Chesser started in international sales for Columbia, later producing films including Major League.
Hollywood independent film and documentary producer Chris Chesser, best known for producing 1989 Paramount comedy Major League, has died at age 74.
Chesser died suddenly at his home in Los Angeles on February 2, according to a statement from his family.
Chesser began his film career in New York in 1974 as an international sales executive for Columbia Pictures before becoming general manager of the American Film Institute in Los Angeles in 1976.
As an executive, he did stints at Orion Pictures, Marble Arch Productions and Filmways, supervising films including Caddyshack, Arthur,...
Hollywood independent film and documentary producer Chris Chesser, best known for producing 1989 Paramount comedy Major League, has died at age 74.
Chesser died suddenly at his home in Los Angeles on February 2, according to a statement from his family.
Chesser began his film career in New York in 1974 as an international sales executive for Columbia Pictures before becoming general manager of the American Film Institute in Los Angeles in 1976.
As an executive, he did stints at Orion Pictures, Marble Arch Productions and Filmways, supervising films including Caddyshack, Arthur,...
- 2/21/2023
- by John Hazelton
- ScreenDaily
Chris Chesser, the producer known for his work on the sports comedy “Major League,” has died. He was 74.
Chesser died suddenly Feb. 2 while at his Los Angeles home, brothers Alan and Steve Chesser announced Tuesday. The cause of death has yet to be confirmed.
In 1974, the producer took his first steps into the entertainment industry as an executive in international sales at Columbia Pictures. Two years later, Chesser became general manager of the American Film Institute in Los Angeles. Between 1980 and 1983, Chesser helmed two production companies: he served as vice president of production at Marble Arch Productions and functioned as head of production for Filmways, until the company was acquired by Orion Pictures.
Films Chesser supervised as a production executive include “Sharkey’s Machine,” “The Great Santini,” “Caddyshack,” “Wolfen,” “Arthur,” “Excalibur” and “On Golden Pond.” He also assisted in developing the features “Spinal Tap” and “Absence of Malice.”
The late filmmaker...
Chesser died suddenly Feb. 2 while at his Los Angeles home, brothers Alan and Steve Chesser announced Tuesday. The cause of death has yet to be confirmed.
In 1974, the producer took his first steps into the entertainment industry as an executive in international sales at Columbia Pictures. Two years later, Chesser became general manager of the American Film Institute in Los Angeles. Between 1980 and 1983, Chesser helmed two production companies: he served as vice president of production at Marble Arch Productions and functioned as head of production for Filmways, until the company was acquired by Orion Pictures.
Films Chesser supervised as a production executive include “Sharkey’s Machine,” “The Great Santini,” “Caddyshack,” “Wolfen,” “Arthur,” “Excalibur” and “On Golden Pond.” He also assisted in developing the features “Spinal Tap” and “Absence of Malice.”
The late filmmaker...
- 2/21/2023
- by Katie Reul
- Variety Film + TV
Chris Chesser, the film and documentary producer best known for bringing the iconic baseball comedy Major League to the big screen, has died. He was 74.
Chesser died suddenly Feb. 2 at his Los Angeles home, his brothers, Alan and Steve Chesser, announced. No cause of death was revealed.
As a production executive, Chesser supervised such notable films as The Great Santini (1979), Caddyshack (1980), On Golden Pond (1981), Wolfen (1981), Arthur (1981), Sharky’s Machine (1981) and Excalibur (1981).
He supervised production on the British comedy Yellowbeard (1983), starring Graham Chapman, and helped develop Rob Reiner’s Spinal Tap (1984) at Embassy Pictures and Sydney Pollack’s Absence of Malice (1981) at Columbia Pictures.
Chesser and Irby Smith produced Paramount’s Major League (1989), which was written and directed by David S. Ward and starred Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, Wesley Snipes and Rene Russo.
After earning his bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College and his master’s from the American Graduate School of International Management,...
Chesser died suddenly Feb. 2 at his Los Angeles home, his brothers, Alan and Steve Chesser, announced. No cause of death was revealed.
As a production executive, Chesser supervised such notable films as The Great Santini (1979), Caddyshack (1980), On Golden Pond (1981), Wolfen (1981), Arthur (1981), Sharky’s Machine (1981) and Excalibur (1981).
He supervised production on the British comedy Yellowbeard (1983), starring Graham Chapman, and helped develop Rob Reiner’s Spinal Tap (1984) at Embassy Pictures and Sydney Pollack’s Absence of Malice (1981) at Columbia Pictures.
Chesser and Irby Smith produced Paramount’s Major League (1989), which was written and directed by David S. Ward and starred Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, Wesley Snipes and Rene Russo.
After earning his bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College and his master’s from the American Graduate School of International Management,...
- 2/21/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Chris Chesser, the independent film and documentary producer whose credits include the hit Charlie Sheen 1989 comedy Major League, died suddenly at his home in Los Angeles on February 2. He was 74.
His death was announced today by his brothers Alan and Steve Chesser. A cause of death was not disclosed.
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Chesser began his film career in New York in 1974 as an executive in international sales for Columbia Pictures. He became General Manager of the American Film Institute in Los Angeles in 1976.
In 1978 he became executive assistant at the newly formed Orion Pictures to co-founder Mike Medavoy, and from 1980 to 1983 he served as Vice President of Production for Marble Arch Productions and...
His death was announced today by his brothers Alan and Steve Chesser. A cause of death was not disclosed.
Related Story Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2023: Photo Gallery & Obituaries Related Story Huey "Piano" Smith Dies: New Orleans Rocker Behind 'Rockin' Pneumonia And Boogie Woogie Flu', 'Sea Cruise' Was 89 Related Story Jansen Panettiere Dies: Actor, Brother Of Hayden Panettiere Was 28
Chesser began his film career in New York in 1974 as an executive in international sales for Columbia Pictures. He became General Manager of the American Film Institute in Los Angeles in 1976.
In 1978 he became executive assistant at the newly formed Orion Pictures to co-founder Mike Medavoy, and from 1980 to 1983 he served as Vice President of Production for Marble Arch Productions and...
- 2/21/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Shoot is due to get underway next month in Canada on thriller Cold Providence, which is set to star Karl Urban (The Boys) and Malin Akerman (Billions).
Bill Jones and Ben Timlett are directing. James Gammon has written from a story by Ken Tuohy. Bleiberg/Dimbort is handling
world sales at the Efm in Berlin this week after first discussing it with buyers at Afm.
In the film, Star Trek Beyond and Thor: Ragnarok actor Urban will play a novelist with writer’s block and a mysterious bag of cash who finds himself on the run with a woman (Rampage star Akerman) who has some troubling secrets of her own.
Matthew Robert Kelly, Rob Weston and Ken Tuohy are producing. Executive producers from Bleiberg/Dimbort are Ehud Bleiberg, Danny Dimbort and Nicholas Donnermeyer. Gary Collins will executive produce through financier Red Rock Entertainment.
“Cold Providence has the propulsive momentum of a road movie,...
Bill Jones and Ben Timlett are directing. James Gammon has written from a story by Ken Tuohy. Bleiberg/Dimbort is handling
world sales at the Efm in Berlin this week after first discussing it with buyers at Afm.
In the film, Star Trek Beyond and Thor: Ragnarok actor Urban will play a novelist with writer’s block and a mysterious bag of cash who finds himself on the run with a woman (Rampage star Akerman) who has some troubling secrets of her own.
Matthew Robert Kelly, Rob Weston and Ken Tuohy are producing. Executive producers from Bleiberg/Dimbort are Ehud Bleiberg, Danny Dimbort and Nicholas Donnermeyer. Gary Collins will executive produce through financier Red Rock Entertainment.
“Cold Providence has the propulsive momentum of a road movie,...
