The Bourne film franchise is a series of action thriller films based on the character Jason Bourne, a CIA assassin who suffers from amnesia.
The franchise began with the release of “The Bourne Identity” in 2002, followed by “The Bourne Supremacy” in 2004, then “The Bourne Ultimatum” in 2007, and “The Bourne Legacy” in 2012. In 2016, a fifth installment, titled Jason Bourne, was released.
The films were highly praised for their direction, acting, storylines, and action sequences. The first film in the franchise was directed by Doug Liman, while Tony Gilroy helmed the fourth, and Paul Greengrass directed the remaining films in the Bourne series.
Matt Damon portrayed Jason Bourne in four of the movies listed below.
“The Bourne Identity” was met with critical acclaim and grossed over 214 million worldwide. “The Bourne Supremacy” was also well-received by critics and was a commercial success, grossing over 290 million worldwide. “The Bourne Ultimatum” garnered even more praise...
The franchise began with the release of “The Bourne Identity” in 2002, followed by “The Bourne Supremacy” in 2004, then “The Bourne Ultimatum” in 2007, and “The Bourne Legacy” in 2012. In 2016, a fifth installment, titled Jason Bourne, was released.
The films were highly praised for their direction, acting, storylines, and action sequences. The first film in the franchise was directed by Doug Liman, while Tony Gilroy helmed the fourth, and Paul Greengrass directed the remaining films in the Bourne series.
Matt Damon portrayed Jason Bourne in four of the movies listed below.
“The Bourne Identity” was met with critical acclaim and grossed over 214 million worldwide. “The Bourne Supremacy” was also well-received by critics and was a commercial success, grossing over 290 million worldwide. “The Bourne Ultimatum” garnered even more praise...
- 7/5/2022
- by Israr
- buddytv.com
From Harry Potter to Jason Bourne: our favorite movies from booksFrom Harry Potter to Jason Bourne: our favorite movies from booksScott Goodyer8/8/2016 4:21:00 Pm
Book worms rise up - it’s National Book Lovers day!
What book are you currently reading? A few of us over here right now are enjoying Ernest Cline’s Ready Player One, Herman Koch’s Summer House with Swimming Pool and Emma Cline’s The Girls.
In honour of this glorious day, we wanted to celebrate by making a list of some great books that have made the jump over to the big screen.
If you have read these books but haven’t seen the movie, click on the titles to rent/buy them in our store!
1. The Green Mile
The Green Mile is a 1999 American fantasy crime drama film written and directed by Frank Darabont and adapted from the 1996 Stephen King novel of the same name.
Book worms rise up - it’s National Book Lovers day!
What book are you currently reading? A few of us over here right now are enjoying Ernest Cline’s Ready Player One, Herman Koch’s Summer House with Swimming Pool and Emma Cline’s The Girls.
In honour of this glorious day, we wanted to celebrate by making a list of some great books that have made the jump over to the big screen.
If you have read these books but haven’t seen the movie, click on the titles to rent/buy them in our store!
1. The Green Mile
The Green Mile is a 1999 American fantasy crime drama film written and directed by Frank Darabont and adapted from the 1996 Stephen King novel of the same name.
- 8/8/2016
- by Scott Goodyer
- Cineplex
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It was the spy thriller that revitalised the genre. But the production of 2002’s The Bourne Identity was far from an easy one...
Like so many budding filmmakers of his generation, Doug Liman got his start in movies by fiddling with his father's Super 8 camera. Then aged eight, Liman "Picked it up, started making movies with it, and never stopped."
By the time he'd reached his early 30s, Liman's ambitions had finally paid off. His films Swingers and Go, released in 1996 and 1999, were made cheaply and recouped healthy profits. Urgent and effervescently told, they were the product of a young, talented filmmaker on the rise. Liman's rising profile soon saw him land the kind of deal that a few dozen other hopefuls would have sold their souls for - Universal signed him up to make a film based on Robert Ludlum's spy thriller, The Bourne Identity.
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It was the spy thriller that revitalised the genre. But the production of 2002’s The Bourne Identity was far from an easy one...
Like so many budding filmmakers of his generation, Doug Liman got his start in movies by fiddling with his father's Super 8 camera. Then aged eight, Liman "Picked it up, started making movies with it, and never stopped."
By the time he'd reached his early 30s, Liman's ambitions had finally paid off. His films Swingers and Go, released in 1996 and 1999, were made cheaply and recouped healthy profits. Urgent and effervescently told, they were the product of a young, talented filmmaker on the rise. Liman's rising profile soon saw him land the kind of deal that a few dozen other hopefuls would have sold their souls for - Universal signed him up to make a film based on Robert Ludlum's spy thriller, The Bourne Identity.
- 4/26/2016
- Den of Geek
“Dancing With the Stars” professional and “So You Think You Can Dance” choreographer Dmitry Chaplin is set to guest star on TNT’s “Agent X,” TheWrap has learned exclusively. Chaplin will play Nasim Chaikin, a Chechen rebel and professional henchman who’s no match for undercover operative, John Case (Jeff Hephner). Sharon Stone and Gerald McRaney also star on the series, which is being produced by TNT Originals in association with Beacon Pictures. Stone also serves as executive producers alongside Armyan Bernstein and pilot scribe William Blake Herron. The pilot was directed by Peter O’Fallon. TNT previously ordered 10 episodes for the first season of.
- 3/25/2015
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Andrew Howard (Hatfields & McCoys) has booked a six-episode arc on TNT's drama series Agent X. Written by William Blake Herron, Agent X centers on John Case (Jeff Hephner), a top secret agent hidden from the view of the public – and even from the President – who is trained and ready to serve, deployed only at the careful discretion of the Vice President (Sharon Stone). He will play Nicholas Volker, a physically lethal and diabolically brilliant man who is an international…...
- 3/20/2015
- Deadline TV
The career of Sharon Stone has been nothing if not unpredictable. From big screen blockbusters, such as Total Recall and Basic Instinct, to independent fare such as Broken Flowers and Bobby; from awards-fodder such as Casino, to diabolical travesties, such as Catwoman – Stone has continued to keep us on our toes. Her latest creative venture, titled Agent X, is headed to the small screen – courtesy of TNT and a 10 episode series order – and Stone is on board as both star and executive producer.
The show is written by William Blake Herron (The Bourne Identity), and directed by Peter O’Fallon (Legit), with Armyan Bernstein (Air Force One) joining Sharon Stone in executive producing. Her supporting cast will feature Jeff Hephner (Chicago Fire), Gerald McRaney (House Of Cards), Mike Colter (The Good Wife), Jamey Sheridan (Law & Order: Criminal Intent) and John Shea (Gossip Girl), among others.
