Blogamole › Robert De Niro

By Michael Lopez

There's no denying that audiences love spotting a famous face on the big screen. And New Year’s Eve definitely proves that point. Featuring a who's who of Hollywood talent, NYE’s got romance, comedy, and plenty of holiday spirit. At a recent junket, several of the stars spoke to us and shared their thoughts on the film.

"I had a blast working on this movie," Josh Duhamel told us. "Funny enough, I did a lot of my scenes with Yeardley Smith. The whole time I kept thinking to myself, this is Lisa Simpson!"

Glee’s Lea Michele also had a cast mate that impressed her. She spent her time in the movie alongside Ashton Kutcher and told us she had a hard time not being star struck by the Two and a Half Men lead.

"I got to be stuck in an elevator with Ashton for two weeks," she said. "It was awesome! He's hilarious and he even punk'd me a couple of times. He also made me feel really comfortable since this was my first movie."

One unlikely pairing in the film was Michelle Pfeiffer and Zac Efron. Though they weren't exactly an onscreen couple, they did share a special kiss when the Times Square ball dropped.

"It was wonderful getting to work with her," a blushing Efron explained.

Pfeiffer returned the love, saying,

"Zac and I had so much fun together. He's so collaborative and he's also very talented."

But it seems the New Year’s Eve star the cast was most impressed with, was Robert De Niro. The acting icon spent much of his screen time with Hilary Swank, which she happily gushed about.

"Working with De Niro was amazing," she said. "He's on the top of my 'Bucket List' of actors I want to work with before it's all said and done. Getting to work with him was an absolute highlight for me."

And though Jake T. Austin didn't share any scenes with De Niro, he too was quite impressed seeing him on the set.

"Getting to be near De Niro was great," he said. "He's an actor I definitely want to emulate."

Clearly the NYE cast had a blast working together and, judging by the box office take it raked in this weekend, there's a good chance they may all be back together for another holiday-inspired sequel.

Who's your favorite cast member from New Year’s Eve? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Ashton Kutcher, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Exclusive Entrevistas, Hilary Swank, Jake T. Austin, Josh Duhamel, Lea Michele, Michelle Pfeiffer, Movies & CineMás, New Year's Eve, Robert De Niro, Tr3s Exclusives, Yeardley Smith, Zac Efron

By Horacio Garcia

Mix of psychological spy movie and action thriller, Killer Elite makes a curious combination of a movie in which the action part is great and the spy part not so much but still satisfies. Despite some complicated editing that counts for some very silly scenes, the alpha male performances of all three main characters, played by Jason Stratham, Clive Owen and Robert de Niro keep the pace brisk and the plot believable.

Killer Elite marks the directorial debut of Gary McKendry; a Northen Irish director of commercials whose only previous experience was an Oscar-nominated short movie. The influence of commercial video clips is noticeable in the film.

The plot: Danny Bryce (Stratham), a former member of the  British special forces who's become a professional hit man, calls it quits after a little boy gets in his line of fire during a job and retires to Australia where he's living quietly with his girlfriend Anne, played by Yvonne Strahovski.

There he receives news that his old friend and mentor Hunter (de Niro) has being kidnapped and the price for his release is a last mission: finding and killing three soldiers of the British Special Forces that killed the son of an Oman sheik.

Things get complicated when a secret organization of former British commandos called The Feather Men sends its best man to track the assassin. A complicated game of cat and mouse between Danny and Spike (more gritty than the usual Clive Owen) develops in and around Europe, Australia and the Middle East until the final confrontation.

Now, this is a good satisfying action movie, full of testosterone and violent Stratham action scenes with people flying through furniture and the kind of acrobatics you usually find in Hong Kong flicks or action movies form the 80's. The film is very much in line with that series of B movies adorned with a couple of superstars we've being getting lately in the style of The A Team or The Expendables but with a more complicated plot and some hints of geopolitical thriller.

There were only two things I didn't like: every time the movie tries to get itself into the complicated political conundrums of the early 80'vs it loses focus. That, combined with some pretty awful dialogue are the two main defects of the film. Luckily these are minor defects, and that no matter how obviously silly the script becomes some times, our three tough guys can handle it without a flinch.

