Welcome to FlixChatter’s primary blog series! As is customary for this monthly feature, I get to post five random news item/observation/poster, etc. and then turn it over to you to share your take on that given topic. You can see the previous five-for-the-fifth posts here.
1. As customary with Five for the Fifth, I’d like to highlight a filmmaker/actor who’s having a birthday today. Well, it so happens that two talented-yet-underrated British actors have a birthday today: Mark Strong and Janet McTeer. They turn 50 and 52 respectively.
You might not know these two actors by name but surely you have seen them in a film or TV show. I can’t remember where I first saw Mark Strong but he’s been in so many films and he’s always memorable even in small supporting roles. My favorite of his roles would be Rocknrolla, Robin Hood, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and Zero Dark Thirty. He’s quite a versatile actor and he has a rather chameleon face where you can’t tell what ethnicity he belongs to. I mean he could play a Jordanian prince as effortlessly as an English lord.
As for Janet McTeer, I really should see more of her work. I’ve only seen the two-time Oscar nominees in the BBC Sense & Sensibility as Mrs. Dashwood. I know my pal Ashley loves her as she’s her favorite actress. The statuesque actress (she’s 6’1″) is a graduate of RADA and can effortlessly juggle TV and film work. She’s starring in The Honourable Woman BBC miniseries with Maggie Gyllenhaal and a Victorian-era thriller Angelica with Jena Malone and Ed Stoppard.
So what’s your favorite from both of these fine actors?
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2. My hubby and I were watching a bunch of new trailers on iTunes on Friday and we came across Into The Woods. For some reason I hadn’t heard of this movie before, either that or I just forgot about it.
Into the Woods is a modern twist on the beloved Brothers Grimm fairy tales in a musical format that follows the classic tales of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel — all tied together by an original story involving a baker and his wife, their wish to begin a family and their interaction with the witch who has put a curse on them.
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As someone who grew up watching Disney fairy tale movies, this immediately intrigues me. The cast is awesome too, boy is there anything Meryl Streep can’t do? Never mind, clearly there is none. I like the Emily Blunt and James Corden pairing, and Anna Kendrick is inspired choice as Cinderella. Though I’m usually not enamored by Chris Pine, I must say he looks mighty dashing as Cinderella’s Prince, yowza!! Ask my hubby, I actually rewound the trailer and paused it a few times when he appeared 😉 Can’t wait to hear Chris’ singing voice, as he’s displayed on Jimmy Kimmel a while back, he actually has a great set of pipes!
I had no idea there’s actually a musical on Broadway featuring music by Stephen Sondheim. Now, Rob Marshall directing is a bit worrisome however, considering what a mess NINE was despite the stellar cast, but hey hopefully this will be good. It’s set to open on Christmas day, competing with Unbroken and Exodus. But considering the subject matter, this should be a hit with the kiddies at least.
Does this one interest you, folks?
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3.Ok so this weekend I finally saw the director’s cut of Kingdom of Heaven, thanks to my pal Ted who kindly lends me a bunch of Blu-rays. It’s been ages since I saw this film, I honestly can’t remember a lot of it, so I can’t really say what’s different from the theatrical version.
Boy I forgot how amazing the cast was, well everyone except for the lead Orlando Bloom. To be fair, I think he’s not as horrible as I thought he was but still the movie would’ve been a heck of a lot better with a stronger lead actor IMO. I mean he looks good here but he barely his face is so expressionless and he barely has any gravitas required for the role. The supporting cast is spectacular though: Jeremy Irons, Liam Neeson, Eva Green, Brendan Gleeson, David Thewlis, and Edward Norton whose face is hidden behind a mask the entire time. Oh I’m quite impressed by Alexander Siddiq who really should be in more films! Did you know his real-life uncle is Malcolm McDowell? Sorry I digress. Watching this makes me think of other Director’s Cut versions out there and how many of them are superior to the theatrical version.
So my question to you is, do you watch Director’s Cuts of a movie if they’re available? If so, which one(s) are your favorite?
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4. Director Colin Trevorrow sure knows how to get fans’ attention and capitalize on the success of The Guardians of the Galaxy. Last week he tweeted a photo of Chris Pratt looking hunky and very Indiana-Jones-y in Jurassic World.
Now I have completely forgotten about this movie, which apparently is not a reboot [thank goodness] but set about 20 years after the events in the original Jurassic Park. Pratt’s sure to be a bonafide star after this weekend, so I think the movie surely would benefit from having him in the lead. I’m mostly curious as I LOVE the original Steven Spielberg film, but the cast they’ve assembled is pretty good so far. In addition to Pratt, we’ve got Bryce Dallas Howard, Judy Greer, Nick Robinson (whom I liked in The Kings of Summer), Irrfan Khan, and Vincent D’Onofrio. The film is set to open next Summer, June 12, 2015 to be exact. I hope it’ll live up to the original, but I suppose we’ll have a better idea about it once we see a trailer.
Have you been anticipating Jurassic World?.
