Takakura returns to bigscreen

Tokyo, japan -- Actor Ken Takakura, a symbol in Japan because the sixties, is making his first pic in six years, "Anata E" (For You). Most widely known for his operate in the gang genre, Takakura, 80, will star like a prison counselor who journeys to Kyushu Island to scatter his dead wife's ashes. Yasuo Furuhata, that has made 18 photos using the actor through the years, will helm, while Takeshi Aoshima is scripting with different story through the film's producer, Seichi Ichiko. Having a legacy of near 100 movies, Takakura is becoming very selective concerning the projects he assumes. But he stated he was deeply moved by "Anata E." Shooting will begin on Sept. 7 and wrap in November. Release is skedded for fall 2012. Additionally to his domestic work, Takakura has starred in a number of foreign photos, including Zhang Yimou's "Riding Along for 1000's of Miles" (2005), Fred Schepisi's "Mr. Baseball" (1992) and Sydney Pollack's "The Yakuza" (1974). Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

'The Large Lebowski' Cast Reunion Photos

Bowling! Nihilists! Robes! These were all displayed in the ninth annual Lebowski Fest in New You are able to City tonight. Even though past occasions honoring the cult comedy have attracted 100s of costumed 'Big Lebowski' enthusiasts, the 2010 event was quite different. Yes, this season, the particular stars from the film (Shaun Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore, John Turturro, Steve Buscemi) turned up to have an entertaining Q+A and red-colored carpet ... we mean red-colored rug (see above) photo operations. We'll possess a writeup each morning of the items went lower in the Fest, but for the time being, we provide you with these amusing images featuring the cast. 'The Large Lebowski' Cast Reunion See All Moviefone Art galleries »

HAMMOND: Woodsy Allen, Kaira Pitt, 'The Help' & Cast Among Early 2011 Leading Oscar Challengers Do They Really Hold On?

