Say what you will about Man of Steel's controversial ending, but there's no denying the box office hit is a hell of a lot of fun. Henry Cavill is the best Superman since Christopher Reeve, and Lois Lane gets a much-needed injection of gusto via the charismatic Amy Adams. So while Zack Snyder is busy dealing with Internet rage over his Batman vs. Superman casting news, Rolling Stone sat down with Colonel Nathan Hardy himself, veteran actor Christopher Meloni, to discuss everything from Man of Steel (available today on Blu-ray,...
- 11/12/2013
- Rollingstone.com
Blu-ray & DVD Release Date: July 16, 2013
Price: DVD $29.98 , Blu-ray/DVD Combo $35.99
Studio: Warner
Chadwick Boseman is baseball great Jackie Robinson in 42.
The biographical sports drama 42 follows the great baseball player Jackie Robinson and legendary Brooklyn Dodgers General Manager Branch Rickey as they take a stand against racism and break through baseball’s infamous color line.
In 1946, Branch Rickey (Harrison Ford, Cowboys & Aliens) put himself at the forefront of history when he signed Jackie Robinson (Chadwick Boseman, TV’s Persons Unknown) to the Brooklyn Dodgers, breaking Major League Baseball’s infamous color line. But the deal also put both Robinson and Rickey in the firing line of the public, the press and even other players. Facing unabashed racism from every side, Robinson was forced to demonstrate tremendous courage and restraint by not reacting in kind, knowing that any incident could destroy his and Rickey’s hopes. Instead, Number 42 let his talent...
Price: DVD $29.98 , Blu-ray/DVD Combo $35.99
Studio: Warner
Chadwick Boseman is baseball great Jackie Robinson in 42.
The biographical sports drama 42 follows the great baseball player Jackie Robinson and legendary Brooklyn Dodgers General Manager Branch Rickey as they take a stand against racism and break through baseball’s infamous color line.
In 1946, Branch Rickey (Harrison Ford, Cowboys & Aliens) put himself at the forefront of history when he signed Jackie Robinson (Chadwick Boseman, TV’s Persons Unknown) to the Brooklyn Dodgers, breaking Major League Baseball’s infamous color line. But the deal also put both Robinson and Rickey in the firing line of the public, the press and even other players. Facing unabashed racism from every side, Robinson was forced to demonstrate tremendous courage and restraint by not reacting in kind, knowing that any incident could destroy his and Rickey’s hopes. Instead, Number 42 let his talent...
- 6/5/2013
- by Laurence
- Disc Dish
• It's 66 years since Jackie Robinson broke baseball's colour line – and Hollywood has done a fine job retelling his story
• Jackie Robinson and the Brooklyn Dodgers – in pictures
Baseball fans will never be allowed to forget what happened on 15 April 1947, the day Jackie Robinson suited up for the Brooklyn Dodgers to break the sport's long-running color barrier. Major League Baseball has seen to that, leading the charge in ensuring that a seminal moment in American history isn't lost to time passed, retiring his number league wide in 1997 and committing to marking Jackie Robinson Day annually. On Monday, each player will don his celebrated digits, 42, in tribute to a player who became an icon.
There is however a danger that the vast weight of Robinson's story could be lost on those who didn't grow up in a time, or closer to a time, of segregation and unabashed racism. It's one thing to hear stories of Jackie's hardship,...
• Jackie Robinson and the Brooklyn Dodgers – in pictures
Baseball fans will never be allowed to forget what happened on 15 April 1947, the day Jackie Robinson suited up for the Brooklyn Dodgers to break the sport's long-running color barrier. Major League Baseball has seen to that, leading the charge in ensuring that a seminal moment in American history isn't lost to time passed, retiring his number league wide in 1997 and committing to marking Jackie Robinson Day annually. On Monday, each player will don his celebrated digits, 42, in tribute to a player who became an icon.
There is however a danger that the vast weight of Robinson's story could be lost on those who didn't grow up in a time, or closer to a time, of segregation and unabashed racism. It's one thing to hear stories of Jackie's hardship,...
- 4/15/2013
- by David Lengel
- The Guardian - Film News
Will the just-released 42 have the most successful opening weekend for a baseball movie? Writer-director Brian Helgeland's 42, which features Chadwick Boseman as baseball player Jackie Robinson and veteran Harrison Ford, whose credits range from The Conversation and Star Wars in the 1970s to the more recent Cowboys & Aliens, debuted with an estimated $9.1 million at 3,003 locations this past Friday, April 12, as per studio figures found on the web site Box Office Mojo. (Almost) undeboutedly, 42 will end up grossing between $25 million and $26 million by Sunday evening. If that does indeed happen, the film will boast the best debut weekend ever for a movie about baseball -- well, sort of. Pictured above: Ford, looking remarkably different under heavy makeup, plays Brooklyn Dodgers' team executive Branch Rickey in Helgeland's movie. Well, if you dwell on a planet where inflation is as real as the plots of Hollywood films -- including those based on real-life events,...