Taking the lead role, Stone...
The show is written by William Blake Herron (The Bourne Identity), and directed by Peter O’Fallon (Legit), with Armyan Bernstein (Air Force One) joining Sharon Stone in executive producing. Her supporting cast will feature Jeff Hephner (Chicago Fire), Gerald McRaney (House Of Cards), Mike Colter (The Good Wife), Jamey Sheridan (Law & Order: Criminal Intent) and John Shea (Gossip Girl), among others.
Taking the lead role, Stone...
- 11/3/2014
- by Sarah Myles
- We Got This Covered
TNT has given a greenlight to "Agent X," a spirited action-drama starring Jeff Hephner (Interstellar, "Chicago Fire") and Oscar nominee and Emmy and Golden Globe® winner Sharon Stone (Casino). Gerald McRaney ("House of Cards") also stars in the series, which is being produced by TNT Originals in association with Beacon Pictures, with Armyan Bernstein (Air Force One, Spy Game, Children of Men, "Castle") and Sharon Stone serving as executive producers. William Blake Herron (The Bourne Identity), who will also executive-produce, penned the pilot, which was directed by Peter O'Fallon. TNT has ordered 10 episodes for the first season of the series, with plans to launch in the second half of 2015.
- 11/1/2014
- Comingsoon.net
There's a new female veep coming to cable—and she has a secret weapon at her disposal. TNT announced on Friday that it has ordered a 10-episode first season of Agent X, an action drama that stars Sharon Stone (Basic Instinct, Casino) as Natalie Maccabee, America's first female Vice President who learns that she has a super special agent in her service to help protect the country in times of crisis. Jeff Hephner (Interstellar) stars as John Case, the aforementioned operative who tackles those cases deemed too sensitive for the CIA and FBI. Gerald McRaney (House of Cards and Major...
- 11/1/2014
- by Dan Snierson
- EW - Inside TV
TNT has given a greenlight to Agent X, a spirited action-drama starring Jeff Hephner and Emmy and Golden Globe winner Sharon Stone. Gerald McRaney also stars in the series, which is being produced by TNT Originals in association with Beacon Pictures, with Armyan Bernstein (Air Force One, Spy Game, Children of Men, Castle) and Sharon Stone serving as executive producers.William Blake Herron (The Bourne Identity) who will also executive-produce, penned the pilot, which was directed by Peter O’Fallon (Legit, Suicide Kings). TNT has ordered 10 episodes for the first season of the series, with plans to launch in the second […]...
- 10/31/2014
- by April Neale
- Monsters and Critics
Selina Meyer, she isn’t.
TNT has greenlit the action-drama Agent X, headlined by Sharon Stone (Basic Instinct) — who’ll play America’s first female vice president — and Jeff Hephner (Chicago Fire).
Stone’s role is Natalie Maccabee, a second-in-command who initially worries that her job will be ceremonial in nature. She soon learns that it comes with a top-secret duty: protecting the Constitution in times of great crisis.
Helping the veep in this duty is her Chief Steward (Gerald McRaney, Longmire, House of Cards) and a secret operative designated “Agent X” (Hephner).
William Blake Herron (The Bourne Identity) penned the pilot.
TNT has greenlit the action-drama Agent X, headlined by Sharon Stone (Basic Instinct) — who’ll play America’s first female vice president — and Jeff Hephner (Chicago Fire).
Stone’s role is Natalie Maccabee, a second-in-command who initially worries that her job will be ceremonial in nature. She soon learns that it comes with a top-secret duty: protecting the Constitution in times of great crisis.
Helping the veep in this duty is her Chief Steward (Gerald McRaney, Longmire, House of Cards) and a secret operative designated “Agent X” (Hephner).
William Blake Herron (The Bourne Identity) penned the pilot.
- 10/31/2014
- TVLine.com
Washington, March 5: Sharon Stone is set to star as the vice president of the United States in TNT drama pilot 'Agent X'.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, the 55-year-old American actress had recently traveled to Vancouver to shoot the pilot episode of the action-adventure drama.
Stone plays the role of Vice President Natalie Maccabee, who is the only individual with the authority to deploy the secret government operative known as Agent X.
The drama is hailed by screenwriter William Blake Herron, who is executive producing alongside Armyan Bernstein. (Ani)...
According to the Hollywood Reporter, the 55-year-old American actress had recently traveled to Vancouver to shoot the pilot episode of the action-adventure drama.
Stone plays the role of Vice President Natalie Maccabee, who is the only individual with the authority to deploy the secret government operative known as Agent X.
The drama is hailed by screenwriter William Blake Herron, who is executive producing alongside Armyan Bernstein. (Ani)...
- 3/5/2014
- by Abhijeet Sen
- RealBollywood.com
Sharon Stone has signed with Gersh, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. A former Gersh client, she was most recently with Paradigm. The actress recently went to Vancouver to shoot the pilot for TNT’s action/adventure drama Agent X. Stone stars as Vice President Natalie Maccabee, the only individual with the authority to deploy the secret government operative known as Agent X. The project hails from The Bourne Identity screenwriter William Blake Herron, who is executive producing alongside Armyan Bernstein (Air Force One, Children of Men, Castle). Stone will next be seen on the big screen in writer-director John Turturro’s comedy Fading
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- 3/5/2014
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Gerald McRaney (House of Cards) rounds out the cast of TNT’s action-drama pilot Agent X, starring Sharon Stone. Penned by William Blake Herron, it centers on America’s first female Vice President, Natalie Maccabee (Stone), and her secret weapon, Agent X (Jeff Hephner). McRaney, repped by Stone Manners Salners and Course Management, will play Malcolm Millar, the refined Chief Steward of the Vice President’s mansion, and keeper of its many secrets. He is reprising his recurring role on the second season of Netflix’s House of Cards and recently wrapped the Warner Bros feature Focus. Elvis Nolasco and Caitlin Gerard have been cast in American Crime, ABC’s drama from 12 Years of Slave writer John Ridley. It centers on a racially charged murder and the subsequent trial, which are examined through the personal lives of the players involved. Gerald, repped by Creative Partners and Gersh, and Nolasco play an interracial couple,...
- 2/15/2014
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
The L Word alumna Rose Rollins is set as one of the leads in TNT’s legal drama pilot Guilt By Association, from former prosecutor Marcia Clark, on whose book the project is based, and Dee Johnson. It centers on Rachel Knight, a gutsy Deputy District Attorney in the Special Trials Unit of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office who works closely with tough-as-nails female Lapd detective Bailey Keller and stylish female prosecutor Toni Lacollette (Rollins), both of whom routinely crash at Rachel’s place. Rollins is with Innovative, Elevate Entertainment, and Stone, Meyer. Jamey Sheridan, who played the Vice President on Homeland, is taking on another member of the government elite next. Sheridan has been cast in TNT’s action-drama pilot Agent X, starring Sharon Stone. Penned by William Blake Herron, it centers on America’s first female Vice President, Natalie Maccabee (Stone), and her secret weapon,...
