There are many comedians that spring to mind when you try to decide who are the funniest, but one of the most constant names to turn up on lists has to be Billy Connolly. We don’t tend to see much of his stand-up routines anymore, so when Billy Connolly: High Horse Tour Live was announced I made a point of grabbing the DVD.
At 72 you would wonder if Connolly had toned down, but thankfully this isn’t the case. Just listening him talk about his experiences as a Scottish comedian shows this. Full of topical humour, people who have felt down over the recent Donald Trump fiasco will be happy with the choice words that Billy decides to say in Billy Connolly: High Horse Tour Live. These comments will no doubt be even harsher now he knows that Trump won the election.
What makes Connolly a favourite...
At 72 you would wonder if Connolly had toned down, but thankfully this isn’t the case. Just listening him talk about his experiences as a Scottish comedian shows this. Full of topical humour, people who have felt down over the recent Donald Trump fiasco will be happy with the choice words that Billy decides to say in Billy Connolly: High Horse Tour Live. These comments will no doubt be even harsher now he knows that Trump won the election.
What makes Connolly a favourite...
- 11/16/2016
- by Paul Metcalf
- Nerdly
Mark Harrison Jul 1, 2016
Need a laugh? Here's our guide to 25 comedies that are on Netflix UK now, and are well worth your time...
Putting aside all of the chunter about VPNs and rising subscription costs for a moment, there are more hidden gems to be discovered on Netflix UK than you might expect, and we've been combing through the streaming site's current catalogue to find some of the most underappreciated comedies on offer.
We've come up with this fairly broad selection of films that varies on several fronts. We've picked out a mix of belly laughers and dark comedies, with a couple of dramedies thrown in for good measure. They're not all big Hollywood comedies, but neither are they all films that you're hearing about for the first time, though we've tried to order them according to how well known they may or may not be. What they all have...
Need a laugh? Here's our guide to 25 comedies that are on Netflix UK now, and are well worth your time...
Putting aside all of the chunter about VPNs and rising subscription costs for a moment, there are more hidden gems to be discovered on Netflix UK than you might expect, and we've been combing through the streaming site's current catalogue to find some of the most underappreciated comedies on offer.
We've come up with this fairly broad selection of films that varies on several fronts. We've picked out a mix of belly laughers and dark comedies, with a couple of dramedies thrown in for good measure. They're not all big Hollywood comedies, but neither are they all films that you're hearing about for the first time, though we've tried to order them according to how well known they may or may not be. What they all have...
- 6/29/2016
- Den of Geek
What We Did on Our Holiday
Written by Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin
Directed by Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin
U.K., 2015
Were Bill Cosby’s name not synonymous with mud right now, What We Did on Our Holiday could be easily titled Kids Say the Darndest Things. Big names like Rosamund Pike and David Tennant headline the film, but it’s the kids who steal the show. Writer/directors Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin take their experience from running BBC’s Outnumbered and utilize the improvisational skills of youngsters Emilia Jones, Bobby Smalldridge and Harriet Turnbull to pair off against legend Billy Connolly to make a charming summer comedy.
Gordy MacLeod’s (Billy Connolly) seventy-fifth birthday is coming up, and Doug (Doug Tennant) and Abi (Rosamund Pike, far removed from her Oscar-nominated performance as Amy in Gone Girl, playing a loving mother of two) are taking their three children...
Written by Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin
Directed by Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin
U.K., 2015
Were Bill Cosby’s name not synonymous with mud right now, What We Did on Our Holiday could be easily titled Kids Say the Darndest Things. Big names like Rosamund Pike and David Tennant headline the film, but it’s the kids who steal the show. Writer/directors Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin take their experience from running BBC’s Outnumbered and utilize the improvisational skills of youngsters Emilia Jones, Bobby Smalldridge and Harriet Turnbull to pair off against legend Billy Connolly to make a charming summer comedy.
Gordy MacLeod’s (Billy Connolly) seventy-fifth birthday is coming up, and Doug (Doug Tennant) and Abi (Rosamund Pike, far removed from her Oscar-nominated performance as Amy in Gone Girl, playing a loving mother of two) are taking their three children...
- 7/9/2015
- by Colin Biggs
- SoundOnSight
Billy Connolly will criss-cross the Us by train, seeking out outlaws, singers, fighters and dreamers, in a three-part series produced by 7Wonder. Commissioned by ITV, the show will follow the comedian/actor as he visits 28 states, starting and finishing in New York. Billy Connolly's Tracks Across America is a sequel to his 2011 ITV series Billy Connolly.s Route 66, in which he travelled along the famous Route 66.. Launched last year, 7Wonder is a joint venture between the Seven Network and former Maverick Television executives Alexandra Fraser, Liza Abbott and Simon Ellse which creates TV programs and formats for the UK market. The Connolly series, which was commissioned by Jo Clinton-Davis, ITV controller of factual and Richard Klein, director of factual, will screen here on Seven. Shooting is due to start in August. The director is Mike Reilly, who worked on Billy Connolly.s Route 66 and Billy Connolly.s Big Send Off.
- 6/11/2015
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
There are surprise franchises and surprise franchises, and then there's The Boondock Saints. The 1999 vigilante action comedy that nobody initially saw became a cult hit on video. Then there was a straight-to-dvd sequel in 2009, and now Boondocks mastermind Troy Duffy is taking his franchise to TV. He's prepping a prequel series for Im Global TV, and will also direct the pilot.The original film saw Norman Reedus and Sean Patrick Flanery as Irish-American brothers taking on the Russian mob. Willem Dafoe played a weird FBI agent, and Billy Connolly was the berserk Il Duce: an assassin with a coat full of arsenal. Reedus, Flanery and Connolly all returned for the Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day, and were joined by Peter Fonda.Reedus and Flanery are both in talks to be executive producers on the TV iteration, although it's unclear at this point if they'll also appear. “For years I...
- 6/9/2015
- EmpireOnline
And so another holiday tradition comes to a close. Thirteen years ago (naw, can’t be!), Peter Jackson delivered the first of a Christmas-time trilogy with the inaugural entry of the Jrr Tolkien trilogy, The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring. Two years later he closed it out with The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King, and after reaping a bounty of gold a few months later at Oscar time, he bid adieu to Middle Earth. But after a couple of features, the siren call of the wizards and elves drew him back for, not a sequel, but a prequel. The film rights to this earlier Tolkien work was finally untangled from a legal web , one tougher than those weaved by fearsome giant spiders. After the intended director moved on, Jackson was back on board, creating three new films from the singular novel. 2012 saw...
- 12/17/2014
- by Jim Batts
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Directors: Andy Hamilton, Guy Jenkin; Screenwriters: Andy Hamilton, Guy Jenkin; Starring: David Tennant, Rosamund Pike, Billy, Connolly, Emilia Jones, Bobby Smalldridge, Harriet Turnbull, Ben Miller; Running time: 95 mins; Certificate: 12A
Rosamund Pike is about to hit it big thanks to Gone Girl, but before that she'll be seen in What We Did On Our Holiday, an off-kilter family comedy from the creators of Outnumbered. With its story of a marriage under strain, media storm and dramatic mid-point twist, it could easily be paired up with David Fincher's thriller for a slightly eccentric double-bill.
