Tag Archives: sundance

Exclusive: Ashley Greene’s ‘Skateland’ Trailer Debuts

Indie drama features ‘Twilight’ star in ’80s-era coming-of-age story. By Eric Ditzian Shiloh Fernandez and Ashley Greene in “Skateland” Photo: Freestyle Releasing Around this time last year, in the run-up to the Sundance Film Festival, the first official photos for Ashley Greene’s ’80s-era drama “Skateland” hit the Web. Almost a year later, as Sundance once again approaches, the first official trailer from the indie is here — and MTV News has got the exclusive. Hitting theaters on March 25, the film tells a coming-of-age story about a group of teens killing time and drinking beer in a dusty Texas town, attempting to push off the looming responsibilities of adulthood. But both an out-of-nowhere tragedy and the impending closure of the local hangout that gives the film its name interrupt the friends’ lazy lifestyles, forcing them to reevaluate their choices. “It was a time when life was easy,” the title cards read. “Sometimes the party has to end, before real life begins.” “It follows us through all the trials and errors of becoming an adult and figuring out who you are and what you want,” Greene explained to MTV News last year. “You see love and you see loss and everything in between.” What you also see is Greene as you may never have viewed her before: Stripped of the pale skin and golden eyes her character possesses in the “Twilight” series, she’s able to play a normal, relatable teen, albeit one whose teenage years took place several decades in the past and who rocks some old-school duds. “Every time I look at it, what I notice the most is how much I look like my mom,” Greene said. “Because, you know, it’s set in the ’80s and so I’ve got pictures of her and my dad from the ’80s and it’s kind of creepy how much we look alike.” Check out everything we’ve got on “Skateland.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com . Related Videos 2011 Sundance Film Festival Video Highlights Related Photos ‘Skateland’ Trailer Highlights

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Exclusive: Ashley Greene’s ‘Skateland’ Trailer Debuts

From Sundance to Oscar: 13 Films That Broke Out of Park City

There’s a happy convergence that happens each January as we await the Oscar nominations and keep an eye on the goings-on in Park City. At this time in 2009, for example, nobody could have guessed just how much of an awards-season powerhouse Mo’Nique would become — let alone how sick we’d all get of saying the words “Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire.” But as long as the Sundance Film Festival has been around, it’s always sent indie gems careening on their paths to Oscar as the first step in a long, arduous, unpredictable road to awards glory. Without further ado, behold 13 Sundance winners that went the distance from their January debuts to Oscar night!

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From Sundance to Oscar: 13 Films That Broke Out of Park City

Christian Slater Plays My Favorite Scene: ‘That’s the Most Romantic Moment in Movie History’

Of all the roles that Christian Slater has played in his 30-year career, one of his most beloved remains Clarence Worley, the comic book store clerk who falls for a cute call girl in True Romance . So it is ironic that when Movieline asked the actor — who stars in Fox’s upcoming workplace comedy Breaking In — to play a round of Movieline’s go-to parlor game last week, Slater described the big screen romance that rang truest to him. Hint: There ain’t gonna be no re-match for this very special round of My Favorite Scene.

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Christian Slater Plays My Favorite Scene: ‘That’s the Most Romantic Moment in Movie History’

Michael Shannon, Jessica Chastain Nab First Sundance Deal

So you might have heard Sundance gets underway this week, but Sony Pictures Classics isn’t wasting any time on the acquisitions front: The distributor has picked up the Michael Shannon/Jessica Chastain psychological thriller Take Shelter , which premieres in competition Jan. 24. CAA — which represents virtually the entire principal cast as well as writer-director Jeff Nichols — sealed the deal with two days to spare before the fest’s opening night. And thus it falls off Movieline’s annual bidding-war forecast, also coming soon. Congrats to all.