- 2/12/2014
- by ERIK PEDERSEN
- Deadline TV
Peter O’Fallon has been tapped to direct TNT’s action-drama pilot Agent X, starring Sharon Stone. Penned by William Blake Herron, it centers on America’s first female Vice President, Natalie Maccabee (Stone), and her secret weapon, Agent X (Jeff Hephner). This marks the 14th pilot O’Fallon has directed, with 11 of the previous 13 ordered to series, including A&E’s The Glades and FX’s The Riches. CAA-repped O’Fallon spent the past two years as showrunner of FX comedy series Legit, which he co-created. Mark Romanek (One Hour Photo) will direct ABC’s alien drama pilot The Visitors, based on Ray Bradbury’s short story Zero Hour. The project, from writer Soo Hugh, Amblin TV, ABC Studios and Dawn Olmstead’s Grady Girl, chronicles the race against the clock to defeat an unseen alien enemy out to destroy the world using our most precious resource against us.
- 2/6/2014
- by ERIK PEDERSEN
- Deadline TV
Matt McGorry (Orange Is The New Black) has been cast in ABC’s drama pilot How To Get Away With Murder, written by Peter Nowalk and produced by Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers. The sexy, suspense-driven legal thriller centers on ambitious law students and their brilliant and mysterious criminal defense professor who become entangled in a murder plot. McGorry, repped by Gersh and Authentic Telent, will play one of the students, Asher aka Doucheface. Mike Colter has been cast in TNT’s action-drama pilot Agent X, penned by William Blake Herron. It centers on America’s first female Vice President, Natalie Maccabee (Sharon Stone), and her secret weapon, Agent X (Jeff Hephner). Colter, repped by Silver Lining Entertainment and Gersh, will play Speaker Of The House Miles Lathem, who is privy to Natalie’s secret responsibilities and charged with oversight of them. He is filming America Is Still The Place...
- 1/31/2014
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Jeff Hephner has been cast as a regular on TNT’s action-drama pilot Agent X. Penned by The Bourne Identity scribe William Blake Herron, Agent X centers on America’s first female Vice President, Natalie Maccabee (Sharon Stone). Hephner will play the role of John Case a.k.a. Agent X, a 39-year-old secret agent who’s called into action by the newly arrived VP when the daughter of the FBI Director is kidnapped. Hephner currently plays the recurring role of Jeff Clark on NBC’s Chicago Fire. His previous credits include recurring roles on TNT’s King & Maxwell, Starz’s Boss, and CW’s Hellcats. Hephner is repped by Wme and Untitled Entertainment. Stephen Root has signed for a recurring role on AMC’s upcoming new drama Turn, based on the book Washington Spies by Alexander Rose. Set in the summer of 1778, Turn centers on farmer Abe Woodhull (Jamie Bell...
- 1/28/2014
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
One thing's for sure: Sharon Stone will be the hottest Vice President of all-time. The actress has signed to play the U.S. veep in the TNT's action pilot "Agent X." As America's first female Vice President, Natalie Maccabee must deal with the death of her senator husband while facing an international crisis with the secret operative known only as "Agent X" to help her. There's no word on who will play the mysterious X. Written by William Blake Herron ("The Bourne Identity"), "Agent X" is being produced by Beacon Pictures, with Armyan Bernstein ("Castle") serving as executive producer. Although best...
- 1/24/2014
- by Dave Lewis
- Hitfix
In recent years, the transition from film to television (and back again) has become very common among movie stars. The latest to join the list of celebrities making the shift is Oscar-nominee and Emmy and Golden-Globe winner Sharon Stone, who has signed on to star in a TNT action-drama pilot tentatively titled "Agent X." Stone will play Natalie Maccabee, the beautiful, strong-minded Vice President whose initial disdain towards her job is quickly withdrawn when she learns of the top secret mission she must take on with a secret operative known as "Agent X." This is Stone's first lead role in a television series. Along with her extensive film credits ("Basic Instinct," "Casino"), her small screen appearances have included roles on "Will & Grace," "Roseanne" and "The Practice." The pilot is written by William Blake Herron ("The Bourne Identity") and executive produced by Armyan Bernstein ("Children of Men"). Beacon Pictures, which was founded by Bernstein,...
- 1/24/2014
- by Ziyad Saadi
- Indiewire
Sharon Stone is making the leap to TV.
The actress has signed on to star in "Agent X," a action-drama pilot at TNT written by "The Bourne Identity" scribe William Blake Herron. The series will center on Stone as Natalie Maccabee, America's first female vice president.
After the death of her husband, a Senate candidate, Natalie chooses to run in his place, leading to a quick political rise that finds her as the newly elected veep. While initially weary that the job will be mostly ceremonial in nature, she learns that being vice president comes along with the top secret duty of protecting the Constitution in times of great crisis with the assistance of her Chief Steward and a secret operative referred to as "Agent X."
The pilot marks Stone's first series starring role in her career. Her prior TV credits include guest appearances on "Law & Order: Svu," "Will & Grace" and "The Practice.
The actress has signed on to star in "Agent X," a action-drama pilot at TNT written by "The Bourne Identity" scribe William Blake Herron. The series will center on Stone as Natalie Maccabee, America's first female vice president.
After the death of her husband, a Senate candidate, Natalie chooses to run in his place, leading to a quick political rise that finds her as the newly elected veep. While initially weary that the job will be mostly ceremonial in nature, she learns that being vice president comes along with the top secret duty of protecting the Constitution in times of great crisis with the assistance of her Chief Steward and a secret operative referred to as "Agent X."
The pilot marks Stone's first series starring role in her career. Her prior TV credits include guest appearances on "Law & Order: Svu," "Will & Grace" and "The Practice.
- 1/24/2014
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Sharon Stone is headed to TV to play the first female U.S. vice president in a TNT action drama pilot.
The Emmy-winning actress (Casino, Basic Instinct) has been cast in a starring role in Agent X (working title) from The Bourne Identity writer William Blake Herron. Her character, “Natalie Maccabee,” steps into the race for vice president after her senator husband dies. She gets the job, and discovers being veep comes with a top secret duty — protecting the Constitution in times of great crisis with the aid of her Chief Steward and a secret operative designated “Agent X” (a...
