Coming Out for Air

James McAvoy and Alicia Vikander?

Yeah, I’d see whatever they make together.

The Danish Girl star has signed on to co-headline Submergence with the man who is young Professor X for director Wim Wenders.

A romantic thriller based on an eponymous book by J.M. Ledgard, Submergence will feature Vikander as a deep sea explorer who uses the memories of this intense relationship she had with this guy – who is being held hostage by jihadist fighters in Somalia – to get through a current life-threatening situation (he does the same).

Production is set to get underway in the spring, in Europe and Africa.

Photo: YouniLife.com.

Sixth Mission Accepted

Director Christopher McQuarrie is going to follow up his Tom Cruise-starring worldwide hit, Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, with...another one of those movies (the sixth one!).

McQuarrie has officially boarded #MI6, the helmer tweet-confirmed today.

This marks the first time a director is returning to the franchise. As you will know (and you should know because I say so), each blockbuster so far has required an injection of new blood. McQuarrie is breaking the cycle, and that should come as no surprise since he and the Cruiseter love collaborating. 

Cruise’s Ethan Hunt is currently meant to report back for duty next summer, for what I imagine will be a summer 2017 release in theaters.

Photo: News.Yahoo.com.

Amy the Calendar Girl

Pirelli just got real, yo.

The tire manufacturer’s annual calendar is going for a different kind of pin-up-ness in 2016, which is why it has tapped the likes of Amy Schumer (pictured here – you’re welcome), Serena Williams, and Fran Lebowitz, among others, to strike a pose for photographer Annie Leibovitz in various stages of undress.

Dayum!

Now...wait until you get a hold of Fran Lebowitz’s pic. ;)

Photo: UsMagazine.com.

Update: You gotta love that Schumer thinks this photo is gross.

Ha! But she also thinks it is beautiful and strong and sexy and digusting.

It is all woman, you understand?

Road Trippin’ with Grandps

Do not worry about winter: Zac Efron’s gonna make sure you get dem warms.

Efron, you see, is co-starring in Dirty Grandpa, a very naughty new comedy with Robert De Niro, who plays the titular role of a recently widowed man who is more than ready to make the most of the time he has left.

This includes getting suffering no fools. Talking some filth! And scoring some, ahem, kitty cat while on spring break in Daytona with his tightly wound grandson (Efron, duh), whom the old guy has tricked into driving him to Florida.

Check out the movie’s red-band trailer, kids – it’s better you see for yourself how wild this odd pairing’s fun promises to be. I mean, it very well may involved partying some babies into the likes of Aubrey Plaza from TV’s Parks and Recreation, so....

Oh yeah. Watch:

 

Dirty Grandpa is expected to hit theaters on Jan. 22.

Deliberating to Direct

Jennifer Lawrence already owns our hearts, our aspirations, the franchise game, the business of entertainment, and, oh, let’s not forget about the tripping-and-falling game.

Now, J. Law wants to helm.

The Academy Award winner is not only working on a comedy script with BFF Amy Schumer, she’s also seriously fixin’ to step behind the camera to direct. She’s so serious she already has something in the works: a project titled Project Delirium.

Based on “Operation Delirium,” a 2002 New Yorker article about the military career of Col. James S. Ketchum, a psychiatrist by trade who fought the Soviets in a Cold War race to test psychochemicals that temporarily incapacitated the minds of soldiers in the field.

In’erestin’....

Photo: HawtCelebs.com.

Life in Pieces

This coming spring, Jake Gyllenhaal will try to cope.

See, the Southpaw star is headlining Demolition, Jean-Marc Vallée’s follow-up to Wild and the story of an investment banker trying to understand and get over his emotional disconnection to his life following the tragic death of his wife, only to be saved by a woman he meets by chance.

Naomi Watts is playing his savior, a mystery wrapped in a bit of an enigma for now, from the looks of the film’s first trailer.

Demolition will arrive in theaters on April 18.

Photo: TheGuardian.com.

