INTERVIEW: ARI GRAYNOR, LAUREN ANNE MILLER, KATIE NAYLON & JAMIE TRAVIS ON "FOR A GOOD TIME, CALL..."

Lauren Ann Miller, Katie Naylon, Ari Graynor & Jamie Travis in Toronto - August 2012

After doing the rounds at Sundance Film Festival this past January where it was well-received, Sex Comedy For a Good Time, Call... now is ready for its release. Toronto-born Director Jamie Travis, Actress/Producer Ari Graynor and Co-Writers Katie Naylon and Lauren Ann Miller (the latter who also stars in the Film) arrived in Toronto late Wednesday to promote what has been a labour of love for the Quartet.

For a Good Time, Call... centers around Frenemies, Katie (Graynor) and Lauren (Miller), both brought together by financial necessity in order to afford their super-fab Apartment in Gramercy Park, following the death of Katie's Grandmother.  The Duo soon find themselves starting their own Sex Line to make ends meet and under the most unlikely of circumstances, they find themselves forming an unbreakable bond. 

What many might not realize about this Story, co-penned by both Miller and Naylon, is that it actually is semi-autobiographical and yes, the latter admits to having worked prior as a Phone Sex Operator. "When you have a friend with you who is as funny and creative as Katie, it's easier. We actually cheated because we started with characters inspired by ourselves and we made a story with characters based loosely on our own archetypes. I don't know if it's officially cheating, but it certainly made things easier.".

Both Miller and Naylon give me the Backstory on their Friendship, which was sparked by a random pairing as Roommates in an off-campus Apartment during their College days at Florida State University.  Naylon admits laughingly, "Lauren didn't judge me as much as I judged her. She was quirky and sure had a lot of requirements - including a clear shower curtain and a sound machine at bedtime".  Miller went-off eventually to Los Angeles, while Naylon headed to New York City to work as a Copywriter. After much convincing and years of mailed Holiday Cards, both of them reunited in Los Angeles.  "We got settled in for a couple weeks, sat in front of a computer and wrote this", says Miller. "Honestly, I feel this is our destiny. It's some kind of magic", adds Naylon.

In addition to a hilarious and flamboyant turn from Justin Long, For a Good Time, Call.. is chalk full of Cameos including appearances by Seth Rogen (Miller's Husband), Kevin Smith, plus two Toronto talents in Nia Vardalos and Sugar Lyn Beard (formerly a DJ on KISS 92.5).  "We wrote lovers letters to all these talented people to get them to play with us", says Miller.  "Making an Independent Movie is about dreaming big and not taking 'no' for an answer.  We kept pushing and pushing and got really lucky.".

ENTER TO WIN A DOUBLE PASS TO SEE "FOR A GOOD TIME, CALL..."

For a Good Time, Call... Official Artwork

For a Good Time, Call... was a hit at Sundance Film Festival earlier this year and now its release is finally before us! The Comedy centers around Frenemies Katie (Ari Graynor) and Lauren (Lauren Anne Miller), who move into the super-posh Gramercy Park area, but to make ends meet, they wind-up starting a Phone Sex Line together. Call me, maybe?   

Justin Long, Nia Vardalos and Seth Rogen star also. Look-out also for a Cameo from Scarborough's Sugar Lyn Beard.  I just saw it today and loved it so much I just might see it again!

Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven and Alliance Films want to give you a Double Pass to see For a Good Time, Call... before everyone else in Toronto on Thursday, August 23, 2012. And even better, Director Jamie Travis and Writer Katie Anne Naylon will be joined by Stars Ari Graynor and Lauren Anne Miller at the Screening!

To enter, click "like" on this Post at Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook and also be following on Twitter.  Your deadline is Saturday, August 18, 2012. Good luck.

