Leonardo DiCaprio...highest paid heartthrob! Funny doesn't equate to $$$ for Adam Sandler!

If you read between-the-lines of the latest Forbes Magazine report on the subject of the highest-paid actors in the lofty realm of feature films, it should be evident that funny does not always equate to money!

For example, Adam Sandler - a perennial favorite of the comedy genre - lagged behind two studly box-office stars more inclined to go the heartthrob route.

Leonardo DiCaprio broke stride this year, in fact, and ended up best rewarded for his acting chops to the tune of $77 million.

Just betcha, he was laughing all the way to the bank, when he shouted to runner-up actor Johnny Depp:

"Catch me if you can!"

Well, Johnny-boy can probably point an accusing finger at "The Tourist" for tarnishing his once-stellar career record at the local movie theatre, for starters.

But, the big-budget fiasco didn't appear to put a dent in Angelina Jolie's film prospects, on the other hand.

Word is that Ms. Jolie is prepping for a remake of "Cleopatra" - a much-anticipated acting challenge - which should rustle up even bigger bucks for one of the world's most-beautiful women.

I wouldn't kick Angie out-of-bed for eating crackers, you betcha!

Brad better remain attentively by the sultry siren's side (may I peel 'ya a grape, dahlink?) while she's on location - after all - you know what happened when Elizabeth Taylor took on the role with a handsome young stud in the lead of Mark Anthony in the romantic environs of Rome.

Uh-huh!

The International scandal that followed - not only broke up her marriage to Eddie Fisher - but caused Ms. Taylor to be denounced by the Pope!

News at 11!

http:www.thetattler.biz

The Tourist...Angelina Jolie's sensuality steals flick! A critical miss, though!

One of my favorite films is "The Lives of Others" which was helmed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck who won an Oscar for best foreign film for directing.

Once the coveted academy award was under his belt, Donnersmarck began to field scripts that started to flood in after that phenomenal success, or so the rumor goes.

After careful consideration, the European auteur gave the nod to "The Tourist" for his next project for some inexplicable reason.

Odd, when one considers that the script was poorly-written from the get-go!

If Donnersmarck was seeking to establish himself in the big leagues of Hollywood, the film - a critical miss - must have been an obvious choice (on the other hand).

Of course, the golden opportunity to work with two megastars - Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp - must have been the bait that cinched the deal.

When it comes to subject matter, it is obvious that the director didn't stray too far from his roots or familiar territory (the realms of intrigue, espionage, and surveillance) when scenes from "Lives of Others" (though more modest and realistic in scope in their context in the celebrated little flick) spring to the forefront of a film buff's mind.

With "The Tourist", Donnersmarck was able to facilitate a broader strokes on a wider lusher canvas with - in large part due to the backing of a major studio - which bootstrapped the director financially with the specific aim of launching a mainstream big-budget celluloid offering ripe for public consumption.

The plot is so unplausible that it is laughable.

Once the audience recognizes that, it is best they just settle in, and go along for the entertaining ride.
Angelina Jolie is in her element here in a role that exalts her classy sensual appeal to the max.

In fact, in the final analysis, Brad's wife may walk away from the Tourist - not only unharmed - but celebrated as one of the world's most beautiful women (a title that served screen legend Elizabeth Taylor well).

Think "Cleopatra".

I wouldn't kick her out of bed for eating crackers, that's for sure!

Though a fiasco - and a probable box-office-bomb - Donnersmarck's puff piece may end up catapulting Jolie onto a pedestal - where she'll become one of the untouchables - as far as celebrity and film greatness go.

Allegedly, the director held extensive production meetings with the wardrobe department, to get Jolie's "look" just right.

In addition, there was a big focus on light and make-up to ensure that the character's fashion sense (and style) were fleshed out so that her role of International Jet-Setter was believable.

My keen eye spied ghastly folds and creases in a "starring" couture piece in the opening scenes, though.

The "gown' was nothing more a thrown-together smock - draped miserably this way 'n that about her nubile figure - and lightyears away from any exquisite designer frock.

In one scene, when a camera pans in on Ms. Jolie's "butt" - so that actors portraying "agents" can get an up-close look at one of her striking assets - puckers and unsightly fabric snafus grabbed the spotlight instead of Jolie's celebrated "ass".

A red sash was totally out of place, as well.

But what really floored me were some shoddy production values which were totally unacceptable.

For instance, in the first scene where Angelina's character "speaks" on-camera, there is no volume to speak of; in fact, the dialogue sounds like a poorly edited "voice over".

