'Silver Linings' for John Ortiz

"Fast and Furious" star John Oritz has grew to become an associate from the cast of David O. Russell's "The Silver Textures Playbook," the Weinstein Co. will distribute. Bradley Cooper stars just like a former secondary school teacher who's institutionalized for depression after which it released into the proper proper care of his mother, carried out by Jacki Weaver of "Animal Kingdom" fame. He tries to restore his ex-wife but becomes connected by having an eccentric neighbor with problems of her own. Jennifer Lawrence is positioned to see the neighbor, while Robert P Niro may have Cooper's father. Chris Tucker and Julia Stiles co-star as Cooper's spirited friend and Lawrence's older sister, correspondingly. Ortiz may have Cooper's childhood nearest friend, who still lives near his parents' home. Harvey Weinstein is creating Russell's adaptation of Matthew Quick's novel. Ortiz, who's coming off an Indie Spirit Award nomination for his perf in Philip Seymour Hoffman's "Jack Goes Boating," will rapidly be seen alongside Dustin Hoffman and Nick Nolte in Michael Mann and David Milch's approaching Cinemax series "Luck." Thesp formerly came out in Mann's "Public Competitors" and "Miami Vice." Ortiz is repped by Gersh, Sanders Remedy Caserta Management and attorney Ira Schreck. Contact Rob Sneider at rob.sneider@variety.com

Moviefone Mash: The Ultimate 'To Be or Not to Be' Speech

The Shakespearian drama 'Anonymous' comes out this weekend so Moviefone decided to put together a tribute mash-up to the most famous (and overused) quotation in literature. Hint: it has appeared in comedies, dramas and horror movies, been delivered in various languages and has even been riffed on by MST3K. Hamlet will always be a coveted role for actor's, and the range of stars who have played him is quite diverse, from Lawrence Olivier's pitch-perfect drama to Adam Sandler's over-the-top shenanigans. So, watch as the great actors of our time (and some not-so-great) contemplate suicide by asking themselves the eternal question... To be or not to be? #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-661449{display:none;}.cke_show_borders #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-661449, #postcontentcontainer #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-661449{width:530px;height:357px;display:block;} Buy or Rent the Movies Used in this Mash 'Laurence Olivier's Hamlet' (1948) (Buy | Rent), 'William Shakespeare's Hamlet' (1996) (Buy | Rent), 'Hamlet' (1990) (Buy | Rent), 'Hamlet, Prince of Denmark' (1980) (Buy | Rent), 'Hamlet' (1990) (Buy | Rent), 'Hamlet' (2000) (Buy | Rent), 'Hamlet' (2009) (Buy | Rent), 'Hamlet' (1964) (Buy | Rent), 'The Magic Christian' (Buy | Rent), 'Mystery Science Theater 3000: Hamlet' (Buy | Rent), 'Billy Madison' (Buy | Rent), 'To Be Or Not To Be' (1983) (Buy | Rent), 'Theater of Blood' (Buy | Rent), 'Harriet the Spy' (Buy | Rent) Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook Images from 'Anonymous' (2011) See All Moviefone Galleries »

Microsoft's Entertainment an online-based Segments Outshine

Microsoft on Thursday reported that revenue rose 7 percent within the fiscal first quarter to $17.4 billion, while internet gain elevated six percent to $5.7 billion. Revenue within the software company's entertainment and items division elevated 9 % to $2 billion, but operating earnings there fell 9 % to $352 million. Microsoft'sonline services division experienced 19 percent revenue growth to $625 million, even though unit lost $494 million in contrast getting deficiencies in $558 million this past year. Microsoft mentioned that Bing's share in the U.S. Make an online search market elevated 350 basis indicates 14.7 percent. Xbox 360 360, the business mentioned Thursday, was the most effective-selling gaming console inside the U.S. for just about any ninth consecutive month. Microsoft launched the Gears of War 3 gaming through the quarter, and three million copies offered inside the first month. The business recently introduced expects to unveil with the finish of year its next-generation of TV entertainment on Xbox 360 360 Live, including three dozen content partners. Another highlight through the quarter was the final outcome of Microsoft's purchase of Skype. Related Subjects Microsoft Xbox 360 360

