Tag: Jeff Bridges

THE BIG LEBOWSKI Limited Edition Will Release On Blu-Ray


Own the Limited Edition Blu-ray™ Featuring All-New Bonus Features, a Digital Copy of the Film and Collectible Hardcover Book Packaging

Bowling, nihilists, a stolen rug and the occasional acid flashback have never been funnier when one of the most popular cult classics in history, The Big Lebowski Limited Edition, debuts on Blu-ray™ August 16, 2011 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. From the Oscar®-winning Coen Brothers
(True Grit, Fargo) and starring Academy Award® winner Jeff Bridges (True Grit, Crazy Heart), this acclaimed comedy has been newly remastered in high definition to provide longtime fans and first-time viewers alike with the ultimate Lebowski experience.

Available for a limited time with an all-new 28-page companion book featuring an exclusive interview with
Jeff Dowd – the real-life inspiration for The Dude – Jeff Bridges’ personal, on-set photography, a film timeline, trivia and much more, The Big Lebowski Limited Edition Blu-ray™ is a must-own addition to any collection. In addition to all-new features exclusive to the Blu-ray™ release, The Big Lebowski Limited Edition Blu-ray™ also offers a digital copy of the film that can be viewed anywhere at any time on the consumers’ choice of devices including laptops, tablets, smartphones as well as Internet-connected TVs and set-top boxes.

“Since its creation by Ethan and Joel Coen in 1998, The Big Lebowski has transformed from a fan favorite into one of Hollywood’s most celebrated cultural phenomenons,” said Craig Kornblau, President of Universal Studios Home Entertainment. “This spectacular new Limited Edition Blu-ray™ combines the most extensive behind-the-scenes materials to date with the latest Blu-ray™ technology, giving devoted fans and newcomers alike a chance to experience the brilliant all-star cast, outrageous storyline and unforgettable quotes like never before.”

Its now iconic characters and instantly recognizable dialogue have made The Big Lebowski “the number-one cult film of all time,” according to The Boston Globe. Since its release, the Coen Brothers’ affectionately addled riff on film noir has snowballed in popularity, becoming “an undeniable pop-cult force” and even, for many, “a way of life,” in the words of the Los Angeles Times. “A masterpiece of anti-storytelling” according to Entertainment Weekly, The Big Lebowski has become a cultural touchstone for fans around the world.

Starring Bridges as the film’s delightfully unlikely hero, “The Dude,” the hilariously twisted comedy thriller also features unforgettable performances by an all-star cast including Golden Globe® winner John Goodman (“Roseanne”), four-time Oscar® nominee Julianne Moore (The Kids are Alright), Golden Globe® winner Steve Buscemi (“Boardwalk Empire”), Oscar® winner Phillip Seymour Hoffman (Doubt) and Golden Globe® nominee John Turturro (O Brother, Where Art Thou?).

BLU-RAYTM EXCLUSIVE BONUS FEATURES:
· U-CONTROL: Universal’s exclusive feature that lets the viewer access bonus materials without leaving the movie!
o Scene Companion: Watch cast and crew interviews, behind the scenes footage and more during key scenes with this picture-in-picture companion.
o Mark it Dude: This onscreen counter really ties the film together. Keep track of all the “F-Bombs,” “Dudes,” and “Dude-isms” in the film with this ultimate fan guide.
o The Music of The Big Lebowski: Instantly identify the songs heard while watching the film, create a custom playlist of your favorites and even purchase them from iTunes®!
· WORTHY ADVERSARIES: WHAT’S MY LINE TRIVIA: Test your Lebowski knowledge by finishing lines of dialogue during the film. Play as Walter or The Dude or in two-player mode against friends.
· BD-LIVETM: Access the BD-Live™ Center through your Internet-connected player to watch the latest trailers and more.
· pocket BLU™: The groundbreaking pocket BLU™ app uses iPhone®, iPod® touch, Android™, PC and Macintosh to work seamlessly with a network-connected Blu-ray™ player. Also available on the iPad™, owners can enjoy a new, enhanced edition of pocket BLU™ made especially to take advantage of the tablet’s larger screen and high resolution display. Consumers will be able to browse through a library of Blu-ray™ content and watch entertaining extras on-the-go in a way that’s bigger and better than ever before. pocket BLU™ offers advanced features such as:
o Advanced Remote Control: A sleek, elegant new way to operate your Blu-ray™ player. Users can navigate through menus, playback and BD-Live™ functions with ease.
o Video Timeline: Users can easily bring up the video timeline, allowing them to instantly access any point in the film.
o Mobile-To-Go: Users can unlock a selection of bonus content with their Blu-ray™ discs to save to their device or to stream from anywhere there is a Wi-Fi network, enabling them to enjoy content on the go, anytime, anywhere.
o Browse Titles: Users will have access to a complete list of pocket BLU™-enabled titles available and coming to Blu-ray™ Hi-Def. They can view free previews and see what additional content is available to unlock on their device.
o Keyboard: Entering data is fast and easy with your device’s intuitive keyboard.
· uHEAR™: Never miss another line of dialogue with this innovative feature that instantly skips back a few seconds on your Blu-ray™ disc and turns on the subtitles to highlight what you missed.

