It’s an interesting month on HBO and Max this March, as two acclaimed films hit the streamer along with some intriguing original programming.
First up in the movies arena is the streaming debut of Wonka, starring Timothée Chalamet. From beloved Paddington director Paul King, the film follows the adventures of a young Willy Wonka as he looks to become the world’s best (and weirdest) chocolatier. Later in March on Max, there’s also Dream Scenario, a highly-regarded comedy boasting Nicolas Cage as Paul Matthews, who suddenly starts appearing in people’s dreams for unknown reasons, and who naturally becomes very famous as a result of this strange phenomena.
Series-wise, the biggest show on Max this month is The Regime. It packs a solid cast, including Kate Winslet, Matthias Schoenaerts, Andrea Riseborough, Martha Plimpton, and Hugh Grant, and tells the story of “life within the walls of a modern...
First up in the movies arena is the streaming debut of Wonka, starring Timothée Chalamet. From beloved Paddington director Paul King, the film follows the adventures of a young Willy Wonka as he looks to become the world’s best (and weirdest) chocolatier. Later in March on Max, there’s also Dream Scenario, a highly-regarded comedy boasting Nicolas Cage as Paul Matthews, who suddenly starts appearing in people’s dreams for unknown reasons, and who naturally becomes very famous as a result of this strange phenomena.
Series-wise, the biggest show on Max this month is The Regime. It packs a solid cast, including Kate Winslet, Matthias Schoenaerts, Andrea Riseborough, Martha Plimpton, and Hugh Grant, and tells the story of “life within the walls of a modern...
- 3/1/2024
- by Kirsten Howard
- Den of Geek
Matthias Schoenaerts and Kate Winslet in ‘The Regime’ (Photograph by Miya Mizuno/HBO)
Max’s March 2024 streaming lineup includes the premiere of The Regime starring Oscar winner Kate Winslet as a paranoid chancellor with major control issues. The streaming service’s March slate also includes the debut of The Girls on the Bus starring Melissa Benoist, Carla Gugino, Natasha Behnam, and Christina Elmore as political journalists.
Documentaries A Revolution on Canvas and The Lionheart along with the comedy docuseries Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show will premiere in March 2024. And Wonka and Dream Scenario make their streaming debuts.
Series & Films Arriving On Max In March 2024
March 1
127 Hours (2010)
Alvin and The Chipmunks: The Road Chip (2015)
Baby Mama (2008)
The Ballad of Lefty Brown (2017)
The Best Man Holiday (2013)
Bullet Head (2018)
Cabaret (1972)
Captain Fantastic (2016)
Deadpool (2016)
Dear White People (2014)
Dope (2015)
The Expendables (2010)
The Expendables 2 (2012)
The Expendables 3 (2014)
The Farewell (2019)
Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)
Fruitvale Station (2013)
Godzilla...
Max’s March 2024 streaming lineup includes the premiere of The Regime starring Oscar winner Kate Winslet as a paranoid chancellor with major control issues. The streaming service’s March slate also includes the debut of The Girls on the Bus starring Melissa Benoist, Carla Gugino, Natasha Behnam, and Christina Elmore as political journalists.
Documentaries A Revolution on Canvas and The Lionheart along with the comedy docuseries Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show will premiere in March 2024. And Wonka and Dream Scenario make their streaming debuts.
Series & Films Arriving On Max In March 2024
March 1
127 Hours (2010)
Alvin and The Chipmunks: The Road Chip (2015)
Baby Mama (2008)
The Ballad of Lefty Brown (2017)
The Best Man Holiday (2013)
Bullet Head (2018)
Cabaret (1972)
Captain Fantastic (2016)
Deadpool (2016)
Dear White People (2014)
Dope (2015)
The Expendables (2010)
The Expendables 2 (2012)
The Expendables 3 (2014)
The Farewell (2019)
Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)
Fruitvale Station (2013)
Godzilla...
- 2/26/2024
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Exclusive: Wme has signed prominent Mexican director Pitipol Ybarra, whose latest feature Videocine staring Mauricio Ochmann recently wrapped shooting.
Ybarra previously helmed 2018 feature Ya Veremos, also starring Ochmann, which was released by Pantelion/Lionsgate in the U.S. and Videocine in Mexico, grossing an impressive $10M in the latter. He also directed 2013 pic Pulling Strings which took close to $14M globally.
Ybarra’s TV work includes on local Netflix series Preso No.1. The director has strong family ties in Mexico’s entertainment business, including his brother, Epigmenio Ybarra, who owns Argos Comunicacion, one of the biggest television production companies in Mexico.
“The next step in my career is working more in the United States and directing more English-language projects. I am excited to work with Wme who are helping me cross over to more mainstream, English-language TV and film projects,” commented Ybarra.
He continues to be managed by Larry Robinson...
Ybarra previously helmed 2018 feature Ya Veremos, also starring Ochmann, which was released by Pantelion/Lionsgate in the U.S. and Videocine in Mexico, grossing an impressive $10M in the latter. He also directed 2013 pic Pulling Strings which took close to $14M globally.
Ybarra’s TV work includes on local Netflix series Preso No.1. The director has strong family ties in Mexico’s entertainment business, including his brother, Epigmenio Ybarra, who owns Argos Comunicacion, one of the biggest television production companies in Mexico.
“The next step in my career is working more in the United States and directing more English-language projects. I am excited to work with Wme who are helping me cross over to more mainstream, English-language TV and film projects,” commented Ybarra.
He continues to be managed by Larry Robinson...
- 3/10/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Endemol Shine Boomdog, a division of Endemol Shine North America, has tapped seasoned Mexican film and TV producer Leo Zimbron to head its new scripted unit.
Zimbron’s credits in both fields include Netflix’s first original production in Mexico, the hit soccer-themed comedy series “Club de Cuervos,” now on its fourth season.
Formed last year through the merger of Endemol Shine Latino and Mexico City-based Boomdog, Endemol Shine Boomdog (Esb) has been ramping up its production of both scripted and non-scripted content for the U.S. Hispanic and Mexican TV markets.
“I can’t think of a more accomplished, better-suited producer and executive than Leo Zimbron to lead our fast-growing scripted team here at Endemol Shine Boomdog,” said company CEO Alejandro Rincon. “We recently began our push into developing high-quality scripted content and Leo’s arrival will undoubtedly supercharge our efforts; we are all excited about his arrival,...
Zimbron’s credits in both fields include Netflix’s first original production in Mexico, the hit soccer-themed comedy series “Club de Cuervos,” now on its fourth season.
Formed last year through the merger of Endemol Shine Latino and Mexico City-based Boomdog, Endemol Shine Boomdog (Esb) has been ramping up its production of both scripted and non-scripted content for the U.S. Hispanic and Mexican TV markets.
“I can’t think of a more accomplished, better-suited producer and executive than Leo Zimbron to lead our fast-growing scripted team here at Endemol Shine Boomdog,” said company CEO Alejandro Rincon. “We recently began our push into developing high-quality scripted content and Leo’s arrival will undoubtedly supercharge our efforts; we are all excited about his arrival,...
- 9/10/2018
- by Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety Film + TV
Five years ago — almost to the date — Pantelion Films, the Spanish-language and bilingual outfit from Lionsgate and Mexico’s Televisa, released the smash hit “Instructions Not Including,” starring Eugenio Derbez. Turning its leading man into a bankable movie star, the dramedy about a father raising his long-lost prepubescent daughter scored hugely with audiences both in its homeland and stateside with record-breaking grosses in both markets.
After a long string of box-office triumphs, from PG-13 comedies to an animated feature and even a gender-reversed remake of 1987’s “Overboard” (starring Derbez), the production company and distributor has established itself as an enviable venture, catering to its core audience in the U.S. (Latino immigrants familiar with homegrown talent) and expanding into the Anglo space via collaborations with popular American comedians. The artistic value of its productions is not as significant as their role filling in a gap with content that a large...
After a long string of box-office triumphs, from PG-13 comedies to an animated feature and even a gender-reversed remake of 1987’s “Overboard” (starring Derbez), the production company and distributor has established itself as an enviable venture, catering to its core audience in the U.S. (Latino immigrants familiar with homegrown talent) and expanding into the Anglo space via collaborations with popular American comedians. The artistic value of its productions is not as significant as their role filling in a gap with content that a large...
- 8/31/2018
- by Carlos Aguilar
- The Wrap
This year, a record 928 people were invited to join the motion picture academy and will be eligible to vote for the 2019 Oscars. Compare this intake to the totals of the previous four years: 774 in 2017; 683 in 2016; 322 in 2015; and 271 in 2014.
While Academy Awards nominees are automatically eligible for consideration, the rest of the candidates must go through a fairly cumbersome process. A candidate must meet certain branch specific requirements before even being eligible.
For example, actors must “have a minimum of three theatrical feature film credits, in all of which the roles played were scripted roles, one of which was released in the past five years, and all of which are of a caliber that reflect the high standards of the Academy.” For writers, directors and producers they need have just two of these credits.
The executive committee of the branch must endorse the application before forwarding it to the Board of Governors for final approval.
While Academy Awards nominees are automatically eligible for consideration, the rest of the candidates must go through a fairly cumbersome process. A candidate must meet certain branch specific requirements before even being eligible.
For example, actors must “have a minimum of three theatrical feature film credits, in all of which the roles played were scripted roles, one of which was released in the past five years, and all of which are of a caliber that reflect the high standards of the Academy.” For writers, directors and producers they need have just two of these credits.
The executive committee of the branch must endorse the application before forwarding it to the Board of Governors for final approval.
- 6/25/2018
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
In an astonishing move to swell the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences membership ranks, a record 928 artists and executives from 59 countries have been invited to join this year. The branches have increasingly actively sought eligible people to become Academy members, but the Board of Governors makes the final call; this year, they did not invite Kobe Bryant although he won an Oscar for animated short “Dear Basketball.”
Clearly, people of color (38 percent) and women (49 percent) are among the many invites, as the Academy continues to address its long-term white-male dominance. As always, actors make up the largest branch of the Academy, but many new members also come from overseas.