The Emmy-winning actress (Casino, Basic Instinct) has been cast in a starring role in Agent X (working title) from The Bourne Identity writer William Blake Herron. Her character, “Natalie Maccabee,” steps into the race for vice president after her senator husband dies. She gets the job, and discovers being veep comes with a top secret duty — protecting the Constitution in times of great crisis with the aid of her Chief Steward and a secret operative designated “Agent X” (a...
- 1/24/2014
- by James Hibberd
- EW - Inside TV
Selina Meyer, meet Natalie Maccabee. After a long courtship, Sharon Stone has signed on to star in TNT‘s action-drama pilot Agent X (working title). Penned by The Bourne Identity scribe William Blake Herron, Agent X centers on America’s first female Vice President, Maccabee (Stone), a woman with brains, beauty, and a cool composure that belies a restless mind. After the death of her husband, a Senate candidate, Natalie opted to run in his place, and after a rapid political rise, she now finds herself the newly elected Vice President of the United States. Initially apprehensive that her job will be ceremonial in nature, she soon learns that it comes with a top secret duty: protecting the Constitution in times of great crisis with the aid of her Chief Steward and a secret operative designated “Agent X.” The pilot is produced by Beacon Pictures, with Armyan Bernstein executive producing.
- 1/24/2014
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Sharon Stone has signed to play the Vice President of the United States in TNT's new action-drama pilot "Agent X" (working title). Penned by William Blake Herron ( The Bourne Identity ), "Agent X" is being produced for TNT by Beacon Pictures, with Armyan Bernstein ( Air Force One , Spy Game , Children of Men , "Castle") serving as executive producer. In "Agent X," Stone stars as America's first female Vice President, Natalie Maccabee, a woman with brains, beauty, and a cool composure that belies a restless mind. After the death of her husband, a Senate candidate, Natalie opted to run in his place. After a rapid rise as a political star, she now finds herself the newly elected Vice President of the United States. Initially apprehensive that...
- 1/24/2014
- Comingsoon.net
TNT is adding another contender for its popcorn action Sunday lineup that includes Falling Skies and the upcoming Last Ship. The cable network has given a pilot order to an untitled project from The Bourne Identity co-writer W. Blake Herron. Described as National Treasure meets Bourne Identity, the action/adventure drama centers on person called upon in times of extreme crisis, when traditional law and government aren’t in position to help. Created by the original founding fathers but hidden from the public, the agent of unknown identity that is trained and ready to serve — deployed only at the careful discretion of the Vice President. Turner Originals is producing, with Herron and Armyan Bernstein (Air Force One) executive producing. Related: TNT Greenlights Steven Bochco’s ‘Murder In The First’...
- 9/25/2013
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Ten years and one day ago, Doug Liman was an independent director with a couple of critical favorites behind him. Ten years and one day ago, Matt Damon was the promising writer/star of "Good Will Hunting" who's seemingly squandered his potential on a string of questionable movie choices, kept near A-list only by his presence in "Ocean's Eleven" (where he tellingly only played a smaller supporting role). Ten years and one day ago, the spy genre was increasingly tired, with the Bond movies moving into new levels of ridiculousness (that year's "Die Another Day" would introduce Madonna and invisible cars to the series).
And then came Jason Bourne. "The Bourne Identity," directed by Liman, written by Tony Gilroy (who wrote the entire 'Bourne' trilogy' and now has the keys to the franchise) and starring Damon, had been long-delayed and had a famously troubled production, but when it finally hit at the height of summer,...
And then came Jason Bourne. "The Bourne Identity," directed by Liman, written by Tony Gilroy (who wrote the entire 'Bourne' trilogy' and now has the keys to the franchise) and starring Damon, had been long-delayed and had a famously troubled production, but when it finally hit at the height of summer,...
- 6/14/2012
- by Oliver Lyttelton
- The Playlist
The genius of the Jason Bourne movies is their welding of existentialist inquiry with the demands of the thriller in a globalist age. Adapted from Robert Ludlum’s series, Doug Liman and screenwriters Tony Gilroy and W. Blake Herron established the template with The Bourne Identity, locating their film’s MacGuffin not in the outside world but under the skin of its hero. As ex-intelligence operative Jason Bourne skips from city to city, pursuing clue after clue, he is ultimately investigating not a case but his own identity. What kind of man was — is — he? For my money, the first Bourne movie is the best (maybe just because it’s the first, and the fresh concept is so satisfying), but Paul Greengrass’s agitated camerawork and...
- 3/14/2010
- by Scott Macaulay
- Filmmaker Magazine_Web Exclusives
Chicago – The Universal release of “The Bourne Trilogy” was not only one of the best Blu-ray titles of 2009 but it’s still one of the best box sets on the HD market twelve months later. The question is how does Universal continue to make a dime on the Matt Damon juggernaut of a franchise while we wait for the latest drama regarding the potential fourth film. Welcome to the Bourne flipper discs.
Blu-Ray Rating: 5.0/5.0
All three films have been re-released in stand-alone packages that include the film on Blu-ray on one side and standard DVD on the other. Watch “The Bourne Identity” in HD in your living room; flip over and watch “The Bourne Supremacy” in standard form in another room. All three titles offer not only a great transition for people who don’t have a Blu-ray player everywhere they like to watch movies but also a nice way...
Blu-Ray Rating: 5.0/5.0
All three films have been re-released in stand-alone packages that include the film on Blu-ray on one side and standard DVD on the other. Watch “The Bourne Identity” in HD in your living room; flip over and watch “The Bourne Supremacy” in standard form in another room. All three titles offer not only a great transition for people who don’t have a Blu-ray player everywhere they like to watch movies but also a nice way...
- 2/5/2010
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Since 2002, people have been telling me that I must check out Matt Damon in these Jason Bourne films. I have no excuse for not seeing them, really: I dig Matt Damon, I love action movies, and it’s almost a consensus that The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy and The Bourne Ultimatum are good flicks. Should I be ashamed of myself for being eight years behind?
No, not really. Because now, I get to view all of these Robert Ludlum adaptations for the first time, back to back to back in pristine high definition, and without any of the complaints of motion sickness that I heard about in theater lobbies. By now, the films have been reviewed and rated to death, so what did I think of each entry in general?
The Bourne Identity seems like a weird odd man out here, although in the long run it’s my second favorite in the series.
No, not really. Because now, I get to view all of these Robert Ludlum adaptations for the first time, back to back to back in pristine high definition, and without any of the complaints of motion sickness that I heard about in theater lobbies. By now, the films have been reviewed and rated to death, so what did I think of each entry in general?
The Bourne Identity seems like a weird odd man out here, although in the long run it’s my second favorite in the series.
- 1/30/2010
- by John Cooper
- ReelLoop.com
Chicago – Your Blu-Ray collection should expand by three movies next week when “The Bourne Trilogy” finally hits the format in a beautiful three-disc box with perfect picture and sound and an amazing collection of special features.
