Les Grossman returns in Promos for MTV Movie Awards

MTV Shows

MTV Shows

Les Grossman, Tom Cruise's alter-ego from Tropic Thunder returns in promos for the MTV Movie Awards.

I don't know which one I like better. Beyond hilarious!!!

Robert Downey Jr. Oscar nod for Tropic Thunder?

Heath Ledger is probably a lock for the supporting actor Oscar, but here's an interesting tidbit about Paramount campaigning for an Oscar nomination for Robert Downey Jr. in Tropic Thunder.

“There’s currently a battle brewing in Hollywood over Paramount’s surprise decision to push The Soloist from its release date in November to March next year. The largest talent agency in town, CAA, is quite unhappy with Paramount, saying “we were blindsided.” Variety shed some additional light on the situation tonight in a new article, adding that Paramount was pressured by Viacom to cut costs for the fourth quarter and Soloist was easiest to move (and apparently isn’t that great anyway). But hidden at the end of this article was an interesting tidbit that just made me smile. “The studio will now back an Academy campaign for [Robert Downey Jr.’s] supporting role in Tropic Thunder.”"

Comedies are notorious as losers at the big show, but Kevin Kline did win for Fish Called Wanda so stranger things have happened. Robert Downey Jr. was absolutely brilliant in Tropic Thunder, but he's spoofing actors, so they might be a wee bit touchy about it.

Review Roundup

I have been remiss in reviewing movies lately. I've been catching up with the new fall TV shows on my DVR, but I have seen a few in the last few weeks that I would recommend.

Tropic Thunder

Tropic Thunder, directed by Ben Stiller, had me laughing like I haven't in a long, long time. My husband did not know the whole setup, and went WTF? when the trailers for the actors started at the beginning. Everyone was hilarious in this, but Robert Downey, Jr. as such a method Australian actor that he surgically alters his skin to play the black soldier had me on the floor. There were so many inside Hollywood jokes and references to just about every war movie made and all the cliches. Tom Cruise was funny, but he didn't have me on the floor like the very un-PC conversation between Stiller and Downey: "Everyone knows you don't go full retard! Ask Sean Penn!" Three and a half stars and a laugh RIOT. If you missed it in theaters, make sure you rent this one.

The Bank Job

The Bank Job is based on a true story from the 1970's of a ham radio operator overhearing a robbery in progress. It's a solid performance by Jason Statham in a more understated role for him. I loved all the 1970's period costumes and sets. Very fun and definitely worth a rental. Three stars.

Burn After Reading

Burn After Reading -- Variety claimed this Coen Brothers film was "too silly." Well, I have to say, that I wasn't on the floor gasping for breath like I laughed in Tropic Thunder, but I chuckled quite a bit. The plot makes no sense, and even the CIA boss says "Get back to me...when it makes sense!" Who cares! The fun of this film is seeing all these actors spoofing themselves and their image. Brad Pitt as a blonde male bimbo is a riot. He steals the film for me like when he rides his BIKE to a meeting with the CIA agent! I loved the little quirks, like George Clooney's character who is a serial adulterer. Each house he enters, he can't help commenting on the floor, even in the midst of seduction. "Is that white maple?" There is a moment of violence that is quite shocking. I know this is a spy spoof and all, but it almost didn't belong in this film, except this is the Coen brothers who brought us the wood chipper in Fargo. Three stars. Great performances by the whole high wattage cast.

Mockumentary trailer for Tropic Thunder

The marketing for this film is just so fun.

International Tropic Thunder Trailer

The international trailer for Tropic Thunder is up and it is pretty darn cool. Can't wait for this one!

Check it out HERE!

Tropic Thunder Viral Video

Irony Goes Viral
WENN: A comedy sketch that aired during the MTV Movie Awards in which Ben Stiller, Jack Black and Robert Downey Jr. talk about making a viral video for their upcoming Tropic Thunder movie was pulled off YouTube after it became a viral video itself. According to several tech websites, YouTube removed the video after receiving a "takedown notice" from Viacom, MTV's parent. The takedown was originally reported by the website BeyondMadisonAvenue.com, which commented that it appeared to be "the epitome of irony. A viral video about virals not being allowed to go viral." Viacom, which has sued YouTube for $1 billion alleging copyright infringement, apparently has not demanded that the video be withdrawn from other video websites, including FunnyOrDie.com (which is where I found it!)