Watch the Trailer below:

JOSEPH GORDON-LEVITT SNUBS FANS AT TIFF 2011: CO-STARS SHINE

Joseph Gordon-Levitt at TIFF 2011 Premiere of 50/50

The Fans absolutely love Joseph Gordon-Levitt but it would appear he doesn't feel the same about them. Arriving in Toronto just hours before the Premiere of his TIFF 2011 title 50/50, missing its Press Conference yesterday, the talented Actor avoided Fans completely, some who queued up all day hoping just to get an Autograph.

The shy Actor did the same also on his way out of Ryerson Theatre, where the Premiere had been held, sheepishly avoiding eye contact with a smirk on his face.

Co-stars Seth Rogen, Anna Kendrick and Bryce Dallas Howard however were wonderful to Fans, making time for them before and after working the Media Line at the Red Carpet, especially fellow Canadian Rogen who drew tons of cheers.  Even Funnywoman Kathy Griffin popped by to walk the Red Carpet to give out a few high-fives and Autographs for laughing out loud!

Read my Review of 50/50 here.

See more Photos below:

50/50 - TIFF MOVIE REVIEW

Still from 50/50

We often don't think of Cancer as a funny thing, but Vancouver-filmed 50/50 makes the most of it finding humour in the worst possible scenario. The Jonathan Levine Film, was written by Will Reiser who was inspired by his own battle with the Disease. It tackles heavy subject matter with a dash of optimism while at the same time, remaining true to the heart of the struggle.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt delivers a powerful, performance making proud those backers who first took note of his talent as a Child Actor in Sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun, and if you weren't sold on him with his work in 2009's sleeper hit 500 Days of Summer, 50/50 will have you seeing him as a cut from the same cloth as talented contemporaries like James Franco and James McAvoy.

Gordon-Levitt's portrayal of Adam is authentic and mostly numbing myself having battled Cancer at one point in my life, I can appreciate that. He brings to life delicately the resentment, the doubts of uncertainty and disappointments which not only come from coping on a personal level, but also seeing how the Disease can affect one's own social support network. Despite being much a Comedy, the focus is honed-in just enough at the right moment that we are reminded how serious Adam's struggle is and ultimately that is where we get a proper glimpse at Gordon-Levitt's range.

SARAH POLLEY COMMENTS ON "TAKE THIS WALTZ"

Sarah Polley & Mr. Will-W.

Just as I was heading into a Screening tonight, I ran into acclaimed Gemini and Genie Award-winning Actress/Oscar-nominated Screenwriter Sarah Polley coming out of the National Film Board of Canada.  Just as she head off to her next destination, kindly she stopped to pose for a Photo.

I had to of course ask her my most burning question - whether or not her Toronto-filmed Take this Waltz will be premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival this September.  She smiled back at me, "Nothing's finalized yet!".  That answer would in the least bit appear to indicate it's in close contention?  And considering her favourable relationship with TIFF, I'd say she's a shoe-in! 

Polley's 2008 directorial debut Away from Her premiered at TIFF, eventually seeing Julie Christie get an Oscar nomination, in addition to a Best Adapted Screenplay nod for her own writing.  I did camp-out at the set for Take this Waltz last Summer and you can read some of my coverage here.

"THE GREEN HORNET" ON DVD

One of the funnest Movies of 2011 finally gets a DVD release! Sony Pictures' The Green Hornet hits stores on Tuesday, May 3, 2011 in Standard and Blu-ray Editions.

Directed by Michel Gondry and starring Seth Rogen, Jay Chou and Cameron Diaz, the DVD includes Special Features like a Gag Reel, Commentary and a Featurette about the Car itself, The Black Beauty. Seth Rogen also talks about the process of writing The Green Hornet for the big screen.

Click here to read my Review of the Film.

SETH ROGEN & BARBRA STREISAND STAR IN "MY MOTHER'S CURSE"

Seth Rogen in Toronto - August 2010

This news made my morning!  It has just been confirmed that Paramount Pictures has given the green light to a Film titled My Mother's Curse.  The Comedy will star the lovable pair of Seth Rogen and Barbra Streisand as a Son and Mother who venture on a Road Trip.  Rogen will play an Inventor inviting his Mother on a Road Trip, which also sees him reuniting her with an old flame. 

