Sherlock Holmes - Comic Con Panel

The San Diego Comic Con panel for Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes, which features Q&A with Robert Downey Jr., Rachel McAdams, Mark Strong, and Kelly Reilly

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Sherlock Holmes - Irene Adler Poster

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Sherlock Holmes - International trailer

This trailer is almost identical to the domestic trailer in terms of flow, but does cut in some never before seen footage at various spots along the preview's entire running.

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The Time Travellers Wife - Trailer

This is the remarkable story of Henry DeTamble (Eric Bana), a dashing, adventuresome librarian who travels involuntarily through time, and Clare Abshire (Rachel McAdams), an artist whose life takes a natural sequential course.

The film is due out on 14th August.

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Sherlock Holmes - New photos

The trailer for Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes film was released earlier today. Now Film Drunk have grabbed a load of photos from the film and here they are for your delectation. They feature Robert Downey Jr, Jude Law, Rachel McAdams and a man with a big hammer.






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Sherlock Holmes - Trailer for Guy Ritchie's new film

Finally we get to see Robery Downey Jr in action as Sherlock Holmes and Jude Law as Watson. I'm not going to say anything else about it. I'll let you watch it and make your own mind up.

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Source: First Showing

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State of Play, 2009 - Movie Review

Director: Kevin MacdonaldStarring: Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams, Helen Mirren, Robin Wright Penn, Jason Bateman, Jeff Daniels, Michael Berresse, Viola Davis
Running Time: 127 minutes
Score: 8/10

This is a fantastic review by Don Fishies.

Congressman Stephen Collins (Ben Affleck) is helping with the government investigation of a shady military-based company when he receives word that his mistress has committed suicide. Visually distraught, he leaves a hearing in tears and sets off a media circus. Seasoned reporter Cal McAffrey (Russell Crowe) was his roommate in college, and the two have remained friends. In a bid to quash the political blogging of junior reporter Della Frye (Rachel McAdams), McAffrey sets out to find the truth about the story.

State of Play sets itself up early on to be a cookie-cutter, predictable thriller. But as the film progresses, it rather quickly becomes the twisty and conniving thriller it needs to be. Despite being heavily dialogue driven, the film is an intense ride that will keep people on edge throughout. Some scenes are downright terrifying in their amped up suspense and political intrigue. This film really set out to be tense, and succeeds wonderfully. It knows just what punches to pull, and when to pull them.

The script, written by political scribes Matthew Michael Carnahan, Tony Gilory and Billy Ray, is insight and intriguing. It could have easily been made boring and inundated with rehashed politicalisms (like all of their last films), but this film revels in how interesting it becomes. It has laughs strung throughout (a genuine surprise), and lacks the nerve to become loaded to the brim with facts and innuendos. Instead, it expertly weaves between scenes, amping up the intensity of some scenes, and downplaying others.

But this is mainly due to the incredible performances by the cast. Crowe (who I usually loathe) and Affleck are simply outstanding in their roles. Age issues aside, both play their character with finesse and charisma. Affleck looks and acts like a confused wet-behind-the-ears, gunning-for-higher-office political pawn from beginning to end. Some of the reactions on his face are downright devastating in how excellently they are conveyed. And this is a guy critics once said could not act. Coupled with one-two shot of acting in Hollywoodland and directing Gone Baby Gone, we may be seeing a renewed resonance and importance for the Oscar-winner. Crowe on the other hand, delivers his strongest performance in years. While he has been downplayed and underused in his last few films, he carries this film. He is stubborn and vaguely likable, but he makes his character work for all of his idiosyncrasies and ethically-questionable tactics. He makes a seasoned journalist look like an amateur.

McAdams, all but a ghost recently, holds her own against the two heavy-hitters and delivers a performance that is both inspired and emotional. It gives her a lot of room to act, and she delivers in every instance. The rest of the cast is a bit mixed however, as so little of them is given that much to do. Harry Lennix, Robin Wright Penn, Jeff Daniels, the horrifying Michael Berresse and especially Jason Bateman, all deliver noteworthy performances, but never get to really shine in them. They all have their traits and motivations, but get little screen time to truly express them. They each are developed quite strongly, but they lack the movement afforded to Crowe, Affleck and McAdams. I simply loved Helen Mirren's scenery-gauging editor and all of her subtleties. But she too, is downplayed to the point of almost barely being in the film.

