

Wednesday 17 June 2015

THE PEANUTS Movie OFFICIAL Full Length Trailer


Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the beloved “Peanuts” gang make their big-screen debut, like they’ve never been seen before, in state-of-the-art 3D animation. Snoopy, the world’s most lovable beagle—and flying ace—embarks upon his greatest mission as he takes to the skies to pursue his arch-nemesis The Red Baron, while his best pal, Charlie Brown, begins his own epic quest. From the imagination of Charles M. Schulz and the creators of the ICE AGE films, THE PEANUTS MOVIE will prove that every underdog has his day.

THE PEANUTS Movie OFFICIAL Trailer
An animated film directed by Steve Martino
Release Date :
Genre : Family, Kids, Animation


The Legend of Barney Thomson - Official Trailer (2015) Robert Carlyle, Emma Thompson


Barney Thomson, awkward, diffident, Glasgow barber, lives a life of desperate mediocrity and his uninteresting life is about to go from 0 to 60 in five seconds, as he enters the grotesque and comically absurd world of the serial killer.

Trailer:

The Secret Life of Pets - Official Trailer (Universal Pictures)


Coming Soon to cinemas

For their fifth fully-animated feature-film collaboration, Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures present The Secret Life of Pets, a comedy about the lives our pets lead after we leave for work or school each day.

Comedy superstars Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet and Kevin Hart make their animated feature-film debuts in The Secret Life of Pets, which co-stars Ellie Kemper, Lake Bell, Jenny Slate, Bobby Moynihan, Hannibal Buress and Albert Brooks. Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri and his longtime collaborator Janet Healy produce the film directed by Chris Renaud (Despicable Me, Despicable Me 2), co-directed by Yarrow Cheney and written by Brian Lynch and Cinco Paul & Ken Daurio.

Hotel Transylvania 2 Trailer 1 (2015) - Adam Sandler Animated Movie


Now that Dracula (Adam Sandler) has opened the Hotel Transylvania's doors to humans, things are changing for the better; however, Drac is secretly worried that his half-human grandson, Dennis, isn't showing his vampire side. So, while Mavis and Johnny are away, Drac enlists his friends to help him put the boy through a "monster-in-training" boot camp. But things really get batty when Drac's cantankerous, old-school dad (Mel Brooks) pays an unexpected visit.

Trailer:

Strong Women of Entourage


Entourage is the ultimate story of four bros living it up in Hollywood. Vince may be the playboy movie star living the dream life, but take a look behind Vinnie’s success, and you’ll find a number of women helping him every step of the way. Appearing in both the show and upcoming feature film, these are more than just pretty faces. Here, we salute their strength, intelligence, and success!

Dana Gordon

Dana is the studio president. In a show where studio execs are generally portrayed as horrible people, Dana is one of the few shown in a positive light. She goes out of her way to help Vince and Ari achieve their goals while simultaneously maintaining a long-standing and fruitful working relationship with Gold.

Shauna Roberts

Shauna is Vince’s no-nonsense publicist. She is a self-described mother figure to Vince and has no problem with brutal honesty – particularly when it comes to telling Johnny “Drama” when to shut up. Her job is to craft Vince’s public image, a very frustrating task considering Vince’s laid back Cali attitude and questionable decision-making skills.

Sloan McQuewick

Sloan is a sweet and sassy girl with a levelled head and successful involvement in charity work. Self-confident and lovable, she has captured the hearts of all Entourage viewers with her warm personality, becoming a lasting fan-favourite. The film sees Sloan take on her next and perhaps most important role – motherhood.

Amanda Daniels

Amanda Daniels is a determined Hollywood agent who represents Vince during his brief separation from Ari. She is strong-willed and outspoken – two reasons that fuel Vince’s crush on her in the third series. Her dinner showdown with Ari goes down in history as one of the greatest public arguments on TV!

Ronda Rousey

Ronda Rousey is, both literally and figuratively, one of the strongest women out there. At Beijing 2008, she became the first women to earn an Olympic medal in judo before moving into MMA in 2010. Since her debut, she has become the number one pound-for-pound female MMA fighter in the world! What’s more, Rousey’s success extends even beyond the ring, as she has appeared in a number of feature films including Expendables 3 and Furious 7. Ronda’s role in Entourage sees her confront Turtle as an equal in the business and MMA worlds. One thing we learned: don’t mess with Rousey!

Jessica Alba

Jessica Alba is an actress turned savvy businesswoman. After a number of years as a successful actress – appearing in movies such as Sin City, Honey, Fantastic Four and Into the Blue – she set out to begin her own business venture. Launching in 2012, The Honest Company is a collection of toxin-free household goods, diapers, and body care products which is now valued at $1 billion dollars. Jessica doesn’t mess around in Entourage either – she tells Ari Gold exactly what she wants (and gets it!).

