Reel Talk With Sandie Newton

It was a huge family hit a few years ago - now Ben Stiller and his cast of hysterical historical wax figures come back to life on the big screen in NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM-BATTLE OF THE SMITHSONIAN.
 
We find our hapless hero - the former night guard at New York's famed Natural History Museum - now a wealthy inventor but when he realizes his beloved artifacts are being shipped to The Smithsonian for storage to make way for new virtual exhibits...he decides to investigate and in the process rescues some new characters!
 
Hank Azaria is very funny as the Egyptian pharaoh who is looking to take over the world thanks to the ancient tablet that brings all the exhibits to life.  Owen Wilson and Robin Williams return but it's the adorable and spunky performance of Amy Adams as aviator Amelia Earheart that steals the show and brings the whole story into focus.  Stiller told me he really only wanted to do the film because of Adams and the fact there would be a sweet romance.  He was tired of dealing with only wax figures in the last film!
 
The tablet now brings all of the 10 acre massive complex of museums alive - from the fine art to rockets and airplanes.  It's a clever script that actually teaches a few history lessons along the way.  The first film even boosted museum attendance by 20% when it debuted.  Let's hope this fun family outing has the same impact.  I know I learned that Ms. Earheart used what may have been the very first navigation device in her airplane and in real life Adams told me doing the film cured her of her fear of flying!
 
~Sandie

Even if you have never read any of Dan Brown's bestselling novels - there is no need to miss his new film ANGELS AND DEMONS - it stands on it's own.  I did not read DAVINCI CODE before I saw the film nor did I read ANGELS AND DEMONS before I sat through this latest thriller.  I was not really crazy about the first Brown big screen adaptation - but I very much  enjoyed Ron Howard's follow up film which is actually a prequel. Go figure!

Tom Hanks returns as the Harvard trained symbologist Robert Langdon.  He is once again summoned to help solve a mystery - it seems a top secret experiment with ties to a secret society has become part of a series of murders and he's the only man who can de-code the clues.

The entire race is set in Rome with some of the most beautifully photographed sequences of the eternal city seen on film since Roman Holiday!  Director Ron Howard also created replicas of some famous Italian landmarks near a racetrack in Hollywood but it's almost impossible to decipher the real streets of Rome from LaLaLand!  Tom Hanks told me that filming in Italy was not really working at all - he considered it to be a vacation despite long hours.  Who can complain about la dolce vita!

Ewan McGregor costars as a priest who may or may not have a hidden agenda.  He told me every time he put the ornate robes on he was treated with much more respect from cast and crew.  Even Tom Hanks was more reverent in his presence!

ANGELS AND DEMONS is a well paced tight thriller that plays out a bit like 24 meets And Then There Were None. There are many twists and turns and some major plot points that differ from the novel. I enjoyed it as simply an intricate mystery but please be warned - it does have some very disturbing images and although it received a PG13 rating - I would recommend parents be conservative about bringing young teens.  It is definitely not for the squeamish.

~Sandie Newton

Even if you are not a Trekkie (or Trekker) or have never seen a minute of either the now iconic 60s television show, it's subsequent follow up series or the many big screen adaptations of STAR TREK - I believe you will be seduced by the latest incarnation: STAR TREK.

Multi-talented JJ Abrams (LOST, CLOVERFIELD) is just the guy to bring the story full circle ... back to the beginning!  When I interviewed the director he revealed he was not a fan at all! 

 

But he was of course aware of the immense popularity and wanted to being a fresh new story to light: where did it all begin?  He does a brilliant job thanks to excellent casting and a wonderful cameo performance by legendary Spock himself, Leonard Nimoy.  We were told William Shatner declined an offer to appear.  Guess those Priceline commercials really impact your availability!!

 

The film has massive special effects and is super fast paced but the story is sound.  Chris Pine is an amazing stand out as Captain Kirk - there are moments where you feel he just channeled Shatner!  He told me he was also not a huge fan but wanted to be respectful and felt this storyline would satisfy the obsessive fan base and original cast and crew as well.  It does.  You find out how Spock and Kirk originally met and how their relationship was forged.  We even are privy to the sparks that fly between the usually stoic elf eared Spock and the young and sexy Ahura.  Not sure that ever played out on TV...but it's a fun twist in the film

 

STAR TREK is rated PG13 and I have no doubt it will run away with the top prize at the box office this weekend.  WOLVERINE officially opened the summer season last week pulling in more than $80 million. I bet you STAR TREK tops even that amazing number!! 

 

So ... go where no man or woman has gone before - back to the beginning!  STAR TREK is a fabulous ride and just might turn you into a trekkie like it or not!!  I can't wait for the sequel to this prequel!!!