- 4/14/2013
- by Zac Gille
- Alt Film Guide
The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and it’s time to crack open the windows after so many long months. Ah, springtime, when a young man’s (and many not so young) thoughts turn to … baseball. Well, it turns out that many in Hollywood have the old “horse-hide” on the brain too. This favorite American pastime has graced the big screen many times from light comedies such as Alibi Ike and Major League to heavy dramas like Bang The Drum Slowly. One classic flick, The Natural, could be classified a Fantasy allegory while another, Bull Durham, is a sexy bedroom romp. Of course, film makers have chosen to tell several real-life stories of the diamond with Pride Of The Yankees (Lou Gehrig’s tale), a couple of Babe Ruth biopics, and the lady players of World War II in A League Of Their Own. Now Brian Helgeland (The Order...
- 4/12/2013
- by Jim Batts
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Is "42" right for your kids? Although it's rated PG-13, "42" is a fine pick for parents with kids ages 9 to 11 –- as long as they are mature enough to deal with the racial discrimination and slurs that are depicted in the biopic. It's a good idea to prepare kids and teens with an overview of Jackie Robinson's life and the institutional racism that existed not just in Major League Baseball but all of American society at the time. Here are five reasons to take your teen(s) to see "42." 1. It's a Lesson in Civil Rights: Jackie Robinson (Chadwick Boseman) didn't just break the baseball color barrier, he also prepared America for the Civil Rights Movement. Sure, it took another two decades to fully materialize, but Jackie Robinson stepping up to the plate was more than a sports milestone; it's one of the most important watershed moments in the history of the United States.
- 4/12/2013
- by Sandie Chen
- Moviefone
42
Directed by Brian Helgeland
Written by Brian Helgeland
USA, 2013
The majority of baseball movies come pre-set with a dollop, if not a heaping scoop of hokey, cornpone jingoism. It’s all but impossible for a director to not indulge in well-worn clichés and cinematic tropes when recreating great moments of the truest American pastime. Brian Helgeland, writer and director of the new film 42, documenting Jackie Robinson’s legendary journey to become the first African American Major League Baseball player, isn’t able to resist such expected moments. Familiarity aside, 42 is an enjoyable if old-fashioned period piece packed to the rafters with a solid cast who help enliven the proceedings with something fresh.
Chadwick Boseman stars as Robinson, a playful, hot-tempered player for the Kansas City team in the Negro Leagues. In 1945, he’s handpicked by Branch Rickey (Harrison Ford), owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers, to become the first Black player in the Mlb.
Directed by Brian Helgeland
Written by Brian Helgeland
USA, 2013
The majority of baseball movies come pre-set with a dollop, if not a heaping scoop of hokey, cornpone jingoism. It’s all but impossible for a director to not indulge in well-worn clichés and cinematic tropes when recreating great moments of the truest American pastime. Brian Helgeland, writer and director of the new film 42, documenting Jackie Robinson’s legendary journey to become the first African American Major League Baseball player, isn’t able to resist such expected moments. Familiarity aside, 42 is an enjoyable if old-fashioned period piece packed to the rafters with a solid cast who help enliven the proceedings with something fresh.
Chadwick Boseman stars as Robinson, a playful, hot-tempered player for the Kansas City team in the Negro Leagues. In 1945, he’s handpicked by Branch Rickey (Harrison Ford), owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers, to become the first Black player in the Mlb.
- 4/12/2013
- by Josh Spiegel
- SoundOnSight
Biopics can skew many ways. Mostly there are the subtle character studies that try to humanize a person while encapsulating the legend, or there are the schmaltzy feel-good kinds of films where the phrase “based on a true story” is a bit too on the nose. To dramatize real life events in cinema sometimes dilutes the actual history that took place, somehow reducing genuine moments into pure theatrics. The makers of 42 have created a paint-by-numbers biopic about the 1947 rookie season of Jackie Robinson and the troubled road it took him to make it there. It is simplistic in its storytelling and sufficient enough in its filmmaking, yet it had the potential to be something much better.
The story of Jackie Robinson is a fundamentally American myth so imbued with legitimate drama that it came as a surprise to me that the movie was so slight in its depiction of one...
The story of Jackie Robinson is a fundamentally American myth so imbued with legitimate drama that it came as a surprise to me that the movie was so slight in its depiction of one...
- 4/12/2013
- by Sean Hutchinson
- LRMonline.com
Earnest, righteous, historically accurate and often entertaining, writer-director Brian Helgeland's "42" is pretty much all you could hope for in a Jackie Robinson film biography.
Minus the excitement, which given how well-known Robinson's story is to baseball fans, is no cardinal sin. And the cast is more adequate than thrilling.
It's the sort of story that you find yourself hoping they don't screw up -- that the baseball will be convincing, that the racism isn't watered down, that the actor playing Jackie (Chadwick Boseman) comes off as a human being, not an icon. And in those regards, "42" scores.
A brief history lesson -- the narrated-over-newsreel footage context of the end of World War II -- is followed by a much longer one, as we see Robinson selected to integrate baseball by the cagey old Brooklyn Dodgers general manager and president, Branch Rickey. It's shocking to see Harrison Ford take on...