ADDITIONAL BONUS FEATURES:
· JEFF BRIDGES PHOTO BOOK: For more than 30 years, Jeff Bridges has been snapping pictures on movie sets. The accomplished photographer presents exclusive shots taken on the set of The Big Lebowski providing personal commentary on each photo.
· THE DUDE’S LIFE: Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi and John Turturro take a look back at their performances and their delivery of the Coen Brothers’ dialogue that became classic movie lines.
· THE DUDE ABIDES: THE BIG LEBOWSKI TEN YEARS LATER: A freewheeling conversation with the cast about the film’s decade-long reign as a cult classic, including a discussion about what ever happened to the “little Lebowski” that the Dude and Maude made that fateful night!
· THE LEBOWSKI FEST: AN ACHIEVER’S STORY: An in-depth look at the popular Lebowski Festival, formed by the legion of fans in honor of the film.
· FLYING CARPETS & BOWLING PIN DREAMS: THE DREAM SEQUENCES OF

THE DUDE: From aerial flights over Los Angeles with his bowling ball chasing Maude on a flying carpet, to the large scale “Busby Berkley” dance sequences as The Dude goes flying through the legs of all the bowling pin headed dancers, this piece examines how these “ahead of their time” scenes were constructed.
· THE MAKING OF THE BIG LEBOWSKI: A behind the scenes look featuring interviews with the Coen Brothers.
· PHOTO GALLERY: Slideshow of Jeff Bridges’ on-set photography.
· INTERACTIVE MAP: Take a tour of the locations of The Big Lebowski, then and now.
· AN INTRODUCTION: Featuring Mortimer Young, a practitioner of “non-uptight” film preservation. His restoration of the famous “toe scene” will blow your mind.

SYNOPSIS:

From the Academy Award®-winning Coen brothers, The Big Lebowski is a hilariously quirky comedy about bowling, a severed toe, White Russians and a guy named…The Dude. Jeff “The Dude” Lebowski doesn’t want any drama in his life…heck, he can’t even be bothered with a job. But, he must embark on a quest with his bowling buddies after his rug is destroyed in a twisted case of mistaken identity. Starring Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi, Philip Seymour Hoffman and John Turturro, experience the cultural phenomenon of The Dude in the “#1 cult film of all time!” (The Boston Globe)

CAST AND FILMMAKERS:

Cast: Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi, David Huddleston, Philip Seymour Hoffman, John Turturro
Directed By: Joel Coen
Written By: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
Executive Producers: Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner
Producer: Ethan Coen
Co-Producer: John Cameron
Director of Photography: Roger Deakins
Production Designer: Rick Heinrichs
Edited By: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen, Tricia Cooke
Casting By: John S. Lyons
Costume Designer: Mary Zophres
Original Music By: Carter Burwell

TECHNICAL INFORMATION:
Street Date: August 16, 2011
Copyright: 2011 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Selection Number: 61115274
Running Time: 1 hour, 59 minutes
Layers: BD-50
Picture Format: Widescreen
Aspect Ratio: 1:85:1
Rating: R for pervasive strong language, drug content, sexuality and brief violence
Languages/Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French
Sound: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, French (EU) DTS Surround 5.1, English Dolby Digital 2.0/2.0 DTS Express

Universal Studios Home Entertainment is a unit of Universal Pictures, a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com ). Universal Studios is a part of NBCUniversal , one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment television networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world-renowned theme parks. Comcast Corporation owns a controlling 51% interest in NBCUniversal, with GE holding a 49% stake.

