The Frat Pack is the unofficial name for a group of actors who have appeared in numerous films together. These appearances are often in supporting or cameo roles, and the films share an absurdist sense of humor.
The name was coined by USA Today and is a reference to the "Brat Pack" of 1980's actors and of course Frank Sinatra's "Rat Pack" group from the 1960's. The Frat Pack name is also a reference to group's movie Old School.
The Frat Pack are Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Will Ferrell, Owen and Luke Wilson, Jack Black, and Steve Carell.
This site also covers projects from Frat Pack Friends including the group of actors associated with Judd Apatow. Team Apatow includes Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann, and others.
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"Well, I love the name. We've made over twenty-five thousand T-shirts
that say, "Get on board, the Frat Pack train is leaving the station."
We're going to work on the slogan. But it's catchy. It's fun. It's now."
Will Ferrell (zapit.com interview)
"I don't know if that will stick or not. I can see what they're talking
about. It is good to work with people that you know and enjoy their work and
are creatively are stimulated by. I don't know Frat Pack, though. I never
went to college."
Ben Stiller (BBC
video interview)
"The Frat Pack is more than just a name. We're a real organization.
We've had a few meetings in Elko, Nevada. We talk about our upcoming projects,
discuss initiating a few new members and spend a lot of time hazing one another.
On some nights you can hear the paddles echoing through the canyons."
Luke Wilson (Playboy, July 2006)
"That’s awesome, but not by design. The Wilson brothers, Will
Ferrell, Jack Black and Ben Stiller and I never planned that, it’s just
one of those things that happened. They are all people that I think are funny
and smart. It’s especially fulfilling to work with people that you respect."
Vince Vaughn (BuyMagazine
interview)
"I really wish that we had secret headquarters where there was a batcave
in the Hollywood Hills mountain, like inside the Hollywood sign, where we
would drive in and talk about domination of world comedy. We'd have superpowers
and drive out in our super-comedy mobiles. But it doesn't exist."
Jack Black (Sports
Illustrated)
“It was Ben Stiller who called up all the top comedians to his headquarters
in the Hollywood sign. We meet there and talk about what our plan is to dominate
the world of comedy. Tim Robbins works the door and we all have frat pack
comedy helicopters. They come out of the O, the O lifts up and out we come,
and we meet there and we talk about what our plan is to dominate comedy. Will
Ferrell - you take the new Christmas movie. Jack - you go rock."
Jack Black (Sligo
Weekender)
"There's a perception that we all have a secret society and go off to
an undisclosed island once a year to decide the fate of comedy."
Will Ferrell (San
Francisco Chronicle)
"The only common denominator in all this is Ben Stiller, who has found
work for all of us."
Vince Vaughn (AZ
Central)
"Owen and Ben are friends, and me and Will are friends, and Jack Black.
I'm glad to be included in it, because those are some of my favorite guys."
Luke Wilson (People Magazine, January 9, 2006)
"I don't think there's a sinister conspiracy. It seems more like a common-sense
thing. When you're casting a movie, you cast people that you know and are
comfortable with and think can do it."
Owen Wilson (New
York Daily News)
"It doesn't really exist this Frat Pack. We run into each other on occasions
and we all like each other's films, I guess, but there isn't some big funny
restaurant or bar where we all hang out. At least, if there is, they haven't
invited me. I wasn't in You, Me And Dupree, Owen's last movie, and none of
them was in Talladega Nights with me and actually, nobody gives a shit."
Will Ferrell (Observer
Magazine)
"I have no idea where that title came from but we're all friends. We've
just been doing some movies, which started to become some movies that made
some money... that's it. There's no club or anything.You want to get the funniest
people and, if anything, it's become a hindrance because all these guys are
so successful, I can't afford to work with them!"