- 2/20/2020
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Monty Python legend Terry Jones sadly passed away on Tuesday after a four year battle with a rare form of dementia. Kate Beckinsale joined numerous other celebrities in posting tributes to the legendary comic genius on social media. Kate posted a photo of herself and Terry, taken on the set of 2015’s Absolutely Anything, the last movie that Jones directed. […]...
- 1/23/2020
- by Jerry Brown
- Monsters and Critics
Terry Jones, the Welsh comedian and filmmaker, has died at 77 after a four-year battle against frontotemporal dementia. Jones’s family announced he died on the evening of January 21, 2020 in a statement. “We are deeply saddened to have to announce the passing of beloved husband and father, Terry Jones,” the statement reads. “Terry passed away with his wife Anna Soderstrom by his side after a long, extremely brave but always good humoured battle with a rare form of dementia, Ftd.”
Jones is best known as one of the founding members of comedy troupe Monty Python alongside Eric Idle, John Cleese, Graham Chapman, and Terry Gilliam. Jones and Gilliam co-directed the group’s breakthrough first movie, 1975’s “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” Jones would go on to direct Monty Python’s follow-up films “Life of Brian” (1979) and “The Meaning of Life” (1983). Jones’s non-Monty Python credits include writing the scripts for the 1986 cult classic “Labyrinth,...
Jones is best known as one of the founding members of comedy troupe Monty Python alongside Eric Idle, John Cleese, Graham Chapman, and Terry Gilliam. Jones and Gilliam co-directed the group’s breakthrough first movie, 1975’s “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” Jones would go on to direct Monty Python’s follow-up films “Life of Brian” (1979) and “The Meaning of Life” (1983). Jones’s non-Monty Python credits include writing the scripts for the 1986 cult classic “Labyrinth,...
- 1/22/2020
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Terry Jones, co-founder of Monty Python, died Wednesday after a long struggle with dementia. He was 77.
Jones was instrumental in creating the wacky, absurdist style of comedy that Monty Python made famous in the 1970s and directed two of the English comedy group’s most successful films, “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” and “Monty Python’s Life of Brian.” In the latter, Jones played Mandy Cohen, mother of the titular Brian, and appeared before a crowd to deliver probably his most famous line in a comically squawky voice, “He’s not the Messiah, he’s a very naughty boy!”
He also wrote the screenplay for the 1986 cult classic “Labyrinth” starring David Bowie.
In 2004 Jones was nominated for an Emmy for his work on the BBC documentary series “Medieval Lives,” and in 1983 he was nominated for a BAFTA for best original song for “Every Sperm is Sacred” from “Monty Python’s the Meaning of Life.
Jones was instrumental in creating the wacky, absurdist style of comedy that Monty Python made famous in the 1970s and directed two of the English comedy group’s most successful films, “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” and “Monty Python’s Life of Brian.” In the latter, Jones played Mandy Cohen, mother of the titular Brian, and appeared before a crowd to deliver probably his most famous line in a comically squawky voice, “He’s not the Messiah, he’s a very naughty boy!”
He also wrote the screenplay for the 1986 cult classic “Labyrinth” starring David Bowie.
In 2004 Jones was nominated for an Emmy for his work on the BBC documentary series “Medieval Lives,” and in 1983 he was nominated for a BAFTA for best original song for “Every Sperm is Sacred” from “Monty Python’s the Meaning of Life.
- 1/22/2020
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
MaryAnn’s quick take… Audacious, outrageous, bleakly funny. Not since Charlie Chaplin sent up Hitler and invited us to laugh at terrible reality has there been a movie like this. I’m “biast” (pro): love Armando Iannucci’s work
I’m “biast” (con): nothing
I have not read the source material
(what is this about? see my critic’s minifesto)
Presenting… Monty Python’s production of George Orwell’s 1984. Or damn close to it. So The Death of Stalin is akin to Terry Gilliam’s Brazil, then? Well, sort of. (I definitely scribbled “Brazil” in my notes while watching.) But Brazil was fiction; clearly inspired by actual totalitarian regimes, but entirely fictional. Stalin, however, is based on terrible reality. Perhaps not since Charlie Chaplin’s 1940 satire The Great Dictator has a filmmaker taken on such awful personalities and events and attempted to make us laugh about it all.
I’m “biast” (con): nothing
I have not read the source material
(what is this about? see my critic’s minifesto)
Presenting… Monty Python’s production of George Orwell’s 1984. Or damn close to it. So The Death of Stalin is akin to Terry Gilliam’s Brazil, then? Well, sort of. (I definitely scribbled “Brazil” in my notes while watching.) But Brazil was fiction; clearly inspired by actual totalitarian regimes, but entirely fictional. Stalin, however, is based on terrible reality. Perhaps not since Charlie Chaplin’s 1940 satire The Great Dictator has a filmmaker taken on such awful personalities and events and attempted to make us laugh about it all.
- 10/25/2017
- by MaryAnn Johanson
- www.flickfilosopher.com
MaryAnn’s quick take… Charming based-on-fact British costume dramedy gently snarks about power and propriety but cuts a lot deeper when it comes to bigotry and bootlicking. I’m “biast” (pro): love Judi Dench, mostly love Stephen Frears’s films
I’m “biast” (con): we’re still telling stories about this dead queen?
I have not read the source material
(what is this about? see my critic’s minifesto)
The ribbing writes itself: Hey, they finally made the sequel to 1997’s Mrs. Brown! You know, the movie in which Judi Dench as Queen Victoria develops a close platonic friendship — or maybe even a romance — with royal groundskeeper John Brown in the early years of her widowhood, in the 1860s. It was a scandal! And now here’s Victoria & Abdul, which opens 20 years later and stars Judi Dench (Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel...
I’m “biast” (con): we’re still telling stories about this dead queen?
I have not read the source material
(what is this about? see my critic’s minifesto)
The ribbing writes itself: Hey, they finally made the sequel to 1997’s Mrs. Brown! You know, the movie in which Judi Dench as Queen Victoria develops a close platonic friendship — or maybe even a romance — with royal groundskeeper John Brown in the early years of her widowhood, in the 1860s. It was a scandal! And now here’s Victoria & Abdul, which opens 20 years later and stars Judi Dench (Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel...
- 9/15/2017
- by MaryAnn Johanson
- www.flickfilosopher.com
Netflix may be in massive debt, but that hasn’t changed much for the streaming giant, which announced a robust list of new additions today. Todd Haynes’ “Carol” is heading to Netflix, as well as two other masterpieces from provocative auteurs: Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction” and Darren Aronofsky’s “Requiem for a Dream.” As the summer movie season winds down, Netflix has plenty of gems to carry you into fall.
Other titles heading to the streaming service include the entire “Jaws” franchise, Martin Scorsese’s Daniel Day Lewis vehicle “Gangs of New York,” and Noah Baumbach’s “The Squid and the Whale.” Check out the complete list of all the new films joining Netflix in September, 2017 below, including our 7 must-see choices.
Read More:tv Imports: The Best Foreign Netflix Shows to Binge, Part 3 “Amores Perros” (September 1)
September kicks off with “Amores Perros,” the breakout feature from “Birdman” and “The Revenant” director Alejandro González Iñárritu.
Other titles heading to the streaming service include the entire “Jaws” franchise, Martin Scorsese’s Daniel Day Lewis vehicle “Gangs of New York,” and Noah Baumbach’s “The Squid and the Whale.” Check out the complete list of all the new films joining Netflix in September, 2017 below, including our 7 must-see choices.
Read More:tv Imports: The Best Foreign Netflix Shows to Binge, Part 3 “Amores Perros” (September 1)
September kicks off with “Amores Perros,” the breakout feature from “Birdman” and “The Revenant” director Alejandro González Iñárritu.