Holiday is proof of the adage 'never judge a book by its cover'. Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin's movie is not the film its trailer makes it out to be, it's a lot more surprising and ambition than the sedate fare you'd expect based on the promos. This is a comedy that turns its clichéd...
Rosamund Pike is about to hit it big thanks to Gone Girl, but before that she'll be seen in What We Did On Our Holiday, an off-kilter family comedy from the creators of Outnumbered. With its story of a marriage under strain, media storm and dramatic mid-point twist, it could easily be paired up with David Fincher's thriller for a slightly eccentric double-bill.
Holiday is proof of the adage 'never judge a book by its cover'. Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin's movie is not the film its trailer makes it out to be, it's a lot more surprising and ambition than the sedate fare you'd expect based on the promos. This is a comedy that turns its clichéd...
- 9/25/2014
- Digital Spy
Billy Connolly, a close friend of the late Robin Williams, recently opened up about his last conversation with the comic legend.
Billy Connolly's Last Chat With Robin Williams
Connolly met Williams roughly 30 years ago when they were both performing on a Canadian talk show, and the pair became fast friends, with the latter frequently visiting the former’s home in Scotland. The two, who’d long bonded over their shared love of comedy, recently found a new thing they had in common – Parkinson’s disease.
“We used to talk about Parkinson’s a lot. He would call me and we would compare notes. His was early onset, the same as mine,” Connolly told The Telegraph. “Everybody worries about it. It’s like a mugger following you around.”
Connolly, who calls Williams a “complicated man, but a beautiful person,” would often exchange “I love you’s” during conversations with one another.
Billy Connolly's Last Chat With Robin Williams
Connolly met Williams roughly 30 years ago when they were both performing on a Canadian talk show, and the pair became fast friends, with the latter frequently visiting the former’s home in Scotland. The two, who’d long bonded over their shared love of comedy, recently found a new thing they had in common – Parkinson’s disease.
“We used to talk about Parkinson’s a lot. He would call me and we would compare notes. His was early onset, the same as mine,” Connolly told The Telegraph. “Everybody worries about it. It’s like a mugger following you around.”
Connolly, who calls Williams a “complicated man, but a beautiful person,” would often exchange “I love you’s” during conversations with one another.
- 9/24/2014
- Uinterview
Billy Connolly thinks Robin Williams “tried to say goodbye” before committing suicide in August. While speaking to The Telegraph about his friend, the Scottish comedian said they frequently told one another that they loved each other during phone conversations, and last one was no exception. Also read: Robin Williams to Live On as Character in ‘World of Warcraft’ Virtual World “I never stopped it and he never stopped telling me. As a matter of fact, I thought afterwards he tried to say goodbye to me, because he got very luvvie towards the end. It's fanciful but that's what I told myself,...
- 9/22/2014
- by Greg Gilman
- The Wrap
Billy Connolly has said that he believes Robin Williams may have "tried to say goodbye" during a phone conversation before his death.
The comedian told The Daily Telegraph that the recently-deceased actor called him to tell him that he loved him.
"[Robin] was my pal," he said. "He was not always depressed. He was a complicated man, but a beautiful person. He was a joy."
He added that the pair used to discuss Parkinson's disease, which they both suffered from.
"We used to talk about Parkinson's a lot," Connolly added. "He would call me and we would compare notes.
"His was early on-set, the same as mine. Everybody worries about it. It's like a mugger following you around."
Connolly said that Williams had phoned him to tell him how much he loved him shortly before he died.
"We told each other we loved each other," Connelly said. "I told him and he told me many times.
The comedian told The Daily Telegraph that the recently-deceased actor called him to tell him that he loved him.
"[Robin] was my pal," he said. "He was not always depressed. He was a complicated man, but a beautiful person. He was a joy."
He added that the pair used to discuss Parkinson's disease, which they both suffered from.
"We used to talk about Parkinson's a lot," Connolly added. "He would call me and we would compare notes.
"His was early on-set, the same as mine. Everybody worries about it. It's like a mugger following you around."
Connolly said that Williams had phoned him to tell him how much he loved him shortly before he died.
"We told each other we loved each other," Connelly said. "I told him and he told me many times.
- 9/22/2014
- Digital Spy
Exclusive: Matt Walsh will join Shirley MacLaine, Jessica Lange, Demi Moore and Billy Connolly in Andy Tennant’s feature comedy Wild Oats which has been lensing in Spain over the past few weeks. Wild Oats centers on a widow (MacLaine) who receives an unexpected windfall check because of a computer glitch and goes on the run from the law. Walsh will play a con man named Forbes, who partners with Connolly’s character. The Weinstein Company is handling domestic while Sony will distribute abroad. Walsh, who is one of the co-founders of the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, is having a busy year: On […]...
- 6/22/2014
- Deadline
David Tennant and Rosamund Pike have starred in the new trailer for What We Did On Our Holiday.
The British comedy is written by Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin, the creators of BBC sitcom Outnumbered.
Billy Connolly, Ben Miller and Celia Imrie also star in the comedy project, along with child stars Bobby Smalldridge and Emilia Jones.
The film follows Doug (Tennant) and Abi (Pike) and their three kids, as they travel to the Scottish Highlands for Doug's father Gordie's (Connolly) birthday.
However, the parents soon realise that it is almost impossible for their children to keep a secret from the rest of the family.
The movie will be released at UK cinemas on September 26, 2014.
The British comedy is written by Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin, the creators of BBC sitcom Outnumbered.
Billy Connolly, Ben Miller and Celia Imrie also star in the comedy project, along with child stars Bobby Smalldridge and Emilia Jones.
The film follows Doug (Tennant) and Abi (Pike) and their three kids, as they travel to the Scottish Highlands for Doug's father Gordie's (Connolly) birthday.
However, the parents soon realise that it is almost impossible for their children to keep a secret from the rest of the family.
The movie will be released at UK cinemas on September 26, 2014.
- 6/11/2014
- Digital Spy
Billy Connolly presents the final part of his moving, yet still hilarious, ITV documentary series Big Send Off tonight (May 14).
The Big Yin is best known for his prolific stand-up comedy career over the past six decades, but he has often shown off many different strings to his bow, taking in the world of TV, film, music and charity work.
To mark Connolly's latest excellent project, Digital Spy takes a look at just some of his best moments outside his stand-up work.
1. The Humblebums
Before Billy started his stand-up career, he sang with the late Gerry Rafferty of 'Baker Street' fame in the folk group The Humblebums, along with Tam Harvey. Largely forgotten outside the folk world, they did produce some genuinely brilliant tracks, both moving and funny. Their gigs often featured Connolly chatting to the audience between songs, eventually leading to him giving the comedy thing a go full-time.
The Big Yin is best known for his prolific stand-up comedy career over the past six decades, but he has often shown off many different strings to his bow, taking in the world of TV, film, music and charity work.
To mark Connolly's latest excellent project, Digital Spy takes a look at just some of his best moments outside his stand-up work.
