Exclusive: Vincent Pastore, who recurred as Donnie “Glasses” Sisto in Season 2 of Gravesend, has been promoted to series regular for the upcoming third season. Additionally, Vincent Curatola and Talia Shire have joined the cast as series regulars for Season 3.
Set in 1986, Gravesend follows Benny, a soldier in the Colezzo crime family who is torn between the good that his devout Catholic parents taught him and the life his Mafioso cousin Charlie (Chris Tardio) showed him. Benny chooses to follow in Charlie’s footsteps and in turn, denounces his father.
In Season 2, viewers learned who was behind the hit against Benny Zerletta (series creator William DeMeo) in the church. Also, in a twist, Benny headed to Miami.
Pastore portrays Donnie Sisto, the Consigliere, who works directly under the boss Cesar Tremaldo (Chazz Palminteri), boss of the Colezzo Family.
Curatola plays Larry Sisto, the brother of Donnie (Consigliere), who is a Captain,...
Set in 1986, Gravesend follows Benny, a soldier in the Colezzo crime family who is torn between the good that his devout Catholic parents taught him and the life his Mafioso cousin Charlie (Chris Tardio) showed him. Benny chooses to follow in Charlie’s footsteps and in turn, denounces his father.
In Season 2, viewers learned who was behind the hit against Benny Zerletta (series creator William DeMeo) in the church. Also, in a twist, Benny headed to Miami.
Pastore portrays Donnie Sisto, the Consigliere, who works directly under the boss Cesar Tremaldo (Chazz Palminteri), boss of the Colezzo Family.
Curatola plays Larry Sisto, the brother of Donnie (Consigliere), who is a Captain,...
- 5/29/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Ray Stevenson died on location in Italy this week while working on the film Cassino in Ischi. In it, he plays Nic Cassino, who appears to be the title character. But throughout his career the actor was renowned for strong supporting roles. Stevenson exemplified this “one for all” spirit as Porthos in The Three Musketeers (2011) and honed it through The Book of Eli (2010), King Arthur (2004), the Thor movies, and the upcoming Star Wars Disney+ series, Ashoka. He was at his most supportive, even as a lead character, when he played legionnaire Titus Pullo in HBO’s Rome. Pullo was a warrior with a heart of gold, but at one point he could also be the second-hand-man to an early version of a mob kingpin.
But Stevenson was second to no one in the role of Danny Greene, the titular character of writer-director Jonathan Hensleigh’s 2011 gangster-genre love letter, Kill the Irishman.
But Stevenson was second to no one in the role of Danny Greene, the titular character of writer-director Jonathan Hensleigh’s 2011 gangster-genre love letter, Kill the Irishman.
- 5/26/2023
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
This essay is one of several contributed by filmmakers and actors as part of Variety’s 100 Greatest Movies of All Time package.
Henry Hill, Jimmy the Gent, Tommy DeVito, Paulie, Karen, Billy Batts, the Lufthansa heist … all someone has to do is mention some of these names and I get the sudden and irresistible urge to watch Martin Scorsese’s “Goodfellas” again. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve experienced this epic cinematic masterpiece, which includes a brilliant screenplay by Nicholas Pileggi and Scorsese, and one of cinema history’s greatest acting ensembles: De Niro, Pesci, Liotta, and some of the most memorable supporting roles ever — from Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Imperioli, Chuck Low and Tony Darrow to Catherine and Charles Scorsese … there are no background performances in “Goodfellas.”
It’s no longer a guilty pleasure to sit for 2 hours and 26 minutes, but rather a master class...
Henry Hill, Jimmy the Gent, Tommy DeVito, Paulie, Karen, Billy Batts, the Lufthansa heist … all someone has to do is mention some of these names and I get the sudden and irresistible urge to watch Martin Scorsese’s “Goodfellas” again. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve experienced this epic cinematic masterpiece, which includes a brilliant screenplay by Nicholas Pileggi and Scorsese, and one of cinema history’s greatest acting ensembles: De Niro, Pesci, Liotta, and some of the most memorable supporting roles ever — from Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Imperioli, Chuck Low and Tony Darrow to Catherine and Charles Scorsese … there are no background performances in “Goodfellas.”
It’s no longer a guilty pleasure to sit for 2 hours and 26 minutes, but rather a master class...
- 12/21/2022
- by Steven Spielberg
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Chazz Palminteri, Vincent Pastore (The Sopranos), and Tony Darrow (Goodfellas) have joined the cast of Gravesend for Season 2.
In Season 2 of the Amazon Video Direct series, viewers will learn who was behind the hit against Benny Zerletta (series creator William DeMeo) in the church. Also, Benny heads to Miami which adds a twist to the mob drama.
Palminteri will portray Colezzo family boss, Cesar Tremaldo; Pastore stars as his consigliere, Donnie “Glasses” Sisto; and Darrow as the underboss.
Set in 1986, Gravesend follows Benny, a soldier in the Colezzo crime family who is torn between the good that his devout Catholic parents taught him and the life of his Mafioso cousin Charlie Devina (Chris Tardio) showed him. Benny chooses to follow in Charlie’s footsteps and in turn, denounces his father.
Cast also includes Fran Drescher, Martin Kove, Al Sapienza, Vic Dibitetto, Sofia Milos, Andrew Dice Clay,...
In Season 2 of the Amazon Video Direct series, viewers will learn who was behind the hit against Benny Zerletta (series creator William DeMeo) in the church. Also, Benny heads to Miami which adds a twist to the mob drama.
Palminteri will portray Colezzo family boss, Cesar Tremaldo; Pastore stars as his consigliere, Donnie “Glasses” Sisto; and Darrow as the underboss.
Set in 1986, Gravesend follows Benny, a soldier in the Colezzo crime family who is torn between the good that his devout Catholic parents taught him and the life of his Mafioso cousin Charlie Devina (Chris Tardio) showed him. Benny chooses to follow in Charlie’s footsteps and in turn, denounces his father.
Cast also includes Fran Drescher, Martin Kove, Al Sapienza, Vic Dibitetto, Sofia Milos, Andrew Dice Clay,...
- 3/21/2022
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s time for the punks to meet the godfathers. The creators of SopranosCon merged with MobMovieCon for a family celebration. From July 23 to July 25, Harrah’s Resort & Casino in Atlantic City will house the boardwalk’s biggest gangster gathering since Nucky Johnson hosted the mob’s Atlantic City Conference in 1929.
“Al Capone will not be coming though,” VirtualCons CEO Michael Mota tells Den of Geek. “Those were the mobsters. I would say this would be the biggest gathering of mobster wannabes.” The Sopranos fan convention has come a long way since it was dreamed up by three gangster movie aficionados from New York, Maryland, and Rhode Island. The 2019 SopranosCon drew thousands of fans from as far as The Netherlands and the United Kingdom to the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus. A planned expansion to MobMovieCon had to be pushed back because of the pandemic, but the organizers introduced VirtualCons...
“Al Capone will not be coming though,” VirtualCons CEO Michael Mota tells Den of Geek. “Those were the mobsters. I would say this would be the biggest gathering of mobster wannabes.” The Sopranos fan convention has come a long way since it was dreamed up by three gangster movie aficionados from New York, Maryland, and Rhode Island. The 2019 SopranosCon drew thousands of fans from as far as The Netherlands and the United Kingdom to the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus. A planned expansion to MobMovieCon had to be pushed back because of the pandemic, but the organizers introduced VirtualCons...
- 7/22/2021
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Directed By: Robert SamuelsCo-Director: James LewProduced By: Mark V. Wiley, Gine Lui, Shing KaCast: Tony Darrow, Vincent Pastore, Lo Meng, Jay Kwon, Raywond J.Barry, Chris Caldovino, Shuya ChangRunning Time: 1:27:29
www.madeinchinatownmovie.com
“Made In Chinatown will be a big Hit”
Made In Chinatown is the latest offering from upcoming Director Robert Samuels, featuring an all star cast which includes Tony Darrow, Vincent Pastore, Lo Meng, Jay Kwon, Raymond J. Barry, Shing Ka, Geoff Lee, Shuya Chang and Chi Ling Chiu.
Co-Directed by James Lew, “Made In Chinatown” centers around Vinnie Chow (Jay Kwon), who will try anything to become part of one of the local crime families; only one problem, he isn’t Italian. Canal Street is the only divide between Little Italy and Chinatown in New York, each crime family wanting more power and more money, which will only bring one thing, a war on the streets.
www.madeinchinatownmovie.com
“Made In Chinatown will be a big Hit”
Made In Chinatown is the latest offering from upcoming Director Robert Samuels, featuring an all star cast which includes Tony Darrow, Vincent Pastore, Lo Meng, Jay Kwon, Raymond J. Barry, Shing Ka, Geoff Lee, Shuya Chang and Chi Ling Chiu.
Co-Directed by James Lew, “Made In Chinatown” centers around Vinnie Chow (Jay Kwon), who will try anything to become part of one of the local crime families; only one problem, he isn’t Italian. Canal Street is the only divide between Little Italy and Chinatown in New York, each crime family wanting more power and more money, which will only bring one thing, a war on the streets.
- 6/14/2020
- by kingofkungfu
- AsianMoviePulse
Some of the biggest Kung Fu and Martial Art stars have movies being released in 2019, from Jackie Chan to Donnie Yen, Tony Jaa to Scott Adkins. Many fans are excited for the Donnie Yen remake of the Sammo Hung classic “Enter The Fat Dragon“, Jackie Chan and John Cena teaming up for “Project X – Traction“, the all out action movie “Triple Threat” and Ip Man 4.
Here are some of the upcoming Martial Art/Action Movies coming your way in 2019.
1. Enter The Fat Dragon
Remake of the Sammo Hung classic
Directed By: Wong Jing
Cast: Donnie Yen, Sandra Ng, Teresa Mo, Wong Jing
2. Blade Master Li Bai
Directed By: Li Boxun
Cast: Steven Zhang, Ma Muxuan, Steve Yoo, Li Dougguo
3. Altar Angel
Directed By: Wu Zhiguo
Cast: Timmy Hung, Chen Bingquiang, Cheung Tat Ming, Ouitsuka Ng
4. The Mystery of Dragon Seal: The Journey to China
Directed By: Oleg Stepchenko
Cast: Jason Flemyng,...
Here are some of the upcoming Martial Art/Action Movies coming your way in 2019.
1. Enter The Fat Dragon
Remake of the Sammo Hung classic
Directed By: Wong Jing
Cast: Donnie Yen, Sandra Ng, Teresa Mo, Wong Jing
2. Blade Master Li Bai
Directed By: Li Boxun
Cast: Steven Zhang, Ma Muxuan, Steve Yoo, Li Dougguo
3. Altar Angel
Directed By: Wu Zhiguo
Cast: Timmy Hung, Chen Bingquiang, Cheung Tat Ming, Ouitsuka Ng
4. The Mystery of Dragon Seal: The Journey to China
Directed By: Oleg Stepchenko
Cast: Jason Flemyng,...
- 3/6/2019
- by kingofkungfu
- AsianMoviePulse
Directors: Art Camacho, Robert Samuels (co-director)
Produced By:
Robert Jefferson – Associate Producer
Shing Ka – Producer
Gine Lui – Producer
Robert Samuels – Producer
Mark V Wiley – Executive Producer
Writer: Mark V. Wiley
Cast: Tony Sirico, Jay Kwon, Tony Darrow, William DeMeo, Raymond J. Barry, Lo Meng, Vincent Pastore, James Lew, Joseph D’Onofrio, Hwang Jang Lee, Robert Samuels.
https://madeinchinatownmovie.com/
Made In Chinatown has all the ingredients to make a huge impact when released this November with Directors Art Camacho and Robert Samuels bringing us a film which faces the Chinese gangs against the Italians. The movie is set around the divide between Little Italy and Chinatown, Canal street. Illegal smuggling of herbs and oils make tensions run high between the Chinese and Italians and the end result is a bloody one.
Tony Sirico plays the Don of Dons, Vincenzo Cento from Sicili. A fued between Mob bosses Al Capella (New...
Produced By:
Robert Jefferson – Associate Producer
Shing Ka – Producer
Gine Lui – Producer
Robert Samuels – Producer
Mark V Wiley – Executive Producer
Writer: Mark V. Wiley
Cast: Tony Sirico, Jay Kwon, Tony Darrow, William DeMeo, Raymond J. Barry, Lo Meng, Vincent Pastore, James Lew, Joseph D’Onofrio, Hwang Jang Lee, Robert Samuels.
https://madeinchinatownmovie.com/
Made In Chinatown has all the ingredients to make a huge impact when released this November with Directors Art Camacho and Robert Samuels bringing us a film which faces the Chinese gangs against the Italians. The movie is set around the divide between Little Italy and Chinatown, Canal street. Illegal smuggling of herbs and oils make tensions run high between the Chinese and Italians and the end result is a bloody one.
Tony Sirico plays the Don of Dons, Vincenzo Cento from Sicili. A fued between Mob bosses Al Capella (New...