In 2017, the Academy invited 744 new members.
Seventeen Oscar winners are among the new invited members (Melissa Etheridge) and 92 Oscar nominees. Nine of the 17 branches invited more women than men. The percentage of women in the Academy has risen from...
Clearly, people of color (38 percent) and women (49 percent) are among the many invites, as the Academy continues to address its long-term white-male dominance. As always, actors make up the largest branch of the Academy, but many new members also come from overseas.
In 2017, the Academy invited 744 new members.
Seventeen Oscar winners are among the new invited members (Melissa Etheridge) and 92 Oscar nominees. Nine of the 17 branches invited more women than men. The percentage of women in the Academy has risen from...
- 6/25/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
In an astonishing move to swell the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences membership ranks, a record 928 artists and executives from 59 countries have been invited to join this year. The branches have increasingly actively sought eligible people to invite to join the Academy, but the Board of Governors makes the final call; this year, they did not invite Kobe Bryant to join although he won an Oscar for animated short “Dear Basketball.”
Clearly, people of color (38 percent) and women (49 percent) are among the many invites, as the Academy continues to address its long-term white-male dominance. As always, actors make up the largest branch of the Academy, but many new members also come from overseas.
In 2017, the Academy invited 744 new members.
Seventeen Oscar winners are among the new members and 92 Oscar nominees. Nine of the 17 branches invited more women than men. The percentage of women in the Academy has risen...
Clearly, people of color (38 percent) and women (49 percent) are among the many invites, as the Academy continues to address its long-term white-male dominance. As always, actors make up the largest branch of the Academy, but many new members also come from overseas.
In 2017, the Academy invited 744 new members.
Seventeen Oscar winners are among the new members and 92 Oscar nominees. Nine of the 17 branches invited more women than men. The percentage of women in the Academy has risen...
- 6/25/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences is out with its 2018 list of invitations for membership. Here is the list of the record 928 folks from 59 countries. Note that 10 individuals (noted by an asterisk) have been invited to join the Academy by multiple branches; they must select one branch upon accepting membership.
New members will be welcomed into the Academy at invitation-only receptions in the fall.
Actors
Hiam Abbass – “Blade Runner 2049,” “The Visitor”
Damián Alcázar – “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian,” “El Crimen del Padre Amaro”
Naveen Andrews – “Mighty Joe Young,” “The English Patient”
Gemma Arterton – “Their Finest,” “Quantum of Solace”
Zawe Ashton – “Nocturnal Animals,” “Blitz”
Eileen Atkins – “Gosford Park,” “Cold Mountain”
Hank Azaria – “Anastasia,” “The Birdcage”
Doona Bae – “Cloud Atlas,” “The Host”
Christine Baranski – “Miss Sloane,” “Mamma Mia!”
Carlos Bardem – “Assassin’s Creed,” “Che”
Irene Bedard – “Smoke Signals,” “Pocahontas”
Bill Bellamy – “Any Given Sunday,” “love jones”
Haley Bennett – “Thank You for Your Service,...
New members will be welcomed into the Academy at invitation-only receptions in the fall.
Actors
Hiam Abbass – “Blade Runner 2049,” “The Visitor”
Damián Alcázar – “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian,” “El Crimen del Padre Amaro”
Naveen Andrews – “Mighty Joe Young,” “The English Patient”
Gemma Arterton – “Their Finest,” “Quantum of Solace”
Zawe Ashton – “Nocturnal Animals,” “Blitz”
Eileen Atkins – “Gosford Park,” “Cold Mountain”
Hank Azaria – “Anastasia,” “The Birdcage”
Doona Bae – “Cloud Atlas,” “The Host”
Christine Baranski – “Miss Sloane,” “Mamma Mia!”
Carlos Bardem – “Assassin’s Creed,” “Che”
Irene Bedard – “Smoke Signals,” “Pocahontas”
Bill Bellamy – “Any Given Sunday,” “love jones”
Haley Bennett – “Thank You for Your Service,...
- 6/25/2018
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has invited a record number of new members, extending invites to 928 people.
The Academy topped last year’s record of 774 new members. It invited 683 members in 2016 and 322 in 2015, which were also record numbers.
The expansion of Academy membership to more than 9,200 stems from an ongoing effort to diversify its ranks following uproar over the lack of African-American nominees in 2015 and 2016, which culminated in 2016’s #OscarsSoWhite controversy. Two weeks after the widely criticized nominations were announced, AMPAS announced a goal to double the number of women and diverse members of the Academy by 2020.
If all the 2018 invitees accept, the overall membership would be 9,226.
Monday’s invitations, if accepted, will result in 38% of the Oscars’ governing body’s new class being comprised of people of color, increasing their representation from 13% in 2017 to 16%.
Meanwhile, the new class is 49% female, boosting the total representation of women...
The Academy topped last year’s record of 774 new members. It invited 683 members in 2016 and 322 in 2015, which were also record numbers.
The expansion of Academy membership to more than 9,200 stems from an ongoing effort to diversify its ranks following uproar over the lack of African-American nominees in 2015 and 2016, which culminated in 2016’s #OscarsSoWhite controversy. Two weeks after the widely criticized nominations were announced, AMPAS announced a goal to double the number of women and diverse members of the Academy by 2020.
If all the 2018 invitees accept, the overall membership would be 9,226.
Monday’s invitations, if accepted, will result in 38% of the Oscars’ governing body’s new class being comprised of people of color, increasing their representation from 13% in 2017 to 16%.
Meanwhile, the new class is 49% female, boosting the total representation of women...
- 6/25/2018
- by Maane Khatchatourian
- Variety Film + TV
For the third consecutive year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has broken its own records and will invite a large, diverse and international group of film professionals to join the organization and vote for the Oscars, the Academy announced on Monday.
The record-shattering list of 928 who will be invited to join includes Emilia Clarke, Ann Dowd, Miles Teller, Evan Rachel Wood, Lena Headey, Harry Shearer and Jada Pinkett Smith. It follows the invitation of a record 683 new members in 2016, and then a new-record 774 members in 2017.
“Harry Potter” creator J.K. Rowling was also invited, as were directors Sean Baker, Luca Guadagnino, Ruben Ostlund, Lee Chang-dong and Chloe Zhao.
Also Read: No Kobe, No Problem: Oscars Academy's Class of 2018 on Track to Be as Big and Diverse as Last 2 Years'
Kendrick Lamar, who wrote music for “Black Panther,” was invited to join the Music Branch.
The invitations will go...
The record-shattering list of 928 who will be invited to join includes Emilia Clarke, Ann Dowd, Miles Teller, Evan Rachel Wood, Lena Headey, Harry Shearer and Jada Pinkett Smith. It follows the invitation of a record 683 new members in 2016, and then a new-record 774 members in 2017.
“Harry Potter” creator J.K. Rowling was also invited, as were directors Sean Baker, Luca Guadagnino, Ruben Ostlund, Lee Chang-dong and Chloe Zhao.
Also Read: No Kobe, No Problem: Oscars Academy's Class of 2018 on Track to Be as Big and Diverse as Last 2 Years'
Kendrick Lamar, who wrote music for “Black Panther,” was invited to join the Music Branch.
The invitations will go...
- 6/25/2018
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Lionsgate has moved the next in the Tyler Perry franchise, A Madea Family Funeral out of 2018 and into next year. The film will now open on March 1, 2019 in wide release coming out of the fall 2018 where it was unset. Family Funeral is the eighth film in the franchise that started in 2006.
In releasing the film on March 1, the title is on the same date that Lionsgate has the Daisy Ridley, Tom Holland starring Chaos Walking from director Doug Liman in wide release, so something’s gotta eventually give. In other words, Lionsgate vs. Lionsgate and one of their two eyes will likely blink (we expect Walking to move).
The film will also be on the same date as How To Train Your Dragon: Hidden World from Universal and The Kid Who Would Be King from 20th Century Fox.
This comes also after Lionsgate announced two other release dates with Five Feet Apart...
In releasing the film on March 1, the title is on the same date that Lionsgate has the Daisy Ridley, Tom Holland starring Chaos Walking from director Doug Liman in wide release, so something’s gotta eventually give. In other words, Lionsgate vs. Lionsgate and one of their two eyes will likely blink (we expect Walking to move).
The film will also be on the same date as How To Train Your Dragon: Hidden World from Universal and The Kid Who Would Be King from 20th Century Fox.
This comes also after Lionsgate announced two other release dates with Five Feet Apart...
- 6/1/2018
- by Anita Busch
- Deadline Film + TV
Following an international run at close to 50 festivals and a 10-venue tour of London, Scott Lyus’ haunting psychological horror short Silently Within Your Shadow will be hitting Amazon Prime next week on May 26th. Penned by Lyus and starring Sophie Tergeist,… Continue Reading →
The post Silently Within Your Shadow Pulling Strings on Amazon Prime Next Week appeared first on Dread Central.
The post Silently Within Your Shadow Pulling Strings on Amazon Prime Next Week appeared first on Dread Central.
- 5/19/2017
- by Howard Gorman
- DreadCentral.com
Isa of the day is a continuing series of profiles of very special international sales agents. Shoreline Entertainment, one of the longest running independent film production companies and international sales agencies, has expanded its management arm to foster Latin American and women driven projects. You can see its Cannes lineup here.
The company was founded in 1992 by CEO and film producer Morris Ruskin whose production “Glengarry Glen Ross” launched him into the top level of indie producers. Shoreline’s Latin American Division for Management and Production is meeting with great success in repping over 25 directors, writers, actors, DPs and more.
Two interviews here, one with Alex Flores, the head of the division and the other with Diana Elizabeth Torres, a California based actress and writer illuminate their strategy and mission.
Alex and Morris’s friendship dates back 20 years, and their professional relationship flourished with films “Marilyn Hotchkiss’ Ballroom Dancing & Charm School” starring Robert Carlyle,...