1. The Humblebums
Before Billy started his stand-up career, he sang with the late Gerry Rafferty of 'Baker Street' fame in the folk group The Humblebums, along with Tam Harvey. Largely forgotten outside the folk world, they did produce some genuinely brilliant tracks, both moving and funny. Their gigs often featured Connolly chatting to the audience between songs, eventually leading to him giving the comedy thing a go full-time.
- 5/14/2014
- Digital Spy
Youngers: E4, 7.30pm
The series that follows a group of friends negotiating their way through teenage life and London's music scene returns to our screens this evening.
Months have passed since the Youngers fell out at the Avengerz Krew concert, and Jay has experienced a renewed interest in music, starting to lay down new tracks with his producer friend Leon.
Meanwhile, things haven't quite kicked off for Yemi or Davina, who are still struggling to find their big break.
Billy Connolly's Big Send Off: ITV, 9pm
Billy Connolly tackles the issue of mortality in this new two-part documentary series.
Having discussed last year his own experience of surgery for his prostate cancer and being diagnosed with Parkinson's, Connolly goes on a journey covering the globe to discover how different cultures and religions deal with the concept of death, as well as discussing his own life coming to an end.
The series that follows a group of friends negotiating their way through teenage life and London's music scene returns to our screens this evening.
Months have passed since the Youngers fell out at the Avengerz Krew concert, and Jay has experienced a renewed interest in music, starting to lay down new tracks with his producer friend Leon.
Meanwhile, things haven't quite kicked off for Yemi or Davina, who are still struggling to find their big break.
Billy Connolly's Big Send Off: ITV, 9pm
Billy Connolly tackles the issue of mortality in this new two-part documentary series.
Having discussed last year his own experience of surgery for his prostate cancer and being diagnosed with Parkinson's, Connolly goes on a journey covering the globe to discover how different cultures and religions deal with the concept of death, as well as discussing his own life coming to an end.
- 5/7/2014
- Digital Spy
Billy Connolly has appeared in a new clip from his upcoming ITV documentary.
The legendary comedian speaks about being diagnosed with prostate cancer and Parkinson's disease on the same day in the promo.
Connolly said: "I had a funny week. On the Monday, I got hearing aids. On the Tuesday, I got pills for heartburn, which I have to take all the time. And on the Wednesday, I got news that I had prostate cancer and Parkinson's disease.
"They told me on the phone. They said, 'Look we've had the result and it's cancer.' And I said, 'Oh no-body's ever said that to me before.' And Pamela was standing behind me and gave me a bit of a cuddle but I wasn't unduly worried.
"The Parkinson's was strange because it was a man in a hotel who spotted it. He said, 'Excuse me Billy, I'm a big fan...
The legendary comedian speaks about being diagnosed with prostate cancer and Parkinson's disease on the same day in the promo.
Connolly said: "I had a funny week. On the Monday, I got hearing aids. On the Tuesday, I got pills for heartburn, which I have to take all the time. And on the Wednesday, I got news that I had prostate cancer and Parkinson's disease.
"They told me on the phone. They said, 'Look we've had the result and it's cancer.' And I said, 'Oh no-body's ever said that to me before.' And Pamela was standing behind me and gave me a bit of a cuddle but I wasn't unduly worried.
"The Parkinson's was strange because it was a man in a hotel who spotted it. He said, 'Excuse me Billy, I'm a big fan...
- 5/2/2014
- Digital Spy
Billy Connolly will talk openly about his battle with Parkinson's disease and prostate cancer in a new ITV series.
The comedian and actor will discuss the subject of mortality and death within different cultures and communities in the two-part series Billy Connolly's Big Send Off.
Connolly will also discover the business behind death, and will share how he would like to be remembered and his own funeral plans.
His journey will take him to a funeral convention in Texas and a pet cemetery in San Francisco, as well as a drive-through funeral parlour in Los Angeles.
Connolly will also visit his favourite graveyard in his hometown of Glasgow, and shares stories of funerals that he has attended, including that of his friend Keith Moon.
Eric Idle will also appear in a discussion about humour that can be found in death, and will duet with Connolly in a new version...
The comedian and actor will discuss the subject of mortality and death within different cultures and communities in the two-part series Billy Connolly's Big Send Off.
Connolly will also discover the business behind death, and will share how he would like to be remembered and his own funeral plans.
His journey will take him to a funeral convention in Texas and a pet cemetery in San Francisco, as well as a drive-through funeral parlour in Los Angeles.
Connolly will also visit his favourite graveyard in his hometown of Glasgow, and shares stories of funerals that he has attended, including that of his friend Keith Moon.
Eric Idle will also appear in a discussion about humour that can be found in death, and will duet with Connolly in a new version...
- 3/6/2014
- Digital Spy
Best wishes for comic and actor Billy Connolly, who has undergone surgery for prostate cancer, his publicist tells the BBC. The Scottish-born star, 70, had "minor surgery" after being diagnosed "with the very early stages of prostate cancer." "In addition, Billy has been assessed as having the initial symptoms of Parkinson's disease, for which he is receiving the appropriate treatment." Connolly, who played a dwarf warrior in 'The Hobbit' film series, is not expected to slow down. Connolly is set to start filming a TV series soon and launch a tour of New Zealand next year, and "has been assured by experts that the findings will in no way inhibit or affect his ability to work," the statement said.
- 9/17/2013
- by April Neale
- Monsters and Critics
Billy Connolly, 70, recently underwent surgery to treat his prostate cancer. In addition, the comedian and actor was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
"Billy Connolly recently underwent minor surgery in America after being diagnosed with the very early stages of prostate cancer," his representative tells BBC. "In addition, Billy has been assessed as having the initial symptoms of Parkinson's disease, for which he is receiving the appropriate treatment."
The Scot doesn't plan to let these illnesses affect his work plans. His spokeswoman says he will continue to move forward with his career as normal.
"Billy has been assured by experts that the findings will in no way inhibit or affect his ability to work, and he will start filming a TV series in the near future, as well as undertaking an extensive theatrical tour of New Zealand in the new year," the rep says.
Connolly's recent projects include playing the voice...
"Billy Connolly recently underwent minor surgery in America after being diagnosed with the very early stages of prostate cancer," his representative tells BBC. "In addition, Billy has been assessed as having the initial symptoms of Parkinson's disease, for which he is receiving the appropriate treatment."
The Scot doesn't plan to let these illnesses affect his work plans. His spokeswoman says he will continue to move forward with his career as normal.
"Billy has been assured by experts that the findings will in no way inhibit or affect his ability to work, and he will start filming a TV series in the near future, as well as undertaking an extensive theatrical tour of New Zealand in the new year," the rep says.
Connolly's recent projects include playing the voice...
- 9/16/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
Billy Connolly has been treated for prostate cancer. According to a statement on his website, the Scottish actor underwent minor surgery in the United States and has successfully recovered. Connolly, 70, also has the initial symptoms of Parkinson's disease, and is receiving treatment. The Brave star, also known for his roles in Gulliver's Travels, Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events and The Last Samurai plans to continue working. "Billy has been assured by experts that the findings will in no way inhibit or affect his ability to work, and he will start filming a TV series in the near future,...