- 6/27/2018
- by kingofkungfu
- AsianMoviePulse
Review Of The Year
It's been an incredible year in the world of showbiz, with the usual headline-grabbing antics, scandal, sleaze, celebrity births, star weddings, and bitter break-ups. Here, WENN takes a look back at the final six months of 2011...
July
The month of July was overshadowed by the sudden and shocking death of British singer Amy Winehouse. The Back to Black hitmaker was found dead at her home in London at the age of 27 and the news sent the world of showbusiness into mourning. Tributes poured in from both fans and famous friends following the tragedy, and Winehouse's music shot back into the charts.
The headlines were also dominated by celebrity divorces as Jennifer Lopez announced her split from husband of seven years, Marc Anthony, the father of her young twins, Max and Emme. Arnold Schwarzenegger's marriage also came to an abrupt end as his wife Maria Shriver filed for divorce following revelations the actor/politician fathered a lovechild with the family's housekeeper.
Scarlett Johansson's divorce from Ryan Reynolds was finalised and Patricia Arquette's split from husband Thomas Jane was also made official.
In happier news, all eyes were on Monaco as the world geared up for the second royal wedding of the year, following the union of Britain’s Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge in April. In the same month as the British royals flew to Canada to begin their first international tour as a married couple, Prince Albert of Monaco married his fiancee, South African beauty Charlene Wittstock. The couple exchanged vows in two ceremonies in Monte Carlo and the former swimmer became her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco. British supermodel Kate Moss also became a married woman as she wed rocker Jamie Hince in a lavish ceremony in the English countryside, while it was also an exciting month for the Beckham family as former Spice Girls star Victoria, already mother to three boys, gave birth to her first daughter, Harper Seven.
There was also baby joy for Hollywood actress Kate Hudson - she welcomed a son called Bingham with her rocker fiance Matt Bellamy. Singer Jewel, actress Selma Blair and former Fugees star Lauryn Hill also became parents. British artist/director Sam Taylor-Wood also hit headlines after she confirmed she was expecting a second baby with her 21-year-old fiance, actor Aaron Johnson, a year after the birth of their daughter. The couple met on the set of their 2009 film Nowhere Boy and became parents together in 2010.
July also saw troubled British rocker Pete Doherty granted his freedom after serving less than half of his six-month prison sentence for cocaine possession. Another beleaguered star to walk free from jail was rapper Dmx, who served seven months behind bars for a probation violation. However, David Gilmour’s son Charlie found himself on the other side of the prison walls as he was ordered to serve 16 months in jail for his part in the 2010 student riots in London. The Pink Floyd star’s son was charged with violent disorder for causing chaos in the British capital and swinging from a flag on the city’s Cenotaph war memorial. (Lr/Zn)
August
The usual serenity of the summer months was shattered this year when Kate Winslet cheated death in a devastating inferno at Richard Branson's luxury island home, and a string of British stars appealed for calm as widespread rioting broke out in the U.K.
Winslet was holidaying at Virgin boss Branson's Necker Island retreat when lightning struck the property, sparking a huge blaze which gutted the home. Her party of 20 miraculously escaped unscathed - and Winslet was later hailed a heroine after it emerged she carried Branson's 90-year-old mother from the property during the drama.
As unrest, looting, and arson broke out for several nights in the U.K., showbiz stars including Idris Elba, Natasha Bedingfield and Boy George called for calm, and there was also bad news for Sir Paul McCartney - who learned his phone had been hacked by the tabloid press - and veteran actress Margot Kidder, who was arrested during an environment protest at the White House.
Tragedy struck at the Indiana State Fair, when a horrific stage collapse left seven revellers dead and more than 40 injured, actor Rowan Atkinson was treated in hospital after wrecking his rare sports car by crashing it into a tree, and French actor Gerard Depardieu was left red-faced when he was thrown off a plane in Paris, France for urinating in the cabin after he was refused access to the toilet during take-off.
It was ladies night at the MTV Video Music Awards as Katy Perry, Britney Spears and Lady Gaga took home two honours each - and Beyonce announced her pregnancy news. And at the Teen Choice Awards, Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez were crowned queens of the event when they scooped whopping 11 awards between them.
Kings of Leon finally succumbed to their relentless touring schedule and axed their remaining U.S. dates to allow frontman Caleb Followill to recover from "vocal issues and exhaustion", Aerosmith rocker Tom Hamilton and Deep Purple star Jon Lord both announced they were battling cancer, Bono was hospitalised with chest pains, and Norwegian pop band A-ha thrilled fans by announcing they were to reform.
In family news, Kiss star Paul Stanley became a father again, and there were also welcome additions for Ethan Hawke, funnywoman Tina Fey, illusionist David Copperfield, Jessica Alba, and Benicio del Toro, who fathered a child with Rod Stewart's daughter Kimberly.
There were wedding bells for country singer Chely Wright and filmmaker Sofia Coppola, but romance took a plunge for George Michael and Geri Halliwell, who both split from their partners. Also joining the singles club was Arctic Monkeys rocker Alex Turner, who broke up with MTV presenter Alexa Chung after four years together.
The showbiz world bid farewell to songwriting legend Jerry Leiber, who died of cardiopulmonary failure at the age of 78, Police Academy star Charles 'Bubba' Smith, Bollywood veteran Shammi Kapoor, blues legend David 'Honeyboy' Edwards, Warrant rocker Jani Lane, and Motown hitmaker Nickolas Ashford. (Zn/Lr)
September
September was a month rapper T.I. would like to both remember and forget - he completed an 11-month prison sentence for a probation violation only to run into legal trouble again soon after his initial release for conducting illegal business deals on his way to a halfway house. It wasn't a great month for Madonna either - her movie take on the romance between Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII was savaged by critics at the Venice Film Festival, while her ex-husband Guy Ritchie became a dad again.
Celine Dion was left shaken up after an intruder was found running a bath at her Montreal, Canada home; Neil Diamond revealed his engagement, and Dr. Conrad Murray's involuntary manslaughter trial got underway in Los Angeles as prosecutors attempted to prove the medic was responsible for Michael Jackson's death.
R.E.M. announced they were splitting after 31 years; My Chemical Romance fired drummer Michael Pedicone after accusing him of stealing from them; Boyzone singer Ronan Keating swam the Irish Sea for Cancer Research in the U.K., and Sir Paul McCartney became a grandfather again and was named the MusiCares Person of the Year - while he also celebrated as his first ballet score debuted in New York.
The Amy Winehouse Foundation was launched on what would have been the tragic singer's 28th birthday, and the star's Body & Soul duet with Tony Bennett became a hit, making the 85-year-old crooner the oldest living artist to have a single in America's Hot 100.
Eddie Murphy was confirmed as the host for the 2012 Oscars; model Lauren Bush became Lauren Lauren when she exchanged vows with Ralph Lauren's son David; British funnyman David Walliams braved the chills of the River Thames and a stomach bug to complete a charity 140-mile swim in eight days.
Actress Evan Rachel Wood lost a tooth during a boozy night out in Paris; Reese Witherspoon was hospitalised after she was hit by a car while out jogging in Santa Monica, California; soul legend Chaka Khan won temporary custody of her granddaughter after claiming the girl's mother was struggling with drug abuse issues, and British The Saturdays singer Una Healy announced she was pregnant.
Inxs dropped frontman J.D. fortune for a second time and replaced him with Ciaran Gribbin; Austin Powers henchman Joseph Son was sentenced to life behind bars for a Christmas Eve rape in 1990, and George Clooney went public with his new girl, Stacey Kiebler, at the Toronto Film Festival in Canada.
Ashton Kutcher had a month of ups and downs - his debut on TV sitcom Two and a Half Men was a big hit as 28 million Americans tuned in, but then came the news that his marriage to Demi Moore was in trouble amid infidelity rumours. Comedienne Wanda Sykes opened up about her breast cancer battle and double mastectomy; Sharon Stone won a restraining order against an obsessed fan and promptly put the home he visited uninvited on the market, and reality TV star and filmmaker Jack Osbourne announced his engagement to actress Lisa Stelly and followed that up with the news he was to become a dad.
Third time was not the charm for Clueless star Stacy Dash, who announced her plans to divorce husband number three, Emmanuel Xuereb, and X-Men star James Marsden's wife also joined the divorce club as she filed papers against her husband. Elizabeth Hurley's love life was on the up - she accepted cricket star Shane Warne's wedding proposal just three months after divorcing Arun Nayar.
Meanwhile, Elton John launched his new Million Dollar Piano residency in Las Vegas; Smokey Robinson accepted the coveted Ella Award at the Society of Singers Gala, and the month wrapped up with Shania Twain's alleged stalker pleading guilty to harassing the singer in court in Ontario, Canada.
Among September's Hollywood weddings, Amy Smart married reality TV star Carter Oosterhouse; Cougar Town co-stars David Rogers and Sally Pressman became man and wife, and model-turned-actress Molly Sims wed in a Napa Valley vineyard in California. There were also nuptials for British filmmaker Michael Winner and DJ/producer Mark Ronson, while R&B singer Keyshia Cole and former Friends star David Schwimmer both renewed vows with their spouses in Hawaii and London, respectively.
There was baby news for model Jodie Kidd, who gave birth to a son; actress Mary McCormack, who became a mum for the third time, and January Jones, who welcomed Xander Dane to the world while staying mum about the tot's father. Actors Emily Deschanel, Ana Ortiz, Mike Myers, Danny McBride and Jenna Fischer also became new parents. In the music world, former Spice Girl Melanie Brown gave birth to her third daughter, and country star John Rich and former Pussycat Dolls member Carmit Bachar welcomed babies too.
On September's sick list were rocker Scott Weiland and pop stars Katy Perry and Adele, who both scrapped shows due to illness, while Megadeth headbanger Dave Mustaine underwent surgery for a serious neck injury.
The month's big winners included movie mogul Tyler Perry, who was named Forbes magazine's Highest Paid Man in Entertainment; actor Michael Fassbender and director Alexander Sokurov, who claimed Best Actor and Best Film honours, respectively, for Shame and Faust at the Venice Film Festival. Gritty TV drama Boardwalk Empire picked up eight Emmy Awards; Calle 13 landed a record 10 Latin Grammy Award nominations, and Happy Days star Henry Winkler picked up an honorary Order of the British Empire medal at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Also winning: P.J. Harvey, who scooped the Mercury Prize in Britain, Arcade Fire, who claimed Canada's Polaris Prize, and U2 and Rolling Stone Keith Richards, who were named GQ magazine's Men of the Year.
September's losers included Scarlett Johansson, who was left exposed in a series of leaked naked phone photos; Cameron Diaz, who split from baseball beau Alex Rodriguez, and John Travolta, whose beloved Mercedes-Benz was stolen outside a Jaguar dealership in Santa Monica, while his Swordfish co-star Halle Berry broke her foot while on location in Spain.
Meanwhile, we said a sad goodbye to a slew of famous faces, including actors Andy Whitfield and Cliff Robertson; beloved TV stars Mary Fickett and Vesta Williams; actor Jack Garner; French DJ Mehdi Faveris-Essadi; blues great Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith; R&B hitmaker Vesta Williams; gospel icon Jessy Dixon; celebrated British writer/producer David Croft; Happy Gilmore star Frances Bay, and moviemakers David Pressman, Charles Dubin, George Kachar and Paul Hunt. (Kl/Mt)
October
October was a big month for celebrity weddings - funnyman Seth Rogen tied the knot with longtime girlfriend Lauren Miller, Twilight star Nikki Reed married singer/songwriter Paul McDonald, and former Beverly Hills, 90210 actress Shannen Doherty walked down the aisle for the third time when she exchanged vows with celebrity photographer Kurt Iswarienko. Also hoping to make it third-time lucky was Robin Williams, who wed graphic designer Susan Schneider.
Also taking the plunge was Kiss rocker Gene Simmons, who married his girlfriend of 28 years, Shannon Tweed, and Sir Paul McCartney, who exchanged vows with American heiress Nancy Shevell on what would have been his former Beatles bandmate John Lennon’s 71st birthday.
And Sex & the City star Mario Cantone made good use of New York's new gay rights bill by solidifying his love for longtime partner Jerry Dixon.
A number of other stars announced their intention to wed in October - NCIS: Los Angeles star Eric Christian Olsen proposed to girlfriend Sarah Wright and Trace Cyrus popped the question to Disney actress Brenda Song. And actress Kaley Cuoco was sporting a new sparkler after boyfriend Josh 'Lazie' Resnik got down on bended knee. Also officially off the market were former child star Frankie Muniz, The Devil Wears Prada actor Stanley Tucci, rapper The Game and Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's grown-up little girl Francis Bean Cobain.
A number of other celebrities were prepping their homes for babies - movie star Bruce Willis, American footballer Tony Romo, former Dawson's Creek hunk James Van Der Beek, and actress Kaitlin Olson all announced they are expecting little ones, and Jessica Simpson ended months of speculation by announcing she was pregnant.
