ANNE HATHAWAY AT THE OSCARS: "THE DARK KNIGHT RISES" VS. "LES MISERABLES"

Anne Hathaway as Fantine in Les Miserables and Catwoman in The Dark Knight Rises

We're half-way through 2012 as a year of Film and although I have yet to be supremely-wowed yet by any performances to-date, we cannot deny that this is Anne Hathaway's year.  In just a few months' time, she may well be an Oscar Winner in the category of Supporting Actress with two well-placed gigs which with the correct campaigning will have her v. visible on the radars of Academy Voters.

Already having received universal praise for her performance as Selina Kyle/Catwoman in Warner Bros.' The Dark Knight Rises from Vanity Fair to President Obama, perhaps Hathaway's biggest shot is Tom Hooper's Les Miserables, due for a release mid-December via Universal Pictures?  The Studio appears to be confident enough in the 29-year-old Actress, using her highly emotive rendition of I Dream a Dream in the first cut of the Musical's Trailer, placing her front and center. It is impossible not to shiver hearing the tears in her voice.

The worst case scenario however for any Actor/Actress with two strong performances in one given year always is the Split Vote, which complicates matters slightly for Hathaway in the nomination process with two competing Studios campaigning for her. Ultimately though, it is difficult to foresee her being overlooked even with Voters being divided.

An Actor/Actress ultimately can receive only one nomination per category at the Oscars. Ask Kate Winslet for that matter who in the 2008-2009 Awards Season faced the dilemma of two Oscar-worthy performances in both The Reader and Revolutionary Road.  Her work in The Reader however ultimately prevailed with her being campaigned for the former and going on to win Best Actress.

(Photo credit: Universal Pictures/Warner Bros.)

"THE DARK KNIGHT RISES": MOVIE REVIEW

Still from The Dark Knight Rises

Expectations are impossibly high for Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Rises, the Finale to his epic Batman Trilogy. Fans of its two Predecessors however, have little to worry about here.  This Installment introduces us to a battle-worn Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) eight years in exile after Batman is seen as being responsible for the death of Gotham's Community Pillar, D.A. Harvey Dent. 

Gotham however is under-siege with the imminent danger brought-on by a menacing presence with a Terrorist Agenda, Bane (Tom Hardy).  Although she appears immediately as a Foe, the beguiling Burglar Catwoman (Anne Hathaway) is called-upon by a soon to be out-of-exile Batman to save the City of its greatest threat yet.  Will this be enough we wonder, and at what lengths will Batman go to in order to protect a City which continually has shunned him despite his good intentions?

The Dark Knight Rises is without a question a Work of Art.  The Film is breathtakingly-shot, with some masterfully choreographed Action sequences and first-rate performances from the best Hollywood has to offer.  At the same time, it presents some thought-provoking parallels to the World we live in and also Humanity today - if only we all had an all-consuming drive for Justice and Selflessness like Batman...   Perhaps as we approach possibly a Post-Obama Era even, this Film needed to be made as a reflection of the Collective Consciousness and where we stand right now in the continuous War against Terrorism.

Bale as always can be counted upon to deliver and he does so once again with understated charm.  A hardly-recognizable Hardy is terrifying to watch as Bane - deliciously ruthless, albeit lacking enough dimension for my liking, considering his outstanding range as an Actor. We never really get a true sense of what lies beneath his unquenchable thirst for Destruction. Gary Oldman as the vulnerable Jim Gordon and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as John Blake round-out what quite possibly is the Dream Team of Ensemble Casts.  I however, cannot mask my excitement for Hathaway's irresistible portrayal of  Catwoman/Selina Kyle, silencing any doubt that she could really pull-off that daunting assignment.  Dare I say she might even find herself in-contention for her second ever Oscar Nomination?