- 9/16/2013
- by Sheila Cosgrove Baylis
- PEOPLE.com
Billy Connolly, the Scottish folksinger, comedian and actor, has undergone surgery to treat early stages of prostate cancer and as well as being diagnosed with early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, according to a statement posted on his official website, which was last updated on Monday. Connolly, who will next be seen in Peter Jackson’s “The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug,” had his cancer surgery earlier this summer and has fully recovered, while continuing to receive “appropriate treatment” for his Parkinson’s symptoms. Also read: Billy Connolly to Play Dwarf Warrior in Peter Jackson’s ‘The Hobbit The 70-year-old actor...
- 9/16/2013
- The Wrap
Actor/comedian Billy Connolly has undergone surgery for prostate cancer and was also recently diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
"Billy Connolly recently underwent minor surgery in America after being diagnosed with the very early stages of prostate cancer; the operation was a total success, and Billy is fully recovered," said a statement on Connolly's website.
Pics: Stars on Set Photos
The statement also reveals that the 70-year-old Connolly is showing initial symptoms of Parkinson's disease, "for which he is receiving the appropriate treatment."
Connolly -- who played a dwarf warrior in The Hobbit franchise -- is expected to keep working throughout his recovery. "Billy has been assured by experts that the findings will in no way inhibit or affect his ability to work, and he will start filming a TV series in the near future, as well as undertaking an extensive theatrical tour of New Zealand in the new year," the statement...
"Billy Connolly recently underwent minor surgery in America after being diagnosed with the very early stages of prostate cancer; the operation was a total success, and Billy is fully recovered," said a statement on Connolly's website.
Pics: Stars on Set Photos
The statement also reveals that the 70-year-old Connolly is showing initial symptoms of Parkinson's disease, "for which he is receiving the appropriate treatment."
Connolly -- who played a dwarf warrior in The Hobbit franchise -- is expected to keep working throughout his recovery. "Billy has been assured by experts that the findings will in no way inhibit or affect his ability to work, and he will start filming a TV series in the near future, as well as undertaking an extensive theatrical tour of New Zealand in the new year," the statement...
- 9/16/2013
- Entertainment Tonight
Comedian Billy Connolly has been diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer and Parkinson's disease, according to a statement posted on his website. Connolly is set to star in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug and There and Back Again. He recently appeared in Quartet and lent his voice to Disney-Pixar's Brave. He's famous in the U.K. for his stand-up comedy and initially achieved fame as a folk musician. Connolly underwent minor surgery after being diagnosed with the very early stages of prostate cancer and the operation was successful, the statement says. He's also "receiving the appropriate treatment"
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- 9/16/2013
- by Hilary Lewis
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The popular actor and comedian Billy Connolly has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, it emerged today. Connolly, 70, recently voiced the character of Fergus in Brave and is soon to be seen in The Hobbit: There And Back Again. He has said that he intends to continue working and is shortly to being filming on a new television series.
Connolly, who recently underwent successful surgery for prostate cancer, had become concerned about his mental health after he began to find himself forgetting his lines. He is said to be in the early stages of the disease, which is presently incurable, and is receiving the best available treatment.
Individual responses to the disease and its treatment vary considerably. Michael J Fox continues to work despite having lived with it for 20 years, whilst Bob Hoskins announced his retirement earlier this year because of its effects on him....
Connolly, who recently underwent successful surgery for prostate cancer, had become concerned about his mental health after he began to find himself forgetting his lines. He is said to be in the early stages of the disease, which is presently incurable, and is receiving the best available treatment.
Individual responses to the disease and its treatment vary considerably. Michael J Fox continues to work despite having lived with it for 20 years, whilst Bob Hoskins announced his retirement earlier this year because of its effects on him....
- 9/16/2013
- by Jennie Kermode
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Deaths threats to comedian prompt calls for nationalists to raise the tone. Plus, Fringe gets new venue and Trump takes revenge
This week's comedy news
And this week – a comedian influences the future survival of the British state. Standup Susan Calman has been drawn into a row surrounding the conduct of the campaign for Scottish independence, after she was attacked online after joking on Radio 4's News Quiz about the nationalist cause.
"After the show was broadcast," Calman wrote on her blog, "I was accused of betraying my country, of being racist towards my own people and of being a cunt." Fellow comics including Rory Bremner leaped to Calman's defence, as the Scotsman newspaper picked up on and ran with Calman's reference to "name-calling, swearing and death threats". To cap it all, the shadow foreign secretary and Unionist tub-thumper Douglas Alexander hijacked the row to berate the independence camp for lowering the debate's tone.
This week's comedy news
And this week – a comedian influences the future survival of the British state. Standup Susan Calman has been drawn into a row surrounding the conduct of the campaign for Scottish independence, after she was attacked online after joking on Radio 4's News Quiz about the nationalist cause.
"After the show was broadcast," Calman wrote on her blog, "I was accused of betraying my country, of being racist towards my own people and of being a cunt." Fellow comics including Rory Bremner leaped to Calman's defence, as the Scotsman newspaper picked up on and ran with Calman's reference to "name-calling, swearing and death threats". To cap it all, the shadow foreign secretary and Unionist tub-thumper Douglas Alexander hijacked the row to berate the independence camp for lowering the debate's tone.
- 5/7/2013
- by Brian Logan
- The Guardian - Film News
The Impossible; Quartet; Midnight's Children
In Spain, Juan Antonio Bayona's visceral drama The Impossible (2012, EntertainmentOne, 12) broke box-office records, despite the fact that the real-life Belón Alvárez family, whose fate during the south-east Asian tsunami inspired the film, had been transformed on screen from Spanish to English speakers. Paradoxically, it was in English-speaking territories that this anglicisation caused the most problems, exacerbating the apparent disjunct between the miraculous fortunes of the privileged few and the overwhelming tragedy of the nameless many. While this thorny issue remains unresolved, it would be a shame if it caused the movie to be dismissed out of hand, for despite the expedient nationality shift, this remains a powerful drama about ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances that somehow manages to be both gruelling and uplifting.
Having proved himself a master of melancholic horror with spine-tingling ghost story The Orphanage, Bayona conjures a terrifying opening movement...
In Spain, Juan Antonio Bayona's visceral drama The Impossible (2012, EntertainmentOne, 12) broke box-office records, despite the fact that the real-life Belón Alvárez family, whose fate during the south-east Asian tsunami inspired the film, had been transformed on screen from Spanish to English speakers. Paradoxically, it was in English-speaking territories that this anglicisation caused the most problems, exacerbating the apparent disjunct between the miraculous fortunes of the privileged few and the overwhelming tragedy of the nameless many. While this thorny issue remains unresolved, it would be a shame if it caused the movie to be dismissed out of hand, for despite the expedient nationality shift, this remains a powerful drama about ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances that somehow manages to be both gruelling and uplifting.
Having proved himself a master of melancholic horror with spine-tingling ghost story The Orphanage, Bayona conjures a terrifying opening movement...