OK, I'll say it: When the Academy awards were held today (nearly two-thirds of how through 2011) Woodsy Allencould have another Best Picture champion. Obviously the84th Academy Awardsaren't being held yet and that we continue to be four . 5 several weeks from the finish of qualifications.But as Iembark about the fall season starting with the Venice + Telluride + Toronto film festivals you're ready to have a look at where things standand where situations are going. First of all within this number of posts:Can there be anything launched to date this year having a realistic opportunity to win the race Best Picture? Or at the minimum earn a nomination? Remember, new rulessay from 5-10 films might be nominated, meaning each nominee can't make it happen without receiving a minimum of 300 to begin with votes within the nominating process. The usual understanding is the fact that films launched within the first 8 several weeks of the season are in a significant problem with individuals being released within the fall and holidays.This past year no eventual champion within the top8 groups was launched before October -- and7 of individuals those who win arrived on the scene on or after Thanksgiving. On the other hand some recent Best Pic those who win such as the Hurt Locker (2010) and Crash (2005) originated from the very first 1 / 2 of their particular years. Other classic Best Picchampslike Patton, The Godfather, The Silence From The Lamb, Gladiator, Braveheart, company, Woodsy Allen's first Best Picture, Annie Hall (2007), counseled me launched within the first 5 several weeks of the particular years so it might be foolish to downgrade the likelihood of movies we have already seen this season. Or wouldn't it? Indeed 4 of last time's ten best Picture nominees were launched in June and This summer. But apart from animated films like Rango and Rio there have been no solid Best Pic options until we hit the Cannes Film Festival in May. Gradually simmeringBest Picture talk was sparked through the fest opener, Allen's rapturously received Night time In Paris and Terrence Malick's Palme d'Or champion The Tree Of Existence which both continued to later May domestic releases. The Allen film is becoming his most financially effective film ever and it'll hit the $50 million benchmark a few days ago. Its official Academy screening was packed towards the rafters ("the very best turnout I've observed in years", based on one member) and was very well accepted. "I loved itbut some people I understand got mad at me because I did not like it,Inch another voter explained.InchI've not seen anything that's gottenthat type of response." One honours consultant without any link with The new sony Pictures Classics orAllen's film requested. "Who does have thought Night time In Paris will be the first film cemented [for any nomination]?" However, many contend that it's too lightweight to visit the length and can fade. Still, to obtain individuals ever-more-crucial first-place votes, a movie needs to possess a passionate uber-passionate following. And also the vibe I'm presently getting from numerous membersis that Woodsy hit that one from the park. And let us face the facts: withWoody'scareer tally of 21 nominations and3 wins, the Academy is friendly territory for him,a minimum of when he's on his game. His last pointing jerk is at 1994 for Bullets Over Broadway. His newest writing jerk was 6 years back for that drama Match Point. With SPC planning for a major campaign, nominations aren't unthinkable for Picture, Pointing, Supporting Actress (Marion Cotillard) and something is alreadylocked for Original Script. Fox Searchlight's The Tree Of Existence has experienced a far more divided reaction from some voters. But individuals who're enthusiastic about Malick are actually passionate. Others, less. An stars branch member: "I believe Kaira Pitt's great, really wonderful. I believe that section -- I refer to it as the mushroom trip -- lost many people after i first viewed it in the Academy. It had been a couple ofOr3s full there were not many walkouts. But lukewarm applause." Despite split decisions like this it cannot be reduced, despite the fact that Malick's only previous Best Picture nomination originated from 1998's The Thin Red-colored Line and also the last Palme d'Or champion totakeOscar's top awardwas Marty in 1955. A great deal will rely on how Fox Searchlight campaigns the film. The savvy company couldposition it as being too important and groundbreakingto ignore. Filmmakers admire Malick for getting their own vision on the watch's screen, also keep in mind the Cannes jury that granted it the very best prize incorporated Academy people like Jude Law,Uma Thurman, and RobertDe Niro (who recognized the film because of its apparent ambition). Older people particularly may prefer Dreamworks' The Assistance which came an believed 95% capacity house at its AMPAS screening last weekend and "massive" applause for Viola Davis along with other people from the ensemble cast. It is the kindof entertaining yet socially conscious movie the Academy has fallen forin past decadesand there might be an idea for your again."Whether it got a Best Picture nomination I wouldn't be sorry whatsoever," stated one normally hard-to-please member attending.A current SAG nominating committee screening in the Arclight in Hollywoodfeatured a Q&A using the six principal female stars who came multiple standing ovations. A Dreamworks source explained they had not planned on coping with Oscar talk too soon, just wishing to spread out the film effectively. (They did with $35 million within the first 5 days.) Butthe response has increased their timetable.Expect a significant campaign with wished-for nodsincluding Davis as well as Actress and Octavia Spencer for the best Supporting Actress, and aSAGCast nomination would appear to stay in achieve. Ifthe film continues itsstrong box office run, thencomparisons towards the Blind Side which obtained a Best Pic jerk along with a Best Actress win for Sandra Bullock 2 yrs ago is going to be inevitable. Obviously which was once the Acad needed to nominate 10 pictures. Despite a 74% fresh score at Rotten Tomato plants, experts groups will most likely 't be of great importance and help. Butwhen the Academy holds something using its heart because it didBlind Side andreigning Best Pic champion The King's Speech, all bets are off. Among summer time blockbusters with Best Picture aspirations, Warner Broswill launch anaggressive campaign for that finalfranchise film, Harry Potter And Also The Deathly Hallows Part 2 with about landing a Best Picture jerk as recognition from the critical and box office success from the entire series (a la The almighty from the Rings even though evaluations aren't really thatapt). And Vital is plotting an offer for J.J. Abrams and Steven Spielberg's Super 8, using the studio likely to help remind voters from the warm feelings the film produced "despite the fact that it opened up waaaaay in June". Because of its styles it might have strong attract filmmakers -- it's kind of E.T. meets Day For Evening meets Aliens, all Oscar those who win --despite the fact that most commentators will most likely discount its chances when more severe fare opens. 2 yrs ago, the August release District 9 won an uncommon sci-fi Best Pic nomination (again there have been a needed 10).The studio can also be wishing to achieve attention for supporting actress Elle Fanning and it has alreadystarted on the pre-nominations screening series for Academy and also the Guilds. twentieth century Fox might seriously be considering mounting a Supporting Actor campaign with respect to Andy Serkis who plays lead ape Caesar within the smash Rise From The Planet From The Apes. However, many inthe acting branch and SAG still freely fear the results from the performance capture process which blends CGI with actors' actions to produce a character. Some experts happen to be freely with a Serkis nomination butsome stars are wary it may be the start of the finish for that profession. So it'sa lengthy shot.The role really requires great talent, and Serkis could be an inspired choice. The film performed to about 70% capacityat its official AMPAS screening on Saturday evening and was well-received I'm relayed through a neutral Academy member who had been there. Much more likely stars will gowith 81-year-old Christopher Plummer's touching performance like a guy who arrives from the closet right close to the finish of his existence within the June release Beginners. He'd appear to become a lock on the supporting jerk. And hopefully voters will not forget Mexican star Demian Bichir's great operate in June's A Much Better Existence or Rachel Weisz in the present The Whistleblower -- despite the fact that both indiefilms unsuccessful to ignite in the box office in a major way. The Weinstein Company's Sarah's Key may also draw attention, particularly for that past due Kristin Scott Thomas. Areas with bountiful candidates to select from within the first eightmonths of 2011's film crop are Animated Feature (brought by Rango and Rio), Documentary Feature (Buck, Senna, The First Page: Within The New You are able to Occasions, Project Nim and Werner Herzog's Cave of Forgotten Dreams) not to mention theVisual Effects category always friendly to summer time blockbustershas now been broadened to five nominees. The larger challenge for films having a The month of january through August birthdate will bestaying front of mind once the real competitiveonslaught starts the following month. Approaching: Phone Fall and Holiday challengers in the Major Galleries and Independents.

