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Woody Allen is back in form and better than ever in the very funny bittersweet romantic comedy “Cafe Society.” Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart and Steve Carell are perfect in the central triangle but all the actors–including some not so famous–are delightful.
This film also looks absolutely gorgeous–like buttah–thanks to Vittorio Storaro’s cinematography and a sumptuous production design. Woody himself narrates the saga of Hollywood vs. New York in the 1930s, and the film is full of Allen’s best laughs, great one liners and essential philosophies.
The press loved it, too–laughing all the way through the screening. There are some hilarious moments. But there are serious ones, too, as Woody described later at the press conference. He attempted to make a movie unfold like a novel– and it worked. The story is in three acts with many quick sidetrips throughout the characters’ stories. It’s a rich screenplay.
PS I see that in the US Ronan Farrow, Woody Allen’s misguided estranged son, has launched an attack on his father through the Hollywood Reporter– a trade magazine run by tabloid people. Shame on him. Manipulated all his life, Farrow waited until Allen had a new movie open to attack him. Why doesn’t he reach out privately and solve his own issues? No one’s buying this stuff.
EXCLUSIVE Justin Timberlake has the song of the summer with “Can’t stop the Feeling,” lodged at number 1 with no sign of letting up. “Can’t Stop” will be on the “Trolls” soundtrack from Dreamworks this fall.
In fact, Justin has two more big hits coming from the “Trolls” album over the next few months. He’s recorded duets with both Gwen Stefani and Ariana Grande. Their releases will be staggered through the year as Justin works on a new album scheduled for next year.
But all the songs will be out by September 23rd, a week before the Grammy deadline. That’s when the “Trolls” CD hits stores and the internet. Timberlake was snubbed by the Grammys two years ago when they ignored his 20/20 album, even though it was the biggest seller of the year. They dare not do that again.
Justin will perform “Can’t Stop” on Wednesday afternoon in Cannes at a presentation for “Trolls” by outgoing chairman Jeffrey Katzenberg. Anna Kendrick will also perform a song from the movie.
Timberlake, Katzenberg, Kendrick, and various “Trolls” players celebrated last night (Tuesday) in Antibes at legendary Michelangelo’s restaurant with a table for about a dozen. Justin is a big fan of the New York version of the famed eatery– called Mamo, in Soho– and wanted to show it off to pals including manager Johnny Wright and publicist Sonia Muckle.
And who did they run into the small main dining room? Why Woody Allen and wife Soon Yi, with Woody’s team from Wednesday’s opening night film “Cafe Society.” Woody and Soon Yi’s teenage daughters probably won’t believe this story when they hear it– they stayed home for school exams. I’m not sure if Woody knows who Justin is, but his girls definitely do. Timberlake was in such awe of Woody he shook his hand and said, “I’m a big fan of your work.” Through the evening the waitresses stared at Justin, and Justin stared at Woody.
Cannes has not begun yet. It starts Wednesday night. But I’ve already been down to one of the beach clubs for pre-fest promo for Sony’s Angry Birds movie. The animated film stars Josh Gad and Omar Sy, who each appeared on a pier in black tie this afternoon. A (presumably paid) actor wore a very convincing Angry Birds outfit and posed for pictures with the boys. This was like an old time Cannes promo, with Champagne, mimosas, and hors d’ouevres galore. And the festival hasn’t even begun yet.
Everyone’s asking about security. Is it vey different. I would say, it’s subtle. A lot of extra security guards are posted, all wearing black suits, white shirts and ties. They’ve been incredibly friendly so far. We’ll see how long that lasts! (Seems like it will. Very calm on the Croisette.)
But bags are being checked. Wanding is going to be common practice. Patience, not known here as a virtue before, is going to be needed. Maybe umbrellas, too, from what I hear.
Meantime, Omar Sy has really become a movie star since “The Intouchables.” He told he’s got a bunch of projects coming. He starts in Ron Howard’s “Inferno” with Tom Hanks this October.