Shortly thereafter, the problem resolved itself, so I have to speculate that after the film wrapped the scene needed a patch job in order to carry some weight at the beginning of the flick.

Unprofessional, to say the least!

For the most part, Jolie's scenes were as slick and and glossy as the expensive lipstick that adorned her luscious lips!

In contrast, Johnny Depp's face was pasty and puffy-looking, and out-of-place in a film where all the character's faces were animated and flush with color and vibrant good health.

Depp, in the final analysis, lacks the kind of - big-screen persona, male presence, and acting muscle = to pull this role off.

In fact, more often-than-not, Mr. Depp gets lost in the pricey furniture competing for the audience's attention.

On Dave Letterman recently, the actor blurted out that he hated his role on 21 Jump Street, a youth-oriented action-adventure series shot in Vancouver (Canada) years ago in the early days of his career.

In spite of that, the popular thespian managed to fit the "star vehicle" - and consequently - the show launched his career into the stratosphere.

"The Tourist" underscores how tenuous his future may be in the Hollywood genre produced here.

The film gets 3 stars for eye-candy!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Johnny Depp...signed to play Tonto in Lone Ranger!

White man speak with forked tongue!

The word out of the Jerry Bruckheimer camp is that Johnny Depp has signed on the dotted line to inhabit the role of Tonto - the Lone Ranger's faithful sidekick - in the big-budget production slated to lens in the near future.

The role of the "Lone Ranger" remains open to takers.

Provided the actor in question has the wide-screen appeal producers - and box-office draw - that studio suits are seeking.

Allegedly George Clooney was approached.

Is the affable megstar tired of camping it up in half-black masks on screen?

Although Val Kilmer is out-of-favor in the industry, he'd be damn good in the part, just betcha!

Later!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Alice In Wonderland...must-see flick with dazzling visuals! Johnny Depp so-so...

Whatever the producers spent on "Alice in Wonderland" - it's all right up there on the widescreen in glorious  color and  rife with animation techniques that are state-of-the-art  - dazzling excited filmgoers by the calculated second.

The much-anticpated Tim Burton flick does not disappoint for the most part.

In fact, the exquisite special effects make "Alice" a must-see fantasy.

Curiously, Johnny Depp falls short, amid a cast of actors that have excelled in characterizations which push the envelope to the max without going over-the-top or taking away from the film's natural ebb and flow  which undulates without much wobbling (admirably).

Of course, Tim Burton's visual feast is an adaptation of the celebrated children's book by Lewis Carroll, "Alice in Wonderland".

True to form, Burton sets up the storyline with a minimum amount of fuss, and within minutes, the rapt audience is swept up into a breathtaking other-world deep beneath the earth's crust.

Alice, a bit emotional  and pensive about a pending engagement, dashes off to think her thoughts - when she unexpectedly tumbles down a hole - and ends up in a realm (that in its own context) appears to be so much more than one of make-believe.

Within moments of getting her bearings in the subterranean dream-like world, a posse of resident descend on her with a desperate plea to rise up and meet her alleged destiny.

According to history, Alice (a human girl) will slay the Queen's favorite pet dragon - and ultimately - set the townsfolk free of the Queen of Hearts (tarts?) tyranny.

Burton has out -done himself here.

The quirky director has managed to create an intriguing world that takes a foray into the innermost workings of the "mind" and psyche "imagery" (and beyond) without much difficulty (or so it would seem).

In fact, with all the ability of a skilled sorcerer, the expert craftsman draws the audience into the fanciful dimension he's conjured up, without revealing any of the magic up his sleeve that rendered the illusion possible.

Thus, filmgoers are enterained for a couple of  imagination-packed hours that captivate.

Although the costumes were exquisitely designed - and are fascinating to gaze upon - the make-up is a big disappointment.

This flaw especially rings true in respect to Johnny Depp's character ("Mad Hatter").

When Depp first appears on film -  instead of being a show-stopping moment (which the audience expects given all the hype in recent days) - his grand entrance amounts to nothing more than a whimper.

For some inexplicable reason, the make-up appears to be all wrong.

And, poorly executed as well.

Though the production office spent millions on costumes, sets - and creating the eye-catching underground world of Alice through the looking glass -  the studio obviously skimped on a make-up artist (sadly).

Although the "design" ideas for the characters' faces are excellent, because the makeup application is sloppy and unprofessional-looking, the whole effect fails miserably.

In fact, in some instances - sloppy lines and smudged pancake make-up - to the naked eye appear to be the botched handiwork of unskilled workers on the set.