5. This month Five for the Fifth’s guest is my pal Fernando from Committed to Celluloid Blog. So here it is in his own words:
One of my favorite things in the last few months has been following Netflix’s House of Cards and watching Frank and Claire Underwood (Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright) being absolutely ruthless and expertly manipulative, so my question is:
What’s your favorite villainous couple (they don’t have to be married to each other) in TV or film?
Well, that’s it for the AUGUST 2014 edition of Five for the Fifth, folks. Now, please pick a question out of the five above or better yet, do ‘em all! 😀
FLIXCHATTER FILM BLOG 
Some nice topics of discussion here, Ruth! 🙂
1. Mark Strong’s great. He’s the kinda guy who just appears in things all the time. I almost never go into a movie knowing he’s in it, he just keeps showing up, and he’s great every time. As for a favorite role, hell, I wouldn’t even know where to begin to consider a favorite. The guy’s great in everything!
2. I’m hesitant about Into the Woods. Based on what I’ve read, the kind of changes Disney is making to the movie from the original story are the kind that render the entire point of the original story even existing in the first place completely non-existent. So that worries me a bit, but this does intrigue me a bit, and I know I’ll see it in any event. Interesting how they only show Johnny Depp’s hands in this particular preview, curious what they’re hiding from us.
3. For the most part I tend to not pay too much attention to different versions of movies, though on occasion I will watch them. Kingdom of Heaven is one I’ve had a mild interest in for a while now, though I already liked the original, so I didn’t really feel it too necessary to go out of my way to see it. However, that said, on occasion a DC WILL fix a movie’s flaws, and I think my favorite example of this would be the DC to Chronicles of Riddick, which literally addressed and corrected every single issue I had with the original movie.
4. Not sure how excited I am for Jurassic World, but I’m definitely going to see it whenever it finally comes out. Man, I’ve been hearing about this movie for so long now, haha!
5. I… am completely drawing a blank here. Perhaps if I think of one, I’ll return with a comment!
Hello Chris!
Mark Strong is such a chameleon actor, love him! Whether playing good or bad guy he always makes an impression.
Oh I haven’t read about the changes Disney is making to the story, I should check that out now. I forgot to mention Johnny Depp but you could barely see him in the trailer, ahah.
I don’t usually pay attention to the different versions either, that’s why I’m curious if others are.
I know! Jurassic World seems to have been stuck in development for some time, but w/ Pratt’s star on the rise, surely they’re back on track.
2. I hadn’t heard of Into the Woods until today either when my wife clued me into it. Next to superhero movies, I’m a huge sucker for fantasy and fairy tale movies and this looks really well done. Just based off of the look of the trailer and the cast I’m sold.
3. It’s important to make the distinction between “Director’s Cut” and “Extended/Unrated/Cash Grab Home Video Cut” there are a few that I think make a world of difference like the Daredevil Director’s Cut which cuts out some of the romance, adds in an interesting defense case sub-plot, and has just an overall darker tone. There’s also Legend: Director’s Cut which is about 30 minutes longer, has many different alternate takes and restores Jerry Goldsmith’s score which is head and shoulders above the Tangerine Dream score. And I wouldn’t be me without mentioning Richard Donner’s director’s cut of Superman II where there are tons of alternate takes and it gives it a completely different tone than the theatrical.
The only instance where I did actually prefer the theatrical cut over the director’s cut is Mel Gibson’s Payback which is almost exclusively available as the “Straight up: The Director’s Cut” which has a very different ending that is much simpler, but I actually liked the ending with Kris Kristofferson as the head villain and Mel Gibson brings all these cogs to work together for the big blowout happy ending. I appreciate the director’s cut, but I enjoy Gibson’s cut.
4. At this point, I’m only mildly curious about Jurassic World. All signs so far point to good, but as with most movies I tend to reserve judgement until I start seeing trailers.
Hi Nathan! Oh you’re into fantasy movies too? Then this past few years have been heaven for you then. I love fairy tale movies and just on that front I’m intrigued. I hope it’ll be good tho.
Ahah, valid point there. There seems to be more of the cash grab thing. My thing is that there should be just one version of the film, which should be the director’s cut instead of the studio-meddling version, and perhaps just an extended cut as otherwise it might be too long for theatrical release. Oh I did like the Donner’s cut of Superman II, I should rewatch that one soon.
Yep, I reserve judgment until I see a trailer, too. But it’s interesting that suddenly the movie is back in the forefront because of Pratt’s stratospheric rise.
1. With Mark Strong, probably Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy as a man who felt betrayed. I haven’t seen a lot of films with Janet McTeer but there was this one film she did that I did like in Songcatcher which I think is an overlooked gem.
2. No. I’m not a fan of Rob Marshall as a filmmaker and it looks like… eh…
3. That depends on the film though I have heard that the director’s cut of Kingdom of Heaven is much better than the theatrical version. In fact, I do own some films that are in their original, uncut version as they had been truncated and interfered by the studios and such. Among them are the films of Sergio Leone, Michael Cimino’s Heaven’s Gate, and Brazil.
4. No. I liked the first film but the 2nd one was fucking crap. The third one was OK but I don’t really care for the franchise.
