2013 RELEASE DATES SET FOR "THE HANGOVER: PART III", "PACIFIC RIM", "300" SEQUEL AND MORE

Still from The Hangover: Part II

Movie Lovers! Here's a few new release dates for some of 2013's biggest releases, so get ready!

Warner Bros. has slated a few release dates for its biggest Summer releases:

• A Sequel for 300 on August 2, 2013 
• The Hangover: Part III on May 24, 2013 (the same day as The Fast and the Furious 6 from Universal Pictures!) 
• Pacific Rim (which we have been following closely here in Toronto) on July 12, 2013 

Soon-to-be-filed in Toronto, Robocop also is scheduled for August 9, 2013 via Sony Pictures. 

Should be an exciting Summer filled with blood, grease and bullets! 

(Photo credit: Warner Bros.)

INTERVIEW: THE CAST OF "PROJECT X" - THOMAS MANN, OLIVER COOPER & JONATHAN DANIEL BROWN

Jonathan Daniel Brown, Oliver Cooper & Thomas Mann

"I think it's definitely a Comedy until you turn 35, then it's a Horror Movie", says Oliver Cooper, in Toronto to promote Todd Phillips' latest-produced Comedy, Project X along with his Co-stars, Thomas Mann and Jonathan Daniel Brown. The three young Actors are on the verge of a major breakthrough if Phillips' previous track record as Producer is any indication of success. Old School, Due Date, The Hangover and The Hangover Part II are just a few of the little known Films to which he prior has lent his name.

Project X by first-time Director Nima Nourizadeh, centers around three nerdy High School Seniors who decide to throw a Birthday Bash for Thomas (Mann), led by wisecracking and potty-mouthed Costa (Cooper).  J.B. (Brown) tags along and might deliver a few laughs of his own.  Desperate for popularity, there is no holding back. E-mails are blasted, Text Messages are sent and Craigslist Ads are posted. Before they know it, the Party - which v. loosely is inspired by Australian Party Boy Corey Worthington, among others - spirals wildly out of control, maybe to disastrous proportions.

If it seems that the Boys had a blast making the Movie, well, it's because they did.  Although Joel Silver and Phillips held a nationwide Talent Search to cast for Project X back in 2010, ultimately they found Brown on the Internet through an Open Call, after having auditioned rather late in the process.  Being relatively unknown Actors, how do they stand out in a crowd of Fresh Faces, I ask?  "We're just that good" Cooper jokes, revealing "I've never actually auditioned for anything before.  I had a Friend named Shaun Weiss (also an Actor)  get me an audition for Project X through Judd Apatow, which was really strange because I didn't know what I was doing".  On the other hand, Mann explains "I just submitted through an Agent and didn't really audition, but I'm glad I got it. It was a really long process over several months and we did several mixes and matches.".

STARS OF TODD PHILLIPS COMEDY "PROJECT X" TO VISIT TORONTO

Jonathan Daniel Brown, Oliver Cooper & Thomas Mann in Project X

This makes every Party I've ever attended look totally lame! Project X centers around three high school students looking to achieve popularity and fame by throwing a party. What results however, are shattered dreams, reputations tarnished and of course, the making of Legends.

Todd Phillips, Director of Old School and The Hangover (Part I and II) brings us Project X starring breakthrough stars, Thomas Mann, Oliver Cooper and Jonathan Daniel Brown. The three Actors are slated to come to Toronto to promote the Comedy mid-February, prior to its March 2, 2012 release via Warner Bros.  Exciting!

Watch the hilarious Trailer to Project X below:

(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros.)

"HARRY POTTER & THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2" IS 2011'S HIGHEST-GROSSING FILM

Still from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

It is absolutely no surprise that 2011 tallies show that Franchise Finale Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, is internationally the year's highest-grossing Film.  The Warner Bros. Fantasy Drama earned a whopping $1.328 billion worldwide, over $200 million more than its closest competition, Transformers: Dark of the Moon. This past Summer I was lucky enough to be a part of the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 Canadian Press Tour.  Click here to read my Interview with burgeoning Star, Matthew Lewis.