Nothing to Hathahate Here

Anne Hathaway is pregnant, y’all – so you best behave now.

Indeed, the Intern star and her actor-husband, Adam Shulman (Ricki and the Flash) are expecting their first baby, according to E!, which has doubly confirmed the news.

Hathaway and Shulman were married three years ago.

Congrats to them! And to that baby. That baby is gonna pal around with Valentino.

Photo: E! Online.

More About Kylo Ren

Happy Thanksgiving, kids!

Now. Who wants some yams? Can someone pass the mashed potatoes? Hey – who finished all the turkey!

Fine. No more turkey? Here’s the next best thing (no, not news of an Adele tour for America: a new look at Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

This latest preview – a direct continuation of the one that debuted last Thanksgiving – centers on Adam Driver’s Darth Vader fanatic Kylo Ren and the Dark Side of the Force, and it, well, here...have a look-see.

Photo: EW.com.

Scream Girl

That Girl wants in on the movies.

Allison Williams (HBO’s Girls) will begin her transition to the silver screen with a starring role in Jordan Peele’s horror thriller Get Out. The project will mark Peele’s feature-film directorial debut.

Jason Blum is producing – and if you do not understand what that means you should just get.

Photo: CelebMafia.com.

New Girl

It really is all about Brooklyn, huh.

And I don’t mean the New York City borough but the beyond-buzzy film – starring Academy Award nominee Saoirse Ronan (The Grand Budapest Hotel, Atonement) – by up-and-coming Irish director John Crowley that beautifully captures the immigrant experience of a comely white girl.

Snide-ness aside, I thought that Brooklyn was delightful and oh-so-truthful to the general immigrant experience. As an immigrant who came to American still in my teens, as a very young young adult, I can attest to the film’s beats where the feelings of isolation, away-ness, and discombobulation are concerned, to the discovery of a new people and a strange land, and to the eventual realization that it is all gonna be A-OK. The film was written by Nick Hornby, the British author-cum-screenwriter who helped deliver Wild and An Education (both led by strong female characters and which both netted Reese Witherspoon and Carey Mulligan Best Actress Oscar nods) and he has crafted a deftly accomplished take on the Colm Tóibín novel that absolutely delights as it puts ya on Ronan’s Eilis Lacey’s properly adventurous shoes as she reluctantly, yet openly journeys from Enniscorthy, Ireland, to America in 1952.

Hornby’s script chronicles a very specific narrative that mirrors an experience that’s becoming increasingly universal: immigration is not an unheard-of concept (America – as we very well know and as we are being repeatedly reminded in a polarizing election year set against a far larger immigration crisis – is a nation built on the backs of immigrants), and it is a weighty topic of discussion these days. That Tóibín’s novel was adapted for release this year was some sort of kismet, and Crowley’s direction serves the subject matter and the particulars of Eilis’ story well.

The filmmaker and Ronan are generous with Eilis’ coming of age – with her apprehension, fears, and guilt of leaving home, and with the joys she allows herself to encounter, pursue, and, ultimately, embrace in her adopted hometown across the ocean and distance.

Virtual newcomer Emory Cohen co-stars as Tony, an Italian-American fella Eilis meets at a dance, while Jessica Paré from AMC’s Mad Men and Emily Bett Rickards from The CW’s Arrow pop up as as a couple of the more established women she encounters at work and at the boardinghouse into which she checks in upon arrival. Academy Award nominee Walters plays the boardinghouse’s strict, if caring keeper, while Oscar winner Jim Broadbent portrays Father Flood, the priest who arranges Eilis’ passage to America.

But back to Tony.

Love, as it would, is the one thing that helps Eilis cope, for, yes, it is the one thing that can help an immigrant begin to feel normal. In her case, it is romantic love. That usually helps, but it can manifest as love for your new environment or surroundings. Or your new job. Or your new friends.

