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Brad and Angelina Go To Syria

Vanessa Baker — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 13:55:00 +0000

As a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Refugee Agency, Angelina Jolie, accompanied by her partner, Brad Pitt, travelled to Syria to raise awareness of the situation there regarding Iraqi refugees.

In addition to meeting with President Bashar al-Assad and his wife, Asma, the couple visited two refugee families in the capital, Damascus, reports Perez Hilton.

“Most Iraqi refugees cannot return to Iraq in view of the severe trauma they experienced there, the uncertainty linked to the coming Iraqi elections, the security issues and the lack of basic services,” said Jolie. ”They will, therefore, be in need of continued support from the international community.”

Movie Review: Inglourious Basterds

Ilan Mester — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 01:55:45 +0000

It only seemed like a matter of time before World War Two was “Tarantino-ized.” After all, it’s the perfect setting for the “Pulp Fiction” director’s self-proclaimed poetry and mind-boggling gore.

Set in the first year of Germany’s occupation of France, “Inglourious Basterds” – a film that’s loosely based on the 1978 Italian war flick “The Inglorious Bastards” – kicks off with Nazi Colonel Hans Landa (played by German actor Christoph Waltz) who’s on the lookout for Jews (he’s literally referred to as the “Jew Hunter”). One of Landa’s searches in the outskirts of France leads him to a Jewish French girl, Shoshana Dreyfus (played by the beautiful Melanie Laurent) – whose family is killed by Landa and his crew.

Simultaneously (but in a different part of Europe) Lieutenant Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt) organizes a group of Jewish American soldiers to perform swift acts of retribution. And by retribution, he means Tarantino-style revenge (which translates to gore X 150).

See, Lt. Aldo wants each and every one of his “Basterds” (as they’re nicknamed in the movie) to conclude the mission with 100 Nazi scalps – not in a figurative manner. He actually wants Nazi scalps peeled from their heads. And let’s just say the special effects and makeup department do a damn good job of literally pulling that off. Eventually “The Basterds” cross paths with Shoshana and the two stories mend together.

Odds are you won’t be looking at your watch throughout “Inglourious Basterds” (although you might look away at multiple borderline repulsive scenes in the film, like when Brad Pitt’s character puts his finger directly into another character’s wound).

Only Tarantino can create a movie that combines action-packed gore with an equally powerful screenplay that carries on like rapid fire. All in all, there are four languages spoken in this film (German, Italian, English and French) which could have easily turned “Inglourious Basterds” into a chaotic mess – but that’s not the case, mainly because Tarantino made it clear that he wanted native talent in his film.

And what a relief it is to see Germans play Germans, Americans play Americans and French play French (for the most part), which really adds some authenticity to Tarantino’s take on the Nazi regime.

Waltz’ portrayal of a Nazi colonel is by far the standout performance of “Basterds.” He makes music out of Tarantino’s dialogue with his sly rendition of the character. The actor, who’s relatively unknown outside of Germany, has already won the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival and there’s buzz about an Oscar nomination as well.

French actress Melanie Laurent is equally dead-on with her role. Anyone who’s seen “Kill Bill” knows Tarantino is keen on having strong-willed women in his movies and this is the case for Shoshana and somewhat for German-movie-star-turned-ally, Bridget von Hammersmark (Diane Kruger). It’s needless to say Pitt stands out in the movie as Aldo. Although the previews make him out to be the film’s protagonist, be warned that he’s not. Aldo is a cartoon-like character that oozes some comic relief in the gloomy WW2 setting.

Sure “Basterds” is a half hour too long, bounces around like a 1940’s Volkswagen Beetle and drags out some of its scenes, but its greatest flaw is a Mike Myers cameo. Nothing against Myers but come on; who can think of the man outside of comedies like “Austin Powers?”

As is the case for most Tarantino flicks, you either glorify them or in-glorify them. And you might even call him a bastard – whether it be a brilliant one or not.