Loaded with hours of special features and with some of the best picture and sound that has yet been produced for the format, “The Bourne Trilogy,” including “The Bourne Identity,” “The Bourne Supremacy,” and “The Bourne Ultimatum” in one collector’s case, is a very early contender for best box set of the year. It’s a must-have for action fans, movie collectors, and nearly everyone with a Blu-Ray player.
The Bourne Trilogy is released by Universal Home Video on January 27th, 2009.
Photo credit: Universal Home Video
Matt Damon plays Jason Bourne, a highly trained assassin on the run from a shadowy government agency through three movies, each one better than the film that came before.
Loaded with hours of special features and with some of the best picture and sound that has yet been produced for the format, “The Bourne Trilogy,” including “The Bourne Identity,” “The Bourne Supremacy,” and “The Bourne Ultimatum” in one collector’s case, is a very early contender for best box set of the year. It’s a must-have for action fans, movie collectors, and nearly everyone with a Blu-Ray player.
The Bourne Trilogy is released by Universal Home Video on January 27th, 2009.
Photo credit: Universal Home Video
Matt Damon plays Jason Bourne, a highly trained assassin on the run from a shadowy government agency through three movies, each one better than the film that came before.
- 1/21/2009
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Release Date: Nov. 7
Director: David Wain
Writer: Paul Rudd, David Wain, Ken Marino and Timothy Dawling (screenplay), Timothy Dawling and W. Blake Herron (story)
Cinematographer: Russ T. Alsobrook
Starring: Paul Rudd, Seann William Scott, Elizabeth Banks, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Bobb’e J. Thompson, Jane Lynch
Studio/Running Time: Universal Pictures, 99 mins.
Even though it’s rated R, Role Models could easily be mistaken as a Judd Apatow-produced attempt at a family film. The film stars Seann William Scott and frequent Apatow collaborator Paul Rudd as co-workers who, after Rudd’s character loses it from a combination of his dead-end job and a rejected marriage proposal, gets sentenced to 120 hours of community service in lieu of prison. Their service consists of a big-brother-style mentorship program, where they take troubled Augie Farks (Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Aka: McLovin) and Ronnie Shields (Bobb’e J. Thompson) under their wings. Along the way, wacky hijinks...
Director: David Wain
Writer: Paul Rudd, David Wain, Ken Marino and Timothy Dawling (screenplay), Timothy Dawling and W. Blake Herron (story)
Cinematographer: Russ T. Alsobrook
Starring: Paul Rudd, Seann William Scott, Elizabeth Banks, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Bobb’e J. Thompson, Jane Lynch
Studio/Running Time: Universal Pictures, 99 mins.
Even though it’s rated R, Role Models could easily be mistaken as a Judd Apatow-produced attempt at a family film. The film stars Seann William Scott and frequent Apatow collaborator Paul Rudd as co-workers who, after Rudd’s character loses it from a combination of his dead-end job and a rejected marriage proposal, gets sentenced to 120 hours of community service in lieu of prison. Their service consists of a big-brother-style mentorship program, where they take troubled Augie Farks (Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Aka: McLovin) and Ronnie Shields (Bobb’e J. Thompson) under their wings. Along the way, wacky hijinks...
- 11/7/2008
- Pastemagazine.com
We have new clips from the Universal Pictures comedy "Role Models" starring Seann William Scott, Paul Rudd, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Jane Lynch, Bobb'e J. Thompson and Elizabeth Banks. The film debuts on November 7th and is helmed by David Wain from the writing by Wain, Timothy Dowling, Ken Marino, Paul Rudd and William Blake Herron. There are a total of seven clips within the player. I'm looking forward to catching this one after missing "The Promotion" where Scott starred opposite John C. Reilly.
- 10/30/2008
- Upcoming-Movies.com
We have new clips from the Universal Pictures comedy "Role Models" starring Seann William Scott, Paul Rudd, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Jane Lynch, Bobb'e J. Thompson and Elizabeth Banks. The film debuts on November 7th and is helmed by David Wain from the writing by Wain, Timothy Dowling, Ken Marino, Paul Rudd and William Blake Herron. There are a total of seven clips within the player. I'm looking forward to catching this one after missing "The Promotion" where Scott starred opposite John C. Reilly.
- 10/30/2008
- Upcoming-Movies.com
We have new clips from the Universal Pictures comedy "Role Models" starring Seann William Scott, Paul Rudd, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Jane Lynch, Bobb'e J. Thompson and Elizabeth Banks. The film debuts on November 7th and is helmed by David Wain from the writing by Wain, Timothy Dowling, Ken Marino, Paul Rudd and William Blake Herron. There are a total of seven clips within the player. I'm looking forward to catching this one after missing "The Promotion" where Scott starred opposite John C. Reilly. Check them out: What's this all about? Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott star in Role Models as Danny and Wheeler, two salesmen who trash a company truck on an energy drink-fueled bender. Upon their arrest, the court gives them a choice: do hard time or spend 150 service hours with a mentorship program. After one day with the kids, however, jail doesn’t look half bad.Surrounded by annoying do-gooders,...
- 10/30/2008
- Upcoming-Movies.com
We have new clips from the Universal Pictures comedy "Role Models" starring Seann William Scott, Paul Rudd, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Jane Lynch, Bobb'e J. Thompson and Elizabeth Banks. The film debuts on November 7th and is helmed by David Wain from the writing by Wain, Timothy Dowling, Ken Marino, Paul Rudd and William Blake Herron. There are a total of seven clips within the player. I'm looking forward to catching this one after missing "The Promotion" where Scott starred opposite John C. Reilly.
- 10/30/2008
- Upcoming-Movies.com
See new pics from the Universal Pictures comedy "Role Models" starring Seann William Scott, Paul Rudd, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Jane Lynch, Bobb'e J. Thompson and Elizabeth Banks. David Wain, an experienced TV actor and director, helms the comedy. Wain additionally directed "The Ten" recently which also starred Rudd alongside Adam Brody. Rudd co-writes here with Wait, Ken Marino and Timothy Dowling based on the story by William Blake Herron and Dowling. This sees wide release on November 7th and looks to kick up a few laughs here and there.
- 10/18/2008
- Upcoming-Movies.com
See new pics from the Universal Pictures comedy "Role Models" starring Seann William Scott, Paul Rudd, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Jane Lynch, Bobb'e J. Thompson and Elizabeth Banks. David Wain, an experienced TV actor and director, helms the comedy. Wain additionally directed "The Ten" recently which also starred Rudd alongside Adam Brody. Rudd co-writes here with Wait, Ken Marino and Timothy Dowling based on the story by William Blake Herron and Dowling. This sees wide release on November 7th and looks to kick up a few laughs here and there.