And October's new parents included Ne-Yo, who welcomed a baby boy, model Ali Landry, who gave birth to her second child, actress Spencer Grammer, who became a first time mum, and France's First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, who became a mum for the second time when baby Giulia was born. Reality TV star Tori Spelling took home baby number three, as did Jackass funnyman Johnny Knoxville. And Sex & the City beauty Kristin Davis, The Help actress Viola Davis and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation veteran Mariska Hargitay all adopted babies.
But it wasn't such a happy month for rapper Rick Ross, who suffered two seizures on his way to a concert, or socialite Kim Kardashian who filed for divorce from husband Kris Humphries after just 72 days of marriage.
In other news, Star Trek actor Zachary Quinto announced he was gay and troubled actress Lindsay Lohan had her probation revoked after failing to complete her required community service hours. She also faced a limousine lawsuit for allegedly neglecting to pay a bill, her dad was arrested - twice, and she was served a lawsuit for reportedly attacking a Betty Ford Clinic employee during her stay there last year.
Meanwhile, the stars came out to show their support for the Occupy Wall Street protests, which were originally launched in New York City in a bid to end corporate greed, and the world mourned the loss of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, British TV and radio personality Sir Jimmy Savile, The Charlie Daniels Band keyboard player Joel 'Taz' Digregorio, former Weezer star Mikey Welsh, veteran British actress Betty Driver, The Miracles guitarist Marv Tarplin, pianist Roger Williams and IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon, who died in a horrific car smash at the Indy300.
November
British bachelor Hugh Grant stunned the world when he announced he had a new love in his life - a baby girl he had fathered during a brief relationship with Chinese model/actress Tinglan Hong. He wasn't the only star to join the celebrity parents' club in November - singer Lily Allen had a reason to Smile again after giving birth to a daughter, her first child with new husband Sam Cooper, while newsman Piers Morgan and his wife Celia Walden also became parents to a little girl. Maggie Gyllenhaal and her husband Peter Sarsgaard announced they were expecting their second child, as did reality TV star Kourtney Kardashian and her partner Scott Disick.
Selena Gomez revealed she is set to become a big sister, while Justin Bieber had some unwanted baby news of his own - he found himself at the centre of a paternity scandal following allegations he had impregnated 20-year-old Mariah Yeater following a backstage tryst in Los Angeles last year. The Baby hitmaker denied the claim and Yeater subsequently dropped the lawsuit.
Lindsay Lohan's troubles hit the headlines again after she was sentenced to serve 30 days behind bars for a probation violation, although she was released after less than five hours due to jail overcrowding. Dr. Conrad Murray was not so lucky - he was convicted of involuntary manslaughter relating to the death of Michael Jackson and sentenced to the maximum of four years behind bars.
In other legal matters, country singer Mindy McCready sparked a manhunt after she took her five-year-old son Zander from his father's Florida home without permission; Tim McGraw won a court battle with his record company bosses releasing him from his contract; and TLC star T-Boz declared bankruptcy.
Hugh Grant, Sienna Miller and Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling became driving forces in the push to improve British press standards following the News of the World phone-hacking scandal earlier this year - the three stars were called to give evidence to the Leveson Inquiry and told how they had had their voicemails, emails and other private messages intercepted by private investigators working on behalf of tabloid reporters.
The sporting world mourned the death of boxing great Joe Frazier at the age of 67, just days after it was revealed he was battling liver cancer, while the hip-hop industry was rocked by the passing of rap icon Heavy D, who collapsed outside his Los Angeles home and was later declared dead at 44. British moviemaker Ken Russell also passed away, aged 84, and longtime Oscars producer Gil Cates died at 77. Meanwhile, Beatles fans remembered George Harrison on 29 November as fans marked the 10th anniversary of his death.
Veteran pop star George Michael was forced to scrap the remainder of his European tour after he was struck down by a serious bout of pneumonia; Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb also spent time in hospital after suffering abdominal pains, and Adele and Keith Urban had a quiet month as they both recovered from vocal cord surgery, while heavy rock fans rejoiced as the original members of Black Sabbath announced they would be reuniting for a new album and tour in 2012.
It was ladies' night at the American Music Awards as Taylor Swift and Adele walked away with three honours each, while Lady Gaga reigned over the MTV Europe Music Awards and newlyweds Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton ruled the Country Music Association Awards by taking home the two top vocalist prizes. November also saw Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher end weeks of speculation about their marriage by calling it quits, while Sugarland singer Jennifer Nettles tied the knot and Anne Hathaway began making plans to wed boyfriend Adam Schulman, and former The Hills star Kristin Cavallari and American footballer Jay Cutler became engaged again, months after they broke off their initial plans to marry.
And it was a busy month for the film industry - the latest Twilight movie, Breaking Dawn - Part 1, landed the biggest global debut in the film franchise's history, thanks to a massive $284 million (£177.5 million) opening weekend haul; Golden Globes bosses decided to bring back controversial comedian Ricky Gervais to host his third prizegiving in 2012; Billy Crystal stepped in for Eddie Murphy as the host of the 2012 Academy Awards a day after the comic and producer pal Brett Ratner resigned, and the race for the Oscars kicked off with the Gotham Independent Film Awards, where Terrence Malick's Tree of Life and Mike Mills' acclaimed Beginners made history when they became the first films to tie for the Best Feature prize in the ceremony's 21-year history.
December
The holiday bells were peeling for newlyweds A.J. McLean, actress Judy Greer, reality TV star Jeff Probst and Yeah Yeah Yeahs rocker Karen O, while Sinead O'Connor married an addiction counsellor in Las Vegas only to call off the union 16 days later. There were also splits for actress Debra Messing and Chaz Bono.
Britney Spears led the month's bride and grooms-to-be when she accepted former agent Jason Trawick's proposal on his 40th birthday, while Steven Tyler, John Legend, Matthew McConaughey, basketball legend Michael Jordan and Lady Antebellum's Dave Haywood all popped the question to their girlfriends - and there was baby news for new dads Robert De Niro, Halle Berry's ex Eric Benet, actor Charlie Day, Westlife star Kian Egan, actress/singer Fantasia Barrino, Essence Atkins and pop star Dev, while actress Alyson Hannigan, Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty, Kings of Leon star Caleb Followill's supermodel wife Lily Aldridge, Alessandra Ambrosio and Irish singer Andrea Corr announced they were pregnant.
There was drama for rapper Tyler, The Creator, who was arrested for alleged acts of vandalism during a show in Hollywood; singer Christina Perri, who was attacked in a car-jacking incident; Barry Manilow, who underwent hip surgery, and Morrissey, whose concert in Puebla, Mexico was evacuated following an earthquake, while Britain's Prince Philip and R&B star Etta James spent Christmas in hospital.
Lindsay Lohan bared all for Playboy magazine; Adam Lambert was arrested in Finland following a pre-Christmas bust-up with his boyfriend; rapper The Game halted a gig in Norway to confront a bottle-throwing fan; boxer Floyd Mayweather, Jr. was sentenced to 90 days in jail for a 2010 fight with his ex; a man who leaked an unfinished new Madonna song online was arrested in Spain, and Michael Douglas' incarcerated son Cameron was handed an extra four-and-a-half years behind bars for another drug conviction.
And there was yet more drama for Terrence Howard, who requested a restraining order against his wife; model Lauren Scruggs, who lost her hand and an eye in a freak plane propeller accident; Hollywood couple Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart, who had to vacate their home after high winds brought a tree crashing into their living room, and pop star Selena Gomez suffered a family tragedy when her mother miscarried.
Meanwhile, Jodie Foster's estranged father was jailed for five years after he was found guilty of a property scam; Angelina Jolie was sued by a Croatian journalist who alleged his chronicle of the Bosnian War inspired her directorial debut; Kirsten Dunst won a restraining order against an obsessed French fan; an extra died of a heart attack while shooting The Dark Knight Rises in New York; Goodfellas actor Tony Darrow was sentenced to six months behind bars for arranging a real-life mob beating, and Charlie Sheen had to change his phone number when he accidentally tweeted it to his followers.
The month's big winners included singer Melanie Amaro, who became the first U.S. X Factor winner; Julio Iglesias, who was named Spain's best-selling recording artist of all time; Russell Simmons, who was crowned PETA's Person of the Year; Chaka Khan, who won permanent custody of her granddaughter; Lady Gaga, who was hailed the year's highest earning female musician, and Taylor Swift who picked up Billboard magazine's coveted Woman of The Year honour.
Also winning in December: Guns N' Roses, the Beastie Boys and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who were all announced as the members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's Class of 2012, and Twilight star Kristen Stewart, who was named Forbes magazine's Most Lucrative Star. Adele dominated the year's end album and singles polls; Jason Newsted reunited with Metallica for their 30th anniversary bash in San Francisco, and Martin Scorsese's first 3D movie Hugo was the surprise Best Film winner at the National Board of Review Awards in America.
In other movie news, Transformers: Dark of The Moon was named the year's most mistake-ridden film; Orson Welles' Citizen Kane Oscar sold at auction for $861,000; Drive dominated the Satellite Awards while The Help, The Artist and The Descendants picked up the lion's share of nominations for the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Angelina Jolie's directorial debut, In The Land of Blood and Honey, also picked up Golden Globes nods and she was named the 2012 recipient of the Stanley Kramer Award at the Producer's Guild of America Awards.
In music news, Amy Winehouse's posthumous album debuted at number one in Britain; 30 Seconds To Mars broke a concert record at a show in New York - their 309th in a single album cycle, and Gucci Mane was released from prison.
Wrapping up the month, Oscar winner Colin Firth was immortalised in wax at Madame Tussauds in London; Men's Health magazine bosses crowned Jennifer Aniston the Hottest Woman of All Time; Liz Taylor's diamonds and gems set a new auction record by becoming the most valuable private jewellery collection; Lmfao were forced to abandon a gig in Honduras after a fire broke out at the venue; Welsh opera star Katherine Jenkins announced her split from fiance Gethin Jones, and Coldplay rang in 2012 with a $1.6 million gig in Abu Dhabi.
And the last month of the year saw the notable deaths of actor Bill McKinney, soul stars Dobie Gray and Howard Tate, M*A*S*H regular Harry Morgan, Clark Gable and Loretta Young's love child Judy Lewis, actress Doe Avedon Siegel, former child star Susan Gordon, country singer Billie Jo Spears, Aussie actor Graham Bown, world leaders Vaclav Havel and Kim Jong-Il, songwriter Ralph MacDonald, Kojak star Dan Frazer, directors Don Sharp and Yoshimitsu Morita, writer Christopher Hitchens and Tarzan's chimp sidekick Cheetah, who died of liver failure, aged 80.
July
The month of July was overshadowed by the sudden and shocking death of British singer Amy Winehouse. The Back to Black hitmaker was found dead at her home in London at the age of 27 and the news sent the world of showbusiness into mourning. Tributes poured in from both fans and famous friends following the tragedy, and Winehouse's music shot back into the charts.
The headlines were also dominated by celebrity divorces as Jennifer Lopez announced her split from husband of seven years, Marc Anthony, the father of her young twins, Max and Emme. Arnold Schwarzenegger's marriage also came to an abrupt end as his wife Maria Shriver filed for divorce following revelations the actor/politician fathered a lovechild with the family's housekeeper.
Scarlett Johansson's divorce from Ryan Reynolds was finalised and Patricia Arquette's split from husband Thomas Jane was also made official.
In happier news, all eyes were on Monaco as the world geared up for the second royal wedding of the year, following the union of Britain’s Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge in April. In the same month as the British royals flew to Canada to begin their first international tour as a married couple, Prince Albert of Monaco married his fiancee, South African beauty Charlene Wittstock. The couple exchanged vows in two ceremonies in Monte Carlo and the former swimmer became her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco. British supermodel Kate Moss also became a married woman as she wed rocker Jamie Hince in a lavish ceremony in the English countryside, while it was also an exciting month for the Beckham family as former Spice Girls star Victoria, already mother to three boys, gave birth to her first daughter, Harper Seven.
There was also baby joy for Hollywood actress Kate Hudson - she welcomed a son called Bingham with her rocker fiance Matt Bellamy. Singer Jewel, actress Selma Blair and former Fugees star Lauryn Hill also became parents. British artist/director Sam Taylor-Wood also hit headlines after she confirmed she was expecting a second baby with her 21-year-old fiance, actor Aaron Johnson, a year after the birth of their daughter. The couple met on the set of their 2009 film Nowhere Boy and became parents together in 2010.
July also saw troubled British rocker Pete Doherty granted his freedom after serving less than half of his six-month prison sentence for cocaine possession. Another beleaguered star to walk free from jail was rapper Dmx, who served seven months behind bars for a probation violation. However, David Gilmour’s son Charlie found himself on the other side of the prison walls as he was ordered to serve 16 months in jail for his part in the 2010 student riots in London. The Pink Floyd star’s son was charged with violent disorder for causing chaos in the British capital and swinging from a flag on the city’s Cenotaph war memorial. (Lr/Zn)
August
The usual serenity of the summer months was shattered this year when Kate Winslet cheated death in a devastating inferno at Richard Branson's luxury island home, and a string of British stars appealed for calm as widespread rioting broke out in the U.K.
