Posts Tagged ‘The Proposal’

Hollywood heartthrob and recent divorcé Ryan Reynolds will be returning to Boston to film this summer. The former Mr. Scarlett Johansson spent time in the area in 2008, filming the romantic comedy, The Proposal with costar Sandra Bullock. Now, the sexy Canadian will be trying his hand at a “supernatural comedy” in R.I.P.D.

R.I.P.D. is set to start filming in Boston this September. The film stars Ryan Reynolds as a recently deceased detective, Nick Cruz, who is obsessed with  solving his own murder. Jeff Bridges costars in the movie as Roy Powell, a veteran of the “Rest In Peace Detectives” who are responsible for keeping the dead in line. Reynolds plays Powell’s partner.  Zach Galifinakis was originally set to be play Powell, but dropped out over concerns that the project would be delayed if Warner Bros. exercised Reynolds’ option on Green Lantern 2. With the addition of Oscar winner Jeff Bridges to the cast, many people have begun buzzing about the strength of the film’s script, raising the overall expectations of the film exponentially.

Reynolds can currently be seen in commercials for the upcoming, much anticipated summer superhero film, Green Lantern, which will be released nationwide later this month on June 17th. Meanwhile, R.I.P.D., which is currently in pre-production, is set to be released sometime in 2012.

★ Brookline native, Conan O’Brien in talks for talk show on Fox.

★ MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow to speak at this year’s Smith College commencement ceremonies.

★ Paz film starring Peter Facinelli to film in Massachusetts or Connecticut, and Rhode Island.

★ Boston Globe Q&A with comedian Steven Wright, former Burlington resident.

★ Marky Mark shirtless and filming The Fighter in CA.

★ Gisele talks about her pregnancy and why she hid out in Boston, while her trainer talks about whipping her butt back into shape.

★ Betty White’s got the back of her costar in The Proposal, Sandra Bullock.

Valentine’s Day is here and regardless of whether you like the holiday, it still gives you the perfect excuse to enjoy a romantic comedy or two.

There are a couple of romantic comedies at the box office this weekend (like the star-studded Valentine’s Day or last week’s number one film at the box office, Dear John. If you’re looking for a lovely night at home, however, why not try one of these classic romance flics that were filmed right here in Hollywood East?

Fever Pitch

Perfect for sports fans who want to relive the Red Sox’s historic 2004 World Series win while also getting a good dose of romance.  Made by Rhode Island natives Kevin and Bobby Farrelly, this movie deals with the sacrifices a Boston Red Sox super fan (Jimmy Fallon) has to make in order to be with his new girlfriend (Drew Barrymore).

Bride Wars

Best for those who want to forget about their boyfriend (or lack thereof) on Valentine’s Day, last year’s Bride Wars (filmed in Massachusetts) features Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway fighting over everything from their wedding date to their dress.

Away We Go

High-minded couples or fans of quirk will dig this 2009 movie filmed in Connecticut starring Maya Rudolph and Massachusetts native John Krasinski.  The film chronicles a thirtysomething couple searching for a new home where they can raise their new child.

There’s Something About Mary

Another Farrelly brothers movie on the list, this 1998 film shot in Rhode Island is best for those who enjoy dark and gross out humor.  This film follows Ted (played by Ben Stiller), a onetime geek in high school, who tries to reunite with his old prom date, Mary (Cameron Diaz).  The only problem is that everyone else she meets wants to date her too.

Some honorable mentions include last year’s The Proposal (filmed in Massachusetts), 27 Dresses (made in Rhode Island) and Mr. Deeds (Connecticut).  For more on movies filmed in New England, check out our “Movies in New England” section and if you’d like to buy any of these DVDs for that special someone, be sure to do it at our Amazon store, where a percentage of the proceeds goes toward the May Institute.

What’s you favorite Hollywood East romance flic?