Ben Stiller (Cosmo
U.K., January 2007)
"See, I'm in the big leagues now. I'm in a category with the Vince Vaughns,
the Owen Wilsons, and the Ben Stillers. I'm one of those guys now, raking
the box office numbers. I'm not bragging, but it's not bad to brag, when you're
just like Jack Black but better. Hey, move over, Will Ferrell, Vince Vaughn,
out of my way. I hear Stiller's a big kiss-ass, and Owen Wilson is gay!"
Steve Carell (Saturday
Night Live, September 2005)
Who would win in a fight, the Frat Pack or the Rat Pack?
"Definitely the Frat Pack. Will Ferrell and Vince Vaughn are both huge
and my brother Owen is pretty scrappy. Jack Black would bite you on the cheek.
But you'd have to take into account Sinatra's connections."
Luke Wilson (Maxim, May 2007)
"People ask if that bothers me and I say, “Shit, maybe it bothers
somebody like Ben [Stiller] or Jack Black.” But I just feel lucky to
be included in the group. What’s good about it is that every one of
these guys gets his own thing done. When you’re able to get your own
thing done, it does make it easier to say, “Hey, do you mind if I use
Will [Ferrell] in this part?” Or for Ben to have Owen do a part, and
Vince [Vaughn]…. But it’s comedy, so maybe people think, “Oh,
boy, who’s gonna pop up in this?”"
Luke Wilson (Los Angeles Confidential, May 2007)
"I couldn't be happier to be included with those guys. I really like
the fact that Will and Ben and Vince, they make their own movies. I've never
even met Steve Carrell but 40 Year Old Virgin, whenever that's on cable I
watch it every time it's such a good movie. I don't know, I just think they're
real funny guys. You gotta be wary, you feel that sometimes people try to
knock it by calling it the "Frat Pack" like it's a negative thing,
but those guys, I really feel like they are super talented and smart and funny.
Somebody like Will, you know, I love the idea that he tries to make his own
movies. It's the same with Vince and Owen and Ben. Cause you can obviously
just act in movies and make a living but these guys I think they want to make
stuff thats important to them.
Luke Wilson (Ain't
It Cool News)
"I love it! All of them I think would like to destroy that thing, but I love it. I think those guys are great and I'm in there? Yeah! I'm the only card-carrying member that actually shows up for Frat Pack meetings!”
Jack Black (LA Times)
"Back in 1986, I was pretty hard on myself, going, 'I'm not in the Brat Pack. What's wrong with me?' Now, I'm so happy I wasn't."
Ben Stiller (Parade Magazine, June 8, 2008)
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Celebrity Deathmatch:
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Comment Line: 1-206-666-FRAT (206-666-3728)
Frat Pack Tribute Media Kit (1 MB PDF)
Website URL: www.the-frat-pack.com
Podcast URL: www.fratpackpodcast.com
Earmuff Awards URL: www.earmuffawards.com
Alternate URLs for reading on the radio, TV, or podcast: www.thefratpack.com, www.thefratpacktribute.com
Frat
Pack NewsBen Stiller and Christine Taylor at Gala
by Amy Gilbert
Ben Stiller and his wife Christine Taylor attend the Project A.L.S. 11th Annual "Tomorrow is Tonight" Gala at The Waldorf Astoria in New York City on October 7th. The benefit raises money and awareness for Lou Gehrig's Disease patients and researchers.
Update: looks like Ben was the host for this event.
Steve Carell Inks First Look Deal with Warner Brothers
by Kevin Crossman
Variety is reporting that Steve Carell has been signed to a three year first-look contract with Warner Brothers. Under a new production company named Carousel Productions, Carell will work with Vance DeGeneres and Charlie Hartsock to oversee new projects and may produce when he isn't starring.
"My idea was to partner with friends of mine, people I trusted, with whom I share a certain sensibility," Carell told Daily Variety. "I have some ideas for films, but I've gotten to know so many people who are funny, talented and fertile with ideas that I'm confident this very strong base of friendships will lead to projects."