Minus the excitement, which given how well-known Robinson's story is to baseball fans, is no cardinal sin. And the cast is more adequate than thrilling.
It's the sort of story that you find yourself hoping they don't screw up -- that the baseball will be convincing, that the racism isn't watered down, that the actor playing Jackie (Chadwick Boseman) comes off as a human being, not an icon. And in those regards, "42" scores.
A brief history lesson -- the narrated-over-newsreel footage context of the end of World War II -- is followed by a much longer one, as we see Robinson selected to integrate baseball by the cagey old Brooklyn Dodgers general manager and president, Branch Rickey. It's shocking to see Harrison Ford take on...
- 4/11/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
Jackie Robinson was the ideal class act to break the barrier and become the first black player in Major League Baseball.
Writer-director Brian Helgeland's Robinson biopic "42" is a class act itself, though not always an engaging act. It's such a familiar story that any faithful film biography almost inevitably will turn out predictable, even a bit routine.
With an earnest performance by Chadwick Boseman as Robinson and an enjoyably self-effacing turn by Harrison Ford as Brooklyn Dodgers boss Branch Rickey, "42" hits every button you expect very ably. It riles with its re-creations of the heartless, ignorant racism to which Robinson was subjected. It uplifts with its depictions of Robinson's restraint and fortitude. It inspires with its glimpses of support and compassion from teammates and fans.
Yet like a sleepy, low-scoring ballgame, "42" is not the jolt of energy and entertainment we wish it could be.
Unlike No. 42 Robinson's daring on the base paths,...
Writer-director Brian Helgeland's Robinson biopic "42" is a class act itself, though not always an engaging act. It's such a familiar story that any faithful film biography almost inevitably will turn out predictable, even a bit routine.
With an earnest performance by Chadwick Boseman as Robinson and an enjoyably self-effacing turn by Harrison Ford as Brooklyn Dodgers boss Branch Rickey, "42" hits every button you expect very ably. It riles with its re-creations of the heartless, ignorant racism to which Robinson was subjected. It uplifts with its depictions of Robinson's restraint and fortitude. It inspires with its glimpses of support and compassion from teammates and fans.
Yet like a sleepy, low-scoring ballgame, "42" is not the jolt of energy and entertainment we wish it could be.
Unlike No. 42 Robinson's daring on the base paths,...
- 4/10/2013
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Hero is a word we hear often in sports, but heroism is not always about achievements on the field of play. “42″ tells the story of two men—the great Jackie Robinson and trailblazing Brooklyn Dodgers Gm Branch Rickey—whose brave stand against prejudice forever changed the world by changing the game of baseball. From Academy Award® winner Brian Helgeland (“L.A. Confidential”) comes the real-life drama “42,” starring Chadwick Boseman (“The Express”) as Jackie Robinson and Oscar® nominee Harrison Ford (“Witness”) as Branch Rickey. In 1947, Branch Rickey put himself at the forefront of history when he signed Jackie Robinson to the Brooklyn Dodgers, breaking Major League Baseball’s infamous color line. But the deal also put both Robinson and Rickey in the firing line of the public, the press and other players. Facing blatant racism from every side, even his own team, Robinson was forced to demonstrate tremendous courage and restraint by not reacting in kind,...
- 3/22/2013
- by Josh Abraham
- Hollywoodnews.com
See the third poster for Warner Bros.' 42 baseball biopic on Jackie Robinson directed by Brian Helgeland, starring Chadwick Boseman and Harrison Ford. The drama opens in theaters from April 12th, 2013, in time to commemorate the 66th anniversary of Jackie Robinson Day, which is on April 15th. This was, the date of his first game as a Brooklyn Dodger. Helgeland directs and scripts the incredible looking film produced by Thomas Tull, while Jon Jashni, Dick Cook and Jason Clark serve as executives producers. The cast also includes Nicole Beharie as Rachel Isum, who would become Robinson's wife; Christopher Meloni as Leo Durocher; Andre Holland as Wendell Smith; Lucas Black as Pee Wee Reese; Hamish Linklater as Ralph Branca; Ryan Merriman as Dixie Walker; and T.R. Knight as Harold Parrott.
- 3/1/2013
- Upcoming-Movies.com
See the third poster for Warner Bros.' 42 baseball biopic on Jackie Robinson directed by Brian Helgeland, starring Chadwick Boseman and Harrison Ford. The drama opens in theaters from April 12th, 2013, in time to commemorate the 66th anniversary of Jackie Robinson Day, which is on April 15th. This was, the date of his first game as a Brooklyn Dodger. Helgeland directs and scripts the incredible looking film produced by Thomas Tull, while Jon Jashni, Dick Cook and Jason Clark serve as executives producers. The cast also includes Nicole Beharie as Rachel Isum, who would become Robinson's wife; Christopher Meloni as Leo Durocher; Andre Holland as Wendell Smith; Lucas Black as Pee Wee Reese; Hamish Linklater as Ralph Branca; Ryan Merriman as Dixie Walker; and T.R. Knight as Harold Parrott.