Inglourious Basterds Trailer

Robert Ostfield — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 16:02:22 +0000

The movie comes out tomorrow so check back for our review later tonight. In the meantime here’s the trailer for the film starring Brad Pitt, Eli Roth, and directed by Quentin Tarantino.

Red Carpet Pics: Canadian Premiere Of Inglourious Basterds

Ilan Mester — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 13:54:39 +0000

andPOP was at the Canadian premiere of the highly anticipated “Inglourious Basterds,” the latest Quentin Tarantino film. The director himself was present along with Eli Roth, who plays Sgt. Donny Donowitz in the war movie.

The event took place on Aug. 12 at the Scotiabank theatre in Toronto and featured two World War II vehicles mounted with models dressed in ‘40s attire. Hundreds of fans lined the street of the theatre to catch a glimpse of the director and a star of his film.

“Inglourious Basterds” is set in Nazi-occupied France during World War II, where a group of Jewish-American soldiers led by Lt. Aldo Raine (played by Brad Pitt) are chosen to spread fear throughout the Third Reich by killing Nazis. The group, known as “The Basterds,” soon cross paths with a French-Jewish girl who’s escaped a near-death experience.

“Inglourious Basterds” opens in theatres on Aug. 21. Keep checking back for a review of the film.

Wolfenstein is a Basterd: Tarantino and Activision Team Up For LA Contest

Brett.Caron — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 20:00:27 +0000

I have been waiting for Inglorious Basterds since it was announced. I have been waiting for the newest Wolfenstein game since I finished the last one I played. What can I say? I enjoy killing Nazis.

Tarantino’s magnum opus depicts a team of American soldiers performing shocking acts of brutality on Nazis so intense that it really only makes sense to have an affiliation with the Wolfenstein franchise, where players get to do basically the same thing, but with cooler weapons.Activision has announced that they are sponsoring a contest for 2 lucky winners to attend the premiere of Basterds in Hollywood, and the sure-to-kick-ass after-party. The prize includes a pair of roundtrip tickets to L.A., a three-night stay, and 2 tickets to the show and after-party. I haven’t been this excited since Crank paired off with Grand Theft Auto.

Oh wait, that never happened – but why not?

Check out http://www.gamespot.com/ for details.

Jennifer Aniston Going Into the Restaurant Business

Vanessa Baker — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 19:14:14 +0000

According to Perez Hilton, Jennifer Aniston is in the early stages of developing her own restaurant. Sources say the former Friends star is very passionate about the new venture.

“Jennifer is very passionate about cooking,” said an insider. “She recently had a new kitchen fitted and she loves it. She can cook anything from Mexican meals, to Italian food, to cakes. She does use cookbooks, but mainly they are her own recipes. Everyone says she should open her own restaurant and she said she would love to.”

There’s no word yet on what kind of food the restaurant will serve or when it will open.

The actress, who used to be married to Brad Pitt, is currently filming her next movie, Bounty Hunter, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, with Gerard Butler.

Pitt Family Makes Major Donation

Joelle Tomlinson — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 01:33:18 +0000

The Pitt family are becoming quite the impressive humanitarians. Brad Pitt’s brother Doug announced that the Brad Pitt family (including Angelina and the kids), Doug and his wife Lisa and Rob and Julie Neal (Brad’s sister) are making a $1 million donation to St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Missouri.

According to perezhilton.com, the donation will be used to pay cancer specialists staffed by the hospital, as well as “new 31 pediatric unit, a 10-bedroom hospital-based Ronald McDonald House; and double the size the neonatal intensive and pediatric intensive care units.”

Because of the generous donation, the center will be renamed St. John’s Jane Pitt Pediatric Cancer Center, after their mother.

Rant ‘N Rave: Male Actors over 40

Irene Ogrodnik — Wed, 06 May 2009 20:33:02 +0000

There’s something about certain male actors over the age of 40 (but have yet to hit the 50 mark) that makes ladies and men of all ages goo-goo-gaa-gaa for them.