- 5/4/2013
- by Mark Kermode
- The Guardian - Film News
Special From Next Avenue
By John Stark
Every movie I go to now stars people my age and older who are suffering. I can't take it anymore.
For a long time there weren’t very many movies about people over 50. Mature filmgoers, like me, were always kvetching: “Why don’t they make movies for grown-ups?”
Be careful what you wish for. Today, it seems, that’s all they’re making.
Personally, I’ve had enough of them.
I can’t stand seeing what their characters are going through. I know that their sufferings will soon be mine, if they aren’t already.
Over the weekend I saw "Quartet," which is set in a home for aging musicians in the English countryside. It stars Maggie Smith, Pauline Collins, Tom Courtenay and Billy Connolly -- all in their 70s. They play opera stars who once worked together. Their vocal talents have faded...
By John Stark
Every movie I go to now stars people my age and older who are suffering. I can't take it anymore.
For a long time there weren’t very many movies about people over 50. Mature filmgoers, like me, were always kvetching: “Why don’t they make movies for grown-ups?”
Be careful what you wish for. Today, it seems, that’s all they’re making.
Personally, I’ve had enough of them.
I can’t stand seeing what their characters are going through. I know that their sufferings will soon be mine, if they aren’t already.
Over the weekend I saw "Quartet," which is set in a home for aging musicians in the English countryside. It stars Maggie Smith, Pauline Collins, Tom Courtenay and Billy Connolly -- all in their 70s. They play opera stars who once worked together. Their vocal talents have faded...
- 3/6/2013
- by Next Avenue
- Huffington Post
Billy Connolly has revealed that he would be interested in a role in Downton Abbey.
The 70-year-old comedian recently starred opposite the drama's Dame Maggie Smith in Quartet.
While he said he was unsure how he could fit in the show, he added that he would love to reunite with Smith, who plays Violet Crawley in the drama.
"I loved working with Dame Maggie Smith. She's hilarious, so funny in between takes and then they say action and she can turn it on like that," Connolly told Heat at last night's BAFTAs ceremony (February 10).
"She's amazing and the things she comes out with, real acidic comments, it's brilliant. She is a bit like the character on Downton."
He added: "I'd love to work with her again, I'm not sure how I'd fit into the Downton world, it's maybe not quite right but it would be a laugh I guess."
Downton Abbey...
The 70-year-old comedian recently starred opposite the drama's Dame Maggie Smith in Quartet.
While he said he was unsure how he could fit in the show, he added that he would love to reunite with Smith, who plays Violet Crawley in the drama.
"I loved working with Dame Maggie Smith. She's hilarious, so funny in between takes and then they say action and she can turn it on like that," Connolly told Heat at last night's BAFTAs ceremony (February 10).
"She's amazing and the things she comes out with, real acidic comments, it's brilliant. She is a bit like the character on Downton."
He added: "I'd love to work with her again, I'm not sure how I'd fit into the Downton world, it's maybe not quite right but it would be a laugh I guess."
Downton Abbey...
- 2/11/2013
- Digital Spy
The 66th annual British Academy Film Awards are here! And there was much rejoicing.
We’re here at the Royal Opera House in London to bring you all the up to the minute news on who won, who looked really annoyed when they lost, and who knows what else will be in store for us tonight?
Lord Stephen of Fry is leading proceedings once again and I’ll be updating you fine people with the winners as they are announced.
The full list of awards and nominees can be found here, and as the awards are announced I’ll update the liveblog below with the nominees and the winners.
The ceremony is due to start at around 7pm and if you’re hungry for all the red carpeting then head over here to see the arrivals from around 5pm.
Updates will be added at the top…But not anymore as we’ve finished.
We’re here at the Royal Opera House in London to bring you all the up to the minute news on who won, who looked really annoyed when they lost, and who knows what else will be in store for us tonight?
Lord Stephen of Fry is leading proceedings once again and I’ll be updating you fine people with the winners as they are announced.
The full list of awards and nominees can be found here, and as the awards are announced I’ll update the liveblog below with the nominees and the winners.
The ceremony is due to start at around 7pm and if you’re hungry for all the red carpeting then head over here to see the arrivals from around 5pm.
Updates will be added at the top…But not anymore as we’ve finished.
- 2/10/2013
- by Jon Lyus
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
If you’re looking for something gently humorous, and entirely unchallenging to take your elderly parents or grandparents to, Quartet should fit the bill. And that’s exactly what you’ll get; an amiable bore full of underplayed drama and mildly spirited comedy. If the idea of film set in a retirement home for elderly musicians sounds like a drag, don’t bother, but for those who have an affinity for lighthearted, predictable productions featuring some of the best actors working in the U.K., there may be just enough to Quartet to recommend.
Based on the 1999 play by Ronald Harwood and directed by Oscar-winning actor Dustin Hoffman, Quartet is entirely set at Beecham House, named after Sir Thomas Beecham, a famously oddball British conductor. It’s a picturesque rural mansion that serves as a dwelling for over-the-hill orchestra and operatic performers who wish to spend their final years in relative comfort and like-minded companionship.
Based on the 1999 play by Ronald Harwood and directed by Oscar-winning actor Dustin Hoffman, Quartet is entirely set at Beecham House, named after Sir Thomas Beecham, a famously oddball British conductor. It’s a picturesque rural mansion that serves as a dwelling for over-the-hill orchestra and operatic performers who wish to spend their final years in relative comfort and like-minded companionship.
- 1/28/2013
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Quartet
Directed by: Dustin Hoffman
Cast: Billy Connolly, Maggie Smith, Tom Courtenay, Pauline Collins
Running Time: 1 hr 38 mins
Rating: PG-13
Release Date: Jan 25, 2013
Plot: A group of residents (Connolly, Smith, Collins, Courtenay) at a retirement home for musicians aim to reunite to perform a quartet by Verdi.
Who’S It For? This film is more deserving of the audience that ran to see the comparably terrible The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, but it’s not for a specific age group either. Viewers who don’t even know what the inside of retirement homes look like will enjoy this film for its witty humor, authentic performances, and its amount of charming-man-Billy-Connolly-driven laughs. And if you liked hearing real singing in Les Misérables, here’s more true musical talent being put at cinematic center stage.
Overall
Music is so easily taken for granted by movies. Scores thoroughly written...
Directed by: Dustin Hoffman
Cast: Billy Connolly, Maggie Smith, Tom Courtenay, Pauline Collins
Running Time: 1 hr 38 mins
Rating: PG-13
Release Date: Jan 25, 2013
Plot: A group of residents (Connolly, Smith, Collins, Courtenay) at a retirement home for musicians aim to reunite to perform a quartet by Verdi.
Who’S It For? This film is more deserving of the audience that ran to see the comparably terrible The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, but it’s not for a specific age group either. Viewers who don’t even know what the inside of retirement homes look like will enjoy this film for its witty humor, authentic performances, and its amount of charming-man-Billy-Connolly-driven laughs. And if you liked hearing real singing in Les Misérables, here’s more true musical talent being put at cinematic center stage.
Overall
Music is so easily taken for granted by movies. Scores thoroughly written...