The persona they dredged up for Depp - a down-'n-out hooker - was a total miscue.

Pity!

Even still, the smorgasbord of visual delights here, are worth the price of admission.

"Alice in Wonderland" is one of those films, like Avatar, that you have to catch no matter what your taste be.

Just squint a little when you gaze on the faces of the well-developed characters on the silver screen.

That might correct the flawed appearance of the make-up.

If not, down a brewskie or a stiff scotch, 'cause that will certainly do the trick!

http://www.thetattler.biz

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus...escapist bill-of-fare entertains! Johnny Depp & Christopher Plummer stellar performances...

Christopher Plummer remarkable!

If you're pining for a total escape from reality, Gilliam' breathtaking feature film - The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassum - just may be the ticket worthing springing a few hard-earned bucks on.

The stunning imagery, well-crafted sets, and remarkable fanciful world created on celluloid, is worth the price of admission alone.

Christopher Plummer plays Doctor Parnassus, a mystical character who appears to be walking a tightrope between fantasy and reality, after having sold his soul to the devil  (played spendidly by actor Tom Waits).

In his prophetic hands, Parnassus holds the power of imagination, which he steadfastly (and stealthfully) uses at whim to temp souls - and ultimately - hopefully reign supreme over his slippery adversary (where he imagines peace and harmony await him the end scenario with open arms).

The Imaginarium - on its face - seems to be a mindless carnival sideshow rife with adventure and folly and with all the visual stimulation of a potent LSD trip into whimsical dream-like realms.

Curiously, as it turns out, stepping into the imaginarium (by virtue of a two-way mirror in a circus tent) forces the hapless victim to come face-to-face with their inner demons, all-encompassing desires, and the like.

Couple this with the fact that actor Heath Ledger met his early demise during the course of filming - and the whole kit-and-kaboodle - becomes downright intriguing.

Gilliam turned to Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell to help tidy up loose ends for the imaginarium of  Heath's own soul-searching character (left dangling when the tragedy unfolded unexpectedly before the shoot was wrapped).

Script changes explained away Heath's transformative persona onscreen  in a plot line that was all over the map - and thus, made sense - in the final analysis.

In a fascinating plot twist, it turns out that Parnassus's mortal daughter sprang up from the loins of one of the Devil's diabolical temptations, which boosts the stakes higher for the wizard at odds with his nemesis.

To the film's credit, Gilliam has lent his extraordinary storytelling skills with flair (confidence) and aplomb.

The acting - in particular that of Johnny Depp, Christophe Plummer and Colin Farrel - is exceptional; in fact, I could not find fault or flaw anywhere with the characterizations or acting styles facilitated to conjure them up seamlessly on the silver screen.

Perhaps it was the magical gift of Gilliam that managed to keep all the actors enthralled.

Ah, what a  taskmaster!

By the way, this is one screening you'd be wise to sit through 'til the final credit has rolled.

Each contributor's name is artfully scripted with eye-catching distinction before the curtain falls down.

And, at one point - a nod to Heath Ledger & friends - brings a tear to the eye.

What might have been!

Heath Ledger's last bow!

http://www.julianayrs.com

People's Choice Awards...Ashton Kutcher web celeb! Johnny Depp, Lady Gaga & Twilight nab top nods...

Demi's boy-toy darling of the web set!

The Lady tramples the competition!

Johnny Depp was astonishingly hailed best Actor of the Decade, ubiquitous Lady Gaga music breakout artist (Pop Artist, too) and Twilight - natch - was given a high-five for best-loved movie by the films biggest die-hard fans otherwise known as "the people".

Ashton Kutcher - that clever cad - nabbed Web Celebrity honors!

After that stint on twitter with Ted Turner & CNN, no wonder, dudes!

The kid's got balls. 

Um, do 'ya figure, that's why Demi jumps between the silk sheets with the studly actor?

Rule No. 1, if a performer is hankering to succeed in the entertainment "biz", talent isn't always a sure-fire way to land smack dab in the glare of the spotlight.

No, sir!

Charisma, looks - and that something known as the "it' quality - are so much-more important in the grand scheme of things!

So, to hell with the critics, eh?

Now, I present to you, "the best" according to the whimsical (sometimes fickle) dead-serious little people just beyond the footlights who matter in the court of public opinion, darling!