The Man on the Train

A Tribeca Film (in U.S.) release, in partnership with American Express, of a Jon Goodman Entertainment presentation, in association with 120DB Film, Maple Pictures and Infinity Intl., of a Pembridge Pictures production, in association with Prospero Pictures. Produced by Martin Katz, Larry Mullen Jr., Mary McGuckian. Executive producers, Jon Goodman, Peter Graham, Stephen Hays, Francois Ivernel, Laurie May, James Smith. Co-producers, James Morris, Karen Wookey. Directed, written by Mary McGuckian, based on the film "L'homme du train" written by Patrice Leconte, Claude Klotz.With: Donald Sutherland, Larry Mullen Jr., Graham Greene, Tony Nardi, Kate O'Toole, Carlo Rota.Faithfully following the same track as the acclaimed 2002 French drama that inspired it, "The Man on the Train" is a leisurely paced but consistently engrossing tale of two men who come to see in each other the end of a road not taken. With Donald Sutherland offering one of his finest performances and U2 drummer Larry Mullen Jr. demonstrating his proficiency in a character-actor gig, this Canadian-produced version of Patrice Leconte's arthouse hit could attract sophisticated viewers when it pulls into VOD and homevid stations Oct. 28. Capably directed by Irish helmer Mary McGuckian ("This Is the Sea"), whose screenplay is aptly billed as a "translation" in the opening credits, "Man on the Train" pivots on a chance encounter between two disparate characters who are no less memorable for never being identified by name. The traveler of the title (Mullen) arrives late one afternoon in a small town, obviously with something illegal on his agenda. Just as obviously, he has a throbbing headache, which necessitates a trip to the local pharmacy. That's where he meets a retired literature professor (Sutherland) who just happens to be getting a refill for his migraine medicine. Immediately intrigued by the newcomer, the professor offers the stranger a few pills and, since the only hotel in town is shuttered for the season, a place to stay. Warily, the stranger accepts the offer of hospitality but is slow to respond to his host's conversational gambits. That's OK: The professor is perfectly willing to do enough talking for both of them. Gradually, however, each man becomes fascinated by, and maybe a tad envious of, how the other lives. The professor, long resigned to a life of safe routines and avoided risks, bemoans his "uncanny ability to miss out on all the highlights of my life," and wishes he could come across as mysterious, if not downright dangerous, as his younger, less loquacious guest. Meanwhile, the stranger wanders about the cluttered rooms of the professor's spacious home, slips into a pair of his host's comfy slippers and finds himself amazed by his sudden contentment. There are supporting players here and there in the margins of "Man on the Train," but not even third-billed Graham Greene -- whose role as an eccentric getaway driver is little more than a walk-on -- has much to do. Indeed, only Kate O'Toole, effortlessly conveying mature sensuality as the professor's longtime paramour, manages to briefly dispel the overall impression that the pic is basically a sturdily constructed two-hander. As the aged professor, a role played in Leconte's original by Jean Rochefort, Sutherland deftly balances melancholy and self-mockery, along with a few welcome flashes of twinkly eyed bemusement. In many scenes, the veteran actor is so clearly relishing his role that his pleasure is highly contagious. Mullen provides the perfect counterpoint, playing the taciturn stranger as a hardboiled cynic who only gradually admits to his own sort of wistful longing, and seems pleasantly surprised by his willingness to be a sympathetic, even empathetic listener. In a nice touch, the stranger (played by another actor-musician, Johnny Hallyday, in Leconte's version) recalls being moved by the words of Charles Bukowksi, even though he doesn't know who the poet is or what poem the words are from. The professor, it should be noted, seems more partial to e.e. cummings. With the invaluable assistance of lenser Stefan Von Bjorn and production designer Jennifer Carroll, McGuckian makes shrewd use of the pic's central location -- the house, cluttered with books and bric-a-brac, which the professor shared with his now-deceased mother -- to subtly reveal different aspects of her two lead characters. For one, the place is a museum for a life that hasn't been lived so much as decorously maintained; for the other, it is a warm and inviting refuge that, alas, can't truly be savored.Camera (color), Stefan Von Bjorn; editor, Matthew Booth; music, Larry Mullen Jr., Simon Clime; production designer, Jennifer Carroll; costume designer, Melissa Stewart; sound, Bryan Day; assistant director, Tony Thatcher; casting, Sharon Howard-Field. Reviewed at West Oaks Alamo Drafthouse, Houston, Oct. 15, 2011. (In Tribeca Film Festival.) Running time: 100 MIN. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Universal Backs Off 'Tower Heist' Premium VOD Test