5. I don’t watch a lot of TV but since professional wrestling can be considered fake. I would say the Authority. Triple H & Stephanie McMahon as they’re running the WWE and creating hell for Daniel Bryan and his wife Brie Bella as Stephanie is going to face Brie in SummerSlam.
Oh! That hack Rob Marshall is directing Into the Woods?!? Forget it! 😉
He is an extremely overrated filmmaker. Chicago had some moments as did Pirates 4 and the only thing in Nine that was any good is Marion Cotillard. Other than that, he sucks. He wants to be Bob Fosse but lacks Fosse’s sense of danger and pizazz.
We are sooooo in-sync on this point 🙂
Strong was great in Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. Oooh I need to see Songcatcher, that sounds really good and has a great cast!
Ahah, yep that’s my biggest worry about the movie that Rob Marshall is directing. So I guess I’m more intrigued than excited at this point.
I wish studios would not meddle so much w/ a filmmaker’s vision but heh that’s always going to happen. As much as possible I’d rather see the original cut of a film, unfortunately that’s not always available.
Yeah, the original Jurassic Park is far above the rest, that’s why I’m glad this Jurassic World seems to pick up from that and disregard the sequels.
1. Oh, it’s Mark Strong. Definitely. RocknRolla and Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day was when I began to notice him. Really enjoy his work in the various roles he draws.
2. Kinda. The trailer looked interesting, mostly for Chris Pine’s hair!
3. This is my favorite cut of Kingdom of Heaven. Yeah, Bloom is miscast in this, but I really enjoyed Ridley Scott’s filled out tale. Hmm…my favorite Director’s Cut, meaning the one I preferred and could never go back and watch the theatrical version, has to be James Cameron’s Aliens. A close second would be Ridley Scott’s of Blade Runner. Third, Richard Donner’s for the 1978 Superman.
4. Yeah, I’m a bit intrigued. Although, it’s not one I’m overly excited for given the sequels the glorious original film has generated.
5. Great question! Hmm… how about Lord Voldermort and Bellatrix Lestrange from the Harry Potter series. God, I hated them!
Ooh man I forgot Strong was in Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day too! Wow that man’s been everywhere! Glad we both love that movie, Michael.
Ha..ha.. Chris Pine’s bouffant makes him so hunky! 😉
I enjoyed the story of Kingdom of Heaven and my how timely it still is. I still need to see the director’s cut of Blade Runner, so it seems his director’s cut is often better than his theatrical one.
I’m more intrigued as well about Jurassic World. It’ll be tough to top that original which like you said is glorious. Plus I can’t imagine a more beautiful & ominous soundtrack than what John Williams created.
Ahah, Lord Voldy & Beatrix made for a vile duo didn’t they?
Wow, it’s that time of the month already? Geeze time just flies by every year I get older but it’s always fun to read this post.
1. Never seen any work of Janet McTeer but my favorite Mark Strong role was probably Body of Lies, wasn’t a great flick but he’s great in it. The film could’ve been an excellent spy thriller but I thought script needed a lot of rewrites before it went into shooting, seems to happen a lot the last few years with Sir Scott’s films.
2. I have zero interest in seeing this movie.
3. Along with Kingdom of Heaven, I prefer the director’s cut of Troy, Aliens and Alien 3, the original RoboCop, The Wild Bunch and the original Superman. There are some director’s cut films that didn’t improve the film, for example I prefer the theatrical cut of Apocalypse Now over the director’s cut version.
4. After the awful JP3, I lost interest in this franchise. I might go see this one if the trailer looks cool and also it was filmed with IMAX cameras so I’ll see it just for that.
5. Good question and I love House of Cards. I guess my favorite villainous couple is the McBeths, I’m looking forward to watching Roman Polinki’s film version of McBeth coming on out Criterion Bluray this fall.
Yeah time seems to fly by even faster now that I’m older, yikes! 😦
I still need to see Body of Lies. That’s Ridley Scott’s movie too right? I’m more intrigued to see Mark Strong as a Jordanian Prince.
He..he.. yes I already knew that Ted 🙂
Hey, is the director’s cut of TROY in the BD you gave me? I still haven’t even opened it! I love Eric Bana in that movie but that’s about it.
I hear ya, it’s a bummer how an awful sequel can ruin an entire franchise! But since the story of Jurassic World picks up from the first film, I’m a little more hopeful.
Yeah Body of Lies was directed by Ridley, it started out really well but then the script just got too messy and I lost interest in the plot. Like I said, they should’ve brought in a couple of more writers to sort out the mess and it could’ve been a great flick. But yeah Strong was excellent in his role, I can lend you the BD if you want to see it.
You know I was wondering what happened to my BD of Troy, guess now I know, ha ha. Yes the one you have is the director’s cut version, it’s miles better than the awful theatrical cut. If you don’t mind, I’d like to get back when I have my new home theater set up, it’s the film I always use to test my home theater because it’s one of the best Bluray discs out there. No hurry though since I still don’t have a house yet, lol.