Movie
Twilight Saga: New Moon

Actress
Sandra Bullock
The Blind Side

Actor of the Decade
Johnny Depp
*Public Enemies
*The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

Movie (Comedy)
The Proposal

Movie (Independent)
Inglourious Basterds

Action Star
Hugh Jackman (yum!)
X-Men Origins & Wolverine

Comedic Star
Jim Carrey
A Christmas Carol

Breakout Actor
Taylor Lautner
The Twightlight Saga

Breakout Actress
Miley Cyrus
Hanna Montana: the Movie

Family Movie
UP

On-Screen Team & Franchise
The Twilight Saga

Television

Drama
House (Fox)

Drama (Actor)
Hugh Laurie
House (Fox)

Drama (Actress)
Katherine Heigl
Grey's Anatomy (ABC)

Comedy
The Big Bang
Theory (CBS)

Comedy (Actor)
Steve Carell
The Office (NBC)

Comedy (Actress)
Alyson Hannigan
How I met your Mother (CBS)

TV (Obsession)
True Blood (HBO)

Talk Show
The Ellen DeGeneres Show (Syndicated)

Sci-Fi Fantasy TV Show
Supernatural (CW)

Competition Show
American Idol (Fox)

Animal Show
Dog Whisperer
National Geographic Channel

Music

Female Artist
Taylor Swift

Male Artist
Keith Urban

Breakout Music Artist
Lady Gaga

Country Artist
Carrie Underwood

Hip-Hop Artist
Eminem

Rock Band
Paramore

Music Collaboration
Run This Town
(Jay 2 with Rihanna & Kanye West)

R&B Artist
Mariah Carey

Pop Artist
Lady GaGa

Web Celeb
Ashton Kutcher

http://www.julianayrs.com

Public Enemies...hollow film disappoints!! Style & technique enough to crow about...

Is it me, or is this a queer place to post film credits?

If you are an intelligent film-goer, you may be inclined to steer clear of "Public Enemies" - the much-touted piece of fluff starring charismatic Johnny Depp - which was just released in theatres around the country.

The film on the life & times of Public Enemy No. 1 - John Dillinger - roars onto the silver screen right off-the-bat with a smattering of edge-of-your-seat adrenalin-rushing action, then proceeds to move along at a fast clip.

Great, for starters.

From the get-go, I was dazzled by Michael Mann's (Miami Vice) expert film techniques, which admirably succeeded in buttressing-up the tightly-woven drama as it splashed gloriously before me above the footlights in lush exquisite detail from ambitious beginning to predictable Hollywood-style end.

The actors were often set strategically within the frame (profiles in silhouette, for instance, were often set forward - others farther back - to effect an unsettling tension (or unspoken relationship between the characters), while backgrounds etched in swift small strokes - or lazy wide ones - were offered up when needed to flesh out and add color to the mix when scenarios demanded it.

All-in-all, "Public Enemies" is a visual masterpiece on celluloid which manages to hold the audience captive by virtue of stylized filmmaking approaches and departures that resonate beyond the limitations of the screen normally.

The mesmerizing fictionalized bio - emboldened by gutsy straightforward believable dialogue and fine performances by a stellar supporting cast - is also a smorgasbord for the senses.

Pristine marble polished to perfection in bank foyer backdrops wows, and fashion flourishes from the period flaunt the excesses of the era and openly appeal to the sensibilities in their daring flights of fancy and drama, as the character-driven scoundrels sweep film buffs along in this cautionary tale about high-stakes crimes and a judicial system that is wanting.

The keenest eye could have been fooled, though.

Not mine!

Like a delectable dessert savored at each delicious bite - "Public Enemies" left a sickly sweet aftertaste in my mouth for a moment or two - then faded away.

When 'ya get right down to the nitty-gritty, the sensational Dillinger tale is just a puff piece.

Yes folks, all style and no substance.

A hollow film, in the final analysis.

No wonder!

When a film goer saunters beyond the initial gloss upfront - and likewise - wises up to the manipulative devices playing havoc with the heartstrings, there's not much meat left to feast on.

In sum, the filmmakers' failure to dig deep beneath Dillinger's skin, was their undoing.

Imagine that, the celebrated director didn't even bother to scrape beneath the pretty-boy surface (a little rough around the edges) or even try to fathom what made Dillinger "tick".

One line of dialogue about daily beatings from "Daddy" didn't suffice to fuel - or validate - the rage that ran rampant throughout "Public Enemies" just shy of two-and-a-half hours.

Eureka!

I've stumbled upon the answer.

Just maybe, there was nothing particularly intriguing about Dillinger, to warrant an over-the-top big-budget studio-backed effort.