You know who these men are. They are the actors that straight men will shamelessly admit that even they would fantasize about these stars.

These men are charming, attractive and, most importantly, talented.

So whether you are fifteen years their junior or ten years their senior, here are five (although there are many more) contemporary actors who still capture our hearts and make us blush like little schoolgirls.

5) Brad Pitt:

As you may know, I am not Pitt’s biggest fan when it comes to his personal life. But I will admire the man for his movies. From his diverse on-screen characters such as the irresistible Tristan in ‘Legends of the Fall’ to the gluttonous Rusty in the Ocean’s movie franchise, Pitt is more than just a pretty face.

But while many consider Pitt as overrated in the looks department, the same cannot be said about his acting chops. As you may have noticed, Pitt is given the same amount of appreciation for his performances in films as negative credit for his part in the entire Aniston-Jolie “feud.”

In other words, in either position, his role is underrated.

4) Patrick Dempsey:

Also known as McDreamy—a name that pretty much summarizes this actor. From his role as Dr. Derek Shepherd on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ to his performance as the sweetheart/good-guy in both ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ and ‘Enchanted,’ this 43-year-old actor appears to resemble his wholesome figure in real life. Even though Dempsey is married (for almost ten years) with three children, he makes single women wish he unattached and married women wish he was their husband.

While it’s likely that Dempsey is not as sweet in real life as he seems on-screen, the fact that the actor was not afraid to reveal his Dyslexia a few years ago makes him more alluring. Or perhaps Dempsey just played smart and knew he would win over more women for his brutal openness.

Heck, either way, I love him more for his honesty.

3) George Clooney:

It would be impossible to write this blog without mentioning Clooney. While his more recent roles are somewhat imitations of one another (quirky, oddball yet charming), he’s still too irresistible to avoid.

When he isn’t nominated or winning an award for movies like ‘Syriana’, ‘Good Night and Good Luck’ and ‘Michael Clayton,’ he’s involved in charity—most notably trying to help the people of Darfur. He’s an artist and a philanthropist.

Just perfect.

2) Johnny Depp:

Known for his choice of roles that border eccentric and downright freaky (Jack Sparrow, Edward Scissorhands and Sweeney Todd), Depp surely knows how to capture movie audiences and critics. Even with poor movie choices like ‘Secret Window,’ Depp still managed to receive praise for his role. He’s captivating and mysterious—the atypical Hollywood actor. It’s easy to admit that, without Depp, the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ movie saga would neither be as successful or as entertaining.

1) Robert Downey Jr.:

After battling a lengthy addiction to drugs, some might say that it’s amazing that Robert Downey Jr. is as successful as he is today.

Even when he was critically acclaimed for his roles in ‘Less Than Zero’ and ‘Chaplin’ (in which he received an Academy Award nom for his performance) Downey Jr. still never starred in any true “Blockbuster hit”—until 2008. Both ‘Iron Man’ and ‘Tropic Thunder’ put Downey Jr. back on the acting radar.

While his peers admire him and critics rave about him, fans adore Downey Jr. for his rawness and vulnerability. Even as a brilliant actor, back in the day, he was damaged due to his drug use (a quality that now somehow makes celebrities even more famous. Kate Moss anyone?).

In the past couple of years, those who refused to hire Downey Jr. due to his troubled past (which included arrests and rehab stints) are now likely kicking themselves where the sun don’t shine.

Kick away my friends.

In his most recent role in the film ‘The Soloist,’ Downey Jr. shows why he’s here to stay. Undoubtedly, Downey Jr. is the movie’s heart and soul—proving that, damaged or not, he still has what it takes to shine.

‘Inglourious Basterds’ Headed To Cannes?

Eva Lam — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 14:58:01 +0000

The world may get its first look at Quentin Tarantino’s WWII epic, “Inglourious Basterds,” next month.

