PopSugar

Greenberg: A Harsh Look Under a Magnifying Glass

BuzzSugar — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 08:30:00 -0700

It always feels slightly off when a comic actor takes on a serious role. Not that Ben Stiller hasn't proven his flexibility with fare like Reality Bites or Friends & Neighbors, but never before has he seemed so straight-faced, vulnerable, and well, depressing, as he does in Noah Baumbach's latest Greenberg. In fact, it took a few scenes for me to settle in to Stiller as Roger, a 40-year old with severe social and mental anxiety. His face is tired, there's no sense of a smirk - even Stiller's gray hair is on display (Derek Zoolander would not be pleased).

The film follows Roger as he returns from a recent institutional visit (due to a nervous breakdown) to house-sit for his brother Phillip (Chris Messina). He spends his days writing angry letters to Starbucks and Mayor Bloomberg, and looks on as neighbors play in the backyard pool, afraid of human contact. The only lifeline Roger actually makes is the family's personal assistant, Florence (Greta Gerwig) and their German shepherd.

Almost immediately, Florence and Roger hop into a bumbling courtship. Roger seems drawn to her mid-twenties youth; Florence, in turn, is grappling with quarterlife uncertainty about life, and in Roger she sees someone much older who hasn't figured it all out either. It seems feasible that they'd get together, but not quite as likely that she'd put up with him. Basically, Roger is a very unlikeable guy, and like most Baumbach movies, his human flaws are both intriguing - and painful - to watch.

To see what I mean, read more.

Through interactions with his ex Beth (Baumbach's wife and muse Jennifer Jason Leigh) and longtime friend Ivan (a great Rhys Ifans), we learn that Roger has always been motivated by selfish reasons. In his earlier days, he had a band with Ivan, which he single-handedly ruined after refusing to agree to a contract. As such, Roger still doesn't want to commit to anything. It's an issue which is further brought to light as Florence suggests that he be her boyfriend. He handles the situation by doing what any self-involved person might - he snaps at her. Not once, but many times. Unable to hang around Florence or people his own age, Roger instead turns to his niece's teenage friends, doing coke like it's the eighties and rambling on about olden days. Will he ever get a reality check?

Oh, it comes. But not quite with the clearly-defined resolution that you might hope for.

Stiller is great in the role, portraying Roger with a subtle touch. But perhaps his performance is overshadowed by just how much you want to shake Roger. Instead, I'd argue that the film actually belongs to Gerwig. How refreshing to watch an actress who looks and acts like a regular woman, and as Florence, she evokes that somewhat-needy, twenty-something girl that we all know and love despite her questionable choices. Florence is the heart of the film, and as such, she keeps it from completely succumbing to the doldrums. Be warned though, there are no laughs or real sweetness here. You'll likely find yourself feeling mixed about Roger and the film, because frankly, they're both downers. But as character self-examination goes, Greenberg still makes for an interesting study.

If you'd like to review a movie you've seen recently, check out the Movie Reviews Group in community. I may even feature your critique on the site!

Photos courtesy of Focus Features

A Look Back at the BAFTA Awards

PopSugarUK — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 07:16:02 -0800

The BAFTAs takes place this Sunday in London, and I'll be there telling you exactly what it's like on the red carpet via Twitter! Ahead of this exciting event I thought it would be fun to look back on some celebs at BAFTA Award ceremonies from the past - enjoy!

View Slideshow ›

British and American Stars Flock to Berlin Film Festival

PopSugarUK — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 04:00:00 -0800

The Berlin Film Festival kicked off over the weekend with lots of British and American actors heading to Germany. On Friday, a busy James Franco promoted Howl at the film's photo call and premiere, and Ewan McGregor, Pierce Brosnan and Olivia Williams were together for The Ghost Writer: check out the trailer and let me know whether you'll see it or skip it.

Come Saturday it was the turn of Shutter Island: check out the trailer after the jump. Director Martin Scorsese was joined by his film's stars Ben Kingsley, Mark Ruffalo, Leonardo DiCaprio and Michelle Williams: my girl FabUK wants to know do you love or hate her look? Then on Sunday the team behind Greenberg got together for the premiere, including Ben Stiller, Rhys Ifans, Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach: will you see it or skip it?

To see more pictures of photo calls and premieres plus the Shutter Island trailer, read more.

Shutter Island trailer

View 55 Photos ›

Images include: Leonardo DiCaprio, Michelle Williams, Ewan McGregor, Pierce Brosnan, James Franco, Ben Kingsley, Martin Scorsese, Olivia Williams, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Stiller, Rhys Ifans, Greta Gerwig, Noah Baumbach

Greenberg - See it or Skip it?