Universal has scrubbed plans to make Brett Ratner's action-comedy Tower Heist available in homes only three weeks after it debuts in theaters on Nov. 4, following threats by theater owners to boycott the film altogether.our editor recommendsBrett Ratner Not Involved in $59.99 VOD 'Tower Heist' TestGiant Theater Chain Cinemark Threatens to Boycott Universal's 'Tower Heist' Universal to Offer 'Tower Heist' on Early VOD for $59.99 But the studio stessed it will continue to pursue premium VOD. "Universal Pictures today announced that in response to a request from theater owners, it has decided to delay its planned premium home video on demand (PVOD) experiment in which Comcast digital subscribers in Portland and Atlanta would have had the opportunity to rent Tower Heist on demand just three weeks after its theatrical release on November 4, 2011. "Universal continues to believe that the theater experience and a PVOD window are business models that can coincide and thrive and we look forward to working with our partners in exhibition to find a way to experiment in this area in the future," the studio said in a statement." The announcement sparked an immediate response from National Association of Theater Owners president CEO John Fithian. "NATO would like to thank Universal for responding to various theater owners' concerns and cancelling the PVOD test it was contemplating. They have been engaged with individual exhibitors on this test, and while it was something that many theater owners could not ultimately support, the open and collaborative nature of the dialogue is appreciated. NATO recognizes that studios need to find new models and opportunities in the home market, and looks forward to distributors and exhibitors working together for their mutual benefit," Fithian said. Related Topics

Douglas Trumbull To Receive VES Honor

Los Angeles, October 11, 2011 – Visionary filmmaker, innovator and entrepreneur Douglas Trumbull, has been selected by the Visual Effects Society Board of Directors as the recipient of the 2012 Georges Mlis Award. The award will be presented at the 10th Annual VES Awards, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills on February 7, 2012. The Mlis Award honors individuals who have pioneered a significant and lasting contribution to the art and/or science of the visual effects industry by a way of artistry, invention and groundbreaking work. One of four effects supervisors [on] 2001: A Space Odyssey, he subsequently influenced moviegoers with stunning visual effects in films such as The Andromeda Strain, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Star Trek: The Motion Picture, and Blade Runner. Previous recipients of the George Mlis Award were Robert Abel, John Lasseter, Phil Tippett and Ed Catmull.

