Charles Grodin, best known for the neurotic comic wit he demonstrated in such films as “The Heartbreak Kid,” “Heaven Can Wait” and “Midnight Run” and for his role in the “Beethoven” movies, died Tuesday at his home in Connecticut. He was 86.
The New York Times reported that his son said he died of bone marrow cancer.
After getting his start in television, Grodin graduated to both leading and character roles in motion pictures, usually portraying the exasperated urban neurotic. His dry, understated sense of humor also made him a perfect talkshow guest, and later, host of his own cable show. Grodin also wrote plays and books.
The wry 1972 comedy “The Heartbreak Kid,” written by Neil Simon and directed by Elaine May, highlighted Grodin’s trademark neurotic befuddlement, and won him a Golden Globe nomination. But it was one of the few successful films in his career in which he was center stage.
The New York Times reported that his son said he died of bone marrow cancer.
After getting his start in television, Grodin graduated to both leading and character roles in motion pictures, usually portraying the exasperated urban neurotic. His dry, understated sense of humor also made him a perfect talkshow guest, and later, host of his own cable show. Grodin also wrote plays and books.
The wry 1972 comedy “The Heartbreak Kid,” written by Neil Simon and directed by Elaine May, highlighted Grodin’s trademark neurotic befuddlement, and won him a Golden Globe nomination. But it was one of the few successful films in his career in which he was center stage.
- 5/18/2021
- by Carmel Dagan
- Variety Film + TV
Norman Lloyd, the Emmy-nominated character actor who worked with Orson Welles and Alfred Hitchcock before landing major roles in 1980s hits like “Dead Poets Society” and “St. Elsewhere,” has died. He was 106.
A family friend confirmed the news to Deadline.
The New Jersey native, born Norman Perlmutter, got his start in the New York theater scene of the 1930s, much of it federally subsidized through the Federal Theatre Project. He became a charter member of Orson Welles and John Housman’s Mercury Theatre, where he played the prophetic Cinna the Poet in an acclaimed 1937 production of Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar.”
Lloyd first broke out on the big screen playing a Nazi spy in Hitchcock’s 1942 thriller “Saboteur,” then returned as a psychiatric patient in 1945’s “Spellbound” with Ingrid Bergman and Gregory Peck. Hitchcock later hired Lloyd as a director and associate producer on his 1950s anthology TV series “Alfred Hitchcock Presents.
A family friend confirmed the news to Deadline.
The New Jersey native, born Norman Perlmutter, got his start in the New York theater scene of the 1930s, much of it federally subsidized through the Federal Theatre Project. He became a charter member of Orson Welles and John Housman’s Mercury Theatre, where he played the prophetic Cinna the Poet in an acclaimed 1937 production of Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar.”
Lloyd first broke out on the big screen playing a Nazi spy in Hitchcock’s 1942 thriller “Saboteur,” then returned as a psychiatric patient in 1945’s “Spellbound” with Ingrid Bergman and Gregory Peck. Hitchcock later hired Lloyd as a director and associate producer on his 1950s anthology TV series “Alfred Hitchcock Presents.
- 5/11/2021
- by Thom Geier
- The Wrap
Who will be included for the special “In Memoriam” segment for Sunday night’s Oscars 2021 ceremony? With last year’s Academy Awards happening over 14 months ago, it means an even larger number of film veterans have died. Producers will hopefully be offering a longer remembrance and not leaving out people for the sake of time.
Superstar actor Chadwick Boseman died late last summer and is a nominee as Best Actor for his role in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” Previous Oscar winners from acting categories show who will likely be honored include Sean Connery, Olivia de Havilland, Cloris Leachman and Christopher Plummer. Past acting nominees include Hal Holbrook, Ian Holm, Shirley Knight, George Segal, Cicely Tyson, Max von Sydow and Stuart Whitman.
SEE2021 Oscars presenters: Last year’s winners Renee Zellweger, Joaquin Phoenix, Laura Dern, Brad Pitt returning
Almost all of the near 100 people on the list below were Academy members.
Superstar actor Chadwick Boseman died late last summer and is a nominee as Best Actor for his role in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” Previous Oscar winners from acting categories show who will likely be honored include Sean Connery, Olivia de Havilland, Cloris Leachman and Christopher Plummer. Past acting nominees include Hal Holbrook, Ian Holm, Shirley Knight, George Segal, Cicely Tyson, Max von Sydow and Stuart Whitman.