Despite its intensity, the film is bogged down by its dialogue-heavy scenes and consistent character additions. It is easy to keep track of everyone, but so many people are introduced that the film loses its focus on more than one occasion. It makes for a few scenes that are merely filler between the scenes of useful heavy acting. It just feels so tiring. I understand now how daunting a task it must have been to convert six hours of British television into a 127-minute film, but there are scenes that are just too easy to not have been cut out (some entire mildly useful subplots may have helped). Adding characters in makes sense for a story about two journalists frantically searching to lift the lid on a story, but there needs to be more emphasis on what was needed and not needed. A brilliant montage in the middle of the film goes almost entirely to waste because the filmmakers lack the knowledge of what should be cut. Limiting the preposterous and silly climax could have also done wonders. The scenes that are left in the film (including the finale) are great, but they could have been stronger if they were as tightly wound as the film wants itself to be. A little less shaky hand camera movement could have also significantly benefited the film.

Even with its problems, it is clear from the on-set of the first shot in the bullpen at the Washington Globe that the filmmakers are going for a very keen sense of homage to All the President's Men. While the on-going and very professional relationship between McAffrey and Frye is very similar to Woodward and Bernstein, the fabric of journalistic integrity and researching are the core of State of Play. The film is loaded with allusions to the Oscar-winning film, and even mimics shots right out of the film. While it is obvious for anyone who has seen Men, this film's nods are done in such a delicate and unique way that they never become distracting or blatant. The film is its own, and does not ever feel like it is living in its big-brother's shadow. It is a fresh take on old-fashioned reporting in a very digital age, and frequently walks the tight line of old versus new.

State of Play looked interesting, and surprisingly delivers on almost every count. It is not a perfect film, but it is a solid example of great film-making. It wants to be more, but seems content at being a twisty and suspenseful modern thriller.

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State of Play - TV Spot

Director: Kevin Macdonald
Writer: Matthew Michael Carnahan
Studio: Universal Pictures
Cast: Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams

Due out on 17th April 2009

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Sherlock Holmes - On set visit to Guy Ritchie's latest film

E.T. was able to score an on set visit of Robert Downey Jr.'s action-packed re-imagining of Sherlock Holmes. They also got to talk to Jude Law and Rachel McAdams.

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State of Play - International trailer

The plot will be similar to that of the original six-hour program, retaining several main characters, but condensing and changing certain aspects to fit the two-hour format. The film is set in Washington, D.C. and tells of Stephen Collins (Ben Affleck), a fast-rising United States Congressman with ambitions to become his party's presidential candidate. This goal is threatened after his mistress (a former research assistant) is found dead in suspicious circumstances, while right-wing opponents to Collins' campaign for social reform attempt to use the scandal to kill his political career. During a probe into a series of seemingly unrelated murders, Cal McCaffrey (Russell Crowe), an investigative journalist and Collins' former campaign manager, finds himself tasked with solving the case, becoming romantically involved with the Congressman's estranged wife (Robin Wright Penn) in the process.

Director: Kevin Macdonald
Writer: Matthew Michael Carnahan
Studio: Universal Pictures
Cast: Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams

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State of Play - New poster shows Russell Crowe has a giant head

Handsome, unflappable U.S. Congressman Stephen Collins is the future of his political party: an honorable appointee who serves as the chairman of a committee overseeing defense spending. All eyes are upon the rising star to be his party's contender for the upcoming presidential race. Until his research assistant/mistress is brutally murdered and buried secrets come tumbling out.

D.C. reporter Cal McCaffrey has the dubious fortune of both an old friendship with Collins and a ruthless editor, Cameron, who has assigned him to investigate. As he and partner Della try to uncover the killer's identity, McCaffrey steps into a cover-up that threatens to shake the nation's power structures. And in a town of spin-doctors and wealthy politicos, he will discover one truth: when billions are at stake, no one's integrity, love or life is ever safe.

Directed by Kevin Macdonald. Starring Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams and Helen Mirren.

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Sherlock Holmes - Trailer shown at the Oscars

Special preview for Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes as shown during Oscar credits. Starring Robert Downey Jr, Jude Law, Mark Strong and Rachel McAdams.

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Rachel McAdams as Irene Adler in Sherlock Holmes

The above photo of Watson (Jude Law), Holmes and Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams) was first shown by USA Today from Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes. The newspaper spoke with Robert Downey Jr. about his reactions to the Oscar nomination (Tropic Thunder). It looks as if Sherlock Holmes will be a PG-13 which is a bit of a change for a Guy Ritchie film. The production shifted from London to New York in January and is finishing its last few weeks of shooting.
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State of Play - New Photo

A rising congressman and an investigative journalist are embroiled in a case of seemingly unrelated, brutal murders. With Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams, Robin Wright Penn, Jason Bateman, Jeff Daniels and Helen Mirren. Directed by Kevin Macdonald. Screenplay by Matthew Michael Carnahan and Tony Gilroy and Billy Ray.