On Sunday night, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s 67th Golden Globes aired on the tumultuous NBC network featuring stars of both television and film. Though the unusual amount of rain meant the usually glittery red carpet arrivals were somewhat subdued by oversized umbrella accessories, the downpours did little to dampen the festivities indoors. Hollywood East well-represented in the winners’ circle, as stars originally hailing from the area, or simply connected to it through recent projects, took home awards left and right.

On the television side, the inventive Fox musical series “Glee” picked up a Globe on its very first nomination for Best Television Series–Comedy or Musical. The series is helmed by Newton, Massachusetts bred creator, Brad Falchuk.

In movies, double nominee (in the same category no less) and perennial favorite, Meryl Streep, won in the Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture–Comedy or Musical category for her delicious performance as the Boston-based Julia Child in Julie and Julia. Darien, Connecticut born Chloë Sevigny won in the Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television for her role in HBO’s “Big Love”. Sandra Bullock, star of the filmed in Boston flick, The Proposal, and recently named biggest box office star of 2009, continued to do big things in 2010, winning a Globe in the Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture–Drama category, for her role in the Blind Side. The eternally down-to-earth star also made news for donating $1 million for disaster relief in Haiti, a huge gesture that will truly affect the globe.

★ Filmed-in-MA, The Proposal helps make Sandra Bullock the top box office star of 2009.

★ Stephen Colbert gives a shout out to Connecticut.

★ “Southland” star and East Bridgewater native Tom Everett Scott comes to Ned Devine’s for premiere last week.

★ RSVP for the 2010 IMAGINE awards at the Liberty Hotel in Boston on January 12.

★ “Pregnancy Pact” movie to air on Lifetime cable network, based on story of Gloucester teens.

★ Former bodyguard to the stars in Norfolk county prison for ripping off the MBTA.

★ First ever conservative film festival being held at the Portsmouth Public Library in NH.

★ Mass Art graduate makes it to the 7th season of “Project Runway”.

On January 6th, the 2010 People’s Choice Awards show will air, selecting the best in music, movies and TV as voted by…well, the people of course! Amongst the nominees that were announced on November 10 in Los Angeles, Hollywood East is well-represented. In the Favorite TV Comedy Actress category, Burlington, MA born Amy Poehler was nominated. In the Favorite Comedic Star category, Adam Sandler is among those selected, who got his start at a Boston comedy club, and spent much of his summer in the area working on Grown Ups and The Zookeeper.

Of movies that were filmed in the hub that were also on the nominations list: The Proposal was nominated for Favorite On-Screen Team, Favorite Movie, as well as Favorite Comedy Movie, as was Bride Wars. Maine’s Patrick Dempsey was nominated in the Favorite TV Drama Actor, and Concord, MA native Steve Carell was no surprise in the Favorite TV Comedy Actor category.

On the musical side, Fairfield, Connecticut’s John Mayer was nominated for Favorite Male Artist. The twisty-faced tune-smith is fond of keeping in touch with his fans via Twitter, and no doubt used this social medium to play to his advantage while votes were being cast.

The 2010 People’s Choice Awards will air live on CBS on Wednesday, January 6, and will be hosted by Queen Latifah.

The Boston Society of Film Critics recently picked its favorites in the past year’s cinematography, and its list includes well-known favorites as well as hidden gems. For her role as the iconic TV cooking show host in Julie and Julia, Meryl Streep was named best actress, and Stanley Tucci was runner up in the supporting category for his role in that film as well. The Hurt Locker, an independent modern war drama, was named the year’s best film.

Founded in 1981, the Boston Society of Film Critics was started to help give voice to “Boston’s unique critical perspective” on both a national and international level. Each year they recognize both national and local film endeavors, as well as theaters and film societies. Past winners include Mystic River, Schindler’s List, and The Silence of the Lambs. This year’s awards will be handed out at a local ceremony, date to be determined, in early 2010.

