DVD Review: Nine
Posted on May 04, 2010 @ 06:48PM - Add a comment
It’s tough to feel sorry for a successful, attractive man who’s surrounded by exquisite women, and suffers mainly from a crisis of creativity.
And yet, Nine asks us to do just that. It’s a tall order, considering that the musical film, while visually stunning and grandiose in scope, tells its hero’s arc rather than allowing it to be seen and felt. Based on a Broadway musical that was based on Italian director Federico Fellini's self-referential 8 1/2, Nine is the story of Maestro Guido Contini (Daniel Day-Lewis), a film director who’s falling apart in glittery, 1960s Rome. As he tries to embark on a movie with no script and clings to the scraps of his failing marriage, he floats into the recesses of his memory, where the women of his past and present exist as a sort of map of his life.
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Women, in fact, are the fleshy, sexy substance of Nine, which features an all-star cast that’s decked out in sumptuous costumes and glamorized to the hilt. Among the many women in Guido’s world are his wife Luisa (Marion Cotillard), his desperate lover Carla (Penélope Cruz), his muse Claudia (Nicole Kidman), the whore of his childhood, Saraghina (Stacy “Fergie” Ferguson), sassy Vogue reporter Stephanie (Kate Hudson) and his costume designer-cum-confidante, Lilli (Judi Dench). The only real Italian in sight is Sophia Loren, who appears in a few brief scenes as Guido’s glammed-up mommy. But nevermind the weird faux-accents: These ladies flit in and out of Guido’s life, both real and imagined, through dramatic real-time interludes and impressively theatrical song-and-dance numbers that sometimes spectacular, and other times a bit misguided (Mommy, little Guido and the candles misses the mark, religious undertones or not).
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The songs are each woman’s moment to introduce herself, and let us know what her issues are with ol’ Guido. Then, it’s back to the action, or rather, the flat mosey toward Guido’s redemption that doesn’t quite find momentum. It’s too bad, because director Rob Marshall’s vision is sumptuous, ambitious and fun, but the film’s construction is clunky and halting, giving each lady her moment at the mic (Carla’s in lingerie, ready for action, Saraghina recalls schooling little Guido about the ways of women), but then moves on without further development. The only women who feel like real people are Luisa and Lilli, each of whom sees right through the Maestro and his narcissistic ways.
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The DVD extras compensate somewhat, in that six of the eight robust segments focus on the film’s actresses and dancers in an upbeat love-fest that’s typical for home entertainment. But they also highlight the fun stuff behind the enormous production, like the 42 tons of sand that were hauled on set for Saraghina’s scenes, and the audition scenes in which Fergie rolls around with a tambourine and Kate Hudson tries to learn how to dance (she comes close). In a way, each musical number is like a brilliant music video -- creative and beautifully executed, if not integrated into the film as organically as possible.
Yet, while all the fuss and memories and morality issues seem to focus on the women of Nine, the movie is really about men, their art and their and their self-involvement. One of the few scenes that ground the dramatic through-line is when Guido's beautiful muse is turning her non-role down. In walking away from Guido, she's not just letting go of a movie part, but eschewing reverence for the once-infallible director, telling him, "I'd rather be the man." Another such moment is more poignant. When whatever hope Luisa has for her marriage is suddenly stripped away, she confronts Guido in an empty screening room. “You think to create [is] just to forgive yourself in public,” she says, tears spilling down her cheeks.
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But don’t cry for Maestro Contini: He does, of course, forgive himself, even if Luisa, rightly never does.