- 3/1/2013
- Upcoming-Movies.com
So many awesome things about the full-length trailer for "42." Some of the better ones ahead, captured with screenshots.
1. What is it with sepia-toned period pieces and Warner Bros.? "Watchmen," "J. Edgar," "The Great Gatsby," "Gangster Squad" and "42" all look like they were filmed with an Instagram filter over the lens.
2. This.
3. Harrison Ford's face.
4. "I'll duck."
5. George from "Grey's Anatomy" is one of two "Grey's Anatomy" cast members in the "42" trailer.
6. Chris Meloni as Leo Durocher. He likes slamming things.
7. Didn't duck.
8. Harrison Ford's voice right here.
9. This shot is awesome.
10. "Avoid the clap, Jimmy Dugan."
11. The Chief from "Grey's Anatomy"; the other "Grey's Anatomy" cast member in the trailer.
12. Lucas Black as Pee Wee Reese.
13. Crushed it.
"42" is out in theaters on April 12.
1. What is it with sepia-toned period pieces and Warner Bros.? "Watchmen," "J. Edgar," "The Great Gatsby," "Gangster Squad" and "42" all look like they were filmed with an Instagram filter over the lens.
2. This.
3. Harrison Ford's face.
4. "I'll duck."
5. George from "Grey's Anatomy" is one of two "Grey's Anatomy" cast members in the "42" trailer.
6. Chris Meloni as Leo Durocher. He likes slamming things.
7. Didn't duck.
8. Harrison Ford's voice right here.
9. This shot is awesome.
10. "Avoid the clap, Jimmy Dugan."
11. The Chief from "Grey's Anatomy"; the other "Grey's Anatomy" cast member in the trailer.
12. Lucas Black as Pee Wee Reese.
13. Crushed it.
"42" is out in theaters on April 12.
- 1/11/2013
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
With production underway on Brian Helgeland's Jackie Robinson biopic "42," we now have a number of set photos that provide us our first looks at newcomer Chadwick Boseman and "Shame" star Nicole Beharie respectively portraying Robinson and his wife, Rachel Isum.
The story, of course, centers the rise of Robinson, the first African-American baseballer in the Major League, and the controversy that surrounded the move, with another actor also added to the roster in Lucas Black (star of the original "Friday Night Lights" movie) who'll play shortstop Pee Wee Reese, a Dodgers player who embraced Robinson as soon as he joined. Cast also boasts Jon Bernthal as starting pitcher Ralph Branca, Christopher Meloni as in-fielder Leo Durocher, T.R. Knight as travelling secretary Harold Parrott, John C. McGinley as journalist Red Barber and Ryan Merriman as right-fielder Fred "Dixie" Walker.
No sign just yet of Harrison Ford, who plays Dodgers manager Branch Rickey,...
The story, of course, centers the rise of Robinson, the first African-American baseballer in the Major League, and the controversy that surrounded the move, with another actor also added to the roster in Lucas Black (star of the original "Friday Night Lights" movie) who'll play shortstop Pee Wee Reese, a Dodgers player who embraced Robinson as soon as he joined. Cast also boasts Jon Bernthal as starting pitcher Ralph Branca, Christopher Meloni as in-fielder Leo Durocher, T.R. Knight as travelling secretary Harold Parrott, John C. McGinley as journalist Red Barber and Ryan Merriman as right-fielder Fred "Dixie" Walker.
No sign just yet of Harrison Ford, who plays Dodgers manager Branch Rickey,...
- 5/23/2012
- by Simon Dang
- The Playlist
T.R. Knight – known best for his role as George O’Malley on Grey’s Anatomy – has been added to the cast for the upcoming Jackie Robinson biopic, 42. According to THR, the Emmy-nominated actor will be joining Chadwick Boseman and Harrison Ford for the project, with Brian Helgeland directing.
Boseman signed on to play the legendary baseball player back in December, with Ford following suite shortly after, in order to play Branch Rickey, the man who signed Robinson. Knight will play Harold Parrott, “the Dodgers traveling secretary who has to deal with the repercussions of housing once Robinson joins the team.” Shame‘s Nicole Beharie is set to play Robinson’s wife, Rachel Isum, of whom he was married to for 27 years until his death in 1973. Law and Order: Svu‘s Christopher Meloni will also play Leo Durocher, the manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Since leaving Grey’s Anatomy back...
Boseman signed on to play the legendary baseball player back in December, with Ford following suite shortly after, in order to play Branch Rickey, the man who signed Robinson. Knight will play Harold Parrott, “the Dodgers traveling secretary who has to deal with the repercussions of housing once Robinson joins the team.” Shame‘s Nicole Beharie is set to play Robinson’s wife, Rachel Isum, of whom he was married to for 27 years until his death in 1973. Law and Order: Svu‘s Christopher Meloni will also play Leo Durocher, the manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Since leaving Grey’s Anatomy back...
