John Kreng is one of the most hard working actors/stuntman/fight and stunt corrdinators working in the industry today. Through his time working in the movie industry, John has worked with some of the very best which includes Jet Li, Yuen Wah, Tsui Hark, David Carradine, Steven Spielburg and many more outstanding talents.
John Kreng is also the author of the in depth book on screen fighting called Fight Choreography: The Art Of Non Verbal Dialogue, he was a cast member of The Jade Trader which went on to win the most outstanding cast performance award at the 10th Action on film, International film festival. John, also has years of Martial Arts experience behind him, dedicating his time learning many different styles and been taught by some of the very best masters from around the world (Which he will speak about in this interview).
John also worked on the...
John Kreng is also the author of the in depth book on screen fighting called Fight Choreography: The Art Of Non Verbal Dialogue, he was a cast member of The Jade Trader which went on to win the most outstanding cast performance award at the 10th Action on film, International film festival. John, also has years of Martial Arts experience behind him, dedicating his time learning many different styles and been taught by some of the very best masters from around the world (Which he will speak about in this interview).
John also worked on the...
- 12/3/2015
- by kingofkungfu
- AsianMoviePulse
The comedian also urges readers to go see “Boyhood” and “Into the Woods”
Louis Ck dropped new $5 stand-up special “Live at the Comedy Store” — his sixth (video below) — on Tuesday, and celebrated with a very lengthy, occasionally rambling email blast to fans.
Plugging his independent project, the comedian’s note discussed his history with the industry, lamented having to cancel the last of four Madison Square Garden concerts for underwhelming Winter Storm Juno and even pushed his followers to see “Boyhood” and “Into the Woods.”
Ck’s personal rep told TheWrap that there are no plans to reschedule the Msg date at the moment.
Louis Ck dropped new $5 stand-up special “Live at the Comedy Store” — his sixth (video below) — on Tuesday, and celebrated with a very lengthy, occasionally rambling email blast to fans.
Plugging his independent project, the comedian’s note discussed his history with the industry, lamented having to cancel the last of four Madison Square Garden concerts for underwhelming Winter Storm Juno and even pushed his followers to see “Boyhood” and “Into the Woods.”
Ck’s personal rep told TheWrap that there are no plans to reschedule the Msg date at the moment.
- 1/27/2015
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
The torching of the pop star will tape in Los Angeles on a date to be revealed soon
In a comedian’s dream come true, the next “Comedy Central Roast” will feature Justin Bieber as the punching bag and headliner.
The cable channel’s hilarious president of Content Development & Original Programming, Kent Alterman, already fired the first shot: “Justin has been asking us for a few years to roast him, and we just kept telling him to go create more source material first,” he said. “We’re thrilled he listened.”
Also Read: 18 Comedians Who Died Too Soon – From John Pinette...
In a comedian’s dream come true, the next “Comedy Central Roast” will feature Justin Bieber as the punching bag and headliner.
The cable channel’s hilarious president of Content Development & Original Programming, Kent Alterman, already fired the first shot: “Justin has been asking us for a few years to roast him, and we just kept telling him to go create more source material first,” he said. “We’re thrilled he listened.”
Also Read: 18 Comedians Who Died Too Soon – From John Pinette...
- 1/20/2015
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Just a few hours after gunman killed at least 12 people in a terrorist attack on the offices of the French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo on Wednesday morning, Twitter users started showing their support with the hashtag #JeSuisCharlie.
President Barack Obama issued a statement condemning the attacks on Wednesday, as did MPAA Chairman Chris Dodd, novelist Salman Rushdie and Russian President Vladimir Putin, while others took to social media with their grief and outrage.
Also Read: 12 Dead in Shooting at French Satirical Newspaper (Updating)
Notable people from French president François Hollande to Hollywood actor Elijah Wood and media personality Piers Morgan...
President Barack Obama issued a statement condemning the attacks on Wednesday, as did MPAA Chairman Chris Dodd, novelist Salman Rushdie and Russian President Vladimir Putin, while others took to social media with their grief and outrage.
Also Read: 12 Dead in Shooting at French Satirical Newspaper (Updating)
Notable people from French president François Hollande to Hollywood actor Elijah Wood and media personality Piers Morgan...
- 1/7/2015
- by Travis Reilly and Itay Hod
- The Wrap
Luise Rainer, the first person to win back-to-back Academy Awards, died on Tuesday of pneumonia. She was 104.
Rainer took home the top actress trophies in 1936 and 1937 for her roles on “The Great Ziegfeld” and “The Good Earth,” respectively. Only four other actors have since match the feat.
Also Read: Hollywood’s Notable Deaths of 2014 (Photos)
Rainer closed out her brief Hollywood film career with “Hostages” in 1943, and spent most of her later life in England. She made the occasional film and TV appearances, including on a 1984 episode of “The Love Boat.” One of her last film roles was in 1998 Fyodor Dostoyevsky adaptation “The Gambler.