Superstar Hugh Jackman reprises his role of the uber mutant Wolverine in the new film "X-Men Origins: Wolverine." This time out, Jackman also takes on the producing role and he proves there is really nothing this talented actor cannot do. He sings, he dances, he hosts the Oscars, he wears claws - and now he's the boss too! Oh. And he's also the Sexiest Man Alive. Wow! This guy is good!!! He's also perhaps one of the nicest men alive too! When I interviewed him this past weekend - he was not only on time... he was 15 minutes early!! No diva here. So we started the interview early - a rare occurance with Hollywood superstars. What a guy. **Sigh**

As impressive as Hugh is off-screen - the movie is that good too! With co-stars like Liev Schreiber and Ryan Reynolds on board - the story involves lots of insane mutant mayhem... but there is a very interesting love story as well. Hugh told me it was important to bring that new element into the mix. Superhero movies tend to be one note and he wanted to add dimension to his animalistic alter ego. Wolverine gets away from the "pack" and tries to start an ordinary life as a lumberman complete with an adoring girlfriend in Northern Canada. Can't say more than that, as her role is pivotal to the ultimate plot of the film.

Training was intenese for all the sctors. Each major role demanded extra bulk - Liev added 15 pounds to his already large frame to become Wolverine’s brother Sabretooth and Hugh lifted more weight than he ever imagined he could to get those now famous biceps and ripples that no doubt added to his sexiest man crown! Ryan Reynolds trained for 4 weeks with an expert swordfighting coach and it shows. Sure, there are lots of computer-generated effects... but he really does swing those swords and his scary makeover as Deadpool is gruesome.

All in all, I found the film to be perfect summer movie fare. Grab a large tub of popcorn and settle in for a great two hours of super-sized hunks battling each other and oh yes! There's that love story too! Enjoy! Hugh promises us... he'll be back!!

-- Sandie Newton

In the powerful new film "The Soloist," Oscar winner and Terrell native Jamie Foxx proves once again he has what it takes to do anything. In this case, he picks up a cello and violin and plays flawlessly. It helped to be schooled by the best instructors at the LA Philharmonic... but come on! This guy can just do it all. His costar Robert Downey Jr. is also the poster child for versatility. Nominated for his spot-on performance as the masterful actor Charlie Chaplin in "Chaplin" almost 20 years ago, he was also nominated again this year for his comedic turn in "Tropic Thunder." These are two guys I dare anyone NOT to watch in awe on camera. They are simply amazing and in this passionate story of one man inspiring another... they knock it out of the park. Or out of downtown LA anyway.

Based on the true life story of Nathaniel Ayres, who was a Julliard-trained musical genius who's life took a tragic turn as mental illness crept into his world... the film depicts the unlikely strong friendship that ensues when a burned out LA Times journalist comes across the homeless Ayres on the streets playing a beat up two string violin. What happens next is magical. The two form a bond that takes both men on a journey to self discovery and the knowledge that there is nothing more important in life than the people we meet and how what we share as human beings can change our lives.

Foxx told me the film actually did change his life. As a young boy growing up in North Texas, he had a real fear of going insane. He lived near the Terrell state mental institution and was deathly afraid one day he would end a patient. The journey he took on this film researching metal illness and meeting Nathaniel and writer Steve Lopez forced him to come to terms with his own fears and he was finally able to rise above.

Jamie also learned to play the string instruments with virtuoso perfection. He and Downey forged a strong bond off camera as well. Downey said the film has a message we all need to hear about tolerance, compassion and the need for open-mindedness to live every day expecting miracles.

"The Soloist" is a beautiful story inspired by a miraculous true story. See it and be inspired.

-- Sandie Newton

It’s a popular premise – if given the chance, would you return to your youth? Disney had two big hits with both "Freaky Friday" films where moms and daughters changed places. Now teen heartthrob Zac Efron tries on the magic for the new comedy "17 Again."

"Friends" alumnae Matthew Perry stars as the grown up Zac. Seems he’s pretty burned out in life. Marriage has just broken up – he’s been passed over for a promotion at work... what’s a guy to do? Well, thanks to some film magic – voila! Perry is now a teenager all over again and the good news is – he’s in the body of Zac Efron!

Efron told me he’s getting used to going solo on film now after 3 hugely successful "High School Musical" films where he teamed up with the same cast for over 5 years. Now, posters for the new film line streets and cover buses all over America and he’s loving it! He says he’ll remain humble though and keep up with college studies. Good boy!

Matthew Perry loved getting to know the young actor – he said to expect big things from this teen triple threat who can also dance and sing. And he’s not too bad with a basketball either. In real life he’s got some impressive skills that Perry said he has never had!

The film packs a sweet innocent message of second chances... but most importantly it’s – finally! – the star vehicle for the very talented 20-something-year-old who is now so ready to break out – as 17! – in "17 Again." Soon, he hopes to play his own age he says. Keep us posted, Zac!

