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The Latest News from the Movie Biz

Writer/Director John Lee Hancock on Sandra Bullock in ‘The Blind Side’
Published on: October 29, 2009
By Shannon Nystedt
MovieSet.com

Based on Michael Lewis’ book, 'The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game', writer/director John Lee Hancock’s upcoming sports/drama The Blind Side depicts the remarkable true story of Michael Oher, a homeless African-American boy from a broken home, taken in by the Tuohys, a well-to-do white family who help him fulfill his potential. At the same time, Oher's presence in the Tuohys' lives leads them to some insightful self-discoveries of their own. Living in his new environment, the teen faces a completely different set of challenges to overcome. As a football player and student, Oher works hard and, with the help of his coaches and adopted family, becomes an All-American offensive left tackle. Although the book focused mainly on Oher’s story, the film centers more on his relationship with the Tuohys, especially with his adopted mother Leigh Anne, played by Sandra Bullock.

“…I had a hard time explaining exactly who Leigh Anne was. Finally, I just said, 'Sandy, you've got to go and meet this woman.' We went down to Memphis, met the real Leigh Anne, who is Southern, Christian, Conservative, with everything that goes with that. But surprising, somebody who defies definition. She took this kid in and looked out for him. And Sandy immediately goes, 'I get it. I get her. I have to do this because she's this complex and this part scares me so much...'"

Read the full article here.
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New Teaser Poster for DreamWorks’ ‘How to Train Your Dragon’
Published on: October 29, 2009
By Shannon Nystedt
MovieSet.com

From the creators of Shrek and Madagascar comes How to Train Your Dragon, the latest fun-for-the-whole-family animated feature from DreamWorks. Directed by Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders, How to Train Your Dragon tells the story of a teen-age Viking named Hiccup whose whole world is turned upside-down after he befriends a dragon he was attempting to slay. Based on the 2003 children's novel by British author Cressida Cowell, How to Train Your Dragon features voice talent including Jay Baruchel (Tropic Thunder), Gerard Butler (Law Abiding Citizen), Craig Ferguson (Life Without Dick), Jonah Hill (Funny People), Kristen Wiig (Extract) and Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Superbad). Take a look at the films upcoming teaser poster!

See the full size poster here.
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EXCLUSIVE – ‘Circle of Pain’ Featurette
Published on: October 29, 2009
By Shannon Nystedt
MovieSet.com

Check out MovieSet.com’s exclusive behind-the-scenes featurette from the set of director Daniel Zirilli’s upcoming action/drama Circle of Pain. The film follows down-and-out retired MMA fighter Dalton Hunt as he is lured back into the ring for the fight of his life, but for Hunt to stand tall and win, he’ll have to enlist the aid of an enigmatic trainer and straighten out his life. Circle of Pain stars Tony Schiena, Dean Cain, Heath Herring, Louis Herthum, and Bai Ling. Go behind the scenes of Circle of Pain to hear director Daniel Zirilli talk about the project, catch actress Bai Ling’s endorsement, find out about Kimbo Slice’s role and listen to what Heath Herring has to say about his role as undefeated champ Colin 'The Brick' Wahle.

Watch the featurette here.
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Director Lee Daniels’ ‘Precious' is Blessed by Angels
Published on: October 28, 2009
By Shannon Nystedt
MovieSet.com

At a special screening of Precious hosted by The Wrap Tuesday night at the Arclight in Sherman Oaks, director Lee Daniels described his new movie as “blessed by angels.” But how else would you account for a film centered on an obese black girl living in the ghetto achieving such critical acclaim, financial backing and theatrical distribution? Based on the novel Push by Sapphire, Precious tells the story of a 16-year-old girl pregnant for the second time by her absent father and physically and emotionally abused by her mother who begins to turn her life around after she is transfers to an alternative school, where she benefits from the attention of a devoted teacher.

"When I make movies, I anticipate they're going to go direct-to-DVD," Daniels told the crowd at a special screening. "I assume no studio will embrace the intelligence of the audience."

Read the full article here.

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Nick Frost flys solo for ‘Pirate Radio’
Published on: October 28, 2009
By Shannon Nystedt
MovieSet.com

When you see Nick Frost in films, often it’s along side his buddy Simon Pegg in flicks like the zombie comedy Shaun of the Dead, or action spoof Hot Fuzz, but for his upcoming film Pirate Radio Frost breaks free from his comrade' comfort zone to embrace a new character. In the film, Frost place Dr. Dave, a member of a band of rogue deejays who captivated British radio listeners in the ’60s, playing the music that defined a generation and boldly defying the government that tried to shut them down.

"…It was good for me that I didn't have the safety harness of being with my two best friends," notes Frost, referring to Pegg and Wright. "And, I really had to pinch myself knowing that I have an acting face off with Bill Nighy and Philip Seymour Hoffman almost every day…."

Read the full article here.
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