The company was founded in 1992 by CEO and film producer Morris Ruskin whose production “Glengarry Glen Ross” launched him into the top level of indie producers. Shoreline’s Latin American Division for Management and Production is meeting with great success in repping over 25 directors, writers, actors, DPs and more.
Two interviews here, one with Alex Flores, the head of the division and the other with Diana Elizabeth Torres, a California based actress and writer illuminate their strategy and mission.
Alex and Morris’s friendship dates back 20 years, and their professional relationship flourished with films “Marilyn Hotchkiss’ Ballroom Dancing & Charm School” starring Robert Carlyle,...
- 4/20/2017
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Known in Mexico and by audiences across Latin America for his humorous impressions, satirical characters, and his skills as an entertaining host for a variety of TV shows, actor and comedian Omar Chaparro has spent the past few years actively pursuing a career in film.
One of his most recent successes, both in Mexico and in the Spanish-speaking U.S. market, is the film “Pulling Strings,” which is one in a series of box-office hits for production company Pantelion. In that film, a romantic comedy with bicultural sensibilities, Chaparro played a role close to those he previously had delved into during his years in television. But for his latest project, “Compadres,” in which he is the protagonist, the performer decided to challenge himself by bringing to life a Mexican police officer who friends a young American hacker.
Because of the physicality required for the role and the dramatic undertones in the screenplay, this is a departure for Chaparro, who clearly is aiming to broaden his acting skills and the audience for his work. In our conversation with the actor we discuss his role as Garza, who deviates from the Mexican stereotypes, his relationship with co-star Joey Morgan, and yet another upcoming project with Pantelion to be released later this year.
"Compadres" opens on April 22 across the U.S.
Aguilar: Garza is a character significantly different from those you have played in the past. It feels like a real departure in your career. Tell me about the challenges of making this transition into a more serious role.
Omar Chaparro: It was a challenge for multiple reasons. Physically I had to train harder and they also wanted to make a more human character. He is a Mexican character that knows how to defend himself. They also wanted to make the actios sequences seem as realistic as possible. They didn’t want the shoot-outs, the punches, the kicks, and the explosions to look cheap, so I had to take my role very seriously. I do think that I left some aspects of what I had been doing on television behind, even though this is my eight film. I believe this is a much more serious character despite the film being an action comedy. He is an honest cop. He is strong, brave, and audacious, but he is also someone who is going through an extreme situation, which is the kidnapping of a loved one. He is definitely a character with more nuances that what I had been doing. It is a bit more distant from comedy and closer to reality.
Aguilar: One of the most refreshing elements about your role is that he is not another version of the stereotypical Mexican character we often see in American films. It's a film that takes place between Mexico and the U.S., but a Mexican lead. Was that part of the appeal for you?
Omar Chaparro: Yes of course. I loved the fact that this is a bicultural film that reflects the reality of life on the border, the differences between the "Gringos" and the Mexicans, and how we coexist and can become friends. But I also enjoyed that my character is an antihero. He is different, and I think that it will let the audience see a different type of Mexican in a Hollywood film. He is not the gardener or the one that crosses the border illegally and is being chased by Ice. He is a good cop, almost like a Mexican Bruce Willis. That’s something we hadn’t really seen before and that makes it fun.
Aguilar: Part of what makes this comedy work is the banter between you and your co-star Joey Morgan who plays Vic. Was this friendship developed organic during the set? How was the experience of working with someone from a very different background and with different experiences?
Omar Chaparro: It was very fun. We clicked right from the first day we met. I lived in the U.S. for a year many years ago - I lived in Boise, Idaho more specifically. I was living with a young guy similar to him. In real life he is kind of bipolar, very sensitive, passionate, and intense. He reminded of that kid 20 years ago when I was living in Idaho. I think that’s part of why we created such a strong bond. He became my friend. We went out partying. We went to the Gloria Trevi concert and he slept over at my place. The chemistry between us was real and you can see that in the film. There are scenes where we are improvising and playing around. The song we perform in the movie, the one called “Puto” by Molotov, wasn’t even on the screenplay. We were inside the car as the camera was rolling and I started singing it and he joined me. We didn’t even know they were recording us until we heard the director yell out, “Don’t cut.” He liked it and that’s why it’s in the film.
Aguilar: In a sense you showed him a different side of Mexican culture.
Omar Chaparro: Yes! He liked it. But he also taught me things. I feel like despite his young age he has great cinematic chops as well as an agile talent for comedy. He can also instantaneously get into a dramatic performance. He would give me advice on acting and even on my accent and English pronunciation. He was like my dialect coach.
Aguilar: How important is it for you, in the roles you choose to play, that they have an element of comedy since it's something you do so well? There is definitely much more than just fun gags in "Compadres."
Omar Chaparro: The film is very balanced. It’s a movie with a lot heart. Besides the action scenes that are also very well realized, there are lots of scenes that make you laugh. It’s a film about how these characters and these cultures intertwine. We even see the cop risking his life for this kid or the kid getting emotional in the climax of the film. That’s something very beautiful, and I think audiences will connect with these emotional aspects of the film.
Aguilar: Speaking of that, it seems like the relationship between you and Joey in the film is almost like that of a father and a son. He doesn't have a father and Garza is a afraid of starting a family and losing his freedom.
Omar Chaparro: They complement each other. He is a kid that spends his time locked in his room behind a computer. He doesn’t know anything else. He is a lonely kid that takes care of his grandfather. His parents died when he was very young and he never had a father figure in his life besides his grandfather, who is in a home. Garza, on the other hand, is a lone wolf that lives in a camper and that doesn’t think about having a family. They complement each other and they quickly develop a beautiful and affectionate friendship in the midst of the shoot-outs and chases.
Aguilar: Have you found it difficult to get work in bigger films, in particular in the U.S. where non-white actors tend to have a harder time getting leading roles?
Omar Chaparro: I don’t like to use the word difficult, I prefer to say “not so easy.” This is a country with so much diversity and where there’s a lot of competition. When there is a casting call for a TV show or a film, besides the actors that are already in Hollywood, there are also actors from Ireland, Australia, Guatemala, and elsewhere trying to get the part. The tapes come from all over the world for any role. The competition is arduous and it’s not very easy to get a lead role. I’m very fortunate to be in a film of this size as the protagonist, even though I’m aware that I still have a long way to go I’m enjoying this moment. I’m enjoying everything, from the reviews to the fact that people are supporting the film. It’s almost a miracle that this is actually happening, so I really want to enjoy this moment.
Aguilar: Is there any specific character that you would like to play in the future now that your career has broadened beyond comedy?
Omar Chaparro: As an actor, an also because I’m very hyperactive, I don’t think I’ll ever be satisfied. I think happiness exists in the middle ground between appreciating what you have and always wanting more. That’s what I’m doing. I’m appreciating this action comedy right now, but I want to know what’s next. I want to play roles that challenge me. I’m very comfortable in comedies, but I’d love to play perhaps a boxer, someone from another country, or even a famous drug dealer. Maybe star in a movie about the life of El Chapo Guzman, why not? [Laughs}.
Aguilar: Where you hesitant about embarking in this project because of the demands in involved, included the fighting sequences and the physical strength and abilities that would entail?
Omar Chaparro: I believe that when Francisco González, the producer of the film, thought of me for this leading role, he knew that he wanted an actor that had experience doing comedy but that could also be believable during the action sequences. I have the pleasure of being his friend, and he knows that throughout most of my life I trained in karate Shotokai. Probably that also motivated him to think of me. I did tell him, “I’m a little rusty because I haven’t trained in a while,” but they say that what you learn well you never forget. In any case we trained boxing and Krav Maga, a different martial art style, for several weeks before we started shooting. I think that helped a lot while choreographing the sequences.
Aguilar: Given that the film will play in both sides of the border, was there any concern about whether the comedy would work for both Spanish-speaking audiences and those who only speak English?
Omar Chaparro: Comedy is always different in Spanish and in English. American comedy is different, so the biggest challenge for this film was for it to be understandable in both cultures. The film is about to be released in the U.S, but in Mexico the film is already a success. It did so well that there has been talks of a sequel, “Compadres 2.” We are waiting to see how people here in the U.S. react to it. One of the writers,Ted Perkins, is a gringo, and the other is Gabriel Ripstein, who is Mexican, so they were very careful so the comedy could work for both cultures. That has a lot to do with the story itself. If the characters are real and the story is authentic, then the comedy will work in any country.
Aguilar: What are your future plans? Will you go back to television or continue seeking roles in films? I understand you already have another upcoming film.
Omar Chaparro: I want to continue learning. I’m excited to make more films and I want to improve my English. We also just shot a film called “No Manches Frida,” which will open in theaters on September 2nd, and it also stars Marta Higareda. It’s based on a very famous German story that was adapted into Spanish. I believe that it can become a box-office success both in Mexico and in the U.S. I’m very happy, we are just now finishing promotion for “Compadres,” and we are going to start promoting this other film in August. Cinema is opening its doors to me and I’m very excited.
Aguilar: Would you say part of this increased in opportunities and production in terms of Mexican films with bicultural appeal has to do with Pantelion's efforts?
Omar Chaparro: Yes. Pantelion has been taking chances on good and different stories like “Comapadres.” It’s a film that is working with a genre that hadn’t been done in Mexico in a long time and with a unique tone, and I think the audiences really appreciate that. Gringos are going to enjoy the film as well because about 60% of the dialogue in the film is in English. We can only hope that the film does as well here as it did in Mexico.
One of his most recent successes, both in Mexico and in the Spanish-speaking U.S. market, is the film “Pulling Strings,” which is one in a series of box-office hits for production company Pantelion. In that film, a romantic comedy with bicultural sensibilities, Chaparro played a role close to those he previously had delved into during his years in television. But for his latest project, “Compadres,” in which he is the protagonist, the performer decided to challenge himself by bringing to life a Mexican police officer who friends a young American hacker.
Because of the physicality required for the role and the dramatic undertones in the screenplay, this is a departure for Chaparro, who clearly is aiming to broaden his acting skills and the audience for his work. In our conversation with the actor we discuss his role as Garza, who deviates from the Mexican stereotypes, his relationship with co-star Joey Morgan, and yet another upcoming project with Pantelion to be released later this year.