Note that eight out of ten of these Films actually are sequels with Warner Bros., Buena Vista/Disney and Paramount Pictures each accounting for two each. Based on Rotten Tomatoes ratings for the Top Ten, it would appear there is a bit of a divide between Critical and Commercial tastes with these ten averaging 56.3% among Critics, below the "Certified Fresh" threshold.

Without further ado, here are your Top Ten Grossing Films of 2011:

KEN JEONG IN AUGUST 2011 ISSUE OF "GQ"

Ken Jeong in August 2011 issue of GQ

I love that crazy Asian!  Ken Jeong photobombs some positively sexy Photos on the August 2011 issue of GQ - photos by Peggy Sirota. Brilliant!  Although I've had a fair share of Photobombs in my photos with Celebs, I certainly would not mind an unwelcome visit from the scene-stealing star of The Hangover.

The Funnyman will be in Montreal next week to receive an Award for Best Breakout Comedy Star at the Just for Laughs Comedy Conference.

See more here.

(Photo credit: Peggy Sirota/GQ Magazine)

INTERVIEW: JASON SUDEIKIS ON "HORRIBLE BOSSES" | PRIZE PACK GIVEAWAY

Jason Sudeikis

Most of us know Jason Sudeikis for his work on NBC's Saturday Night Live where his sketches The Two A-Holes and his impression of American Idol Winner Taylor Hicks have brought him considerable notoriety since joining its Cast in 2005. With three Films slated for release in 2011 in addition to his on-going commitments with The Cleveland Show and SNL, it would appear that the Actor/Comedian/Writer from Kansas is now a bona fide Movie Star. Hall Pass in which he starred alongside Owen Wilson already topped to the Box Office in its debut this past February and now Sudeikis arrives in Toronto to promote another Comedy, the hotly-tipped Horrible Bosses for Warner Bros./New Line Cinema. 

Riding the same Elevator, I note Sudeikis actually is much taller in-person than imagined.  His Boy-Next-Door good looks are paired with some no-fuss Fashions: a navy blue Cardigan, a pressed white Dress Shirt and a pair of Jeans.  He tells me, "Yeah, I know Toronto pretty well as I filmed a Movie here a few years back (The Rocker) but flew in late last night and only had a chance to have Drinks.  Now I have to fly right out again after this!".

Entering the Interview Suite of his Hotel, he admits to an intimate group of Journalists that he wasn't readily sold on being a part of Horrible Bosses.  "Initially I was hesitant to sign-on as I had just finished filming Hall Pass and then Horrible Bosses got the green light from New Line Cinema. It was just go go go!", he recalls.  "I had just played a character with Ladies on his brain in Hall Pass and I spent much of my charms on that. This time around I'd have to play a Guy with Ladies on his brain and at the same time charm his Friends into murdering their Bosses.".  Sudeikis admits to having declined Director Seth Gordon's offer at one point but after chatting over the Phone over a period of three weeks and being given some creative input into the Script, he convinced himself  finally to stop taking himself so seriously and accept the role of Kurt.

"GREEN LANTERN" LIGHTS UP THE BOX OFFICE

Still from Green Lantern

Although the Critics generally didn't love it (25% on Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer) Green Lantern absolutely dominated the Box Office this weekend with $52.6 million earned domestically. Overseas it didn't fare as well, bringing in $17 million only. The $200 million Blockbuster is expected to expand into other territories in coming weeks.

Last week's Box Office champion Super 8 is still going strong in its second week with $21.2 million, landing it in second this weekend for Paramount Pictures and Star Trek Director J.J. Abrams.

Jim Carrey-headlining Mr. Popper's Penguins debuts in third with $18.2 million. The 20th Century Fox Family Comedy was made for $55 million and has yet to open Overseas. Finishing right behind Penguins is X-Men: First Class, also from Fox, with $11.5 million bringing its three week tally in North America to $119.9 million.

The Hangover Part II in its fourth week sits in fifth spot with $9.6 million. To date it has earned $232 million in these parts. Meanwhile Woody Allen's acclaimed Midnight in Paris rounds out the Top Ten in ninth spot with $5.2 million, continuing its expansion to 1,038 theatres for Sony Pictures Classics.