I’m glad it’s not a reboot too, I’m getting sick of reboots these last few years. People should stop copying Nolan’s Dark Knight films from now on. Let’s hope the new JP is as fun as the original.
1.Its impossible not to like Mark Strong! He’s excellent in everything particularly RockandRolla and Kick-Ass.
2. I’m bored of this fairy tale fad that’s happening at the minute. Its just a cash grab. And Rob Marshal is an awful director who’s actually really bad at making musicals.
3. I love the Kingdom of Heaven directors cut, its really good and actually flows really well. I also prefer the Aliens directors cut. The worst directors cut ever is Donnie Darko, it actually ruins the film
Hey Mikey! You’re absolutely right, Mark Strong is an awesome actor and he seems like a nice bloke too!
Ha..ha.. tell us how you really feel Mikey 😀 Well I think you could say a lot of the comic-book movies are cash grabs as well, but I agree Rob Marshall is not a director whose work I’d rush to see.
I think I like Kingdom of Heaven more than the first time I saw it, but it’s still no Gladiator. I should seek out Aliens director’s cut, been ages since I saw that one too but maybe my rewatch should be the director’s version.
I am so incredibly looking forward to Jurassic World. Love Chris Pratt (huge Parks and Rec fan and he was really good in Guardians) and I also think that the director is a really interesting choice. Not to mention I am a massive fan of the original trilogy. Including the third one which I really like but apparently a bunch of people hate.
Hi there, long time no *see* 🙂 Hard not to like Chris Pratt, he’s so effortlessly likable! I’m not familiar w/ that director at all but since I love the original film, naturally I’m intrigued by this project.
Yeah he directed Safety Not Guaranteed which is pretty quirky. Seems a strange lead-up film for Jurassic World, but that just makes it all the more intriguing I guess.
And nice to be back around and writing again.
3. I like director’s cuts, if the changes improve the experience, which was not the case with Cinema Paradiso, which I think goes on too long.
Blade Runner director’s cut (1992) is an excellent version, which cut out what many regarded as an unnecessary voice-over in the 1982 version. I haven’t even seen the 1982 original, because it’s somewhat of a rarity these days. The Final Cut from 2007 is also very good, with added scenes.
Chris, if you want to see the original theatrical cut of Blade Runner, you should buy the Bluray set which comes with every cut of the film. I really liked the Final Cut but I still prefer the theatrical international cut, yes it included the voice over but I didn’t mind that like most people. Also, many people seems to forget that the film became a cult hit because of those original cuts.
@Ted: I’m curious to see original theatrical cut of Blade Runner for myself with the voice-over. Thanks for the info!
@Ruth: The first time I saw Cinema Paradiso it was about 2 hours or 2½. The directors’s cut is about 3 hours.
WOW that is super long for such a story. I actually have the Blu-ray of it that I bought a couple of yrs ago but haven’t watched, I’ll see if the director’s cut is there.
I could see how a director’s cut could be overly indulgent. How long was Cinema Paradiso? I love that movie but I thought it was already pretty long.
This is my first time seeing the Into The Woods trailer – thanks for sharing Ruth – and I’m intrigued. Visually it looks great and I love the score. As a fan of fairy tales it definitely intrigues but it’ll be interesting to see how they piece it all together. That’ll make or break it. But as a film for the whole family it looks like a winner, especially for the younger audience at Christmas.
Hey Dan! I had just seen it too, so I thought I’d feature it here. I’d think it’d be a hit come Christmas, as kids would surely flock to see it. As a big fan of fairy tale stories, I sure hope Rob Marshall won’t butcher this adaptation!
Yay! Happy Birthday, Janet!
You are absolutely right. She is an incredible actress and deserves more credit and press. You have to watch her in “The White Queen.” While Max Irons provides the eye-candy, she completely makes the show. And, apparently she went above and beyond the call of duty when it came to researching her role for the show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7S6j6-mH3vw\
I love, love, love her!
I think The White Queen is on Netflix, or I hope it is. I think I’d enjoy that one and yeah, I wish miss McTeer would get more prominent roles, she deserves her own show! I don’t think I’ve seen Max Irons in anything, but if he’s even half as talented as his dad then he’d be a decent actor 😉 I just saw the trailer, looks good!
I love watching director cuts of movies. Love all the DC’s of LOTR , Dances With Wolves, and JFK. I also think The Donner Cut of Superman II is much better than the original,
Yep, agreed about Donner’s cut of Superman II. Believe it or not I still haven’t seen Dances with Wolves, hmmm maybe I’ll just watch the director’s cut version when I get to it then 🙂
cant wait to hear what u think, but be forewarned, it’s amazing but its also 4 hours long
Ha..ha.. yeah, Costner likes loooong movies! I don’t know when I’ll get to it but I’ll be sure to let you know.
Btw Rob did u get my email about Torn Curtain? I sent it to Zoe also and she’s got it 🙂
yep, we got it. since we’re doing it all chronologically it’s scheduled for 27th of Aug.
yeah, he likes long movies, but if they’re good, who cares. 🙂
Yep I don’t mind long movies either, I mean Ben-Hur is one of my faves and it’s almost 4 hrs I think.