Stratham is his usual concentrated and tense self in a character almost exactly the same as in The Mechanic and de Niro and Owen are simply too good actors to let a few funny lines derailed them out of character. There are no winks to the audience here, no Stallone and Gobernator moments and the film is better for it. This one is destined to become a basic cable Saturday night favorite for years to come, that's for sure.

Tags blogger: Horacio Garcia, Clive Owen, Jason Stratham, Killer Elite, Robert De Niro, Yvonne Strahovski

By Larry Yepez Jr.

Sacha Baron Cohen is set to play Queen's frontman Freddie Mercury in a film scripted by Peter Morgan. The film will be financed by GK Films partners Graham King and Tim Headington, who'll produce in partnership with Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal's Tribeca Productions and Queen Films.

The still untitled film will begin shooting later this year, ahead of a planned 2012 release. It was Baron Cohen himself who contacted screenwriter Peter Morgan with the idea of portraying the flamboyant lead singer. Morgan is already working on a script focused on the band's first years, from 1971 leading up to the Live Aid concert in 1985. Queen’s performance is considered one of the all-time great live rock concerts.

Mercury died November 24, 1991, of complications from AIDS. Though his death helped to remove the stigma of AIDS sufferers prevalent at that time and particularly in the rock music industry, Mercury’s last days won't be the subject of the film.

It is unclear whether Baron Cohen will sing or whether Mercury's vocals will be used in the film.  TIME commented with approval on his singing ability and visual similarity to Mercury. Mercury's voice was very unique, so trying to replicate him would be a lot to ask of Sacha.

Brian May, Queen's Lead guitarist, was enthusiastic about the movie and posted on Queen's official website:

"Work is now fully under way for the much-vaunted feature film on the life of Freddie. Peter Morgan has delivered a first draft of the movie, which everyone is very excited about, and Sacha Baron Cohen is chomping at the bit to get into the role, in a way which certainly would delight Freddie! The whole team team is now in pre-production shoot later this year, and a release in the late Autumn of 2012."

What do you think of Sacha Baron Cohen playing Freddy Mercury?

Tags Blogger: Larry Yepez Jr, Freddy Mercury, Graham King, Jane ROsenthal, live aid concert, Peter Morgan, queen, queen films, Robert De Niro, Sacha Baron Cohen, Tim Headington, Tribecca productions

By Michael Lopez

It’s hard to believe that the Tribeca Film Festival is nearly 10 years old. Created by actor Robert De Niro and several partners to help revitalize New York after the 9/11 attacks, it has now become a Mecca for aspiring filmmakers (and a major moneymaker for the city). This year, several Latin American directors are getting some well-deserved attention for their eye-opening works.

Paco Cabezas (pictured here) is showing that Spain’s cinema offerings are still top notch, with his feature Neon Flesh. A straight-ahead crime flick, it’s got big guns, fistfights, and a cast of colorful prostitutes! But, as the trailer illustrates, it’s all in good fun and definitely a great throwback to the fast-paced stylings of Quentin Tarantino.

Julio Jorquera’s My Last Round has been building a ton of buzz in the blog world for its bold tones and gritty realism. Described as a cross between The Wrestler and Brokeback Mountain, the Chilean drama follows the life of a burnt out boxer and his struggles to come to terms with his inner feelings.

Yulene Olaizola’s Artificial Paradises also touches on some dark subject matter, but does so beautifully. Following the life a young female heroin addict, this Mexican character study soon introduces her to a colorful local who will change her life forever.

On the American side, the Like Water documentary is getting rave reviews for its no-holds-barred expose of mixed martial arts. Helmed by Venezuelan-born commercial director Pablo Croce, it follows the life of fighter Anderson Silva as he trains and struggles to take the UFC crown.