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Michael Shannon, Jessica Chastain Nab First Sundance Deal

‘The Hobbit’ Adds Andy Serkis, Eyes Ian McKellen

Elijah Wood, Cate Blanchett already signed for long-awaited movie. By Eric Ditzian Andy Serkis in “The Lord of the Rings” Photo: New Line Cinema After years stuck in the development doldrums, “The Hobbit” has been picking up steam in recent weeks, with a slew of business deals and casting moves in advance of a planned February production start. On the heels of Elijah Wood’s recent deal to reprise his “Lord of the Rings” role as Frodo, Deadline New York reports that Andy Serkis has signed on to once again play Gollum in the two “Hobbit” films. What’s more, it’s looking like Ian McKellen is poised to reprise the part of Gandalf in what’s being called “a major role” in the new films. McKellen has been eyeing a return to Middle-earth for years. Back in the fall of 2009, he told MTV News that “Gandalf is a fantastic part and I long to do it” and that he prefers the character’s “Hobbit” version to his “LOTR” incarnation. “He was more humane somehow,” he added. “He was the guy who liked to hang out with the Hobbits and drink too much and smoke too much.” McKellen, Serkis and their cohorts, it seems, won’t be the only “LOTR” faces to pop up in “The Hobbit.” Cate Blanchett has already signed on to play Galadriel , Christopher Lee is in talks for Saruman, and Ian Holm is in talks for the elder Bilbo Baggins, whose younger version will be played by Martin Freeman. There’s no word yet if Orlando Bloom, who portrayed Legolas in “LOTR,” will return for the new project. “The Hobbit” is set to begin shooting in 3-D in New Zealand in February — a full seven years after the conclusion of the “LOTR” trilogy. Few thought it would take this long. “I think they’re intending to release it on Christmas 2011,” McKellen told us in late ’09, in what would turn out to be wishful thinking. “If they’re going to do that, they’re going to have to get moving on shooting it.” Check out everything we’ve got on “The Hobbit.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com .

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‘The Hobbit’ Adds Andy Serkis, Eyes Ian McKellen

Ashley Greene Talks 2011, ‘Breaking Dawn’ And Miley Cyrus Fans

With roles in ‘LOL,’ ‘Skateland,’ ‘The Apparition’ and more, the ‘Twilight Saga’ star is one of MTV News’ 11 for ’11. By Eric Ditzian Ashley Greene Photo: MTV News Ashley Greene has spent the first days of 2011 doing martial-arts training. If we didn’t know she was gearing up for some vampire fisticuffs in “Breaking Dawn,” we might say the 23-year-old is getting ready to kick, punch and otherwise pound into submission the next 12 months. Because after years spent as a beloved supporting player in the “Twilight” franchise, Greene is set to take her turn in 2011 as one of the series’ breakout stars. The year begins with the debut of the Sundance indie “Skateland,” an ’80s coming-of-age tale. Then it’s on to “LOL,” a comedy in which she stars as a bad girl opposite Miley Cyrus . And don’t forget about “The Apparition,” a supernatural thriller that brings “Twilight” together with “Harry Potter” (Tom Felton) and “Gossip Girl” (Sebastian Stan), and the ensemble comedy, “Butter.” Oh, yeah — plus the first part of “Breaking Dawn.” Yep, it’s going to be a big year for Greene. That’s why we’ve named her as one of MTV News’ 11 to Watch in 2011. During a break from the “Breaking Dawn” set in Louisiana, the actress answered some questions via e-mail, hitting on subjects like working with Cyrus, her most anticipated “Breaking Dawn” scene and what it was like to see Kristen Stewart as a vampire. MTV : 2011 is shaping up to be a big year for you, coming off all the “Twilight” exposure and now having some prominent roles in “The Apparition,” “LOL” and a bunch of other projects coming down the line. Does 2011 feel like it’s going to be a particularly big year? Ashley Greene : Definitely. I’m very excited for it. While it will be sad to finish filming the last installment of “The Twilight Saga,” I’m grateful to have so much to look forward to. There’s so much going on and so many wonderful opportunities popping up for 2011, and somehow I feel very Zen right now — I’m in a good place! MTV : Do you have any goals for the year beyond what you’re already doing? What would you like to look back on at the end of the year and say, “I’m glad I accomplished that”? Greene : “Twilight” and my upcoming projects have given me an amazing platform. I’m looking forward to doing as many diverse projects and roles as I can fit in this year! I’m also looking forward to continuing to make strides with mark’s m.powerment campaign ; it’s important to me that I use my voice to inspire my young, female fans to pursue their dreams, just like I did. I’m so thankful for everything in 2010 and am extremely optimistic and excited about how much more can be accomplished this year. MTV : Let’s talk “LOL.” We saw a lot of photos of you guys filming on location in Europe . Between “Twilight” fans and Miley fans, did you guys have to deal with a lot of paparazzi and people hanging outside set? Greene : Miley is a phenomenon — she’s accomplished so much in the movie, TV and music worlds that it’s not surprising how much attention was attracted during filming. But we’re both professional and understand that we’re there to do our jobs. Work was our number-one priority, and everything else was background. MTV : You’ve become a fashion icon in young Hollywood, and your “LOL” character certainly has a distinctive fashion style. Did you get to pick out any of your outfits? Keep anything? Become inspired by any of those looks? Greene : I definitely have a say in them, but it’s more about what fits my character than me personally. In “LOL,” my character, Ashley, wears some pretty outrageous and provocative outfits that I’d never wear in real life! With Alice Cullen, we got to draw on Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O inspirations, which is a bit more me. MTV : While filming “Apparition,” did you and Tom Felton ever compare notes about “Harry Potter” and “Twilight” fans? Greene : Not so much comparing the fans as acknowledging how incredible they are. We are both so lucky to be a part of franchises that have ignited such a passion in young people. Very few actors get to be a part of that experience, so it’s humbling. MTV : What “Breaking Dawn” scene are you most excited to film? Greene : Most excited to film and see would be the big fight sequence against the Volturi. As a cast, we like to do as many of our own stunts as possible, so it’s fun and challenging to shoot those scenes. Jeff Imada, the stunt coordinator, is such a blast to work with as well. I’m learning so much from him. MTV : Tell us about Bill Condon’s style on set. How does he differ from prior “Twilight” directors? Greene : “There’s no way to describe what it’s like working with Bill Condon except incredible! He is so professional, patient and a fantastic leader. I get excited going to set every day knowing I get to work with him. Each director has brought such a different energy and perspective to the films. Bill is very relaxed and authoritative, in a good way. I feel very comfortable working with him. MTV : Kristen Stewart said at the People’s Choice Awards that she filmed some scenes as a vampire. What was your reaction to seeing Kristen as a vamp? Greene : Glad to have her officially join the Cullen family! Check out MTV News’ 11 for ’11 — actors, musicians and TV stars who are about to have a huge year — all week long. Check out everything we’ve got on “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1.” For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com . Related Videos MTV News’ 11 for ’11