Blu Monday: March 29, 2011

Your Weekly Source for the Newest Releases to Blu-Ray

Blu-Ray for Tuesday, March 29th, 2011

  1. Jeff Bridges stars in AGAINST ALL ODDS: Special Edition (1984)
  2. ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN/ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN 2 (1989/1996)
  3. Ryan Gosling & Kirsten Dunst in ALL GOOD THINGS (2010)
  4. Vintage Mel Gibson in ATTACK FORCE Z: 30th Anniversary Edition (1981)
  5. Robert DeNiro & Robin Williams in AWAKENINGS (1990)
  6. Academy Award-Winner Natalie Portman in BLACK SWAN (2010)
  7. Children’s Classic retold CHARLOTTE’S WEBB (2006)
  8. Rose McGowan & Amy Smart are DEAD AWAKE (2010)
  9. Francis Ford Coppola’s DEMENTIA 13: Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack (1963)
  10. Academy Award Nominee DOGTOOTH (2010)
  11. Naomi Watts & Sean Penn in FAIR GAME (2010)
  12. THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD (1965)
  13. HOTEL FOR DOGS: Blu-Ray/DVD Combo (2009)
  14. Dario Argento’s INFERNO (1980)
  15. Nicholas Ray’s KING OF KINGS (1961)
  16. LEGALLY BLONDE 2: RED, WHITE & BLONDE (2003)
  17. Extreme Japanese Gore in MACHINE GIRL (2008)
  18. Anjelica Huston & The Sisters Duff in MATERIAL GIRLS (2006)
  19. MESRINE: PUBLIC ENEMY #1 (2011)
  20. THE MIKADO: Criterion Collection (1939)
  21. Kevin Pollack in PICTURE THIS (2008)
  22. Shelley Winters in POOR PRETTY EDDIE: Blu-Ray/DVD Combo (1975)
  23. Hilary Swank in THE RESIDENT (2010)
  24. SCAR 2D/3D – with 2 pair of 3D glasses (2007)
  25. Wes Craven’s SCREAM (1996) / SCREAM 2 (1997) / SCREAM 3 (2000)
  26. Animated Classic THE SECRET OF NIMH (1982)
  27. Basil Rathbone in SHERLOCK HOLMES: The Complete Collection (1939)
  28. Sasha Grey in SMASH CUT: Unrated (2009)
  29. Charlton Heston in SOYLENT GREEN (1973)
  30. SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES: 2-disc Blu-Ray/DVD Combo (2008)
  31. THE SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS MOVIE: 2-disc Blu-Ray/DVD Combo (2004)
  32. Franchise Collection: STAR TREK II: WRATH OF KHAN/STAR TREK IV: THE VOYAGE HOME
  33. TANGLED 2D/3D: 4-disc Blu-Ray/DVD Combo (2010)
  34. Michael J. Fox is TEEN WOLF (1985)
  35. Charlton Heston in THE TEN COMMANDMENTS: 2-disc Special Edition (1956)
  36. THE TEN COMMANDMENTS: Limited Edition 6-disc Gift Set (1956)
  37. Boris Karloff & Jack Nicholson in Roger Corman’s THE TERROR (1964)
  38. THE TIMES OF HARVEY MILK: Criterion Collection (1984)
  39. Mike Leigh’s TOPSY-TURVY: Criterion Collection (1999)

DVD for Tuesday, March 29th, 2011

  1. Randolph Scott 4-Film Collection: COLT. 45/FORT WORTH/TALL MAN RIDING/RIDE THE HIGH COUNTRY
  2. 3-Film Collection: ACE VENTURA Trilogy
  3. Paul Perry’s AFTERLIFE (2010)
  4. ALL GOOD THINGS (2010)
  5. Frank Sinatra in ANYTHING GOES (1954)
  6. BECOMING EDUARDO (2008)
  7. BENEATH THE DARK (2010)
  8. Best of British Classics: CANDLELIGHT IN ALGERIA (1944)
  9. Best of British Classics: CHILD IN THE HOUSE (1956)
  10. Best of British Classics: THUNDER IN THE CITY (1937)
  11. BLEADING LADY (2011)
  12. BUREAUCRACY (2009)
  13. Ben Gazzara & Sylvester Stallone in CAPONE (1975)
  14. COLONY: The Endangered World of Bees (2009)
  15. Ondi Timoner’s COOL IT (2010)
  16. Double Feature: Shirley Temple in CURLY TOP/DIMPLES
  17. DEAD AWAKE (2010)
  18. FAIR GAME (2010)
  19. FATAL SECRETS (2009)
  20. FATHER OF MY CHILDREN (2009)
  21. 3-Film Collection: FRIDAY Trilogy
  22. THE GOOD WAR & THOSE WHO REFUSED TO FIGHT IT (2000)
  23. HEAVEN AIN’T HARD TO FIND (2010)
  24. THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE (2008)
  25. After Dark Originals: HUSK (2010)
  26. IMAX: HUBBLE (2011)
  27. INFERNO (1980)
  28. INGREDIENTS (2009)
  29. LOVING LAMP POSTS (2011)
  30. MESRINE: PUBLIC ENEMY #1 (2011)
  31. THE MIKADO: Criterion Collection (1939)
  32. Charlton Heston in MOTHER LODE (1982)
  33. MY TIME WILL COME (2008)
  34. ONE WEEK (2008)
  35. THE OWLS (2010)
  36. After Dark Originals: PROWL (2010)
  37. British Double Feature: THE 20 QUESTIONS MURDER MYSTERY/TREAD SOFTLY
  38. THE RESIDENT (2010)
  39. THE RESTAURATEUR (2010)
  40. 3-Film Collection: RUSH HOUR Trilogy
  41. SCAR (2007)
  42. A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE (1995)
  43. THE SWIMSUIT ISSUE (2009)
  44. TANGLED (2010)
  45. TEENAGE PAPARAZZO (2010)
  46. THE TEN COMMANDMENTS (1956)
  47. THOSE THREE [An Seh] (2007)
  48. THE TIMES OF HARVEY MILK: Criterion Collection (1984)
  49. TINY LITTLE LIES (2008)
  50. TOPSY-TURVY: Criterion Collection (1999)
  51. THE VANQUISHED [I Vinti] (1953)
  52. WATERHOLE (2009)
  53. Sarah Silverman in WHO’S THE CABOOSE (1999)
  54. ZOMBIE WOMEN OF SATAN (2009)