Who is your favorite Latino director? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Cultura, Film Festivals, Hot Stuff, Julio Jorquera, Movies & CineMás, pablo croce, paco cabezas, Robert De Niro, Tribeca Film Festival, Yulene Olaizola

By Michael Lopez

It’s hard to believe there is now a Meet The Parents trilogy. What began as an awkward pairing of Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro in 2000 has grown into a $600 million movie empire (if you combine the gross earnings of the last two films). Like the previous installments, the aptly named third film, Little Fockers, keeps viewers laughing with fresh new elements and a hilarious cast.

The film continues the story of Gaylord Focker (Stiller) and longtime sweetheart-turned-wife Pam Byrnes (Teri Polo). Although Gaylord's free-loving hippie parents, played by Dustin Hoffman and Barbra Streisand, have much smaller roles in part three, father-in-law Jack Burns (De Niro) is just as cranky as we remember him and Owen Wilson shines as Pam’s “enlightened” ex, Kevin.

As the third movie begins, we see the Focker clan has expanded to include a set of five-year-old twins. Both kids have some funny onscreen moments, but, as always, De Niro and Stiller steal the show. Grandpa Jack still doubts Gaylord’s abilities to provide for his family and snoops around until he discovers a sexy new coworker in Focker's rolodex.

That’s where Jessica Alba comes in. Will she steal Mr. Focker for herself? You'll have to watch the movie to find out, but we can tell you there are plenty of awkward moments.

Little Fockers is as funny as the last two films with plenty of heartfelt holiday messages sprinkled throughout. So, if you're in the mood for some family-friendly Focker fun, give this movie a shot.

Did you like the last two Meet The Parents movies? Sound off below or @MTV3.

Tags Ben Stiller, Jessica Alba, Little Fockers, Meet The Parents, Movie Reviews, Movies, Robert De Niro

By Michael Lopez

Ever wanted to know which celebs are armed and dangerous? Well recently released New York records have indicated that quite a few A-listers are authorized to carry concealed weapons in the city, including Marc Anthony!

Who else is a registered NY gun owner? Legendary actor Robert De Niro, shock jock Howard Stern, billionaire Donald Trump, and Mets third baseman David Wright. And how about Marc’s wife (and newly crowned “American Idol” judge) J. Lo? There’s no official word on her status, though we’re pretty sure her bodyguards have her well protected.

One of the big questions is, why would these celebs feel the need to carry guns? Truth be told, many famous peeps deal with threats the public is often not aware about. Stalkers, crazy fans, and kidnappers all find the rich and famous to be easy targets.

And with two gorgeous 2-year-olds to take care of, it sounds like Marc is taking no chances when it comes to their safety. Interestingly though, according to the New York Daily News, gun permit ownership in New York has actually decreased, down 2.4% since 2009. Now we’re sure Marc’s a responsible citizen, but just to be safe, we may refrain from any negative “Iconos” reviews in the near future.

Source: [NY Daily News]

What do you think about gun-toting celebs? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Gossip, guns, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, OMG, Robert De Niro

"They just f*cked with the wrong Mexican!"

Machete fans, your time has come. Robert Rodriguez's flick about the blade-wielding, ex-Federale will be released Labor Day weekend 2010, Variety confirms. "Machete" is based on Rodriguez's faux trailer for "Grindhouse," in which a mysterious day laborer (with a large knife collection) is hired to assassinate a Senator, only to be double-crossed and nearly killed. Now, he’s out for revenge.

Danny Trejo, who plays the lead, recently sat down with IGN Movies and had this to say about the upcoming film:

"It is going to be awesome. We duplicate scenes from the trailer in the movie. What that movie has is the three B's, what I like to call the three B's. And what that is is babes, bullets and blood. And then it's got machetes, too. The film takes off from the trailer and then it just gets so over the top. I think the movie really lives up to the trailer. I'm really, really proud of it."

Are you excited yet? If you like star power with your three B's, "Machete" has you covered: Robert De Niro, Jessica Alba, Michelle Rodriquez, Lindsay Lohan, Steven Seagal, Cheech Marin and more play supporting roles.

Tr3s Comunidad, are you excited about "Machete"? Let us know in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Jessica Alba, Lindsay Lohan, Machete, Michelle Rodriguez, Robert De Niro, Robert Rodriguez