SEE2021 Oscars presenters: Last year’s winners Renee Zellweger, Joaquin Phoenix, Laura Dern, Brad Pitt returning
Almost all of the near 100 people on the list below were Academy members.
- 4/23/2021
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Mulan and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine star Rosalind Chao chats about a few of her favorite movies with Josh & Joe.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Mulan (2020)
The Joy Luck Club (1993)
The Seven Year Itch (1955)
Mary Poppins (1964)
The Sound Of Music (1965)
My Fair Lady (1964)
Gremlins (1984)
Explorers (1985)
Funny Girl (1968)
What’s Up Doc? (1972)
The Heartbreak Kid (1972)
The Graduate (1967)
Midnight Run (1988)
Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
The Lonely Guy (1984)
Waiting For Guffman (1996)
Best In Show (2000)
Hamilton (2020)
Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982)
Misery (1990)
Paris, Texas (1984)
Buena Vista Social Club (1999)
sex, lies and videotape (1989)
The Shining (1980)
Matewan (1987)
Thousand Pieces of Gold (1990)
Lost In Translation (2003)
Mean Streets (1973)
On The Rocks (2020)
Somewhere (2010)
Adaptation (2002)
Mandy (2018)
Possessor (2020)
Midsommar (2019)
The Wicker Man (1973)
Hereditary (2018)
The Lighthouse (2019)
Other Notable Items
The Scott Alexander podcast episodes
Tfh Guru Larry Karaszewski
Star Trek franchise
The It’s A Small World ride
Disneyland
University of the Arts
Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994)
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Mulan (2020)
The Joy Luck Club (1993)
The Seven Year Itch (1955)
Mary Poppins (1964)
The Sound Of Music (1965)
My Fair Lady (1964)
Gremlins (1984)
Explorers (1985)
Funny Girl (1968)
What’s Up Doc? (1972)
The Heartbreak Kid (1972)
The Graduate (1967)
Midnight Run (1988)
Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
The Lonely Guy (1984)
Waiting For Guffman (1996)
Best In Show (2000)
Hamilton (2020)
Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982)
Misery (1990)
Paris, Texas (1984)
Buena Vista Social Club (1999)
sex, lies and videotape (1989)
The Shining (1980)
Matewan (1987)
Thousand Pieces of Gold (1990)
Lost In Translation (2003)
Mean Streets (1973)
On The Rocks (2020)
Somewhere (2010)
Adaptation (2002)
Mandy (2018)
Possessor (2020)
Midsommar (2019)
The Wicker Man (1973)
Hereditary (2018)
The Lighthouse (2019)
Other Notable Items
The Scott Alexander podcast episodes
Tfh Guru Larry Karaszewski
Star Trek franchise
The It’s A Small World ride
Disneyland
University of the Arts
Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994)
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine...
- 2/9/2021
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Bruce Jay Friedman, an author, playwright and Oscar-nominated screenplay writer for Tom Hanks’s 1984 film Splash, died today in New York City. He was 90 and no cause of death was given by his son, Kipp Friedman.
In addition to screenplays, Friedman was known for his novels Stern and About Harry Towns, and the plays Scuba Duba and Streambath.
Friedman’s work was known for its wry humor and modern angst on such subjects as the transition to suburban life and the sex and drug adventures of a screenplay writer who had mixed feelings about his freedom to explore.
He authored more than a dozen books, including a comic take on bachelorhood that became the Steve Martin comedy The Lonely Guy.
Friedman also spent some time in front of the camera, appearing in Nora Ephron’s You’ve Got Mail and Woody Allen’s Husbands and Wives.
A literary lion of New York,...
In addition to screenplays, Friedman was known for his novels Stern and About Harry Towns, and the plays Scuba Duba and Streambath.
Friedman’s work was known for its wry humor and modern angst on such subjects as the transition to suburban life and the sex and drug adventures of a screenplay writer who had mixed feelings about his freedom to explore.
He authored more than a dozen books, including a comic take on bachelorhood that became the Steve Martin comedy The Lonely Guy.