MATTHEW MODINE & NESTOR CARBONELL AT CANADIAN PREMIERE OF "THE DARK KNIGHT RISES"

Nestor Carbonell & Matthew Modine at Canadian Premiere of The Dark Knight Rises

Although more a modest Cousin to the The Dark Knight Rises Premiere which took place in London tonight at Leicester Square, Toronto played host to the Canadian Premiere of perhaps 2012's most eagerly-anticipated Film. The final Installment of Christopher Nolan's Batman Trilogy is poised to open big with estimates just-shy of the $200 million mark to be made domestically this weekend.

Stars Matthew Modine (Any Given Sunday, Full Metal Jacket) and Nestor Carbonell (Lost, Ringer) flew-in to the City for a round of Press in support of what is seen at this point as a Frontrunner for Best Picture at the Oscars.  Modine plays the integral Role of Deputy Commissioner Foley, while Carbonell reprises the Role of Gotham's Mayor Anthony Garcia in The Dark Knight Rises.  The Actors combined made appearances earlier today on CityTV's Breakfast Television, CP24 Breakfast and also CTV's Canada AM.

Modine and Carbonell graced the Red Carpet tonight in the City's Financial District at a Venue which for one night only was re-branded Wayne Manor - of course an Homage to the Film's Hero, Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale). The glamorous Affair thematically was tied into the Film, named the Black & White Masquerade Ball. Earlier in the evening, Modine sat-in on the Canadian Premiere at Scotiabank Theatre.

I was one of the lucky few who was able to attend the Premiere and will be posting my full Review of The Dark Knight Rises on Friday.  Stay tuned!

Warner Bros. releases The Dark Knight Rises on Friday, July 20, 2012 with several theatres offering Midnight Screenings. 

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

ENTER TO WIN A DOUBLE PASS TO THE CANADIAN PREMIERE OF "THE DARK KNIGHT RISES"

Still from The Dark Knight Rises

With its Premiere descending upon us, our Friends at Warner Bros. Canada are giving Fans a chance to rise to the occasion!  The Dark Knight Rises premieres Wednesday, July 18, 2012 here in Toronto and you can enter to win via Twitter a Double Pass to see it first.

Simply ReTweet the below and remember to follow @WBPicturesCan and @WarnerBrosTDot!

"I want to RISE with @warnerbrostdot at the Toronto Premiere of ‪#TheDarkKnightRises‬" to win 2 passes. Contest ends Sunday." 

Yes, there will be Cast in-attendance, although who still has yet to be confirmed.  Good luck!  See you there!

(Photo credit: Warner Bros.)

NEW TRAILER: "THE DARK KNIGHT RISES"

Still from The Dark Knight Rises

After much talk about it, finally the Official Trailer for The Dark Knight Rises is here and v. present. Christopher Nolan looks like he has yet another dark Masterpiece ready for us to devour. Those of you who see Marvel's The Avengers this weekend will be seeing this Trailer on the big screen. Can you handle this?

Although many had their doubts about Anne Hathaway as Catwoman, I'd say their fears should be alleviated after seeing her level of conviction here.  Cannot wait for Tom Hardy as Bane, looking in top form here.

Watch the Trailer below:

AMANDA SEYFRIED & TAYLOR SWIFT OFFERED ROLES IN TOM HOOPER'S "LES MISÉRABLES"

Taylor Swift in Toronto - July 2011

As if its Cast couldn't get any better, two more marquee names have been added to the Cast of Tom Hooper's (The King's Speech) Les Misérables, as reported by Twitch.

Amanda Seyfried who currently is in Los Angeles filming Lovelace - Pornstar Linda Lovelace's Biopic - has just been offered yet another Plum Role as Cosette in this Film Adaptation of the Victor Hugo Novel and internationally-acclaimed Stage Musical. Seyfried in addition to being a burgeoning star of Film, is a classically-trained Vocalist. It's hard to believe this is the same Girl who filmed Mean Girls in Toronto eight years ago. Her Agent truly deserves a raise.