Josh Gad heads from here to Buffalo, New York tomorrow– to play my actual great uncle Sam Friedman in “Marshall” with Chadwick Boseman as Thurgood Marshall, directed by Reggie Hudlin. Sterling K. Brown has joined the cast. Two more hires are imminent for announcement. I know one, and I can say I am very pleased.
So get ready– it’s all starting. Tomorrow brings Woody Allen, Kristen Stewart, Justin Timberlake, and a bevy of celebs to town. Steven Spielberg is said to already be here, maybe on his yacht. Somewhere in town a Starbucks has reportedly opened, but we’re going to ignore it. But where our old beloved news and stationery store once stood across from the Palais is now … Dior!
“Oldchella”– the Coachella weekend with Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones, The Who, Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Roger Waters is expanding to a second weekend.
Promoter Goldenvoice is evidently sold out of all the tickets to the October 7th-9th senior citizen festival for rockers. So now they’ve added the following weekend, October 14th-16th.
This means that for two weekends in a row leading up to the presidential election, hundreds of thousands of white, well to do educated voters will be in one place. So the questions are– will Hillary Clinton speak? Will politics play a part? Will Donald Trump be welcomed or shunned? Because you know this event — called Desert Trip–is too good not to be exploited by the candidates in some fashion.
Yes, yes, maybe you heard Katy Perry is going to perform at the Cannes amFAR dinner this year. Sharon Stone will be allowed back, as well.
But amFAR is going to be upstaged earlier in the week by bigger stars at a more lavish event.
Chopard’s Cannes gala on Monday,May 16th is going to feature an all out show by the diva of all divas, Miss Diana Ross. And opening for the one and only leader of the Supremes will be DJ Mark Ronson, he of the “Uptown Funk” Grammy award this year.
Already the glitterati are fighting to get into the Chopard dinner, which will also feature a bevy of stars including (or starting with) Helen Mirren. (No Jane Fonda this year– she has already started filming season three of “Grace and Frankie” with Lily Tomlin for Netflix.)
And get this: this is the same night the Croisette will be at a traffic standstill from a Harvey Weinstein produced tribute to Robert De Niro and the advanced screening of his film “Hands of Stone.”
PS The other Cannes craziness involves Justin Timberlake’s appearance this Wednesday afternoon for the presentation of “Trolls” footage by DreamWorks Animation. Since Friday, Timberlake has had the number 1 single in the world with “Can’t Stop the Feeling.” The word is he may be performing it in conjunction with that presentation.
Kesha, the pop star who’s become a standard bearer after a highly publicized case against her producer Dr. Luke, stole the show Saturday night in Hollywood at the annual Humane Society gala. She wowed the crowd with a gut wrenching version of Diane Warren and Lady Gaga’s Oscar nominated anti-rape anthem “Til it Happens to You.” Warren — who was being honored as Humanitarian of the Year– accompanied her on the piano.
Kesha’s rawness and ferocity reflected her ongoing struggle with producer Dr. Luke and Sony, whom she sued for sexual assault in 2014. “I want to dedicate this song to every man, woman, child and animal that has ever been abused, “ Kesha said before she sang the song, as animal collages were shown.
The star-studded room was entranced and gave her a 5-minute standing ovation. Kesha later told me, “Look I’m still standing. I want to be an inspiration for women to come forward. I want to make sure the legislation is changed. I want to talk about this with lawmakers. And I want animals to be treated humanely in all areas.”
Diane told me: “When it comes to being a people person, I prefer animals. I just love that so many of my artists are here. Steven Tyler, (who sang one of his most successful songs in his storied career that Diane penned, “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing,)” Jhene Aiki, Zendaya, Leona Lewis, I’m working with all of them. I wrote an amazing song for Michelle Obama, “This is For My Girls.“ I’m going to Washington next week for a lunch Michelle is doing. I really respect her, I want to talk to her about running for President and animals of course.”