- 4/18/2012
- by jpraup@gmail.com (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
The spotlight returned today to the baseball drama 42, based on Brooklyn Dodgers great Jackie Robinson's entry into Major League Baseball and shattering the color barrier. Variety reported additional casting news with 28-year-old actor Ryan Merriman, best known for his work in the horror thrillers Final Destination 3 and The Ring Two, joining the period sports movie as Brooklyn Dodgers right fielder Dixie Walker with Chadwick Boseman as Robinson. The Brooklyn right fielder infamously opposed the signing of Robinson but changed his stance and became a support of the first African-American to play major league baseball. Merriman joined Christopher Meloni, who signed on to play Brooklyn Dodgers manager Leo Durocher.
- 4/9/2012
- Upcoming-Movies.com
The spotlight returned today to the baseball drama 42, based on Brooklyn Dodgers great Jackie Robinson's entry into Major League Baseball and shattering the color barrier. Variety reported additional casting news with 28-year-old actor Ryan Merriman, best known for his work in the horror thrillers Final Destination 3 and The Ring Two, joining the period sports movie as Brooklyn Dodgers right fielder Dixie Walker with Chadwick Boseman as Robinson. The Brooklyn right fielder infamously opposed the signing of Robinson but changed his stance and became a support of the first African-American to play major league baseball. Merriman joined Christopher Meloni, who signed on to play Brooklyn Dodgers manager Leo Durocher.
- 4/9/2012
- Upcoming-Movies.com
The spotlight returned today to the baseball drama 42, based on Brooklyn Dodgers great Jackie Robinson's entry into Major League Baseball and shattering the color barrier. Variety reported additional casting news with 28-year-old actor Ryan Merriman, best known for his work in the horror thrillers Final Destination 3 and The Ring Two, joining the period sports movie as Brooklyn Dodgers right fielder Dixie Walker with Chadwick Boseman as Robinson. The Brooklyn right fielder infamously opposed the signing of Robinson but changed his stance and became a support of the first African-American to play major league baseball. Merriman joined Christopher Meloni, who signed on to play Brooklyn Dodgers manager Leo Durocher.
- 4/9/2012
- Upcoming-Movies.com
After making an indelible impression in Steve McQueen‘s Shame a couple of months ago, Deadline reports that Nicole Beharie has landed her first post-Fassbender‘d role, and it could be a big one. What do I speak of? I speak of 42, the Brian Helgeland-directed biopic of Jackie Robinson that stars newcomer Chadwick Boseman as the baseball legend; Harrison Ford as the Mlb executive who brought him into the game, Branch Rickey; and Christopher Meloni as Brooklyn Dodgers manager Leo Durocher.
The project marks an Express reunion for Beharie and Boseman, since she’ll take on the part of Rachel Isum (now known as Rachel Robinson), to whom the baseball legend was married for 27 years, before his death in 1973. The scope of the character’s involvement hasn’t been specified in Deadline’s article; here’s hoping they don’t take the typical “supportive wife of a mistreated celebrity” route.
The project marks an Express reunion for Beharie and Boseman, since she’ll take on the part of Rachel Isum (now known as Rachel Robinson), to whom the baseball legend was married for 27 years, before his death in 1973. The scope of the character’s involvement hasn’t been specified in Deadline’s article; here’s hoping they don’t take the typical “supportive wife of a mistreated celebrity” route.
- 2/15/2012
- by jpraup@gmail.com (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
Long before it was announced that Warner Bros. had put the live-action adaptation of Akira on hold, Gary Oldman took himself out of the running for Colonel, and soon others followed to other projects. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Oldman has signed on to join the cast of Albert Hughes Motor City. He will play as the film’s primary villain, a crime king. Oldman joins Dominic Cooper and Amber Heard in a movie about an ex-con (Cooper) trying to clear his name and get revenge on those who framed him. Motor City should start filming in Berlin this April.
Yesterday we reported that Kate Hudson was lending her voice alongside Bill Hader in DreamWorks Animation’s Me and My Shadow. Now the actress has signed on for another role in a different movie. Variety has word that Hudson has just been cast in the lead role in Joe Lynch’s Everly.
Yesterday we reported that Kate Hudson was lending her voice alongside Bill Hader in DreamWorks Animation’s Me and My Shadow. Now the actress has signed on for another role in a different movie. Variety has word that Hudson has just been cast in the lead role in Joe Lynch’s Everly.
- 2/2/2012
- by Mike Lee
- FusedFilm
Variety informs us that Christopher Meloni is in negotiations with Legendary Pictures to join Brian Helegeland‘s 42, a baseball drama/biopic that centers on Jackie Robinson. Harrison Ford is already signed on to play Branch Rickey — the Brooklyn Dodgers general manager who brought Robinson into the big leagues in 1947 — while Chadwick Boseman will star as the iconic athlete. Meloni has snagged the part of Leo Durocher, the manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers who famously defended the hiring of Robinson, telling his players the following:
I do not care if the guy is yellow or black, or if he has stripes like a f*ckin’ zebra. I’m the manager of this team, and I say he plays. What’s more, I say he can make us all rich. And if any of you cannot use the money, I will see that you are all traded.
Durocher would be suspended soon...