The Plot in itself sounds perfect and production will begin this Spring.  Anne Fletcher who brought us The Proposal, will be directing.  Hurry!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

THE GREEN HORNET 3-D - MOVIE REVIEW

Still from The Green Hornet 3-D

Despite not having high expectations for it, Michel Gondry's The Green Hornet 3-D actually is full of pleasant surprises. This take on the Radio Series-cum-Comic, penned for the Big Screen here by Evan Goldberg and its Star Seth Rogen, has no shortage of laughs - at points parodying the often exaggerated action sequences seen in films of this genre. Rogen firmly answers the question of whether or not he can play the lead role in an Action Hero Movie with a definitive "yes"- but not without having to play-up his own unconventionality.

The Green Hornet follows the story of Britt Reid (Rogen), Party Boy Heir to a fountain of wealth left by his deceased media mogul Father James (Tom Wilkinson). Without any real aspirations in life, he winds up meeting one of his Father's Assistants Kato (Jay Chou), a Man of many hidden talents. The two develop a Brother-Brother relationship complete with Sibling Rivalry, setting out to end Organized Crime in Los Angeles while fumbling in their own inexperience and lack of direction.

Britt takes on the alter-ego of The Green Hornet, with the City divided in whether or not his crime-fighting actions are that of a Hero or a Villain. The Duo's strongest opponent is ruthless Gang Leader Chudnofsky (Christoph Waltz) and soon they uncover his secret ties with one of James' politically influencial colleagues, Scanlon (David Harbour). Will The Green Hornet and his trusty Sidekick be able to defeat the powerful Chudnofsky or will they succumb to the power Criminal?

"THE GREEN HORNET" SPARKS RACIAL DEBATE WITH STAR JAY CHOU

Still from The Green Hornet 3-D

With the Promotional Vehicle now in high gear for The Green Hornet 3-D, in theatres this Friday, Director Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) are getting an opportunity to respond to criticisms.

One name in the Cast, 31 year-old Jay Chou might be unfamiliar to many of us in North America but in Chinese-speaking Asia, the Actor who plays Kato, is a mega-star. First seen on the Big Screen here in Zhang Yimou's The Curse of the Golden Flower released in 2006,  Chou got his break in the late '90s when he was discovered by a Television Host in Taiwan named Jacky Wu, who was so touched he cried listening to Chou sing and play the Piano.

Chou shot to fame v. quickly in 2000 with his signature sound of R&B-inspired Pop, eventually selling over 28 million albums. So really, Acting is more of a side-gig for Chou.  He has even tried his hand at Directing too back in his native Taiwan.

Sitting down to chat with Ned Ehrbar from Metro World News recently, Director Gondry admits, "People criticized us that we took a real Chinese actor - actually he's from Taiwan - to have a bigger market.... David Carradine played Kung Fu, which was supposed to be played by Bruce Lee. But they didn't want him because he was too Chinese. And here we took a real Chinese actor and people still complain."

SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON WRAPS UP

Now I wish we had something like this in Toronto, but I suppose TIFF will have to do!  The 41st annual San Diego Comic-Con held at the San Deigo Convention Centre just wrapped-up and it is said that over 120,000 fans attended the event this year.  The Pop Culture convention gives fans an opportunity to connect with their favourite icons and get the scoop on forthcoming projects pertaining to a Superhero, Comic, Fantasy or Sci-Fi nature. 

Stars to turn up this year included the likes of Seth Rogen, Ryan Reynolds, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Angelina Jolie, Natalie Portman, cast members of Glee and many, many more.

Check out these photos below from the festivities:

SETH ROGEN ON THE TORONTO SET OF TAKE THIS WALTZ

Vancouver-born Seth Rogen has done extremely well in terms of making himself a bankable Hollywood Star.  He by no means fits the typical physical prototype of a Leading Man, but when you watch him on-screen, his ability to engage an audience makes you forget everything else.  He's funny and likable. The kind of Nerd that the Hot Girl in High School had a soft spot for.