- 8/23/2017
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
Did Kate Beckinsale and Simon Pegg's onscreen romance from Absolutely Anything carry on into real life? Absolutely...not. In this hilarious exclusive gag reel not available on DVD, we get a behind the scenes look at the making of the Brtish comedy. Beckinsale, who plays a love interest in the movie for Pegg, teases us with a near intimate makeout before bursting into laughter leaving the audience wanting more. Starring Pegg, Beckinsale and Rob Riggle, the hysterical film takes us on a journey of a discouraged school teacher (Pegg) who suddenly has the power to do "absolutely anything." This power, granted to him by the eccentric aliens of space, is a test to see if...
- 6/27/2017
- E! Online
When it came time for Robin Williams to record his lines for what would be his final film, Absolutely Anything, producers Ben Timlett and Bill Jones weren’t sure the comedy legend was still onboard.
“We started filming in March 2014, so it took a bit longer to get going, as it always does,” Timlett tells People. “By the time we got started, we kept wondering, ‘Oh, is Robin Williams still going to be interested?’ “
Williams was the first major talent to sign on to the project, which was written and directed by Jones’ dad, Monty Python legend Terry Jones. The...
“We started filming in March 2014, so it took a bit longer to get going, as it always does,” Timlett tells People. “By the time we got started, we kept wondering, ‘Oh, is Robin Williams still going to be interested?’ “
Williams was the first major talent to sign on to the project, which was written and directed by Jones’ dad, Monty Python legend Terry Jones. The...
- 5/11/2017
- by Mike Miller
- PEOPLE.com
The 2017 summer movie season kicked off last weekend with the strong opening for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, which enters its sophomore session this weekend and will once again find itself atop the box office as the week's new wide releases*King Arthur: Legend of the Sword and Snatched*aren't looking to offer much competition. Question is, with the Guardians sequel outperforming the opening weekend of the original by more than 55% (the best opening performance for a first sequel among all Marvel Cinematic Universe films), will the second weekend for the galactic superheroes also outperform the norm? In our showdown featuring Marvel First Sequels you can see the average second weekend drop for the four other films on the list is 57.4%, an average that would have Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 delivering over $62 million this weekend. The best hold among those comparisons belonged to Captain America: Winter...
- 5/11/2017
- by Brad Brevet <mail@boxofficemojo.com>
- Box Office Mojo
Keep up with the wild and wooly world of indie film acquisitions with our weekly Rundown of everything that’s been picked up around the globe. Check out last week’s Rundown here.
– Focus Features has acquired the North American and select international rights to Jason Reitman’s “Tully.” Written by Diablo Cody, the comedy stars Charlize Theron, Mackenzie Davis, Mark Duplass and Ron Livingston.
“Tully” tells the story of Marlo (Theron), a mother of three who is gifted a night nanny by her brother (Duplass). Hesitant to the extravagance at first, Marlo comes to form a unique bond with the thoughtful, surprising, and sometimes challenging young nanny named Tully (Davis). The film will premiere in U.S. theaters on April 20, 2018.
Read More: Film Acquisition Rundown: Oscilloscope Picks Up ‘November,’ The Orchard Buys ‘Flower’ and More
– Electric Entertainment has acquired the U.S. and Canadian rights to Rob Reiner’s “Lbj,...
– Focus Features has acquired the North American and select international rights to Jason Reitman’s “Tully.” Written by Diablo Cody, the comedy stars Charlize Theron, Mackenzie Davis, Mark Duplass and Ron Livingston.
“Tully” tells the story of Marlo (Theron), a mother of three who is gifted a night nanny by her brother (Duplass). Hesitant to the extravagance at first, Marlo comes to form a unique bond with the thoughtful, surprising, and sometimes challenging young nanny named Tully (Davis). The film will premiere in U.S. theaters on April 20, 2018.
Read More: Film Acquisition Rundown: Oscilloscope Picks Up ‘November,’ The Orchard Buys ‘Flower’ and More
– Electric Entertainment has acquired the U.S. and Canadian rights to Rob Reiner’s “Lbj,...
- 5/5/2017
- by Graham Winfrey
- Indiewire
Have you heard of this movie, Absolutely Anything? I'm sure some of you have, because we've talked about it on the website before, and it's been released in Great Britain. I'm just feeling behind on the times. It looks absolutely amazing, and it is finally getting a Us theatrical release!
The film is created by, and stars the crew from Monty Python, and stars Simon Pegg, Kate Beckinsale and Robin Williams as the voice of a dog. It tells the story of a man who is given the power of a God by some aliens seeing if humanity is worth keeping around. It makes you wonder... if you could do anything, what would you do? Would you use it for good? Evil? Or would you just dick around and do whatever you want?
The film is set for a Us release on May 12th, and while the reviews haven't been that great,...
The film is created by, and stars the crew from Monty Python, and stars Simon Pegg, Kate Beckinsale and Robin Williams as the voice of a dog. It tells the story of a man who is given the power of a God by some aliens seeing if humanity is worth keeping around. It makes you wonder... if you could do anything, what would you do? Would you use it for good? Evil? Or would you just dick around and do whatever you want?
The film is set for a Us release on May 12th, and while the reviews haven't been that great,...
- 5/4/2017
- by Bryam Dayley
- GeekTyrant
"I can solve anything in the world!" Atlas has revealed a new Us trailer for the upcoming American release of a comedy film titled Absolutely Anything. This film was originally released in Europe back in 2015, and has been waiting to get released in the Us until now. One way they're marketing it: this film features the "final" performance by Robin Williams, who voices a talking dog. Absolutely Anything is about a goofy school teacher who is granted the superpowered ability to make any wish or desire come true. Simon Pegg stars, with Kate Beckinsale, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Rob Riggle, Robert Bathurst, Eddie Izzard, and Joanna Lumley. This looks pretty bad, but the only redeeming side is that it's directed by Monty Python's Terry Jones. Maybe there's some good humor? It looks like this was lost in the 90s and only recently found. Here's the first official Us trailer (+ poster) for Terry Jones' Absolutely Anything,...
- 5/3/2017
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
It has been nearly three years since the world lost Robin Williams. Now, his last film is finally making its way to the U.S.
Williams lent his dynamic voice to play a talking dog in Absolutely Anything, a British sci-fi comedy about a group of aliens who give a random human the power to do absolutely anything.
The movie premiered in the U.K. in August 2015, but will finally begin playing in American theaters on May 12.
Williams was found dead of an apparent suicide in August 2014 at his Tiburon, California, home. He was 63.In the wake of his death,...
Williams lent his dynamic voice to play a talking dog in Absolutely Anything, a British sci-fi comedy about a group of aliens who give a random human the power to do absolutely anything.
The movie premiered in the U.K. in August 2015, but will finally begin playing in American theaters on May 12.
Williams was found dead of an apparent suicide in August 2014 at his Tiburon, California, home. He was 63.In the wake of his death,...
- 5/3/2017
- by Char Adams
- PEOPLE.com
In August 2014, fans the world over were rocked by Robin Williams' death, and the comedy icon's final film is now on its way to hitting screens across America.
The sci-fi comedy, Absolutely Anything, features Williams as the voice of a talking dog named Dennis. The story follows Simon Pegg as a random earthling who is given unlimited powers to shape the universe as he sees fit by a group of eccentric extra-terrestrials -- and one of the first things he does is bestow the power of human speech on his pet dog.
The film, which premiered in the United Kingdom in August 2015, is coming to American theaters on May 12.
Watch: Robin Williams Brings the Laughs in Never-Before-Seen 'Aladdin' Footage
Aside from being Williams' last film, the sci-fi farce is also notable for being the first movie to reunite every living member of Monty Python for their first project since 1983's Monty Python's The Meaning Of Life.
John Cleese...
The sci-fi comedy, Absolutely Anything, features Williams as the voice of a talking dog named Dennis. The story follows Simon Pegg as a random earthling who is given unlimited powers to shape the universe as he sees fit by a group of eccentric extra-terrestrials -- and one of the first things he does is bestow the power of human speech on his pet dog.
The film, which premiered in the United Kingdom in August 2015, is coming to American theaters on May 12.