"Compadres" opens on April 22 across the U.S.
Aguilar: Garza is a character significantly different from those you have played in the past. It feels like a real departure in your career. Tell me about the challenges of making this transition into a more serious role.
Omar Chaparro: It was a challenge for multiple reasons. Physically I had to train harder and they also wanted to make a more human character. He is a Mexican character that knows how to defend himself. They also wanted to make the actios sequences seem as realistic as possible. They didn’t want the shoot-outs, the punches, the kicks, and the explosions to look cheap, so I had to take my role very seriously. I do think that I left some aspects of what I had been doing on television behind, even though this is my eight film. I believe this is a much more serious character despite the film being an action comedy. He is an honest cop. He is strong, brave, and audacious, but he is also someone who is going through an extreme situation, which is the kidnapping of a loved one. He is definitely a character with more nuances that what I had been doing. It is a bit more distant from comedy and closer to reality.
Aguilar: One of the most refreshing elements about your role is that he is not another version of the stereotypical Mexican character we often see in American films. It's a film that takes place between Mexico and the U.S., but a Mexican lead. Was that part of the appeal for you?
Omar Chaparro: Yes of course. I loved the fact that this is a bicultural film that reflects the reality of life on the border, the differences between the "Gringos" and the Mexicans, and how we coexist and can become friends. But I also enjoyed that my character is an antihero. He is different, and I think that it will let the audience see a different type of Mexican in a Hollywood film. He is not the gardener or the one that crosses the border illegally and is being chased by Ice. He is a good cop, almost like a Mexican Bruce Willis. That’s something we hadn’t really seen before and that makes it fun.
Aguilar: Part of what makes this comedy work is the banter between you and your co-star Joey Morgan who plays Vic. Was this friendship developed organic during the set? How was the experience of working with someone from a very different background and with different experiences?
Omar Chaparro: It was very fun. We clicked right from the first day we met. I lived in the U.S. for a year many years ago - I lived in Boise, Idaho more specifically. I was living with a young guy similar to him. In real life he is kind of bipolar, very sensitive, passionate, and intense. He reminded of that kid 20 years ago when I was living in Idaho. I think that’s part of why we created such a strong bond. He became my friend. We went out partying. We went to the Gloria Trevi concert and he slept over at my place. The chemistry between us was real and you can see that in the film. There are scenes where we are improvising and playing around. The song we perform in the movie, the one called “Puto” by Molotov, wasn’t even on the screenplay. We were inside the car as the camera was rolling and I started singing it and he joined me. We didn’t even know they were recording us until we heard the director yell out, “Don’t cut.” He liked it and that’s why it’s in the film.
Aguilar: In a sense you showed him a different side of Mexican culture.
Omar Chaparro: Yes! He liked it. But he also taught me things. I feel like despite his young age he has great cinematic chops as well as an agile talent for comedy. He can also instantaneously get into a dramatic performance. He would give me advice on acting and even on my accent and English pronunciation. He was like my dialect coach.
Aguilar: How important is it for you, in the roles you choose to play, that they have an element of comedy since it's something you do so well? There is definitely much more than just fun gags in "Compadres."
Omar Chaparro: The film is very balanced. It’s a movie with a lot heart. Besides the action scenes that are also very well realized, there are lots of scenes that make you laugh. It’s a film about how these characters and these cultures intertwine. We even see the cop risking his life for this kid or the kid getting emotional in the climax of the film. That’s something very beautiful, and I think audiences will connect with these emotional aspects of the film.
Aguilar: Speaking of that, it seems like the relationship between you and Joey in the film is almost like that of a father and a son. He doesn't have a father and Garza is a afraid of starting a family and losing his freedom.
Omar Chaparro: They complement each other. He is a kid that spends his time locked in his room behind a computer. He doesn’t know anything else. He is a lonely kid that takes care of his grandfather. His parents died when he was very young and he never had a father figure in his life besides his grandfather, who is in a home. Garza, on the other hand, is a lone wolf that lives in a camper and that doesn’t think about having a family. They complement each other and they quickly develop a beautiful and affectionate friendship in the midst of the shoot-outs and chases.
Aguilar: Have you found it difficult to get work in bigger films, in particular in the U.S. where non-white actors tend to have a harder time getting leading roles?
Omar Chaparro: I don’t like to use the word difficult, I prefer to say “not so easy.” This is a country with so much diversity and where there’s a lot of competition. When there is a casting call for a TV show or a film, besides the actors that are already in Hollywood, there are also actors from Ireland, Australia, Guatemala, and elsewhere trying to get the part. The tapes come from all over the world for any role. The competition is arduous and it’s not very easy to get a lead role. I’m very fortunate to be in a film of this size as the protagonist, even though I’m aware that I still have a long way to go I’m enjoying this moment. I’m enjoying everything, from the reviews to the fact that people are supporting the film. It’s almost a miracle that this is actually happening, so I really want to enjoy this moment.
Aguilar: Is there any specific character that you would like to play in the future now that your career has broadened beyond comedy?
Omar Chaparro: As an actor, an also because I’m very hyperactive, I don’t think I’ll ever be satisfied. I think happiness exists in the middle ground between appreciating what you have and always wanting more. That’s what I’m doing. I’m appreciating this action comedy right now, but I want to know what’s next. I want to play roles that challenge me. I’m very comfortable in comedies, but I’d love to play perhaps a boxer, someone from another country, or even a famous drug dealer. Maybe star in a movie about the life of El Chapo Guzman, why not? [Laughs}.
Aguilar: Where you hesitant about embarking in this project because of the demands in involved, included the fighting sequences and the physical strength and abilities that would entail?
Omar Chaparro: I believe that when Francisco González, the producer of the film, thought of me for this leading role, he knew that he wanted an actor that had experience doing comedy but that could also be believable during the action sequences. I have the pleasure of being his friend, and he knows that throughout most of my life I trained in karate Shotokai. Probably that also motivated him to think of me. I did tell him, “I’m a little rusty because I haven’t trained in a while,” but they say that what you learn well you never forget. In any case we trained boxing and Krav Maga, a different martial art style, for several weeks before we started shooting. I think that helped a lot while choreographing the sequences.
Aguilar: Given that the film will play in both sides of the border, was there any concern about whether the comedy would work for both Spanish-speaking audiences and those who only speak English?
Omar Chaparro: Comedy is always different in Spanish and in English. American comedy is different, so the biggest challenge for this film was for it to be understandable in both cultures. The film is about to be released in the U.S, but in Mexico the film is already a success. It did so well that there has been talks of a sequel, “Compadres 2.” We are waiting to see how people here in the U.S. react to it. One of the writers,Ted Perkins, is a gringo, and the other is Gabriel Ripstein, who is Mexican, so they were very careful so the comedy could work for both cultures. That has a lot to do with the story itself. If the characters are real and the story is authentic, then the comedy will work in any country.
Aguilar: What are your future plans? Will you go back to television or continue seeking roles in films? I understand you already have another upcoming film.
Omar Chaparro: I want to continue learning. I’m excited to make more films and I want to improve my English. We also just shot a film called “No Manches Frida,” which will open in theaters on September 2nd, and it also stars Marta Higareda. It’s based on a very famous German story that was adapted into Spanish. I believe that it can become a box-office success both in Mexico and in the U.S. I’m very happy, we are just now finishing promotion for “Compadres,” and we are going to start promoting this other film in August. Cinema is opening its doors to me and I’m very excited.
Aguilar: Would you say part of this increased in opportunities and production in terms of Mexican films with bicultural appeal has to do with Pantelion's efforts?
Omar Chaparro: Yes. Pantelion has been taking chances on good and different stories like “Comapadres.” It’s a film that is working with a genre that hadn’t been done in Mexico in a long time and with a unique tone, and I think the audiences really appreciate that. Gringos are going to enjoy the film as well because about 60% of the dialogue in the film is in English. We can only hope that the film does as well here as it did in Mexico.
- 4/21/2016
- by Carlos Aguilar
- Sydney's Buzz
Tim Roth (Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs) has crossed the border to work in what is being hailed as the Mexican New Wave movement in film. First he starred in Michel Franco's Chronic, and next he'll be appearing in Gabriel Ripstein's (Pulling Strings) 600 Millas, a drama set against gun smuggling from the U.S. into Mexico. Watch the trailer.
- 12/1/2015
- by info@cinemovie.tv (Super User)
- CineMovie
Lantica Pictures, the former Indomina, is in post on their first project under the multi-picture agreement with Pantelion Films announced this past 2014 Cannes. Pantelion Films will head up domestic and international distribution through the second partnership agreement between the two companies.
"Cómplices," (Accomplices) which is now in advanced post-production stage, is a romantic comedy which marks the company’s first Dominican-shot film under the multi-picture deal signed with Pantelion Films.The film tells the story of an uncle who is forced to take his despondent nephew under his wing as they go on an exotic adventure to the Dominican Republic. The movie was directed by Luis Eduardo Reyes and produced by Leo Zimbrón, producer of the Mexican hit "Pulling Strings," with Sandra Condito and Lantica Pictures, Lantica Media’s production company. "Cómplices" features Mexican actors Arath De La Torre and Jesús Zavala as well as Dominican stars Liche Ariza, Paula Ferry, Sharlene Taulé and Claudette Lalí.
“The completion of principal photography on our first project under the multi-picture agreement with Pantelion Films is an achievement of which we are quite proud,” commented Antonio Gennari, CEO of Lantica Media. "It’s another step forward in strengthening the Dominican film industry and allowing the world to see what we have to offer”.
Paul Presburger, CEO of Pantelion Films added, “We had a wonderful experience working with Lantica Pictures and their team. We look forward to continuing to produce great films in the Dominican Republic with Lantica Media."
"Cómplices" was produced entirely in the Dominican Republic, taking advantage of the diverse range of locations the country has to offer, as well as the powerful incentives provided by the country’s Cinema Law.