Friedman also spent some time in front of the camera, appearing in Nora Ephron’s You’ve Got Mail and Woody Allen’s Husbands and Wives.
A literary lion of New York,...
- 6/4/2020
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Bruce Jay Friedman, novelist and screenwriter who earned an Oscar nomination for the screenplay of the Tom Hanks film “Splash,” died Wednesday at the age of 90, his son told The New York Times. The cause of death is not yet known.
Born and raised in New York City, Friedman got his start in writing through men’s magazines in the 1950s before releasing his first novel, “Stern,” in 1962. His short story “A Change of Plan” was adapted by Neil Simon into the 1972 film “The Heartbreak Kid.” In 1980, he got his first screenplay produced with “Stir Crazy,” which was directed by Sidney Poitier and starred Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor as two men on hard times who are framed for robbery after taking a job wearing woodpecker costumes for a job with a bank.
Also Read: Herb Stempel, Whistleblower Who Inspired Robert Redford Film 'Quiz Show,' Dies at 93
Then, in 1984, Friedman co-wrote “Splash,...
Born and raised in New York City, Friedman got his start in writing through men’s magazines in the 1950s before releasing his first novel, “Stern,” in 1962. His short story “A Change of Plan” was adapted by Neil Simon into the 1972 film “The Heartbreak Kid.” In 1980, he got his first screenplay produced with “Stir Crazy,” which was directed by Sidney Poitier and starred Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor as two men on hard times who are framed for robbery after taking a job wearing woodpecker costumes for a job with a bank.
Also Read: Herb Stempel, Whistleblower Who Inspired Robert Redford Film 'Quiz Show,' Dies at 93
Then, in 1984, Friedman co-wrote “Splash,...
- 6/4/2020
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Writer Bruce Jay Friedman, who received an Oscar nomination for the 1984 comedy “Splash,” died Wednesday at his home in Brooklyn. He was 90.
His death was confirmed by his son Josh, who told the New York Times that the cause had not been determined.
Friedman, a native of the Bronx, emerged in the 1960s as a novelist specializing in dark comedy centered on self-involved protagonists with “Stern” and “A Mother’s Kisses,” followed by the plays “Scuba Duba” and “Steambath.” His short story, “A Change of Plan,” was adapted by Neil Simon into the 1972 movie “The Heartbreak Kid,” starring Charles Grodin, Cybill Shepherd, Eddie Arnold and Jeannie Berlin, with Elaine May directing.
Friedman found box office success with his 1980 Richard Pryor-Gene Wilder prison comedy “Stir Crazy,” directed by Sidney Poitier. He wrote the first draft of “Splash,” the 1984 romantic comedy about a love affair between Tom Hanks’ character and...
His death was confirmed by his son Josh, who told the New York Times that the cause had not been determined.
Friedman, a native of the Bronx, emerged in the 1960s as a novelist specializing in dark comedy centered on self-involved protagonists with “Stern” and “A Mother’s Kisses,” followed by the plays “Scuba Duba” and “Steambath.” His short story, “A Change of Plan,” was adapted by Neil Simon into the 1972 movie “The Heartbreak Kid,” starring Charles Grodin, Cybill Shepherd, Eddie Arnold and Jeannie Berlin, with Elaine May directing.
Friedman found box office success with his 1980 Richard Pryor-Gene Wilder prison comedy “Stir Crazy,” directed by Sidney Poitier. He wrote the first draft of “Splash,” the 1984 romantic comedy about a love affair between Tom Hanks’ character and...
- 6/3/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Only in the age of streaming could Ron Howard’s 1984 fantasy romance “Splash” find itself going viral. A rather bizarre edit of the movie on Disney+ is making the rounds on social media due to the fuzzy visual effects that have been added to the movie in order to hide the nudity on display. It appears VFX was used to extend Daryl Hannah’s hair to cover her butt in the Disney+ version of “Splash.” Hannah’s hair now extends down to her thighs, but the visual comes off looking not too dissimilar from the digital fur in “Cats.” Another scene in the film, in which a side shot of Hannah’s butt appears, has been blurred entirely. Disney+ does state at the beginning of its “Splash” stream that “this film has been modified from its original version. It has been edited for content.” A video of the VFX edit...