Killed it @KeshaRose. I could feel your pain. Girl these boys won’t be in charge forever. The wisdom of women is rising. Let’s get louder
Moby was the host and noted, “ I’m a vegan. I love animals generally more than people. Animals don’t start wars or vote Republican. “ Of the CEO”s that run the horrible factory farms Moby commented,” there’s a special place in hell for them. Right below pedophiles and Donald Trump.”
Moby also added “Diane is just fucking great,” and Wayne Pacelle, the respected President and CEO of HSUS, agreed.. He said of Diane. “Diane is one of the great talents in the United States, and we’re so glad to honor her for her incredible compassion for all animals. “ To have someone with that kind of talent associated with animal protection just adds real sizzle to everything we do. “ Wayne, who has a best selling book currently out “The Humane Economy,” and HSUS do terrific work.
Celebs that agree and were there were Priscilla Presley with her granddaughter Riley Keough, Ian Somerhalder and Nikki Reed, Frances Fisher, Songwriter/Producer Bruce Roberts, filmmaker Amy Ziering, Kathy Freston, Carol Leifer, actress Kate Mara who passionately spoke about implementing “meatless Mondays,’ and more. All in all, a meaningful night for our precious animal friends.
Disney says “Civil War” rebounded on Saturday and will do well enough today–Sunday–that it made $181 million for the weekend. Revisions tomorrow.
The terribly reviewed “Mother’s Day” actually increased by 9% over last weekend. I guess a lot of people said Let’s take mom. How bad can it be? And you know there’s no sex or violence or coherence.
The rest of the box office is pretty dull but the new “Barbershop” movie is inching towards $50 million. It couldn’t have cost that much. Go WB!
Sony waits for “Money Monster” next Friday like water in the desert. I’m rooting for them. We see it Thursday in Cannes.
Big statement tonight by singer Kesha. She’s performing tonight at the big A list gala for the Humane Society on the Paramount lot. My spies say she’s performing “Til it Happens to You,” the Oscar nominated anthem by Diane Warren and Lady Gaga. The song was written for rape survivors. Kesha claims she was raped by her producer Dr. Luke. (He denies it.) Moby, Priscilla Presley, and her granddaughter Riley Keough are in the audience. Stay tuned for more…
Ouch! The folks at DC Comics and Warner Bros. must be getting a little chuckle this morning. Marvel-Disney’s “Captain America: Civil War” opened far lower last night than “Batman v. Superman.”
The cap’n took in $75 million vs. BvS $81 million. And everyone hated the latter movie apparently. “Civil War” Friday included $25 million from Thursday night.
But “Civil War” may be softer than anyone expected. And that’s weird given the huge amount of money it’s made overseas in advance of its US opening. It’s already made $291 million in foreign lands.
Maybe that’s why Disney did the big worldwide opening first. Something in the research may have suggested a little burn out on “Avengers” movies. Because “Civil War” is another “Avengers” movie with a different title and the oddity of a new Spider Man. It’s really “Iron Man 4” (I’ve lost track.)
So we’ll see how the superheroes fly tonight and tomorrow. They should do $174 million and beat “BvS” ($166 mil opening weekend) easily. Still, who knows?
Fame is fleeting. The folks at Empire, the hot TV show of 2015, are finding that out. And they’re doing it with Sony Music. Last year at this time, the “Empire” sold 110,000 copies in its debut week. Then last winter, the follow up sold just 39,000 copies.
This week, the new “Empire” CD sold 15, 710 copies– around a tenth of the original CD last year. Whoops! That party is over. And there were no streaming numbers. No one streamed “Empire Season 2 Volume 2” at all? I guess not. I know it’s Spotify. I listened to it there. Will there be another “Empire” CD? Doubtful.
Elsewhere, Drake outsold Beyonce 3 to 1. “Lemonade” is just ten days old and it’s old news. Drake sold 825,000 CDs and downloads. But with streaming he finished up at 1,075,494. Drake is the Adele of the spring.
And Justin Timberlake is number 1 on the singles charts with his new release, “Can’t Stop the Feeling.”
