Thanks to reader Nicolas Mancuso for tipping me off to this extended promo trailer for “Winnie,” Darrell James Roodt’s Winnie Mandela biopic with Jennifer Hudson in her first dramatic headlining role. I was sceptical of this project when it was announced a year ago, and I’m afraid the trailer has only exacerbated my fears. A […]
First look at Jennifer Hudson in ‘Winnie’
Posted by Guy Lodge · 5:27 pm · November 16th, 2010
Filed in: Daily
THE LONG SHOT: Categorical denial
Posted by Guy Lodge · 7:25 pm · October 20th, 2010
Wild-eyed, table-banging outbursts — sometimes of enthusiasm, more often of outrage — are an essential part of the floor show at any Oscar viewing party, but I’ve rarely seen one more unhinged than a friend’s reaction to Angelina Jolie’s (widely expected) Best Supporting Actress victory at the 1999 ceremony. “Who the hell was she supporting?” […]
Filed in: The Long Shot
Back off, Hollywood
Posted by Guy Lodge · 10:39 am · December 8th, 2009
While South Africa’s currently high Hollywood profile is putting smiles on the faces (and much-needed cash in the pockets) of many figures in the country’s film industry, it appears that not all local actors are as pleased. The Guardian reports that a number of prominent local thesps have spoken out against the casting of bankable […]
Filed in: Daily
Jennifer Hudson boards Winnie Mandela biopic
Posted by Guy Lodge · 8:17 am · November 18th, 2009
The current vogue for South African-focused cinema continues apace. With Clint Eastwood and Morgan Freeman applying A-list Hollywood polish to the figure of former president Nelson Mandela, Jennifer Hudson is now set to do the same for his ex-wife. Rumors about this have been circling for some time, but yesterday Variety confirmed that Hudson has […]
Filed in: Daily
Jennifer Hudson sings for Michael Jackson
Posted by Guy Lodge · 3:22 pm · July 7th, 2009
I’m sure many of you have been watching the Michael Jackson memorials proceedings just as I have, so there’s no need to remind you of what went down. A largely tasteful, moving affair, I’m pleased to say. In the interests of keeping things movie-related (I mean, how many other Oscar winners can claim to have […]
Filed in: Daily
Academy shortlists 49 original songs
Posted by Guy Lodge · 4:36 am · December 17th, 2008
… and 11 of them (count ’em) are from “High School Musical 3: Senior Year.” That’s over a fifth of the contenders, so I’m guessing the folks at Disney will be pretty mortified if at least one of them doesn’t make the final five. And hell, one of them should. I’m not too snobbish to […]
Filed in: Daily
Our hearts go out to Jennifer Hudson
Posted by Kristopher Tapley · 5:49 pm · October 24th, 2008
UPDATED (8:30 p.m.): The pain of confirmation here. EARLIER: What else can really be said? Absolutely crushing.
Filed in: Daily
Step right up…Best Original Song is there for the taking
Posted by Kristopher Tapley · 8:20 pm · August 20th, 2008
Generally around this time of year I start to compile a list of original songs for consideration in our charts…but I have to say, I’m having a hell of a time coming up with a respectable roll call. What have we got so far this year? Peter Gabriel’s “Down to Earth” from “WALL-E” seems to […]
Filed in: Daily
Four Girls in New York
Posted by Blake Rutherford · 5:34 am · June 2nd, 2008
Is there anything to say about this film “Sex and the City” that is driving women into movie houses all across the United States? According to box office reports this morning, the film made $55.7 million in 3,285 theaters. It generated a reputable $16,968 per screen average according to Nikki Finke. It dominated the Friday […]
Filed in: Daily