This being an awards-baiting film, it had to be love-love, and it had to be Tony, and that’s where Brooklyn and its protagonist blossom into a mystery, for Eilis gets to play with fire when she’s called back to Ireland, where she meets Jim (Domhnall Gleeson, soon to be seen/heard/whatever in Star Wars: The Force Awakens), another attractive and interested young man. That encounter, the entire visit confront who she has begun to become in Brooklyn and her true mettle, and, in the end, Eilis must decide not only who she is but who she really wants to be as well.

Who she really wants to be and where.

Let Crowley and his cast led by Ronan – who so evokes a young Nicole Kidman som’in’ fierce in this one, she is so graceful – take you to Eilis’ answer. You will be happy you went along for the ride.

My Rating ****

Photo: Fox Searchlight Pictures.

Prepare for War

Speaking of Sebastian Stan....

The first trailer for next summer’s Captain America: Civil War, the Marvel threequel that shall pit Chris Evans’ Cappie’s Avenger-y squad against Robert Downey Jr.’s, is out!

So without further ado:



Captain America: Civil War – featuring Sebastian Stan’s Winter Soldier, Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow, Don Cheadle’s War Machine, Anthony Mackie’s Falcon, Elizabeth Olsen’s Scarlet Witch, Daniel Brühl, Martin Freeman, William Hurt, and maybe Tom Holland’s Spider-Man, among others – is due in theaters on May 6.

As Neil Armstrong?

Ryan Gosling must be loving working on La La Land with director Damien Chazelle.

Why?

’Cause RyGos has his eye on First Man, a Neil Armstrong biopic that Chazelle will helm. Spotlight’s Josh Singer is writing the script based on the James R. Hansen-penned biography, First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong.

Up first for Gosling, however, is The Big Short, opening on Dec. 11.

Now. I love me some Ryan Gosling, and I appreciate that he has the clout to get this off the ground, but I think someone like Sebastian Stan probably has more of what it takes, physically, to play Neil Armstrong.

Heck, you know who would absolutely fit the look? Brian Geraghty (NBC’s Chicago franchise, Flight).

Alas, Geraghty is not quite there yet.

Again, I think the Gos is the s---, but him as Neil Armstrong could be Steve Jobs all over again.

Photo: Zimbio.com.

Chelsea to Netflix and Chill

When Chelsea Handler left E! two summers ago, in favor of Netflix, girlfriend promised us stand-up specials, four docu-comedy specials, and a new talk show to launch for stream in 2016.

Ms. Handler is ready to share now.

Up first, Chelsea Does... will see the funnywoman explore four different subjects – marriage, racism, Silicon Valley, and drugs – in...January. Here’s what you can expect.

Later in the new year, Handler will stream a live-ish talk show three nights a week “[i]s not going to look like a late-night talk show.”

We have been warned.

Photo: EW.com.

Cruising the Mummy

ORLY?

Tom Cruise is circling a reboot of The Mummy.

For real.

Like, no, Tom Cruise – you are Tom f---in’ Cruise. You cannot pick up where Brendan Fraser left off.

I can understand the appeal of the project for the Cruiseter, for it is meant to set up a multi-monster universe that also will feature Universal Pictures characters like Dracula, Frankenstein’s creature, and the Wolfman. After all, Cruise once almost was Tony Stark/IronMan...and we all know how that worked out for Robert Downey Jr., huh....

How would Cruise’s potential involvement affect the previously shared plans for the Mummy reboot to feature a female mummy in a lead position remains, much like the star’s participation, up in the air.

Photo: Maguzz.com.

J. Law on Top

Jennifer Lawrence is It.

Duh.

I know it. You know it. Thanks to movies like The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 and X:Men: Days of  Future Past the whole world knows it. And now Entertainment Weekly has made it extra-official by designating J. Law Entertainer of the Year for 2015.

Was there anyone better for the title? Methinks not. After all, the Academy Award winner is firing on all cylinders (can’t wait to see what she gives in Joy next month!); suffers no bull, evidently; and is reluctant, yet totally herself pro-equal pay advocate who is like, besties and creative partners with Amy Schumer.

Like, love.