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Ashley Greene Talks 2011, ‘Breaking Dawn’ And Miley Cyrus Fans

Rep: Mr. Spielberg is Not Going to Washington

” Today’s story regarding Nancy Pelosi made a reference to Steven Spielberg that requires a response,” said Hollywood mega-flack Marvin Levy in a statement. “I can say as a long-time spokesman for Steven that he has made it his career to direct actors, not political figures.” Probably a wise move — the guy lost his touch with alien life forms years ago. [ THR ]

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Rep: Mr. Spielberg is Not Going to Washington

12 Films of Christmas: It’s a Wonderful Life

You didn’t honestly think we were going to feature 12 films from Have Yourself a Movie Little Christmas without talking about this one, did you? Clarence (Henry Travers), an angel who hasn’t earned his wings, learns all about the life of George Bailey (James Stewart) so that he can help the man on the darkest night of his life. George dreamed of seeing the world, but wound up staying in his small town of Bedford Falls, N.Y., to run his father’s Building and Loan company, lest the city’s crotchety rich man Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore) take over everything. George falls in love with Mary (Donna Reed) and raises children with her, and under his direction, the Bailey Building and Loan builds homes for lots of working-class people in town who never thought they could afford one.

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12 Films of Christmas: It’s a Wonderful Life

The 20 Most Anticipated Cultural Dates of 2011 — STV’s Picks

Who’s excited for 2011? I said, who’s excited for 2011?? Oh. Well, maybe this list of dates, designations, and not just few fearless predictions for the next year in culture might help stimulate your interest. Failing that, there’s always the rest of Movieline’s future-positive anticipations to get you through. Onward!

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The 20 Most Anticipated Cultural Dates of 2011 — STV’s Picks

Cedar Rapids Trailer: Ed Helms Gets Crazy at the Insurance Convention

It’s the day before Christmas Eve, and if you’re anything like me, you’re probably wondering, “Hey! What will be the next quirky and still totally by-the-book comedy with an almost-famous cast to be marketed as an indie film, complete with a Sundance premiere?” Well, just in time for your consideration, here is the trailer for Cedar Rapids , in which Ed Helms plays a naive man who leaves his small town for the first time only to be schooled in the ways of getting drunk, screwing and fighting by the wacky John C. Reilly.

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Cedar Rapids Trailer: Ed Helms Gets Crazy at the Insurance Convention