- 10/18/2008
- Upcoming-Movies.com
See new pics from the Universal Pictures comedy "Role Models" starring Seann William Scott, Paul Rudd, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Jane Lynch, Bobb'e J. Thompson and Elizabeth Banks. David Wain, an experienced TV actor and director, helms the comedy. Wain additionally directed "The Ten" recently which also starred Rudd alongside Adam Brody. Rudd co-writes here with Wait, Ken Marino and Timothy Dowling based on the story by William Blake Herron and Dowling. This sees wide release on November 7th and looks to kick up a few laughs here and there. What's this all about? Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott star in Role Models as Danny and Wheeler, two salesmen who trash a company truck on an energy drink-fueled bender. Upon their arrest, the court gives them a choice: do hard time or spend 150 service hours with a mentorship program. After one day with the kids, however, jail doesn't look half bad.
- 10/18/2008
- Upcoming-Movies.com
See new pics from the Universal Pictures comedy "Role Models" starring Seann William Scott, Paul Rudd, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Jane Lynch, Bobb'e J. Thompson and Elizabeth Banks. David Wain, an experienced TV actor and director, helms the comedy. Wain additionally directed "The Ten" recently which also starred Rudd alongside Adam Brody. Rudd co-writes here with Wait, Ken Marino and Timothy Dowling based on the story by William Blake Herron and Dowling. This sees wide release on November 7th and looks to kick up a few laughs here and there.
- 10/18/2008
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Photo: Universal International The Bourne Identity was penned by Tony Gilroy and W. Blake Herron based on the series of novels penned by Robert Ludlum. From there Gilroy went on to write the script for The Bourne Supremacy and worked with Scott Z. Burns and George Nolfi on the screenplay for The Bourne Ultimatum based on his screen story. Now, Nolfi is getting to take control of things for Universal. Along with co-writing Ultimatum Nolfi also penned the script for The Sentinel and Ocean's Twelve. Considering none of the other films followed the Ludlum novels outside of Jason Bourne being a spy hit with a bout of severe amnesia it is no surprise the new film won't be based on a Ludlum title, but rather an original story. The fourth film in the series is a top priority for Universal reports Variety and director Paul Greengrass and star Matt Damon are already attached to star.
- 10/17/2008
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
Embedded trailer now in for the comedy "Role Models" directed by David Wain ("The Ten"). Paul Rudd writes the screenplay alongside Wain and Ken Marino based on the story by William Blake Herron and Timothy Dowling. Scott was last seen in the indie offering "The Promotion" alongside John C. Reilly and Jenna Fischer. He lends his voice to the voice of Skiff in the "Planet 51" animated adventure which sees release on November 20th next year. Rudd took a hit in the flop "Over Her Dead Body" with Eva Longoria, then returned for "Saving Sarah Marshall." Additionally, he's finished production for the animated "Monsters vs. Aliens" with Seth Rogen, Hugh Laurie, Reese Witherspoon, Will Arnett, Keifer Sutherland and Rainn Wilson. Currently, he is filming "I Love You, Man" where he reteams with Jason Segel and plays alongside Jon Favreau, Jaime Pressley and Rashida Jones.
- 9/23/2008
- Upcoming-Movies.com
As Summer is coming to an end and Fall is fast approaching, Universal Pictures have let out their complete Fall Preview Line Up. The list contains a diverse selection of movies from based-on-true story drama "Flash of Genius" to children fantasy book adaptation "The Tale of Despereaux".
All of the information of those six films can be viewed below.
Flash of Genius
Based on The New Yorker Article Flash of Genius by: John Seabrook
Release date: October 3, 2008
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama
Cast: Greg Kinnear, Lauren Graham, Dermot Mulroney, Alan Alda
Directed by: Marc Abraham
Written by: Philip Railsback
Produced by: Roger Birnbaum, Gary Barber, Michael Lieber
Executive Producers: Jon Glickman, J. Miles Dale, Eric Newman, Tom Bliss
Official Site: www.flashofgenius.net
Synopsis:
Based on the true story of college professor and part-time inventor Robert Kearns' (Greg Kinnear) long battle with the U.S. automobile industry, Flash of Genius...
All of the information of those six films can be viewed below.
Flash of Genius
Based on The New Yorker Article Flash of Genius by: John Seabrook
Release date: October 3, 2008
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama
Cast: Greg Kinnear, Lauren Graham, Dermot Mulroney, Alan Alda
Directed by: Marc Abraham
Written by: Philip Railsback
Produced by: Roger Birnbaum, Gary Barber, Michael Lieber
Executive Producers: Jon Glickman, J. Miles Dale, Eric Newman, Tom Bliss
Official Site: www.flashofgenius.net
Synopsis:
Based on the true story of college professor and part-time inventor Robert Kearns' (Greg Kinnear) long battle with the U.S. automobile industry, Flash of Genius...
- 8/29/2008
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Screened at the AFI Fest
The accidental murderer Tom Ripley, that dear American boy who so loves Europe and the good life, returns once more in "Ripley Under Ground", a tongue-in-cheek thriller crossed with a delicious black comedy. Barry Pepper slips into the role with beguiling ease. One loses the exuberant innocence of Matt Damon but gains the enthusiastic, more practiced amorality of a natural-born con man.
Director Roger Spottiswoode claims that Patricia Highsmith, the novelist who created Ripley in a series of novels, felt that previous movie versions missed the humor of her character and the droll wit of her dark plots. If so, then the late author certainly would have appreciated this take by Spottiswoode and writers Donald Westlake and W. Blake Herron. For "Ripley Under Ground" is a full-blown comedy with well-timed entrances and wicked playfulness.
With the right marketing to emphasize the wit and naughtiness, the film should attract a college crowd and urban sophisticates.
Highsmith's 1970 novel, the second in the series, has been updated to contemporary London and the world of art with the homosexual subtext completely removed. The story contains many credibility-stretching accidents so that criminality comes through force of circumstances, not premeditation. The movie finds Ripley taking a stab at the one profession that would truly suit him -- acting -- as a student in a London academy.
Alas, his art doesn't pay the landlady, and his fake credentials and college transcripts have caught up with him. As a distraction, if nothing else, he accompanies pals to a major gallery opening featuring the works of a friend, the crazed and drunken Derwatt (Douglas Henshall). These pals include Derwatt's sultry lover Cynthia (Claire Forlani), who's beginning to wonder whether Derwatt isn't too crazy, and fellow painter Bernard (Ian Hart), insanely jealous over his friend's success and relationship with Cynthia, his ex.