New DVD Releases
Posted on May 04, 2010 @ 06:35PM - Add a comment
Leap Year (PG)
Women’s lib, apparently, never reached the land of Leap Year, in which Anna (Amy Adams) heads for Ireland so she can propose to her commitment-phobe BF on the 29th of February. In the old country, legend has it that it’s cool for women to pop the question on that day, so when Anna’s four-year anniversary comes and goes without a ring, she decides to take matters into her own hands. Even if she isn’t a liberated woman, she still knows a hot guy when she sees one -- in this case, the scruffy Declan (Matthew Goode), who helps her track down her boyfriend, and might just help her find real love along the way. (Amy Adams [Anna], Matthew Goode [Declan])
Nine (R)
Let’s hear it for the ladies! Nine is the story of drama-queen Guido Contini (Daniel Day-Lewis), a famous film director in crisis, and the many women who in his life. Unlike most men -- but perhaps like a lot of them in Hollywood -- all the women in Guido’s world are jaw-droppingly stunning, exceptionally talented and have super-long legs. Did we mention this is all pretend? (Penélope Cruz [Carla], Marion Cotillard [Luisa Contini], Daniel Day-Lewis [Guido Contini], Nicole Kidman [Claudia], Judi Dench [Lilli], Kate Hudson [Stephanie])
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The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (PG-13) (release May 5)
Director David Fincher brings F. Scott Fitzgerald’s short story to the big screen in this epic tale of a man who ages backward, and experiences life’s great loves and losses with a perspective that upends our traditional notions of time and lifelines. Brad Pitt plays Benjamin with a sexy southern accent and more facility for a wheelchair than the average aged gentleman, while Cate Blanchett plays his ballerina of a lover with tenderness and a lot of barre exercises. The film racked up 13 Oscar nominations last winter, and now DVD viewers can see why. (Brad Pitt [Benjamin Button], Cate Blanchett [Daisy)
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Tooth Fairy (PG)
He skateboards. He’s blue. And yes, he’s miniature, plays pro hockey and has learned how to fly. Meet the Derek Thomson (Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson), a muscly athlete with no patience for pretend. The powers that be finally decide to punish the dream-killer with an unusual sentence in this kid-oriented tale of wrongdoing and redemption -- albeit with non-stop sight gags and crushingly condescending humor. Bonus: Star skateboarder Ryan Sheckler makes his non-skate-movie debut. (Dwayne Johnson [Derek Thomson/Tooth Fairy], Ashley Judd [Carly], Ryan Sheckler [Mick Donnelly])
Parisian Pair: Marion And Penelope At Nine Premiere
Posted on Feb 19, 2010 @ 12:22PM - 1 comment
Marion Cotillard and Penelope Cruz represented the Nine fashionistas with class and glamour at the Paris premiere of the musical. The Parisian and Spanish stunners got dressed in gorgeous couture, hot off the runway of Christian Dior and L’Wren Scott.
Marion continued her reign as Lady Dior, wearing a stunning, nude mini with lace overlay, while Penelope rocked another gown from American designer L’Wren Scott, a pink floor length, which featured embellished shoulders.
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Want the details of the Penelope and Marion’s French dressing? Check out the gallery in Style!
67th Annual Golden Globes Winners, Losers And Highlights
Posted on Jan 17, 2010 @ 12:02PM - 5 comments
As the January rain drizzled down outside the Beverly Hilton Hotel, inside there was a festive and electric atmosphere as the stars enjoyed the 2010 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards Show.
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Hosted by British funnyman and comic genius Ricky Gervais, the star studded show - broadcast in 160 countries worldwide - honors the cream of the American TV and movie worlds, and is a favorite of the awards season for many.
With the booze flowing and the relaxed party atmosphere the A-listers always seem to be more relaxed han at any of the other shows.
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The nominations, which were announced by Justin Timberlake, John Krasinski and Diane Kruger on December 15th, included all the favorites and hits of the past year.
Hit new show Glee made a first time appearance alongside awards season TV staples such as 30 Rock,Mad Men, The Office and House.
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Movies also included all the smash hits from 2009 - leading the nominations was George Clooney's Up In The Air along with Nine, Avatar, The Hurt Locker, Inglorious Basterds and Precious.
RadarOnline.com is live blogging at the Globes bringing you all the winners and losers as they are announced along with all the show’s highlights.
Keep refreshing the page for all the latest up to date exciting Globes coverage.
Star Style Evolution: Penelope Cruz
Posted on Dec 29, 2009 @ 06:42AM - Add a comment
The sultry, Spanish star of Nine made a name for herself in 2000 with a critically acclaimed performance in Pedro Almodòvar's All About My Mother, and she hasn't slowed down yet! Racking up numerous acting awards (including an Oscar!), seducing sexy leading men with her million dollar smile, and walking down red carpets in unique designer duds, Penèlope still manages to stay humble and true to her Latin roots.