Winslet was holidaying at Virgin boss Branson's Necker Island retreat when lightning struck the property, sparking a huge blaze which gutted the home. Her party of 20 miraculously escaped unscathed - and Winslet was later hailed a heroine after it emerged she carried Branson's 90-year-old mother from the property during the drama.
As unrest, looting, and arson broke out for several nights in the U.K., showbiz stars including Idris Elba, Natasha Bedingfield and Boy George called for calm, and there was also bad news for Sir Paul McCartney - who learned his phone had been hacked by the tabloid press - and veteran actress Margot Kidder, who was arrested during an environment protest at the White House.
Tragedy struck at the Indiana State Fair, when a horrific stage collapse left seven revellers dead and more than 40 injured, actor Rowan Atkinson was treated in hospital after wrecking his rare sports car by crashing it into a tree, and French actor Gerard Depardieu was left red-faced when he was thrown off a plane in Paris, France for urinating in the cabin after he was refused access to the toilet during take-off.
It was ladies night at the MTV Video Music Awards as Katy Perry, Britney Spears and Lady Gaga took home two honours each - and Beyonce announced her pregnancy news. And at the Teen Choice Awards, Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez were crowned queens of the event when they scooped whopping 11 awards between them.
Kings of Leon finally succumbed to their relentless touring schedule and axed their remaining U.S. dates to allow frontman Caleb Followill to recover from "vocal issues and exhaustion", Aerosmith rocker Tom Hamilton and Deep Purple star Jon Lord both announced they were battling cancer, Bono was hospitalised with chest pains, and Norwegian pop band A-ha thrilled fans by announcing they were to reform.
In family news, Kiss star Paul Stanley became a father again, and there were also welcome additions for Ethan Hawke, funnywoman Tina Fey, illusionist David Copperfield, Jessica Alba, and Benicio del Toro, who fathered a child with Rod Stewart's daughter Kimberly.
There were wedding bells for country singer Chely Wright and filmmaker Sofia Coppola, but romance took a plunge for George Michael and Geri Halliwell, who both split from their partners. Also joining the singles club was Arctic Monkeys rocker Alex Turner, who broke up with MTV presenter Alexa Chung after four years together.
The showbiz world bid farewell to songwriting legend Jerry Leiber, who died of cardiopulmonary failure at the age of 78, Police Academy star Charles 'Bubba' Smith, Bollywood veteran Shammi Kapoor, blues legend David 'Honeyboy' Edwards, Warrant rocker Jani Lane, and Motown hitmaker Nickolas Ashford. (Zn/Lr)
September
September was a month rapper T.I. would like to both remember and forget - he completed an 11-month prison sentence for a probation violation only to run into legal trouble again soon after his initial release for conducting illegal business deals on his way to a halfway house. It wasn't a great month for Madonna either - her movie take on the romance between Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII was savaged by critics at the Venice Film Festival, while her ex-husband Guy Ritchie became a dad again.
Celine Dion was left shaken up after an intruder was found running a bath at her Montreal, Canada home; Neil Diamond revealed his engagement, and Dr. Conrad Murray's involuntary manslaughter trial got underway in Los Angeles as prosecutors attempted to prove the medic was responsible for Michael Jackson's death.
R.E.M. announced they were splitting after 31 years; My Chemical Romance fired drummer Michael Pedicone after accusing him of stealing from them; Boyzone singer Ronan Keating swam the Irish Sea for Cancer Research in the U.K., and Sir Paul McCartney became a grandfather again and was named the MusiCares Person of the Year - while he also celebrated as his first ballet score debuted in New York.
The Amy Winehouse Foundation was launched on what would have been the tragic singer's 28th birthday, and the star's Body & Soul duet with Tony Bennett became a hit, making the 85-year-old crooner the oldest living artist to have a single in America's Hot 100.
Eddie Murphy was confirmed as the host for the 2012 Oscars; model Lauren Bush became Lauren Lauren when she exchanged vows with Ralph Lauren's son David; British funnyman David Walliams braved the chills of the River Thames and a stomach bug to complete a charity 140-mile swim in eight days.
Actress Evan Rachel Wood lost a tooth during a boozy night out in Paris; Reese Witherspoon was hospitalised after she was hit by a car while out jogging in Santa Monica, California; soul legend Chaka Khan won temporary custody of her granddaughter after claiming the girl's mother was struggling with drug abuse issues, and British The Saturdays singer Una Healy announced she was pregnant.
Inxs dropped frontman J.D. fortune for a second time and replaced him with Ciaran Gribbin; Austin Powers henchman Joseph Son was sentenced to life behind bars for a Christmas Eve rape in 1990, and George Clooney went public with his new girl, Stacey Kiebler, at the Toronto Film Festival in Canada.
Ashton Kutcher had a month of ups and downs - his debut on TV sitcom Two and a Half Men was a big hit as 28 million Americans tuned in, but then came the news that his marriage to Demi Moore was in trouble amid infidelity rumours. Comedienne Wanda Sykes opened up about her breast cancer battle and double mastectomy; Sharon Stone won a restraining order against an obsessed fan and promptly put the home he visited uninvited on the market, and reality TV star and filmmaker Jack Osbourne announced his engagement to actress Lisa Stelly and followed that up with the news he was to become a dad.
Third time was not the charm for Clueless star Stacy Dash, who announced her plans to divorce husband number three, Emmanuel Xuereb, and X-Men star James Marsden's wife also joined the divorce club as she filed papers against her husband. Elizabeth Hurley's love life was on the up - she accepted cricket star Shane Warne's wedding proposal just three months after divorcing Arun Nayar.
Meanwhile, Elton John launched his new Million Dollar Piano residency in Las Vegas; Smokey Robinson accepted the coveted Ella Award at the Society of Singers Gala, and the month wrapped up with Shania Twain's alleged stalker pleading guilty to harassing the singer in court in Ontario, Canada.
Among September's Hollywood weddings, Amy Smart married reality TV star Carter Oosterhouse; Cougar Town co-stars David Rogers and Sally Pressman became man and wife, and model-turned-actress Molly Sims wed in a Napa Valley vineyard in California. There were also nuptials for British filmmaker Michael Winner and DJ/producer Mark Ronson, while R&B singer Keyshia Cole and former Friends star David Schwimmer both renewed vows with their spouses in Hawaii and London, respectively.
There was baby news for model Jodie Kidd, who gave birth to a son; actress Mary McCormack, who became a mum for the third time, and January Jones, who welcomed Xander Dane to the world while staying mum about the tot's father. Actors Emily Deschanel, Ana Ortiz, Mike Myers, Danny McBride and Jenna Fischer also became new parents. In the music world, former Spice Girl Melanie Brown gave birth to her third daughter, and country star John Rich and former Pussycat Dolls member Carmit Bachar welcomed babies too.
On September's sick list were rocker Scott Weiland and pop stars Katy Perry and Adele, who both scrapped shows due to illness, while Megadeth headbanger Dave Mustaine underwent surgery for a serious neck injury.
The month's big winners included movie mogul Tyler Perry, who was named Forbes magazine's Highest Paid Man in Entertainment; actor Michael Fassbender and director Alexander Sokurov, who claimed Best Actor and Best Film honours, respectively, for Shame and Faust at the Venice Film Festival. Gritty TV drama Boardwalk Empire picked up eight Emmy Awards; Calle 13 landed a record 10 Latin Grammy Award nominations, and Happy Days star Henry Winkler picked up an honorary Order of the British Empire medal at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Also winning: P.J. Harvey, who scooped the Mercury Prize in Britain, Arcade Fire, who claimed Canada's Polaris Prize, and U2 and Rolling Stone Keith Richards, who were named GQ magazine's Men of the Year.
September's losers included Scarlett Johansson, who was left exposed in a series of leaked naked phone photos; Cameron Diaz, who split from baseball beau Alex Rodriguez, and John Travolta, whose beloved Mercedes-Benz was stolen outside a Jaguar dealership in Santa Monica, while his Swordfish co-star Halle Berry broke her foot while on location in Spain.
Meanwhile, we said a sad goodbye to a slew of famous faces, including actors Andy Whitfield and Cliff Robertson; beloved TV stars Mary Fickett and Vesta Williams; actor Jack Garner; French DJ Mehdi Faveris-Essadi; blues great Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith; R&B hitmaker Vesta Williams; gospel icon Jessy Dixon; celebrated British writer/producer David Croft; Happy Gilmore star Frances Bay, and moviemakers David Pressman, Charles Dubin, George Kachar and Paul Hunt. (Kl/Mt)
October
October was a big month for celebrity weddings - funnyman Seth Rogen tied the knot with longtime girlfriend Lauren Miller, Twilight star Nikki Reed married singer/songwriter Paul McDonald, and former Beverly Hills, 90210 actress Shannen Doherty walked down the aisle for the third time when she exchanged vows with celebrity photographer Kurt Iswarienko. Also hoping to make it third-time lucky was Robin Williams, who wed graphic designer Susan Schneider.
Also taking the plunge was Kiss rocker Gene Simmons, who married his girlfriend of 28 years, Shannon Tweed, and Sir Paul McCartney, who exchanged vows with American heiress Nancy Shevell on what would have been his former Beatles bandmate John Lennon’s 71st birthday.
And Sex & the City star Mario Cantone made good use of New York's new gay rights bill by solidifying his love for longtime partner Jerry Dixon.
A number of other stars announced their intention to wed in October - NCIS: Los Angeles star Eric Christian Olsen proposed to girlfriend Sarah Wright and Trace Cyrus popped the question to Disney actress Brenda Song. And actress Kaley Cuoco was sporting a new sparkler after boyfriend Josh 'Lazie' Resnik got down on bended knee. Also officially off the market were former child star Frankie Muniz, The Devil Wears Prada actor Stanley Tucci, rapper The Game and Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's grown-up little girl Francis Bean Cobain.
A number of other celebrities were prepping their homes for babies - movie star Bruce Willis, American footballer Tony Romo, former Dawson's Creek hunk James Van Der Beek, and actress Kaitlin Olson all announced they are expecting little ones, and Jessica Simpson ended months of speculation by announcing she was pregnant.
And October's new parents included Ne-Yo, who welcomed a baby boy, model Ali Landry, who gave birth to her second child, actress Spencer Grammer, who became a first time mum, and France's First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, who became a mum for the second time when baby Giulia was born. Reality TV star Tori Spelling took home baby number three, as did Jackass funnyman Johnny Knoxville. And Sex & the City beauty Kristin Davis, The Help actress Viola Davis and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation veteran Mariska Hargitay all adopted babies.
But it wasn't such a happy month for rapper Rick Ross, who suffered two seizures on his way to a concert, or socialite Kim Kardashian who filed for divorce from husband Kris Humphries after just 72 days of marriage.
In other news, Star Trek actor Zachary Quinto announced he was gay and troubled actress Lindsay Lohan had her probation revoked after failing to complete her required community service hours. She also faced a limousine lawsuit for allegedly neglecting to pay a bill, her dad was arrested - twice, and she was served a lawsuit for reportedly attacking a Betty Ford Clinic employee during her stay there last year.
Meanwhile, the stars came out to show their support for the Occupy Wall Street protests, which were originally launched in New York City in a bid to end corporate greed, and the world mourned the loss of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, British TV and radio personality Sir Jimmy Savile, The Charlie Daniels Band keyboard player Joel 'Taz' Digregorio, former Weezer star Mikey Welsh, veteran British actress Betty Driver, The Miracles guitarist Marv Tarplin, pianist Roger Williams and IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon, who died in a horrific car smash at the Indy300.
November
British bachelor Hugh Grant stunned the world when he announced he had a new love in his life - a baby girl he had fathered during a brief relationship with Chinese model/actress Tinglan Hong. He wasn't the only star to join the celebrity parents' club in November - singer Lily Allen had a reason to Smile again after giving birth to a daughter, her first child with new husband Sam Cooper, while newsman Piers Morgan and his wife Celia Walden also became parents to a little girl. Maggie Gyllenhaal and her husband Peter Sarsgaard announced they were expecting their second child, as did reality TV star Kourtney Kardashian and her partner Scott Disick.
Selena Gomez revealed she is set to become a big sister, while Justin Bieber had some unwanted baby news of his own - he found himself at the centre of a paternity scandal following allegations he had impregnated 20-year-old Mariah Yeater following a backstage tryst in Los Angeles last year. The Baby hitmaker denied the claim and Yeater subsequently dropped the lawsuit.
Lindsay Lohan's troubles hit the headlines again after she was sentenced to serve 30 days behind bars for a probation violation, although she was released after less than five hours due to jail overcrowding. Dr. Conrad Murray was not so lucky - he was convicted of involuntary manslaughter relating to the death of Michael Jackson and sentenced to the maximum of four years behind bars.
In other legal matters, country singer Mindy McCready sparked a manhunt after she took her five-year-old son Zander from his father's Florida home without permission; Tim McGraw won a court battle with his record company bosses releasing him from his contract; and TLC star T-Boz declared bankruptcy.