Hey, Ruth. You know I like Director’s Cuts, too, most of the time. Not sure which is my favorite, but I know which one I like least: Apocalyose Now Redux. Yuck, that one.
I didn’t realize Into the Woods existed either. Sounds interesting. I can’t wait to see it.
And my favorite villainous couple. Also House of Cards – no question.
I haven’t seen Apocalypse Now actually. I don’t know if I’ll like it to be honest.
Glad that I’m featuring Into the Woods then as a few ppl haven’t seen it. I’m a sucker for fairy tale movies so hopefully it’ll be good!
I know I didn’t like Apocalypse Now, either the Redux or the theatrical release. I think it accomplishes its objectives, but that’s a far cry from being entertaining.
I’ll stay away from it then. I don’t usually go for war films, with a couple of exception as I like The Thin Red Line.
The Thin Red Line is very good. And in some ways similar to Apocalypse Now. Both are slow burning, contemplative flicks.
But, in other ways, they are very, very different. I don’t think liking one means you’ll like the other . . .
Ah make sense Josh. Based on what I’ve seen (trailer, clips) and read (reviews & such), AN doesn’t really appeal to me. Maybe one day I might be compelled to see it, I don’t know.
Same w/ Malick’s stuff I guess, but I really like TRL, esp w/ Jim Caviezel’s understated but powerful performance.
Oh. And let’s hope on Into the Woods. It has quite the cast . . .
Yeah the cast is amazing, tho once again Depp is all covered up, ahah. He must have a thing for crazy makeup as 80% of his movies would have him in the makeup chair for hours!!
Hey James, Apocalypse Now is one of my favorite films but yeah I didn’t like the Redux version either. It’s wise that Coppola released the original cut first, the added scenes were quite unnecessary, especially those scenes with the Playboy bunnies. It’s as if Coppola just wanted to show boobs and nothing more. The French family subplot was also useless, the original cut was tighter and got to point quickly.
Which is why Coppola didn’t like the theatrical cut as much (at least if we can believe what he says in the redux special features). He wanted a more experimental flick, one that was surreal and languidly paced.
I love Mark Strong in Sherlock Holmes.
Villanous couples would be great for a top 10. I’m going to go Sweeney Todd and Mrs Lovett.
Oh right Strong is a great villain in Sherlock Holmes. It’s amazing how he can fit into ANY genre effortlessly.
Mark Strong’s 50? Wow, he’s looking good for his age! Lots of good stuff here again Ruth.
Yeah, he doesn’t seem to age doesn’t he? I hope he continues to get more prominent work!
Some good topics to throw out there Ruth!
1. Mark Strong – I can’t tell you how much I like that guy. He is great in everything he is in. A quintessential villain but he has the chops to tackle practically anything. Hard to pinpoint a favorite but I’m ALWAYS interested when he is part of the cast.
2. Into the Woods – Meh, I’ll probably pass on that one. I may see it down the line but it just doesn’t interest me. One thing is for certain, we know Meryl Streep will get an Oscar nomination for it. I mean isn’t there some rule that the Academy nominates her regardless of the role? One definite attraction for me though – EMILY BLUNT! Woo Hoo!
3. Director’s cuts sometimes sound like sales gimmicks thrown on the DVD or Blu-Ray case. That said there have been some good ones. The DC for “Aliens” was superb!
4. Jurassic World is a movie I know exists but I’m not just chomping to see it. I know I will and hopefully it’s really good. But my excitement level hasn’t really risen quite yet.
Hi Keith! Glad you’re a big fan of Mark Strong, few people appreciate his work as he tends to blend in whatever role he does in a film. He does play villains a lot but when he plays the good guys like in ‘Tinker Tailor’ or even Rocknrolla, he’s great too!
Heh, I sure hope that’s not the case about Meryl, I know she’s good but I’m so tired already that she keeps getting recognized while other equally-good actresses get overlooked. Ahah, well of course miss Blunt will entice you! 😉
I’m not chomping to see Jurassic World either, Keith, just mildly intrigued at this point as I LOVE the first film.
Wow fairy tales are the next superheros when it comes to fads, hey?
As for directors cuts, I prefer to watch the theatrical version. it is usually the most tightly edited version. What gets me is when ONLY the directors cuts are available, like Dances with Wolves.
Yeah I think fairy tales + superhero genre seems to go hand in hand.
Interesting point about theatrical version. It could be the most tightly-edited version tho at times it’s also has the most studio meddling.
Well, I guess with the cuts ive seen, the added stuff tends to overbloat the film. This is very much the case for Dances with Wolves, but even in the more accepted EE cuts like Lord of the Rings I also think it is a problem.
First of all, I love being this month’s guest 🙂 Now to my answers!
1. Mark Strong is usually so *strong* in every role, so I have trouble picking one. Maybe Kick-Ass? Janet McTeer was great in Albert Nobbs.
2. Super looking forward to Into the Woods! I mean, Meryl+ Emily+Anna+ Chris? Oh yes please.
3. I sometimes check out Director’s Cut but I don’t think I’ve ever seen both versions and compared, so wouldn’t know what to answer here.