Rainer took home the top actress trophies in 1936 and 1937 for her roles on “The Great Ziegfeld” and “The Good Earth,” respectively. Only four other actors have since match the feat.
Also Read: Hollywood’s Notable Deaths of 2014 (Photos)
Rainer closed out her brief Hollywood film career with “Hostages” in 1943, and spent most of her later life in England. She made the occasional film and TV appearances, including on a 1984 episode of “The Love Boat.” One of her last film roles was in 1998 Fyodor Dostoyevsky adaptation “The Gambler.
- 12/30/2014
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Chicago – One the hottest, most creative and “fluffiest” stand-up comics working today is Gabriel Iglesias. The comedian riffs on the circumstances of his own life, as he deals with his adventures in the comedy world. He has put that all together in a new stand-up concert film, appropriately entitled “The Fluffy Movie.”
Iglesias was born in San Diego, but grew up in Long Beach, California. After high school, he worked for a mobile phone company while doing stand-up comedy on the side. When he was 21 years old, he turned to stand-up full time. He worked his way up and gained cult-like popularity with routines that include his amazing ability to mimic voices and sound effects. He gained the nickname “Fluffy” from his act, in which he described the levels of “fatness” (Fluffy was right before, “daaaaamn” and “hell, no”). The comic has recently dropped 100 pounds, and is primed to hit the big screen.
Iglesias was born in San Diego, but grew up in Long Beach, California. After high school, he worked for a mobile phone company while doing stand-up comedy on the side. When he was 21 years old, he turned to stand-up full time. He worked his way up and gained cult-like popularity with routines that include his amazing ability to mimic voices and sound effects. He gained the nickname “Fluffy” from his act, in which he described the levels of “fatness” (Fluffy was right before, “daaaaamn” and “hell, no”). The comic has recently dropped 100 pounds, and is primed to hit the big screen.
- 7/24/2014
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Prepare for caffeine overload. Jerry Seinfeld's “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee” just got four additional seasons ordered — a total of 24 new episodes. The new deal is for Season 6, 7, 8 and 9 of the series, which will begin following the previously announced fourth and fifth seasons of the show. See photos: 18 Comedians Who Died Too Soon – From John Pinette to Gilda Radner Seasons 4 and 5 are set to launch early this summer and fall, respectively. The show streams on Crackle and on comediansincarsgettingcoffee.com. Previous episodes of “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee” have featured Seinfeld's conversations with a variety...
- 4/30/2014
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Chicago – Comedian John Pinette passed away on April 5th, at the age of 50. The rotund jester was named Stand-Up Comedian of the Year at the American Comedy Awards in 1999, and appeared in the films “Duet,” “Dear God” and “The Punisher.” He is probably best remembered as the hapless portly man who gets harassed by the cast of “Seinfeld,” which led to the courtroom sequence of the final episode in 1998.
Pinette was born in Boston, and after college pursued a career in accounting. Friends advised him to go into stand-up comedy, and he broke in as a warm-up act while touring with a late career Frank Sinatra. In 2004, he played Edna Turnblad in the touring cast of the musical “Hairspray,” and eventually took over the role on Broadway. He continued his stand-up act around the country, and passed away in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on April 5th, 2014, while on tour.
HollywoodChicago.com photographer...
Pinette was born in Boston, and after college pursued a career in accounting. Friends advised him to go into stand-up comedy, and he broke in as a warm-up act while touring with a late career Frank Sinatra. In 2004, he played Edna Turnblad in the touring cast of the musical “Hairspray,” and eventually took over the role on Broadway. He continued his stand-up act around the country, and passed away in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on April 5th, 2014, while on tour.
HollywoodChicago.com photographer...
- 4/8/2014
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Pittsburgh (AP) — John Pinette, the chubby stand-up comedian who portrayed a hapless carjacking victim in the final episode of "Seinfeld," has died. He was 50. Pinette died on natural causes Saturday at a hotel in Pittsburgh, the Allegheny County Medical Examiner's office said Sunday evening. Pinette's agent confirmed his death. The portly Pinette was a self-deprecating presence on stage, frequently discussing his weight on stand-up specials "Show Me the Buffett," "I'm Starvin'!" and "Still Hungry." Pinette had been working on another stand-up project when he died, his agent, Nick Nuciforo, said. "He should be celebrated for the amazing comedian he was," Nuciforo said. The Boston native appeared in movies including "The Punisher" and had a trio of stand-up shows released on DVD but was perhaps best known as the portly carjacking victim whose plight lands the "Seinfeld" stars before a judge for failing to help under a "good Samaritan" law. Pinette...