- 4/14/2020
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
It is ironic that Neil Simon, who died today at 91, got his inspiration to become a comedy writer from the movies into which he constantly escaped to forget the circumstances of his poor depression-era childhood. Even though he grew up in Washington Heights, much closer to Broadway than Hollywood, it was always the movies of the likes of Chaplin , Keaton and others that stuck with him and led to one of the most sterling careers ever for a writer. Yet by far his greatest success and appreciation came as one of the most successful playwrights of all time, a record of accomplishment that included a whopping 17 Tony nominations and three wins, a Pulitizer Prize for drama, and even as the rare playwright to have a theatre named after him. “I always feel more like a writer when I’m writing a play because of the tradition of the theater … there...
- 8/26/2018
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Neil Simon, one of the rare late-20th century playwrights who was a brand name for plays such as “The Odd Couple” and “Barefoot in the Park,” died Sunday. He was 91.
A statement from his reps said, “Neil Simon, the Pulitzer Prize-winning American playwright, died last night at New York-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. The cause was complications from pneumonia.”
“His wife, Elaine Joyce Simon, was at his bedside along with Mr. Simon’s daughters, Ellen Simon and Nancy Simon.”
In addition to his four Oscar nominations and 17 Tony nominations, Simon’s works brought an unsurpassed 50 Tony nominations for their actors. His competitive Tony wins came for “The Odd Couple” (best playwright) and for best play for “Lost in Yonkers” and “Biloxi Blues.”
Beginning in the 1960s, Simon could guarantee good Broadway advance sales, a rare feat for a writer. He had more than 30 plays mounted on Broadway, including...
A statement from his reps said, “Neil Simon, the Pulitzer Prize-winning American playwright, died last night at New York-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. The cause was complications from pneumonia.”
“His wife, Elaine Joyce Simon, was at his bedside along with Mr. Simon’s daughters, Ellen Simon and Nancy Simon.”
In addition to his four Oscar nominations and 17 Tony nominations, Simon’s works brought an unsurpassed 50 Tony nominations for their actors. His competitive Tony wins came for “The Odd Couple” (best playwright) and for best play for “Lost in Yonkers” and “Biloxi Blues.”
Beginning in the 1960s, Simon could guarantee good Broadway advance sales, a rare feat for a writer. He had more than 30 plays mounted on Broadway, including...
- 8/26/2018
- by Richard Natale
- Variety Film + TV
In the history of black filmmaking, “Stir Crazy” is rarely cited as a groundbreaker or an enduring high point. However, Sidney Poitier’s 1980 comedy sold more tickets in North America than “The Fate of the Furious,” or any other film by a black director.
Poitier’s career has included multiple breakout moments. He was the first black lead acting Oscar winner with “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner;” he starred in two blockbuster films in 1967 with “To Sir With Love” (over $300 million, adjusted gross) and “In the Heat of the Night” ($177 million, adjusted gross). He was, more than even Denzel Washington or any other black actor-turned-director, an icon of cinema when he made “Stir Crazy.” And it was this film, more than any other, that found access to all domestic audiences.
That said, it’s a film that doesn’t have the resonance of other historical blockbusters like “Gone With the Wind,...
Poitier’s career has included multiple breakout moments. He was the first black lead acting Oscar winner with “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner;” he starred in two blockbuster films in 1967 with “To Sir With Love” (over $300 million, adjusted gross) and “In the Heat of the Night” ($177 million, adjusted gross). He was, more than even Denzel Washington or any other black actor-turned-director, an icon of cinema when he made “Stir Crazy.” And it was this film, more than any other, that found access to all domestic audiences.
That said, it’s a film that doesn’t have the resonance of other historical blockbusters like “Gone With the Wind,...
- 5/12/2017
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
Since the 1980s, comics artist Drew Friedman has been making a name for himself with his unmistakable, hyper-detailed style and ghoulish sense of humor. His work has depicted the underbelly of show business in particular and the seamy side of American life in general. His work is populated by sweaty, aging comedians, misshapen losers, and grotesque B-movie stars, including the hulking, bald Swedish wrestler Tor Johnson of Plan 9 From Outer Space fame. Now, filmmaker Kevin Dougherty wants to make a full-length documentary about the scarily talented Friedman, affectionately entitled Vermeer Of The Borscht Belt, and is turning to Kickstarter for funding.