Though it isn't part of the deal, Warner is also said to be working on a Get Smart sequel. Carell's next movie is Date Night starring Tina Fey and directed by Shawn Levy (Night at the Museum).
Steve Carell at Disneyland for Miley Cyrus' Birthday Party on October 5
Rudd Earns Praise from Spy Reviewer - New Role Models Clips
by Rick Duran
AICN has a mostly positive test review of Paul Rudd and Jason Segel in I Love You, Man. Contains spoilers.
Reviewer has high praise for Paul Rudd and Jon Favreau, very little to say about Jason Segel or the rest of the cast. Most criticism is reserved for director John Hamburg of Along Came Polly fame.
But if this review is any indicator, this could be a very good vehicle for Rudd.
Meanwhile, we're gearing up for Paul Rudd's next starring vehicle, Role Models, opposite Seann William Scott, Jane Lynch, and Elizabeth Banks. That film opens on November 7th and two new clips recently premiered online.
Seth Rogen Hunger Strike: Day 95
by Kevin Crossman
Okay, Seth Rogen isn't really on a hunger strike (at least none that we know of). Instead, speculation is riding high that the famously pudgy comedian is shaping up to star in The Green Hornet alongside Stephen Chow as Kato (Chow is also directing).
Of course, Rogen had the action comedy thing going well this summer in Pineapple Express and also following in the steps as a cop in Superbad might actually have the stuff to front an actual action picture (with presumed light comedic elements). We'll see when The Green Hornet is released in summer 2010 (expect massive preview footage at ComicCon this year).
In related martial-arts news, it was announced this week that Jack Black will be returning in a sequel to Kung Fu Panda, alonside Angelina Jolie and "other members of the voice cast" (Seth Rogen anyone?). The sequel will debut in 3D on June 3, 2011.
Frat Pack Friends Don't Want You To Vote
by Kevin Crossman
A ton of celebrities appear in this video urging to you not vote. Among luminaries such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen DeGeneris, and others, several Frat Pack friends appear. Familiar faces include Jennifer Aniston, Amy Adams, Sarah Silverman, Natalie Portman, Tobey McGuire and Dustin Hoffman.
The video is NSFW thanks to some profanity, most of which is delivered by Jonah Hill.
Kristen Wiig Cameo and Raucous Commentary Highlight Forgetting Sarah Marshall DVD
by Kevin Crossman
Forgetting Sarah Marshall was a well-reviewed box office hit earlier this year and the DVD hits stores this Tuesday. A single disc version is available but every fan will want to pick up the Unrated Collectors Edition.
The extended version of the movie restores seven minutes of footage, most of which is a funny but ultimately unnecessary scene with Kristen Wiig as a yoga instructor. Many fans of Wiig (Knocked Up, Walk Hard) were looking forward to this scene and were disappointed when it was cut from the theatrical version. Thankfully, fans will be satisfied by the inclusion in the extended version on home video. Even better, the additional footage in Forgetting Sarah Marshall does not make the film feel considerably longer, as it did in The 40 Year-Old Virgin, nor does this version omit footage from theatres as did Apatow's production of Talladega Nights.
Other highlights include:
The Architect of the Frat Pack Insists There is no Frat Pack
by Rick Duran
Warning: Long-winded rant below.
While promoting Tropic Thunder in the UK, Ben Stiller proclaimed his dislike of the Frat Pack name and categorization on the British radio station, Heart FM:
"It's such a weird thing that people come up with a name that doesn't really exist and why does everything have to rhyme all the time? If it rhymes does it make it real? Is that it? They don't do it for other things. They don't have the Women Schwimmin do they? I think the whole thing about the Frat Pack group is completely fabricated anyway. The group doesn't exist but it rhymes, at least there's that, so it must be true right?"