- 4/7/2014
- by AP Staff
- Hitfix
It’s already been a tough year for celebrity deaths, and John Pinette passed away over the weekend in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The 50-year-old comedian, who rose to fame thanks to his guest role on “Seinfeld” as carjacking victim Howie, died in his hotel room at the Sheraton of natural causes.
A native of Boston, John also appeared in “Duets,” “The Punisher,” “Dear God” and “Junior,” and he also had a vibrant stand-up presence.
In 2013, Pinette went to rehab to deal with prescription drug addiction and took surgical measures to lose weight.
Via Twitter, John told his fans in January, "After losing a bunch of weight and having several small surgical procedures, Im physically spent. I promise to hit the stage as humanly possible so I can once again have the honor of making your guys, my friends and fans, laugh like you've never laughed before. That's my promise!"
Sadly, Pinette...
The 50-year-old comedian, who rose to fame thanks to his guest role on “Seinfeld” as carjacking victim Howie, died in his hotel room at the Sheraton of natural causes.
A native of Boston, John also appeared in “Duets,” “The Punisher,” “Dear God” and “Junior,” and he also had a vibrant stand-up presence.
In 2013, Pinette went to rehab to deal with prescription drug addiction and took surgical measures to lose weight.
Via Twitter, John told his fans in January, "After losing a bunch of weight and having several small surgical procedures, Im physically spent. I promise to hit the stage as humanly possible so I can once again have the honor of making your guys, my friends and fans, laugh like you've never laughed before. That's my promise!"
Sadly, Pinette...
- 4/7/2014
- GossipCenter
video platformvideo managementvideo solutionsvideo player The first clip of Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis on Two and a Half Men is here, and their chemistry is as amazing as you'd expect. Game of Thrones season four premiered last night. No spoilers here, but it was as racy, gory, and shocking as you'd expect - and it crashed HBO Go. The Shameless season four finale also featured a last-second shocker that no one saw coming - even the cast was in the dark! Legendary actor Mickey Rooney died at 93 on Sunday. He was one of the last surviving stars of the silent film era. The royal tour is under way! See the adorable photos of Kate Middleton, Prince William, and Prince George, and try to fight back the urge to pinch George's little cheeks. Icymi: the Acm Awards happened last night, and everyone looked gorgeous. See Taylor Swift's dancing, Miranda Lambert...
- 4/7/2014
- by Alyse Whitney
- Popsugar.com
Gone too soon. Comedian and actor John Pinette died at age 50 on Saturday, April 5. Pinette was found in his hotel room at the Sheraton in Pittsburgh, and his personal doctor confirmed that the star, who had suffered from liver and heart disease, had died of natural causes, the Post-Gazette reports. Boston native Pinette rose in the stand-up comedy world, where he frequently poked fun at his own obesity; he appeared in such films as Junior, Dear God, Duets and The Punisher. His most TV appearance [...]...
- 4/7/2014
- Us Weekly
Comedian John Pinette was found dead at age 52 in his hotel room in Pittsburg on Saturday, April 5.
According to the medical examiner, Pinette died of natural causes related to “a medical history he was being treated for." According to the New York Daily News, Pinette was being treated for liver and heart disease.
Pinette earned a place in history in 1998 when he appeared as Howie, the victim of a carjacking in the Seinfeld series finale, but he was also a successful and beloved stand-up comedian and was still touring at the time of his death.
Friends and comedians took to Twitter to express their grief over the loss.
The world has lost a truly funny person. Rest in peace John Pinette.
— Joy Behar (@JoyVBehar) April 7, 2014
Never worked with John Pinette; never heard a bad word about him. And he Loved being a comedian. He got dealt a good life. #Rip...
According to the medical examiner, Pinette died of natural causes related to “a medical history he was being treated for." According to the New York Daily News, Pinette was being treated for liver and heart disease.
Pinette earned a place in history in 1998 when he appeared as Howie, the victim of a carjacking in the Seinfeld series finale, but he was also a successful and beloved stand-up comedian and was still touring at the time of his death.
Friends and comedians took to Twitter to express their grief over the loss.
The world has lost a truly funny person. Rest in peace John Pinette.
— Joy Behar (@JoyVBehar) April 7, 2014
Never worked with John Pinette; never heard a bad word about him. And he Loved being a comedian. He got dealt a good life. #Rip...
- 4/7/2014
- Uinterview
John Pinette, the chubby stand-up comedian who portrayed a hapless carjacking victim in the final episode of Seinfeld, has died. He was 50. Pinette died of natural causes Saturday at a hotel in Pittsburgh, the Allegheny County Medical Examiner's office said Sunday evening. Pinette's agent confirmed his death. The self-deprecating Pinette was a portly presence on stage, frequently discussing his weight on stand-up specials Show Me the Buffett, I'm Starvin'! and Still Hungry. Pinette had been working on another stand-up project when he died, his agent, Nick Nuciforo, said. "He should be celebrated for the amazing comedian he was," Nuciforo said.