Hugh Grant, Sienna Miller and Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling became driving forces in the push to improve British press standards following the News of the World phone-hacking scandal earlier this year - the three stars were called to give evidence to the Leveson Inquiry and told how they had had their voicemails, emails and other private messages intercepted by private investigators working on behalf of tabloid reporters.
The sporting world mourned the death of boxing great Joe Frazier at the age of 67, just days after it was revealed he was battling liver cancer, while the hip-hop industry was rocked by the passing of rap icon Heavy D, who collapsed outside his Los Angeles home and was later declared dead at 44. British moviemaker Ken Russell also passed away, aged 84, and longtime Oscars producer Gil Cates died at 77. Meanwhile, Beatles fans remembered George Harrison on 29 November as fans marked the 10th anniversary of his death.
Veteran pop star George Michael was forced to scrap the remainder of his European tour after he was struck down by a serious bout of pneumonia; Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb also spent time in hospital after suffering abdominal pains, and Adele and Keith Urban had a quiet month as they both recovered from vocal cord surgery, while heavy rock fans rejoiced as the original members of Black Sabbath announced they would be reuniting for a new album and tour in 2012.
It was ladies' night at the American Music Awards as Taylor Swift and Adele walked away with three honours each, while Lady Gaga reigned over the MTV Europe Music Awards and newlyweds Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton ruled the Country Music Association Awards by taking home the two top vocalist prizes. November also saw Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher end weeks of speculation about their marriage by calling it quits, while Sugarland singer Jennifer Nettles tied the knot and Anne Hathaway began making plans to wed boyfriend Adam Schulman, and former The Hills star Kristin Cavallari and American footballer Jay Cutler became engaged again, months after they broke off their initial plans to marry.
And it was a busy month for the film industry - the latest Twilight movie, Breaking Dawn - Part 1, landed the biggest global debut in the film franchise's history, thanks to a massive $284 million (£177.5 million) opening weekend haul; Golden Globes bosses decided to bring back controversial comedian Ricky Gervais to host his third prizegiving in 2012; Billy Crystal stepped in for Eddie Murphy as the host of the 2012 Academy Awards a day after the comic and producer pal Brett Ratner resigned, and the race for the Oscars kicked off with the Gotham Independent Film Awards, where Terrence Malick's Tree of Life and Mike Mills' acclaimed Beginners made history when they became the first films to tie for the Best Feature prize in the ceremony's 21-year history.
December
The holiday bells were peeling for newlyweds A.J. McLean, actress Judy Greer, reality TV star Jeff Probst and Yeah Yeah Yeahs rocker Karen O, while Sinead O'Connor married an addiction counsellor in Las Vegas only to call off the union 16 days later. There were also splits for actress Debra Messing and Chaz Bono.
Britney Spears led the month's bride and grooms-to-be when she accepted former agent Jason Trawick's proposal on his 40th birthday, while Steven Tyler, John Legend, Matthew McConaughey, basketball legend Michael Jordan and Lady Antebellum's Dave Haywood all popped the question to their girlfriends - and there was baby news for new dads Robert De Niro, Halle Berry's ex Eric Benet, actor Charlie Day, Westlife star Kian Egan, actress/singer Fantasia Barrino, Essence Atkins and pop star Dev, while actress Alyson Hannigan, Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty, Kings of Leon star Caleb Followill's supermodel wife Lily Aldridge, Alessandra Ambrosio and Irish singer Andrea Corr announced they were pregnant.
There was drama for rapper Tyler, The Creator, who was arrested for alleged acts of vandalism during a show in Hollywood; singer Christina Perri, who was attacked in a car-jacking incident; Barry Manilow, who underwent hip surgery, and Morrissey, whose concert in Puebla, Mexico was evacuated following an earthquake, while Britain's Prince Philip and R&B star Etta James spent Christmas in hospital.
Lindsay Lohan bared all for Playboy magazine; Adam Lambert was arrested in Finland following a pre-Christmas bust-up with his boyfriend; rapper The Game halted a gig in Norway to confront a bottle-throwing fan; boxer Floyd Mayweather, Jr. was sentenced to 90 days in jail for a 2010 fight with his ex; a man who leaked an unfinished new Madonna song online was arrested in Spain, and Michael Douglas' incarcerated son Cameron was handed an extra four-and-a-half years behind bars for another drug conviction.
And there was yet more drama for Terrence Howard, who requested a restraining order against his wife; model Lauren Scruggs, who lost her hand and an eye in a freak plane propeller accident; Hollywood couple Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart, who had to vacate their home after high winds brought a tree crashing into their living room, and pop star Selena Gomez suffered a family tragedy when her mother miscarried.
Meanwhile, Jodie Foster's estranged father was jailed for five years after he was found guilty of a property scam; Angelina Jolie was sued by a Croatian journalist who alleged his chronicle of the Bosnian War inspired her directorial debut; Kirsten Dunst won a restraining order against an obsessed French fan; an extra died of a heart attack while shooting The Dark Knight Rises in New York; Goodfellas actor Tony Darrow was sentenced to six months behind bars for arranging a real-life mob beating, and Charlie Sheen had to change his phone number when he accidentally tweeted it to his followers.
The month's big winners included singer Melanie Amaro, who became the first U.S. X Factor winner; Julio Iglesias, who was named Spain's best-selling recording artist of all time; Russell Simmons, who was crowned PETA's Person of the Year; Chaka Khan, who won permanent custody of her granddaughter; Lady Gaga, who was hailed the year's highest earning female musician, and Taylor Swift who picked up Billboard magazine's coveted Woman of The Year honour.
Also winning in December: Guns N' Roses, the Beastie Boys and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who were all announced as the members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's Class of 2012, and Twilight star Kristen Stewart, who was named Forbes magazine's Most Lucrative Star. Adele dominated the year's end album and singles polls; Jason Newsted reunited with Metallica for their 30th anniversary bash in San Francisco, and Martin Scorsese's first 3D movie Hugo was the surprise Best Film winner at the National Board of Review Awards in America.
In other movie news, Transformers: Dark of The Moon was named the year's most mistake-ridden film; Orson Welles' Citizen Kane Oscar sold at auction for $861,000; Drive dominated the Satellite Awards while The Help, The Artist and The Descendants picked up the lion's share of nominations for the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Angelina Jolie's directorial debut, In The Land of Blood and Honey, also picked up Golden Globes nods and she was named the 2012 recipient of the Stanley Kramer Award at the Producer's Guild of America Awards.
In music news, Amy Winehouse's posthumous album debuted at number one in Britain; 30 Seconds To Mars broke a concert record at a show in New York - their 309th in a single album cycle, and Gucci Mane was released from prison.
Wrapping up the month, Oscar winner Colin Firth was immortalised in wax at Madame Tussauds in London; Men's Health magazine bosses crowned Jennifer Aniston the Hottest Woman of All Time; Liz Taylor's diamonds and gems set a new auction record by becoming the most valuable private jewellery collection; Lmfao were forced to abandon a gig in Honduras after a fire broke out at the venue; Welsh opera star Katherine Jenkins announced her split from fiance Gethin Jones, and Coldplay rang in 2012 with a $1.6 million gig in Abu Dhabi.
And the last month of the year saw the notable deaths of actor Bill McKinney, soul stars Dobie Gray and Howard Tate, M*A*S*H regular Harry Morgan, Clark Gable and Loretta Young's love child Judy Lewis, actress Doe Avedon Siegel, former child star Susan Gordon, country singer Billie Jo Spears, Aussie actor Graham Bown, world leaders Vaclav Havel and Kim Jong-Il, songwriter Ralph MacDonald, Kojak star Dan Frazer, directors Don Sharp and Yoshimitsu Morita, writer Christopher Hitchens and Tarzan's chimp sidekick Cheetah, who died of liver failure, aged 80.
- 1/1/2012
- WENN
Sopranos star Tony Darrow has been sentenced for his role in an alleged mob beating. The actor - real name Anthony Borgese - was ordered to serve six months of house arrest and two years of probation for allegedly arranging a mob collection that left a man injured. Darrow is accused of having an associate of the Gambino crime family break the jaw and ribs of a man while collecting a $$5,000 (£3,198) debt, reports The Wrap. He agreed to plead guilty to the charge and film a PSA about the dangers of organised crime (more)...
- 12/8/2011
- by By Justin Harp
- Digital Spy
Darrow Sentenced To House Arrest Over Mob Beating
Goodfellas star Tony Darrow has been sentenced to six months house arrest after pleading guilty to arranging a real-life mob beating.
In February, Darrow, who also starred in several episodes of TV gangster series The Sopranos, admitted orchestrating an attack on an unidentified debtor, who was savagely beaten by two thugs linked to New York's Gambino crime family.
He was back in court to receive his punishment on Wednesday, and a judge at Brooklyn Federal Court in New York ordered Darrow - real name Anthony Borgese - to spend six months under house arrest for the crime.
Darrow, 73, was also handed two years probation and 250 hours of "non-physically taxing" community service.
The actor was given a lighter sentence after he made a video warning young people to stay away from gang crime.
In February, Darrow, who also starred in several episodes of TV gangster series The Sopranos, admitted orchestrating an attack on an unidentified debtor, who was savagely beaten by two thugs linked to New York's Gambino crime family.
He was back in court to receive his punishment on Wednesday, and a judge at Brooklyn Federal Court in New York ordered Darrow - real name Anthony Borgese - to spend six months under house arrest for the crime.
Darrow, 73, was also handed two years probation and 250 hours of "non-physically taxing" community service.
The actor was given a lighter sentence after he made a video warning young people to stay away from gang crime.
- 12/8/2011
- WENN
Anthony Borgese, a character actor best known for playing criminal roles in "Goodfellas" and "The Sopranos," has been sentenced to six months of house arrest for his role in arranging for a mob beating. Borgese, who also goes by the stage name Tony Darrow, also will receive two years probation, Robert Nardoza, a spokesman for Brooklyn Federal Court, confirmed to TheWrap. The 72-year old Borgese faced up to three years in jail after pleading guilty to enlisting a Gambino crime family...
- 12/7/2011
- by Brent Lang
- The Wrap
When I heard about the film Kill the Irishman, I thought Jonathan Hensleigh had it out for me. I liked plenty of Hensleigh’s previous penned films, such as Criterion alumni Armageddon, along with Die Hard With a Vengeance, The Saint (even though this was rewritten to a very bare bones version), Jumanji (I was young once) and even his adaptation of The Punisher with Thomas Jane was a fun present day western, about one man’s loss and getting the revenge he believe he deserves. But after that film failed to make any money at the box office, Hensleigh fell back a bit and made Welcome to the Jungle, a very forgettable film, so much so that it was designated to Dimension Extreme’s home video line. But when I saw the cast list announced way back when, with Ray Stevenson playing the Irishman himself Danny Greene accompanied by Val Kilmer,...
- 7/17/2011
- by James McCormick
- CriterionCast
We have a contest, giveaway, sweepstakes for one copy of Kill the Irishman (2011) on DVD for one (1) lucky winners. This Kill the Irishman DVD contest, giveaway, sweepstakes illustrates Kill the Irishman‘s release by Anchor Bay Entertainment on DVD and Blu-ray on June 14, 2011.
Kill the Irishman was directed by Jonathan Hensleigh and stars Ray Stevenson, Vincent D’Onofrio, Christopher Walken, Linda Cardellini, Tony Darrow, Robert Davi, Fionnula Flanagan, Bob Gunton, Jason Butler Harner, Vinnie Jones, Tony Lo Bianco, Laura Ramsey, Steve Schirripa, Paul Sorvino, and Val Kilmer.
Kill the Irishman‘s plot synopsis: “The true story of Danny Greene, a tough Irish thug working for mobsters in Cleveland during the 1970′s. The film is based on the story of Irish mob boss Danny Greene, and is adapted from the book To Kill the Irishman: The War That Crippled the Mafia (1998) by Rick Porrello.”
For more Kill the Irishman photos,...
Kill the Irishman was directed by Jonathan Hensleigh and stars Ray Stevenson, Vincent D’Onofrio, Christopher Walken, Linda Cardellini, Tony Darrow, Robert Davi, Fionnula Flanagan, Bob Gunton, Jason Butler Harner, Vinnie Jones, Tony Lo Bianco, Laura Ramsey, Steve Schirripa, Paul Sorvino, and Val Kilmer.
Kill the Irishman‘s plot synopsis: “The true story of Danny Greene, a tough Irish thug working for mobsters in Cleveland during the 1970′s. The film is based on the story of Irish mob boss Danny Greene, and is adapted from the book To Kill the Irishman: The War That Crippled the Mafia (1998) by Rick Porrello.”
For more Kill the Irishman photos,...
- 7/10/2011
- by filmbook
- Film-Book
Kill The Irishman is a film based on the true story of Danny Greene, a Cleveland man of humble origins and Irish ancestry. Greene never graduated high school, but had an abundance of both street smarts and intelligence, known for his impressive reputation for reading books. Greene was also a man who had both an intense, fundamental good nature matched only by his intimidating toughness and confidence. These traits would combine to mold the man into a legend on the streets of 1970.s Cleveland.