This echoes comments last week courtesy of Will Ferrell, saying talk of the Frat Pack is "thankfully almost dead." It's never been a secret that they all hated the name (So do I, actually.) In my personal opinion, despite the name being a tribute to one of this decade's greatest comedies (Old School), it undermined the actual group. A minor gripe of course (Sinatra and Martin weren't literally Rats either), but still, I can understand why guys like Stiler and Ferrell would hate it.
But as far as the group never existing? Um, wasn't it Stiller himself who initially cast Jack Black and Owen Wilson in Tropic Thunder? Not to mention his producing Blades of Glory with Will Ferrell and arranging a cameo by Luke Wilson (clearly there were better, non-Pack related faces who could've brought more to that scene.) And is it just a coincidence that in 2 years, a newcomer like Danny McBride has co-starred with Stiller, Ferrell, Owen Wilson and (clearly related to the Frat Pack) Seth Rogen? It's not a coincidence for him to be accepted by that group of actors specifically, but not guys like Adam Sandler, Mike Myers or Jim Carrey.
A group of six or seven actors who bounce around town chasing ass? Nope, it was never that. A network of actors intertwined by shared co-stars, directors, producers and managers? Absolutely. The connect-the-dots common factors in all these films is a very calculated gimmick. One they've all furthered their careers from.
True, it's not 2004 anymore and pairings like the Starsky & Hutch cast (Stiller, Wilson, Vaughn, Ferrell) won't happen. In that sense, yes, the Pack is over. But talk of Anchorman 2, pairings like Step Brothers, ensemble casts like Tropic Thunder and Night at the Museum show that guys like Stiller and Ferrell are still employing the successful formula of the theorhetical "Pack." And that is why fans still show up; we recognize this successful brand because of all the familiar faces. Spare us the whining, show us the funny, and we'll keep buying tickets/DVDs.
DVD Release Round-Up
by Kevin Crossman
I guess we were remiss in reminding everyone that Danny McBride's The Foot Fist Way hit DVD stores this week. The DVD includes:
Meanwhile, another recent film with a limited release is coming to DVD on November 4th. Luke Wilson's Henry Poole is Here received fairly good notices but obviously a lot more people will be able to check out the movie on DVD. Here are the details.
Lastly, I guess some people might have been ambivalent about our summer box office tracking. But, when a movie like Evan Almighty or this summer's Step Brothers just barely crosses the finish line above rather than below $100 million you can see what a difference that makes for the marketing.
Frat Pack's International Promo Push
by Kevin Crossman
We're based here in the good ol' USA so we sometimes forget that few films are released globally simultaneously. Nonetheless, we're pleased to report on some recent promotional pushes for films that are new to those of you beyond our shore.
Tom Crooze? No, It's Ben Stiller
Ben appeared to promote Tropic Thunder at the 56th San Sebastian Film Festival in San Sebastian, northern Spain, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2008. The San Sebastian Film Festival, the oldest and most prestigious in the Spanish speaking World, opens today with a strong focus on European and U.S. movies.
John C. McEnroe? No, it's John C. Reilly and Will Ferrell
Context from our Australian correspondent Karen Pok: The other guest on that night's show was a guy that won Australia's first ever pole vaulting medal at the Olympics. Hence the official Australian uniform, pole vaulting pole and gold medal.
Vince Vaughn Stars with Favreau and Bateman in Couples Retreat
by Kevin Crossman
It's been a while, a long while, since Vince Vaughn has announced any projects. Four Christmases has been wrapped for some time, so honestly we were getting a little worried about his next project. Well, worry no more because Vince's next movie sounds great!
Vince Vaughn will star in Couples Retreat, a comedy directed by Vince's pal Peter Billingsley (The Break-Up) and written by Jon Favreau. Favreau will also costar in the movie along with Jason Bateman and Faizon Love (Elf's exasperated Gimbel's store manager). The movie follows four couples who go to a tropical island resort. While one couple is there to work on their marriage, the others are there to play but soon discover that participation in the resort’s couples therapy is not optional.