I do not care if the guy is yellow or black, or if he has stripes like a f*ckin’ zebra. I’m the manager of this team, and I say he plays. What’s more, I say he can make us all rich. And if any of you cannot use the money, I will see that you are all traded.
Durocher would be suspended soon...
- 2/2/2012
- by jpraup@gmail.com (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
Christopher Meloni appears likely to join the cast of Legendary Pictures' Jackie Robinson biopic, 42 , Variety reports. Meloni, who stars in the upcoming Man of Steel and who will be appearing on the forthcoming fifth season of "True Blood," would play Brooklyn Dodger manager Leo Durocher. 42 is already set to star Chadwick Boseman as Robinson and Harrison Ford as Branch Rickey, the Major League Baseball executive who signed him. Brian Helgeland, who wrote La Confidential and Mystic River , will write and direct the project, which is expected to enter production soon. (Photo Credit: WENN.com)...
- 2/2/2012
- Comingsoon.net
Chris Meloni is set to play Leo Durocher in Brian Helgeland's Jackie Robinson biopic "42" at Legendary Pictures says Variety.
Chadwick Boseman is playing Robinson, and Harrison Ford is playing Branch Rickey, the general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers who signed the second baseman, breaking baseball’s color line and changing the world.
Meloni plays Leo the Lip Durocher, who was the Dodgers manager and an avid supporter of Robinson who supported him through the racism he met from crowds and sometimes within his own dugout.
Chadwick Boseman is playing Robinson, and Harrison Ford is playing Branch Rickey, the general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers who signed the second baseman, breaking baseball’s color line and changing the world.
Meloni plays Leo the Lip Durocher, who was the Dodgers manager and an avid supporter of Robinson who supported him through the racism he met from crowds and sometimes within his own dugout.
- 2/2/2012
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Breaking: Chris Meloni has been set to play Leo Durocher in 42, the Brian Helgeland-directed biopic for legendary Pictures about Jackie Robinson and the breaking of baseball’s color line. Chadwick Boseman is playing Robinson, and Harrison Ford is playing Branch Rickey, the Brooklyn Dodgers general manager who signed the second baseman and changed the world. Gersh-repped Meloni plays Leo the Lip Durocher, who was the Dodgers manager and who was an avid supporter of Robinson, and stuck up for him when he faced racism from crowds, and sometimes opposing even his own dugout. Legendary Pictures CEO Thomas Tull is producing and chief creative officer Jon Jashni exec producing along with former Disney chairman Dick Cook. They’ve got Robinson’s widow, Rachel, consulting. (Getty Images photo of Durocher and Robinson when he was with the minor league Montreal Royals)...
- 2/1/2012
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
The spotlight returned today to the oft-delayed movie 42, based on Brooklyn Dodgers great Jackie Robinson's entry into Major League Baseball and shattering the color barrier. Variety reported additional casting news with Christopher Meloni, recently wrapping his work on the upcoming Superman reboot Man of Steel, joining the baseball drama as Brooklyn Dodgers manager Leo Durocher. Earlier, Harrison Ford joined the biopic as Dodgers general manager Branch Rickey and TV actor Chadwick Boseman landed the lead role of Robinson on the Legendary Pictures production. Meloni, best known for his recurring role as Det. Elliot Stabler on the long-running NBC cop drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit also signed on to the HBO genre series True Blood in a recurring role.
- 2/1/2012
- Upcoming-Movies.com
The spotlight returned today to the oft-delayed movie 42, based on Brooklyn Dodgers great Jackie Robinson's entry into Major League Baseball and shattering the color barrier. Variety reported additional casting news with Christopher Meloni, recently wrapping his work on the upcoming Superman reboot Man of Steel, joining the baseball drama as Brooklyn Dodgers manager Leo Durocher. Earlier, Harrison Ford joined the biopic as Dodgers general manager Branch Rickey and TV actor Chadwick Boseman landed the lead role of Robinson on the Legendary Pictures production. Meloni, best known for his recurring role as Det. Elliot Stabler on the long-running NBC cop drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit also signed on to the HBO genre series True Blood in a recurring role.
- 2/1/2012
- Upcoming-Movies.com
The spotlight returned today to the oft-delayed movie 42, based on Brooklyn Dodgers great Jackie Robinson's entry into Major League Baseball and shattering the color barrier. Variety reported additional casting news with Christopher Meloni, recently wrapping his work on the upcoming Superman reboot Man of Steel, joining the baseball drama as Brooklyn Dodgers manager Leo Durocher. Earlier, Harrison Ford joined the biopic as Dodgers general manager Branch Rickey and TV actor Chadwick Boseman landed the lead role of Robinson on the Legendary Pictures production. Meloni, best known for his recurring role as Det. Elliot Stabler on the long-running NBC cop drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit also signed on to the HBO genre series True Blood in a recurring role.
- 2/1/2012
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Chicago – Where would Thomas Sullivan Magnum had been without his trusty sidekick Rick Wright? Chicago-born Larry Manetti was Rick Wright on “Magnum P.I,” and has just re-released his book of memories with the show, “Aloha, Magnum.”
