MovieZen Blog

A “Smart” talking trio

Anne Hathaway absolutely had no problem with all the guys on the set of “Get Smart,” and Steve Carell certainly had no worries about his sexy co-star towering over him as Agent 99.

Meanwhile, Masi Oki, who plays unforgettable tech nerd Bruce, was simply happy to be there. (Apparently, Warner Bros was equally happy to have him since the company will release the straight-to-DVD comedy, “Get Smarter: Bruce & Lloyd Out of Control,” on June 30. Partner Lloyd is played by Nate Torrence, recently of NBC’s critically acclaimed but canceled ”Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.”)

"This was just a great film and the first thing was that it was a great (television) series and it had a great comedy cast already,” Masi explained. “One of my big idols growing up was Alan Arkin (“The Chief” in the movie) and, having grown up in The Second City family, these are the guys that I worshiped and have always really wanted to work with them."

"For me this was a really easy choice. I could only do one movie (during his hiatus from TV’s “Heroes”) and this was the one that I wanted to do. I'm glad that the producers gave me a shot and I was very fortunate."

Similarly eager Hathaway, who cut her movie teeth on "The Princess Diaries” films, even claimed that playing a Barbara Feldon-like spy in high heels wasn’t a concern. “I had excellent training in 'The Devil Wears Prada.' I had to run around wearing them.  So, when it came time to add some high kicks and jumps, it wasn't that bad. Having a stunt double who did it much better than me also helped.”

As for being on a set filled with men, Hathaway added (during a recent L.A. press conference): “I could never be annoyed with all these fine fellas. It was such a delight. I feel like I was so indulged every day by these guys, being the only girl.  It was fun.  Some days I felt like they were trying to be very polite around me, keeping a primmer environment, until I would just tell the dirtiest joke I could think of just to put everybody at ease.”

Carell, the Emmy-winning boss of “The Office” who’s now recreating the Maxwell Smart character that the late Don Adams made so famous on the small screen, agreed that his co-star was up for everything thrown at her. “Anne is actually a fantastic dancer and I am not, so I think the inherent challenge there was to try to make me look good."

“And, if I may further comment about the high heels for Anne?  There were several scenes in the movie where we were running toward Disney Hall at full tilt.  I was running as fast as I could possibly run.  Anne Hathaway was wearing 4, 5, 6-inch heels and she was kicking my ass.  I have no idea how that is physically possible.”

John M. Urbancich

Jmuvies
Cleveland Sun -- Intermission

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What’s Really In A Name?

George Clooney may have looks and talent but according to a survey in the UK he’s really not very attractive at all.

A researcher from the UK today unveiled findings from an experiment where 7000 people were given a list of common male and female names and asked which names they considered to be lucky, attractive and successful.  Which name was considered one of the least attractive?...sorry Mr. Clooney, but it’s George. According to this survey, the owners of the names Richard, Helen and Elizabeth should also put bags over their heads. Apologies to Mr. Gere, Ms, Mirren,  and Ms. Taylor respectively (and so much for surveys!).

On the flip side, Ryan Philippe , Sarah Jessica Parker, and James Marsden can all flaunt their stuff as their first names were deemed most attractive.

In Hollywood where it’s all about luck, if your first name is Jack, Ryan and Katie then you’re on the road to success. Just ask, Mr. Black, Mr. Gosling, and of course, the luckiest woman in Hollywood, Ms. Holmes.  JOHN Travolta, ANN Hathaway, and HELEN Mirren?...not so lucky. (I didn’t say this survey was scientific.)

The least successful names?...Brian, Lucy and Stephen. Sorry, Mr. Austin Green, Ms. Liu, and Mr. Baldwin. (Hmmm, well maybe there’s something to this survey after all…)

Limoge
Opinionella

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