Watch: Robin Williams Brings the Laughs in Never-Before-Seen 'Aladdin' Footage
Aside from being Williams' last film, the sci-fi farce is also notable for being the first movie to reunite every living member of Monty Python for their first project since 1983's Monty Python's The Meaning Of Life.
John Cleese...
- 5/3/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
According to Deadline, the last film Robin Williams made before his death finally has a U.S. release date. The movie is Absolutely Anything, and it stars Simon Pegg as a guy who gets godlike powers from aliens so they can determine if the Earth is worth saving, but he just ends up using them in silly ways like making it so his dog can talk like Robin Williams. The movie was released in the U.K. a few years ago, but it didn’t have U.S. distribution until now, with Atlas Distribution Co. picking it up and announcing that it will be released on May 12.
Unfortunately, if Absolutely Anything being Robin Williams’ last film isn’t sad enough, it will also most likely be the last film from Monty Python member Terry Jones, who announced that he has dementia last year. Jones directed Absolutely Anything, and Monty ...
Unfortunately, if Absolutely Anything being Robin Williams’ last film isn’t sad enough, it will also most likely be the last film from Monty Python member Terry Jones, who announced that he has dementia last year. Jones directed Absolutely Anything, and Monty ...
- 5/2/2017
- by Sam Barsanti
- avclub.com
The final film of the late, great Robin Williams has gotten a release date. For his last role, Williams lends his voice to play a talking dog named Dennis in the sci-fi comedy Absolutely Anything. With his usual hysterical antics (the ones that we miss so much!), Williams' character provides commentary when aliens choose fellow funnyman Simon Pegg to experiment on in hopes of answering this burning question: What would happen if they gave a human the power to do, well, absolutely anything? Although watching Williams' roles now make us laugh and cry in equal measure, Anything has made a point to focus on the funny. And one surefire way to make us laugh is by the movie's choice to cast some of the key...
- 5/2/2017
- E! Online
Exclusive: Absolutely Anything, the comedy that stars Simon Pegg and Robin Williams as the voice of his faithful dog — the last feature film that the Monty Python crew have worked on together — has found distribution. Atlas Distribution Co. will distribute the Terry Jones-directed film theatrically. The film also stars his Monty Python pals John Cleese, Eric Idle and Michael Palin. Outside of documentaries, the Monty Python crew have not worked on a feature film together…...
- 5/1/2017
- Deadline
Louisa Mellor Nov 16, 2016
The Missing series 2 delivers its best episode yet, an emotional and tense instalment focused on Julien Baptiste…
This review contains spoilers.
See related Class episode 5 review: Brave-ish Heart Class episode 4 review: Co-Owner Of A Lonely Heart Class episode 3 review: Nightvisiting Class episodes 1 & 2 review: For Tonight We May Die & The Coach With The Dragon Tattoo
2.6 Saint John
Thematically and emotionally, The Missing series two struck all the right notes this week. The multiple plot strands coalesced in an episode that was alternately sickening, thrilling and moving. Sickening in the scenes showing Gettrick’s home life with Sophie and Lucy; thrilling in every step closer Julien came to discovering Adam and what really happened in Iraq in 1991; and moving just about every time Keeley Hawes and David Morrissey were on screen.
Choosing to reveal Gettrick as the culprit last week turns out to have been a killer move. It...
The Missing series 2 delivers its best episode yet, an emotional and tense instalment focused on Julien Baptiste…
This review contains spoilers.
See related Class episode 5 review: Brave-ish Heart Class episode 4 review: Co-Owner Of A Lonely Heart Class episode 3 review: Nightvisiting Class episodes 1 & 2 review: For Tonight We May Die & The Coach With The Dragon Tattoo
2.6 Saint John
Thematically and emotionally, The Missing series two struck all the right notes this week. The multiple plot strands coalesced in an episode that was alternately sickening, thrilling and moving. Sickening in the scenes showing Gettrick’s home life with Sophie and Lucy; thrilling in every step closer Julien came to discovering Adam and what really happened in Iraq in 1991; and moving just about every time Keeley Hawes and David Morrissey were on screen.
Choosing to reveal Gettrick as the culprit last week turns out to have been a killer move. It...
- 11/16/2016
- Den of Geek
We knew that the Roanoke house guests would be killed off quickly, but somehow, we were still totally unprepared to see each of the cast members of "Return to Roanoke: Three Days in Hell" slaughtered as horrifically as they were. American Horror Story Season 6 Episode 7 trimmed the number of house guests significantly.
While we saw only one major death – Rory's – on American Horror Story Season 6 Episode 6, "Chapter 7" picked up steam, killing off several characters in shocking ways.
Interestingly, only one of the characters on this installment was killed off by the actual Roanoke ghosts. Sidney and his crew were brutally killed by an unhinged Agnes, Shelby bludgeoned Matt, and Agnes herself was eventually murdered by her idol, the real Butcher.
Join TV Fanatics Amanda Steinmetz, Yana Grebenyuk, and Paul Dailly as they react to the gruesome deaths and shocking twists on "Chapter 7"!
Matt is dead. What was your reaction to his shocking death?...
While we saw only one major death – Rory's – on American Horror Story Season 6 Episode 6, "Chapter 7" picked up steam, killing off several characters in shocking ways.
Interestingly, only one of the characters on this installment was killed off by the actual Roanoke ghosts. Sidney and his crew were brutally killed by an unhinged Agnes, Shelby bludgeoned Matt, and Agnes herself was eventually murdered by her idol, the real Butcher.
Join TV Fanatics Amanda Steinmetz, Yana Grebenyuk, and Paul Dailly as they react to the gruesome deaths and shocking twists on "Chapter 7"!
Matt is dead. What was your reaction to his shocking death?...
- 11/1/2016
- by Caralynn Lippo
- TVfanatic
Terry Jones, the Monty Python star and legendary director of classic comedies including “The Life Of Brian” and “The Meaning Of Life,” has been diagnosed with dementia, according to a statement from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. BAFTA is presenting the 74-year-old Jones with the Special Award for Outstanding Contribution to Film and Television at the 25th British Academy Cymru Awards on October 2.
Read More: Watch: 14 Minutes Of Deleted Animations For ‘Monty Python And The Holy Grail’ Narrated By Terry Gilliam
“Terry has been diagnosed with Primary Progressive Aphasia, a variant of Frontotemporal Dementia,” one of Jones’ representatives said in the statement. “This illness affects his ability to communicate and he is no longer able to give interviews. Terry is proud and honoured to be recognised in this way and is looking forward to the celebrations.”
Jones is a Welsh comedian, screenwriter, actor, director, historian and author...
Read More: Watch: 14 Minutes Of Deleted Animations For ‘Monty Python And The Holy Grail’ Narrated By Terry Gilliam
“Terry has been diagnosed with Primary Progressive Aphasia, a variant of Frontotemporal Dementia,” one of Jones’ representatives said in the statement. “This illness affects his ability to communicate and he is no longer able to give interviews. Terry is proud and honoured to be recognised in this way and is looking forward to the celebrations.”
Jones is a Welsh comedian, screenwriter, actor, director, historian and author...
- 9/23/2016
- by Graham Winfrey
- Indiewire
Family animation Minions also received double digit complaints from members of the public.
Kingsman: The Secret Service and latest James Bond outing Spectre topped the 2015 list of film complaints received by ratings body the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), according to the organisation’s annual report.
Matthew Vaughn’s comic book adaptation Kingsman received 38 complaints from members of the public, with the primary reason being the level of violence in the 15-rated film, with one scene set in a church (featuring Colin Firth attacking a group of churchgoers) causing particular offence.
The BBFC comments that it saw an incomplete version of the film which would have received an 18 classification, and provided advice on how to reduce its rating by shortening moments of strong violence and not dwelling on pain or injury.
The organisation notes that one particular crude sex reference drew multiple complaints, but was left in the film due to comic context.