Review: TRUE GRIT

TRUE GRIT (2010) is the second film adaption of the book from Charles Portis’ 1968 novel of the same name. The first, being the 1969 version starring John Wayne, earned him an Oscar for Best Actor. While the 1969 version is a great film, some claims director Henry Hathaway strayed too far from the book. With this new adaptation, Joel and Ethan Coen claim to have a truer adaptation than the John Wayne classic.

Having not read the book, I cannot attest to the accuracy or loyalty to its literary inspiration. I can say, given some leniency to assume, that the dialogue it probably truer to its source as is evident by the characters’ richly verbose and illustrative dialogue, which is perhaps part of the reason the Coen brothers chose to make this film.

For this reason, I will break from the norm and not begin with Jeff Bridges, instead delving into the stellar break-out performance from Hailee Steinfeld. She plays the intelligent, spirited Mattie Ross, daughter of a man gunned down over horses stolen by the dim-witted outlaw Tom Chaney, played by Josh Brolin. When she learns of her father’s murder, Mattie takes it upon herself to track down his killer and implement revenge.

Hailee Steinfeld delivers her lines with meticulous craft, sharp and perfectly timed, but none of her performance feels cold or calculated. Mattie’s educated words roll off her tongue, slick and smooth, often the ammunition she uses to best her foes in lingual duels. Her pairing with Jeff Bridges is a masterful match of opposites, giving the film a deeper connection between the two main characters than was present in the 1969 version, whereas John Wayne’s performance was the focus.

Enter Rueben “Rooster” Cogburn, played gloriously by Jeff Bridges. Many, I am sure, will make comparisons to the performance from John Wayne, embedded into our culture as firmly as Elvis Presley or Marilyn Monroe. On this level, I choose not to make comparisons. It’s a futile argument. However, I can say that Jeff Bridges delivers, tooth and nail, a performance worthy of John Wayne’s respect and that of our own.

Jeff Bridges captures both the hard, grizzled exterior of the aging, drunken Marshall; as well as the inner conflict of a man uncertain of his own place in history or the afterlife. He’s a good man who’s done questionable things, but his actions in Mattie’s employ will ultimately define him.

Matt Damon serves up some respectable comic relief as Texas Ranger LaBoeuf, reluctantly accompanying Cogburn and Mattie as they pursue Chaney. Damon’s performance can be a bit hard to swallow, at first, but he grows on you, becoming a character more textured and colorful than deeply layered. LaBoeuf is a man who talks a lot, but has little to say, giving the film moments of light humor.

The entire cast of TRUE GRIT shines. Josh Brolin is nearly unrecognizable as the idiot outlaw Tom Chaney while Barry Pepper stands out as Lucky Ned Pepper, the leader of the outlaw posse Chaney rides with and Cogburn’s arch-nemesis. The two actors play off each other in the final scenes with subdued fireworks, a chemistry that could only be had with two talented veteran actors.

Joel and Ethan Coen are capable of taking just about any script, usually their own, and making a great movie in just about any genre. TRUE GRIT serves as their venture into the western genre, but their brilliance is not enough to make these films so unforgettable. The Coen brothers have employed a fairly regular team of talented craftsmen throughout their careers, and two of these names deserve tremendous adulation.

Roger Deakins’ cinematography is akin to a master illustrator’s contributions to a great childrens book… one cannot succeed without the other. As a result, TRUE GRIT offers the best visual director of photography in the genre since THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD. Likewise, Carter Burwell’s score has an unmistakable influence on the film’s ability to take the audience into this time and place, but also into the tone of the story, allowing us to experience the characters’ emotional odyssey.