The Golden Globe nominations were announced on Tuesday and there’s a host of Massachusetts connections amongst many of the nominees. Meryl Streep (what a surprise) was nominated for playing Boston-based author and cook Julia Child in the true story, Julie and Julia, which likewise was nominated for a Best Motion Picture–Musical or Comedy award. Joining Streep in the Best Actress category is Sandra Bullock for her role in The Proposal, which was filmed in and around the Boston area. In the Best Actor (Comedy or Musical) category, Boston’s own Matt Damon is nominated for his role in The Informant!, as well as in the Supporting Actor category for his role in Invictus. On the TV side of things, “The Office” was nominated for a Best Comedy or Musical Television Series award. The quirky show features Concord, MA’s Steve Carell, who was also nominated for a Best Actor award.

The glamorous neighborhood known as Beverly Hills, California is one of the wealthiest areas in Los Angeles County. Home to countless celebrities and of course, the posh Rodeo Drive. The weather there is mostly sunny and warm, and its pretty safe to say that Wilshire Boulevard, or any street or boulevard there, has never seen the kind of snow we have here on the east coast. Nevertheless, Beverly Hills has a strong connection to Massachusetts in a rather surprising way. The famous Beverly Hills Hotel was built in 1912 by Margaret J. Anderson on land developed by Burton Green. Green, who owned Rodeo Land and Water Company, created the hotel as the first major structure in the area and was named after his home, Beverly Farms, in Beverly, Massachusetts.

While Beverly, Massachusetts may be on a completely opposite coast to the balmier Beverly Hills, California, both share a distinct Hollywood connection. A number of films have shot scenes in Beverly, including The Thomas Crown Affair, The Crucible, The Perfect Storm, and most recently, The Proposal. Boston homeboy, and star of The Perfect Storm, Mark Walhberg even married his long-time girlfriend, Rhea Durham, at the Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Beverly Hills last weekend.

If you’re not a fan of romantic comedies, The Proposal is close enough to a full-blown funny movie to overlook its love story overlay. Sure it has the obligatory non-realistic love story component of a romantic comedy, but the common central ideas and sarcastic humor almost balance it out.

Starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, playing Margaret Tate and Andrew Paxton, the movie deals with a new theme of deportation, with the usual draw of finding love in unexpected places (i.e. in a seemingly sadistic and incredibly demanding boss). Bullock plays a driven executive editor-in-chief at a book publishing company who bribes her assistant, Reynolds, to marry her in order to avoid deportation to Canada. The movie throws in a plot twist that takes the pair to Paxton’s hometown of Sitka, Alaska (most of which was filmed in Massachusetts) where Tate meets his eccentric yet lovable family as well as some memorable and endearing reoccurring characters. After a tumultuous first couple of days that featured Tate offering the new family puppy to an eagle in exchange for a cell phone and a gratuitous nearly nude shot of both Bullock and Reynolds, Tate’s rigid outer layer shatters to expose her inner vulnerability. In addition to Bullock and Reynolds, the movie features Mary Steenburgen, Craig T. Nelson, Betty White, Malin Akerman and Oscar Nunez and is directed by Anne Fletcher.

With its release date on June 19^th, it was the number one movie in the weekend box office, grossing over $33.6 million in the first three days that it was out. The movie also hit number one spots in Australia and Russia grossing over $10 million in 10 foreign markets. This was the first movie for Bullock in the past 10 years to earn a number one spot. She last saw the top spot in 1999 with her movie, Forces of Nature where she starred opposite Ben Affleck.

Actor/Singer Bob Tella has been entertaining New England audiences ever since he was in high school. While still studying at Berklee College of Music, he performed with the local Touch of Broadway singers, performing at business functions, restaurants, and holiday events throughout the Bay State.

He has appeared in several independent and feature films, including the Academy Award winning Mystic River, The Proposal, and Mall Cop. Tella has guest starred with the Saugus Players, won Best Musical Direction for Stop the World I Want To Get Off for the EMACT Festival, and played dual roles in Grease as both Teen Angel and Vince Fontaine. He can also be seen as Colonel William Kabrich in the PBS special, The Living Weapon. He is currently a background actor in The Company Men, which is filming now, in and around Boston.