According to Variety, Vince came up with the idea for the movie, similar to The Break-Up's genesis. Billingsley has produced several films under Vaughn's Wild West Picture Show productions but has also been doing second unit directing. This is Billingsley's first full-length directing gig.
The movie is expected to start shooting in Bora Bora and Los Angeles in late October.
Thanks to Rick Duran for the tip.
New Projects in the Works for Owen and Luke Wilson
by Kevin Crossman
Luke Wilson will star with Giovanni Ribisi in a film about the birth of the online porn industry. According to Variety, the indie-film Middle Men "centers on a straight-and-narrow businessman who builds the first online billing company dealing exclusively with adult entertainment and finds himself in the middle of a whirlwind filled with starlets, conmen, Russian mobsters, federal agents and international terrorists -- all while trying to hold on to his marriage and family."
Middle Men will begin filming in late October in Phoenix.
Meanwhile, there are rumors that Owen Wilson will return to the genre he's best known for. Blood Brothers is a buddy comedy with a twist. The film has a vampire element, though it is unclear if both leads are vampire or not. Owen is rumored to be coming on in a producer role, so he's likely to exert much control over which role he'll take.
According to CinemaBlend, the synopsis of the film is:
In this buddy comedy two of the last vampires on earth, who have been friends for over a thousand years and have experienced all of recorded history together, are now living in Miami. An antiquities collector is trying to summon the forces of evil so he can rule the world and the only thing that can stop him are our reluctant vampires who have grown a bit tired of eternal life.
Owen has the pale look that's requisite to play a vampire. And we know he's been hanging out in Miami with almost-brother Woody Harrelson. So, it'll be interesting to see where this project goes.
Role Models Red-band Trailer Debuts
by Rick Duran
Following the trailer debuts of Four Christmases and Zack and Miri, today brings our first look at the red-band trailer for the Paul Rudd/Seann William Scott comedy Role Models. The original trailer brought some good laughs despite a seemingly family-friendly tone. Well, this new version certainly brings the funny and tells you to leave the family at home for this one. Great laughs throughout from co-stars Jane Lynch, Christopher Mintz-Plasse and especially Bobb'e J Thompson. Enjoy the NSFW goodness below:
Role Models opens November 7th
Tropic Thunder and Step Brothers Cross $100 Million Line
by Kevin Crossman
Tropic Thunder and Step Brothers both crossed $100 million in grosses over the weekend, cementing their blockbuster status.
Tropic grossed an estimated $4.1 million for a $103 million North American total. Tropic becomes Ben Stiller's sixth live-action $100 million picture, and first as a director. It also becomes Jack Black's second live-action movie at this threshold (after King Kong).
Step Brothers grossed $400,000 this weekend to eek past the $100 million barrier. This is Will Ferrell's fourth movie at this level.
Four Christmases Trailer Debuts
by Kevin Crossman
The trailer for Vince Vaughn's holiday release Four Christmases is now available and I gotta say this looks like a fun movie. Vince and Reese seem to have that "Break-Up" couple thing down pat and we get a great look at some of the crazy family members the couple must deal with in the movie.
Lots of familar faces, including Jon Favreau who looks ripped like an athlete as Vaughn's UFC-fighting brother (that's Tim McGraw as the other brother). We also get glimpses to some of the parents, including Mary Steenburgen (as Reese's mother), Robert Duvall (as Vince's dad), Jon Voight (Reese's dad) and Sissy Spacek (Vince's mom). We also see Vince's pal Peter Billingsley (The Break-Up, Elf) playing another suffering sad-sack - this time as an airline counter attendant. Kristin Chenoweth (Bewitched) plays Witherspoon's sister.
Most surprising is what looks like a plum role for Swingers' Patrick Van Horn, who has been basically lost in Hollywood since 1998's Free Enterprise. He plays Vince's best friend who is now sleeping with his mother. Van Horn's return is long overdue!