4. I am really looking fwd to Jurassic World as well. That cast is awesome and I quite liked the ’93 movie.
5. Well, I already answered that one. Love Spacey and Wright in those roles and I really hope both take Emmys home next month.
It’s an honor to have you Fernando!
He..he.. yes Mark lives up to his name doesn’t he? A strong actor who’s great in soooo many roles!
As for Into the Woods, I hope great cast translate to a great movie. That wasn’t the case w/ Rob’s adaptation of NINE 😦
That’s a GREAT question Fernando, I can’t think of any right now but I’m surprised nobody has mentioned Bonnie & Clyde 😀
Yeah, I liked Nine but it was disappointing. It could’ve been so much better!
Yeah, it’s weird they haven’t come up!
I only like the Marion Cotillard scenes in NINE which was beautifully-filmed!
1. Happy bday Mark and Janet. As for Mark, I gotta speak up for John Carter 🙂 I’m afraid I’m not familiar with any of Janet’s work unfortunately.
2. Into the Woods appeals to me visually and the cast is intriguing but I’m not excited for it. Kinda like superhero movie burnout…I’m kinda fairytale/disney live action movie burnt out. We have it on tv with Once Upon a Time, Grimm, Beauty and the Beast…and we have tons of movies already…Maleficent, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Snow White movies, etc…meh…I’m over it. And I hear they are looking at Enchanted 2?? Maybe my opinion will change, but I don’t think anytime soon.
3. I do watch Director’s Cuts and am even more curious about Kingdom of Heaven’s now. I like to catch Ridley Scott stuff.
4.I’ve been pretty excited for Jurassic World. It seems they wrapped filming on it today. Did you see this vid that’s been hitting the web again in which Chris Pratt “predicts” his role in JW back in 2009? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4mVIJ5eTBY
5. Favorite villainous couple? Good question. Sarah Michelle Gellar and Ryan Phillippe in Cruel Intentions, Zod and Faora in Man of Steel, Talia and Bane in The Dark Knight Rises, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Sean Connery in Entrapment, Melissa Leo and Paul Dano in Prisoners!
Great 5 questions!!
Hey T! We might be the only two people who didn’t mind John Carter so much 🙂 And yeah Mark Strong is great in that.
Yeah, it seems that the fairy tale movies are trying to outpace the superhero genre. Boy, now that I think about it, there ARE a bunch of them! Enchanted 2?? Geez louise!
Oh yeah I saw that video of Pratt *predicted* his own casting, very cool!
Great answers on villainous couple! Yep, Talia & Bane got my vote, tho I’m not too crazy about Marion’s acting towards the end.
Great post! Strong’s looking really good for his age!
Pretty indifferent to Into the Woods, to be very honest. And Jurassic World… guess we will have to wait and see…
OMG I freaking LOVE Francis and Claire! They are just so badass and perfect together, its insane. I would have to completely agree with that.
Hi Zoë! He does doesn’t he? Ha..ha.. so none of these movies interest you eh? I suppose it’s still too early to tell if either would be good! 😀
The Jurassic World one looks more interesting, but the other does not tick a single box of something I want from a film (by the looks of it – I guess we will have to wait and see).
I’m crushing a bit on Chris Pratt now, he was awesome in Guardians. Mmmmm….
Oh, the Underwoods are my favourite evil couple too!
Ha..ha.. it seems every woman in the planet does now 😉 I like him, he’s hilarious!
Gurl, how do you already have 53 comments!!!!????
LOL, I just saw this. Why didn’t this pop up on my feed yesterday?!!?!? I’m really busy this morning, but I’ll try and put something together for you this afternoon. Great batch of questions!
Ahah, because my blog friends are awesome!! 😀 Hey, there’s no such thing as a late comment, so I look forward to your answers Drew!
Wow!! This is the toughest FFTF ever. I have no answer to all of them ad I don’t know the people in number 1, no interest in Into the wood and Jurassic world, hardly pay attention to director’s cut and I only have favorite single villains.
I actually like your answer Nov! 🙂 who are your favorite single villains?
Thank you T 🙂
Unfortunately, you are wrong Ruth 😉 I don’t even like Red Eye that much. My favorite villain is Kira (from Deathnote), Silas (From Davinci Code), and many from anime.
Ahah ok then, well I’m not familiar w/ those roles you mentioned tho.
Yeah, tell us who your fave single villain? But lemme guess, is it Cillian in Red Eye? 😉
1. Strong is awesome. I’ve seen him singlehandedly rescue scenes like in Body of Lies. He is actually a fan cast for Stannis, as in the book Stannis is almost completely bald and Stephen,thank God, is not there yet 🙂 McTeer was just tremendous in Albert Nobbs. I kept watching that borefest for her
2. Man, your husband must have some patience 🙂 Anyways…that movie to me looks awful. Bad CGI and on top of that it’s a musical? Nut hopefully it will finally be Blunt’s big break she is so fantastic and yet for some reason she is not more famous.