The proposed feature film will cover Friedman’s entire life and career, tracing his development from underground comic books to the covers of major magazines. Friedman’s own life is interesting, too. His father is the acclaimed writer Bruce Jay Friedman, whose film credits include Splash and Doctor...
The proposed feature film will cover Friedman’s entire life and career, tracing his development from underground comic books to the covers of major magazines. Friedman’s own life is interesting, too. His father is the acclaimed writer Bruce Jay Friedman, whose film credits include Splash and Doctor...
- 12/1/2016
- by Joe Blevins
- avclub.com
Almost any movie, especially from the 90s on back, is bound for a remake at some point but I can't say this one would have immediately come to mind. Producer Brian Grazer is working on a remake of mermaid rom-com Splash. Directed by Ron Howard, Brian Grazer helped write the romantic comedy along with Bruce Jay Friedman, Lowell Ganz, Babaloo Mandel, and Bruce Jay Friedman. It starred Tom Hanks as a co-owner of a fruit and vegetable business along with his older brother, played by John Candy, and Daryl Hannah as Madison the mermaid who gains legs when she's on dry land. Eugene Levy plays on overeager scientist looking to study her. (There was also a made-for-tv sequel titled Splash, Too but it's probably best for everyone involved if we forget about that.) It was silly, like lots of 80s films, but cute nonetheless. /Film posted an interview Grazer did...
- 6/6/2016
- by Jill Pantozzi
- Hitfix
Our weekly series in which writers revisit for the first time in ages their youthful passions and reconsider how well they hold up with the passage of time. The late 1970’s were a glorious time to be first discovering movies. For a boy in his adolescence, there were of course the complete life-altering revelations of seeing “Jaws,” “Star Wars,” “Close Encounters” and eventually “Raiders” on opening day, surrounded by hundreds of other kids struck absolutely dumb at the spectacle before them. It was impossible to be young in those days and not become obsessed with the movies. But best of all were the comedies. It was an era when the genre was of re-inventing itself; moving out of the code restrictions that had hemmed comedy in since the dawn of Hollywood, the movies suddenly found itself let loose with acres of previously untouchable terrain to roam, and very few rules to guide them.
- 3/26/2015
- by Richard Rushfield
- Hitfix
I was flipping through an old magazine and I came across this quote. "I remember the first person I ever laughed at while reading was Max Shulman." I might not have paid any more attention to it than I usually do to denture adhesive ads or reports of alien abductions, except that the person who said it was Woody Allen. And when the Woodman talks, people listen. Well, at least people in the person of me.
But Max who? I Googled away: 1950s writer, originally from Minneapolis, wrote the novel the groundbreaking TV sitcom The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis was based on. Yeah. And a week or so later, walking past a used book kiosk, there it was. Goofy, '50s New Yorker-style cover.Cheap price. Intact - it was a Shulman opus, Rally Round the Flag, Boys. I laid down my 50 cents (strangely, the same price the book...
But Max who? I Googled away: 1950s writer, originally from Minneapolis, wrote the novel the groundbreaking TV sitcom The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis was based on. Yeah. And a week or so later, walking past a used book kiosk, there it was. Goofy, '50s New Yorker-style cover.Cheap price. Intact - it was a Shulman opus, Rally Round the Flag, Boys. I laid down my 50 cents (strangely, the same price the book...
- 3/8/2014
- by Ken Krimstein
- www.culturecatch.com
At the end of the 1950s and the beginning of the '60s, if you owned a farm or an orchard within 50 miles of a major city, you were one happy camper. That's because, in the flash of a checkbook, you were rich rich rich. Which probably explains why there are no books about the plight of a suburban farmer getting a huge wad of cash to let his cornfield or pear orchard be turned into "Revolutionary Estate". or "Laurel Hills"or "Old Orchard,". and why, at the same time, there were so many written about the poor displaced city people (mostly men) who had to trade in the bubbling, cosmopolitan, ethnic stew or the big town (mostly New York) for suburban bliss. Well, not exactly bliss. Well, to be precise, damn far from bliss -- more like mind-numbing, mind-addling, mind-breaking fear, longing, and horror.
The grandaddy of these, in current estimation anyhow,...