With an all-star cast and a more edgy PG-13 Vince in the house, we hope Four Christmases will resonate with audiences better than Vince's last holiday film, Fred Claus.
New Zack and Miri Poster
by Kevin Crossman
We told you about how the original poster for Zack and Miri Make a Porno was banned by the MPAA. Well, this is Kevin Smith's response.
This is brilliant, in that it promotes the "porn" aspects of the movie much more than the original. Good job MPAA.
Holiday Posters A Study in Contrast
by Kevin Crossman
There are two big holiday releases featuring Frat Pack star paired with familiar costars, and their respective posters have been recently released. One's great and one's... not.
Four Christmases stars Vince Vaughn along with Reese Witherspoon, Luke Wilson's Legally Blonde costar (Reese also appeared with Paul Rudd and Christine Taylor in the overlooked and not completely horrible Overnight Delivery). The poster plays off the obvious height difference and says "this is a cute Christmas comedy, not all dark and strange like Fred Claus was."
Probably more anticipated in Fratville is Marley and Me, featuring Owen Wilson (in his first role in some time...) along with everyone's favorite sorority sister Jennifer Aniston (The Break-Up, Along Came Polly, Bruce Almighty).
We've already said we hate the awful teaser trailer featuring Chariots of Fire music and such a brief mention of Owen and Jen that some audiences members didn't even realize they were in the movie. We've got a couple big stars here, shouldn't we be playing them up?
Apparently not. Sigh...
Heel the love? Oh, brother...
Jonah Hill Acts Like... Jonah Hill with Britney Spears
by Kevin Crossman
Here's video of Jonah Hill trying to "help" Britney Spears from the MTV Video Music Awards last night.
Soccer, NASCAR, Basketball... Tennis?
by Kevin Crossman
Will Ferrell delighted the crowd at Flushing Meadows while attending the U.S. Open tennis tournament. According to the New York Times:
Will Ferrell seemed to feel the power Sunday, when he was shown on the scoreboard imitating Andy Murray’s arm curl.
Murray had just scampered to another short Rafael Nadal shot in the fourth set, flicking a backhand winner and spinning around to finish and hold his serve in dramatic fashion. Murray was so relaxed on the changeover, he was delighted at the sight of Ferrell, his favorite actor, hamming it up for the crowd.
“He made me laugh,” Murray said.
Russell Brand's Big Moment
by Kevin Crossman
A reminder that Forgetting Sarah Marshall scene-stealer Russell Brand is hosting the MTV Video Music Awards tonight.
Brand's next project is a sequel of sorts, where his Sarah Marshall character Aldous Snow is back on booze and drugs but must be transported to the Greek Theatre for show. Get Him to the Greek costars Jonah Hill as an insurance adjuster who's job it is to transport Snow to the show.
Filming for Get Him to the Greek is underway, under the direction of Forgetting Sarah Marshall writer-director Nicholas Stoller. While principal photography is set to start in early 2009, these shots were uncovered on a Flickr site and presumably were taken as part of montage footage to update audiences on how the previously sober Snow has fallen off the wagon. This looks outrageous, and very very funny.
Ghostbusters Sequel Moves Forward; Ramis Discusses Apatow Rumors
by Rick Duran
Early this summer, a story leaked online that a Ghostbusters sequel was being made with the Team Apatow crew taking over. Of course, this sounded riduclous and impossible. We laughed with Seth Rogen and Paul Rudd as they dismissed the story as pure rumor. So it was a bit alarming this week when Variety reported that Columbia Pictures greenlit a third Ghostbuster script, and will negotiate with the original cast after a screenplay is written.
Why is that news relevant here at the Frat Pack Tribute? The new film will be written by Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupinsky, writers/producers on The Office and writers of next June's Jack Black/Michael Cera comedy Year One, produced by Judd Apatow and directed by original Ghostbuster and Knocked-Up costar Harold Ramis.