Many things will be said of the Coen brothers’ TRUE GRIT, from being Oscar-worthy to blasphemy, but when all the irrelevant details are put aside and the film is viewed as its own creation, TRUE GRIT stands toe-to-toe with the best films of the year. In my personal opinion, this version of TRUE GRIT (as a whole film) trumps the 1969 version. The film is more than its lead performance.

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Jeff Bridges & Cookie Monster on Saturday Night Live!

This past week’s episode of Saturday Night featured guest host Jeff Bridges. During the monologue, Sesame Street’s Cookie Monster appeared and at about the 6 min mark, the two sang a memorable duet of Silver Bells, proving why Bridges is still ‘The Dude.’

For an interesting look at Bridges and his soon to be released film TRUE GRIT, read the December 2010 issue of Cowboys & Indians.

TRON: LEGACY’s Jeff Bridges Hosting Saturday Night Live This Weekend

Greetings Programs!

Don’t miss Jeff Bridges taking a break from the Grid to TRON-ize this weekend’s Saturday Night Live. Even Fred Armisen can’t resist. Check out these hilarious promo spots starring The Dude!

TRON: LEGACY opens in theatres everywhere this Friday, December 17th in Disney Digital 3D and IMAX 3D.

Become a fan of TRON: LEGACY on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/Tron

Top Ten Tuesday: Best of Bridges

28 years after an entire generation of wide-eyed, sci-fi fascinated kids were transported into a virtual world of video game adventure, TRON returns with the sequel TRON: LEGACY. Jeff Bridges starred in the original, released in 1982, and returns for the sequel. In honor of something so rare and special, We Are Movie Geeks have compiled a list of our Top Ten Favorite Performances from Jeff Bridges.

10. BAD COMPANY

BAD COMPANY (1972) was Jeff Bridges fifth film, following a promising trend set by THE LAST PICTURE SHOW and FAT CITY. Bridges plays Jake Rumsey, a young Ohio man who flees to Jefferson City to dodge the Civil War draft. Jake joins a group of similar young men and they set out west, in hopes of making lives for themselves, but realize they’ve bitten off more than they can chew. Bridges delivers a rich performance as a man not yet fully matured to deal with the life he has chosen, torn by his choices and the consequences of his actions.

09. THUNDERBOLT AND LIGHTFOOT

Michael Cimino’s THUNDERBOLT AND LIGHT FOOT is a movie that crosses many genres , you can look upon it as a heist movie , a road movie , and an action comedy. Jeff Bridges received his second Oscar nomination as Lightfoot, a charismatic, full-of-himself car thief Clint Eastwood joins forces with and together they plan a robbery from an old heist. THUNDERBOLT AND LIGHT FOOT features two stars who click and the two have great chemistry on screen together and both show great comical form. The human interaction in the dialogue-led scenes is more interesting than the straight-up action sequences, and Bridges’ fate at the end is moving. THUNDERBOLT AND LIGHT FOOT is an excellent caper film and testament to the golden years of filmmaking that was the 70s.

08. TIDELAND

You knew it was only a matter of time for Jeff Bridges to play a burned out rock star! Heck, who wouldn’t wanna play one! Sadly, after the overdose of his wife, he and his daughter hide in an obscure shack, and into their own world. This is a bizarre film that isn’t for everyone. Still, it is a stunningly dark visual journey that might leave some a bit uneasy. Bridges really has a great ability to choose different, challenging roles, and this one certainly fits with that standard!

07. THE CONTENDER

In the history of fictional cinematic presidents there’s been very few commanders-in-chief as cool as Jackson Evans played by the Dude himself, Jeff Bridges in Rod Lurie’s 2000 THE CONTENDER. The plot centers on the aftermath of the sudden death of Jackson’s vice prez and the attempt by the soon outgoing Evans administration to have Laine Hanson(played by Bridges’s Tucker wife Joan Allen) fill out the term. Bridges’s prez is all confidence whether sneaking a smoke or quietly intimidating a young congressman(played by his Tucker son Christian Slater) during a casual tour of the oval office. Evans relishes his job’s perks, especially his on staff kitchen(“If I want a shark steak sandwich I can get it in just minutes”). He masks his toughness with a joviality and easy going demeanor. Evans likes Laurie, but has his eyes on the legacy of his presidency. A female V.P. will be long remembered. As Gary Oldman’s Shelly Runyon tries to block her confirmation, Evans quietly observes and plans. At the end of the congressional battle Evans shares a cigar with Hanson in a great personal coda to the political grand standing. Watching the film you look forward to seeing more of this great character, so it’s no wonder that Bridges got a much deserved Academy Award Best Supporting Actor nomination.