The BBFC also...
Kingsman: The Secret Service and latest James Bond outing Spectre topped the 2015 list of film complaints received by ratings body the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), according to the organisation’s annual report.
Matthew Vaughn’s comic book adaptation Kingsman received 38 complaints from members of the public, with the primary reason being the level of violence in the 15-rated film, with one scene set in a church (featuring Colin Firth attacking a group of churchgoers) causing particular offence.
The BBFC comments that it saw an incomplete version of the film which would have received an 18 classification, and provided advice on how to reduce its rating by shortening moments of strong violence and not dwelling on pain or injury.
The organisation notes that one particular crude sex reference drew multiple complaints, but was left in the film due to comic context.
The BBFC also...
- 7/1/2016
- ScreenDaily
• only 22% of 2015’s movies had female protagonists
• best and worst representations of women on film in 2015 (and the average Watw score for the year)
• critics are slightly more likely to rate a film highly if it represents women well
• mainstream moviegoers are not turned off by films with female protagonists
• movies that represent women well are just as likely to be profitable as movies that don’t, and are less risky as business propositions
The Where Are the Women? project was designed to drill deep down into the films of 2015 in order to determine how well — or how poorly — they represented women. The project has now come to its end, and you can examine the final ranking here. The ranking includes 270 films released in the Us, Canada, and the UK, in both limited and wide release (including every wide-release North American film and most of the UK wide-release films). The...
• best and worst representations of women on film in 2015 (and the average Watw score for the year)
• critics are slightly more likely to rate a film highly if it represents women well
• mainstream moviegoers are not turned off by films with female protagonists
• movies that represent women well are just as likely to be profitable as movies that don’t, and are less risky as business propositions
The Where Are the Women? project was designed to drill deep down into the films of 2015 in order to determine how well — or how poorly — they represented women. The project has now come to its end, and you can examine the final ranking here. The ranking includes 270 films released in the Us, Canada, and the UK, in both limited and wide release (including every wide-release North American film and most of the UK wide-release films). The...
- 4/11/2016
- by MaryAnn Johanson
- www.flickfilosopher.com
The Hollywood Reporter has learned that Simon Pegg (Mission Impossible - Rogue Nation) is currently in talks to join the growing cast of Steven Spielberg's highly anticipated film adaptation of the popular Ernest Cline sci-fi novel Ready Player One. He'll portray the mysterious Oasis co-creator Ogden Morrow, better known by his Oasis avatar - the Great and Powerful Og. Pegg joins an impressive cast that already features Tye Sheridan (X-Men: Apocalypse) as Wade Owen Watts a.k.a. Parzival, Olivia Cooke (Me And Earl And The Dying Girl) as Art3mis, and Ben Mendelsohn (Bloodline) as the villainous Nolan Sorrento. Pegg was most recently seen reprising his role as Benji Dunn in Christopher McQuarrie's Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation and also took on leading man duties in the comedies Man Up & Absolutely Anything. He also had a small cameo in the J.J. Abrams-directed Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
- 3/17/2016
- ComicBookMovie.com
All-star comedy Absolutely Anything lands on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD on Monday 7th December – and, to celebrate, we’re giving you the chance to win one of 3 copies! Directed by Terry Jones, the film boasts an A-list cast of comedy gold including Simon Pegg, Kate Beckinsale, Sanjeev Bhaskar and Rob Riggle, with Eddie
The post Win Absolutely Anything on Blu-ray appeared first on HeyUGuys.
The post Win Absolutely Anything on Blu-ray appeared first on HeyUGuys.
- 12/3/2015
- by Competitions
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Lionsgate and the world.s exhibitors were probably betting that nearly everyone who saw The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 1 would roll up to the finale.
How wrong they were -- and by a long shot. In Australia the finale of the franchise based on Suzanne Collins. novels rang up $9.8 million on 624 screens. That.s $2 million less than the debut of part 1 and Catching Fire.s $12.5 million opening in 2013.
Some exhibitors were theorizing that the Francis Lawrence-directed action fantasy was impacted by going against the second weekend of Spectre. That may be so although the Bond film plunged by 52 per cent to $5.4 million, scoring $20.6 million so far.
Another possible explanation is that some cinemagoers were so let down by part 1 they had no desire to see how the story ended. Or maybe it.s just that part 2 is bleak, too long and lacking the excitement and thrills of earlier editions.
How wrong they were -- and by a long shot. In Australia the finale of the franchise based on Suzanne Collins. novels rang up $9.8 million on 624 screens. That.s $2 million less than the debut of part 1 and Catching Fire.s $12.5 million opening in 2013.
Some exhibitors were theorizing that the Francis Lawrence-directed action fantasy was impacted by going against the second weekend of Spectre. That may be so although the Bond film plunged by 52 per cent to $5.4 million, scoring $20.6 million so far.
Another possible explanation is that some cinemagoers were so let down by part 1 they had no desire to see how the story ended. Or maybe it.s just that part 2 is bleak, too long and lacking the excitement and thrills of earlier editions.
- 11/23/2015
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Thanks to Australian distributor Icon Film Distribution, we have Five double passes for Absolutely Anything to give away to our readers. This outrageous comedy is directed by Terry Jones (Life of Brian) and stars Simon Pegg, Kate Beckinsale, Joanna Lumley, and Eddie Izzard, plus the voice talents of Robin Williams, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Michael Palin and Eric Idle. Synopsis: It's comedy magic when Simon Pegg teams up with the voices of the Monty Python team to remind us to be careful what you wish for in Absolutely Anything. Unbeknownst to school teacher Neil Clarke (Pegg), a group of eccentric aliens decide to place the fate of humanity in his hands. In order to determine if they should destroy the Earth or not, the aliens endow...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
- 11/21/2015
- Screen Anarchy
Exclusive: Sc Films boards 3D family-animation from Monty Python icon ahead of Afm.
Monty Python legend Terry Jones is set to direct family animation Sherlock Hound And The Case Of The Missing Santa Claus (3D), which Simon Crowe’s Sc Films has boarded ahead of the Afm.
Jones, who most recently directed Simon Pegg and Kate Beckinsale in UK comedy Absolutely Anything, is due to direct the feature with his producer-director son Bill Jones and his business partner Ben Timlett of UK production outfit Bill and Ben Productions, which is also producing.
Writers are Denis Higgins and Stephen Meier.
The Victorian-set story will feature canine sleuth Sherlock Hound on the hunt for Santa Claus after he goes missing.
Characters in the script include The Queen, a polar bear Father Christmas, Elves as penguins, Rudolph the Reindeer and evil feline Moriarty.
Currently in development, the production is aiming to shoot next spring for a Christmas 2018 release. Casting is due...
Monty Python legend Terry Jones is set to direct family animation Sherlock Hound And The Case Of The Missing Santa Claus (3D), which Simon Crowe’s Sc Films has boarded ahead of the Afm.
Jones, who most recently directed Simon Pegg and Kate Beckinsale in UK comedy Absolutely Anything, is due to direct the feature with his producer-director son Bill Jones and his business partner Ben Timlett of UK production outfit Bill and Ben Productions, which is also producing.
Writers are Denis Higgins and Stephen Meier.
The Victorian-set story will feature canine sleuth Sherlock Hound on the hunt for Santa Claus after he goes missing.
Characters in the script include The Queen, a polar bear Father Christmas, Elves as penguins, Rudolph the Reindeer and evil feline Moriarty.
Currently in development, the production is aiming to shoot next spring for a Christmas 2018 release. Casting is due...
- 10/23/2015
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
The BBC First British Film Festival has revealed its full program.
Featuring 31 titles, the program aims to capture the magic, unique humour, romance, traditions and new age vitality of British culture.
The festival will open with Paolo Sorrentino.s film, Youth, nominated for the Palme d.Or at this year.s Cannes film festival, and the follow up to his Academy Award-winning film, The Great Beauty (2013)..