- 1/25/2013
- by Nick Allen
- The Scorecard Review
Aging isn't for sissies, or so Bette Davis and the four protagonists of Quartet would have us believe. Throw that quote alongside the Bard's famous line about music being the food of love, and you've got the gist of Hollywood legend Dustin Hoffman's directorial debut. Play on, indeed.
Given the film's A-list director it should come as no surprise that Quartet contains some pretty impressive talent in front of the camera too. Peppered through with actual retired baritones, sopranos and pianists, the film's cast is led by Maggie Smith, Billy Connolly, Tom Courtenay and Pauline Collins. Joining them on-screen is perpetual scene stealer Michael Gambon, alongside stalwart British thesps Michael Byrne, David Ryall, Andrew Sachs and Trevor Peacock.
The undoubtedly British movie seems a bit of an odd choice by Hoffman for his first foray behind the camera, so when we caught up with three of the film's stars,...
Given the film's A-list director it should come as no surprise that Quartet contains some pretty impressive talent in front of the camera too. Peppered through with actual retired baritones, sopranos and pianists, the film's cast is led by Maggie Smith, Billy Connolly, Tom Courtenay and Pauline Collins. Joining them on-screen is perpetual scene stealer Michael Gambon, alongside stalwart British thesps Michael Byrne, David Ryall, Andrew Sachs and Trevor Peacock.
The undoubtedly British movie seems a bit of an odd choice by Hoffman for his first foray behind the camera, so when we caught up with three of the film's stars,...
- 1/15/2013
- by Emma Badame
- Cineplex
Billy Connolly has revealed that he still loves his late father, who sexually abused him for five years as a youngster. The Scottish actor and comedian explained that the power of forgiveness towards his father was "immense". Connolly first spoke about his father's abuse in a biography written by wife Pamela Stephenson in 2001, 12 years after father William died. His mother left his family when he was three years old, and was raised by his father and two aunts, consequently suffering a tough childhood. He explained that he did not mean to keep the abuse secret during his rise to fame in the 1970s and 1980s. "It wasn't the time to talk about things like that - not like now," he told Kirsty Wark for the BBC's Review Show. "I just didn't want to talk about it. It was mine and I kind of liked it being mine. I thought it...
- 1/6/2013
- by By Tom Eames
- Digital Spy
★★★★☆ Quartet (2012), the first turn at directing by Hollywood icon Dustin Hoffman, is a film which requires little effort - either from those taking part or from the viewer. That’s not intended to be derogatory, indeed quite the opposite, as everything about this ode to accepting the inevitable onset of old age, starring Maggie Smith, Billy Connolly, Tom Courtenay and Pauline Collins, is a pure unadulterated pleasure - you just sit back, relax and let it wash over you. Hoffman's film follows three fading opera stars, Wilf (Connolly), Reginald (Courtenay) and Cissy (Collins), who are living out their days in the rural splendour of a leafy English country retirement home.
Read more »...
Read more »...
- 1/2/2013
- by CineVue UK
- CineVue
Last night, the 35th annual Kennedy Center Honored Dustin Hoffman among others. We are very proud of Dustin Hoffman. His new film and directorial debut,”Quartet,” is doing very well and it has been recognized by many organizations. Dustin Hoffman has long harbored a desire to direct a film, and having only ever done so on stage, he can officially call himself a Director this year with the release of his first feature film “Quartet.” Debuting at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival, “Quartet” stars Dame Maggie Smith, Sir Tom Courtenay, Pauline Collins, Billy Connolly, and Sir Michael Gambon. Based on the play by Ronald Harwood, the film follows four retired opera singers as they attempt to put on a concert to save their beloved home — and celebrate Verdi’s birthday in the process. Of his experience with the first time director, Connolly explains, “Dustin’s a brilliant director because he’s such a brilliant actor,...
- 12/27/2012
- by jbblog@hollywoodnews.com (Joseph Braverman)
- Hollywoodnews.com
Pauline Collins and Maggie Smith in Quartet
Not everybody would enjoy getting whacked over the head with a bunch of flowers by a furious Maggie Smith.
But for Pauline Collins, it was her favourite part in filming Quartet, the directorial feature debut from Dustin Hoffman.
.She didn.t hit me hard enough to start off with. but I said, .you.ve got to really go for it Maggie,. and she did,. Collins says.
Also starring Billy Connolly and Tom Courtenay, Quartet delves into the joyful madness that is life in a home for retired opera singers. But existence in Beecham House is about to be turned on its head with the arrival of egotistical opera diva Jean Horton (Smith).
Collins, best known for her award winning performance in the 1989 feature Shirley Valentine, once again brings a lovable character to the silver screen with her portrayal of Cecily .Cissy. Robson, a...
Not everybody would enjoy getting whacked over the head with a bunch of flowers by a furious Maggie Smith.
But for Pauline Collins, it was her favourite part in filming Quartet, the directorial feature debut from Dustin Hoffman.
.She didn.t hit me hard enough to start off with. but I said, .you.ve got to really go for it Maggie,. and she did,. Collins says.
Also starring Billy Connolly and Tom Courtenay, Quartet delves into the joyful madness that is life in a home for retired opera singers. But existence in Beecham House is about to be turned on its head with the arrival of egotistical opera diva Jean Horton (Smith).
Collins, best known for her award winning performance in the 1989 feature Shirley Valentine, once again brings a lovable character to the silver screen with her portrayal of Cecily .Cissy. Robson, a...
- 12/20/2012
- by Emily Blatchford
- IF.com.au
Ian McKellen mesmerised us as a classical actor, but his portrayal of Tolkien's Gandalf has made him a global superstar. Here, he talks to Euan Ferguson about wizards, why the world is a more accepting place and the joy of owning a pub
It's not quite a hole in the ground and Gandalf is not – yet – blowing complex smoke rings of dragons chasing pirate ships, but there is a still a welcomely ruminative, smoky, timeless ambience. We are sitting, Mr McKellen and I – he's not one of those who goes too big on the "Sir" stuff – in the tiny top room of the ancient waterside Limehouse pub the Grapes, which he co-bought a couple of years ago. There are candles, there are golds and reds, there's a big mutual ashtray, and outside the shaking windows the dirty Thames is growing darker, wilder and woollier by the minute.
He is talking of Dickens,...
It's not quite a hole in the ground and Gandalf is not – yet – blowing complex smoke rings of dragons chasing pirate ships, but there is a still a welcomely ruminative, smoky, timeless ambience. We are sitting, Mr McKellen and I – he's not one of those who goes too big on the "Sir" stuff – in the tiny top room of the ancient waterside Limehouse pub the Grapes, which he co-bought a couple of years ago. There are candles, there are golds and reds, there's a big mutual ashtray, and outside the shaking windows the dirty Thames is growing darker, wilder and woollier by the minute.
He is talking of Dickens,...