The grandaddy of these, in current estimation anyhow,...
- 6/15/2013
- by Ken Krimstein
- www.culturecatch.com
Chicago – Acclaimed film critic and writer Martha P. Nochimson gave an exclusive interview to Indie Outlook, the independent film blog and podcast founded by Hollywood Chicago staff writer Matt Fagerholm. Her book, “David Lynch Swerves,” reveals how the titular director’s interest in quantum mechanics and the Holy Vedas of the Hindu religion provide a key to understanding his later work on an exhilaratingly new level.
Nochimson’s analysis of 1997’s “Lost Highway,” 1999’s “The Straight Story,” 2001’s “Mulholland Dr.”, and 2006’s “Inland Empire” is a must-read for any serious scholar or fan of the filmmaker’s incomparable oeuvre. In her interview with Indie Outlook, Nochimson discusses her fascinating theories regarding Lynch’s work, her enlightening conversations with physicist David Albert and the invigorating, often overlooked message that the director wishes to convey to his audience. Other recent stories on Indie Outlook include two in-depth interviews with Kate Lyn Sheil and Kentucker Audley,...
Nochimson’s analysis of 1997’s “Lost Highway,” 1999’s “The Straight Story,” 2001’s “Mulholland Dr.”, and 2006’s “Inland Empire” is a must-read for any serious scholar or fan of the filmmaker’s incomparable oeuvre. In her interview with Indie Outlook, Nochimson discusses her fascinating theories regarding Lynch’s work, her enlightening conversations with physicist David Albert and the invigorating, often overlooked message that the director wishes to convey to his audience. Other recent stories on Indie Outlook include two in-depth interviews with Kate Lyn Sheil and Kentucker Audley,...
- 5/20/2013
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Michael Cera’s trademark screen persona is more often than not an awkward teen. From George Michael in Arrested Development to Paulie Bleeker in Juno, Cera is great at being awkward, dorky and adorable but over the past few years we have seen him take a turn and star in somewhat more daring roles. Miguel Arteta’s Youth In Revolt was the first example of this and in Sebastian Silva’s recent Sundance entries Magic Magic and Crystal Fairy, Cera continues to shine and its no different in this new short Brazzaville Teen-ager.
The film has been developed for YouTube’s new talent-driven channel Jash and is a short film adaptation of Bruce Jay Friedman’s 1996 story of the same name. As well as directing Cera stars as Gunther, a young man whose father (Charles Grodin) is slowly dying. In an attempt to save him he pleads for his intimidating...
The film has been developed for YouTube’s new talent-driven channel Jash and is a short film adaptation of Bruce Jay Friedman’s 1996 story of the same name. As well as directing Cera stars as Gunther, a young man whose father (Charles Grodin) is slowly dying. In an attempt to save him he pleads for his intimidating...
- 4/23/2013
- by Catstello
- SoundOnSight
The list of actors we never thought we'd see direct their own projects includes Keanu Reeves (yes, really) and Michael Cera. The fact that they are now directors will either excite you or not faze you in the slightest. We'll let you decide. Yesterday, Cera made his directorial debut with Brazzaville Teen-Ager, which he also stars in. He's joined by Charles Grodin and R&B singer Kelis for the short film adaptation of Bruce Jay Friedman’s 1966 story. Brazzaville follows a young man who tries to connect with his dying father by enlisting his curmudgeonly boss and the "Milkshake" singer to perform a song for him. Cera plays a familiar character here, and there are plenty of quietly uncomfortable moments, interestingly shot. The project was produced by...
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- 4/23/2013
- by Alison Nastasi
- Movies.com
YouTube comedy collective Jash premiered on Monday Canadian actor Michael Cera's directorial debut "Brazzaville Teen-Ager," a dramatic short film that represents a slight -- keyword: slight -- departure from the "Arrested Development" star's endearingly awkward shtick. The story of a boy who must aid his ailing father, the film -- billed as a dramedy -- is based on a 1960s short story by Bruce Jay Friedman, who collaborated with Cera on the screenplay. Also featured in the film is R&B star Kelis, as well as Jack O'Connell from the UK iteration of TV's young adult drama "Skins." Watch "Brazzaville Teen-Ager" below. Another departure for Cera is his portrayal of himself in comedy raunchfest "This is the End," whose writer-directors Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogen screened some hilarious footage at CinemaCon. In the movie, a large ensemble play versions of themselves facing the apocalypse, including Cera, Rogen, Emma Watson,...