3. And Michael Sheen! he is in it for like 5 minutes but he is in it! i love Irons in this movie, wonderful work. As for DC what was different is that in theatrical cut Eva Green’s performance was completely gutted, she was mesmerizing in her scenes in DC and I;m not sure theatrical had half of that.
4. I’m thrilled Bryce Dallas Howard is back – she is a lovely actress and after she gave birth to another kid she had some serious issues with weight and there were so many mean comments about that. She is gorgeous and I’m glad she is feeling better. Pratt sure deserves to be the big star he is so lovely I’m probably gonna see the movie for these two.
5. Atia and Mark Antony from Rome come to mind, as Thrones usually doesn’t pair villainous women with truly villainous men it’s usually 50/50 in terns of awful and confused 🙂
Hello Sati!
Yes Strong is awesome indeed! Ahah, well I’d think Stephen would still look good bald, no? 😉 I still need to see Albert Nobbs even if it’s just for McTeer!
Ha..ha.. yes he’s VERY patient indeed, but he’s used to it, we’ve been married for a long time 😀 I’m surprised they didn’t have ANY singing in the trailer considering it’s a musical. I do think Rob Marshall directing is worrisome, but I’m naturally intrigued by fairy tale movies. Amen on miss Blunt!
Yes Michael Sheen is great in Kingdom of Heaven! Practically EVERYONE is great in that film except for the lead. Yeah I think Eva did have a lot more scenes in the DC version, that might be why I like it more 🙂
Ooooh I’m thrilled that you love Bryce Dallas Howard too! Speaking of an underrated actress, I’d say she’s at the top in that category which is a bummer as she is not only gorgeous but she’s got screen charisma. Even in so-so movie like The Loss of a Teardrop Diamond she’s still very watchable. I didn’t know she was having issues w/ her weight, sheesh I think she looks beautiful even w/ a few pounds on her. Hollywood just wants girls to be stick figures! Yep, I like Pratt too, I think that’s a lovely pairing w/ him & Howard!
Great answer! I love both Atia & Antony, they have such scorching HOT chemistry too!
He would, but he is kinda perfect the way he is now 🙂 Did you mention that you like Aaron Taylor Johnson? Cause he is in albert Nobbs 🙂
I really hope the movie won’t be a failure, given how it looks like a comeback role for Bryce and a chance to check out if Guardians wasn’t just a happy accident with its success when it comes to Pratt. I’m sure they’ll be adorable together.
Ah yes of course he looks perfect the way he is now, but I’d say that a good looking man generally can look good with or without hair 😉
Oh yeah I like Aaron so I definitely need to see Albert Nobbs!
It’s really too bad Bryce isn’t as famous, I feel that she’s just as talented as her peers like Emma Stone, Elizabeth Olsen, etc. I’m really curious if Pratt has staying power beyond his role in *Guardians*, I think he’s a charming fellow so I wish him all the best!
Great post, Ruth! Sorry to be such a latecomer . . . I made a 24-hour trip down to IL to visit some friends and family, so I have not been online a bit. Anyways!
1) I keep seeing Mark Strong pop up in things, and I can’t remember a time where I didn’t like him! I still think of that hilarious Super Bowl commercial (I think it was for the Super Bowl?) where he and and Tom Hiddleston were talking about playing British villains, haha.
2) Ever since the first trailer came out, now I’m getting pretty excited to see Into the Woods. I love Emily Blunt, and I think this might be another film that shows just how versatile she is. She’s having a big year, considering the success of Edge of Tomorrow. I’m looking forward to the movie. I also agree that Anna Kendrick is a good selection to play Cinderella.
3) Ha, wow, it’s been years since I’ve seen Kingdom of Heaven! I just remember renting it at the time because I had a crush on Orlando Bloom, hehe. I do recall being bored throughout the movie. I might have even fastforwarded to the end.
4) I’m actually really happy for Chris Pratt’s success, and I think he’ll do great. Never really thought of him in that “hunk” kind of way, but that’s because I’ve always viewed him in a humorous way. After Guardian’s success, I imagine that movie will have some help with him as the lead.
5) I actually don’t have a favorite villainous couple, I don’t think. Either way, I’d have to think about it. Interesting idea though!
Hello Kris! Hey, no such thing as a late comment so you’re right on time! 😀
Yes I LOVE that commercial, I actually posted it here during superbowl week. British villains rule!!
Yeah I hope miss Blunt’s star will continue rising, she is quite an actress plus she’s also charming and lovely.
Ahah, you had a crush on Bloom? Must be because of Legolas. I honestly never thought much about him, I mean LOTR was all about Aragorn, yowza! 😉
I feel the exact same way about Pratt. He’s not really my type but he’s just so affable and fun to watch even in interviews.
Aww thanks! Haha, I’m so happy to see how much traffic Flixchatter gets. It really is one of my absolute favorite sites to visit. I always love your posts, Ruth, even if I might not know much about the subject material.
Haha, I did, and yes, you called it – it was because of Legolas! And also Pirates of the Caribbean. I actually went out of my way to watch Kingdom of Heaven and Ned Kelly just because Bloom was in them. Now I look back, and I think how silly it was that I thought he was cute! Haha, I totally agree, Aragorn was a hottie in it too!