Ramis wrote to the Chicago Tribune this week, discussing how Team Apatow might be involved with the Ghostbusters project:
"yes, columbia is developing a script for GB3 with my year one writing partners, gene stupnitsky and lee eisenberg. judd apatow is co-producing year one and has made several other films for sony, so of course the studio is hoping to tap into some of the same acting talent. aykroyd, ivan reitman and i are consulting at this point, and according to dan, bill murray is willing to be involved on some level. he did record his dialogue for the new ghostbusters video game, as did danny and i, and ernie hudson. the concept is that the old ghostbusters would appear in the film in some mentor capacity. not much else to say at this point. everyone is confident a decent script can be written and i guess we'll take it from there.
best,
harold
The MPAA Blows
by Kevin Crossman
Well, actually they don't blow. You see, it seems the MPAA has decided that this poster is inappropriate for audiences in America. You can have sadistic images on the horror-movie-of-the-week but this really nicely laid out and designed poster is a no go. It just says "porno" it doesn't mean it is a porno! The color scheme on this one-sheet is great. And, yes, we understand there's a certain... implication. But, come on! This is fairly innocuous, isn't it? (Entertainment Weekly)
Zack and Miri is playing at the Toronto International Film Festival and is set of to open nationwide on October 31st.
Criterion Collection Edition of Bottle Rocket Coming in November
by Amy Gilbert
The Bottle Rocket Criterion Collection two-disc set will be available in November. You can Pre-order it now.
Synopsis
Wes Anderson first illustrated his lovingly detailed, slightly surreal cinematic vision in this witty and warm portrait of three young middle-class misfits. Fresh out of a mental hospital, gentle Anthony (Luke Wilson) finds himself once again embroiled in the machinations of his best friend, elaborate schemer Dignan (Owen Wilson). With the aid of getaway driver Bob (Robert Musgrave), they develop a needlessly complex, mildly successful plan to rob a small bookstore—then go “on the lam.” Also featuring Lumi Cavazos as Inez, the South American housekeeper Anthony falls in love with, and James Caan as local thief extraordinaire Mr. Henry, Bottle Rocket is a charming, hilarious, affectionate look at the folly of dreamers. Shot against radiant southwestern backdrops, it’s the film that put Anderson and the Wilson brothers on the map.
Director-Approved Double-Disc Set Special Edition Features:
Tropic Thunder #1 for Third Week; John C. Reilly's Big Week
by Kevin Crossman
Ben Stiller's Tropic Thunder was number one at the box office for a third week, tyingThe Dark Knight for most weeks at number one this summer joining The Dark Knight as the only films to be number one for three weeks this summer (The Dark Knight topped the charts for four weeks). The film drew $14.6 million over the four day holiday weekend, with a cumulative total of $87 million to date. Expect the movie satire to finish north of $100 million. Pineapple Express has crossed the $80 million mark with a $4+ million weekend.
Step Brothers spent one last week in the Top 20, pulling in $1.6 million to get to $98 million total. But better news comes from the United Kingdom, where Step Brothers opened at number one with £1.7 million. That's great news for Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly who have been doing a lot of press abroad.
Meanwhile, let's do another "promotion" for another John C. Reilly laugher filled with conflict. The Promotion came and went in June after a long delay getting to theatres (it was filmed before Walk Hard). And it arrives on DVD today. So, go on out there and support John C. Reilly, Seann William Scott, Jenna Fischer and others by checking out The Promotion today.
This is the kind of movie that services like NetFlix were made for. Those "I want to see it but can't pull the trigger on the DVD" kind of movies. If you aren't a member of NetFlix, you really should check it out. There's even a two week free trial to get you started and when you sign up (even if you cancel later) you support The Tribute.
The Office Season 4 DVD Review
by Kevin Crossman
Coming to stores on September 2, is the Season 4 DVD collection of The Office. All fans of The Office will want to pick this up, and casual fans may enjoy this collection as well. Learn more about the collection, the extras, and more.