HEC: How did you get started in your career as a performing artist?

I was always singing as a kid so I knew that I wanted to perform. It felt like a natural thing for me to do. I always thought everyone could sing but in junior high school, where I did my first play, Dr. Doolittle, I found out that singing was something that I could do and other people had a hard time doing.

HEC: How has your degree from Berklee helped you?

Berklee College of Music has taught me discipline. The teachers that I had were tough but without them, I wouldn’t have been hard on myself to always reach for more. My voice teacher at Berklee with whom I still study, Mili Bermejo, never lets me become lazy where I am vocally. She always tells me to never be complacent about it. Always strive to get better. Bring the acting into the singing. Don’t get a big head and think “Okay, I don’t need lessons anymore because I’m great!” Always keep learning. So that’s how I live my life and career.

HEC: What has it been like as an extra on The Company Men?

It was fun. There were around 30 background actors that got called and we all got to participate in the scenes. The assistant director sets you up on where to stand and what to do. My friend Polly and I got to be in the shot with Ben Affleck. We were told to react to him in a certain way. People think you don’t have to act as an extra but you do. That’s why I prefer to be called a background actor because you still have to be knowledgeable and know your craft. People can always tell when you’re just standing there like a statue in the scene with nothing going on inside your head.

HEC: What are the best/worst parts of your job as a background actor?

The worst part of the job is the sitting around for long hours. You have to be there at an early call time and sometimes they don’t need to use you right away. You may have to just sit there for four hours or more. Sometimes, if they have to set up the scene for a different angle, you have to go back to the holding area and just sit and wait. Always bring something to do. Read, knit, play cards, use a laptop; it helps pass the time. The best part of this job is working with great actors and directors. You can see them work at their craft once you are on the set. It’s like going to school: you watch and learn. On my last one, The Company Man, there were Ben Affleck, Chris Cooper, and Tommy Lee Jones. All of these Oscar winning actors. Kevin Costner had finished his shooting because he was done with his scenes. Watching them work was priceless. When we all had lunch, you would look over your shoulder and you see Ben Affleck and Chris Cooper or Clint Eastwood sitting there eating along with everyone else. That’s cool.

HEC: Any advice for new graduates (perhaps something that you wish someone had told you before you got started)?

It seems cliché but really, you need to keep the balance in your life. This is a small part of it. Enjoy your family and friends and don’t let striving for success consume you. Also, be professional on the set. I’ve seen quite a few people misbehave in one manner or another. They were asked to leave the set and the casting office was told to never send over those actors again. People will remember.

HEC: Most memorable job experience thus far (any job you have had in film)?

There were two memorable experiences and they both involved Clint Eastwood during the filming of Mystic River. I arrived for the shoot early, put on my state trooper uniform and was looking for the catering truck for breakfast. When I found it, Clint Eastwood was standing there drinking his coffee. I didn’t want to disturb him so I started to go back when he called me over and said “Oh, here is one of my police officers. Good Morning.” I spoke with him briefly before he left to get his morning started. Most of the actors keep to themselves but he took the time to speak to me and that made me feel great for the rest of the day.

The other memorable experience was also during the filming of Mystic River. Clint Eastwood doesn’t say action or cut as most directors say when he or she wants to begin and end the scene. He spoke very quietly and said “go” or “okay” when he wanted the actor or actors to start. When he wanted them to stop he would say something like “okay, that’s good”. I didn’t know why at the time he did that but sometime later he explained on “Inside the Actors Studio” that when he was in the position of being an actor, when the director would shout “action” or “cut”, it would jar him and the other actors. He now speaks to them in his own manner so the actor will be comfortable. That’s why he is so well respected. You don’t have to throw a tantrum on the set to get respect. He’s a very considerate director and person.