Emily Ratajkowski

Emily Ratajkowski’s rise to fame has been a rapid affair. She shot to stardom following her appearance in Robin Thicke’s ‘Blurred Lines’ video and has since been a recurring cover girl for publications like GQ, Cosmopolitan and FHM. Esquire even named her ‘Woman of the Year’ in 2013, beating out hundreds of other women for the title. Apart from her editorial accomplishments, Emily has displayed an unflagging determination to find additional success in the film industry. After scoring a part in David Fincher’s Academy Award-nominated Gone Girl, she has secured a leading role in the upcoming film We Are Friends opposite Zac Efron. It looks like Emily’s star is continuing to rise!

Keep an eye out for Emily and the other strong women of Entourage, in cinemas Friday.


THE PARTIERS OF OLD HOLLYWOOD



Filled with booze, sex, and all-night romps, Entourage: The Movie gives the Everyman a two-hour glimpse into the hedonistic, drunken debauchery of the Hollywood elite. Turtle has become a tequila aficionado, pioneering his own brand of the stuff and earning millions of his own dollars. “Drama”, seeking solace from the clutches of his career woes, drinks cocktails of molly and water. And then, of course, there’s our Golden Boy, Vince, kissing scantily-clad women just days after the dissolution of a nine-day marriage... The boys are back at it again – and showing us, perhaps, just what it means to have livers of indestructible steel. (Is “limitless stamina” hidden in those awards show swag bags?).

It’s no secret that many of today’s rich and famous enjoy honing not just their craft, but the art of boozing as well. It’s the era of La Lohan, after all, where the DUI’s and mug-shots of every twenty-something starlet have become front-page tabloid fodder...

What’s often over-looked, however, are the partying elite of Hollywood’s yesteryears – Sinatra, Burton, Warhol...Booze-fuelled and riding the crests of superstardom, some of cinema’s greatest legends have reputations that would make even Vince and his gang run for the nearest detox. Without the constant scrutiny of Internet gossip-mongers, Classic Hollywood could afford to be a little looser, drink a little more vodka, and hop from bed to bed with reckless abandon...

Take a look at some of Hollywood’s most notorious partiers below. Could the Entourage boys keep up? Could you?

Ava Gardner: With those heavy lidded cat-eyes and raw sensuality, Ava Gardner was a femme fatale of the rarest form. A man-magnet and booze-lover, Gardner was already a two-time divorcee by the tender age of 23 – a testament, perhaps, to the irresistibility of her appeal and often fickle temperament. Gardner was usually seen cavorting about on the town, flirting with her endless line of suitors and drinking everyone else under the table. Even legendary crooner and then-married man, Frank Sinatra, was no match for Ava’s charms. In fact, the pair’s relationship led to the demise of Frank’s marriage to Nancy Sinatra, earning Ava a few points in The Homewrecker’s Hall of Fame...They divorced years later after multiple break-ups and passionate reunions, spurring Gardner to find refuge in Spain amongst sexy bullfighters and late-night skinny dipping sessions with Ernest Hemingway. A lover of life and love, Gardner once stated she wished grow old “with a lot of wonderful chums, good music, and booze around.”

Andy Warhol: Andy Warhol was a man who surrounded himself with a variety of creative types. From fellow artists and musicians to drag queens and sexual radicals, the famous icon had a posse that surpassed even Entourage standards. Nowhere was this penchant for individuality and liberalism more apparent than in his famous “Factory” where he and his like-minded companions would gather to drown in an all-consuming cocktail of art, love, and drugs. A day in Warhol’s Factory was truly a feast of talent and debauchery that continued long past the sinking of the sun. Rampant amphetamine consumption, adult film production, and regular appearances from “superstars” like Edie Sedgwick and Bob Dylan were all part of the Warhol-“Factory” norm. Apart from being the mastermind behind this centre of bohemianism and artistic expression (in all its forms), Andy had a notoriously addictive personality. Extremism was his game, and this manifested itself in his art, shopping habits, and dalliances with harder drugs like heroin and prescription pills.

Frank Sinatra: With three marriages in his arsenal and a number of extramarital affairs, Frank Sinatra had garnered a bit of a reputation for womanising in his hey-day. Beyond a closet full of romantic scandals (one of which involved a staged suicide attempt to guilt-trip the aforementioned Ava Gardner), however, was the excessive boozing and subsequent violent tantrums. Sinatra loved throwing parties for his famous friends – dubbed “The Rat Pack”, each member clad in a monogrammed robe supplied by singer-actor – hosting legendary all-night fetes in his large California home. As time progressed and fame began to elude him, Sinatra’s depression and alcohol abuse increased. Notorious incidences include a drunken golf cart crash and a $500,000 gambling debt (all amassed in a single night)!

But what cocktail was most likely responsible for such debauchery, you ask? Frank’s perennial favourite: Jack Daniel’s whiskey with four ice cubes and a splash of water. Rumour even has it that his Twin Palms home sported a Jack Daniel’s flag which, when raised, signified the beginning of another round of rapacious schmoozing and boozing with friends. Maybe if Ol’ Blue Eyes were around today, Turtle could convert him into a tequila-lover...

Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor: Arguably Hollywood’s most famous couple, the lore and legacy of the Burton-Taylor relationship is peppered with stories of alcoholism, incessant squabbling, and cheating scandals. Taylor, herself, married eight times throughout her life while Burton wrote repeatedly of his struggle with alcohol abuse. Together, the two raised hell on and off film sets, leaving a trail of extraneous demands (Taylor, well-known as one of Hollywood’s most high-maintenance stars) and empty bottles (Burton, whose diary highlights many of his drunken shenanigans) in their wake. Stories will have it that Burton and Taylor, along with party pals like Peter O’Toole, were often drinking on-set, regardless of the hour. Extravagant gifts were bought and exchanged, like the 68-carot diamond Burton gave Taylor in ‘69, as a tokens of their undying, roller-coaster love. However, this shared passion and zest for life often resulted in physical confrontations, ruthless verbal abuse...and temporary salvation found in liquor cabinets (and eventually each other’s arms).

Spencer Tracy: Spencer Tracy is yet another Old Hollywood actor known for his partying and loose behaviour. As with so many of his peers, Tracy endured a life-long battle with alcoholism that repeatedly interfered with his work schedule and inflamed the tempers of his employers. Furthermore, the actor was known to stray from his wife’s bed with the likes of Joan Crawford, Ingrid Bergman, and, most famously, Katherine Hepburn. Above all, though, were Tracy’s long and unpredictable drunken binges (one of which saw him blasted on several bottles of whiskey for days on end). Perhaps one of the most notorious incidences in Tracy’s roster of crazy antics is his strained relationship with MGM studios, who came to regard Tracy as both a significant asset and liability. At one point in his career, the studio required a team of medics, police, and security guards to be on-hand should Tracy stir up any trouble while on the job. This was even after Fox studios had reportedly fired the actor for similar behaviour. Star, trouble-maker, and partier indeed!


SEE HOW THE BOYS OF ENTOURAGE PARTY WHEN IT HITS THEATRES 19 JUNE.



Monday 15 June 2015

Top 10 Best US Box Sets

10 BEST US BOX SETS
You’ve got a free weekend, an easily accessible blanket and a stash of junk food that would last you through an apocalypse – so the logical next step is picking a box set to watch. There are hundreds of amazing television programmes that you can lose a weekend in and no need to guiltily utter ‘just one more episode’ as you have already hit the Play All button. 

But where to start when we have taken so many shows to heart, learnt their one liners, and now even tend to greet Ross & Rachel, Carrie Mathison and Jack Bauer like old friends? 

So to celebrate the release of Homeland: The Complete Fourth Season on Blu-ray and DVD on 15th June we take a look at the 10 best US box sets for you to lose yourself and your weekend in.

Homeland:
Picking up from the heart-stopping Season Three finale, the Complete Fourth Season sees Carrie (Claire Danes) determined to the best agent possible and assigned to Kabul on the trail of a Taliban Leader. Gripping action, American politics, new threats and Rupert Friend – you could want for nothing more in this series of the award winning Homeland.


Friends:
Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Joey and Phoebe and 236 episodes of sitcom gold. Although it’s only six people living in New York (with seemingly no 9-5 schedule nor rent to hold them back) Friends is bound to make you laugh and bound to make you watch for hours on end.


Mad Men:
Jon Hamm, Christina Hendricks and January Jones – need we say more? This show immerses you in the 1960’s. Following the life and times of Don Draper (Hamm) it is packed with dapper suits, stunning design and witty characters that whip you into shape.


The Sopranos:
It has been eight years since we said goodbye to this old-school criminal empire but the phenomenal acting will never get old. Full of twists and turns the dark drama follows Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), through personal and professional problems all the way to classic TV Show status.


House of Cards:
It is Kevin Spacey making politics powerful and enchanting; the acclaimed show watches the rise of Francis Underwood (Spacey) through the political system in Washington with vigour and vengeance in mind.


Buffy the Vampire Slayer:
Before the modern obsession with vampires like Edward and Bella, Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) carved the path with the darker side of vampirism. Over seven series she grows into her vampire slaying role encountering classic characters such as Angel; in essence it is an ex-cheerleader saving the world and yet Joss Whedon made it so cool.


Breaking Bad:
Chemistry teacher Walter White is diagnosed with cancer and given two years to live so naturally he collaborates with a former student of his to create a life of crime and drugs. You are one of a tiny minority if you missed all the hype, buzz and excitement first time round.


Game of Thrones:
This medieval fantasy drama has got viewers gorging on content so much so that the writer of the original novels, George R. R. Martin, cannot keep up. An all-star cast have taken up residence in Westeros with enough battles, lies and debauchery to last anyone a lifetime.


24:
Ground breaking television, 24 taught global audiences that you could tell a story in a different manner. This real time series follows the seriously likeable Jack Bauer as a counter terrorist agent saving himself and his country from intricate plots and impending doom.


Orange is the New Black:
It follows the adventures of Piper Chapman (Taylor Schilling), an upper-middle class New Yorker who is sent to a women’s prison because of her colourful past. The Netflix original is full to the brim with hilarity but also heart-break as you are immersed in the world of Piper and her inmates.


Forget everything you know and prepare for a new threat as the perfect Father’s Day gift; HOMELAND: THE COMPLETE FOURTH SEASON comes to Blu-ray and DVD on 15th June.