"SUPER 8" TAKES SPIELBERG BACK TO THE TOP OF BOX OFFICE

Still from Super 8

Producer Steven Spielberg makes a triumphant return to the top with J.J. Abram's latest Super 8. The Sci-fi Thriller brought in $37 million in its debut for Paramount Pictures. A critical success also, it garnered an 82% rating at Rotten Tomatoes.

X-Men: First Class slips to second spot this weekend with $25 million in its second week, bringing its tally to $98.8 million domestically. The Hangover Part II is still going strong for Warner Bros., slipping to third this weekend with a respectable $18.5 million and to-date it has earned $216.5 million in its three-week run.

Kung-Fu Panda 2 places in fourth with $16.3 million this weekend. Meanwhile, Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer debuts in sixth spot with $6.2 million and Woody Allen's latest Midnight in Paris sits in eighth spot for a second consecutive week after having expanded to 944 theatres with $6.1 million.

Fast Five after a valiant seven-week run rounds out the Top Ten with $1.7 million, now surpassing $205 million in earnings in North America.

X-MEN: FIRST CLASS LIVES UP TO ITS NAME IN DEBUT

Still from X-Men - First Class

X-Men: First Class had a first-in-class opening weekend at the Box Office, taking in $53 million from  3,641 theatres for 20th Century Fox.  Although a solid opening, this is considered weak for a Marvel Comics adaptation.   Reviews however, have been strong for the Film starring an Oscar-caliber Cast of Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy, Jennifer Lawrence and Rose Byrne.  Rotten Tomatoes pegs it at 87% on its Tomatometer.

The Hangover Part II is still going strong in its second week, slipping to second with $35 million after a record-setting opening.  It is v. close to surpassing the $200 million mark domestically.

Meanwhile, Kung Fu Panda 2 continues to perform strong in third with $22 million this weekend in its second week, putting it just ahead of former Box Office-topper Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides in fourth with $16.5 million in its third week of release.

Bridesmaids just surpassed the $100 million-mark in earnings this weekend in fifth spot with $12 million (a second Movie in the Top Ten for Byrne) and more notably, Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris in Limited Release (147 theatres) is performing well in eighth spot with $2.4 million.

"THE HANGOVER PART II" SHATTERS BOX OFFICE RECORD

Still from The Hangover Part II

Congratulations, Warner Bros.! The Hangover Part II officially has shattered Box Office Records, becoming the highest opening R-rated Comedy of all time. Opening Thursday night with an eye-popping $31.6 million alone, the Wolf Pack are expected to make $107 million by Sunday and $139 by the end of U.S. Memorial Day Weekend. Despite poor reviews overall on Rotten Tomatoes (35%), CinemaScore rated the Film an "A" still.

Kung Fu Panda 2 was expected to give The Hangover Part II a run for its money, but in the end failed to threaten even though it performed well, with a projected take of $56 million by Sunday and $65 million over a five-day weekend.

After a superb debut, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides is still going strong, estimated to take-in $50 million by Sunday. Bridesmaids follows behind in fourth with $20.6 million. To-date the Comedy has brought in $89.3 million in three weeks. Meanwhile, Thor finds itself in fifth this Memorial Day Weekend with $12 million.

Woody Allen's latest Midnight in Paris showing in only 58 theatres, lands in ninth spot in its second week of release with $2.2 million. The Rom-Com starring Rachel McAdams, Owen Wilson, Michael Sheen and Marion Cotillard will continue to expand in coming weeks.