Following two old friends, retired composer Fred (Michael Caine) and film director Mick (Harvey Keitel), on vacation at a prestigious hotel in the Swiss Alps, the film is an introspective and thought-provoking, wry buddy comedy — and it employs Sorrentino.s hallmark stunning visuals to majestic effect.
Straight from its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, The Man Who Knew Infinity — the retelling of mathematical genius Srinivasa Ramanujan.s life — will close the festival..
Featuring performances from Dev Petal (Slumdog Millionaire) as Ramanujan, and...
Featuring 31 titles, the program aims to capture the magic, unique humour, romance, traditions and new age vitality of British culture.
The festival will open with Paolo Sorrentino.s film, Youth, nominated for the Palme d.Or at this year.s Cannes film festival, and the follow up to his Academy Award-winning film, The Great Beauty (2013)..
Following two old friends, retired composer Fred (Michael Caine) and film director Mick (Harvey Keitel), on vacation at a prestigious hotel in the Swiss Alps, the film is an introspective and thought-provoking, wry buddy comedy — and it employs Sorrentino.s hallmark stunning visuals to majestic effect.
Straight from its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, The Man Who Knew Infinity — the retelling of mathematical genius Srinivasa Ramanujan.s life — will close the festival..
Featuring performances from Dev Petal (Slumdog Millionaire) as Ramanujan, and...
- 9/28/2015
- by Inside Film Correspondent
- IF.com.au
Is ITV really going to bring back Cold Feet?
That's the rumour, with the broadcaster apparently looking to plug the Downton-shaped hole in its schedule with a revival of the popular comedy-drama.
If it's true, they'll have a job bringing the cast back together - some have gone on to be huge telly and film stars, while others have stepped out of the spotlight entirely...
James Nesbitt
Nesbitt's carefree lothario Adam Williams met his match in Helen Baxendale's Rachel - the couple overcame infidelity and infertility but were denied lasting happiness when Rachel was killed in a traffic accident.
Since Cold Feet wrapped, Nesbitt has become one of British television's most in-demand leading men.
He fronted BBC One's gritty cop series Murphy's Law from 2003-07, led Steven Moffat's supernatural thriller Jekyll - also in 2007 - and played the title character in ITV's short-lived medical drama Monroe (2011-12).
Of late,...
That's the rumour, with the broadcaster apparently looking to plug the Downton-shaped hole in its schedule with a revival of the popular comedy-drama.
If it's true, they'll have a job bringing the cast back together - some have gone on to be huge telly and film stars, while others have stepped out of the spotlight entirely...
James Nesbitt
Nesbitt's carefree lothario Adam Williams met his match in Helen Baxendale's Rachel - the couple overcame infidelity and infertility but were denied lasting happiness when Rachel was killed in a traffic accident.
Since Cold Feet wrapped, Nesbitt has become one of British television's most in-demand leading men.
He fronted BBC One's gritty cop series Murphy's Law from 2003-07, led Steven Moffat's supernatural thriller Jekyll - also in 2007 - and played the title character in ITV's short-lived medical drama Monroe (2011-12).
Of late,...
- 8/25/2015
- Digital Spy
Hip hop biopic scores nearly double the second place film, Paper Towns.
Straight Outta Compton, the story of hip hop crew Nwa, has topped this week’s UK movie buzz chart a week ahead of its release on Aug 28.
The film, directed by F Gary Gray, generated close to 13,700 mentions across social media, news, forums and blogs, according to analysis firm Way To Blue.
Of those, 14.1% expressed intent to view, meaning they would look to convert comments into cinema tickets.
Paper Towns ranked second ahead of its release this weekend with nearly 8,000 mentions and a strong intent to view of 31.9%.
Jake Schreier’s romantic drama is based on the book by John Green, author of The Fault In Our Stars, and stars Nat Wolff and Cara Delevingne.
Also due for release this weekend, The Bad Education Movie ranked third with more than 3,100 mentions (15%).
Trailing in fourth, fifth and sixth place were Trainwreck (2,440), The Man From Uncle (2,306) and...
Straight Outta Compton, the story of hip hop crew Nwa, has topped this week’s UK movie buzz chart a week ahead of its release on Aug 28.
The film, directed by F Gary Gray, generated close to 13,700 mentions across social media, news, forums and blogs, according to analysis firm Way To Blue.
Of those, 14.1% expressed intent to view, meaning they would look to convert comments into cinema tickets.
Paper Towns ranked second ahead of its release this weekend with nearly 8,000 mentions and a strong intent to view of 31.9%.
Jake Schreier’s romantic drama is based on the book by John Green, author of The Fault In Our Stars, and stars Nat Wolff and Cara Delevingne.
Also due for release this weekend, The Bad Education Movie ranked third with more than 3,100 mentions (15%).
Trailing in fourth, fifth and sixth place were Trainwreck (2,440), The Man From Uncle (2,306) and...
- 8/21/2015
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
The male protagonist uses his newly acquired godlike powers to treat women badly, as if they were nothing more than playthings for men.
Click here for the ongoing ranking of 2015’s films for female representation.
Note: This is not a “review” of Absolutely Anything! It is simply an examination of how well or how poorly it represents women. (A movie that represents women well can still be a terrible film; a movie that represents women poorly can still be a great film.) Read my review of Absolutely Anything.
See the full rating criteria. (Criteria that do not apply to this film have been deleted in this rating for maximum readability.)
This project was launched by my generous Kickstarter supporters. You can support this work now by:
• buying some Where Are the Women? merch
• becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber of FlickFilospher.com
• making a pledge at Patreon
• making a one-time...
Click here for the ongoing ranking of 2015’s films for female representation.
Note: This is not a “review” of Absolutely Anything! It is simply an examination of how well or how poorly it represents women. (A movie that represents women well can still be a terrible film; a movie that represents women poorly can still be a great film.) Read my review of Absolutely Anything.
See the full rating criteria. (Criteria that do not apply to this film have been deleted in this rating for maximum readability.)
This project was launched by my generous Kickstarter supporters. You can support this work now by:
• buying some Where Are the Women? merch
• becoming a monthly or yearly subscriber of FlickFilospher.com
• making a pledge at Patreon
• making a one-time...
- 8/18/2015
- by MaryAnn Johanson
- www.flickfilosopher.com
Subjuvenile and offensive, sentimental and ridiculous. Every attempt at a joke falls flat. Every talent here is wasted. Save yourself. I’m “biast” (pro): love Simon Pegg…
I’m “biast” (con): …but he’s been trying my fangirlism for a while now
(what is this about? see my critic’s minifesto)
The curse of Simon Pegg — that one that means that each movie he makes without the touch of J.J. Abrams or Edgar Wright is worse than the one before it — has not been broken. Though this is surprising: Monty Python’s Terry Jones (Boom Bust Boom) directed Absolutely Anything. Jones wrote the script, too (with Gavin Scott: Small Soldiers)… though it’s been gathering dust for 20 years, and feels like it. Pegg (Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation) is London schoolteacher Neil Clarke, who is given, without warning or explanation, godlike powers by passing aliens who will decide...
I’m “biast” (con): …but he’s been trying my fangirlism for a while now
(what is this about? see my critic’s minifesto)
The curse of Simon Pegg — that one that means that each movie he makes without the touch of J.J. Abrams or Edgar Wright is worse than the one before it — has not been broken. Though this is surprising: Monty Python’s Terry Jones (Boom Bust Boom) directed Absolutely Anything. Jones wrote the script, too (with Gavin Scott: Small Soldiers)… though it’s been gathering dust for 20 years, and feels like it. Pegg (Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation) is London schoolteacher Neil Clarke, who is given, without warning or explanation, godlike powers by passing aliens who will decide...
- 8/18/2015
- by MaryAnn Johanson
- www.flickfilosopher.com
Adam Sandler has once again defied his critics and has topped the UK box office with Pixels.