- 12/9/2012
- by Euan Ferguson
- The Guardian - Film News
The directorial debut of Dustin Hoffman, Quartet has revealed its poster design and you can check it out below, courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter . Maggie Smith, Billy Connolly, Michael Gambon, Pauline Collins, Tom Courtenay and Sheridan Smith star in the release, which hits December 5 in Los Angeles and January 11 elsewhere. The film tells the story of Reggie (Courtenay), Wilf (Connolly) and Cissy (Collins) who reside in Beecham House, a home for retired opera singers. Each year they stage a concert to celebrate Verdi's birthday, which also raises funds for the home. Reggie's ex-wife Jean (Smith) arrives at the home and creates tension, playing the diva part but refusing to sing in the concert.
- 11/30/2012
- Comingsoon.net
Last night, Edith Bowman played host to the British Academy Scotland Awards 2012, celebrating the year’s best and most promising talent in Scotland.
Previously known as the BAFTA Scotland Awards, the nominations were announced last month, with Ken Loach’s The Angel’s Share leading the pack, having taken home the Jury Prize at Cannes back in the spring.
The results have officially been announced, and Loach’s film didn’t disappoint, taking home the Best Writer award for Paul Laverty and Best Actor/Actress in the Film category for Paul Brannigan.
Zam Salim came away with the Best Director and Best Feature Film awards for his feature directorial debut, Up There, which was released in UK cinemas on Friday – if it’s playing in a theatre near you, this should definitely be encouragement enough to go and seek it out, if you haven’t done so already.
The great...
Previously known as the BAFTA Scotland Awards, the nominations were announced last month, with Ken Loach’s The Angel’s Share leading the pack, having taken home the Jury Prize at Cannes back in the spring.
The results have officially been announced, and Loach’s film didn’t disappoint, taking home the Best Writer award for Paul Laverty and Best Actor/Actress in the Film category for Paul Brannigan.
Zam Salim came away with the Best Director and Best Feature Film awards for his feature directorial debut, Up There, which was released in UK cinemas on Friday – if it’s playing in a theatre near you, this should definitely be encouragement enough to go and seek it out, if you haven’t done so already.
The great...
- 11/19/2012
- by Kenji Lloyd
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Billy Connolly has revealed that he has no plans to retire from stand-up comedy in the near future. The comedy legend - who turns 70 on Saturday (November 24) - explained that he finds the idea of retirement "obscene". "The Chinese say that death seeks the hands that have nothing to do," he said. "Stand-up is what I do, it's my job. People say to me, 'You've enough money now, you can stop any time'. But that's like asking a painter to put down his brushes." Connolly was speaking at last night's Scottish BAFTAs, where he was awarded the 'Outstanding Contribution' prize. He added that he worried (more)...
- 11/19/2012
- by By Tom Eames
- Digital Spy
Disney Animation has released Brave on Blu-ray Collector's Edition. Directed by Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman, and Steve Purcell (II) the film features a great voice cast and tons of special features. The voice cast is comprised of Kelly MacDonald, Julie Walters, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson, Kevin McKidd, and Craig Ferguson. Disney has one again done a fantastic job with this home video release, packing it with some wonderful bonus material.
Brave is a fantastic film for the entire family. It shows one of the best mother daughter relationships and features some of two strong female characters. I love the way Disney/Pixar movies all have a message, but never beat you over the head with their message.
Brenda Chapman wrote the story that follows the fiery Merida who despite being a daughter of royalty, prefers to spend her time riding her horse and shooting her bow and arrow. Here mother...
Brave is a fantastic film for the entire family. It shows one of the best mother daughter relationships and features some of two strong female characters. I love the way Disney/Pixar movies all have a message, but never beat you over the head with their message.
Brenda Chapman wrote the story that follows the fiery Merida who despite being a daughter of royalty, prefers to spend her time riding her horse and shooting her bow and arrow. Here mother...
- 11/18/2012
- by Jim Napier
- GeekTyrant
From Daniel Radcliffe to and Jon Hamm to Adele and Joan Rivers – if it's personality you're after rather than platitudes, these stars always deliver. Who would you add to our list?
Good chatshow guests are hard to find in these times of the overly protective PR machine. Not least because all that cosmetic enhancement prevents your average star from gamely flapping their gums about juicy showbiz matters in the way they once might have done. But some gems do shine forth from the acres of lookalike, platitude-spouting, white-toothed fame-bots. Let's look at some of the select few who still manage to have a personality despite their publicists' best efforts.
Billy Connolly
Reading this on a mobile? Click here to view
Connolly is the perfect chatshow guest in that he doesn't require much help from his interviewer. Before his bum has even hit the sofa, he's off and ranting effortlessly about one thing and another.
Good chatshow guests are hard to find in these times of the overly protective PR machine. Not least because all that cosmetic enhancement prevents your average star from gamely flapping their gums about juicy showbiz matters in the way they once might have done. But some gems do shine forth from the acres of lookalike, platitude-spouting, white-toothed fame-bots. Let's look at some of the select few who still manage to have a personality despite their publicists' best efforts.
Billy Connolly
Reading this on a mobile? Click here to view
Connolly is the perfect chatshow guest in that he doesn't require much help from his interviewer. Before his bum has even hit the sofa, he's off and ranting effortlessly about one thing and another.
- 11/8/2012
- by Julia Raeside
- The Guardian - Film News
Dustin Hoffman makes his directorial debut this year with Quartet, which premiered at Tiff to positive early reviews, and which will soon be given an Oscar-qualifying limited Us release next month.
The film features an all-star cast led by Dame Maggie Smith, and after recently catching the excellent first trailer last week, we’ve got the rather beautiful first poster to share.
“Lifelong friends Wilf (Billy Connolly) and Reggie (Tom Courtenay), together with former colleague Cissy (Pauline Collins), are residents of Beecham House, a home for retired opera singers. Every year on Giuseppe Verdi’s birthday, the residents unite to give a concert to raise funds for their home. But when Jean Horton (Maggie Smith), a former grande dame of the opera fallen on hard times, also Reg gie’s ex-wife and the fourth and most celebrated member of their former quartet, moves into the home to everyone’s surprise,...
The film features an all-star cast led by Dame Maggie Smith, and after recently catching the excellent first trailer last week, we’ve got the rather beautiful first poster to share.
“Lifelong friends Wilf (Billy Connolly) and Reggie (Tom Courtenay), together with former colleague Cissy (Pauline Collins), are residents of Beecham House, a home for retired opera singers. Every year on Giuseppe Verdi’s birthday, the residents unite to give a concert to raise funds for their home. But when Jean Horton (Maggie Smith), a former grande dame of the opera fallen on hard times, also Reg gie’s ex-wife and the fourth and most celebrated member of their former quartet, moves into the home to everyone’s surprise,...
- 11/6/2012
- by Kenji Lloyd
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Official synopsis: “The comedy stars Maggie Smith (Harry Potter franchise, Gnomeo And Juliet), Billy Connolly (Gulliver’S Travels, The Last Samurai), Michael Gambon (Hary Potter franchise, The King’S Speech) and Pauline Collins (Albert Nobbs, From Time To Time). Quartet, written by Sir Ronald Harwood, marks the directorial debut of Hoffman. Quartet tells the story of Reggie (Courtenay), Wilf (Connolly) and Cissy (Collins) who reside in Beecham House, a home for retired opera singers. Each year they stage a concert to celebrate Verdi’s birthday, which also raises funds for the home. Reggie’s ex-wife Jean (Smith) arrives at the home and creates tension, playing the diva part but refusing to sing in the concert.” Enjoy the trailer… Source: Yahoo! Movies...