06. KING KONG

In the 1976 Dino De Laurentiis version of KING KONG, Jeff Bridges plays primate paleontologist, Jeff Prescott who sneaks onboard Petrox’s massive oil ship for a big adventure to a mysterious island. He and his feathery, Herculean hair attempt to warn the team against completing such a mission by warning them about a final message about “the roar of the greatest beast” from previous doomed explorers. Bridges and the film have become a cult favorite among KONG enthusiasts. He does some of his best Shakespearean-William Shatner work in this remake of the 1933 classic. What with all the yelling at the top of his lungs and looming crane shots of him forever looking up at, what else, the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” Bridges performance have become a guilty delight.

For those who’ve never had the pleasure of the 1976 KONG, the film’s success and notoriety helped launch the career of Bridges’ love interest, Jessica Lange. The critics of the day ran her debut performance through the mill and, according to film reviewer Marshall Fine, “it almost destroyed her career.”

05. STARMAN

Although one of his better known roles is Kevin Flynn in 1982’s TRON and one he is set to take up again this week in TRON: LEGACY, Bridges was nominated for a Best Actor Academy Award in 1984 for playing an alien in STARMAN. A role he should’ve won the Oscar for, this love story and sci-fi classic is just another example of Bridges’ acting genius. Directed by John Carpenter, STARMAN is the story of an alien race who responds to the Voyager spacecraft’s invitation by sending an envoy to Earth. Bridges’ alien clones the body of Karen Allen’s recently deceased husband, Scott, so that he and Allen can travel on a magnificent journey from Michigan to Arizona’s Giant Crater in order for him to rendezvous with the Mothership. Having nothing to base his extraordinary performance on, Bridges dramatically convinced the audience that all the subtle physical idiosyncrasies and nuances up on the screen are precisely how a stranger would act in a strange land. It’s one of the best performances and films of 1984.

04. CRAZY HEART

CRAZY HEART is a poignant film about a musician past his prime, threatened by the younger musician taking his place. Jeff Bridges plays “Bad,” a country western singer/songwriter bitter about the success of the young star (Colin Farrell) he taught, while his own career slowly sinks into oblivion. His alcoholism is expediting his failure, till he meets Jean (Maggie Gyllenhaal) and her little boy, through which he finds the hope and desire to pull himself up out of his own muck and make something of himself again. Bridges shines, capturing the inner turmoil of the man, mastering the voice and the eyes of his character and gives a charismatic, convincing performance.

03. TUCKER: THE MAN AND HIS DREAM

Director Francis Ford Coppola decided to make a movie about a kindred spirit in 1988 with aide of his old pal George Lucas as producer. Ford always had the dream of forming an independent movie studio that would go up against the established giant movie factories of Hollywood. This dream has many parallels with the real life story of Preston Tucker the man who decided to go against the car making giants of Detroit with his independently produced vehicle in the late 1940’s. Jeff Bridges gives an energetic performance as the title character who is single minded in his quest to bring his ideas to life. The film’s not all about him spending long hours going over plans with mechanics and draftsmen. We also see Preston’s dedication to his family (with Joan Allen as wife Vera and Christian Slater as his son) and loyalty to his friends especially his embattled partner Abe Karatz played by Martin Landau. But even support from Howard Hughes (played almost as a ghost by Dean Stockwell) can’t stop the forces of the old auto kingpins who enlist the aid of Senator Ferguson (played with fiery energy by Jeff’s real life dad, Lloyd) to shut him down. Although Preston would be defeated, his creation, the Tucker, would be treasured by car historians and collectors for decades. Surrounded by gorgeous period costumes, sets, and cinematography (accompanied by a bouncy, big band score by Joe Jackson) Jeff Bridges makes this legendary dreamer a real human being that we root for from beginning to end.

02. LAST PICTURE SHOW

Peter Bogdanovich’s THE LAST PICTURE SHOW (1971), based on the novel by Larry McMurtry, was a look at life in a small southern Texas town, an engrossing story of coming of age, disillusionment and the beginning of the end of innocence. Timothy Bottoms played Sonny Crawford, the story’s moral center and one of the two male characters that the film is structured around. The other was the rugged carefree jock Duane Jackson (Jeff Bridges) and he and Sonny spend much of the film sparring over the attentions of the pretty and spoiled Jacy (Cybill Shepard). THE LAST PICTURE SHOW was Bridges’ first major role and he scored his first Oscar nomination for it but lost to co-star Ben Johnson who played Sam the Lion, owner of the diner where everyone hung out as well as the theater that hosts the last picture show. THE LAST PICTURE SHOW was one of the best movies of the early ‘70’s.

01. THE BIG LEBOWSKI

Ah, one of the biggest staples in movie-dom! The Big Lebowski has turned into a pop culture reference AND a cult classic all melted into one. Bridges is obviously a favorite among the Coen Brothers, having now put him in their latest film TRUE GRIT. Dude must have really made an impression on them! Bridges nails his character, leaving the audience with some great lines, most of which are filled with delicious swears! The Big Lebowski is an essential movie for all to see!