- 4/7/2014
- by Associated Press
- PEOPLE.com
John Pinette, a stand-up comedian who appeared in films and on TV, was found dead in a Pittsburgh hotel room Sunday. His manager, Larry Schapiro, told TheWrap that the 50-year-old Pinette suffered from a pulmonary embolism, though there has been no autopsy. Pinette, who was on a tour of the U.S. and Canada that was to extend through June, was best known for his appearance in the finale of TV's “Seinfeld,” in which he played a man who was mugged while getting out of his car. Pinette's film credits included roles in 1994's “Junior,...
- 4/7/2014
- by Todd Cunningham
- The Wrap
Stand up comedian and actor John Pinette died Saturday in Pittsburgh after suffering a pulmonary embolism, his manager of 24 years Larry Schapiro confirms. He was 50. Pinette, a veteran of the comedy club circuit who underwent treatment for prescription drug addiction last year, was found dead in his hotel room yesterday afternoon. No autopsy was conducted. Pinette’s feature film credits include ’90s comedy films Reckless Kelly, Junior, and Simon Sez as well as Duets, The Punisher, Rio Sex Comedy, and Hyung-rae Shim’s The Last Godfather. On the small screen, Pinette was a regular on Parker Lewis Can’t Lose and appeared on Vinnie & Bobby, High Tide, and on the series finale of Seinfeld. His comedy special John Pinette: Still Hungry premiered on Comedy Central in 2011. At the time of his death the L.A.-based comedian was touring and developing his next stand-up special, titled John Pinette: They Call Me Slim.
- 4/6/2014
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
John Pinette, a stand-up comedian whose career included a turn in the Seinfeld finale, has died, his manager Larry Schapiro confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter. He was 50. He was found in a Pittsburgh hotel room and determined to have died Saturday of natural causes, a spokesperson for the medical examiner's office in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, told THR. Schapiro stated that the cause of death was a pulmonary embolism. The comedian, born in Boston in 1964, was a regular touring presence and was currently on a live trek that had set dates from April to June across venues in the
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- 4/6/2014
- by Erik Hayden
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Standup comedian John Pinette -- best known for his role as the guy who got mugged in the "Seinfeld" finale -- was found dead in his Pittsburgh hotel room Saturday ... TMZ has learned.The Allegheny County medical examiner's office says Pinette died in his Sheraton Hotel room around 2:30 Pm ... and foul play is Not suspected.According to reports ... the medical examiner did not perform an autopsy because Pinette's personal physician said the actor had...
- 4/6/2014
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
John Pinette -- best known for his role as the fat guy who got mugged in the "Seinfeld" finale -- has checked himself into rehab after becoming addicted to prescription medication ... TMZ has learned.A rep for the venue in Canada where John was set to perform in next month says Pinette had to postpone the gig because he was checking into a rehab facility for his addiction.The rep says John -- who also...
- 8/27/2013
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
TBS Just For Laughs Chicago to include advance screening of "That's My Boy," with Adam Sandler making an appearance. Conan O.Brien, Aziz Ansari, Vince Vaughn, Sarah Silverman and Kevin Smith Take Center Stage at Fourth Annual TBS Just for Laughs Chicago Comedy Festival at The Chicago Theatre, from June 11-17. Founded in 1983, the Just For Laughs Group.s growth is concentrated on four major focal points: Festivals (in Montreal, Toronto and Chicago); television production, live shows (Canadian tour dates for Jerry Seinfeld, Jeremy Hotz, John Pinette, Louis C.K., the Capital One Just For Laughs Comedy Tour, North American dates for Family Guy Live!); and talent management. Its inaugural Montreal Festival launched 30 years ago is now the world.s largest comedy...
- 6/5/2012
- by April MacIntyre
- Monsters and Critics
Toronto – Montreal’s Just For Laughs comedy festival is giving Chelsea Handler its 2012 Comedy Person of the Year award, and making Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy emcees at one of its glitzy galas. Just For Laughs organizers on Wednesday unveiled a talent lineup for their 30th anniversary edition that includes Kevin Hart, Aziz Ansari, Bill Hader, Bob Saget, John Pinette, Lewis Black, Jim Gaffigan, Patton Oswalt, Wayne Brady and Mario Cantone. Photos: The Scene at THR's 2011 Women In Entertainment Power 100 Breakfast Handler will be in Montreal to receive the festival's top stand-up tribute ten years
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- 5/9/2012
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Familiar-faced, raspy-voiced actor Jon Polito took a break from his busy schedule — one that has built a resume of nearly 200 film and television credits over the past three decades — to speak with Disc Dish about his involvement with the comedy mafia film The Last Godfather (DVD $27.98, Lionsgate, released on Aug. 9, 2011).