Yeah, I get that. Pratt isn’t exactly the gentleman-y type guy, but he’s likable and funny.
1. Mark Strong forever! ROCK N ROLLA of course. I grew to appreciate his work in THE GUARD as well by watching it repeatedly but he’s good in everything. I think Janet McTeer will always be Mrs. Dashwood to me…and that’s a good thing.
2. No strong feelings about it either way. I think Chris Pine looks like George Michael….also a good thing.
3. I am about to commit heresy. Your viewing KINGDOM OF HEAVEN (which I love BTW) made me think of Ridley Scott’s cut of BLADE RUNNER…I like the studio’s cut better. [runs & hides]
4. I had no idea….I am now 😉 Also…Judy Greer. Plus I’m glad it isn’t a reboot…I think there are plenty of those to go around.
5. My favorite villainous couple is the two hitmen in DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER.
Hello Paula! I love that you’re also a fan of Rocknrolla, I even bought that movie and I think Strong is more like the lead in that movie. Yes, I think McTeer will always be Mrs Dashwood to me, too!
Ahah, George Michael! How true, he’s got that 80s hair. Oh I used to have a big crush on him, sooooo sexy! 😉
Ahah, no need to run & hide from me, I haven’t even seen the director’s cut of Blade Runner before, but I really like the theatrical cut.
I’m so glad this Jurassic World is NOT a reboot either, heh why not built on something that’s already great, y’know. I sure hope they won’t butcher it either though.
I had a crush on George too! And I have read, so did Princess Diana. So we are in good company, doll.
Ahah, Princess Diana had a crush on George too? Funny now that her grandson is named George too 😉 I remember when his song ‘I Want Your Sex’ came out and it was so risque y’know, esp when I was still living in Indonesia. But I often played it in the living room and my mom didn’t mind it, well she’s always been pretty open about things, not the typical Asian mom. In fact, we both thought George was sexy, too 😉
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Into the Woods looks really good, I had not even heard about that one. Good find Ruth! Remakes are usually kind of dumb, but this Jurassic Park one is sounding great. Chris Pratt is seriously turning into a big star, good for him. He deserves it! For a second I thought you were going to say you saw House of Cards! I know you don’t watch a lot of shows, but you should check that one out. It is unbelievably good! Frank and Claire Underwood are pretty much the best villains. Nice and composed on the outside, but deep inside very evil! 🙂 Happy Friday Ruth! My Lady Stephens.
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1. Mark Strong – Welcome to the Punch. He takes a generic character (in a subpar film) and gives a nice, surprisingly subtle performance.
Janet McTeer – Albert Nobbs. I really need to see more of her work, but she was very good here.
2. Can’t wait! It could be AMAZING!
3. I don’t often watch the Director’s Cut, unless it’s the only version available. That said, I’ve seen the Director’s Cut and the theatrical version of Blade Runner, and I prefer the DC of that.
4. I’m mildly interested, but you never know with a sequel/reboot.
5. Hmm… That’s a tough one. Maybe Bonnie and Clyde from the film with Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway.
Hello Josh! Oooh I still need to see Welcome to the Punch. That’s the one w/ James McAvoy right, that’s gotta be good!
I think I first heard of Into The Woods on your blog Josh, when you posted a photo of Anna Kendrick & Chris Pine together. Yeah I hope it will.
Boy I still need to see the DC version of Blade Runner! I do like the theatrical cut tho.
Hey, finally someone answered Bonnie & Clyde! I was wondering when someone would [see my comment above to Fernando] 🙂
Oh man, I’m late to the fifth!
1) It’s tough to pick a favorite Mark Strong role. He always makes for such a great villain — his performance in Sherlock Holmes comes to mind. I don’t think I have seen anything with Janet McTeer.
2) Not really my kind of movie, but I’m sure Meryl Streep will get an Oscar nod for it. 😉
3) It depends on the movie. Some I haven’t bothered with because I’ve heard they are too bloated for their own good (i.e. Apocalypse Now Redux), but in general I’m open to checking them out. Speaking of which, I have the “bootleg cut” of Almost Famous sitting here that I’ve been meaning to see for ages.
4) It’s amazing how far Chris Pratt has come in the last couple years. Quite the far cry from his Andy character on Parks & Rec.
5) That’s a great question, but I don’t think anyone can top the Underwoods. They are pure evil.
Hi Eric! Oh no such thing as a late comment, I appreciate you took the time man 🙂
Glad you’re a fan of Mark Strong! He seems typecast as a villain but he doesn’t seem to mind and I don’t either, he’s great!
Ahah, I sense a hint of sarcasm in there about Meryl? Can’t say I blame you tho, I’m tired of it too.
I think some Director’s Cut might be too indulgent, and I honestly haven’t been too interested in them unless I absolutely LOVE the film or people highly recommend that version, i.e. Kingdom of Heaven, that’s why I saw it.
Yeah, good for Pratt, I hope his career’s actually got real traction tho.
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