A purse lying in a car attracts Tom's attention. Once he gets in, his attention is diverted by the sleeping beauty in the back seat, a young and beautiful French student named Heloise (Jacinda Barrett). She has a boyfriend, but Tom manages to dispose of him in quick order.
The opening is such a smash that Derwatt makes a drunken proposal to Cynthia. She looks at him in horror and says no. Enraged, Derwatt jumps into his sports car and roars off into the night. Gallery owner Jeff Constant (Alan Cumming) follows with Tom, Cynthia, Bernard and Heloise (who has gone back to sleep) to "protect my investment."
Too late. Derwatt crashes his car, and the world has one less mad-genuis artist. Devastated, Jeff moans that he can't sell a single painting by an unknown dead painter. Tom gets the brilliant idea of deep-freezing Derwatt's body for a few days so the paintings can sell.
When the conspirators discover that Derwatt's studio contains a trove of unfinished paintings, they prevail upon the unstable Bernard to finish the paintings for further sales. Cynthia's suddenly reawakened romantic interest in Bernard seals the deal. Meanwhile, Tom follows Heloise to France, where he is delighted to discover that she is an heiress living in a country chateau that makes Fountainbleu look humble.
Everything goes swell until wealthy American art collector Murchison (Willem Dafoe) shows up and declares his Derwatt a forgery. Soon enough, Murchison goes missing -- really and truly, his death at Tom's hands is accidental -- so Scotland Yard detective Webster (Tom Wilkinson) comes calling.
The script bristles with wit, and Spottiswoode keeps things moving, rushing by every plot hole to keep us focused on his roguish characters. The movie's greatest enjoyment comes from watching the gradual evolution of Heloise from beguiling flirt to ambiguous heiress to Tom's absolute soulmate. Apparently, she absorbed a lot while asleep.
There is much funny business with the movie's two corpses as they get buried, dug up and hidden again. Cinematographer Paul Sarossy and designer Ben Scott make no bones about ogling the swank gallery, posh restaurants, trendy London, glittery Paris and that lovely chateau. Jeff Danna's score, while reminiscent of Gabriel Yared's propulsive, jazz-influenced music in "The Talented Mr. Ripley", is flecked with its own comic commentary.
The actors push characters to extremes without ever sacrificing complete credibility. Pepper is never more innocent looking then when committing a crime. Cumming hasn't a scruple in his body, while Forlani has a body that knows no scruples. Hart is a study in slow-motion disintegration. Wilkinson depicts the frustration of a sharp detective who finds himself outmaneuvered by a con man. But Barrett's naughty French heiress nearly steals the show.
RIPLEY UNDER GROUND
Lions Gate International presents a Cinerenta production
Credits:
Director: Roger Spottiswoode
Screenwriters: W. Blake Herron, Donald Westlake
Based on the novel by: Patricia Highsmith
Producers: Antoine de Clermont-Tonnerre, Marco Mehlitz, Michael Ohoven, Stephen Ujlaki
Executive producer: Steve Christian, David Barron, Eberhard Kayser
Director of photography: Paul Sarossy
Production designer: Ben Scott
Music: Jeff Danna
Costumes: Caroline Harris
Editor: Michel Arcand
Cast:
Tom Ripley: Barry Pepper
Heloise: Jacinda Barrett
Webster: Tom Wilkinson
Jeff: Alan Cumming
Cynthia: Claire Forlani
Bernard: Ian Hart
Murchison: Willem Dafoe
No MPAA rating
Running time -- 98 minutes...
The accidental murderer Tom Ripley, that dear American boy who so loves Europe and the good life, returns once more in "Ripley Under Ground", a tongue-in-cheek thriller crossed with a delicious black comedy. Barry Pepper slips into the role with beguiling ease. One loses the exuberant innocence of Matt Damon but gains the enthusiastic, more practiced amorality of a natural-born con man.
Director Roger Spottiswoode claims that Patricia Highsmith, the novelist who created Ripley in a series of novels, felt that previous movie versions missed the humor of her character and the droll wit of her dark plots. If so, then the late author certainly would have appreciated this take by Spottiswoode and writers Donald Westlake and W. Blake Herron. For "Ripley Under Ground" is a full-blown comedy with well-timed entrances and wicked playfulness.
With the right marketing to emphasize the wit and naughtiness, the film should attract a college crowd and urban sophisticates.
Highsmith's 1970 novel, the second in the series, has been updated to contemporary London and the world of art with the homosexual subtext completely removed. The story contains many credibility-stretching accidents so that criminality comes through force of circumstances, not premeditation. The movie finds Ripley taking a stab at the one profession that would truly suit him -- acting -- as a student in a London academy.
Alas, his art doesn't pay the landlady, and his fake credentials and college transcripts have caught up with him. As a distraction, if nothing else, he accompanies pals to a major gallery opening featuring the works of a friend, the crazed and drunken Derwatt (Douglas Henshall). These pals include Derwatt's sultry lover Cynthia (Claire Forlani), who's beginning to wonder whether Derwatt isn't too crazy, and fellow painter Bernard (Ian Hart), insanely jealous over his friend's success and relationship with Cynthia, his ex.
A purse lying in a car attracts Tom's attention. Once he gets in, his attention is diverted by the sleeping beauty in the back seat, a young and beautiful French student named Heloise (Jacinda Barrett). She has a boyfriend, but Tom manages to dispose of him in quick order.
The opening is such a smash that Derwatt makes a drunken proposal to Cynthia. She looks at him in horror and says no. Enraged, Derwatt jumps into his sports car and roars off into the night. Gallery owner Jeff Constant (Alan Cumming) follows with Tom, Cynthia, Bernard and Heloise (who has gone back to sleep) to "protect my investment."
Too late. Derwatt crashes his car, and the world has one less mad-genuis artist. Devastated, Jeff moans that he can't sell a single painting by an unknown dead painter. Tom gets the brilliant idea of deep-freezing Derwatt's body for a few days so the paintings can sell.
When the conspirators discover that Derwatt's studio contains a trove of unfinished paintings, they prevail upon the unstable Bernard to finish the paintings for further sales. Cynthia's suddenly reawakened romantic interest in Bernard seals the deal. Meanwhile, Tom follows Heloise to France, where he is delighted to discover that she is an heiress living in a country chateau that makes Fountainbleu look humble.
Everything goes swell until wealthy American art collector Murchison (Willem Dafoe) shows up and declares his Derwatt a forgery. Soon enough, Murchison goes missing -- really and truly, his death at Tom's hands is accidental -- so Scotland Yard detective Webster (Tom Wilkinson) comes calling.