Written and directed by Jonathan Hensleigh, best known for 2004.s The Punisher starring Thomas Jane, Kill The Irishman has another connection with the popular Marvel Comics vigilante in it.s star Ray Stevenson, who played the anti-hero Frank Castle in 2008.s Punisher: War Zone. not written or directed by Hensleigh. Neither film pale in comparison to this slice of reality, based on recent history but spiced...
Written and directed by Jonathan Hensleigh, best known for 2004.s The Punisher starring Thomas Jane, Kill The Irishman has another connection with the popular Marvel Comics vigilante in it.s star Ray Stevenson, who played the anti-hero Frank Castle in 2008.s Punisher: War Zone. not written or directed by Hensleigh. Neither film pale in comparison to this slice of reality, based on recent history but spiced...
- 4/8/2011
- by Travis Keune
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Chicago – In our latest crime edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 10 admit-two run-of-engagement movie passes up for grabs to “Kill the Irishman” with Christopher Walken and Val Kilmer! The film opened in Chicago on March 18, 2011.
“Kill the Irishman,” which is the true story of Cleveland-based Irish mobster Danny Greene, also stars Ray Stevenson, Vincent D’Onofrio, Paul Sorvino, Tony Darrow, Linda Cardellini, Robert Davi, Fionnula Flanagan, Bob Gunton, Jason Butler Harner, Vinnie Jones, Tony Lo Bianco, Laura Ramsey and Steve Schirripa from writer and director Jonathan Hensleigh.
These “Kill the Irishman” movie passes are valid at participating Chicago theaters at the showing of your choice during the film’s run. To win your free “Kill the Irishman” movie pass, all you need to do is answer our question in this Web-based submission form. That’s it! Directions to enter this HollywoodChicago.com Hookup and immediately win can be found beneath the graphic below.
“Kill the Irishman,” which is the true story of Cleveland-based Irish mobster Danny Greene, also stars Ray Stevenson, Vincent D’Onofrio, Paul Sorvino, Tony Darrow, Linda Cardellini, Robert Davi, Fionnula Flanagan, Bob Gunton, Jason Butler Harner, Vinnie Jones, Tony Lo Bianco, Laura Ramsey and Steve Schirripa from writer and director Jonathan Hensleigh.
These “Kill the Irishman” movie passes are valid at participating Chicago theaters at the showing of your choice during the film’s run. To win your free “Kill the Irishman” movie pass, all you need to do is answer our question in this Web-based submission form. That’s it! Directions to enter this HollywoodChicago.com Hookup and immediately win can be found beneath the graphic below.
- 3/20/2011
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Reviewed by Bob Hill
(March 2011)
Directed by: Jonathan Hensleigh
Written by: Jonathan Hensleigh and Jeremy Walters
Starring: Ray Stevenson, Vincent D’Onofrio, Val Kilmer and Christopher Walken
By reputation, there are two things the Irish do exceptionally well — drink and fight.
“Kill the Irishman” is not a film about drinking.
Rather, it is based upon the real-life story of Danny Greene, a blue-collar Celt who grew up an orphan on the outskirts of Cleveland before rising to run the dockworkers union, the rackets and — eventually — the entire east end of the city.
“Irishman” kicks off with a sweeping aerial shot of mid-’70s Collinwood, a dismal menagerie of smokestacks and warehouses bordering the Lake Erie shoreline. The film’s narrator (Val Kilmer) introduces us to the city and, more importantly, Danny Greene (played by “Rome’s” Ray Stevenson). Greene is a barrel-chested pistol of a man, well read and cocksure,...
(March 2011)
Directed by: Jonathan Hensleigh
Written by: Jonathan Hensleigh and Jeremy Walters
Starring: Ray Stevenson, Vincent D’Onofrio, Val Kilmer and Christopher Walken
By reputation, there are two things the Irish do exceptionally well — drink and fight.
“Kill the Irishman” is not a film about drinking.
Rather, it is based upon the real-life story of Danny Greene, a blue-collar Celt who grew up an orphan on the outskirts of Cleveland before rising to run the dockworkers union, the rackets and — eventually — the entire east end of the city.
“Irishman” kicks off with a sweeping aerial shot of mid-’70s Collinwood, a dismal menagerie of smokestacks and warehouses bordering the Lake Erie shoreline. The film’s narrator (Val Kilmer) introduces us to the city and, more importantly, Danny Greene (played by “Rome’s” Ray Stevenson). Greene is a barrel-chested pistol of a man, well read and cocksure,...
- 3/8/2011
- by admin
- Moving Pictures Magazine
Reviewed by Bob Hill
(March 2011)
Directed by: Jonathan Hensleigh
Written by: Jonathan Hensleigh and Jeremy Walters
Starring: Ray Stevenson, Vincent D’Onofrio, Val Kilmer and Christopher Walken
By reputation, there are two things the Irish do exceptionally well — drink and fight.
“Kill the Irishman” is not a film about drinking.
Rather, it is based upon the real-life story of Danny Greene, a blue-collar Celt who grew up an orphan on the outskirts of Cleveland before rising to run the dockworkers union, the rackets and — eventually — the entire east end of the city.
“Irishman” kicks off with a sweeping aerial shot of mid-’70s Collinwood, a dismal menagerie of smokestacks and warehouses bordering the Lake Erie shoreline. The film’s narrator (Val Kilmer) introduces us to the city and, more importantly, Danny Greene (played by “Rome’s” Ray Stevenson). Greene is a barrel-chested pistol of a man, well read and cocksure,...
(March 2011)
Directed by: Jonathan Hensleigh
Written by: Jonathan Hensleigh and Jeremy Walters
Starring: Ray Stevenson, Vincent D’Onofrio, Val Kilmer and Christopher Walken
By reputation, there are two things the Irish do exceptionally well — drink and fight.
“Kill the Irishman” is not a film about drinking.
Rather, it is based upon the real-life story of Danny Greene, a blue-collar Celt who grew up an orphan on the outskirts of Cleveland before rising to run the dockworkers union, the rackets and — eventually — the entire east end of the city.
“Irishman” kicks off with a sweeping aerial shot of mid-’70s Collinwood, a dismal menagerie of smokestacks and warehouses bordering the Lake Erie shoreline. The film’s narrator (Val Kilmer) introduces us to the city and, more importantly, Danny Greene (played by “Rome’s” Ray Stevenson). Greene is a barrel-chested pistol of a man, well read and cocksure,...
- 3/8/2011
- by admin
- Moving Pictures Network
Darrow Sorry For Mob Plot Shame
Shamed Goodfellas actor Tony Darrow has apologised for his involvement in a real-life Mafia extortion plot - and vowed to make up for his downfall by steering youngsters away from crime.
Darrow, who also starred in 14 episodes of gangster-themed TV series The Sopranos, is facing a possible prison sentence after pleading guilty earlier this month to asking a mob boss to help him collect a debt as a "favour".
The unidentified debtor was later savagely beaten by two thugs linked to New York's Gambino crime family, and suffered a broken jaw and ribs.
Now Darrow - real name Anthony Borgese - has told of his terror after he was thrown in a cell with hardened crooks, and has filmed a public service announcement in a bid to help troubled youngsters stay away from a life of crime.
He tells the New York Post, "I'm very sorry for what I did. The only way I can change it is by trying to help other people."
Darrow reveals he decided to film a public service announcement to send a positive message to youngsters after a conversation about his conviction with his teenage son.
He says, "(My son) said, 'The guy owed you money; you tried to collect it. You didn't do anything.' It made me feel worse. It was not the message I wanted to give him."
And the actor is determined to put his past behind him after the trauma of his arrest.
He adds, "They threw me into a cage with 70... criminals. I was the only one who got arrested for the first time... I was so frightened I thought I was going to pee myself."...
Darrow, who also starred in 14 episodes of gangster-themed TV series The Sopranos, is facing a possible prison sentence after pleading guilty earlier this month to asking a mob boss to help him collect a debt as a "favour".
The unidentified debtor was later savagely beaten by two thugs linked to New York's Gambino crime family, and suffered a broken jaw and ribs.
Now Darrow - real name Anthony Borgese - has told of his terror after he was thrown in a cell with hardened crooks, and has filmed a public service announcement in a bid to help troubled youngsters stay away from a life of crime.
He tells the New York Post, "I'm very sorry for what I did. The only way I can change it is by trying to help other people."
Darrow reveals he decided to film a public service announcement to send a positive message to youngsters after a conversation about his conviction with his teenage son.
He says, "(My son) said, 'The guy owed you money; you tried to collect it. You didn't do anything.' It made me feel worse. It was not the message I wanted to give him."
And the actor is determined to put his past behind him after the trauma of his arrest.
He adds, "They threw me into a cage with 70... criminals. I was the only one who got arrested for the first time... I was so frightened I thought I was going to pee myself."...
- 2/21/2011
- WENN
Darrow Facing Jail For Mob Extortion Plot
Goodfellas star Tony Darrow is facing jail after admitting involvement in a real-life Mafia extortion plot.
Darrow, who played restaurant owner Sonny Bunz in Martin Scorsese's 1990 mobster classic, pleaded guilty to taking part in an attempt to collect a debt.
The actor, who also starred in 14 episodes of gangster-themed TV series The Sopranos, was asked for help in recovering the cash by the owner of a New York car dealership.
The unidentified victim was later savagely beaten by two enforcers with links to the Gambino crime family, suffering a broken jaw and ribs in the 2004 attack.
On Wednesday, Darrow - real name Anthony Borgese - appeared at Brooklyn Federal Court and pleaded guilty to participation in the extortion plot.
He told the hearing, "I used extortionate means to collect a debt from a person who lived near Monticello."
Outside court, Darrow's lawyer Kevin Faga added, "(He) did not lay a hand on anybody. It's a difficult day for him. He's embarrassed and he's concerned for his family's privacy."
The actor is facing up to 41 months in prison. Last year Darrow's pal, Joseph 'Joey Boy' Orlando, was jailed for 51 months for his part in the plot.
Darrow, who played restaurant owner Sonny Bunz in Martin Scorsese's 1990 mobster classic, pleaded guilty to taking part in an attempt to collect a debt.
The actor, who also starred in 14 episodes of gangster-themed TV series The Sopranos, was asked for help in recovering the cash by the owner of a New York car dealership.
The unidentified victim was later savagely beaten by two enforcers with links to the Gambino crime family, suffering a broken jaw and ribs in the 2004 attack.
On Wednesday, Darrow - real name Anthony Borgese - appeared at Brooklyn Federal Court and pleaded guilty to participation in the extortion plot.
He told the hearing, "I used extortionate means to collect a debt from a person who lived near Monticello."
Outside court, Darrow's lawyer Kevin Faga added, "(He) did not lay a hand on anybody. It's a difficult day for him. He's embarrassed and he's concerned for his family's privacy."
The actor is facing up to 41 months in prison. Last year Darrow's pal, Joseph 'Joey Boy' Orlando, was jailed for 51 months for his part in the plot.
- 2/10/2011
- WENN
A look at what's new on DVD today:
"Back to the Future: 25th Anniversary Trilogy"
Directed by Robert Zemeckis
Released by Universal Home Entertainment
Yes, we're finally getting the footage of the original Marty McFly, Eric Stoltz, for the first time, but for many simply having the hi-def version of Robert Zemeckis' time-travel franchise will be good enough. Commentaries, deleted scenes, a full-length documentary and much, much more come on this new set of the trilogy.
"Alien Anthology"
Directed by Ridley Scott, James Cameron, David Fincher, Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Released by Fox Home Entertainment
While not as much of an upgrade over its previous DVD release as "Back to the Future," the Blu-ray update of the four "Alien" films worth owning now boasts isolated scores for each film, all of Ridley Scott's sketches for the first "Alien," the uncut documentary of David Fincher's ill-fated "Alien 3" as...
"Back to the Future: 25th Anniversary Trilogy"
Directed by Robert Zemeckis
Released by Universal Home Entertainment
Yes, we're finally getting the footage of the original Marty McFly, Eric Stoltz, for the first time, but for many simply having the hi-def version of Robert Zemeckis' time-travel franchise will be good enough. Commentaries, deleted scenes, a full-length documentary and much, much more come on this new set of the trilogy.
"Alien Anthology"
Directed by Ridley Scott, James Cameron, David Fincher, Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Released by Fox Home Entertainment
While not as much of an upgrade over its previous DVD release as "Back to the Future," the Blu-ray update of the four "Alien" films worth owning now boasts isolated scores for each film, all of Ridley Scott's sketches for the first "Alien," the uncut documentary of David Fincher's ill-fated "Alien 3" as...
- 10/26/2010
- by Stephen Saito
- ifc.com
You know we are nearing the end of October when the pace of horror DVD title releases starts slowing down. I guess the powers that be banked on everyone buying horror DVDs several weeks before Halloween. Is that true? Are you folks doing just that, or are you only now starting your Halloween viewing party planning?
Anyway, while this week's bounty includes monsters in the water and in the sky, with mostly direct-to-dvd, TV movies and old re-releases, the juggernaut monster is the one in space with a complete set in one neat package.