If Seyfried's casting isn't enough to excite you, Les Misérables' Box Office fate has just been sealed by its offer to cast Country Pop Megastar Taylor Swift as a riches-to-rags Éponine, raised together with Cosette; both Girls long for Marius (Eddie Redmayne). Others up for the coveted Role of Éponine included: Lea Michele, Evan Rachel Wood and Scarlett Johansson. Although not quite the Actress as some of those others, it is understandable why Swift was chosen based on her arena-filling Fan Base.

To re-cap, these are the stellar Principal Cast members so far in Les Misérables:

MERYL STREEP CELEBRATED AT "KENNEDY CENTER HONORS"

Meryl Streep - 34th annual Kennedy Center Honors

The Kennedy Center Opera House in Washington hosted its 34th annual Kennedy Center Honors, paying tribute to five individuals who have made great cultural contributions to America. Honorees this year include Sonny Rollins, Yo-Yo Ma, Barbara Cook, Neil Diamond and of course The Iron Lady herself, Meryl Streep.

The actual Gala took place earlier this month on Sunday, December 4, 2011 and one night prior, the Honorees received their Medallions from Senator Hillary Rodhmam Clinton.

During tonight's Broadcast, a tearful and appreciative Streep watched on from her balcony as she was serenaded to a tune of "She's Me Pal" by The Devil Wears Prada Co-star Anne Hathaway - complete with the splits - sounding noticeably improved due likely to preparations for her upcoming Role as Fantine in Tom Hooper's Les Miserables.  The Musical Drama is slated for a December 2012 release and production will begin soon. 

Friends and Co-stars Kevin Kline, Emily Blunt and Robert DeNiro also paid tribute to Streep. As her introduction stated succinctly, "By disappearing into her roles, Meryl Streep has made the World visible to us".

See more Photos over at Zimbio. CBS also is streaming Clips on its Website here.

The Iron Lady, for which Streep widely is considered an Oscar Frontrunner in the Best Actress category, opens Friday, January 13, 2012 via Alliance Films.

(Photo credit: Getty Images)

ANNE HATHAWAY JOINS HUGH JACKMAN IN "LES MISÉRABLES"

Hugh Jackman in Toronto - July 2011

In what's shaping up to be a stellar Cast for the upcoming Musical Film Adaptation ofLes Misérables, Anne Hathaway has just been confirmed to play the coveted role of Fantine, as reported by Variety.  Hathaway's career just seems to be getting sweeter being set also to appear in upcoming The Dark Knight Rises as Catwoman next July.  Other Actresses in the running for the role of Fantine include Rebecca Hall and Amy Adams.

Set in 19th-Century France, Hugh Jackman will be taking on the Lead Role of Jean Valjean, a Prisoner on Parole for stealing bread, seeking redemption, while also evading the attentions of Inspector Javert. 

Although Russell Crowe (as Javert), Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter also are linked to the Project, there still is no word yet on who will be playing the important roles of  Cosette and Marius (taken-on recently Nick Jonas in London). Director Tom Hooper, known best for The King's Speech will be helming the Musical.

Universal Pictures will be releasing Les Misérables in the U.S., December 2012.


(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

ONE DAY - MOVIE REVIEW

Still from One Day

On July 15, 1988, Emma (Anne Hathaway) and Dexter (Jim Sturgess) graduate from the University of Edinburgh and after a night of celebrating, they begin a relationship which spans the course of over 20 years. After spending one night together, they vow every year after to re-convene as Friends on that same date, we too catch-up with them taking stock of where they are in their lives respectively. Although they find themselves growing further apart from one another as their lives and loves pull them in opposite directions, they find that one thing is constant  - their undying regard for one another as each other's Soul Mates. Dexter is empty despite having wealth and hoards of admirers, while Emma despite having a stable career and relationship, is not self-fulfilled.