PHOTOS: Penèlope Cruz's Star Style Evolution
Penèlope's style is a blend of Spanish spice and classic elegance, gracing the red carpet in a range of designers from Ralph Lauren to Versace.
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Nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress in the highly anticipated musical Nine, Penèlope is sure to stun on her big night!
PHOTOS: Penèlope And Other Holiday Movie Hotties Sexy In Their Bikinis
From Spanish starlet to America's Sweetheart, see how Penèlope has evolved by checking out the gallery in Style.
Star Style Evolution: Sarah Ferguson to Fergie
Posted on Dec 28, 2009 @ 03:10PM - Add a comment
Nine star and Black Eyed Pea singer Fergie has come a long way since her Wild Orchid days! The sexy style of the multi talented performer has drastically matured over the years, from crop tops to haute couture.
PHOTOS: Fergie’s Star Style Evolution
Fergie likes to live on the fashionable edge, often opting for eccentrically hued and patterned frocks. Not devoted to one particular designer, she likes to have fun trying out different looks, from strapless Dolce & Gabbana minis to goddess like Etro gowns.
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Fergie didn’t let a little scandal get in the way of her red carpet dressing! The past few months, amidst troubles with hunky hubby Josh Duhamel, she has stunned all over the globe at her Nine premieres, looking better than ever!
PHOTOS: Fergie And Her Costars At The New York Premiere Of Nine
What were Fergie’s best and worst dressed moments over the years? Check out the gallery in Style and find out!
Star Style Evolution: Kate Hudson
Posted on Dec 26, 2009 @ 09:43AM - Add a comment
Nine star Kate Hudson is a flawless blend of California beach babe and sizzling starlet. With her sun kissed blonde hair, sparkling hazel eyes and perfectly fit body, the Hollywood legacy always shines on the red carpet, and attracts the attention of the most sought after men in the world! Over the years Kate has developed a unique and chic sense of style, opting for red carpet looks that pop, and sometimes shock!
PHOTOS: Kate Hudson’s Star Style Evolution
While glamming it up in Versace, Oscar De La Renta, Rachel Roy and Christian Dior for movie premieres and awards shows, Kate keeps her daywear simple and California fresh. Whether strolling the streets with her man of the moment casually clad in jeans and a t-shirt, shopping with son Ryder near her home in Pacific Palisades in a flirty floral sundress, or breaking the waves in Malibu showing off her fat free body in an itty bitty bikini, Kate’s look is always imitated.
PHOTOS: Kate Hudson And Other Hot Holiday Stars Sexy In Bikinis
What were some of Kate’s hottest red carpet moments? Check out the gallery in Style to find out!
Here Comes The Nine: Best And Worst At New York Premiere
Posted on Dec 16, 2009 @ 11:05AM - 1 comment
Was Fergie renewing her wedding vows on Tuesday night in New York, wearing a breathtaking Marchesa gown? Nope. The Black Eyed Peas superstar was attending the New York premiere of her musical, Nine. With husband Josh Duhamel nearby, the singer looked ready to walk down the aisle in Grecian style one-shoulder number from the Resort 2010 Collection.
PHOTOS: Fergie, Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz, Kate Hudson, Goldie Hawn, Lourdes Leon, Marion Cotillard, Marchesa, Chopard, Josh Duhamel, Madonna, Kimora Lee, Daniel Day Lewis, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Naomi Watts And More At The New York Premiere Of Nine
There was a lot of family time at the film premiere. While Kate Hudson huddled with her mom, Goldie Hawn, Madonna and Lourdes were a Dolce & Gabbana duo on the red carpet. Who looked better, mother or daughter?
Check out the gallery in Style to find out.
PHOTOS: Stars Of Nine At The London Premiere
Fergie & Josh Duhamel On Cloud Nine At NYC Film Premiere
Posted on Dec 16, 2009 @ 08:09AM - 1 comment
Fergie and Josh Duhamel looked like a happy couple on the red carpet at the New York City premiere of Nine on Tuesday evening.
PHOTOS: Fergie & Josh Duhamel Dazzle At Premiere Of Nine
The 6-foot-3 hunk wore a classy, dark gray suit, while the Black Eyed Peas singer played the part of a princess in her billowing white gown.