More about Lantica Pictures
Lantica Pictures is a film production company based in the Dominican Republic destined to be a leading competitor in the international marketplace. Lantica Pictures develops, finances and produces original content for both English and Spanish language audiences. Projects in development for 2015 include three English-language features as well as four additional Spanish-language films.
Lantica Pictures is an operating unit of Lantica Media (www.lantica.media), an innovative media company that invests across several segments of the entertainment industry.
More about Pantelion
Pantelion Films is the first major Latino Hollywood studio and the new face of Hispanic entertainment. Launched in 2010, Pantelion releases include the breakout hit "Instructions Not Included," the recent box office success "Cantinflas," which achieved the highest per screen average of any film in nationwide release on its opening weekend, as well as films such as "Pulling Strings," "Casa de mi Padre" and "From Prada to Nada."...
"Cómplices," (Accomplices) which is now in advanced post-production stage, is a romantic comedy which marks the company’s first Dominican-shot film under the multi-picture deal signed with Pantelion Films.The film tells the story of an uncle who is forced to take his despondent nephew under his wing as they go on an exotic adventure to the Dominican Republic. The movie was directed by Luis Eduardo Reyes and produced by Leo Zimbrón, producer of the Mexican hit "Pulling Strings," with Sandra Condito and Lantica Pictures, Lantica Media’s production company. "Cómplices" features Mexican actors Arath De La Torre and Jesús Zavala as well as Dominican stars Liche Ariza, Paula Ferry, Sharlene Taulé and Claudette Lalí.
“The completion of principal photography on our first project under the multi-picture agreement with Pantelion Films is an achievement of which we are quite proud,” commented Antonio Gennari, CEO of Lantica Media. "It’s another step forward in strengthening the Dominican film industry and allowing the world to see what we have to offer”.
Paul Presburger, CEO of Pantelion Films added, “We had a wonderful experience working with Lantica Pictures and their team. We look forward to continuing to produce great films in the Dominican Republic with Lantica Media."
"Cómplices" was produced entirely in the Dominican Republic, taking advantage of the diverse range of locations the country has to offer, as well as the powerful incentives provided by the country’s Cinema Law.
More about Lantica Pictures
Lantica Pictures is a film production company based in the Dominican Republic destined to be a leading competitor in the international marketplace. Lantica Pictures develops, finances and produces original content for both English and Spanish language audiences. Projects in development for 2015 include three English-language features as well as four additional Spanish-language films.
Lantica Pictures is an operating unit of Lantica Media (www.lantica.media), an innovative media company that invests across several segments of the entertainment industry.
More about Pantelion
Pantelion Films is the first major Latino Hollywood studio and the new face of Hispanic entertainment. Launched in 2010, Pantelion releases include the breakout hit "Instructions Not Included," the recent box office success "Cantinflas," which achieved the highest per screen average of any film in nationwide release on its opening weekend, as well as films such as "Pulling Strings," "Casa de mi Padre" and "From Prada to Nada."...
- 3/11/2015
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Exclusive: Actor and comedian Tom Arnold has signed with ICM Partners following the closure of upstart agency Resolution. The move reunites Arnold with John Burnham, the former William Morris agent who landed the actor a role in his first film, 1992’s Hero, and put him in front of James Cameron who cast him opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger in True Lies. Arnold can be seen in Mike Myers’ documentary Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon. He’s currently filming Yahoo’s comedy series Sin City Saints with Andrew Santino and Malin Akerman and has indie drama Any Day with Sean Bean, Eva Longoria, and Kate Walsh coming up along with a role in Chevy Chase’s holiday film Shelby.
The onetime Roseanne actor still tours with his stand-up act and hosts Cmt’s My Big Redneck TV franchise. Early career highlights include Nine Months, McHale’s Navy, The Stupids, and a memorable...
The onetime Roseanne actor still tours with his stand-up act and hosts Cmt’s My Big Redneck TV franchise. Early career highlights include Nine Months, McHale’s Navy, The Stupids, and a memorable...
- 12/3/2014
- by Jen Yamato
- Deadline
Exclusive: Mexican actor-singer-heartthrob Jaime Camil is making his Us pilot debut with a co-starring role opposite Gina Rodriguez in the CW‘s drama Jane The Virgin. Based on the successful Venezuelan telenovela Juana la Virgen, Jane The Virgin centers on Jane (Rodriguez), a hardworking religious girl who, due to a series of outrageous events, is accidentally artificially inseminated. International telenovela star Camil will play the series regular role of Rubio, who happens to be a world-famous telenovela star with a surprising connection to Jane. Camil, who is coming off back-to-back hit Spanish-language series in Mexico and the U.S. with Que Pobres Ran Ricos and Poy Ella Soy Eva, is currently seen on Univision’s new rom-com novela, Qué Pobres Tan Ricos. He made a successful feature debut in the Us as the star of bilingual Patelion/Lionsgate hit Pulling Strings, which ranked as the third highest-grossing foreign language film of 2013. Additionally,...
- 3/7/2014
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Earlier this year production company Pantelion scored its first major U.S. theatrical hit with the release of Eugenio Derbez' Instructions Not Included, a heartfelt comedy about a father who reconnects with his young daughter. Written, directed, and starring Derbez himself the PG-13 film has grossed close to $35 million playing as a limited release in under 1,000 screens. The success has been overwhelming in all main markets (Los Angeles, New York, Houston, Dallas), becoming not only the highest grossing Spanish-language film in the U.S. but the biggest Mexican film opening weekend ever in Mexico with $11.6 million.
Certainly, the success of the film can be attributed to Derbez' loyal following that knows him from his work in Mexican television and in films like Under the Same Moon. The actor's charismatic image makes him the poster child for Mexican comedy, an asset that prove to strike a chord with Latino audiences both in his home country and in the U.S. Instructions' presentation as a family film and the publicity efforts by the studio behind it, which is in turn backed by Lionsgate and Televisa, worked splendidly to attract their targeted audience and hopefully open up a market that has long been ignored.
Pantelion had two other releases this year so far. Back in May the studio released a historical/ war film entitled Cinco de Mayo: The Battle, which retells the events of the fateful day when the seemingly weaker Mexican army repelled a French invasion in 1862. A film like this was the first of its kind in Mexico in terms of production value and resources employed to produce a work of such magnitude. Starring Mexican star Kuno Becker (Goal!, Goal II) in the role of national hero General Ignacio Zaragoza, the film opened on May 3rd both in Mexico and the U.S.
Read a review for the film Here
Read an interview with Kuno Becker on the film Here
Pulling Strings, the other Pantelion release, opened on October 4th and its a bilingual romantic comedy. The film stars Mexican soap opera actor Jaime Camil and comedian Omar Chaparro. The film has clearly benefited from the recent success of Derbez' film and it has become Pantelion's second consecutive hit grossing over $2.5 million so far, a solid number for any film opening in limited release.
It seems like Hollywood is finally trying to fill up the gap by creating content targeted to the vastly underserved Latino market, who ironically is one of the groups who most regularly goes to the movies.
Read more on the subject on Variety's article Hollywood Gets 'Instructions' from Latino Audiences...
Certainly, the success of the film can be attributed to Derbez' loyal following that knows him from his work in Mexican television and in films like Under the Same Moon. The actor's charismatic image makes him the poster child for Mexican comedy, an asset that prove to strike a chord with Latino audiences both in his home country and in the U.S. Instructions' presentation as a family film and the publicity efforts by the studio behind it, which is in turn backed by Lionsgate and Televisa, worked splendidly to attract their targeted audience and hopefully open up a market that has long been ignored.
Pantelion had two other releases this year so far. Back in May the studio released a historical/ war film entitled Cinco de Mayo: The Battle, which retells the events of the fateful day when the seemingly weaker Mexican army repelled a French invasion in 1862. A film like this was the first of its kind in Mexico in terms of production value and resources employed to produce a work of such magnitude. Starring Mexican star Kuno Becker (Goal!, Goal II) in the role of national hero General Ignacio Zaragoza, the film opened on May 3rd both in Mexico and the U.S.
Read a review for the film Here
Read an interview with Kuno Becker on the film Here
Pulling Strings, the other Pantelion release, opened on October 4th and its a bilingual romantic comedy. The film stars Mexican soap opera actor Jaime Camil and comedian Omar Chaparro. The film has clearly benefited from the recent success of Derbez' film and it has become Pantelion's second consecutive hit grossing over $2.5 million so far, a solid number for any film opening in limited release.
It seems like Hollywood is finally trying to fill up the gap by creating content targeted to the vastly underserved Latino market, who ironically is one of the groups who most regularly goes to the movies.
Read more on the subject on Variety's article Hollywood Gets 'Instructions' from Latino Audiences...
- 10/23/2013
- by Carlos Aguilar
- Sydney's Buzz
With such a long blade, you'd think Machete would have taken a bigger cut of the box office. Not that anyone expected blockbuster numbers from "Machete Kills." Eight million, maybe even 12 million, tops. However, the long-awaited sequel didn't even crack $4 million. It debuted in fourth place with an estimated $3.8 million, about a third of what its most ardent supporters predicted. This despite an all-star cast and the relatively loyal fanbase of filmmaker Robert Rodriguez.
What went awry? Several possibilities are listed below, but they all add up to the likelihood that Rodriguez no longer knows what his audience wants -- or what any other audience wants, for that matter. For instance:
No one cares about stunt casting. Following the standard set by "Machete," whose high-powered supporting cast included such unlikely stars as Lindsay Lohan and Robert De Niro, "Machete Kills" features such co-stars as Sofia Vergara, Mel Gibson, Vanessa Hudgens,...
What went awry? Several possibilities are listed below, but they all add up to the likelihood that Rodriguez no longer knows what his audience wants -- or what any other audience wants, for that matter. For instance:
No one cares about stunt casting. Following the standard set by "Machete," whose high-powered supporting cast included such unlikely stars as Lindsay Lohan and Robert De Niro, "Machete Kills" features such co-stars as Sofia Vergara, Mel Gibson, Vanessa Hudgens,...