THE HANGOVER PART II - MOVIE REVIEW

Still from The Hangover Part II

Of course it’s implausible and ridiculous! Why else would you watch it? Director/Writer Todd Phillips builds upon the massive success of 2009’s The Hangover but this time, takes the antics to the exotic locale to Bangkok. Instead of Doug (Justin Bartha) getting married, the Bachelor-to-be now is Stu (Ed Helms). Joined by original members of the Wolf Pack alumni - Phil (Bradley Cooper) and Alan (Zach Galifianakis) – plus soon-to-be Brother in Law Teddy (Mason Lee - son of Ang), Stu governs the festivities with the iron fist. No alcohol. What should ensue then is some good, clean fun right? At least he meant well…

The Wolf Pack, minus Doug, wake up in a seedy Motel somewhere in Bangkok after a tame night on the Beach, unable to recall the series of events of the evening prior. Missing however is Teddy, fuelling the dilemma as he struggles already to gain acceptance from Fiancé Lauren’s (Jamie Chung) traditional Father. And just as things couldn’t get any worse, out of nowhere resurfaces Mr. Chow (Ken Jeong), the animated Chinese Hustler with a penchant for Drugs, Urban Slang and living on the edge. Involved in a crucial illicit business transaction, he implicates the Wolf Pack by association, drawing unwanted attention to them from some dangerous Mobsters who are hot on Chow’s trails. One unfortunate event right after the other, we fear whether or not the Wolf Pack will be able to make it out of Bangkok alive, let alone the Altar.

Phillips really pulls out all the stops this time around to make The Hangover Part II that much more jaw-dropping than its predecessor.  An unforgettable joke about Shiitake Mushrooms to a daring reveal involving Trans-gendered Strippers will have you gasping in disbelief. Phillips manages to add in a few more complex twists and turns into his original mix of Shock-Comedy and although this might come at the expense of logic, the laugh factor by no means is sacrificed at all in this Sequel.

MIKE TYSON'S TATTOO ARTIST SUING WARNER BROS. OVER "THE HANGOVER PART II"

Still from The Hangover Part II

Uh-oh. Someone’s not happy. Victor Whitmill, or the Tattoo Artist responsible for Boxer Mike Tyson’s Maori-inspired Face Art is suing Warner Bros. The New York Times has quoted that Whitmill is suing for Copyright Infringement, citing how he had “never been asked for permission for, and has never consented to, the use, reproduction or creation of a derivative work based on his original Tattoo.”.

Actor Ed Helms is seen in The Hangover Part II, out this Thursday, with a similar Tattoo to that of Tyson’s and he recently told Entertainment Weekly that Tyson was completely unaware that his Tattoo would be parodied in the Film. Helms said, “As his arrival on set was imminent, it became clear that no one had told him about the Tattoo bit, and I was actually worried he’d be mad at me and the switch would flip, But he was so cool about it. He is misunderstood. He’s like the nicest man. He couldn’t be cooler so it was a little anti-climactic.”.

There is talk of Warner Bros. possibly having the scenes with Helms sporting a Tattoo digitally edited, although this would be cutting it extremely close with less than two days to go before its release. Perhaps they’ll be able to settle out-of-Court on the matter? Or is Warner Bros. in the right in its claim that depiction of the Helms’ Tattoo is indeed “fair use” seeing that Tyson’s Tattoo is reference to a popular piece of Pop Culture?  Whatever it is, it's good Publicity for all.

JON HAMM, JIMMY FALLON, LINDSEY BUCKINGHAM & CHRIS COLFER SURPRISE ON ED HELMS EPISODE OF "SNL"

Ed Helms on Saturday Night Live

In what was one of the best Saturday Night Live episodes in quite some time, all stops were pulled for this taping hosted by The Hangover star Ed Helms. Guest appearances from Glee's Chris Colfer, Fleetwood Mac's Lindsey Buckingham, Mad Men's Jon Hamm and former SNL alumni Jimmy Fallon, plus Musical Guest Paul Simon not only surprised - they impressed!

Long-running Animated Sketch The Ambiguously Gay Duo which hyperbolizes the Homoeroticism of Comic Hero Duos (i.e. Batman & Robin), has been a favourite of mine for quite some time. Last night they decided to throw in an extra wist and give it the Live Action treatment.  And the results were hilarious.  Watch below as Hamm and Fallon team-up in an eye-popping way to save the world.

Watch The Ambiguously Gay Duo below:

INTERVIEW: BRADLEY COOPER ON "THE HANGOVER PART II"

Bradley Cooper & Mr. Will-W.