So, what do you think? Share some of your favorite Jeff Bridges movies?

Halle Berry, Jeff Bridges, Sandra Bullock, Marisa Tomei & Oprah Winfrey Presenters At 83rd Academy Awards

Past Winners and Nominees Lead List of Oscar® Presenters

Beverly Hills, CA – Halle Berry, Jeff Bridges, Sandra Bullock, Marisa Tomei and Oprah Winfrey will present on the 83rd Academy Awards®, telecast producers Bruce Cohen and Don Mischer announced today.

In 2001 Berry won the Best Actress Oscar for her role in “Monsters Ball.” She can currently be seen in “Frankie & Alice.”

Last year, Bridges and Bullock took home the Best Actor and Best Actress Oscars® for their leading roles in “Crazy Heart” and “The Blind Side,” respectively.

Bridges is a five-time Oscar nominee, who can next be seen in “True Grit” and “Tron: Legacy,” both due out this month. Bullock will appear next in “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.”

Tomei has received three nominations and won an Oscar in 1992 for her supporting role in “My Cousin Vinny.” She is currently shooting “Ides of March” and will be seen next in “Crazy, Stupid, Love” and “Lincoln Lawyer.”

Winfrey was nominated for an Oscar for her supporting role in “The Color Purple.” She recently lent her voice to the character Eudora in “The Princess and the Frog” and served as executive producer of 2009 Best Picture nominee “Precious.”

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2010 will be presented on Sunday, February 27, 2011, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®, and televised live on the ABC Television Network. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide.

ABOUT THE ACADEMY
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is the world’s preeminent movie-related organization, with a membership of more than 6,000 of the most accomplished men and women working in cinema. In addition to the annual Academy Awards – in which the members vote to select the nominees and winners – the Academy presents a diverse year-round slate of public programs, exhibitions and events; provides financial support to a wide range of other movie-related organizations and endeavors; acts as a neutral advocate in the advancement of motion picture technology; and, through its Margaret Herrick Library and Academy Film Archive, collects, preserves, restores and provides access to movies and items related to their history. Through these and other activities the Academy serves students, historians, the entertainment industry and people everywhere who love movies.

FOLLOW THE ACADEMY:

www.oscars.org
www.facebook.com/TheAcademy
www.youtube.com/Oscars
www.twitter.com/TheAcademy

Source: AMPAS

Review: TRON: LEGACY

Greeting fellow programs. Seeing as it’s TRON Tuesday, you’re in for a special treat. Here’s my early, spoiler-free review of TRON LEGACY.

(Reviewed at AMC Universal CityWalk, Hollywood, Dec. 2, 2010.)

I’m just gonna come right out and say it – TRON was fun! And by TRON I mean TRON: LEGACY, the sequel to the 1982 Disney film TRON. Now typically this would not be my kind of movie, but I vaguely remembered the original (I was in high school) and my curiosity got the better of me. The film opens with Sam Flynn (Garrett Hedlund), 18 yrs or so after the disappearance of his scientist father, Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges). A flashback shows Sam at 9 or 10 and the last time he saw his Dad. Then the film cuts back to current day in the film and Sam is now 27. It’s only when his father’s old friend, Alan Bradley (Bruce Boxleitner) pays him a visit, that Sam goes to his father’s old workshop.

Once there, Sam discovers his father’s computer still running and gets sucked onto the grid and into a digital adventure. I’m not going to say anymore otherwise explaining it all just gives it away….I hate reviews that blab everything.

I will say, first of all, the look of the film is amazing. It’s dark and hip and definitely high tech. The special effects were everything I was expecting and more. The modes of transportation are absolutely the coolest. And the way they appear!?!? Director Joseph Kosinski really gives you the feel of being in a video game (and not for nothing, but the vibe kind of reminded me a little of The Black Hole, which I loved). This is exactly the kind of film that works well in 3D. And if you see it in IMAX, it’s even more amazing, as you feel as if you are right in it.

One of the most pleasant surprises is that the film isn’t totally dependent on the special effects. The story is good and the characters are well thought out. One of my fears was that if the audience was not familiar with the original movie, they would somehow be lost in this one. That was not the case at all. The story moves along with the appropriate explanation of the “past” and stands on its own as an adventure for a new generation of fans. There are surprises around every corner and I happily had no idea where we were going until we got there.

Disney smartly returned Jeff Bridges and Bruce Boxleitner to their original characters, which brings a certain sentimentality for the almost cult-like followers of the first film, and many of the new characters are funny, weird and definitely cool. Olivia Wilde’s character, Quorra, shows up kickin’ ass.