Say, what were Dillinger's major achievements (claims to fame) in the grand scheme of things, anyway?

Busting out of jail, robbing banks, eluding the long arm of the law?

That's it in a nutshell, folks.

Bottom line, Mann was fixing to exalt a lousy thief!

I expect half-the-reason the Mann (some say he's at the top of his game right now) snapped up Depp to inhabit the role was to capitalize on an image that oozes non-stop with likability.

Just betcha, the studio was counting on Depp's magnetic persona to slop over and subliminally seduce fans and film goers slyly into the theatres and seal their fate at the box office.

That may have been one failing.

Personally, I thought Depp - though scrappy and menacing at times - lacked the ba""s to pull off the role effectively.

Universal's much-anticipated blockbuster cried out for a young DeNiro!

Even still, Depp stole the limelight whenever he appeared onscreen n any capacity.

Not difficult to do.

Christian Bale's characterization - after all - was wooden.

The FBI role he took a stab at required a stretch that was way beyond his acting muscle.

Ah, but he sure looked masculine (and virile) in a period hat when a smattering of spontaneous light & shadows struck his jutting jaw, just so.

When I am noticing silly details like this, the producers are in trouble.

Essentially, "Public Enemies" is just another gangster movie, albeit goosed up a bit with slick imagery and media-rich state-of-the-art modern technology.

If you want to sit back, nibble on popcorn, and forget about your woes for two -and-a-half hours or so, this is the entertaining bill-of-fare you've been pining for.

I'm betting discerning audiences will plunk their bucks down elsewhere for now and catch Depp's gangster flick later on DVD.

3 Stars!

http://www.julianayrs.com/

Keira Knightley...actress hob-nobs at the Toronto International Film Festival!

As Kiera Knightley hob-nobs with the show-business elite at the Toronto International Film Festival this week, fans anxiously await the much-anticipated opening of her new theatrical release at the end of the week.

"The Duchess" is a lush period piece.

And, judging by the previews, it's going to do boffo box office!

The stunning actress - who turns heads when she saunters into a room - is pretty much down-to-earth.

If you're to believe the press clips, that is.

She's apparently quick-witted.

And, according to reports, swears like a sailor!

"Keira has great clarity as a person (and is) amazingly open for her age," her co-star Ralph Fiennes assures the curious.

Knightley has no qualms about revealing to an interviewer, for instance, that she may have forgotten to shave her legs that day.

She doesn't make any bones about the fact she may be a bit sloppy, too.

For example, it is wholly possible that when she gobbles down a plate of scrumptuous food, a handful of it may spill all over her designer duds.

Ah, my kind of gal!

Needless to say, the delightful actress probably kept the fussy wardrobe designer on the set of the "The Duchess", on pins and needles the whole duration.

The rising young star plays the intriguing - "Georgiana Spencer".

The Duchess of Devonshire was a sort-of 18th-century "it girl" who languished in an unhappy marriage.



In the historical drama, Knightley dons eye-popping headgear and a myriad of spectacular silky frocks.

"High heels are bad enough. I don't think you need a corset and wigs, as well," she says.


"The wigs were the problem. They were big like birdcages. The hats were sewn onto the tops of them. And the whole thing was glued to my head, pinned in. I had neck aches. I literally couldn't hold the thing up. So they built me a stand so I could rest the whole lot on."

"The costumes, I saw them more like an armor than anything else," Knightley says.

"She creates the person she wants to be. As it gets worse and worse and worse, the (costumes) get bigger and the wigs get wider."

Ralph Fiennes plays the Duke who complicates her life with demands for a male heir her unhealthy organs are unable to produce.

In spite of this plot line, Kiera and Ralph are not featured in any intimate love-making scenes on the silver screen.

Sorry 'bout that, Ralph!

Allegedly, Kiera draws a line between business and her own real life, too.

For instance, she rarely discusses her boyfriend (Rupert Friend) and won't even confirm she has one.

Knightley - headlining in the big-budget epic - earned a best-actress Oscar nomination for her riveting characterization of "Elizabeth Bennet" in the feature film - "Pride & Prejudice".

To many, Kiera is best-known for kicking up her skirts in three of the hilarious "Pirates of the Caribbean" features she co-starred in, with charismatic Johnny Depp and sexy newcomer Orlando Bloom.

Film buffs have also raved about her magnetic performance in more serious films, such as "Atonement", for instance.

Upcoming releases to look forward to include a Dylan Thomas drama - "Edge of Love" - which was scripted by her real-life mother Sharman Macdonald.