PopSugarUK — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 08:05:17 -0800

Ben Stiller stars in the new movie directed by Noah Baumbach, Greenberg, alongside Rhys Ifans and Jennifer Jason Leigh. It's about a New Yorker who moves to LA to try and work out his life, and looks set to come out in the UK in a couple of months. Check out the trailer and let me know - will you see it or skip it?

Movie Preview: Ben Stiller Plays It Straight in Greenberg

BuzzSugar — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:30:41 -0800

I have a love/hate relationship with Ben Stiller movies. Over the years, I've grown tired of seeing him in the same everyman role again and again (with a few exceptions, like There's Something About Mary), but every now and then he throws a curve ball that pulls me back in. Greenberg already looks like one of the latter films.

The upcoming indie movie from The Squid and the Whale director Noah Baumbach follows Roger Greenberg, a middle-aged New Yorker who heads to LA and decides to "do nothing" in an attempt to figure out his life. The movie looks like it could be a tearjerker, but maybe that's just because LCD Soundsystem's "All My Friends" is playing in the background. (The band's James Murphy lends a few new songs to the movie). Rhys Ifans is Roger's best friend while Greta Gerwig is the woman he befriends and beds. If you're ready to see Stiller take a break from slapstick, check out the trailer when you read more.

Kate and Jamie Take Friends Along For Fun in Italy

PopSugar — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 02:00:00 -0800

Kate Moss and Jamie Hince were at Heathrow last week, and they were spotted together over the weekend in Italy. The always-fashionable duo stepped out to do some shopping on Saturday night, before heading to the airport yesterday. Their trip wasn't exactly a romantic excursion for two, as Kate and Jamie were joined by friends like Rhys Ifans. Kate and Jamie had some celebrating to do with their entourage, since her latest Topshop collection has been flying off the shelves.

To see more of Kate and Jamie, just read more.

View 15 Photos ›

Kissing Stars Find Their Place in the Omega Constellation

PopSugarUK — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 03:00:00 -0700

Cindy Crawford took time out from walking red carpets to host the Omega Constellation 2009 Collection launch party at London's Almada last night. She was joined by Lily Allen, who shared a friendly hello with Rhys Ifans before spending the rest of the evening with her beau Sam Cooper. Melanie Brown was also in an affectionate mood, kissing hubby Stephen Belafonte and then tweeting about Cindy: "not only is she flawless but wow what an amazing person". Perhaps Mel could get Cindy involved in the rumoured Spice Girls stage musical!

To see more pictures from the party, including Linford Christie, Heather Small, James Brown, Keeley Hawes, Jenni Falconer, Ralf Little and Elen Rives, just read more.

View 20 Photos ›

Images include: Lily Allen, Rhys Ifans, Melanie Brown, Cindy Crawford, Stephen Belafonte, Linford Christie, Heather Small, Hofit Golan, Brian Friedman, James Brown, Keeley Hawes, Jenni Falconer, Ralf Little, Elen Rives

Dave M. Benett/Getty Images and WireImage

Kate's Going For Gold While Rhys Is Full Of Flower Power

PopSugarUK — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 05:11:00 -0700

Following their night out in London earlier this week, Jamie Hince and Kate Moss went out to The Ivy last night to enjoy dinner together. After teaming an LBD with her leopard print coat on Tuesday, last night she wore a fur lined gold coat over a black outfit - making a statement with her outerwear, while Jamie looked smart in his suit, t-shirt and scarf. Rhys Ifans also went to The Ivy last night, and was accompanied by Kimberly Stewart. Looks like he was trying to listen only to the flowery things in life as he left with cuttings from the floral arrangements sticking out of his ears. That's probably not a look Kate will be taking on...

View 5 Photos ›

Celebrities Love Wimbledon!

PopSugarUK — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:00:00 -0700

Wimbledon kicks off today, with the best tennis talent in the world heading to London for strawberries, cream and some hard fought matches. I'll be keeping my eye on the famous faces in the stands, as the annual tournament has several celebrity fans. Check out who's headed to the All England Lawn Tennis Club over the last few years.

View Slideshow ›

Kate, David, Noel and Rhys Show Off Their Moves At Movida

PopSugarUK — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 03:27:36 -0700

Kate Moss was a sparkly social butterfly last night as she showed her face at a few events in London. She met up with David Walliams at a jewellery launch and the pair then went on to Nobu to celebrate a friend's birthday alongside fellow celebs including Rhys Ifans. To finish the night the group headed to Movida where Noel Fielding and Alice Dellal were also pictured leaving the club in the early hours. Jamie Hince is on tour in the US with The Kills right now, which explains his absence, but it looks like Kate had a fab night out with David despite that!

To see more photos of Kate, David, Noel, Rhys and Alice out in London last night, just read more.

View 10 Photos ›

BigPicturesPhoto.com