- 10/30/2012
- by Matt Granados
- LRMonline.com
A trailer, clip and story featurette have been released for Dustin Hoffman's directorial debut, 'Quartet.' The film stars Maggie Smith, Billy Connolly, Michael Gambon, Pauline Collins, Tom Courtenay and Sheridan Smith.
'Quartet' tells the story of Reggie (Courtenay), Wilf (Connolly) and Cissy (Collins) who reside in Beecham House, a home for retired opera singers. Each year they stage a concert to celebrate Verdi's birthday, which also raises funds for the home. Reggie's ex-wife Jean (Smith) arrives at the home and creates tension, playing the diva part but refusing to sing in the concert.
It opens December 28 2012 for the Us, January 1 2013 for Ireland and the UK.
Trailer
Clip
Featurette...
'Quartet' tells the story of Reggie (Courtenay), Wilf (Connolly) and Cissy (Collins) who reside in Beecham House, a home for retired opera singers. Each year they stage a concert to celebrate Verdi's birthday, which also raises funds for the home. Reggie's ex-wife Jean (Smith) arrives at the home and creates tension, playing the diva part but refusing to sing in the concert.
It opens December 28 2012 for the Us, January 1 2013 for Ireland and the UK.
Trailer
Clip
Featurette...
- 10/27/2012
- by noreply@blogger.com (Flicks News)
- FlicksNews.net
The trailer for Dustin Hoffman's directorial debut, Quartet , is now online and you can check it out in the player below. Maggie Smith, Billy Connolly, Michael Gambon, Pauline Collins, Tom Courtenay and Sheridan Smith star in the December 28 release. Quartet tells the story of Reggie (Courtenay), Wilf (Connolly) and Cissy (Collins) who reside in Beecham House, a home for retired opera singers. Each year they stage a concert to celebrate Verdi's birthday, which also raises funds for the home. Reggie's ex-wife Jean (Smith) arrives at the home and creates tension, playing the diva part but refusing to sing in the concert.
- 10/26/2012
- Comingsoon.net
Vulture caught up with outspoken comedian-turned-actor Billy Connolly at the premiere of his new movie Won't Back Down, and asked him about returning to New Zealand to finish shooting his scenes as Dain Ironfoot for - what is presumably - the second part of Peter Jackson's Hobbit trilogy. Connolly reveals that as Dain, he will be going into battle riding a very unusual steed. He also comments on the J.R.R Tolkien novels which Jackson's movies are based upon.. "Oh yes! I have to go back for that. I haven't done [the battle scenes] yet. I have to get battle-ready! I ride into war on a wild pig!. I've never read The Hobbit. Never. Never read Lord of the Rings. I could never read Tolkien. I always found him unreadable … I didn't read [the books], and I normally don't like people who have! The people who love it, they're kind of scary. They...
- 9/27/2012
- ComicBookMovie.com
When we ran into Billy Connolly last night at the premiere of Won't Back Down, we wondered: Doesn't he need to be back in New Zealand soon to continue his role as Dain Ironfoot in Peter Jackson's newly three-part adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit? "Oh yes!" he confirmed. "I have to go back for that. I haven't done [the battle scenes] yet. I have to get battle-ready! I ride into war on a wild pig!" So, how many times has Connolly read The Hobbit? "I've never read The Hobbit. Never." What about Lord of the Rings? "Never read Lord of the Rings," replied the 69-year-old Scottish actor. "I could never read Tolkien. I always found him unreadable … I didn't read [the books], and I normally don't like people who have! The people who love it, they're kind of scary. They talk all this gobbledygook and they think of...
- 9/24/2012
- by Jennifer Vineyard
- Vulture
Aging isn't for sissies, or so Bette Davis and the four protagonists of Quartet would have us believe. Throw that quote alongside the Bard's famous line about music being the food of love, and you've got the gist of Hollywood legend Dustin Hoffman's directorial debut. Play on, indeed.
Given the film's A-list director it should come as no surprise that Quartet contains some pretty impressive talent in front of the camera too. Peppered through with actual retired baritones, sopranos and pianists, the film's cast is led by Maggie Smith, Billy Connolly, Tom Courtenay and Pauline Collins. Joining them on-screen is perpetual scene stealer Michael Gambon, alongside stalwart British thesps Michael Byrne, David Ryall, Andrew Sachs and Trevor Peacock.
The undoubtedly British movie seems a bit of an odd choice by Hoffman for his first foray behind the camera, so when we caught up with three of the film's stars,...
Given the film's A-list director it should come as no surprise that Quartet contains some pretty impressive talent in front of the camera too. Peppered through with actual retired baritones, sopranos and pianists, the film's cast is led by Maggie Smith, Billy Connolly, Tom Courtenay and Pauline Collins. Joining them on-screen is perpetual scene stealer Michael Gambon, alongside stalwart British thesps Michael Byrne, David Ryall, Andrew Sachs and Trevor Peacock.
The undoubtedly British movie seems a bit of an odd choice by Hoffman for his first foray behind the camera, so when we caught up with three of the film's stars,...
- 9/16/2012
- by Emma Badame
- Cineplex
The last 48 hours of the Toronto International Film Festival produced another full crop of potential awards-baiting films. Here’s what has Oscar watchers buzzing up here.
Silver Linings Playbook Along with Argo, David O. Russell’s family study is the one film that’s attracted the most Oscar buzz so far. Uproariously funny and surprisingly moving as well, this is a character piece that hits all the right notes and should be a home run with the Academy. I could easily see nominations for Best Picture, actor (Bradley Cooper), actress (Jennifer Lawrence), and supporting actor (Robert De Niro) along with...
Silver Linings Playbook Along with Argo, David O. Russell’s family study is the one film that’s attracted the most Oscar buzz so far. Uproariously funny and surprisingly moving as well, this is a character piece that hits all the right notes and should be a home run with the Academy. I could easily see nominations for Best Picture, actor (Bradley Cooper), actress (Jennifer Lawrence), and supporting actor (Robert De Niro) along with...
- 9/10/2012
- by Dave Karger
- EW - Inside Movies
We've reached the final month of the year and of this 2012 Fall Movie Preview and still have 17 movies to profile and they are some of the biggest and most anticipated projects of the year. December brings the first installment in Peter Jackson's Hobbit trilogy, a new film from Quentin Tarantino, Hurt Locker duo director Kathryn Bigelow and screenwrtier Mark Boal have teamed again on Zero Dark Thirty, the Oscar winning director of The King's Speech delivers Les Miserables and Pixar's Monsters Inc arrives in 3D. And there's more where that came from. This is the final month for studios to unleash their Oscar bait and you better believe the Internet will be buzzing. Let's have a look and try and figure out where most of the attention will be drawn. December 7 The month starts off a little slow with only a couple of movies, one of which looks like...
- 8/31/2012
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
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