- 4/23/2013
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Thompson on Hollywood
Last month, Michael Cera started a YouTube channel called Jash with Sarah Silverman, Reggie Watts, and Tim & Eric. Well, Cera has released his first real video, Brazzaville Teen-Ager. Based on a story and co-written by author/screenwriter Bruce Jay Friedman (Stir Crazy, Splash), Cera co-wrote, directed, and stars in the twenty-minute short film about a son who gets his grumpy boss to sing backup on a Kelis track in order to save his dad's life. It co-stars Jack O'Connell, Charles Grodin, Himansho Suri from Das Racist, and Kelis — you know, like most short films do.
- 4/23/2013
- by Jesse David Fox
- Vulture
It's fitting that Michael Cera's cameo in the upcoming comedy “This Is The End” plays on the actor's trademarked screen persona, because the past few years have been a slow turn for him towards the daring, unique and offbeat. “Youth In Revolt” started it, Sebastian Silva's recent Sundance entries “Magic Magic” and “Crystal Fairy” continued it, and now his first directorial effort has landed on a similar path. Developed for the new, star-studded YouTube channel Jash, “Brazzaville Teen-Ager” is a short film adaptation of Bruce Jay Friedman's 1966 story of the same name. Cera directs and stars as Gunther, a young man whose father (Charles Grodin) is slowly dying, and in an attempt to save him, he pleads for his cranky boss (Jack O'Connell) to sing back-up vocals for singer Kelis' latest single -- a tune that could just make the crucial difference. The premise promises an absurdist tale straight away,...
- 4/23/2013
- by Charlie Schmidlin
- The Playlist
We haven't seen much of Michael Cera lately, but we're getting a little taste of him today both in front of and behind the screen in his directorial debut, which just went live on YouTube. "Brazzaville Teen-Ager," a short film directed by and starring Cera and based on a short story by Bruce Jay Friedman ("Splash"), premiered on the new YouTube channel Jash, a comedy collective featuring the work of Cera, Tim & Eric, Sarah Silverman and Reggie Watts. Read More: "Meet Jash: Michael Cera, Tim and Eric, Sarah Silverman and Reggie Watts Launch a YouTube Comedy Channel" Described as a dramatic comedy, and specifically not a parody or sketch, "Brazzaville Teen-Ager" follows a son on a desperate and awkward journey to help his sick and distant father. The short also stars Charles Grodin, Jack O'Connell ("Skins"), and, oddly enough, R&B singer Kelis. While this short glimpse of Cera may leave you wanting more,...
- 4/23/2013
- by Erin Whitney
- Indiewire
We were extremely curious to find out what kind of content YouTube’s new talent-driven channel Jash would produce with the combined brilliance of Sarah Silverman, Michael Cera, Tim & Eric, and Reggie Watts. Even though a Michael Cera-directed short film adaptation of Bruce Jay Friedman’s 1966 story Brazzaville Teen-ager seems a bit out of the box, we’re kind of delighted that Jash is pushing the boundaries of what a comedy channel can be. It’s not just parodies and sketches.
Cera’s 19-minute treatment of the classic short tells the story of Gunther, a young man hoping to connect with his sick father.
Cera’s 19-minute treatment of the classic short tells the story of Gunther, a young man hoping to connect with his sick father.
- 4/23/2013
- by Lindsey Bahr
- EW.com - PopWatch
TV Guide is pulling back the sheets on the evolution of nudity, sexual content and censorship on American television -- in a special airing Sunday at 8:00 Pm Et/Pt called "Sex on TV."
Check out "Extra's" list of some of the most shocking and history-making moments in television.
The History of Sex on TelevisionFirst Married Couple on TV to Share a Bed
While many think that "Ozzie and Harriet" were the first onscreen couple to share a bed,...
Check out "Extra's" list of some of the most shocking and history-making moments in television.
The History of Sex on TelevisionFirst Married Couple on TV to Share a Bed
While many think that "Ozzie and Harriet" were the first onscreen couple to share a bed,...
- 8/13/2010
- Extra
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