From South Korean comedy superstar Hyung Rae Shim (the film’s writer, director and star), The Last Godfather is a zany Mob movie wherein Shim is the goofy grown-up love child of an aging New York Mob boss (Harvey Keitel, Taxi Driver) and has been chosen by his dad to head up the family business. Not surprisingly, this decision does not go down well with the outgoing Don’s associates or his many rivals, led by Polito’s hysterically huffy and frustrated Don Bonfante.
Disc Dish: One of your mentors is the New York theater director and puppeteer Theodora Skipitares,...
From South Korean comedy superstar Hyung Rae Shim (the film’s writer, director and star), The Last Godfather is a zany Mob movie wherein Shim is the goofy grown-up love child of an aging New York Mob boss (Harvey Keitel, Taxi Driver) and has been chosen by his dad to head up the family business. Not surprisingly, this decision does not go down well with the outgoing Don’s associates or his many rivals, led by Polito’s hysterically huffy and frustrated Don Bonfante.
Disc Dish: One of your mentors is the New York theater director and puppeteer Theodora Skipitares,...
- 8/8/2011
- by Laurence
- Disc Dish
DVD Playhouse—August 2011
By Allen Gardner
High And Low (Criterion) Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 adaptation of Ed McBain’s novel King’s Ransom is a multi-layered masterpiece of suspense and one of the best portraits ever of class warfare in post-ww II Japan. Toshiro Mifune stars as a wealthy businessman who finds himself in a moral quandary when his chauffer’s son is kidnapped by ruthless thugs who think the boy is Mifune’s. Beautifully realized on every level. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by Kurosawa scholar Stephen Prince; Documentary on film’s production; Interview with Mifune from 1984; Trailers and teaser. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-hd 4.0 surround.
Leon Morin, Priest (Criterion) One of French maestro Jean-Pierre Melville’s rare non-crime-oriented films, starring Jean-Paul Belmondo as a devoted cleric who is lusted after by the women of a small village in Nazi-occupied France. When Fr. Morin finds himself drawn to a...
By Allen Gardner
High And Low (Criterion) Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 adaptation of Ed McBain’s novel King’s Ransom is a multi-layered masterpiece of suspense and one of the best portraits ever of class warfare in post-ww II Japan. Toshiro Mifune stars as a wealthy businessman who finds himself in a moral quandary when his chauffer’s son is kidnapped by ruthless thugs who think the boy is Mifune’s. Beautifully realized on every level. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by Kurosawa scholar Stephen Prince; Documentary on film’s production; Interview with Mifune from 1984; Trailers and teaser. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-hd 4.0 surround.
Leon Morin, Priest (Criterion) One of French maestro Jean-Pierre Melville’s rare non-crime-oriented films, starring Jean-Paul Belmondo as a devoted cleric who is lusted after by the women of a small village in Nazi-occupied France. When Fr. Morin finds himself drawn to a...
- 8/8/2011
- by The Hollywood Interview.com
- The Hollywood Interview
Big-boy comedian John Pinette returns for his latest stand-up comedy special, John Pinette: Still Hungry, which Entertainment One will release on DVD on August 2 for a list price of $19.98.
No surprise: John Pinette is Still Hungry.
A Comedy Central television performance taped at the Vic Theatre in Chicago last December, Still Hungry will premiere on TV on Comedy Central in July prior to its DVD release.
Still Hungry serves as a follow-up of sorts to Pinette’s previous Comedy Central special, 2007’s I’m Starvin’!, which is still available on DVD.
Clocking in at some 85 minutes, Pinette’s set is one of the lengthiest we’ve see from a stand-up in recent years. The comedian’s observational comedy includes lots of talk about his weight and food, particularly that of the Asian variety. It’s no surprise that Pinette has a thing for Chinese buffets…
The Still Hungry DVD...
No surprise: John Pinette is Still Hungry.
A Comedy Central television performance taped at the Vic Theatre in Chicago last December, Still Hungry will premiere on TV on Comedy Central in July prior to its DVD release.
Still Hungry serves as a follow-up of sorts to Pinette’s previous Comedy Central special, 2007’s I’m Starvin’!, which is still available on DVD.
Clocking in at some 85 minutes, Pinette’s set is one of the lengthiest we’ve see from a stand-up in recent years. The comedian’s observational comedy includes lots of talk about his weight and food, particularly that of the Asian variety. It’s no surprise that Pinette has a thing for Chinese buffets…
The Still Hungry DVD...
- 7/1/2011
- by Laurence
- Disc Dish
David Archuleta was one of performers at Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Association (Mda) telethon on Labor Day weekend, September 5. He performed a song called "Things Are Gonna Get Better" during the fund-raising gig which benefits those afflicted with the neuromuscular disease.
The 2008 runner-up of "American Idol" was introduced by Nygel Lythgoe as "one of the sweetest-sounding singers with the most melodic voice we ever had." The song he sang is a brand new tune taken from his new studio album "The Other Side of Down" which is due October 5 in United States.