Currently in Toronto filming Sarah Polley's Take This Waltz, a slimmed-down Rogen will be playing the Happy-Go-Lucky husband of Michelle Williams in the movie - oblivious to the fact that she develops feelings for a Rickshaw Driver played by Canadian actor Luke Kirby.

While breaking for Lunch, I had a chance to say "hi" and tell him how huge a fan I am of his and I asked him to clarify what the tone of this film was as I couldn't decipher if it was funny or serious.  He stated that it leaned a bit more towards the serious.  When complimenting him on how great he looked in keeping his weight off, he giggled and said "Thanks".  Later in the day, he came over to visit me with his Assistant much to my surprise.  "Are you seriously coming over here to talk to me?" I asked, to which he replied, "Of course!  I promised I would!", then signing a few autographs for fans. Unfortunately the trip was quick and he had run out of time when it came to taking our photo together.  Perhaps another time...  I'm certain it'll happen.  Rogen is every bit as wonderful as I'd imagined him to be and I look forward to seeing him branch away from Comedy in this project.

Want more of that Sethaliciousness?  Look below:

TAKE THIS WALTZ BEGINS FILMING IN TORONTO

Filming started a couple days ago for Canadian actress/director Sarah Polley's latest film Take This Waltz, to be distributed by Mongrel Media. The casting for the film however, is dead-aimed at the Oscars with a dream ensemble including Academy Award-nominee Michelle Williams, Seth Rogen and Sarah Silverman.  Williams has been getting a great amount of ink for her role in upcoming The Weinstein Co. production Blue Valentine.

I did have a chance to visit the set which is tucked away in Little Portugal, quiet enough yet still accessible to the city. Upon arrival, I could see Crew members in charge of Locations advising local residents to stay off their porches so not to be in the shot, as this particular scene was set at 5 AM. Low and behold, I could see a radiant Williams giggling with co-star Luke Kirby, with whom she develops feelings for in the film. Take This Waltz touches upon the question of fidelity as Williams' character (married to Rogen) is said to struggle with commitment.

Polley could be heard calling "Action!" and "Cut!" from around the corner as her and the Crew followed Williams and Kirby around the block multiple times on a Trolley. In this scene, Kirby could be seen pulling a Rickshaw, while Williams conversed with him on her feet.

VIDEO: GREEN HORNET TRAILER

The Green Horney Hornet (I keep typing "horney" by accident with the "y" key being beside the "t" key) trailer has finally surfaced and it actually looks quite funny, utilizing Seth Rogen's comedic timing. And to be honest, he looks quite good here slimmed down and dressed-up.  The Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) film has been pushed back to January 2011 from its originally planned summer release.  For those of you who don't know, sidekick Kato is played by Chinese mega-star Jay Chou, who has had massive success throughout Asia as a singer-songwriter.  He also appeared in Zhang Yimou's The Curse of the Golden Flower in 2006 which saw an international release.  Cameron Diaz also stars in the film for once in a smaller supporting role as the secretary to Green Hornet's alter-ego Britt Reid.

AN EARLY LOOK: TAKE THIS WALTZ

News like this just brings out the stalker in me.  Canadian great Sarah Polley's new project Take This Waltz starts filming this July in Toronto. The film is about a woman who realizes that she might be addicted to the "Honeymoon Phase" of her relationships. The actress-turned-director has cast - get this - comedienne Sarah Silverman, the ultra-selective Michelle Williams and the über-busy Seth Rogen, who only recently wrapped-up production on The Green Hornet and is now in Vancouver working on a film he wrote and directs, tentatively titled I'm With Cancer.  That film is based on Rogen's real life experiences and his friendship with a friend who suffered from the illness.

The last time Polley directed a feature in 2006, actress Julie Christie wound up receiving a Golden Globe win and an Oscar nomination for Away From Her.  Expect  a similar fate for Williams who is normally outstanding, although seen far too little.  (Photo credit: Associated Press)