Insiders told Variety that the director has accepted an offer to screen the Brad Pitt-starring drama in competition at the Cannes Film Festival.

Cannes organizers will announce the festival lineup on April 23, with this year’s event set to run from May 13 to 24.

“Inglourious Basterds,” which also stars Mike Myers, Samuel L. Jackson and Diane Kruger, follows a band of Jewish-American soldiers who go on a mission to take down a group of Nazis in occupied France. The movie will hit theatres Aug. 21.

Tarantino is a Cannes favourite, having won the festival’s coveted Palme d’Or prize for “Pulp Fiction” in 1994 and serving as president of the festival jury in 2004. He has also debuted other films at Cannes – though not always in competition – such as “Reservoir Dogs,” “Kill Bill,” and “Death Proof.”

Rant ‘N Rave: Brad Pitt

Irene Ogrodnik — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 08:52:43 +0000

Now this rant isn’t about Brad Pitt as an actor because, I’ll admit, I’m quite a big fan of both his performances and his movie career choices.

But it’s his personal life that I’m not the biggest fan of whatsoever.

He’s like the forbidden fruit – the apple that most women around the world would love to sink their teeth into. Just ask Angelina Jolie or, years before, Jennifer Aniston. (Yes, I just mentioned those two in a sentence without picking one over the other. It’s possible you know).

Yet as people continue to argue that Angelina is a home-wrecker (because she partially is) and that Jennifer makes shitty movies (because, for the most part, she does) I’ve always wondered why no one bothered to look at the real problem here.

You know the problem that connects these women’s troubles in a way that most people do not realize. Or at least they choose to not remember.

The problem goes by the name Brad Pitt.

Are we going to forget that he was the one that was married during this whole affair ordeal? Sure, Angelina should’ve known better than to get involved with a married man (please, don’t argue that they did not “hook up” until after Aniston and Pitt divorced because whether they had sex or not prior to the breakup, they were emotionally involved. And emotional cheating is still that…cheating), Brad was the one with the wedding band around his finger. Not Angelina.

Yet where is his share of the blame?

On the one side, people blog that Angelina is quite the harlot for ruining the Aniston-Pitt marriage. I wouldn’t use that word exactly but I wouldn’t refer to her as “Santa Angelina” (cough, Perez Hilton) either. However, Angelina tries her best to move forward and not look back at her past mistakes. She has yet to wear a vile of Jennifer’s blood around her neck and, for that reason alone, I choose to still like her.

Now for Aniston.

Yes she tends to make bad movies (except for ‘The Good Girl’) and she dates jerk bags (John Mayer anyone?) but it’s hard to move on from your past lover when his face, alongside his new bed mate’s, is smeared across the news 24/7. Really. You try get passed that. I give her kudos for doing her best to put her foot forward one step at a time with a smile on her face. And I give her credit for praising her ex in public while simultaneously refraining from some hardcore Angelina bashing. That takes strength.

But then again, so does dating Mayer.

So why is it that no one really criticizes Brad? He is, to some extent, solely responsible for ruining both of Angelina’s and Jennifer’s lowered image. Prior to Brad, people didn’t have to choose between Angelina or Jennifer. And, as you may have also noticed, both women lived somewhat more respectable lives.

Angelina was known as a strong and successful actress who, on an odd occasion, made out with her brother in public. But she seemed stable and she didn’t need a man to make her happy.

Now half the world hates her.

Jennifer was a confident woman who was loved for her cute and quirky roles. We loved her as Rachel on ‘F-r-i-e-n-d-s’ and, before, she could do no wrong.

Now the other half of the world hates her.

And yet Brad walks away with what sort of damaged image? Not one really. Which is why, one day, I secretly look forward to the headline:

“Angelina leaves Brad. Takes their 12 children and moves in with Jennifer.”

Cheers to that.