Manetti was born in Chicago and as an actor headed to Hollywood in 1972. His connection to another Chicagoan, Robert Conrad, landed him on the series “Baa Baa Black Sheep” [1976-78]. Between TV guest roles and film parts he caught the attention of the producers of Magnum P.I.[1980-88], and portrayed club owner and Magnum friend Rick Wright for the entire series run.
In 1999, he sat down to write about his adventures in Aloha, Magnum. He recently re-released the book, which is available through his website, LarryManetti.com.
A Cast of Magnum: Larry Manetti, Tom Selleck, Roger E. Mosely and John Hillerman in ‘Magnum, P.I.’
Photo Credit: Universal Studio Home Entertainment
HollywoodChicago.com spoke to Manetti recently,...
Manetti was born in Chicago and as an actor headed to Hollywood in 1972. His connection to another Chicagoan, Robert Conrad, landed him on the series “Baa Baa Black Sheep” [1976-78]. Between TV guest roles and film parts he caught the attention of the producers of Magnum P.I.[1980-88], and portrayed club owner and Magnum friend Rick Wright for the entire series run.
In 1999, he sat down to write about his adventures in Aloha, Magnum. He recently re-released the book, which is available through his website, LarryManetti.com.
A Cast of Magnum: Larry Manetti, Tom Selleck, Roger E. Mosely and John Hillerman in ‘Magnum, P.I.’
Photo Credit: Universal Studio Home Entertainment
HollywoodChicago.com spoke to Manetti recently,...
- 5/9/2010
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Guns and movies -- shoot and you don't hit the mark, you shoot it again. That's "Payback", a plugging-away noir thriller starring Mel Gibson that delivers some well-grooved firepower.
Originally targeted for last summer, this Paramount release should hammer some hot winter boxoffice, nailing Gibson fans and those who have a taste for the hard-boiled. Undoubtedly, the film's ironic and nasty pulp sensibility -- a fave among critics, academics and buffs -- is not for all mainstream tastes and inherently puts a lid on blockbuster potential. Still, "Payback" should pay out just dandy at the boxoffice, here and abroad.
Based on Richard Stark's novel "The Hunter", "Payback"'s hero is no "white knight," although he does travel down some mean streets and, of course, is characteristically related to such tough slugs as Philip Marlowe and Sam Spade. This guy's name is Porter (Gibson), simply that. From his bulldog we assume he's not the kind of chap who'd have a first name that fancy, so it's his last. No big deal. Besides, he's not the type who'd necessarily answer to it unless he knew who was talking. Anyway, there's not a lot of polish around his edges: Porter's not a Queensbury Rules type guy. His patron saint, as he quotes, is Leo Durocher -- "Nice guys finish last".
This thing's plot is similarly uncomplicated: in a word, revenge. Career thief Porter has been wronged: His accomplice had Porter's junkie wife shoot him for dead following a heist, then made off with her and Porter's share of the dough -- 70 grand. Too ornery to die, Porter recovers and then comes looking for payback, namely to kill his ex-accomplice and get back his dough. Nothing more and certainly nothing less.
Unlike most noir thrillers, you don't need a Thomas Guide to follow the numerous interconnecting plots or a history of the town's social register to appreciate the characters. As charted by screenwriters Brain Helgeland ("L.A. Confidential") and Terry Hayes, the story line is straight and unfettered. The fun part is, of course, that Porter will stop at nothing to get his revenge and his money, which leads him farther up the meaner streets. Each step along the way brings him in contact with deadlier and more powerful people.
As per the genre, there's some corrupt cops, bad-girl blondes, killer psychos and deadly delectations. The cast fleshes things out perfectly, a credit to the keen, selective eye of co-writer-director Helgeland and casting director Marion Dougherty. Gibson, of course, as the sullen and obsessed Porter, is the main reason "Payback" comes through. With a glare that could deliver instant migraines and an over-the-top sense of purpose, Gibson's performance as the manic man is both credible and, within the fixtures of the story line, sympathetic. Despite Porter's cruel components, we come to root for him and get off on his focused fury.
The good guy, or in this case not-so-good good guy, is only as strong as the bad guy. Here, the bad guy is very good, namely he's a horrible, loathsome character. Perfectly played by Gregg Henry, who brings a vain sadism to the role and oils it with a hyperactive swagger, we clearly have someone to root against. Kudos also to Deborah Kara Unger for her swirling turn as a call girl who has Porter's heart and to William Devane for his salubrious delivery as a smug, middleman hood. James Coburn brings a crotchety hauteur as an epicurean-styled mobster, while Kris Kristofferson's craggy growl is positively chilling in his kingpin criminal role. Just in time for Valentine's Day is Lucy Liu's ("Ally McBeal") leathered-up kick as a dominatrix.
"Payback"'s biggest payout is in its technical areas. Laden with icy blues and metallic grays, it's look is bone-chillingly irreal. Director of photography Ericson Core's drained-out colorizations, together with production designer Richard Hoover's stark, stylized cityscape -- in which every building seems caught in a noir time warp of 1940 -- saturate "Payback" splendidly with their vividly eerie tones.