The gaming comedy debuts in the top spot with takings of £2.6m, while Pixar's emotional rollercoaster Inside Out moves back up to number two.
Meanwhile, new releases The Man of Uncle and Trainwreck land at number four and five respectively, with takings of £1.4m and £931,981.
Simon Pegg's Absolutely Anything debuts at nine with £487,147, while Joel Edgerton's thriller The Gift grips on to the edge of the top ten with £330,679.
The UK box office top ten in full:
1. (-) Pixels - £2,660,772
2. (3) Inside Out - £1,912,671
3. (2) Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation - £1,585,062
4. (-) The Man From Uncle - £1,448,298
5. (-) Trainwreck - £931,981
6. (1) Fantastic Four - £701,406
7. (4) Southpaw - £625,828
8. (7) Minions - £581,573
9. (-) Absolutely Anything - £487,147
10. (5) The Gift - £330,679
Source: Rentrak...
The gaming comedy debuts in the top spot with takings of £2.6m, while Pixar's emotional rollercoaster Inside Out moves back up to number two.
Meanwhile, new releases The Man of Uncle and Trainwreck land at number four and five respectively, with takings of £1.4m and £931,981.
Simon Pegg's Absolutely Anything debuts at nine with £487,147, while Joel Edgerton's thriller The Gift grips on to the edge of the top ten with £330,679.
The UK box office top ten in full:
1. (-) Pixels - £2,660,772
2. (3) Inside Out - £1,912,671
3. (2) Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation - £1,585,062
4. (-) The Man From Uncle - £1,448,298
5. (-) Trainwreck - £931,981
6. (1) Fantastic Four - £701,406
7. (4) Southpaw - £625,828
8. (7) Minions - £581,573
9. (-) Absolutely Anything - £487,147
10. (5) The Gift - £330,679
Source: Rentrak...
- 8/18/2015
- Digital Spy
Lionsgate
Rating: ★★
Everyone has something they regret. Bill Murray has Garfield. Josh Trank has saying yes to directing a superhero blockbuster. I have that article where I said Mad Max: Fury Road wouldn’t be that good. And now Monty Python has Absolutely Anything.
Oh, individually, Messrs Cleese, Palin, Jones and Idle have done worse things, but together – through their smartly silly sketch show and even more accomplished movies – they’ve never produced anything that comes close to this.
The Monty Python™ branding may be lacking from the film, with them only getting a passing mention in the marketing, but all the hallmarks are there. We open with an Idle-esque musical number, the director is Terry Jones and the surviving Pythons reunite to provide the voices of supreme beings who gift Simon Pegg with the power to do absolutely anything with just the flick of his wrist. At this point,...
Rating: ★★
Everyone has something they regret. Bill Murray has Garfield. Josh Trank has saying yes to directing a superhero blockbuster. I have that article where I said Mad Max: Fury Road wouldn’t be that good. And now Monty Python has Absolutely Anything.
Oh, individually, Messrs Cleese, Palin, Jones and Idle have done worse things, but together – through their smartly silly sketch show and even more accomplished movies – they’ve never produced anything that comes close to this.
The Monty Python™ branding may be lacking from the film, with them only getting a passing mention in the marketing, but all the hallmarks are there. We open with an Idle-esque musical number, the director is Terry Jones and the surviving Pythons reunite to provide the voices of supreme beings who gift Simon Pegg with the power to do absolutely anything with just the flick of his wrist. At this point,...
- 8/18/2015
- by Alex Leadbeater
- Obsessed with Film
Disney’s very own Comic-Con, D23, was held at the weekend, and we pick through the awesome news and reveals from the event, including some huge Star Wars bombshells, and the return of a big name to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. All this, and Tom’s Trivia Three – Learn cool tidbits about Iron Man, Catch Me If You Can, and Cillian Murphy Reviews – Absolutely Anything.A critically acclaimed screen actor quotes lines from movies he hasn’t starred in – This week, our acclaimed actor takes on Harry Potter.News – Our epic round up of D23, and we discuss the news that Spectre will be James Bond’s origin story. Subscribe on iTunes – Click here (Click view in iTunes and the click Subscribe) If you’re already a subscriber, the latest episode is ready to download. iPhone / iPad Users– Click here to open your iTunes podcast app and click Subscribe!
- 8/17/2015
- by noreply@blogger.com (Tom White)
- www.themoviebit.com
From Monty Python's Terry Jones comes Absolutely Anything, starring Simon Pegg. The late Robin Williams steals the show, though...
Absolutely Anything has been on comedy fans' radars for a long time. Terry Jones' first directorial effort since 1996's The Wind In The Willows is touted as a zany sci-fi comedy with shades of Douglas Adams and Monty Python's Flying Circus, with a cast that includes Jones' fellow Pythons, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle and Michael Palin, alongside other comedy stars like Simon Pegg, Eddie Izzard, Joanna Lumley and Robin Williams.
Alas, the material doesn't live up to the star calibre, nor the literally limitless potential suggested by the title. Loosely based on H.G. Wells' fantastical comedy short story The Man Who Could Work Miracles, the film begins when a group of power-crazed aliens (voiced by the Pythons) discover a probe with information on Earth's culture and decide...
Absolutely Anything has been on comedy fans' radars for a long time. Terry Jones' first directorial effort since 1996's The Wind In The Willows is touted as a zany sci-fi comedy with shades of Douglas Adams and Monty Python's Flying Circus, with a cast that includes Jones' fellow Pythons, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle and Michael Palin, alongside other comedy stars like Simon Pegg, Eddie Izzard, Joanna Lumley and Robin Williams.
Alas, the material doesn't live up to the star calibre, nor the literally limitless potential suggested by the title. Loosely based on H.G. Wells' fantastical comedy short story The Man Who Could Work Miracles, the film begins when a group of power-crazed aliens (voiced by the Pythons) discover a probe with information on Earth's culture and decide...
- 8/16/2015
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
The last feature film Terry Jones stepped behind the camera for was in 1996 for The Wind in the Willows, and now, after decades of tinkering on the script with co-writer Gavin Scott (Jones has stated he had the idea in his head for over twenty years), we see him in the director’s chair once again for Absolutely Anything, the kind of absurd comedy you would expect from a member of Monty Python that sadly sees its attempts at drawing huge guffaws elicit only minor chuckles instead. Jones reunites with the remaining Pythons as CGI aliens who have slapped a demolition notice on Earth, but according to their laws, our majestic blue orb is given one chance to be saved: a normal human being is given the power to do absolutely anything they desire. If they use this power for good, Earth is saved. Use it for evil, doomed. These...
- 8/15/2015
- by noreply@blogger.com (Tom White)
- www.themoviebit.com
Director: Terry Jones; Screenwriters: Gavin Scott, Terry Jones; Starring: Simon Pegg, Kate Beckinsale, Robin Williams, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, Eric Idle, Michael Palin; Running time: 86 mins; Certificate: 12A
Legendary studio mogul Jack Warner once described the film Bonnie and Clyde as "a three piss picture", so disengaged was he with what was happening on screen he'd duck out multiple times for a bathroom break. Simon Pegg's latest comedy boasts a bladder-friendly 86-minute running time, but this is very much a "check-your-watch-three-times" kind of affair. You'll want to be absolutely anywhere else but sat in a darkened theatre witnessing this comedic travesty.
On paper, it all sounds much more appealing. Pegg takes the lead as school teacher Neil Clarke, a fortysomething ordinary Joe who's hand-picked by a group of aliens (voiced by the surviving Monty Python cast) to test out Earth's value in the cosmos. Granted infinite power,...
Legendary studio mogul Jack Warner once described the film Bonnie and Clyde as "a three piss picture", so disengaged was he with what was happening on screen he'd duck out multiple times for a bathroom break. Simon Pegg's latest comedy boasts a bladder-friendly 86-minute running time, but this is very much a "check-your-watch-three-times" kind of affair. You'll want to be absolutely anywhere else but sat in a darkened theatre witnessing this comedic travesty.