Meanwhile, introduced by Jerry himself was stand-up comedian John Pinette who appeared on stage in suit and brought laughters with his jokes. 59-year-old Charo was also presented by Jerry and she took the stage with her guitar and entertained audience with "Roda de Samba".
Opened with narration by National Goodwill Ambassador Abbey Umali, the telethon started at 9 P.
The 2008 runner-up of "American Idol" was introduced by Nygel Lythgoe as "one of the sweetest-sounding singers with the most melodic voice we ever had." The song he sang is a brand new tune taken from his new studio album "The Other Side of Down" which is due October 5 in United States.
Meanwhile, introduced by Jerry himself was stand-up comedian John Pinette who appeared on stage in suit and brought laughters with his jokes. 59-year-old Charo was also presented by Jerry and she took the stage with her guitar and entertained audience with "Roda de Samba".
Opened with narration by National Goodwill Ambassador Abbey Umali, the telethon started at 9 P.
- 9/6/2010
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
There have been three attempts so far at adapting Marvel Comics' ultra-violent vigilante The Punisher on to the big screen.
The first film was in 1989, a direct-to-video release starring Dolph Lundgren which omitted many of the character's hallmarks and has been swept aside as a very early and rather ill-considered effort.
Much later, Marvel pressed the reset button and delivered a 2004 reboot starring Thomas Jane and directed by Jonathan Hensleigh, the first directorial role for the screenwriter.
After various deliberations over putting a sequel in motion, Jane and Hensleigh dropped out and the next film, Punisher: War Zone, saw Ray Stevenson take over the lead role and Lexi Alexander directing. It came out in December last year in the USA, and in February in the UK.
Marvel itself was involved in producing the latter two movies, which Lionsgate distributed in the USA and Sony's Columbia Pictures handled overseas.
In June,...
The first film was in 1989, a direct-to-video release starring Dolph Lundgren which omitted many of the character's hallmarks and has been swept aside as a very early and rather ill-considered effort.
Much later, Marvel pressed the reset button and delivered a 2004 reboot starring Thomas Jane and directed by Jonathan Hensleigh, the first directorial role for the screenwriter.
After various deliberations over putting a sequel in motion, Jane and Hensleigh dropped out and the next film, Punisher: War Zone, saw Ray Stevenson take over the lead role and Lexi Alexander directing. It came out in December last year in the USA, and in February in the UK.
Marvel itself was involved in producing the latter two movies, which Lionsgate distributed in the USA and Sony's Columbia Pictures handled overseas.
In June,...
- 11/17/2009
- by David Bentley
- The Geek Files
The introduction of a baby into the plot is usually a sure fire sign that a television show has jumped the shark with a pair of Acme rocket powered water skis.
But things are different for a twisted little space of pay cable called Dexter. The mere thought of putting a cute, adorable and affable little tyke into the mix sounds like something that would inspire the furious typing of a thousand angry Parents Television Council members' Selectric typewriters.
The latest addition to the Morgan clan is just a small addition to the newest season of Showtime's seriously macabre drama. It doesn't overtake the show and turn its serious moral tone into something ridculously psychotic like Three Madmen and a Baby. It's just one of many obstacles the world's most huggable serial killer has to deal with to feed the John Pinette sized appetite of his mysterious "dark passenger," and...
But things are different for a twisted little space of pay cable called Dexter. The mere thought of putting a cute, adorable and affable little tyke into the mix sounds like something that would inspire the furious typing of a thousand angry Parents Television Council members' Selectric typewriters.
The latest addition to the Morgan clan is just a small addition to the newest season of Showtime's seriously macabre drama. It doesn't overtake the show and turn its serious moral tone into something ridculously psychotic like Three Madmen and a Baby. It's just one of many obstacles the world's most huggable serial killer has to deal with to feed the John Pinette sized appetite of his mysterious "dark passenger," and...
- 9/25/2009
- by Danny Gallagher
- Aol TV.
David Alan Grier may have not felt the love from the "Dancing with the Stars" judges this season, but Dag has comedic skills and TBS is using them to bring an evening of comedy in June. Comedy superstar Martin Short has also signed on to host a showcase from TBS Presents A .Very Funny. Festival: Just For Laughs, joining Ellen DeGeneres and David Alan Grier in presenting TBS televised specials from the premiere Chicago event. Let Freedom Hum . An Evening of Comedy hosted by Martin Short will also feature stand up kingpins John Pinette, Kathleen Madigan, Greg Giraldo, Tom Papa and Jeremy Hotz The shows will be taped during the Festival, which takes place Wednesday, June...
- 5/11/2009
- by April MacIntyre
- Monsters and Critics
New York -- Martin Short has signed on to host a televised special from this summer's "TBS presents a "Very Funny" Festival: Just For Laughs" in Chicago.