Alien Anthology
Directed by Various
For the first time ever, the studio has united the material from every home video release of the Alien saga including the 1991/1992 laserdisc releases, the 1999 “Legacy” release and 2003’s groundbreaking Alien Quadrilogy release into one complete Blu-ray collection. The set also includes two versions of each film and over four hours...
Anyway, while this week's bounty includes monsters in the water and in the sky, with mostly direct-to-dvd, TV movies and old re-releases, the juggernaut monster is the one in space with a complete set in one neat package.
Alien Anthology
Directed by Various
For the first time ever, the studio has united the material from every home video release of the Alien saga including the 1991/1992 laserdisc releases, the 1999 “Legacy” release and 2003’s groundbreaking Alien Quadrilogy release into one complete Blu-ray collection. The set also includes two versions of each film and over four hours...
- 10/26/2010
- by kwlow
- DreadCentral.com
New Jersey Pictures, an American studio, announced that its documentary The Soprano State: New Jersey’s Culture of Corruption Part One will premiere at Clearview's Ziegfeld Theatre in New York on October 18. Four days after that, the film will begin its theatrical career in select theatres of New Jersey and New York City.
The film is based on a New York Time bestselling book by veteran investigative journalists Bob Ingle and Sandy McClure. The documentary fcast a glance on the corruption among politicians and government officials in the state of New Jersey: envelopes of money exchanged for political favors; cash paid for back-door deals; Construction contracts handed out for those who have to pay elected officials are a few examples. Moreover, by upholding that New Jersey is "arguably the most corrupted State" in the USA, the documentary brings us in the days when New Jersey was a British colony.
The...
The film is based on a New York Time bestselling book by veteran investigative journalists Bob Ingle and Sandy McClure. The documentary fcast a glance on the corruption among politicians and government officials in the state of New Jersey: envelopes of money exchanged for political favors; cash paid for back-door deals; Construction contracts handed out for those who have to pay elected officials are a few examples. Moreover, by upholding that New Jersey is "arguably the most corrupted State" in the USA, the documentary brings us in the days when New Jersey was a British colony.
The...
- 9/16/2010
- by anhkhoido@hotmail.com (Anh Khoi Do)
- The Cultural Post
"The Sopranos meets 2000 Maniacs" is how I described Lynch Mob in my review of the quirky cannibal horror comedy. I'm one of the few to have actually plunked down money to see the Lynch Mob during its one-week run in Carmike Theaters last September. You'll get your chance when the DVD finally hits in October.
Cooked up by screenwriters Rachel and Scott Stamper and director Byron Erwin, Lynch Mob deals with gun-toting goodfellas (led by Tony Darrow of "The Sopranos") contending with cannibal Confederate good ol' boys trapped in the cursed Georgia town of Lynchburg, where the FBI have stashed a manipulative mob witness in a rickety old shack. That squealer named "Weasel" is one truly oddball character, an ever scheming, pedophile, mob "truth extractor" that when he speaks sounds like Peter Lorre playing "Igor" in a Frankenstein flick. That performance really needs to be seen to be believed.
Virgil...
Cooked up by screenwriters Rachel and Scott Stamper and director Byron Erwin, Lynch Mob deals with gun-toting goodfellas (led by Tony Darrow of "The Sopranos") contending with cannibal Confederate good ol' boys trapped in the cursed Georgia town of Lynchburg, where the FBI have stashed a manipulative mob witness in a rickety old shack. That squealer named "Weasel" is one truly oddball character, an ever scheming, pedophile, mob "truth extractor" that when he speaks sounds like Peter Lorre playing "Igor" in a Frankenstein flick. That performance really needs to be seen to be believed.
Virgil...
- 7/28/2010
- by Foywonder
- DreadCentral.com
Borgese's Aide Sentenced To Prison
A friend of Goodfellas star Tony Darrow was sentenced to 51 months behind bars on Wednesday for ordering two thugs to strong-arm cash from a debtor.
Joseph 'Joey Boy' Orlando, linked to the Gambino organised crime family, was handed the jail term after prosecutors provided a recording in which he can be heard describing the vicious 2004 assault, according to the New York Daily News.
Darrow, real name Anthony Borgese, had asked for Orlando's help after the victim failed to pay back a large sum to a loan shark.
Orlando then sent two men to attack the debtor, who has not been identified, leaving him with a broken jaw and ribs.
In a transcript of the conversation, Orlando says, "Tony (Borgese) says he’s got this Jew in New York State that owes him a few dollars. They go to the house... The guy opens the door. He didn’t even have the door open, punches are going through the door. The wife comes out. They gave her a beating.”
Darrow pleaded not guilty last year to a charge of extortion stemming from the incident.
Joseph 'Joey Boy' Orlando, linked to the Gambino organised crime family, was handed the jail term after prosecutors provided a recording in which he can be heard describing the vicious 2004 assault, according to the New York Daily News.
Darrow, real name Anthony Borgese, had asked for Orlando's help after the victim failed to pay back a large sum to a loan shark.
Orlando then sent two men to attack the debtor, who has not been identified, leaving him with a broken jaw and ribs.
In a transcript of the conversation, Orlando says, "Tony (Borgese) says he’s got this Jew in New York State that owes him a few dollars. They go to the house... The guy opens the door. He didn’t even have the door open, punches are going through the door. The wife comes out. They gave her a beating.”
Darrow pleaded not guilty last year to a charge of extortion stemming from the incident.
- 3/4/2010
- WENN
After a year of planning, the schedule for the East Coast edition of Fangoria’s Weekend of Horrors convention, which will be held this coming June 5-7 (three monstrous days!) at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center (11th Avenue between 34th and 39th Streets; use Javits’ Crystal Pavilion entrance; panels and vendors’ area are in Hall 1-d), is ready to be unveiled. All guests/events listed here are tentative.
More stars are still joining the fun at this late stage, so expect a few surprises all weekend long. Details for the jam-packed film schedule (Room ID05 in Hall I-d), including several world premieres and more unannounced bonus guests, can be found here. For more information on the Weekend of Horrors, including details for autograph signings, seminars, photo ops and special late-night parties, go here. It’s gonna be a killer!
Friday, June 5
5:00 P.M.: Greetings
With our hosts,...
More stars are still joining the fun at this late stage, so expect a few surprises all weekend long. Details for the jam-packed film schedule (Room ID05 in Hall I-d), including several world premieres and more unannounced bonus guests, can be found here. For more information on the Weekend of Horrors, including details for autograph signings, seminars, photo ops and special late-night parties, go here. It’s gonna be a killer!
Friday, June 5
5:00 P.M.: Greetings
With our hosts,...
- 6/3/2009
- by no-reply@fangoria.com (Tony Timpone)
- Fangoria
Wrong Turn 3 director Declan O’Brien will be previewing his new Fox DVD splatter sequel at the fast-approaching East Coast edition of Fangoria’s Weekend of Horrors, to be held June 5-7 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center (11th Avenue between 34th and 39th Streets) in New York City. O’Brien (pictured below with friend), the director of the Sci Fi Channel original movies Rock Monster, Monster Ark and Cyclops, will debut exclusive clips from Wrong Turn 3 (about another group of lost travelers facing off against inbred hillbilly maniacs) at the convention on Sunday.
In addition to his directing chores, O’Brien has also scripted Harpies, The Snake King and Savage Planet for Sci Fi. Stop by this site again over the next couple of days as we begin posting the full schedules (auditorium panels and film programs) for the Fango show.
In other convention news, Trick ’R Treat...
In addition to his directing chores, O’Brien has also scripted Harpies, The Snake King and Savage Planet for Sci Fi. Stop by this site again over the next couple of days as we begin posting the full schedules (auditorium panels and film programs) for the Fango show.
In other convention news, Trick ’R Treat...
- 6/1/2009
- by no-reply@fangoria.com (Tony Timpone)
- Fangoria
A panel devoted to the Canadian slasher flick Smash Cut has been added to the lineup of the fast-approaching East Coast edition of Fangoria’s Weekend of Horrors, to be held June 5-7, 2009 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center (11th Avenue between 34th and 39th Streets) in New York City. Representing the film will be stars David Hess and Jennilee Murray, plus director Lee Gordon Demarbre (Jesus Christ, Vampire Hunter), writer Ian Driscoll and the Godfather of Gore himself, Herschell Gordon Lewis!
In Smash Cut (an ode to the films of Herschell Gordon Lewis, who has a cameo in the movie), Hess (pictured below) plays Able Whitman, a troubled filmmaker losing his mind in an extraordinary way. After accidentally killing an exotic dancer, he decides to use her body parts in his newest horror picture. But when her sister (played by porn star Sasha Grey) begins investigating, Able must...
In Smash Cut (an ode to the films of Herschell Gordon Lewis, who has a cameo in the movie), Hess (pictured below) plays Able Whitman, a troubled filmmaker losing his mind in an extraordinary way. After accidentally killing an exotic dancer, he decides to use her body parts in his newest horror picture. But when her sister (played by porn star Sasha Grey) begins investigating, Able must...
- 5/29/2009
- by no-reply@fangoria.com (Tony Timpone)
- Fangoria
A panel devoted to the Canadian slasher flick Smash Cut has been added to the lineup of the fast-approaching East Coast edition of Fangoria’s Weekend of Horrors, to be held June 5-7, 2009 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center (11th Avenue between 34th and 39th Streets) in New York City. Representing the film will be stars David Hess and Jennilee Murray, plus director Lee Gordon Demarbre (Jesus Christ, Vampire Hunter), writer Ian Driscoll and the Godfather of Gore himself, Herschell Gordon Lewis!
In Smash Cut (an ode to the films of Herschell Gordon Lewis, who has a cameo in the movie), Hess (pictured below) plays Able Whitman, a troubled filmmaker losing his mind in an extraordinary way. After accidentally killing an exotic dancer, he decides to use her body parts in his newest horror picture. But when her sister (played by porn star Sasha Grey) begins investigating, Able must...
In Smash Cut (an ode to the films of Herschell Gordon Lewis, who has a cameo in the movie), Hess (pictured below) plays Able Whitman, a troubled filmmaker losing his mind in an extraordinary way. After accidentally killing an exotic dancer, he decides to use her body parts in his newest horror picture. But when her sister (played by porn star Sasha Grey) begins investigating, Able must...
- 5/29/2009
- by no-reply@fangoria.com (Tony Timpone)
- Fangoria
30 Days Of Night actor Ben Foster (pictured below), star of the upcoming sci-fi thriller Pandorum, has joined the lineup of the fast-approaching East Coast edition of Fangoria’s Weekend of Horrors, to be held June 5-7, 2009 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center (11th Avenue between 34th and 39th Streets) in New York City. Foster, who also won raves for his roles in 3:10 To Yuma and X-men: The Last Stand (as Angel), will be joined on Saturday by Pandorum co-star Cung Le, the three-time world champion martial artist.
In other convention news, the Offspring presentation has added castmates Holter Graham, Vic Manetti, Ahna Tessler, Leigh Shannon, Brainscan’s Amy Hargreaves and Headspace’s Pollyanna McIntosh, as well as Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer composer Ryan Shore, to its Saturday preview slot. Other exciting guests/programs set for Fango’s Big Apple blowout include:
• Guillermo del Toro: acclaimed director of Hellboy movies,...
In other convention news, the Offspring presentation has added castmates Holter Graham, Vic Manetti, Ahna Tessler, Leigh Shannon, Brainscan’s Amy Hargreaves and Headspace’s Pollyanna McIntosh, as well as Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer composer Ryan Shore, to its Saturday preview slot. Other exciting guests/programs set for Fango’s Big Apple blowout include:
• Guillermo del Toro: acclaimed director of Hellboy movies,...
- 5/27/2009
- by no-reply@fangoria.com (Tony Timpone)
- Fangoria
Monster metalheads Gwar will be invading the fast-approaching East Coast edition of Fangoria’s Weekend of Horrors, to be held June 5-7, 2009 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center (11th Avenue between 34th and 39th Streets) in New York City. Bandmates Sleazy P. Martini, Slave, Jizmak Da Gusha and Oderus Urungus will be on hand all three days (at their “human skin” booth), and host a panel on Sunday in their human guises (Don Drakulich, Matt Maguire, Brad Roberts and Dave Brockie).
In another convention update, some new Friday The 13th veterans have joined the roster, namely first Jason Ari Lehman, Part 2’s Warrington Gillette and Part V: A New Beginning director Danny Steinmann, who also helmed The Unseen (under a pseudonym) and Savage Streets. Other exciting guests/programs set for Fango’s Big Apple blowout (more to come!) include:
• Guillermo del Toro: acclaimed director of Hellboy movies, Pan’S Labyrinth,...
In another convention update, some new Friday The 13th veterans have joined the roster, namely first Jason Ari Lehman, Part 2’s Warrington Gillette and Part V: A New Beginning director Danny Steinmann, who also helmed The Unseen (under a pseudonym) and Savage Streets. Other exciting guests/programs set for Fango’s Big Apple blowout (more to come!) include:
• Guillermo del Toro: acclaimed director of Hellboy movies, Pan’S Labyrinth,...