The script bristles with wit, and Spottiswoode keeps things moving, rushing by every plot hole to keep us focused on his roguish characters. The movie's greatest enjoyment comes from watching the gradual evolution of Heloise from beguiling flirt to ambiguous heiress to Tom's absolute soulmate. Apparently, she absorbed a lot while asleep.
There is much funny business with the movie's two corpses as they get buried, dug up and hidden again. Cinematographer Paul Sarossy and designer Ben Scott make no bones about ogling the swank gallery, posh restaurants, trendy London, glittery Paris and that lovely chateau. Jeff Danna's score, while reminiscent of Gabriel Yared's propulsive, jazz-influenced music in "The Talented Mr. Ripley", is flecked with its own comic commentary.
The actors push characters to extremes without ever sacrificing complete credibility. Pepper is never more innocent looking then when committing a crime. Cumming hasn't a scruple in his body, while Forlani has a body that knows no scruples. Hart is a study in slow-motion disintegration. Wilkinson depicts the frustration of a sharp detective who finds himself outmaneuvered by a con man. But Barrett's naughty French heiress nearly steals the show.
RIPLEY UNDER GROUND
Lions Gate International presents a Cinerenta production
Credits:
Director: Roger Spottiswoode
Screenwriters: W. Blake Herron, Donald Westlake
Based on the novel by: Patricia Highsmith
Producers: Antoine de Clermont-Tonnerre, Marco Mehlitz, Michael Ohoven, Stephen Ujlaki
Executive producer: Steve Christian, David Barron, Eberhard Kayser
Director of photography: Paul Sarossy
Production designer: Ben Scott
Music: Jeff Danna
Costumes: Caroline Harris
Editor: Michel Arcand
Cast:
Tom Ripley: Barry Pepper
Heloise: Jacinda Barrett
Webster: Tom Wilkinson
Jeff: Alan Cumming
Cynthia: Claire Forlani
Bernard: Ian Hart
Murchison: Willem Dafoe
No MPAA rating
Running time -- 98 minutes...
- 11/8/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
"A Texas Funeral" earns points for including sights one doesn't encounter often -- mostly entailing sequences with camels or ears -- but, overall, it's a giant story squeezed into the confines of a low-budget indie film with mixed results. Writer-director W. Blake Herron's semiautobiographical work is a higher-profile entry in the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival and boasts a cast of known actors including Martin Sheen, Joanne Whalley, Robert Patrick and Jane Adams.
There's plenty of family lore and dirty laundry in the Whit clan, and most of it comes out during the gathering for the 1960s funeral of Grandpa Sparta (Sheen). The impressionable lead character is his grandson, 6-year-old Little Sparta (Quinton Jones), a shy kid who has stopped talking in the way of tentative souls not sure who to trust. His father is recovering macho Zach (Patrick), contemplating a big family move, while Mom (Adams) is a no-
nonsense soul running out of patience.
Rounding out the Whits proper is Zach's superior-minded cousin Clinton (Chris Noth) and his religious wife Charlotte (Olivia D'Abo), Little Sparta's wild, institutionalized Aunt Miranda (Whalley) and eccentric Grandma Murtis (Grace Zabriskie), who leads the cult of women seduced by the "Whit ear". Also arriving for the reading of the will is Walter (Isaiah Washington), the son of Grandpa Sparta's former servant.
With Grandpa's favorite camel Robert E. also ready to pass on, Little Sparta is faced with certain manly rites and gets help from the beyond. Grandpa's ghost is joined by other Whits from the past, and the story of where the family camels originated is related in a full-blown flashback. Later on, a dark incident in the family's past is relived with consequences still being felt. Eventually, the will is read, leading to all-around emotional responses and a moderately messy series of upbeat resolutions.
While technically the film is more than adequate and the performances convincing, the script flops about in an attempt to give everyone their due, and the pieces don't always fit together smoothly, let alone decisively.
A TEXAS FUNERAL
Dragon Pictures
Credits: Screenwriter-director: William Blake Herron; Producers: Damian Jones, Graham Broadbent; Executive producers: Julia Palau, Matthew Payne; Director of photography: Mike Bonvillain; Production designer: Jaymes Hinkle; Editor: Paul Trejo; Costume designer: Marie France; Music: James Legg; Cast: Zach: Robert Patrick; Mary Joan: Jane Adams; Walter: Isaiah Washington; Clinton: Chris Noth; Charlotte: Olivia D'Abo; Aunt Miranda: Joanne Whalley; Grandma Murtis: Grace Zabriskie; Grandpa Sparta: Martin Sheen. MPAA rating: R. Color/stereo. Running time -- 100 minutes.
There's plenty of family lore and dirty laundry in the Whit clan, and most of it comes out during the gathering for the 1960s funeral of Grandpa Sparta (Sheen). The impressionable lead character is his grandson, 6-year-old Little Sparta (Quinton Jones), a shy kid who has stopped talking in the way of tentative souls not sure who to trust. His father is recovering macho Zach (Patrick), contemplating a big family move, while Mom (Adams) is a no-
nonsense soul running out of patience.
Rounding out the Whits proper is Zach's superior-minded cousin Clinton (Chris Noth) and his religious wife Charlotte (Olivia D'Abo), Little Sparta's wild, institutionalized Aunt Miranda (Whalley) and eccentric Grandma Murtis (Grace Zabriskie), who leads the cult of women seduced by the "Whit ear". Also arriving for the reading of the will is Walter (Isaiah Washington), the son of Grandpa Sparta's former servant.
With Grandpa's favorite camel Robert E. also ready to pass on, Little Sparta is faced with certain manly rites and gets help from the beyond. Grandpa's ghost is joined by other Whits from the past, and the story of where the family camels originated is related in a full-blown flashback. Later on, a dark incident in the family's past is relived with consequences still being felt. Eventually, the will is read, leading to all-around emotional responses and a moderately messy series of upbeat resolutions.
While technically the film is more than adequate and the performances convincing, the script flops about in an attempt to give everyone their due, and the pieces don't always fit together smoothly, let alone decisively.
A TEXAS FUNERAL
Dragon Pictures
Credits: Screenwriter-director: William Blake Herron; Producers: Damian Jones, Graham Broadbent; Executive producers: Julia Palau, Matthew Payne; Director of photography: Mike Bonvillain; Production designer: Jaymes Hinkle; Editor: Paul Trejo; Costume designer: Marie France; Music: James Legg; Cast: Zach: Robert Patrick; Mary Joan: Jane Adams; Walter: Isaiah Washington; Clinton: Chris Noth; Charlotte: Olivia D'Abo; Aunt Miranda: Joanne Whalley; Grandma Murtis: Grace Zabriskie; Grandpa Sparta: Martin Sheen. MPAA rating: R. Color/stereo. Running time -- 100 minutes.
- 4/18/2000
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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