Be on the look out for Michael Sheen’s character – he’s a cross between Frank-N-Furter and PT Barnum.

I would totally recommend this movie to anyone who just wants to sit back, relax and hang out in another world for a few hours.

End of Program

Rating: 5 out of 5 *****

MPAA Rating: PG-13. Running time: 125 MIN

Watch the TRON: LEGACY London Premiere LIVE

As Disney brings you the 3D movie event of the year with director Jospeh Kosinski’s long awaited return to the grid, TRON: LEGACY fans worldwide will be able to experience the Tron: Legacy London premiere as it unfolds LIVE from the blue carpet today, December 5th, at 12:30pm ET / 9:30am PT.

Hosted by UK radio DJ Edith Bowman the live premiere stream begins at 5.20pm (GMT) with exclusive access all areas footage, including interviews with Tron: Legacy’s all-star cast as they walk the TRON-ified blue carpet; from the legendary Jeff Bridges (returning as Kevin Flynn), Olivia Wilde (Quorra) to the film’s director Joseph Kosinski and the film’s producer Sean Bailey.

In addition to seeing the Hollywood stars from the movie viewers will also be treated to an exclusive preview of the TRON: Legacy soundtrack which was scored by Grammy® Award-winning electronic music duo Daft Punk. The soundtrack is the duo’s first studio recorded album in 5 years and is released December 6.

Other guests attending include Jonathan Ross, Professor Green, N-Dubz, Tinchy Stryder, La Roux, McFly, Toby Kebbell, Alison Goldfrapp, The Script, Ellie Goulding, Klaxons, Pete Tong, Roisin Murphy, Ozwald Boateng, Gary and Danielle Lineker

TRON: LEGACY is a 3D high-tech adventure set in a digital world that’s unlike anything ever captured on the big screen. Sam Flynn (GARRETT HEDLUND), a rebellious 27-year-old, is haunted by the mysterious disappearance of his father Kevin Flynn (Oscar®- and Golden Globe®-winner JEFF BRIDGES), a man once known as the world’s leading video-game developer. When Sam investigates a strange signal sent from the old Flynn’s Arcade—a signal that could only come from his father—he finds himself pulled into a digital world where Kevin has been trapped for 20 years. With the help of the fearless warrior Quorra (OLIVIA WILDE), father and son embark on a life-or-death journey across a visually-stunning cyber universe—a universe created by Kevin himself that has become far more advanced with never-before-imagined vehicles, weapons, landscapes and a ruthless villain who will stop at nothing to prevent their escape.

TRON: LEGACY is directed by Joseph Kosinski, from a screenplay written by Eddy Kitsis & Adam Horowitz, based on characters created by Steven Lisberger and Bonnie MacBird. Presented in Disney Digital 3D and scored by Grammy Award® winning electronic music duo Daft Punk, TRON: Legacy hits theaters on December 17, 2010.

Visit the official website at: http://Disney.com/TRON. Like TRON: LEGACY on Facebook at: www.Facebook.com/TRON or on Twitter here.

The film is rated PG with a running time of 126 mins

TRON: LEGACY – Behind the Scenes “Vehicles”

Walt Disney Pictures’ has released this new behind-the-scenes look at the “Vehicles” of TRON: LEGACY. In it actors Jeff Bridges and Olivia Wilde, director Joseph Kosinski, producer Jeffrey Silver, and designers Daniel Simon and Darren Gilford talk about the look of the futuristic cars in the film.

Synopsis:

TRON: LEGACY is a 3D action-packed adventure set in a digital world unlike anything captured on the big screen. Sam Flynn (Garrett Hedlund), a rebellious 27-year-old, is haunted by the mysterious disappearance of his father Kevin Flynn (Oscar® and Golden Globe® winner Jeff Bridges), a man once known as the world’s leading video-game developer. When Sam investigates a strange signal sent from the abandoned Flynn’s Arcade – that could have only come from his father – he finds himself pulled into a world where Kevin has been trapped for 20 years. With the help of the fearless warrior Quorra (Olivia Wilde), father and son embark on a life-or-death journey across a visually stunning universe – created by Kevin Himself – which has become far more advanced with never-before-imagined vehicles, weapons and landscapes, and a ruthless villain who will stop at nothing to prevent their escape. 

TRON: LEGACY is directed by Joseph Kosinski, from a screenplay written by Eddy Kitsis & Adam Horowitz, based on characters created by Steven Lisberger and Bonnie MacBird. Presented in Disney Digital 3D and scored by Grammy Award® winning electronic music duo Daft Punk, TRON: Legacy hits theaters on December 17, 2010.

Visit the official website at: http://Disney.com/TRON. Like TRON: LEGACY on Facebook at: www.Facebook.com/TRON or on Twitter here.

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