- 5/22/2009
- by no-reply@fangoria.com (Tony Timpone)
- Fangoria
Friday The 13th’s Mrs. Voorhees, actress Betsy Palmer, and her “son,” Jason actor Kane Hodder from the series’ seventh through 10th installments, have joined the lineup of the fast-approaching East Coast edition of Fangoria’s Weekend of Horrors. The event will be held June 5-7, 2009 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center (11th Avenue between 34th and 39th Streets) in New York City. Fan favorite Palmer also appeared in The Fear: Resurrection and Bryan Norton’s Penny Dreadful, while Hodder stalked through Hatchet, B.T.K. (pictured), Ed Gein: The Butcher Of Plainfield, Fallen Angels and Prison, to name a few.
Two other additions to the NYC Fango con worth noting:
• Toxic Avenger: The Musical: special guests and song highlights from the Off-Broadway smash! (Saturday)
• Walking Distance panel: with Closet Space writer/director Mel House and sexy actresses Debbie Rochon, Shannon Lark and Natalie Jones
Other exciting guests/programs set for...
Two other additions to the NYC Fango con worth noting:
• Toxic Avenger: The Musical: special guests and song highlights from the Off-Broadway smash! (Saturday)
• Walking Distance panel: with Closet Space writer/director Mel House and sexy actresses Debbie Rochon, Shannon Lark and Natalie Jones
Other exciting guests/programs set for...
- 5/19/2009
- by no-reply@fangoria.com (Tony Timpone)
- Fangoria
Trick ’R Treat writer/director Michael Dougherty (pictured below) has joined the lineup of the fast-approaching East Coast edition of Fangoria’s Weekend of Horrors. The event will be held June 5-7, 2009 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center (11th Avenue between 34th and 39th Streets) in New York City. Dougherty, co-scripter of Superman Returns, X2 and Urban Legends: Bloody Mary, made his directorial debut on Trick ’R Treat, an anthology that has garnered raves on the festival circuit and will debut on DVD this fall.
Other exciting guests/programs set for Fango’s Big Apple blowout (more to come!) include:
• Guillermo del Toro: acclaimed director of Hellboy movies, Pan’S Labyrinth, Blade II, Mimic and Cronos, signing copies of his first novel, the vampire epic The Strain, on Friday (5 p.m.-7 p.m.). Also appearing: The Strain co-author Chuck Hogan
• Dario Argento: Italian maestro behind Suspiria,...
Other exciting guests/programs set for Fango’s Big Apple blowout (more to come!) include:
• Guillermo del Toro: acclaimed director of Hellboy movies, Pan’S Labyrinth, Blade II, Mimic and Cronos, signing copies of his first novel, the vampire epic The Strain, on Friday (5 p.m.-7 p.m.). Also appearing: The Strain co-author Chuck Hogan
• Dario Argento: Italian maestro behind Suspiria,...
- 5/15/2009
- Fangoria
Hellboy movies director Guillermo del Toro has joined the lineup of the fast-approaching East Coast edition of Fangoria’s Weekend of Horrors. The event will be held June 5-7, 2009 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center (11th Avenue between 34th and 39th Streets) in New York City. One of the most celebrated genre directors of our time, del Toro will be appearing at the convention on Friday (5 to 7 p.m. only) for an exclusive stage appearance and to sign copies of his first novel, the vampire epic The Strain: Book One Of The Strain (coming June 2 from William Morrow), with co-author Chuck Hogan.
Del Toro has also helmed such thrilling horror and fantasy films as Pan’S Labyrinth, Blade II, Mimic and Cronos. He next begins shooting The Hobbit for producer Peter Jackson in 2010. You can find out more about The Strain here. Other exciting guests/programs set for Fango...
Del Toro has also helmed such thrilling horror and fantasy films as Pan’S Labyrinth, Blade II, Mimic and Cronos. He next begins shooting The Hobbit for producer Peter Jackson in 2010. You can find out more about The Strain here. Other exciting guests/programs set for Fango...
- 5/13/2009
- Fangoria
Hellraiser actress Ashley Laurence (pictured below) has joined the lineup of the fast approaching East Coast edition of Fangoria’s Weekend of Horrors. The event will be held June 5-7, 2009 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center (11th Avenue between 34th and 39th Streets) in New York City. The lovely Laurence played Kirsty Cotton in Hellraiser, Hellbound: Hellraiser II and Hellraiser: Hellseeker, and also appeared in Lightning Bug, Red, Warlock III and Lurking Fear.
In addition, the Big Apple show will welcome a reunion of original Last House On The Left’s villains David Hess, Fred Lincoln, Jeramie Rain and Marc Sheffler. Plus, here are some more cool Manhattan additions:
• Dead Air: world-premiere screening of the Corbin Bernsen-directed zombie flick; introduced by cast members Josh Feinman (from Sleeper Cell) and Elle Travis (Saturday)
• Coralina Cataldi-Tassoni: actress from Dario Argento’s Mother Of Tears, Opera and Phantom Of The Opera,...
In addition, the Big Apple show will welcome a reunion of original Last House On The Left’s villains David Hess, Fred Lincoln, Jeramie Rain and Marc Sheffler. Plus, here are some more cool Manhattan additions:
• Dead Air: world-premiere screening of the Corbin Bernsen-directed zombie flick; introduced by cast members Josh Feinman (from Sleeper Cell) and Elle Travis (Saturday)
• Coralina Cataldi-Tassoni: actress from Dario Argento’s Mother Of Tears, Opera and Phantom Of The Opera,...
- 5/6/2009
- Fangoria
Ok, so you East Coasters are feeling left out from all the La convention madness we’ve been announcing the last few weeks (see recent news here)? Well, we’re ready to spread the love to the New York City area again. First off, Master of Horror Dario Argento (pictured) has joined the lineup of the next East Coast edition of Fangoria’s Weekend of Horrors, to be held June 5-7, 2009 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center (655 West 34th Street) in New York City! The Italian maestro behind Suspiria, Deep Red, Tenebrae, Opera and Mother Of Tears will have the first news on his latest bloodbath, Giallo, starring Adrien Brody.
Plus, here are some more cool Manhattan additions:
Tony Darrow (pictured): much loved actor/comic from Street Trash, The Sopranos, Goodfellas and Lynch Mob, a new gangster horror flick (!) Lesleh Donaldson: Canadian actress from Happy Birthday To Me,...
Plus, here are some more cool Manhattan additions:
Tony Darrow (pictured): much loved actor/comic from Street Trash, The Sopranos, Goodfellas and Lynch Mob, a new gangster horror flick (!) Lesleh Donaldson: Canadian actress from Happy Birthday To Me,...
- 4/11/2009
- Fangoria
Film review: 'Small Time Crooks'
Has it come to this? The funniest moment in Woody Allen's new movie, "Small Time Crooks", comes when a water main bursts. While never completely ignoring physical comedy -- or, for that matter, low-brow humor -- Woody Allen movies are celebrated by aficionados for their Groucho Marx-like wit, metaphysical jokes, fondness for parody, cultural literacy and psychoanalytic introspection. An Allen comedy deriving from mentally challenged characters, their vulgar tastes and faux pas is just not his forte.
Not that any film artist should not explore different worlds and new characters. But Allen's universe is insular, prescribed by a few blocks of Manhattan and populated by urbane, hypersensitive, uptown types. Allen runs the risk of alienating his fans with these white-trash creatures. Despite energetic and highly amusing performances by Tracey Ullman and Elaine May, "Crooks" will disappoint his loyal following.
The film feels like a piece Allen might have written for the New Yorker, a whimsical short story that takes a basic truism -- in this case, be careful what you wish for -- and wrings as much humor as possible out of it.
That water main breaks when Allen Ray's Winkler drills into a basement wall as part of his harebrained scheme to tunnel into a nearby bank. Ray has apparently spent a lifetime chasing harebrained criminal schemes, all of which have ended in failure or jail time.
Yet he is not without luck. Ray Still adores his wife, Frenchy, a former exotic dancer turned manicurist who has remained loyal to her loser husband. One reason, of course, is that Ullman's Frenchy reminds you of another Allen -- Gracie.
The film's conceit is that all of the bumbling crooks in Ray's "gang" -- including May, Jon Lovitz, Michael Rapaport and Tony Darrow -- are not only small-time but pea-brained. Then they all become rich by accident.
The front for their tunneling operation is a cookie store. But Frenchy's cookie recipes prove so popular that in no time at all the group is sitting atop a huge cookie franchise with money rolling in at an unbelievable rate.
The Winklers move uptown to a penthouse decorated in the worst possible nouveau riche taste. They also fall prey to such predators as Hugh Grant's art dealer, who woos Frenchy with dollar signs in his eyes. The plot's trajectory from this point on is more than obvious, and the jokes along the way are too minor to register.
Allen's best movies examine human longings and foibles as his characters get in and out of emotionally messy relationships. In his frivolous ones -- which, unfortunately, includes "Crooks" -- he is coy about his characters and suffocates them with artificial jokes.
Allen doesn't mock these stereotypical characters. (The movie may have been better if he had.) Rather, he treats a mundane theme -- that the Winklers were happier when they were poor but together than rich and apart -- as a profound revelation.
Ullman appears to have had the most fun making this movie, adding another portrait to her gallery of memorably scruffy characters.
SMALL TIME CROOKS
DreamWorks
Sweetland Films
Producer: Jean Doumanian
Screenwriter-director: Woody Allen
Executive producers: J.E. Beaucaire,
Jack Rollins, Charles H. Joffe, Letty Aronson
Director of photography: Zhao Fei
Production designer: Santo Loquasto
Co-producer: Helen Robin
Costume designer: Suzanne McCabe
Editor: Alisa Lepselter
Color/stereo
Cast:
Ray: Woody Allen
Frenchy: Tracey Ullman
May: Elaine May
David: Hugh Grant
Denny: Michael Rapaport
Benny: Jon Lovitz
Chi Chi Potter: Elaine Stritch
George Blint: George Grizzard
Running time -- 94 minutes
MPAA rating: PG...
Not that any film artist should not explore different worlds and new characters. But Allen's universe is insular, prescribed by a few blocks of Manhattan and populated by urbane, hypersensitive, uptown types. Allen runs the risk of alienating his fans with these white-trash creatures. Despite energetic and highly amusing performances by Tracey Ullman and Elaine May, "Crooks" will disappoint his loyal following.
The film feels like a piece Allen might have written for the New Yorker, a whimsical short story that takes a basic truism -- in this case, be careful what you wish for -- and wrings as much humor as possible out of it.
That water main breaks when Allen Ray's Winkler drills into a basement wall as part of his harebrained scheme to tunnel into a nearby bank. Ray has apparently spent a lifetime chasing harebrained criminal schemes, all of which have ended in failure or jail time.
Yet he is not without luck. Ray Still adores his wife, Frenchy, a former exotic dancer turned manicurist who has remained loyal to her loser husband. One reason, of course, is that Ullman's Frenchy reminds you of another Allen -- Gracie.
The film's conceit is that all of the bumbling crooks in Ray's "gang" -- including May, Jon Lovitz, Michael Rapaport and Tony Darrow -- are not only small-time but pea-brained. Then they all become rich by accident.
The front for their tunneling operation is a cookie store. But Frenchy's cookie recipes prove so popular that in no time at all the group is sitting atop a huge cookie franchise with money rolling in at an unbelievable rate.
The Winklers move uptown to a penthouse decorated in the worst possible nouveau riche taste. They also fall prey to such predators as Hugh Grant's art dealer, who woos Frenchy with dollar signs in his eyes. The plot's trajectory from this point on is more than obvious, and the jokes along the way are too minor to register.
Allen's best movies examine human longings and foibles as his characters get in and out of emotionally messy relationships. In his frivolous ones -- which, unfortunately, includes "Crooks" -- he is coy about his characters and suffocates them with artificial jokes.
Allen doesn't mock these stereotypical characters. (The movie may have been better if he had.) Rather, he treats a mundane theme -- that the Winklers were happier when they were poor but together than rich and apart -- as a profound revelation.
Ullman appears to have had the most fun making this movie, adding another portrait to her gallery of memorably scruffy characters.
SMALL TIME CROOKS
DreamWorks
Sweetland Films
Producer: Jean Doumanian
Screenwriter-director: Woody Allen
Executive producers: J.E. Beaucaire,
Jack Rollins, Charles H. Joffe, Letty Aronson
Director of photography: Zhao Fei
Production designer: Santo Loquasto
Co-producer: Helen Robin
Costume designer: Suzanne McCabe
Editor: Alisa Lepselter
Color/stereo
Cast:
Ray: Woody Allen
Frenchy: Tracey Ullman
May: Elaine May
David: Hugh Grant
Denny: Michael Rapaport
Benny: Jon Lovitz
Chi Chi Potter: Elaine Stritch
George Blint: George Grizzard
Running time -- 94 minutes
MPAA rating: PG...
- 5/15/2000
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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