"So was the Sequel disappointing?" is the first thing he said to me as he walked into the Interview Suite of this Yorkville Hotel. It was a long day of Press, following another busy day of promotion yesterday in Philadelphia. Toronto is just another stopoff on an aggressive Promo Tour which will be taking much of his time over the next two weeks. Catching me off-guard completely before a small table of Journalists, it took me a second to realize what he was up to. "I loved The Hangover, so yeah - big shoes, Bradley!", I chuckled back at him.

Casual and comfortable in a knit French Sailor Sweater and a pair of dark blue Jeans, Bradley Cooper lights-up the room with his translucent blue eyes - his hair a few shades darker than I'd imagined and a bit of scruff on his boyish face. "Where'd you get it?" I commented on his Sweater, to which he replied "Uh, to be honest I actually don't know!". Clearly, his no-fuss look is the work of a great Stylist. Ask him about  his Fashions, he doesn't know.  Ask him about this eagerly-awaited Comedy The Hangover Part II he's promoting? Now, that's something he can go on about in an articulate manner that indicates Cooper actually is a much more well-trained Actor than some of his earlier repertoire might suggest.

Make no mistake about it, Bradley Cooper is a bona fide Leading Man.  Over the past three years we've seen him fire one Box Office-topper right after the other. He's Just Not That Into You, Valentine's Day, The A-Team, Limitless and of course 2009's massively successful Golden Globe winner The Hangover, the predecessor to the Movie he is here to promote today.

BRADLEY COOPER TO DO TORONTO PRESS DAY FOR "THE HANGOVER 2"

Still from The Hangover 2

Great news, Toronto!  Bradley Cooper will be doing a Press Day in support of The Hangover 2, the eagerly-awaited sequel to the Golden Globe Award-winning Film.  Cooper will be in town Wednesday, May 11, 2011 to promote the Comedy.  If you could say, ask him any question about the Film, what would it be?

The Hangover 2 opens in theatres on Thursday, May 26, 2011 via Warner Bros.

Visit its official website here.


(Photo credit: Warner Bros.)

NEW TEASER TRAILER FOR "THE HANGOVER 2"

Warner Bros. have released a brand new teaser Trailer for The Hangover 2 with mostly footage from a hot, dirty Bangkok. What do you think?  I feel like I need a shower just watching it.

NEW STILL FROM "THE HANGOVER 2"

Still from The Hangover 2

Although Warner Bros.' The Hangover 2 is due to hit theatres in exactly four months and one week's time,  we still know v. little as to its Plot, we only know that it takes place in Bangkok and that ex-U.S. President Elect Bill Clinton has a cameo.  This newly-released Still shows the Boys - Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis and Ed Helms - at the mercy of a Chimpanzee donning a Jean Vest with a Rolling Stones emblem.  If you look carefully at Helms' face, there appears to be a Mike Tyson-like tattoo?  What in the world?....

(Photo credit: Warner Bros.)

KEN JEONG OF "THE HANGOVER" IN PEPTO BISMOL COMMERCIAL

Ken Jeong in Pepto Bismol Ad

Actor/Comedian Ken Jeong might be known best for his memorable role as a Chinese mobster in The Hangover, but he seems to have carved his own quirky niche. Pepto Bismol has had some memorable advertising campaigns over the years, poking fun at Heartburn and Diarrhea for which it relieves. For their Holiday campaign, they've enlisted the services of Jeong who just shines in this television spot as a sassy observer at the Party.  I'd die a gaseous death to make him show up at my  Holiday Party!

 Watch below:

BILL CLINTON FILMS CAMEO FOR "THE HANGOVER: PART II"

Bill Clinton

Too amazing for words! Former U.S. President Elect Bill Clinton was spotted in Bangkok this past Saturday filming a Cameo for upcoming The Hangover: Part II from Director Todd Phillips.  My favourite U.S. President! 

The Sequel sees the boys Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha and Ed Helms getting kidnapped this time around, although there are no further details about its Plot at this time. Other stars to sign on include Liam Neeson and Paul Giamatti, while Mike Tyson and Ken Jeong also will be reprising their roles.

The film will hit theatres the weekend of Memorial Day (May 30, 2011), which seems a tad rushed, doesn't it?