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State of Play - Trailer for new Russell Crowe film

Oscar winner Russell Crowe leads an all-star cast in a blistering thriller about a rising congressman and an investigative journalist embroiled in an case of seemingly unrelated, brutal murders. Crowe plays D.C. reporter Cal McCaffrey, whose street smarts lead him to untangle a mystery of murder and collusion among some of the nation's most promising political and corporate figures in State of Play, from acclaimed director Kevin Macdonald.

Handsome, unflappable U.S. Congressman Stephen Collins (Ben Affleck) is the future of his political party: an honorable appointee who serves as the chairman of a committee overseeing defense spending. All eyes are upon the rising star to be his party's contender for the upcoming presidential race. Until his research assistant/mistress is brutally murdered and buried secrets come tumbling out.

McCaffrey has the dubious fortune of both an old friendship with Collins and a ruthless editor, Cameron (Oscar winner Helen Mirren), who has assigned him to investigate. As he and partner Della (Rachel McAdams) try to uncover the killer's identity, McCaffrey steps into a cover-up that threatens to shake the nation's power structures. And in a town of spin-doctors and wealthy politicos, he will discover one truth: when billions are at stake, no one's integrity, love or life is ever safe

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Sherlock Holmes in Liverpool - Elementary Lad!

My neck of the woods and I missed them! Oh well the Echo got some photos and had this to say.

Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law posed for the cameras during a night out on the tiles in Liverpool.

The movie A-listers dined out with friends and cast members at top city restaurant 60 Hope Street.

The award-winning actors were in town to film Guy Ritchie’s adaption of Sherlock Holmes.

The pair chose a window seat in the Hope Street restaurant and could be seen chatting from the street.

They then posed for photographs, with Cold Mountain and Talented Mr Ripley star Law, sporting a moustache for his role as Dr John Watson, telling the ECHO he was enjoying his time in Liverpool.

They signed autographs for fans before heading off for their hotels at 10.15pm.

Earlier yesterday the pair were hard at work filming the supersleuth blockbuster at the city’s disused docks.

Director Ritchie, 40, who was today getting divorced from Madonna, took his two sons to work.

Eight-year-old Rocco joined his dad on location at Liverpool’s Clarence Dock yesterday.

His younger son David, three, who Ritchie and Madonna adopted, joined them on set later.

Ritchie chatted to the boys and texted on his phone while he took a break from directing.

The family was spotted going in to Liverpool’s swanky Malmaison hotel on Wednesday, while Downey Jnr was seen checking into the Radisson, in Old Hall Street, and Law was seen working out in the hotel’s Ark gym.

Iron Man actor Downey Jr, 43, who plays the part of Holmes, arrived on set shortly after 9.30am in a sport utility vehicle.

London-born Law, who plays Watson and had a minor role in the Casebook of Sherlock Holmes TV series, followed along Waterloo Road minutes later in an Audi with blacked-out windows.

He was taken to a Winnebago trailer for make-up and costumes.

The area was full of security, while crew and a cast of actors and extras wearing bowler hats and smoking jackets were on set.

Filming in Liverpool began on Wednesday and was expected to continue for four days.

Some shots were delayed during the first day as Liverpool was lashed with heavy winds and rain.

Jude, 43, had a two-piece tweed suit underneath his heavy overcoat and wore a beanie hat between takes.

Onlookers said Law stood shivering in the cold weather.

The movie is due to be released next year and will show Holmes using physical prowess and intellect to solve mysteries.

The film also stars Wedding Crashers actress Rachel McAdams in the female lead and Mark Strong, from RocknRolla, as the villain.
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Lestrade cast in Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes movie

Digital Spy have the news that Hancock villain Eddie Marsan has been cast opposite Robert Downey Jr. in Sherlock Holmes.

Marsan will portray Inspector Lestrade, a Scotland Yard detective and ally of Holmes in Guy Ritchie’s revamped story of the Baker Street sleuth.

The actor, whose credits also include Happy-Go-Lucky, Miami Vice and Mission: Impossible III, said: “I’m doing Sherlock Holmes with Robert Downey Jr. I play Inspector Lestrade. Holmes describes him as a man with no imagination.”

Speaking to DS about how the movie will differ from previous incarnations, Marsan added:

“Holmes and Watson are a lot younger, bohemian. It works. Reading the script, Robert Downey Jr. is just perfect for a modern-day Holmes. Also he’s a bit of totty, as well!”

What do you think to that casting news?

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Rachel McAdams to be Irene Adler in Sherlock Holmes Movie

Another casting announcement today and a few new details for Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes. Rachel McAdams has joined the film as the romantic love interest, named Irene Adler. The character actually appeared in only one of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's stories in 1891 titled "A Scandal in Bohemia."

She will star opposite Robert Downey Jr as Holmes, Jude Law as Watson and the villian, named Blackwood, will be played by Mark Strong.

What do you think of this? Does there need to be a love interest in the movie?

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