PAYBACK
Paramount Pictures
An Icon production
Producer: Bruce Davey
Director: Brian Helgeland
Screenwriters: Brian Helgeland, Terry Hayes
Based on the novel: "The Hunter" by Richard Stark
Executive producer: Stephen McEveety
Director of photography: Ericson Core
Production designer: Richard Hoover
Editor: Kevin Stitt
Music: Chris Boardman
Costume designer: Ha Hguyen
Casting: Marion Dougherty
Color/stereo
Cast:
Porter: Mel Gibson
Val: Gregg Henry
Rosie: Maria Bello
Stegman: David Paymer
Lynn: Deborah Kara Unger
Carter: William Devane
Detective Hicks: Bill Duke
Bronson: Kris Kristofferson
Pearl: Lucy Liu
Running time -- 102 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
Originally targeted for last summer, this Paramount release should hammer some hot winter boxoffice, nailing Gibson fans and those who have a taste for the hard-boiled. Undoubtedly, the film's ironic and nasty pulp sensibility -- a fave among critics, academics and buffs -- is not for all mainstream tastes and inherently puts a lid on blockbuster potential. Still, "Payback" should pay out just dandy at the boxoffice, here and abroad.
Based on Richard Stark's novel "The Hunter", "Payback"'s hero is no "white knight," although he does travel down some mean streets and, of course, is characteristically related to such tough slugs as Philip Marlowe and Sam Spade. This guy's name is Porter (Gibson), simply that. From his bulldog we assume he's not the kind of chap who'd have a first name that fancy, so it's his last. No big deal. Besides, he's not the type who'd necessarily answer to it unless he knew who was talking. Anyway, there's not a lot of polish around his edges: Porter's not a Queensbury Rules type guy. His patron saint, as he quotes, is Leo Durocher -- "Nice guys finish last".
This thing's plot is similarly uncomplicated: in a word, revenge. Career thief Porter has been wronged: His accomplice had Porter's junkie wife shoot him for dead following a heist, then made off with her and Porter's share of the dough -- 70 grand. Too ornery to die, Porter recovers and then comes looking for payback, namely to kill his ex-accomplice and get back his dough. Nothing more and certainly nothing less.
Unlike most noir thrillers, you don't need a Thomas Guide to follow the numerous interconnecting plots or a history of the town's social register to appreciate the characters. As charted by screenwriters Brain Helgeland ("L.A. Confidential") and Terry Hayes, the story line is straight and unfettered. The fun part is, of course, that Porter will stop at nothing to get his revenge and his money, which leads him farther up the meaner streets. Each step along the way brings him in contact with deadlier and more powerful people.
As per the genre, there's some corrupt cops, bad-girl blondes, killer psychos and deadly delectations. The cast fleshes things out perfectly, a credit to the keen, selective eye of co-writer-director Helgeland and casting director Marion Dougherty. Gibson, of course, as the sullen and obsessed Porter, is the main reason "Payback" comes through. With a glare that could deliver instant migraines and an over-the-top sense of purpose, Gibson's performance as the manic man is both credible and, within the fixtures of the story line, sympathetic. Despite Porter's cruel components, we come to root for him and get off on his focused fury.
The good guy, or in this case not-so-good good guy, is only as strong as the bad guy. Here, the bad guy is very good, namely he's a horrible, loathsome character. Perfectly played by Gregg Henry, who brings a vain sadism to the role and oils it with a hyperactive swagger, we clearly have someone to root against. Kudos also to Deborah Kara Unger for her swirling turn as a call girl who has Porter's heart and to William Devane for his salubrious delivery as a smug, middleman hood. James Coburn brings a crotchety hauteur as an epicurean-styled mobster, while Kris Kristofferson's craggy growl is positively chilling in his kingpin criminal role. Just in time for Valentine's Day is Lucy Liu's ("Ally McBeal") leathered-up kick as a dominatrix.
"Payback"'s biggest payout is in its technical areas. Laden with icy blues and metallic grays, it's look is bone-chillingly irreal. Director of photography Ericson Core's drained-out colorizations, together with production designer Richard Hoover's stark, stylized cityscape -- in which every building seems caught in a noir time warp of 1940 -- saturate "Payback" splendidly with their vividly eerie tones.
PAYBACK
Paramount Pictures
An Icon production
Producer: Bruce Davey
Director: Brian Helgeland
Screenwriters: Brian Helgeland, Terry Hayes
Based on the novel: "The Hunter" by Richard Stark
Executive producer: Stephen McEveety
Director of photography: Ericson Core
Production designer: Richard Hoover
Editor: Kevin Stitt
Music: Chris Boardman
Costume designer: Ha Hguyen
Casting: Marion Dougherty
Color/stereo
Cast:
Porter: Mel Gibson
Val: Gregg Henry
Rosie: Maria Bello
Stegman: David Paymer
Lynn: Deborah Kara Unger
Carter: William Devane
Detective Hicks: Bill Duke
Bronson: Kris Kristofferson
Pearl: Lucy Liu
Running time -- 102 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
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