Adapted from the Novel One Day written also by David Nicholls, this Screen Adaptation is helmed by Lone Scherfig, who brought us 2009's outstanding An Education. To be frank, what ultimately keeps One Day from being an amazing Film is its own ambitions to be faithful to the Novel. Taking characters and aging them seamlessly over the course of 23 years involves a great amount of dexterity on all accounts, but both Sturgess and Hathaway - even with those audible Americanisms in her accent especially early on - do a credible job selling their chemistry. The pacing and tempo of the Story however appear rushed, while at the same time progressing slowly. That is, we never get the true essence of what drives Emma and Dexter to be impossibly inseparable as our attentions are directed constantly towards the minutiae of both their unhappy lives.

One Day ably fills the void in the sparse Romance genre and Female Moviegoers, but on a larger scale might not be remembered for its sincere message: to never waste a day when it comes to following your heart when it comes to Love. That being said, Hathaway and Sturgess Fans - and there are many - will not be disappointed with their work.  One Day hits theatres August 19, 2011.

ENTER TO WIN 1 OF 10 PASSES TO SEE AN ADVANCE SCREENING OF "ONE DAY"

ENTER TO WIN 1 OF 10 

DOUBLE PASSES TO 

AN ADVANCE SCREENING 
IN TORONTO OF

"ONE DAY"

Alliance Films and Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven want to take ten lucky Readers and their Friends to see One Day, the latest Romance from the acclaimed Director of An Education, Lone Scherfig.  The Screening takes place on Thursday, August 18, 2011 in Toronto.

Join Dexter (Jim Sturgess) and Em (Anne Hathaway) as they vow on the night of their College Graduation to reunite the same day, every year over the course of 20 years, checking-in to see where they are in their lives.

To qualify for the win, you must be following Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Twitter here and leave a comment below with the name of the song which plays in the Official Canadian Trailer for One Day after the 1:26 mark. Please leave your Twitter handle so I can let you know if you win! HINT: It's too late to apologize.  It's too late.

Good luck, Mavenati!

One Day hits theatres Friday, August 19, 2011.

Watch the Trailer below:

MARION COTILLARD DELIVERS BABY BOY

Marion Cotillard & Mr. Will-W. - TIFF 2010

Congratulations, Marion Cotillard and Guillaume Canet! Two French Couple are the proud parents of a Baby Boy.  Le nom du bébé? Marcel est son nom ...and he was born last night. And yes I can clarify he definitely isn't mine, although you might think otherwise with all the love beaming from our eyes in the above Photo taken last September in Toronto.

Although we'll be missing Oscar-winning Cotillard in Toronto this Summer, we'll soon see her in the upcoming The Dark Knight Rises alongside Christian Bale and Anne Hathaway.

Cotillard as you might recall originally was a frontrunner opposite to star Robert Pattinson in David Cronenberg's Cosmopolis set to begin filming next week. The role eventually went to Toronto's Sarah Gadon.

RIO - MOVIE REVIEW

Still from RIO

The Creator of Ice Age, Carlos Saldanha, has done it again - this time in 3-D with his latest Animated Feature, RIO. Blu (Jesse Eisenberg) is a rare Macaw Bird, who has been domesticated by his Owner Linda (Leslie Mann) in Minneapolis after she had found him in a box rolled-off a truck. Upon having it brought to her attention by Ornithologist Tulio (Rodrigo Santoro) that Blu's species is in danger of becoming extinct, he and Linda make their way to Rio de Janero, where he is to mate with beautiful and free-spirited Jewel (Anne Hathaway).

Before long, both Blu and Jewel are kidnapped by a team of greedy Poachers. They are terrorized by tyrannous Watch Bird Nigel (Jemaine Clement), but manage to escape. One catch though - Blu does not know how to fly and after having been captured, both he and Jewel are bound together by chains. Together they find themselves on the wildest adventure of their lives with the help of their Friends Rafael (George Lopez), Nico (Jamie Foxx) and Pedro (will.i.am) who protect them from the Poachers and Nigel. Will Blu and Jewel manage to stay free of their Captors? Will Linda and Blu ever unite again? And above all, will this species of Blue Macaw birds become extinct forever?