Photo: EW.com.

The Indies Are Off to the Races

I have go to catch up with The Dairy of a Teenage Girl.

And with Beasts of No Nation. And Love & Mercy. And Room.

And Advantageous.

These are some of the films nominated for 2016 Independent Spirit Awards.

So much to see, so little time left.

Photo: SFFS.org (Advantageous).

Yoncé Feelin’ the Coldplay, Too

You know how Coldplay frontman Chris Martin revealed last week that his ex, Gwyneth Paltrow, will be featured on the band’s upcoming new album, A Head Full of Dreams?

Well, so will Beyoncé.

Queen B, it seems, is on a track titled “Hymn for the Weekend,” which Coldplay Instateased this morning. Have a listen:


Barring any leaks, A Head Full of Dreams will be released on Dec. 4.

Click here for a taste of “Everglow,” featuring G.P.

Update: Now click here to listen to the Coldplay team-up with Beyoncé.

That Sick Bod!

So I watched last Sunday’s The Leftovers last night (how meta is that!) and like, for serious, Justin Theroux, eat a burger.

Like, ew.

I mean, the actor’s body is beyond-ripped.

Like, how? Why? How?

Must be all that smartwater.... ;)

Now. Congrats, Justin Theroux, on joining the sexy troupe of actors who can do a towel dance like a boss.

Photo: Out.com.

Legends Rising

The CW’s plan to dominate the TV-superhero quadrant is once again ready to show us how it’s done.

See, the network is ready to premiere its latest offering, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow (a companion piece to its Arrow and Flash flagships), now that it’s set its debut for Jan. 21.

Starring newcomer Arthur Darvill as the time-traveling Rip Hunter, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow will center on a disparate band of heroes and villains brought together to defeat Casper Crump’s Vandal Savage. Check out the first trailer for the show and see what I mean:

Time to Grease It Up

It’s almost time for Fox’s Grease: Live special.

OMGcanyoudealwiththeexcitement?

Indeed, the special is scheduled to air on Jan. 31, and here is first look at stars Julianne Hough and Aaron Tveit as Sandy and Danny Zuko.

Vanessa Hudgens and Carly Rae Jepsen are also on board, as Rizzo and Frenchy, respectively.

Photo: People.com.

Update 1: Anybody else wishing Mango and Gwyneth Paltrow were starring on this instead?

Update 2: Who wants a first teaser?

Hot Tycoon

Matt Bomer will stream.

The American Horror Story: Hotel guest and Magic Mike XXL eye candy has been tapped for the lead on Amazon’s The Last Tycoon, a new drama based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s final unfinished novel.

Bomer will play Monroe Stahr, a wunderkind-studio-executive-character inspired by film mogul Irving Thalberg (there’s an honorary Academy Award named after him; look it up). The drama will be mined from the show’s 1930s setting, and from the violence, sex, and ambition of the era.

Mmm...you had me at Bomer. Picturing him in some fine-looking ’30s styles, well.... That’s giving me thoughts.

Photo: Zimbio.com.

U2 Will Play Paris

The concert that U2 was scheduled to perform for HBO to broadcast to the world, live from Paris, earlier this month, has a new air date, kids.

This, of course, was the show that the band postponed in the aftermath of the attacks on Paris on Nov. 13....

“U2: iNNOCENCE + eXPERIENCE LIVE IN PARIS” is now set for Monday, Dec. 7, airing live at 9 p.m. EST.

Good!

See, “The killers took so much from Paris on [that] tragic night, but they couldn’t steal the spirit of [the City of Lights],” said Bono in a statement about the rescheduled show (two shows, actually; the band is playing on Dec. 6-7 to honor the tickets that were meant for Nov. 14-15). “It’s a spirit our band knows well and will try to serve when we return for the postponed shows. We’re going to put on our best for Paris.”

It shall be a night to remember and celebrate the lives taken by celebrating freedom and joy over oppression, hate, and terror, and I’ll be watching.

Photo: Deadline.com.