- 10/14/2013
- by Gary Susman
- Moviefone
For the second consecutive weekend, the heart-pounding thriller Gravity is the No. 1 film in the world with an estimated weekend gross of $72.3 million from 39 markets. Its global total is now a staggering $191.4 million.
This is only a 27% drop from the previous weekend where it broke a number of box office records, including those for the biggest October opening for any film, the largest IMAX opening in October ($11.8 million), and the highest opening weekend ever for stars Sandra Bullock and George Clooney.
The film was directed by Oscar nominee Alfonso Cuarón (“Children of Men”).
Other newcomers this weekend were Sony Pictures’ Captain Phillips starring Tom Hanks and Open Road Films’ Machete Kills.
The Paul Greengrass film came in 2nd place with $26 million, while Robert Rodriguez’s star-studded movie only took in $3.8 million.
Also, Planes has crossed the $100 million mark overseas.
1. Gravity – Warner Bros. – $44.3M
2. Captain Phillips – Sony – $26.M
3. Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs 2...
This is only a 27% drop from the previous weekend where it broke a number of box office records, including those for the biggest October opening for any film, the largest IMAX opening in October ($11.8 million), and the highest opening weekend ever for stars Sandra Bullock and George Clooney.
The film was directed by Oscar nominee Alfonso Cuarón (“Children of Men”).
Other newcomers this weekend were Sony Pictures’ Captain Phillips starring Tom Hanks and Open Road Films’ Machete Kills.
The Paul Greengrass film came in 2nd place with $26 million, while Robert Rodriguez’s star-studded movie only took in $3.8 million.
Also, Planes has crossed the $100 million mark overseas.
1. Gravity – Warner Bros. – $44.3M
2. Captain Phillips – Sony – $26.M
3. Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs 2...
- 10/13/2013
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Sandra Bullock's science fiction movie Gravity has once again topped the Us box office.
Gravity reigned at Us cinemas for the second week in a row by taking in $44.3m.
Bullock recently described director Alfonso Cuarón's movie as one of the most challenging projects of her career because she carried many scenes on her own.
Captain Phillips - which stars Tom Hanks in a dramatization of a pirate siege - came in second position in its first weekend of release by making $26m.
The animated comedy Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 continued its box office success by earning $14.2m, for a third place finish.
Machete Kills and Justin Timberlake's thriller Runner Runner rounded out the top five.
Director Ron Howard's racing drama Rush fell out of the top five this weekend, by taking in $2.4m to end up in eighth place.
Rush tells the...
Gravity reigned at Us cinemas for the second week in a row by taking in $44.3m.
Bullock recently described director Alfonso Cuarón's movie as one of the most challenging projects of her career because she carried many scenes on her own.
Captain Phillips - which stars Tom Hanks in a dramatization of a pirate siege - came in second position in its first weekend of release by making $26m.
The animated comedy Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 continued its box office success by earning $14.2m, for a third place finish.
Machete Kills and Justin Timberlake's thriller Runner Runner rounded out the top five.
Director Ron Howard's racing drama Rush fell out of the top five this weekend, by taking in $2.4m to end up in eighth place.
Rush tells the...
- 10/13/2013
- Digital Spy
Omar Chaparro stars alongside fellow Mexican actor Jaime Camil in the romantic comedy, Pulling Strings, and he's talking about the off set antics and why Eugenio Derbez success in the U.S. is a win for everyone.
Spanish-speaking Americans may recognize the Mexican actor and media personality from his weekly Univision show, Sabadazo. He’s starring as Jaime Camil’s sidekick in the romantic comedy, Pulling Strings. The bilingual movie stars Jaime Camil and Chaparro as struggling mariachis on a mission to convince an American embassy worker to grant Camil’s character a visa for his daughter to visit her grandparents in the United States.
The staple of Mexican television has starred in many Spanish reality shows such as Big Brother VIP 2 and Bailando por Mexico (Dancing for Mexico) which he took first prize. The Chihuahua-born comedian’s previous brush with Hollywood fare includes voicing
Read more...
Spanish-speaking Americans may recognize the Mexican actor and media personality from his weekly Univision show, Sabadazo. He’s starring as Jaime Camil’s sidekick in the romantic comedy, Pulling Strings. The bilingual movie stars Jaime Camil and Chaparro as struggling mariachis on a mission to convince an American embassy worker to grant Camil’s character a visa for his daughter to visit her grandparents in the United States.
The staple of Mexican television has starred in many Spanish reality shows such as Big Brother VIP 2 and Bailando por Mexico (Dancing for Mexico) which he took first prize. The Chihuahua-born comedian’s previous brush with Hollywood fare includes voicing
Read more...
- 10/11/2013
- CineMovie
Are films targeting Latinos on the rise now that two Mexican imports have successfully crossed over in America? Can we expect Hollywood to start churning out copycats?
Pulling Strings is the latest Mexican import to open well after Eugenio Derbez’s Instructions Not Included broke records for a Spanish language film.
The Fall season at the movies is turning out to be a winner for films by Latinos for Latinos. Instructions Not Included remained in the top 10 for four weeks and has taken a total of $41 million in the U.S. alone. Opening in only 348 theaters, the film took in an outstanding $23,000 per screen when it opened August 30th. Considering most big budget films open in over 2,000 movie screens, the opening took many by surprise and the studio behind the film, Pantelion expanded into a wider release, which
Read more...
Pulling Strings is the latest Mexican import to open well after Eugenio Derbez’s Instructions Not Included broke records for a Spanish language film.
The Fall season at the movies is turning out to be a winner for films by Latinos for Latinos. Instructions Not Included remained in the top 10 for four weeks and has taken a total of $41 million in the U.S. alone. Opening in only 348 theaters, the film took in an outstanding $23,000 per screen when it opened August 30th. Considering most big budget films open in over 2,000 movie screens, the opening took many by surprise and the studio behind the film, Pantelion expanded into a wider release, which
Read more...
- 10/7/2013
- CineMovie
This past weekend at the box office made it clear that people are eager and willing for smart and beautiful science fiction films...or maybe they're just head over heels for George Clooney and Sandra Bullock. Either way, Gravity managed to take the top spot and set a record. Come inside for the full breakdown of this weekend's box offic haul.
I'm so happy that Gravity made a lot of money this weekend at the box office. I got lucky and caught it a few weeks ago and thought it was one of the best films of the year, and was done incredibly well. I worried, though, that some audiences might not go for it. While there's plenty of 'action' and excitement in the film, it still seemed like it wouldn't appeal to the masses. Thank goodness I was wrong and the film managed to set a record debut for October.
I'm so happy that Gravity made a lot of money this weekend at the box office. I got lucky and caught it a few weeks ago and thought it was one of the best films of the year, and was done incredibly well. I worried, though, that some audiences might not go for it. While there's plenty of 'action' and excitement in the film, it still seemed like it wouldn't appeal to the masses. Thank goodness I was wrong and the film managed to set a record debut for October.
- 10/7/2013
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (Jordan Maison)
- Cinelinx
Five things we learned at the Us box office this week, as Alfonso Cuarón's space story smashes records, and the Spanish language market goes loco
• Gravity makes out-of-this-world profit
• Gravity - watch the trailer
Originality matters!
Remember Sally Field's deliciously batty Oscar acceptance speech back in 1985 for Places in the Heart when she bleated to the crowd, "You like me!" Gravity director Alfonso Cuarón and the folks at Warner Brothers could be excused for having a Field day right now, after audiences took their original story to heart. Gravity soared to No 1 on an estimated $55.5m, delivering a ringing endorsement of original storytelling.
Originality is an endangered species in Hollywood so hats off to Cuarón, who co-wrote the screenplay with his son Jonas, and his studio backers. If you could hear them scream with delight from space, you'd hear it from space.
October box office records tumble
Sticking...
• Gravity makes out-of-this-world profit
• Gravity - watch the trailer
Originality matters!
Remember Sally Field's deliciously batty Oscar acceptance speech back in 1985 for Places in the Heart when she bleated to the crowd, "You like me!" Gravity director Alfonso Cuarón and the folks at Warner Brothers could be excused for having a Field day right now, after audiences took their original story to heart. Gravity soared to No 1 on an estimated $55.5m, delivering a ringing endorsement of original storytelling.
Originality is an endangered species in Hollywood so hats off to Cuarón, who co-wrote the screenplay with his son Jonas, and his studio backers. If you could hear them scream with delight from space, you'd hear it from space.
October box office records tumble
Sticking...
- 10/7/2013
- by Jeremy Kay
- The Guardian - Film News
Tom Arnold was imported into Mexico for a role in the Jamie Camil romantic comedy, Pulling Strings. He talks about his time shooting in Mexico City and why he's a big fan of food especially Mexican cuisine.
Tom Arnold usually plays the sidekick, but in his feature film debut in a Mexican film, Arnold plays the straight-guy as the head of the United States embassy in Mexico. He’s a father figure to Rachel (Laura Ramsey) whose career goals are to be placed in the London embassy, but a mariachi played by Jaime Camil changes everything when he goes on an adventure to locate her boss’ laptop and change her mind on giving him a visa. Besides Arnold, Stockard Channing is another American actor who crossed the border for a small part in the Mexican movie starring alongside Mexican A-listers Jaime Camil and Omar
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Tom Arnold usually plays the sidekick, but in his feature film debut in a Mexican film, Arnold plays the straight-guy as the head of the United States embassy in Mexico. He’s a father figure to Rachel (Laura Ramsey) whose career goals are to be placed in the London embassy, but a mariachi played by Jaime Camil changes everything when he goes on an adventure to locate her boss’ laptop and change her mind on giving him a visa. Besides Arnold, Stockard Channing is another American actor who crossed the border for a small part in the Mexican movie starring alongside Mexican A-listers Jaime Camil and Omar
Read more...