On the rare occasion, I take the time to review an Animated Feature as admittedly it isn't a favourite genre of mine. RIO however, truly exceeded my expectations through and through.  Visually, it is a spectacle with enough vivacity, depth and detailing to make any Brazilian proud to call this Film their own - even with all the Urban North American-isms found throughout its Script.  RIO's multi-layered story line is told clearly and the heart it possesses underneath it all is palpable. Its ambition to educate our Children on the dangers of Extinction is expressed and understood, while packaged in the universality of a Love Story between a Bird and his Owner, and also that Bird and another.

If there was any doubt of Blu's visceral appeal as a Hero, a Child attending my Screening in tears had cried out "Blu!!!!!" as the Macaw had to fight his biggest challenge yet against his Captors.  My general rule of thumb is that Children rarely lie and perhaps that Child's sentiments also could be felt throughout the Theatre, although suppressed by the inhibitions that come with Age.

WIN A "RIO" PRIZE PACK

From the creators of Ice Age comes an animated 3-D Musical about two almost-extinct Macaw Birds, Blu (Jesse Eisenberg) and Jewel (Anne Hathaway). The two are brought together in Rio de Janero but kidnapped soon after. After managing to escape from a pair of greedy Poachers who are looking to sell them off, the two Birds find themselves on the wildest adventure of their lives!

RIO features the voices of George Lopez, Leslie Mann, Jamie Foxx, Wanda Sykes, Tracy Morgan and Bebel Gilberto. Released through Fox, you won't want to miss RIO when it hits Theatres on April 15, 2011!

2011 ACADEMY AWARDS RECAP

Natalie Portman at the 83rd Academy Awards

The 83rd Academy Awards held at Kodak Theatre this evening, were marred most perhaps by predictability. As Award after Award was handed-out this evening, it became more and more apparent that there were not going to be any real surprises in the most anticipated categories.   

Colin Firth as Actor in a Leading Role, yes - saw it a mile away.  Christian Bale and Melissa Leo, giving The Fighter an Oscar double in the Actor and Actress in a Supporting Role categories respectively - yes.  Aaron Sorkin for Adapted Screenplay with The Social Network - uh-huh.  Inception in the technical categories: Sound Editing, Visual Effects, Editing, Sound Mixing - yup.

The biggest surprise in my opinion was The King's Speech Director Tom Hooper nabbing the Award for Directing over The Social Network's David Fincher, a telling sign that the former would go on to win the coveted Best Picture Award.  Another telling sign was that Colin Firth's now-famous Speech in that Film was played over a Montage of all the Best Picture Nominees prior to the Award being announced.  The Weinstein Brothers sure know how to win an Oscar, that much I'll say.

TOM CRUISE PREPPING FOR ROLE IN "ROCK OF AGES" MOVIE

Constantine Maroulis & Tom Cruise

It's seriously happening. Tom Cruise is already taking voice lessons  for his upcoming role as Stacee Jaxx in the Film adaptation of Musical Rock of Ages. He will be required to learn three songs for the Film including Styx's Renegade, Bon Jovi's Wanted Dead or Alive and Foreigner's I Want to Know What Love Is, which will be featured as a Duet with Sherrie (Anne Hathaway). It doesn't appear Taylor Swift is attached to the project anymore as once rumoured, although names floating around include Mary J. Blige and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Cruise was spotted at Pantages Theatre in Hollywood this past weekend watching Rock of Ages and chatting with Producers and the Cast, posing for a Photo with Star Constantine Maroulis who may of us might remember from his stint on American Idol.