Cinemax Prepping Amish Country Series Executive Produced by Alan Ball

After relaunching original primetime programming with 3 action series -- Strike Back, The Transporter and The Sector, all done as international co-productions -- Cinemax is taking a different approach with another drama project eyed for a series order, Banshee. The project, described as Walking Tall meets History of Violence, did not come to Cinemax via the international co-production route but was developed at sister pay cable network HBO and has Alan Ball attached as an executive producer. According to the LATimes, Banshee, written by Jonathan Tropper and David Schickler, is set in a small town in Pennsylvania Amish Country and features an enigmatic ex-con/martial arts expert posing as a murdered sheriff who imposes his own brand of justice while also cooking up plans that serve his own interests. Banshee, executive produced by Ball, Tropper, Schickler and Peter Macdissi, is eying a spring start of production. It will not keep Ball away from his hit HBO series True Blood. Ball is already working with the show's writing staff on scripts for Season 5, whose official pickup is imminent.

Original Dirty Dancing Choreographer Kenny Ortega In Talks to Direct Dirty Dancing Remake

Over twenty years ago, Kenny Ortega choreographed the Patrick Swayze-Jennifer Grey classic Dirty Dancing and now, because we can’t go a week without a remake announcement, Lionsgate is planning on rebooting the title, this time with Ortega at the helm. Get out of that corner and check out more details ahead. According to Deadline, Lionsgate is in talks with the This Is It director to oversee the remake. In addition to designing the actual dirty dancing moves that made the film famous — Ortega choreographed a number of other ’80s hits including St. Elmo’s Fire, Pretty in Pink and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Before This Is It, Ortega directed all three of the High School Musical movies. This new film will have nothing to do with the ill-fated Dirty Dancing sequel Havana Nights, which grossed a mere $27.7 million worldwide back in 2004. · Kenny Ortega Comes Full Circle To Direct ‘Dirty Dancing’ Reboot [Deadline]

Eric Church's 'Chief' debuts at No. 1

You are able to call him up "Chief": Country singer Eric Church's like-named album gets to No. 1 about the U.S. album chart now. Church's third Capitol Nashville collection hits the very best having a 145,000-unit debut week, based on Nielsen SoundScan figures for that week ending This summer 31. Hard-touring New York-born singer-songwriter's previous best came, appropriately enough, with "Carolina," which peaked at No. 17 2 yrs ago. The large bow for Church's set was the only real factor standing when it comes to another week at No. 1 for Adele's "21." The British singer's tireless Columbia album descends one slot to No. 2 by having an 83,000-unit week (rising 7%). Her sophomore album's sales now total 2.83 million, the year's bestseller up to now. Former Destiny's Child member Kelly Rowland's third solo album debuts at No. 3, shifting 77,000 copies. The Universal Motown set, her third solo album, takes Rowland's best chart position up to now: previous title "Ms. Kelly" capped out at No. 6 in 2007. Rowland's ex-band mate Beyonce drops two rods to No. 6 now with "4" (41,000 models, off 23%). The late Amy Winehouse's "To Black" (Universal Republic) roars in the chart to No. 4, attaining five positions and 44% inside a 54,000-unit week. The singer's sophomore album vaulted to No. 9 a week ago, reflecting just 2 days of retail sales after her sudden dying on This summer 23 this week's boost occurs the rear of a complete week's price of sales. Joining Adele and Winehouse within the top ten now is really a fellow British soul-pop diva, Joss Stone, whose third album "LP1" (Surfdog) comes in at No. 9 with 30,000 moved as they are. It bests her previous release, 2009's "Colour Me Free," by one chart position. Holdovers include Jason Aldean's "My Kinda Party" (No. 5, 42,000, lower 4%), "Kidz Bop 20" (No. 7, 39,000, off 44%), Blake Shelton's "Red-colored River Blue" (No. 8, 31,000, off 34%), and Bad Meets Evil's "Hell: The Follow up (No. 10, 26,000, lower 9%). Another country star, Trace Adkins, is really a top wager to achieve success Chapel and former chart-topper Shelton in the apex in a few days. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Ben Foster Joins Barry Levinson's Gotti Film

Ben Foster has been cast as John Gotti Jr. in Barry Levinson's Gotti: In The Shadow of my Father, starring John Travolta, Al Pacino and Kelly Preston.our editor recommendsBarry Levinson to Direct Fiore Films' 'Gotti: Three Generations'Barry Levinson Shops 'Gotti' to Foreign Buyers (Cannes) Levinson begins shooting the independent film, scripted by James Toback and produced by Fiore Films, in New York in January. The project has the blessing of Gotti Jr., and delves into his relationship with his father, John Gotti Sr., the head of the Gambino crime family.Gotti Sr. will be played by Travolta. Foster's film credits include The Mechanic, 3:10 to Yuma and X-Men: The Last Stand. His television credits include HBO's Six Feet Under. The actor is represented by WME, management company Ken Jacobson Management and law firm Felker Toczek Gellman Suddleson. Levinson, the writer and director of Diner, Tin Men and Avalon, took over the project after director Nick Cassavetes bowed out in May over scheduling conflicts. Levinson has some mob film experience -- he directed Bugsy, for which Toback wrote the screenplay. Toback has been brought in to rework the original Gotti script. Gotti is the subject of some controversy. Last week THR reported that Joe Pesci has sued Fiore Films for $3 million and punitive damages, claiming that his role was cut from the film after he had gained 30 pounds to play Gotti associate Angelo Ruggiero. Pesci's suit alleges that Fiore Films did not intend to pay the actor the $3 million he claims he was offered for the part and instead only planned to use Pesci's name to promote the film. Fiore Films CEO Marc Fiore has said that he will fight the lawsuit. Email: Daniel.Miller@THR.com Twitter: @DanielNMiller Related Topics Ben Foster Barry Levinson