- 10/7/2013
- CineMovie
Receiving almost universal praise and a strong start to boot, director Alfonso Cuarón’s Gravity took no prisoners with its estimated $55.6 million start. While it has a ways to go before it makes back its $100 million costs, it easily toppled last week’s favorite, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2, which made an estimated $21.5 million…not much of a drop from the previous week, all things considered, and as the only family friendly movie in the top ten this week, it is likely to end up profitable. It is certainly doing a far sight better than Runner Runner, which did not encountered poor reviews but a poor box office start. With only an estimated $7.6 million against its $30 million costs, the action thriller looks to lose out big despite its A-list cast.
Prisoners broke into the black with an estimated $5.7 million for its third week in the box office, and...
Prisoners broke into the black with an estimated $5.7 million for its third week in the box office, and...
- 10/7/2013
- by Seth Paul
- CinemaNerdz
Two limited films in fewer than 500 theaters-- the Mexican "Pulling Strings" (Lionsgate/Pantelion) and Fox Searchlight's "Enough Said"-- made the top 10 this weekend as "Gravity" soared across the country with substantial adult audience support. Two new mid-level releases, the Christian-themed "Grace Unplugged" (Roadside Attractions) and "Parkland" (Exclusive/Millennium) yielded modest results in their mostly non-art house debuts. The basketball doc "Linsanity" and Chinese drama "A Touch of Sin" were the standouts among more limited releases, with no other fresh films having much strength. Twenty-eight new films actually opened this week in at least one of the two biggest markets. Several of the more notable newbies --IFC's "The Summit," Magnolia's "Bad Milo!," Anchor Bay's "Argento's Dracula 3D," Strand's "I Used to Be Darker" and "The Missing Picture," Phase IV's "The Dirties" -- most with impressive major festival pedigrees - haven't reported yet. Opening "Linsanity" (Ketchup...
- 10/6/2013
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Thompson on Hollywood
Gravity opened at No. 1 in the world with an estimated weekend gross of $83 million from 28 territories. With a haul of $55 million in the U.S., director Alfonso Cuarón’s thriller has set the record for the highest October debut of all-time.
The film collected 70% of its international gross from 3D screens and is officially certified fresh at 98% on Rotten Tomatoes and 96 on Metacritic.
Families headed back to theaters for another helping of Sony Pictures Animation’s Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs 2. The mouth-watering comedy now stands at over $70 million worldwide.
Also, We’Re The Millers has crossed the $100 million mark overseas.
The top-12 domestic weekend box office estimates listed in descending order, per data collected as of Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013 are below.
1. Gravity – Warner Bros. – $55.5M
2. Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs 2 – Sony – $21.5M
3. Runner Runner – 20th Century Fox – $7.6M
4. Prisoners – Warner Bros. – $5.7M
5. Rush – Universal – $4.4M
6. Don Jon...
The film collected 70% of its international gross from 3D screens and is officially certified fresh at 98% on Rotten Tomatoes and 96 on Metacritic.
Families headed back to theaters for another helping of Sony Pictures Animation’s Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs 2. The mouth-watering comedy now stands at over $70 million worldwide.
Also, We’Re The Millers has crossed the $100 million mark overseas.
The top-12 domestic weekend box office estimates listed in descending order, per data collected as of Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013 are below.
1. Gravity – Warner Bros. – $55.5M
2. Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs 2 – Sony – $21.5M
3. Runner Runner – 20th Century Fox – $7.6M
4. Prisoners – Warner Bros. – $5.7M
5. Rush – Universal – $4.4M
6. Don Jon...
- 10/6/2013
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
With a strong marketing effort*and a boost from 3D ticket pricing*Gravity blasted off to a fantastic $55.8 million this weekend. Meanwhile, Runner Runner couldn't find its footing, and overall business wound up down 13 percent from the same weekend last year.At 3,575 locations, Gravity's $55.8 million debut is a new opening weekend record for the month of October ahead of 2011's Paranormal Activity 3 ($52.6 million). It's also the highest start ever for stars Sandra Bullock and George Clooney ahead of The Heat and Batman and Robin, respectively. Recognizing that Gravity had huge commercial potential, Warner Bros. rolled out a blockbuster-level marketing effort in the past month. Advertisements played up the movie's unique setting and stunning visuals, and also positioned it as a thrilling, action-packed adventure. Leading up to the release, Warner Bros. started emphasizing the movie's critical reception, which was nothing short of fantastic (it currently has a 98 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes). Also,...
- 10/6/2013
- by Ray Subers <mail@boxofficemojo.com>
- Box Office Mojo
An overwhelmingly positive response from festival screenings turned Gravity into a box office powerhouse, with it earning $55.5 million in its opening weekend. With a estimated production budget of around $100 million, Gravity should have no problem getting out of the red over the next couple of weeks. Early Oscar buzz and the lead actors being household names should also keep this movie in the top ten for quite some time.
Aside from Cloudy with A Chance of Meatballs 2, none of the other films in the top ten managed to reach $10 million. In general, things tend to be slow around this time of year, so it’s not unexpected. October is really light on horror movies this month, so Insidious Chapter 2 is still hanging in there. The movie was produced for $5 million and is nearing the $75 million mark in Us ticket sales.
Next week sees the wide release of Captain Phillips and Machete Kills.
Aside from Cloudy with A Chance of Meatballs 2, none of the other films in the top ten managed to reach $10 million. In general, things tend to be slow around this time of year, so it’s not unexpected. October is really light on horror movies this month, so Insidious Chapter 2 is still hanging in there. The movie was produced for $5 million and is nearing the $75 million mark in Us ticket sales.
Next week sees the wide release of Captain Phillips and Machete Kills.
- 10/6/2013
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
The bilingual comedy “Pulling Strings” is the latest movie to target Hispanic audiences in the U.S. and connect at the box office. The romantic comedy about a Mexican mariachi and an American embassy employee, from Lionsgate’s Pantelion Entertainment, was on 387 screens and took in $2.5 million. That’s a $6,460 per-theater average, better than any film wide release except for “Gravity.” Also read: How ‘Gravity’ Revolutionized Visual Effects and Blasted Sandra Bullock Into Space It’s also the second-largest opening ever for Pantelion, behind “Instructions Not Included,” which in August opened to $7.8 million and has gone on to become the highest-grossing Spanish-languag film.
- 10/6/2013
- by Todd Cunningham
- The Wrap
Here are your three-day box office returns (new releases bolded): 1. Gravity - $55.5 million 2. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 - $21.5 million 3. Runner Runner - $7.6 million 4. Prisoners - $5.7 million 5. Rush - $4.4 million 6. Don Jon - $4.16 million 7. Baggage Claim - $4.12 million 8. Insidious: Chapter 2 - $3.8 million 9. Pulling Strings - $2.5 million 10. Enough Said - $2.1 million The Big Stories Finally there is a movie out there that can be definitively recommended to your fellow man. Maybe you like Prisoners. Perhaps you felt compelled to recommend Rush cause it was a slightly different direction for Ron Howard. You should all be telling people to find Nicole Holofcener's Enough Said. Forget all that though. You know it and I know it that...
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- 10/6/2013
- by Peter Hall
- Movies.com
Here's your 3-day box office returns (new releases bolded): 1. Gravity - $55.5 million 2. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 - $21.5 million 3. Runner Runner - $7.6 million 4. Prisoners - $5.7 million 5. Rush - $4.4 million 6. Don Jon - $4.16 million 7. Baggage Claim - $4.12 million 8. Insidious: Chapter 2 - $3.8 million 9. Pulling Strings - $2.5 million 10. Enough Said - $2.1 million The Big Stories Finally there is a movie out there that can be definitively recommended to your fellow man. Maybe you like Prisoners. Perhaps you felt compelled to recommend Rush cause it was a slightly different direction for Ron Howard. You should all be telling people to find Nicole Holofcener's Enough Said. Forget all that though. You know it and I know it that if...
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- 10/6/2013
- by Peter Hall
- Movies.com
While the massive success of Alfonso Cuarón's "Gravity" was clearly the major story of the box office this weekend, a smaller success occurred with another Mexican filmmaker, Jaime Cami, whose "Pulling Strings" is the latest film from Spanish-language distribution Pantelion. Camil's film -- a romantic comedy about a Mexican mariachi and an American embassy employee -- comes off the heals of the massive success of Panetlion's "Instructions Not Included," which has grossed $41,266,096 and counting in its six weeks of release. "Pulling Strings" is definitely not heading for those numbers, but got off to a great start nonetheless. In 387 theaters, the film grossed $2,500,000 -- hitting the overall top ten with a very strong average of $6,460 per theater. Like "Instructions," the film scored a rare A+ from CinemaScore, and is the second highest debut for Panetlion after "Instructons." Pantelion is a partnership between Lionsgate and Videocine, aiming to provide the very underserved.
- 10/6/2013
- by Peter Knegt
- Indiewire
Gravity has topped the Us box office this weekend.
With a weekend opening of $55.5m, the Sandra Bullock and George Clooney-starring movie set a new record for the best ever October opening.
The sci-fi thriller - directed by Alfonso Cuarón - stars Bullock and Clooney as two astronauts who must try to survive in space after their shuttle is damaged.
Gravity beat last weekend's number one Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2, which took the second spot with $21.5m. Its total earnings are $60.5m.
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 is a follow-up to the 2009 film adapted from Judi and Ron Barrett's book of the same name.
Prisoners, which also debuted at number one on its first weekend, slid down from second place to fourth place with $5.7m. Its total earnings are $47.8m.
Meanwhile, Enough Said, starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus and the late James Gandolfini in one of his final roles,...
With a weekend opening of $55.5m, the Sandra Bullock and George Clooney-starring movie set a new record for the best ever October opening.
The sci-fi thriller - directed by Alfonso Cuarón - stars Bullock and Clooney as two astronauts who must try to survive in space after their shuttle is damaged.
Gravity beat last weekend's number one Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2, which took the second spot with $21.5m. Its total earnings are $60.5m.
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 is a follow-up to the 2009 film adapted from Judi and Ron Barrett's book of the same name.
Prisoners, which also debuted at number one on its first weekend, slid down from second place to fourth place with $5.7m. Its total earnings are $47.8m.
Meanwhile, Enough Said, starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus and the late James Gandolfini in one of his final roles,...