On another note – the much anticipate "Angels and Demons" opens May 15th but you can see some very cool behind the scenes footage as well as some interesting background information on the events that led to the story behind author Dan Brown’s best selling novel by clicking here.

Also, look for some very exciting exclusive coverage of "Angels and Demons" in weeks to come! You won’t want to miss it!!

-- Sandie Newton

How would you like to have the world premiere of "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" right here in Dallas, Texas?! All you have to do is go to X-MenOrigins.com and vote to have the premiere right here in Dallas!

Here are the top ten towns as of April 8:
Davis, California
Hastings , Nebraska
Austin, Texas
Melbourne, Florida
Dallas, Texas
San Antonio, Texas
Las Vegas, Nevada
Tempe, Arizona
Chicago, Illinois
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

There is still time to vote! The winning city will be announced Monday, April 20. The premiere is Monday, April 27.

Click here to check out the official announcement made by Hugh Jackman!

It's one heck of a ride… but then it was crazy a mere 9 years ago too when those tricked out street cars came to life like never before on the big screen in the now iconic THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS.  Well...fans proved they wanted more - to the tune of bringing in a whopping $70 million at the box office opening weekend - and producers knew just what to do.  Bring back the original Fab Four, some crazy cars and even crazier stunts and voila!  You've got FAST AND FURIOUS - the 4th installment.
 
Vin Diesel returns not only as the bald dynamo that once again takes no prisoners as he heads south of the border looking to make things even...but he's also the boss this time around.  He told me he was not interested in coming back after his brief cameo in TOKYO DRIFT unless (1) the story was right (2) he was made a producer and (3) the original cast returned.  Well, he won on all accounts and Paul Walker for one was thrilled to get back into the driver's seat!
 
In real life they have all remained friends and Walker has actually become a passionate "gear head".  He collects cars now and told me he was as proud as any parent when the filmmakers asked him if they could use a few of his rides in the film.  He said he wished they could have had larger parts...but was also just happy to have his cherished autos on set with him!

Jordana Brewster and Michelle Rodriguez round out the original cast that returns and they said it was like a school reunion!  Michelle has an amazing opening scene with Vin where she literally hangs off the side of the truck they are racing.  It all takes your breath away...to be honest I'm not sure the storyline even matters - but obviously that was the intention!

Fast and the Furious proved to Hollywood once again that sequels can be bigger than the originals and if the first weekend was any indication...I imagine screenwriters are working on yet another film as we speak - stay tuned!

Sandie Newton
Entertainment Reporter

You know the voice.  As one of the busiest voice-over actors in Hollywood - you would think Patrick Warburton could rest on his many residuals and just take it easy.  

But no.  This busy actor not only continues to lend his voice to animated features, commercials and television shows. He also stars in the hit CBS sitcom "Rules Of Engagement" (now airing every Monday night on CBS11) and somehow found time to squeeze in a starring role in the new film "Rock Slyde."

The movie screens Tuesday night (March 31) at 10:30 p.m. and Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. as part of the AFI Dallas Film Festival.  

Whew! He is one busy guy... but as he said when he stopped by our Dallas CBS11/TXA21 offices Tuesday morning, he loves to work and truth be told... he could even do more if offered! Bring it on!
 
Rock Slyde is a spoof of a film-noir mystery complete with the gumshoe and the doll all tied up in a bunch of trouble.  She's worried someone is following her. He's hired to protect her (although he doesn't own a gun. Instead he uses a whistle and mace!), and fortunately it turns out he's a great match for the evil Andy Dick!  

Well...maybe not so evil, but Patrick told me when they were looking for a creepy, bad guy... Andy was the director's first choice.  Go figure!

Dick plays a religious zealot bent on bad, but soon our hero - complete with whistle and mace in hand - comes to the rescue.  Ahhhh.  Makes you wish the old school whodunits would come back!!

Local boy Chris Dowling is thrilled to have his first feature film as part of the prestigious film festival.  He moved away from Dallas 10 years ago to pursue his dream in Hollywood and here he is back with a feature film starring some pretty hot Hollywood stars!
 
Congratulations Chris! It will be fun to have family and friends on the red carpet Tuesday night!

We interviewed Patrick Tuesday for a segment airing that night on TXA21 at 7 p.m. but the entire interview was also streamed LIVE on our website at 11 a.m.

Our Web Guru Anna Gonzalez also took a turn with Warburton and her report will air tonight at 8 p.m.  Look for more of these exclusive web extras to pop up in the coming weeks!

After signing our CBS11/TXA21 hallway poster of "Rules of Engagement" and posing for a few pictures, Elaine's old boyfriend from "Seinfeld" was off and running to yet one more press event.  As Seinfeld himself might say "...yadayadayada."