Summit nabs rights to 'Headhunters'

Summit Entertainment has acquired feature rights to produce the English language adaptation of crime novel "Headhunters" by Norwegian author Jo Nesbo.Summit announced Monday that the Project's been set with Marianne Gray, Ole Sondberg, and Berna Levin, who will produce through their Yellow Bird production banner.The novel, recently published in the United States by Doubleday, centers on a corporate headhunter who steals valuable artwork from the homes of his applicants. After his latest heist goes awry, he finds himself in over his head and caught up in a murderous scheme.Nesb has won the Glass Key, the Riverton Prize, and the Booksellers Prize. He's the author of the Harry Hole and Doktor Proctor series of novels."Headhunters" will be overseen by Erik Feig, Summit's President of Production; Michael Schaefer, Summit's Senior VP of Acquisitions and Co-Productions, and Jeyun Choi, Summit's creative executive. Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com

Hollywood youth honored just 'cause

JonesRodriguezPanettiereSteinfeldMoretz CrissMadisonVariety's fifth Energy of Youth event will recognition a slew of youthful artists within the March. 22 celebration on Paramount's backlot.Hayden Panettiere (clockwise from top left), Hailee Steinfeld, Rico Rodriguez, Darren Criss, Bailee Madison, Chloe Moretz and Angus T. Manley are actually selected to obtain Variety's Energy of Youth Philanthropy award for contributions to charitable causes."We're proud Variety's Energy of Youth will once again gather numerous current day most gifted youthful stars to help raise important funds and awareness for many worthy causes," mentioned John Gott, author, Variety. "We're thrilled to recognize our honorees for incredible work and dedication for his or her particular charitable groups.InchPanettiere is acknowledged on her work regarding the Whaleman Foundation, Steinfeld for Share Our Strength, Manley for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Rodriguez for Camping Ronald McDonald permanently Occasions, Moretz for your Film Foundation, Criss for your Trevor Project and Madison for Alex's Lemonade Stand.This Years event, presented with the Hub together with Variety's annual Youth Impact Report, includes live perfs as well as the Energy of Auction on CharityBuzz.com. Site visitors includes children and families influenced through the honorees' enjoying useful benefits charitable groups additionally to notable under-25 thesps and recording artists.Fans can win tickets for the invite-only event utilizing a donation widget at Variety.com/poy. Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com

Moviefone Exclusive: Martin Sheen Won't Take No with an Answer in First Clip From 'The Way'

For Martin Sheen, his latest role will be a family affair in ways than the usual single. The Hollywood icon stars in 'The Way' (out March. 7), a drama of a father (Sheen) who travels overseas to recoup the body of his estranged boy, a trekker who died while walking the El Camino p Santiago between your country and France. Exactly why is 'The Way' special is always that Sheen's onscreen boy is carried out by his real-existence offspring Emilio Estevez, who also written and directed the completely new film. Ahead, watch the initial clip from 'The Way,' which focuses on Sheen's grieving father, as well as the measures he visits understand his greatly departed boy. Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Paul W.S. Anderson talks Resident Evil 5

Director Paul W.S. Anderson starts shooting Resident Evil: Retribution in a week's time so he had plenty to say about the project during an interview with Collider. "We're bringing in the Las Plagas parasite, which I love because it allows the undead to basically run around, ride motorbikes and shoot machine guns, which no one's done before," he said.Anderson also explained how one action sequence would be lifted from the game, albeit with a change of vehicle."There's a great action sequence which we've been inspired by from the fifth game, which is where the characters are driving in a Hummer through the desert and they're being chased by zombies shooting machine guns on motorbikes. We've taken that and we've kind of run with it. We're not gonna use a Hummer this time we're gonna use a Rolls Royce Phantom, cause no one's ever done a car chase with a Rolls Royce Phantom before. And I've discovered why, because it's really, really expensive."He also explained the thinking behind the introduction of new characters from the games into the film."[The new characters] is something that's kind of come out of Milla [Jovovich] and I talking to fans, feeling the characters that people wanted to come in. [We chose] three of those that seem to be the fan-favourites that we'd never touched on: Leon Kennedy, Ada Wong, and Barry Burton," Anderson said."We really went out of our way to get people who looked as much like their characters as possible from the game. This actor Johann Urb, who I'm very excited to be working with, not only is he a really good actor but he looks like Leon Kennedy. I mean you put photographs of them side-by-side, it's almost like he was manufactured by Capcom."Check out the full interview below...