It's hard to believe, but Judd Apatow, the mega-filmmaker who has changed the face of Hollywood comedy, has only directed three films. Having made his mark in television ("Freaks & Geeks," "Larry Sanders") and some screenwriting, Apatow finally exploded into the theatrical world on the back of 2005's "The 40 Year Old Virgin." "Knocked Up" would follow in 2007, and then in 2009, "Funny People," a decidedly more mature comedy that straddled serious dramatic elements. Now arriving on DVD and Blu-ray, will the pic -- which stars Adam Sandler as a dying comedian who mentors younger upstart Seth Rogen -- finally grab a wider fanbase than it found in cinemas?
"Funny People" features a strong audio and video transfer, and comes in both theatrical and unrated versions. Extras are plentiful as well, with the two-disc edition featuring filmmaker commentary, on-set diaries, gag reels, deleted and extended scenes, featurettes on subjects like stand-up, vintage prank calls and more (including a great discussion with Seth and Judd from Charlie Rose). Read More...
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'Winter's Bone' Director Debra Granik Making 'Pippi Longstocking' Reminds Us Of Other Unlikely Follow-Ups
Posted 1/11/11 3:25 pm EST by Terri Schwartz in Commentary, News
So when The Los Angeles Times reported that Granik's next planned film is a reboot of "Pippi Longstocking" (pictured), were were just a wee bit surprised. But as the Times goes on to point out, the transition makes perfect sense. Longstocking is one of "fiction's original tomboys," and the choice to make a film about her continues Granik's streak of creating strong female heroines who rise above the tropes of typical Hollywood roles for women.
Still, Granik isn't the first director to follow up one film with another that's drastically different in both tone and theme. After the jump, see five other directors who've done just that -- to varying results.
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Tags 500 days of summer, Cop Out, darren aronofsky, Debra Granik, four christmases, kevin smith, lord of the rings, Marc Webb, Pippi Longstocking, red state, Seth Gordon, spider-man, The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters, The Lovely Bones, The Wolverine, winter's bone