- 10/6/2013
- Digital Spy
We knew it was going to win, but by how much was the big question and the $17.5 million it tallied on Friday suggested something around $49 million, but Gravity held on stronger than that, finishing the three-day weekend with an estimated $55.6 million and a new October opening weekend record, besting Paranormal Activity 3's $52.5m back in 2011. The big story concerning this one is the fact 80% of the total came from 3D screenings and 20% from IMAX screenings. It also has one box office tracker calling Sandra Bullock the "most bankable actress in Hollywood" noting four of her last six films have opened over $30 million, none of which were sequels. Hard to argue with those numbers. Gravity has already shown it has legs and with an "A-" CinemaScore it will be interesting to see how long they are as it will have to contend with Captain Phillips next weekend for the adult...
- 10/6/2013
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
With awards chatter already orbiting Alfonso Cuaron’s Gravity, his latest film took another positive step forward, launching top of the box office in the Us this weekend with an impressive $55.5 million.Last week’s champ, ‘toon sequel Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs 2, was pushed down to second place, earning $21.5 million for a current domestic total of $60.5 million. Gambling crime drama Runner Runner faltered despite featuring Ben Affleck and Justin Timberlake, arriving in third place with $7.6 million. Kidnap thriller Prisoners was down to fourth, taking in $5.7 million, while Rush was fifth with $4.4 million.In sixth place, Joseph Gordon Levitt’s Don Jon took home $4.16 million, ahead of Baggage Claim, which fell to seventh with $4.12 million. Insidious Chapter 2 slipped a couple of places to eighth and $3.8 million and new romantic comedy arrival Pulling Strings debuted at ninth with $2.5 million. Finally, Nicole Holofcener’s Enough Said added screens and nudged...
- 10/6/2013
- EmpireOnline
Sandy Cohen, AP Entertainment Writer
Los Angeles (AP) - The Sandra Bullock-George Clooney space drama "Gravity" rocketed to the top of the box office and into industry record books during its opening weekend.
The Warner Bros. adventure debuted with $55.55 million in North American ticket sales, according to studio estimates Sunday - the biggest October opening ever and the biggest openings for Bullock and Clooney.
"It's all good news," said Dan Fellman, Warner Bros. president of domestic distribution.
He credited director and co-writer Alfonso Cuaron, who takes viewers into orbit with a film that's set almost entirely in space and explores the challenges faced by two astronauts during a spacewalk. Cuaron's team developed equipment and technology to replicate the weightlessness of space.
"It's never been seen before, visual effects like this," Fellman said. "Just the space shots are mind-boggling. It looks like you're right there."
Last week's top movie,...
Los Angeles (AP) - The Sandra Bullock-George Clooney space drama "Gravity" rocketed to the top of the box office and into industry record books during its opening weekend.
The Warner Bros. adventure debuted with $55.55 million in North American ticket sales, according to studio estimates Sunday - the biggest October opening ever and the biggest openings for Bullock and Clooney.
"It's all good news," said Dan Fellman, Warner Bros. president of domestic distribution.
He credited director and co-writer Alfonso Cuaron, who takes viewers into orbit with a film that's set almost entirely in space and explores the challenges faced by two astronauts during a spacewalk. Cuaron's team developed equipment and technology to replicate the weightlessness of space.
"It's never been seen before, visual effects like this," Fellman said. "Just the space shots are mind-boggling. It looks like you're right there."
Last week's top movie,...
- 10/6/2013
- by The Associated Press
- Moviefone
Mexican star Jaime Camil shows off his musical talents as a mariachi singer in Pulling Strings and donning the sexy mariachi outfit made him feel like a superhero.
Best known for his roles as the comedy relief, Jaime Camil leaves the funny up to his co-star Omar Chaparro and takes on the romantic lead as the straight man in the bilingual romantic comedy, Pulling Strings. More than just a mariachi, Alejandro has a second full time job he's a single dad. When Alejandro is denied a visa by a young embassy worker (Laura Ramsey) for his young daughter to visit her grandparents in the U.S., Alejandro must find a way to change her mind.
CineMovie sat down with the Pulling Strings star who says he channeled singers Pedro Infante, Augustine Lara, Jorge Negrete, and Javier Solis for his role as a
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Best known for his roles as the comedy relief, Jaime Camil leaves the funny up to his co-star Omar Chaparro and takes on the romantic lead as the straight man in the bilingual romantic comedy, Pulling Strings. More than just a mariachi, Alejandro has a second full time job he's a single dad. When Alejandro is denied a visa by a young embassy worker (Laura Ramsey) for his young daughter to visit her grandparents in the U.S., Alejandro must find a way to change her mind.
CineMovie sat down with the Pulling Strings star who says he channeled singers Pedro Infante, Augustine Lara, Jorge Negrete, and Javier Solis for his role as a
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- 10/4/2013
- CineMovie
With an aggressive marketing campaign and stellar reviews, Alfonso Cuaron's Gravity is poised to easily take first place this weekend. The real question at this point is how high it can go, though it's hard to imagine an original Fall release debuting above $40 million or so. Runner Runner also opens this weekend, though it's unlikely that the Justin Timberlake/Ben Affleck thriller puts much of a dent in Gravity's grosses.Opening at 3,575 locations, Gravity stars Sandra Bullock and George Clooney as two astronauts who are stranded in orbit after their shuttle is destroyed. Advertisements for the movie put the astronauts in all kinds of precarious situations, which has nicely showcased the movie's stunning visuals and intense, high-stakes thrills. As of late, commercials have also emphasized the movie's reviews, which are nothing short of fantastic (it currently has a 98 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes). If there's any complaint to be made about the marketing,...
- 10/4/2013
- by Ray Subers <mail@boxofficemojo.com>
- Box Office Mojo
Fresh off the success of Eugenio Derbez' Instructions Not Included comes Pantelion Films' latest bilingual comedy Pulling Strings. The film stars Mexican actors Jaime Camil and Omar Chaparro as best buds trying to make ends meet by taking odd jobs with a mariachi band. In celebration of the film's release this Friday, October 4 we are giving away two mariachi guitars signed by Jaime Camil and Omar Chaparro. Here's what two lucky winners will take home: 1 – Mariachi guitar signed by Jaime Camil and Omar Chaparro All you need to do is share with us why you're looking forward to watching Pulling Strings. Post your comment below, and one winner will be randomly selected and notified via e-mail on Friday, October 11 (use a valid e-mail when commenting,...
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- 10/3/2013
- by affiliates@fandango.com
- Fandango
This bilingual romantic comedy is overly long and has a paper-thin plot, but it's too sweet-natured to dislike. Alex (Jaime Camil), a Mexico City mariachi singer and single father, applies for a U.S. visa for his nine-year-old daughter under the false belief that she'd be better off being raised by his late wife's American parents. His application is promptly denied by Rachel (Laura Ramsey), a brusque but beautiful embassy official. That night, Alex's band performs at an embassy party, after which Alex rescues a drunken Rachel, who awakes to find that she's lost her boss's laptop. Hoping to prove his worth and score that precious visa, Alex convinces Rachel that he has the street-level connections necessary to find the computer. In Pulling Strings, which features the great Stock...
- 10/2/2013
- Village Voice
Pantelion Films’ breakout comedy/drama Instructions Not Included, starring and directed by Eugenio Derbez, grossed an estimated $3.4 million in its fifth weekend at the domestic box office, bringing its total to an estimated $38.6 million to date as it became the highest-grossing Spanish-language film ever at the domestic box office, it was announced today by Lionsgate. Pantelion Films is a joint venture between Lionsgate and Latin media giant Groupo Televisa.
Instructions Not Included passed Pan’s Labyrinth, which grossed $37.6 million at the domestic box office, to become the new record holder. The Pantelion release also became one of the four highest-grossing foreign-language films ever in the U.S., ranking behind only Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (Taiwan), Life is Beautiful (Italy) and Hero (China). Pantelion noted that Instructions Not Included has achieved its entire domestic box office in the U.S. since the film hasn’t been released in Canada.
“We’ve...
Instructions Not Included passed Pan’s Labyrinth, which grossed $37.6 million at the domestic box office, to become the new record holder. The Pantelion release also became one of the four highest-grossing foreign-language films ever in the U.S., ranking behind only Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (Taiwan), Life is Beautiful (Italy) and Hero (China). Pantelion noted that Instructions Not Included has achieved its entire domestic box office in the U.S. since the film hasn’t been released in Canada.
“We’ve...
- 9/29/2013
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
We know you've been patiently and maybe anxiously awaiting the release of Jaime Camil and Omar Chaparro's Mexican comedy, Pulling Strings, and we don’t blame you. Who doesn't want to watch Camil perform as a mariachi singer? Or laugh out loud at Omar Chaparro's crazy antics? Well, the wait will soon be over. Thanks to our friends at Pantelion Films, a few lucky fans will get the opportunity to attend a private screening of Pulling Strings on Wednesday, October 2. So, here's the deal. We have five pairs of tickets to give away to screenings in Chicago and Dallas. Here's what you have to do: Watch the Pulling Strings trailer and tell us what you love the most about Jaime Camil's or Omar Chaparro's characters. To qualify you must state which...
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- 9/26/2013
- by Elisa Osegueda
- Movies.com
We know you've been patiently and maybe anxiously awaiting the release of Jaime Camil and Omar Chaparro's Mexican comedy Pulling Strings, and we don’t blame you. Who doesn't want to watch Camil perform as a mariachi singer? Or laugh out loud at Omar Chaparro's crazy antics? Well, the wait will soon be over. Thanks to our friends at Pantelion Films, a few lucky fans will get the opportunity to attend a private screening of Pulling Strings on Wednesday, October 2. So, here's the deal. We have five pairs of tickets to give away to screenings in Los Angeles, New York and Houston. Here's what you have to do: Watch the Pulling Strings trailer and tell us what you love the most about Jaime Camil's or Omar Chaparro's characters. You must state which...
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- 9/25/2013
- by affiliates@fandango.com
- Fandango
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