He joins Ellen DeGeneres and David Alan Grier in presenting TBS specials from the inaugural festival, which takes place June 17-June 21 and is organized by TBS and Montreal-based Just for Laughs.
"Let Freedom Hum -- An Evening of Comedy Hosted by Martin Short" will not only put the spotlight on the host, but also feature John Pinette, Kathleen Madigan, Greg Giraldo, Tom Papa and Jeremy Hotz, the festival organizers said Monday.
They also unveiled talent for the special "Comedy You Can Believe In with David Alan Grier," namely Bruce Bruce, Jo Koy, Mark Curry, Aries Spears and Marina Franklin.
The Short special will air Friday, June 26, followed by DeGeneres's "Ellen's Bigger Longer and Wider Show" on June 27 and the Grier event on June...
He joins Ellen DeGeneres and David Alan Grier in presenting TBS specials from the inaugural festival, which takes place June 17-June 21 and is organized by TBS and Montreal-based Just for Laughs.
"Let Freedom Hum -- An Evening of Comedy Hosted by Martin Short" will not only put the spotlight on the host, but also feature John Pinette, Kathleen Madigan, Greg Giraldo, Tom Papa and Jeremy Hotz, the festival organizers said Monday.
They also unveiled talent for the special "Comedy You Can Believe In with David Alan Grier," namely Bruce Bruce, Jo Koy, Mark Curry, Aries Spears and Marina Franklin.
The Short special will air Friday, June 26, followed by DeGeneres's "Ellen's Bigger Longer and Wider Show" on June 27 and the Grier event on June...
- 5/11/2009
- by By Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Hometown boy Howie Mandel, Craig Ferguson and George Lopez are to headline the inaugural Just For Laughs Toronto Festival in July, organizers said Tuesday.
Montreal-based Just For Laughs said that The Three Comedians will host main-stage galas July 26-28. Stand-up acts booked for Toronto include Richard Lewis, Just For Laughs veteran John Pinette and Canadian comic Russell Peters.
Just For Laughs also has called on a host of other Montreal festival veterans to entertain Toronto crowds, including Kathleen Madigan and Alonzo Bodden, both from "Last Comic Standing", Canadian comics Jeremy Hotz, Elvira Kurt and Derek Edwards as well as Greg Giraldo, Bob Marley, Bill Burr and Tom Papa.
Just for Laughs COO Bruce Hill said that the 30 comics lined up for Toronto represent a mix of established names and festival veterans. "It's a luxury of riches", Hill said of his bookings for the $2.25 million inaugural Toronto event.
Following the Montreal tradition, Just For Laughs also has drawn on international talent for its first-ever Toronto edition, including Ireland's Ardal O'Hanlon ("Father Ted") and the U.K.'s Frank Skinner.
Montreal-based Just For Laughs said that The Three Comedians will host main-stage galas July 26-28. Stand-up acts booked for Toronto include Richard Lewis, Just For Laughs veteran John Pinette and Canadian comic Russell Peters.
Just For Laughs also has called on a host of other Montreal festival veterans to entertain Toronto crowds, including Kathleen Madigan and Alonzo Bodden, both from "Last Comic Standing", Canadian comics Jeremy Hotz, Elvira Kurt and Derek Edwards as well as Greg Giraldo, Bob Marley, Bill Burr and Tom Papa.
Just for Laughs COO Bruce Hill said that the 30 comics lined up for Toronto represent a mix of established names and festival veterans. "It's a luxury of riches", Hill said of his bookings for the $2.25 million inaugural Toronto event.
Following the Montreal tradition, Just For Laughs also has drawn on international talent for its first-ever Toronto edition, including Ireland's Ardal O'Hanlon ("Father Ted") and the U.K.'s Frank Skinner.
- 5/23/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
TORONTO -- Montreal's Just for Laughs comedy festival announced Tuesday that Craig Ferguson will serve as host at one of the event's galas, while solo acts by Margaret Cho and John Pinette (Hairspray) have been added to the lineup. In addition to his hosting duties, Ferguson will serve as a roving correspondent for CBS' The Late Late Show while in Montreal. Gala hosts announced earlier by the festival include Jason Alexander, John Cleese and Ed Byrne. Just for Laughs organizers also said that their upcoming 24th edition will focus on one-man shows, solo cabaret acts and other concert performances to entertain local Montreal audiences.
Having held his own masterfully opposite Jean-Claude Van Damme in 1997's "Double Team", thespian rebounder Dennis Rodman has above-the-title billing all to himself in "Simon Sez", a martial arts action-comedy that's as bad as it wants to be.
While Rodman ponders his next career move, this endlessly irritating, flat-footed clunker will do his resume no favors. To be fair, the filmmakers have seen fit to surround him with so many shrill, over-the-top characters and performances that he comes across as practically demure by comparison.