Full Rain of Madness Documentary Available in iTunes
by Kevin Crossman
Consider this a down-payment on what is expected to be an excellent home video release. If you've enjoyed the segments from the faux-umentary Rain of Madness you'll love the full 30 minute version that is now available for free on iTunes. This is great stuff for all Tropic Thunder fans.
Vince Vaughn at the Olympics
by Kevin Crossman
Thanks to our friends at Vince-Vaughn.com for finding this gem from Beijing. Looks like Vince's association with Budweiser is still going strong.
New Step Brothers Poster
by Kevin Crossman
Check out this cool new one-sheet for Step Brothers, courtesy our Dutch tipster Mike. The popular comedy is going international this fall, with a host of release dates in September and October. Will Ferrell's movies haven't done very well overseas, but maybe Step Brothers will break the trend. There is also an official international site for Step Brothers.
Box Office Update
by Kevin Crossman
Ben Stiller's Tropic Thunder held up very well in it's second weekend, down only 38% for a $16.1 million weekend, according to estimates. That's good for first place, beating newcomers The House Bunny and Death Race. Anything less than 40% is considered a good "hold" for a second weekend, putting the long-term prospects for Tropic Thunder's overall box office in a better light. So far, the movie has made almost $66 million.
Pineapple Express and Step Brothers continued at the box office as well, grossing $5.6 and $2.3 million respectively. The Seth Rogen/James Franco stoner comedy has taken in $74 million in three weeks, while the Will Ferrell/John C. Reilly laugher now is at $95.5 million after five weeks.
Rainn Wilson's The Rocker was nearly booed off the stage. It opened out of the top ten and has grossed only $3.8 million since opening on Wednesday.
Land of the Lost Preview
by Kevin Crossman
Apparently this ran in the Los Angeles Times a while back but the image comes courtesy the message boards on LandOfTheLost.com. That's the star of the film, Will Ferrell, next to what looks like a baby or teenage Sleestak. Thanks to tipster Karen Pok.
Matthew McConaughey Blogs About Tropic Thunder Role
by Kevin Crossman
This is from the M.M. Journal section of the official www.matthewmcconaughey.com website. While I don't think McConaughey was the best part of Tropic Thunder, and I do think Owen Wilson would have done a better job in the role, I gotta say I like what McConaughey has to say in this post.
Hey all, I went to tropic thunder premiere last Tuesday night....All of the cast was there...really funny movie....there are surprises all over this film and just when you think you know where the movie's goin, another surprise entrance by some character or plot twist surprises you....what a cast of characters..you will see actors you like doing things you've never seen them do before...Stiller did a top job directing too...the movie knows what it is and keeps delivering....there's a lot of protests surrounding the pic, but if you see it, I think you'll agree that all the "touchy" humor is in context, and in no way mean spirited or irresponsible...its just funny....i hope you enjoy yhe film...i had a blast steppin in to work on this project for just a few days...its another "brand" of comedy and a comedy team (Stiller and gang) that I wanted to play with, and am happy I did....never lose your sense of humor, and just keep livin, mcconaughey
Night at the Museum 2 Set Photos - Spoilers Ahead!
by Kevin Crossman
Check out these neat photos of Ben Stiller and Amy Adams on the set of Night at the Museum 2: Battle for the Smithsonian. These come from our Dutch tipster Mike and found on TheBadandUgly.com.
There's a lot to like in these photos, and some spoilers too (especially if your name is Carla Gugino). In addition to some great shots of Amy Adams in the high-profile role of historical figure Amelia Earheart, there are familiar characters from the first Night at the Museum, including the cavemen, Ghengis Kahn, and Pocahontas.
And those spoilers? Well, maybe they're not that "spoily" if you've kind of caught our drift or put two and two together, so to speak. But, if you really, really don't want to know who Ben Stiller is romancing in this movie, don't follow the link...
More photos at TheBadandUgly.com
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Thursday, October 09, 2008
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