On paper, it all sounds much more appealing. Pegg takes the lead as school teacher Neil Clarke, a fortysomething ordinary Joe who's hand-picked by a group of aliens (voiced by the surviving Monty Python cast) to test out Earth's value in the cosmos. Granted infinite power,...
- 8/14/2015
- Digital Spy
So, what would you do if you could do absolutely anything? It’s that very question which sets the tone and premise for the Monty Python’s Terry Jones’ latest endeavour. While this entertaining, hypothetical scenario may seem to hold much potential, regrettably the hackneyed nature of this underwhelming comedy is a clear indication of a
The post Absolutely Anything Review appeared first on HeyUGuys.
The post Absolutely Anything Review appeared first on HeyUGuys.
- 8/13/2015
- by Stefan Pape
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Terry Jones’ Absolutely Anything finally hits our shores this Friday, and to gear you up for the weird and wonderful high concept comedy, we have six new clips for your perusal. Showcasing just some of the amazing comedy talent, including Simon Pegg, Eddie Izzard, Rob Riggle, and the late Robin Williams, this movie brings together, they also give you a great taste of the movie’s hilarious and downright absurd brand of humour, which is exactly what you would expect from a member of Monty Python. Released: August 14th (Irl/U.K.) Synopsis: Absolutely Anything follows a disillusioned school teacher (Simon Pegg) who suddenly finds he has the ability to do anything he wishes, a challenge bestowed upon him by a group of power-crazed aliens (voiced by John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, Michael Palin & Eric Idle), watching him from space. As he struggles to deal with these new found powers and the events.
- 8/11/2015
- by noreply@blogger.com (Tom White)
- www.themoviebit.com
The entire premise to Absolutely Anything, starring Simon Pegg – is posing the question; what would you do, if you could do absolutely anything you wanted? For the British actor it’s likely that collaborating with the Monty Python collective and the late, great Robin Williams would be high up on that list. In this project,
The post Exclusive Interview: Simon Pegg on Robin Williams and Monty Python – for comedy Absolutely Anything appeared first on HeyUGuys.
The post Exclusive Interview: Simon Pegg on Robin Williams and Monty Python – for comedy Absolutely Anything appeared first on HeyUGuys.
- 8/10/2015
- by Stefan Pape
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Kylie Minogue has surprised fans with a brand new song, which is out there right now for you to stream.
The singer has recorded snappy-titled track 'Absolutely Anything and Anything At All' as the theme song for upcoming movie Absolutely Anything.
It's an inoffensive, clap-along bop that is sure to sit nicely with the family film it was recorded for. It is not, however, what we'd call a 'classic Kylie' banger.
That said, it also comes with a video which sees her performing the track for aliens, while covered in star dust.
Absolutely Anything is a new film starring Simon Pegg and Kate Beckinsale, which was directed by Monty Python star Terry Jones.
"Growing up in Australia, Monty Python thrilled, baffled and entertained my entire family," said Kylie. "I'm such a fan. So, to record the theme song for (Python) Terry Jones's Absolutely Anything was a great honour.
The singer has recorded snappy-titled track 'Absolutely Anything and Anything At All' as the theme song for upcoming movie Absolutely Anything.
It's an inoffensive, clap-along bop that is sure to sit nicely with the family film it was recorded for. It is not, however, what we'd call a 'classic Kylie' banger.
That said, it also comes with a video which sees her performing the track for aliens, while covered in star dust.
Absolutely Anything is a new film starring Simon Pegg and Kate Beckinsale, which was directed by Monty Python star Terry Jones.
"Growing up in Australia, Monty Python thrilled, baffled and entertained my entire family," said Kylie. "I'm such a fan. So, to record the theme song for (Python) Terry Jones's Absolutely Anything was a great honour.
- 8/7/2015
- Digital Spy
Fed up of summer blockbusters, and looking for some more diverse films to watch in the month ahead? Here are some recommendations...
If you haven't seen it yet, Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation is the kind of film that ruins you for other blockbusters. Handily, it was deployed right at the end of July, right around the time that most of us have had our blocks thoroughly busted. As we've noted around this time in recent years, you might even be feeling a little fatigued with the smashy-bangy of it all.
But the big movies will keep coming through August. Still to come this month, as blockbuster season winds down, are films like Adam Sandler's video game-themed sci-fi comedy Pixels, horror sequel Sinister 2 and reboots galore, in the form of Fantastic Four, Hitman: Agent 47 and The Man From U.N.C.L.E.
Before you know it, it'll be time to...
If you haven't seen it yet, Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation is the kind of film that ruins you for other blockbusters. Handily, it was deployed right at the end of July, right around the time that most of us have had our blocks thoroughly busted. As we've noted around this time in recent years, you might even be feeling a little fatigued with the smashy-bangy of it all.
But the big movies will keep coming through August. Still to come this month, as blockbuster season winds down, are films like Adam Sandler's video game-themed sci-fi comedy Pixels, horror sequel Sinister 2 and reboots galore, in the form of Fantastic Four, Hitman: Agent 47 and The Man From U.N.C.L.E.
Before you know it, it'll be time to...
- 8/5/2015
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
Monty Python's Terry Jones briefly writes exactly what happens in his new film. Contains Spoilers.
Absolutely Anything is the story about schoolteacher who gets magical powers and can do Absolutely Anything (Simon Pegg). It started out as The Man Who Could Work Miracles by H.G.Wells, but it soon changed it’s spots. I just couldn’t do The Man Who Could Work Miracles so I changed it out of all recognition. It was me and Gavin Scott that wrote the script.
The Aliens (voiced by the Pythons) intercept the Voyager spacecraft when it leaves the solar system (which it has done).
And when the schoolteacher is knocked off his bicycle by an uncaring van driver, the Aliens zap him and give him magical powers.
Catherine is his love-interest (Kate Beckinsale), while Grant (Rob Riggle), who she had a one-night stand with, climbs a drain-pipe and looks on as...
Absolutely Anything is the story about schoolteacher who gets magical powers and can do Absolutely Anything (Simon Pegg). It started out as The Man Who Could Work Miracles by H.G.Wells, but it soon changed it’s spots. I just couldn’t do The Man Who Could Work Miracles so I changed it out of all recognition. It was me and Gavin Scott that wrote the script.
The Aliens (voiced by the Pythons) intercept the Voyager spacecraft when it leaves the solar system (which it has done).
And when the schoolteacher is knocked off his bicycle by an uncaring van driver, the Aliens zap him and give him magical powers.
Catherine is his love-interest (Kate Beckinsale), while Grant (Rob Riggle), who she had a one-night stand with, climbs a drain-pipe and looks on as...
- 8/3/2015
- by Terry Jones
- Pure Movies
After the success of Man Up, Simon Pegg leads another British comedy this summer with Absolutely Anything.
The science fiction film is directed by Terry Jones and also stars Kate Beckinsale.
Director Jones also provides his voice as an alien, as do fellow Pythons Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam, John Cleese and Eric Idle.
Robin Williams voices Dennis the Dog in his final film role.
Also in the all-star cast are comic talents Eddie Izzard, Joanna Lumley, Rob Riggle, Meera Syal and Sanjeev Bhaskar.
Absolutely Anything launches in UK cinemas on August 14.
The science fiction film is directed by Terry Jones and also stars Kate Beckinsale.
Director Jones also provides his voice as an alien, as do fellow Pythons Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam, John Cleese and Eric Idle.
Robin Williams voices Dennis the Dog in his final film role.
Also in the all-star cast are comic talents Eddie Izzard, Joanna Lumley, Rob Riggle, Meera Syal and Sanjeev Bhaskar.
Absolutely Anything launches in UK cinemas on August 14.
- 6/25/2015
- Digital Spy
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