Simon sez, "Go swiftly to video".
Rodman is the Simon in question, a tough-guy operative with a yellow motorcycle who gets roped into a purported kidnapping case by a bumbling private investigator Nick (Dane Cook), a classmate of Simon During's their Interpol days.
It turns out the hostage in question (Natalia Cigliuti) not only is unaware of having been kidnapped, but she has no desire to return to her wealthy American executive father, preferring to remain with her French boyfriend (Filip Nicolic).
But the boyfriend's father (Henri Courseaux) happens to be a bagman for a diabolical arms dealer (Jerome Pradon) eager to get his hands on a valuable piece of computer software that falls into Simon's hands. Thus, the shenanigans ensue.
Under the novice direction of writer-producer Kevin Elders (the "Iron Eagle" movies), the picture doesn't lack energy, and some of the fight sequences are well-choreographed.
On the other hand, the plot-deprived, shtick-heavy script, credited to former actors Andrew Miller and Andrew Lowery, keeps rearing its ugly head.
As for Rodman, despite there being enough metal hooked into his face to fill a tackle box, his performance remains surprisingly wooden given his colorful on- and off-court persona.
It's still preferable to the intended comic-relief turns of his improvising cast mates. As his hyper partner in crime-fighting, muggy comedian Cook makes for the most annoying sidekick since Jar Jar Binks. And John Pinette and Ricky Harris quickly overstay their welcome as undercover, high-tech monks who make like a third-rate Abbott and Costello.
SIMON SEZ
Independent Artists
A Signature Films production
Director: Kevin Elders
Screenwriters: Andrew Miller & Andrew Lowery
Story: Moshe Diamant & Rudy Cohen
Producers: Moshe Diamant, Ringo Lam
Executive producers: Rudy Cohen, Dan Frisch, Kevin Jones
Director of photography: Avraham Karpick
Production designer: Damien Lanfranchi
Editor: Alain Jakubowicz
Music: Brian Tyler
Color/stereo
Cast:
Simon: Dennis Rodman
Nick: Dane Cook
Claire: Natalia Cigliuti
Michael: Filip Nicolic
Macro: John Pinette
Ashton: Jerome Pradon
Micro: Ricky Harris
Bernard: Henri Courseaux
The Dancer: Emma Sjoberg
Running time -- 90 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13...
While Rodman ponders his next career move, this endlessly irritating, flat-footed clunker will do his resume no favors. To be fair, the filmmakers have seen fit to surround him with so many shrill, over-the-top characters and performances that he comes across as practically demure by comparison.
Simon sez, "Go swiftly to video".
Rodman is the Simon in question, a tough-guy operative with a yellow motorcycle who gets roped into a purported kidnapping case by a bumbling private investigator Nick (Dane Cook), a classmate of Simon During's their Interpol days.
It turns out the hostage in question (Natalia Cigliuti) not only is unaware of having been kidnapped, but she has no desire to return to her wealthy American executive father, preferring to remain with her French boyfriend (Filip Nicolic).
But the boyfriend's father (Henri Courseaux) happens to be a bagman for a diabolical arms dealer (Jerome Pradon) eager to get his hands on a valuable piece of computer software that falls into Simon's hands. Thus, the shenanigans ensue.
Under the novice direction of writer-producer Kevin Elders (the "Iron Eagle" movies), the picture doesn't lack energy, and some of the fight sequences are well-choreographed.
On the other hand, the plot-deprived, shtick-heavy script, credited to former actors Andrew Miller and Andrew Lowery, keeps rearing its ugly head.
As for Rodman, despite there being enough metal hooked into his face to fill a tackle box, his performance remains surprisingly wooden given his colorful on- and off-court persona.
It's still preferable to the intended comic-relief turns of his improvising cast mates. As his hyper partner in crime-fighting, muggy comedian Cook makes for the most annoying sidekick since Jar Jar Binks. And John Pinette and Ricky Harris quickly overstay their welcome as undercover, high-tech monks who make like a third-rate Abbott and Costello.
SIMON SEZ
Independent Artists
A Signature Films production
Director: Kevin Elders
Screenwriters: Andrew Miller & Andrew Lowery
Story: Moshe Diamant & Rudy Cohen
Producers: Moshe Diamant, Ringo Lam
Executive producers: Rudy Cohen, Dan Frisch, Kevin Jones
Director of photography: Avraham Karpick
Production designer: Damien Lanfranchi
Editor: Alain Jakubowicz
Music: Brian Tyler
Color/stereo
Cast:
Simon: Dennis Rodman
Nick: Dane Cook
Claire: Natalia Cigliuti
Michael: Filip Nicolic
Macro: John Pinette
Ashton: Jerome Pradon
Micro: Ricky Harris
Bernard: Henri Courseaux
The Dancer: Emma Sjoberg
Running time -- 90 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13...
- 9/27/1999
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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