VANITY FAIR MARCH 2011 HOLLYWOOD ISSUE COVER

March 2011 Cover of Vanity Fair

Could this Photo get any hotter?  Norman Jean Roy shot this year's eagerly-anticipated Vanity Fair Hollywood Issue Cover and is it ever a sight to see.  Roy managed to bring together: Ryan Reynolds, Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway, James Franco, Jennifer Lawrence, Anthony Mackie, Olivia Wilde, Jesse Eisenberg, Mila Kunis, Robert Duvall, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Andrew Garfield, Rashida Jones, Garrett Hedlund and Noomi Rapace together in this Keeper of a Cover.

Click here to read more about the Behind-the-Scenes details of this Shoot.

The March issue of Vanity Fair hits newsstands later this month.  Must grab.

(Photo credit: Norman Jean Roy/Vanity Fair)

NEW OSCARS PROMO PHOTO: JAMES FRANCO & ANNE HATHAWAY

James Franco & Anne Hathaway

Cute!  Just-announced Oscar nominee James Franco and Anne Hathaway pose happily in this new Promotional Photo for the upcoming Oscars, which the Duo will be hosting together.  Do they not look amazing?   This Photo has me craving a a proper on-screen pairing.  Chop-chop, Casting Directors!

February 27, 2011 on ABC.  Mark your calendars, Mavenati!

(Photo credit: ABC)

ANNE HATHAWAY CAST AS CATWOMAN

Anne Hathaway at TIFF 2008

Christopher Nolan has announced some exciting news regarding the new Batman Rises Film, which is in development. Starring alongside Golden Globe Winner Christian Bale as Batman will be none other than Red Carpet favourite Anne Hathaway as Catwoman. Sexy Brit Tom Hardy will also be appearing in the Film as Bane, The Hollywood Reporter reveals here.

This will be Hardy's second time working with Director Nolan as they teamed together in last Summer's Inception. His character is known as one of Batman's most intellegent and power opponents. Warner Bros. will be releasing Batman Rises tentatively on July 20, 2012.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

NO SHORTAGE OF BEAUTY ON RED CARPET OF 68TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBES

Natalie Portman at 68th annual Golden Globes

Natalie Portman looked absolutely stunning on tonight's 68th annual Golden Globes Red Carpet at the Beverly Hilton.  Dressed in a Viktor & Rolf number adorned with a beautiful Red Rose, she was Classic Hollywood. 

Appearing incredibly bored on E!'s Red Carpet Special with Ryan Seacrest talking about the preparation process for Black Swan, she appeared rehearsed and confident.  When it came to answering questions about what she plans to name her Baby, due this Summer, she fumbled for words before eventually saying "We're open for suggestions!".  

Others who stunned on the Red Carpet included Angelina Jolie in Versace, Scarlett Johansson in Elie Saab, Olivia Wilde in Marchesa, Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad and both Megan Fox and Anne Hathaway in Armani.  Check out some Photos from tonight by Getty Images over at Zimbio.

(Photo credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

KATIE HOLMES & TOM CRUISE FURIOUS AT ANNE HATHAWAY?

Anne Hathaway at TIFF 2008

The Daily Mail is reporting that Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise are boycotting the Oscars this year as word is that the Couple are displeased with Co-Host Anne Hathaway's recent parody of Holmes on a skit called The Miley Cyrus Show.  Hathaway hosted SNL on November 20, 2010.  Although Cruise's Publicist has confirmed this isn't true, do you  recall Holmes nor Cruise having any real reason to be at the Oscars anyway this year?  Neither has starred in any films in-contention for Awards this season.

After her appearance Hathaway clarified to Access Hollywood, "I was a teenager when Dawson's Creek was airing, and I was a pretty avid fan, so it just sort of came from that. It wasn't really Katie Holmes; it was more Joey Potter.".  So there.  Is any additional apology or explanation required, really?

If this is rumour is true, Holmes' lack of a thick skin makes me wonder how she's made it this far in Show Business being offended so easily. To be parodied by Anne Hathaway in my books, is an honour. And if anything, the one who looks worst out of this ordeal is what's depicted as an attention-seeking Miley Cyrus!

Let's relive that moment on SNL again below: