Bill Murray Page 8

The legendary Bill Murray received the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for his services to comedy and the arts this weekend, but the Chicago Cubs die-hard also had another reason to celebrate at the weekend, as his team ended a 71 year old curse to enter baseball’s World Series.

On Sunday night, 66 year old Murray attended a ceremony in Washington D.C. where he was awarded the annual prize for American Humour at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. However, some had been concerned that he might skip it to watch the Cubs instead, but they wrapped up the series in the sixth game against the Los Angeles Dodgers the night before.

Bill Murray leaving 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' in March 2016

Continue reading: Bill Murray Celebrates Mark Twain Prize And Chicago Cubs Win In Same Weekend

Ivan Reitman, the director of the original Ghostbusters movie has revealed that if a third film had of been made it would have featured Bill Murray’s character Peter Venkman dying. Murray wasn't keen on revisiting the franchise after the 1989 sequel, so the only way of getting him to return was to ensure his character would be killed off.

Bill Murray was killed off in the unmade third Ghostbusters movie.

Speaking to Vulture Reitman revealed the plot of the unmade film: “Bill and Sigourney's kid, Oscar, is a postgrad student, and weird things start to happen. Bill Murray dies in the first scene, because he always said, ‘I won't do it unless I die.’”

Continue reading: Bill Murray Was Set To Be Killed Off In 'Ghostbusters 3'

If you're still unsure as to what to think about the upcoming 'Ghostbusters' re-boot starring Melissa McCarthy and others in the originally male lead roles, let the cast of the original movie help you. They seem to be pretty excited about the feminine twist to their beloved franchise.

Bill Murray gives Ghostbusters his seal of approval

The cast of the original 1984 film (Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson and Annie Potts) joined the cast of the new addition to the franchise (Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones) on an episode of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' last night (June 8th 2016) for 'Ghostbusters Day' - aka, the 32nd anniversary of when the film first hit theaters.

Continue reading: Bill Murray Shows Support For 'Ghostbusters' With Jimmy Kimmel Union

The Jungle Book, directed by Jon Favreau has roared to the top of the US box office this weekend, taking a massive $103m. The film managed one of the biggest ever April debuts in US box office history as well as giving Disney its best opening for a live-action remake since Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland in 2010.

The Jungle Book has topped the US box office.

The film stars Neel Sethi as Mowgli and features the voices of Bill Murray, Idris Elba, Ben Kingsley, Lupita Nyong'o and Scarlett Johansson. It's earned glowing reviews from audiences and critics, including a very impressive 94% Rotten Tomatoes rating.

Continue reading: 'The Jungle Book' Takes A Massive $103 Million At US Box Office

'The Jungle Book' has returned in one of the most visually stunning epics of the year. Directed by Jon Favreau, this new re-make of the Rudyard Kipling tale and its 60s Disney take-off follows the adventures of Mowgli and his jungle friends with live action and crisp CGI design. It was never going to fail visually, but how has this resurfaced story really affected critics?

The Jungle Book is a sensational spectacle

Predictably, the jaw-dropping CGI animals has left little to criticize. Indiewire branded it 'a lavish technological spectacle' that 'pushes the capabilities of computer-generated imagery' and the Hollywood Reporter called it 'exceptionally beautiful to behold and bolstered by a stellar vocal cast', referring to such voice artists as Scarlett Johansson (Kaa the snake), Christopher Walken (King Louie the ape), Bill Murray (Baloo the bear), Idris Elba (Shere Khan the tiger) and Ben Kingsley (Bagheera the panther).

Continue reading: 'The Jungle Book' Has Set The Bar For Cinematic Beauty This Year

A-listers including Johnny Depp, Bradley Cooper and George Clooney all had one unfortunate thing in common this year. All three stars have films included in 2015’s list of biggest box office flops. The list, compiled by Forbes, takes into account the films' worldwide gross against their estimated production costs.

Johnny Depp’s Mortdecai has made the list of 2015’s biggest flops.

Topping the list is comedy Rock the Kasbah, starring Bruce Willis, Kate Hudson and Zooey Deschanel. The film only took $2.87m at the box-office but cost an estimated $15m to make, giving it only a 19.13% return on its budget.

Continue reading: Johnny Depp And George Clooney Movies Rank Among 2015's Biggest Box Office Flops

It may have been 30 years since the first Ghostbusters movie hit the big screen, but the franchise is still as popular and beloved as ever. But while the original cast will sadly not be reuniting for a third movie, they have all managed to come together again to grace the cover of Entertainment Weekly’s ‘Reunions’ issue.

Continue reading: The Cast Of 'Ghostbusters' Reunites For 30th Anniversary!

So we all got pretty excited when we found out that Bill Murray doesn't have an agent, and that, should you want to pitch the movie legend a part, you have to find his secret number (which nobody knows) and leave your idea on his answering machine. This week, we learned that Christopher Nolan - one of the world's most innovative movie directors - doesn't have an email address.

Christopher Nolan's 'Interstellar' has scored excellent reviews

In a wide ranging profile in the New York Times Magazine, we learned that the filmmaker responsible for Memento, The Prestige and The Dark Knight trilogy doesn't own an email address and so gets his assistant to print out important memos for him. 

Continue reading: Obviously Interstellar's Christopher Nolan Doesn't Have An Email Address

For many years, Bill Murray has held out on the possibility of a third Ghostbusters movie without explaining why. In an interview with Variety, however, the veteran actor finally opened up as to the specific reservations he had over such a project.

Bill Murray opened up slightly about the third Ghostbusters film and why he keeps holding out

The interview was conducted primarily to promote Murray’s upcoming comedy St. Vincent, but discussion turned to the Ghostbusters movie after it was announced last week that the much-loved ‘80s franchise will be returning for a third instalment with an all-female ghostbusting ensemble.

Continue reading: Bill Murray Opens Up About 'Ghostbusters 3'

If you aren't getting into a festive mood as winter approaches, maybe Bill Murray can give you a helping hand as he will be reportedly spreading Christmas cheer via a holiday TV special, in which the veteran actor will sing Christmas carols.

Murray will perform Christmas carols in a TV special

Murray confirmed to Variety, as well as appearing on the television special, he will be teaming up with his 'Lost In Translation' director Sofia Coppola, who will take the helm of the project, but at this current moment very little details are known.

Continue reading: Bill Murray Set To Sing Christmas Carols On Upcoming Holiday TV Special

Doesn’t it seem like there’s never a normal, run of the mill story about Bill Murray? He's always either crashing someone’s party, dishing out advice to strangers or being honoured with his very own 'day'. But as an actor, Murray is still able to get us very giddy, all he needs to do is announce an exciting new work project. Case in point: this 'Christmas TV special'.

Bill Murray always manages to surprise us

Yes when you think of Bill Murray at Christmas time you probably have a vision of him in Scrooged, saying ‘bah humbug’ to it all. But this Christmas Murray looks set to show an altogether different side of himself, the side which apparently sings classic carols.

Continue reading: Bill Murray Will Perform Classic Christmas Carols In Upcoming TV Special! Yes, This Is Happening

The London Film Festival kicked off this week with the UK premiere of The Imitation Game, attended by stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Mark Strong, Charles Dance, Allen Leech and Matthew Beard. It was a rainy red carpet on Leicester Square, but everyone went on to party into the night after the screening.

Photos - LFF: The Imitation Game premiere

Continue reading: A Week In Movies: Stars Turn Out In For The London Film Festival, As Films Premiere In London And New York, Wahlberg Shoots Ted 2 And Trailers Bow For American Sniper And Ouija

Critics have plenty to say about St. Vincent, the soon-to-be-released comedy drama written and directed by Theodore Melfi, but not all of it is as positive as the film.

Bill Murray and Melissa McCarthy star in St. Vincent.

Read More: Guess What Bill Murray Went And Did?

Continue reading: Is Bill Murray's Performance Strong Enough To Save 'St. Vincent' From Critics' Sneers?

Bill Murray probably knew it was time to crash another birthday party and send the internet into raptures. This time, the Lost in Translation star turned up at a bash in Charleston, South Carolina and danced with the crowd to DJ Snake and the Lil Jon hit 'Turn Down For What'.

Bill Murray, celebrating Bill Murray day

Although we say he crashed the party, it turns out that Murray was actually invited by the party's chef - his good friend. The actor owns a home in Charleston and is a regular on the social scene.

Continue reading: Guess What Bill Murray Went And Did Again

There is just no stopping Chris Pratt. Funny, attractive, and the kind of guy everyone wants as a best friend, he's gone from supporting cast member in 'Parks and Recreation' to global superstar thanks to Guardians of the Galaxy, and it seems there's no end in sight to Pratt's word domination. Next up he'll be taking on the mantel of 'Saturday Night Live' host as the hit US variety sketch show gears up for its fortieth season.

Chris Pratt with on-screen wife Aubrey Plaza

The three hour gala special will air on September 27th and undoubtedly will feature a lot of guest appearences from 'Saturday Night Live' alumni. Ariana Grande will be the musical guest. The show has kick-started the careers of actors including Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Mike Myers, Kristen Wiig, and Pratt's 'Parks and Recreation' co-star, Amy Poehler. 

Continue reading: Chris Pratt To Host Saturday Night Live Season Premiere

Bill Murray is heading to the Toronto Film Festival with his latest movie St Vincent in which he plays a boozy war veteran who befriends Melissa McCarthy's young son. Toronto appears to have a number of the Oscar-buzz movies this year, with Nightcrawler, Foxcatcher and Mr Turner also showing in Canada.

Bill Murray in 'St Vincent'

In the latest batch of announcements, St Vincent joins Second Coming, a British movie starring Idris Elba about an unexpected pregnancy. X + Y is about a young maths prodigy played by Asa Butterfield. It also stars Sally Hawkins, Rafe Spall and the exceptional Eddie Marsan.

Continue reading: Bill Murray Heads To Toronto Film Festival 2014, Line-Up Now Complete

Bill Murray is just the latest big Hollywood star to join an ensemble cast in Disney's forthcoming 'Jungle Book' movie. The 63 year-old actor is set to voice the beloved bear Baloo for the live action/animation flick, which will be a remake of the 1967 cartoon version.

Murray will voice the king-hearted bear, Baloo

The project's director, Jon Favreu, confirmed the casting news by posting a photograph of the animated versions of Baloo and Mowgli on Instagram this past Friday (Aug 2nd). "Looks like we cast our Baloo. So we have that going for us. Which is nice. #junglebook," the caption read.

Continue reading: Bill Murray Announced As The Voice Of Baloo In Disney's New 'Jungle Book' Movie

 If Bill Murray offers any advice, then you better listen!

The 63 year-old actor made a groom-to-be very happy over Memorial Day weekend by crashing his bachelor party.

But how did this random event occur?

Continue reading: Bill Murray Invades Bachelor Party To Offer Groom Some Sound Advice

The Grand Budapest Hotel is preparing to throw its doors open to the world, having premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival in February. Director Wes Anderson has built his career upon his idiosyncratically quirky, colourful and surrealist movies and the eagerly-anticipated Budapest looks to be no different.

Critics Have Heaped Praise On To 'The Grand Budapest Hotel.'

Early reviews have bathed the movie in a warm glow of praise, loving the kitsch details, kooky plotline, and star-packed cast, which includes (deep breath), Ralph Fiennes, Saoirse Ronan, Willem Dafoe, Adrien Brody, Owen Wilson, Jeff Goldblum, Jude Law, Bill Murray, Edward Norton, F. Murray Abraham, Mathieu Amalric, Tilda Swinton, Jason Schwartzman, and Harvey Keitel.

Continue reading: 'The Grand Budapest Hotel' Is An Instant Hit With Critics, In Praise Of Wes Anderson's Delightful New Movie [Trailer + Pictures]

Hollywood was out in full force for one of last night's biggest and most glamorous Oscars after-parties, hosted by Vanity Fair. After the star-studded ceremony had taken place, guests flocked to the annual party and its new specially designed setting at 8680 Sunset Boulevard, built under the direction of architect Basil Walter, according to the magazine.

'Scandal' Star Kerry Washington Looked Elegant In A Dusty Purple Down.

Guests were greeted with cocktails and music as they arrived at the V.F. editor Graydon Carter-hosted event. A steady procession of movie star A-listers filed into the party to celebrate their wins, congratulate each other and try out a little bit of dancing. It was an evening of merriment and friendship, even between former lovers.

Continue reading: Bill Murray, Lupita Nyong'o, Benedict Cumberbatch Get The Vanity Fair Oscars After-Party Started [Pictures]

Ghostbusters III remains on course for release despite the death of Harold Ramis, who was set to play one of the main characters. Ramis died on Monday after a long illness, prompting countless tributes from those who knew and respected the filmmaker as well as from his fans across the globe.

Harold Ramis' Death Was Saddening But Will Not Prevent A Third 'Ghostbusters' Being Released.

Ramis' Ghostbusters co-stars, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson and Rick Moranis, have also paid their respects to their long-time friend but are seemingly prepared to see the new movie through without him.

Continue reading: 'Ghostbusters III' Will Still Happen, Despite Death Of Harold Ramis

Comedy actor and director Harold Ramis sadly passed away last night at age 69. Tributes have been flooding in with many of Hollywood’s biggest names wishing to pay their respects to the ‘Ghostbuster’s’ star. Remis’s career included writing, directing and starring in some of the greatest comedies of the last thirty years. In tribute to Ramis, here’s a look back at 10 of movies he’ll be remembered for.

Harold Ramis Was Part of the Legendary Comedy 'Animal House'

Animal House (1978)

Continue reading: Harold Ramis, A Comedy Great: But Which Was His Finest Movie?

Not content with glitzy premieres across the globe, George Clooney, Matt Damon and Bill Murray took their World War II black comedy/drama The Monuments Men to the White House to let the most powerful people in the free world take a look.

Bill Murray and George Clooney drive to The White House

That’s right, President Obama and his cronies in Washington sat down, rolled out the popcorn and took in The Monuments Men with a big coke. The big coke and popcorn parts are spurious conjecture, but come on. I mean, come on. The film screened in the Family Theater, and participants had particular historical and social relevance – like the movie itself. This event was not open to the press.

Continue reading: Did Anyone At The White House Enjoy 'The Monuments Men'? Obama?

Bill Murray gets straight to the point!

The 63 year-old actor was as sarcastic and hilarious as ever when attending a buyer's brunch at the 2014 International Film Festival Berlinale.

Murray has two films premiering at the event, Wes Anderson's 'The Grand Budapest Hotel' and George Clooney's World War II flick 'The Monuments Men'.

Continue reading: Bill Murray Claims Shia LeBeouf's "Funny Name" Is The Reason For His Odd Behaviour

George Clooney led a star studded red carpet on Tuesday for the New York premiere of his new film ‘The Monuments Men’ The actor, who also co-wrote and directed the film, appeared alongside stars Hugh Bonnerville, Bill Murray, Cate Blanchett and John Goodman last night, where he spoke about his excitement at the film’s release.

George Clooney arriving at the world premiere of 'The Monuments Men

Clooney told The Hollywood Reporter that he was glad the film’s release date got pushed back, saying "I'm excited about the release date; we're in a really good slot.” The movie was initially meant to come out in December, but had its release pushed back to  March when it became clear the film wouldn't be finished on time. The actor added, "looking back it was a really tough December, so I'm really happy we have some breathing room, it’s nice.”

The film, based on a book by Robert Edsel, tells the story of an Allied group named the 'Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives Program', who were tasked with saving pieces of art and other culturally important items before their destruction by Hitler during World War II. Clooney admitted that adapting Edsel’s 700 page book was challenging saying, "The biggest challenge was making it not a civics lesson because there's a lot of detail that if you just do that, then it's a really boring civics lesson, and we set up at the beginning to make it an entertaining film.” The author himself commented, "They're telling a dramatic story. My book is telling the historical story, they had to make adjustments to be able fit it into two hours because it goes by with the snap of a finger. The overarching principles of my book are intact.”

The real Monuments Men comprised of about 350 men and women, but the character list was whittled down to eight for the film. Hugh Bonneville explained the decision saying, "in our film, it's been distilled down to a manageable eight, so I think all the characters are an amalgam." His co-star Bob Balaban added “all the stuff that happens in it is true, but a lot of it is compressed and our characters are combinations of characters.”

Continue reading: George Clooney Leads All Star Cast At World Premiere Of 'The Monuments Men' [Pictures]

News from the Star Wars universe had fans nervous, as screenwriter Michael Arndt left his Episode VII draft to be rewritten by director Jj Abrams and Star Wars veteran Lawrence Kasdan, who wrote 1980's The Empire Strikes Back. Arndt hinted that the film's release might be delayed until 2016 as a result. Read the full story here.

The biggest rumour this week was that Meryl Streep may join the cast of The Expendabelles, the female spin-off from Sylvester Stallone's Expendables franchise. Cameron Diaz and Milla Jovovich are also up for roles in the adventure thriller. But this would be Streep's first action movie since The River Wild, 20 years ago. See who else is rumoured to join the cast here!

Continue reading: A Week In Movies: Meryl Streep Takes Action! Daniel Radcliffe Runs! And We Get New Trailers For X-Men, Budapest Hotel And More

In the 1940s, a group of men unite to try and save history in the alternative World War II epic that is The Monuments Men. They’re not attempting to bring down the Fuhrer, infiltrate a lab to steal secrets or secure a key territory in the fight against fascism though; they’re preserving culture by protecting the architecture and history of an endangered people.

Watch the Monuments Men trailer

The film is led by a ridiculous cast, consisting of the Oscar darling George Clooney, the ever-busy Matt Damon, the irrepressible Cate Blanchett, cult comedy heros Bill Murray & John Goodman, and the multi-talented Bob Balaban.

Continue reading: Oscars 2014 Predictions: The Star-Studded 'Monuments Men'

Bill Murray recounts the tail of his first meeting with George Clooney and their prank involving pushing a wheelchair into a swimming pool. According to the 63-year-old Murray, he and 52-year-old Clooney became friends instantly after meeting for the first time at the Venice Film Festival a few years ago. This friendship, in part, came from an understanding that they had a very similar sense of humour after they pushed a friend around in a wheelchair before dumping him in a swimming pool.

Related: The Cast Of 'Ghostbusters' Reunites For 30th Anniversary!

Murray appeared on 'The Late Show with David Letterman', recounting the night he met Clooney. Murray explained: ''I met [Clooney] at the Venice Film Festival a few years ago and it's one of those places where people from Hollywood who are square like 364 days of the year, they will get weird in Venice. I don't know why, I don't know if it's the smell of the water or what, but all of these Hollywood kinds get crazy but not George, he's not one of them."

Continue reading: Bill Murray And George Clooney Became Friends After Wheelchair Prank

Bill Murray certainly turned some heads on the 20th birthday episode of The Late Show with David Letterman when he arrived in style as Liberace. Well and truly pimped out in the same kind of extravagant gear Liberice was famous for. He then sat down with a little dog: nothing more than an accessory to his outlandish garms.

Letterman said: “Wow that was wonderful Bill. Delightful. I am delightful. I didn't know you had a dog.” Bill said: “I had to get something that went with this outfit.” The audience, of course, were loving all this. Bill told them: “You know I love you audience. I love you, but I dont have time tonight. ‘Cos Im only here for one reason,” before pointing at Letterman. (Daily Mail)

Murray was the first guest on Letterman's first show on CBS in August 1993 and also the first guest on Letterman's first late-night show on NBC in 1982. The pair have appeared together on the show some 25 times. He always has something prepared for any of the myriad Letterman shows he’s appeared on.

Continue reading: Bill Murray On Letterman - He Was Always Going To Do SOMETHING

George Clooney's latest assault on the Hollywood awards' season, The Monuments Men, remains the favorite to win Best Picture at the Oscars in February 2014 following the release of the first trailer this week.

Directed and co-written by the popular actor, the movie is based on the incredible and at times unbelievable story of a special unit formed in World War II to save rare antiques, art and architecture from destruction.

Clooney also plays the lead role, a man tasked with pulling together a team of curators and historians - played by Matt Damon, John Goodman, Bill Murray, Jean Dujardin and Bob Balaban - and attempting to mould them into a fighting force. 

Continue reading: Clooney's 'The Monuments Men' Remains Oscar Favorite After Trailer Release

The first trailer for upcoming George Clooney movie The Monuments Men has dropped ahead of the 2013/2014 film release. American audiences will catch the film this year, but most other countries (including the UK) will have to wait until 2014.

George Clooney Is Firmly At The Helm Of The Monuments Men As Actor, Writer & Director.

Here in Britain, we've been teased with snaps showing the glamorous American A-listers, such as Clooney himself, Matt Damon, Bill Murray and John Goodman, filming in "exotic" authentic wartime locations on our shores and occasionally popping by to check out the local amenities.

Continue reading: 'The Monuments Men': First Trailer Released For Upcoming George Clooney WWII Movie [Trailer]

A host of Hollywood stars, including Clooney, Matt Damon, John Goodman, Bill Murray and Hugh Bonneville have landed in southern English locations while filming World War II movie The Monuments Men in Rye, Sussex, and Duxford's Imperial War Museum in Cambridgeshire.

Adapted from the 2010 true story novel, Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves And The Greatest Treasure Hunt In History, by Robert M. Edsel, the film will be centred upon a group of historians and art curators - members of the 'Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives' program - a taskforce who work together to recover priceless artwork stolen by Nazis and other important cultural items, before they are destroyed by Hitler or bombed in the six-year-long conflict.

The film, which is produced and directed by Clooney, will also co-star Cate Blanchett and The Artist's Jean Dujardin, and will use the former airfield in Duxford for plane scenes and American war-base footage, and the coastal Rye location for shotting of a nautical nature.

Continue reading: Hollywood Meets Sussex: Clooney And Co Shoot 'The Monuments Men' [Pictures]

Remember back in December when we - perhaps ambitiously - tipped Bill Murray for an Oscar nomination for his turn in Hyde Park on Hudson? You may have peered over the article in nodding agreement, but it never happened, did it? The Academy snubbed both Murray and Hyde Park on Hudson entirely. Ok, so the historical movie didn't get the reviews that, say, The King's Speech enjoyed, though Murray's performance got people talking.

The actor should have won the prize for Best Actor for Lost In Translation - that's for sure - but he didn't, and now it's looking increasingly unlikely that Murray will lift the golden statuette. In his latest movie, Murray depicts one of the most revered United States presidents of all time, Franklin D Roosevelt. The film focuses mainly on a weekend in June 1939 when FDR hosted King George and Queen Elizabeth at his family's home in upstate New York. World War II was on the horizon and the British were seeking out the Americans for help. The New York Times said, "Roosevelt was one of the towering figures of the 20th century, but he and his accomplishments scarcely register in this amorphous, bafflingly aimless movie," while Time Magazine said, "Director Roger Michell's movie is, pretty consistently, dreadful." The Associated Press mused, "But Murray's subtly charming presence ends up being one of the stronger elements of the otherwise lightweight romance Hyde Park on Hudson." He bookmakers couldn't really figure out whether Murray was an Oscar contender or not - some offered odds of 66/1 for the Best Actor win, while others offered as little as 20/1. We thought he had a chance. He didn't.

Anyway, the movie hits cinemas in the UK on Friday (January 31, 2013). Go and enjoy Murray's performance and decide for yourself. Is it Oscar worthy?

Continue reading: Why Did The Academy Snub Bill Murray And Hyde Park On Hudson?

If there are any fans out there, who particular enjoy the alchemy of film and iconic political figures, then the summer of 2012 will likely go down as your best yet. We've had Steven Spielberg's Lincoln: a political biopic of Abraham Lincoln's struggle to abolish slavery, and now we've got Hyde Park on Hudson: the story of the love affair between FDR and his distant cousin Margaret Suckley.

Suckley, who also goes by the name of Daisy, is portrayed by Laura Linney in the film, which stars Bill Murray as FDR himself. Linney has opened up to KOSU News about playing one of history's lesser known players. "Unless you live or grew up around Rhinebeck, N.Y., I guarantee you most people don't know who Daisy Suckley is. And I'm very interested, and always have been, in the Roosevelts, and I had never heard of Daisy," she explained. "The more I learned about Daisy, the more I sort of deeply admired her. She was very quiet, she was -- she needed no attention, which in this day and age is so rare, and culturally so in direct opposition to the time we're living in, where everything seems to be -- every emotion, action, thought -- seems to be advertised. She was someone who was very self-contained."

Hyde Park, unfortunately, hasn't hit the heights of it political-film rival Lincoln in terms of critical reception. It does, however, boast a terrific performance (as ever) from Bill Murray, who, despite the film's failings, is being talked about as a possible Oscar contender.

Bill Murray playing one of America's greatest presidents, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, may not have been everyones first choice, however recent reviews of the upcoming movie Hyde Park On Hudson have more or less been only concerned with Murray's stellar performance, complaining that the film itself is a bit of a dud.

The film itself covers the scandalous relationship between FDR and his cousin and eventual mistress, Daisy Suckley, who is played by Laura Linney in the film. The movie itself is set during a weekend visit by the King and Queen of the United Kingdom to upstate New York in  1939, although the love affair does serve as the main focus of the film.

Reviews that have been particularly praiseworthy of Murray's performance including The New York Observer, which first denounces Daniel Day-Lewis' presidential turn in favour of Murray before saying: "At the center of the action, holding the pieces together with infectious dazzle, a droll Bill Murray simply seizes the center ring and holds one’s attention from beginning to end." Meanwhile another review in Rolling Stone said that Murray "has all the layers the rest of the movie doesn't have at all," adding that the actor's performance was "Oscar-worthy."

Continue reading: Review Round-Up: Does Bill Murray's Performance Save 'Hyde Park On Hudson'?

Kind of a disappointing showing this week folks, best hold on for those Christmas heartwarmers, or, if you’re one of the 56 people left on the globe that haven’t seen Skyfall, that’s probably still showing…

Hyde Park On Hudson has been touted by many as Bill Murray’s next stab at Oscar success. However, the movie itself has hardly received glowing reviews. Directed by Roger Michell (Notting Hill) and also starring Laura Linney and Olivia Williams, Hyde Park on Hudson tells the story of Franklin D Roosevelt and his love affair with his distant cousin, Margaret Stuckley. The ‘action’ takes place over a weekend in 1939, when the King & Queen of England visited upstate New York.

Murray’s performance has been hailed as a masterpiece and there have been mutterings of Oscar contention, but it seems that Murray is a jewel in a pretty shabby crown, here. He may carry the film, but it’s clear that it’s a deadweight. Bill will have to keep his fingers crossed that the Academy award voters can stay awake through the historical drama long enough to appreciate his performance.

Continue reading: Hot Tickets! This Weekend’s US Movie Releases: Hyde Park On Hudson, Playing For Keeps, Lay The Favorite, Bad Kids Go To Hell

As the reviews pour in for Hyde Park on Hudson, Bill Murray’s chances of getting an Oscar nomination seem to incher ever closer within reach. Admittedly, the reviews of the movie, overall, haven’t been exactly overwhelming anyone with praise, Kenneth Turan of Los Angeles Times explains it neatly when he said “Though he has competition, especially from the folks playing the visiting royals, Murray is very much the reason to see "Hyde Park."

In fact, judging by some of the reviews, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Bill Murray is the only reason to watch Hyde Park on Hudson. After all, Claudia Puig’s killer line “A romance that grows out of admiration over a stamp collection is about as boring as it sounds” hardly makes it sound as though it’s worth waiting for Murray’s shining moments, if you have to sit through a couple of hours of the cinematic equivalent of watching wallpaper dry, just to get to them.

Andrew O’Hehir seemed to have had a rather confusing experience, for such a seasoned cinema-goer. “I quite enjoyed Hyde Park on Hudson while I was watching it,” he explained, “but ultimately it feels like a minor picture on purpose, as if it had been deliberately designed to be everybody's second- or third-choice holiday film.” Bill Murray may well have pulled a stellar performance out of the bag but are the bods at the Academy going to notice it if they’re struggling to keep their eyes open?

Deciding what to go and see at the pictures this weekend? Already seen Lincoln, Twilight, Skyfall, to name a few? Well, Hyde Park On Hudson is released tonight (Friday, 7th) and we've had a look at some reviews to make your life a little easier. 

The good news is that we've made your decision for you, the bad news, for Roger Michell, who directed the film, is that it's enduring a pretty tough time with the critics. "Roosevelt was one of the towering figures of the 20th century, but he and his accomplishments scarcely register in this amorphous, bafflingly aimless movie," say The New York Times in a scathing review. "We can accept that F.D.R. was a charming cad, but if he weren't a great deal more than that there would be no reason to put him at the center of a movie," say another publication from the Big Apple, The New Yorker, while USA Today condemn the film as boring, saying, "A romance that grows out of admiration over a stamp collection is about as boring as it sounds."

It doesn't stop there: "I wish I could say that Bill Murray's performance as FDR was so wonderful it transcended the material, but the truth is that Murray's character never fully emerges from the fog," say Slate, and Village Voice wrote, "It's dispiriting that a film about the romantic life of Franklin D. Roosevelt, who cultivated a small coterie of mistresses, should exhibit so little interest in what engaged its hero..."

Continue reading: At The Movies: Hyde Park On Hudson Review Roundup

Little has caused more contention in the contactmusic office than our recent discussion about the Christmas films list! Obviously, everyone has their own favourite, and to them that will always be the top of the list. One thing that became all too clear to us was that - with the exception of Elf & Bad Santa - there really hasn't been too many full blown Christmas films so we'd like to make a plea to Bill Murray and the other Hollywood greats - PLEASE make a new (top quality) Christmas film to join these festive favourites! 

I can't say we particularly advocate parents encouraging their offspring to watch films above their age certificate, but it appears we all grew up in houses that didn't really mind what we watched - and let's face it, some of the best Christmas films might have a few boobs or rowdy drunken behaviour... As children of the 80's and 90's, we're fully aware that there's original to some of these remakes, but as is always the way, these are the films we grew up with and as such, they are our favourites. 

Enough explanation, in no particular order here are the films we recommend you watch over the holidays!

Continue reading: Top Twenty Classic Holiday Season Christmas Films

Charlie Sheen threatened to gun down a former associate of his with a Super 90 semi-automatic shotgun, according to a police report filed with the LAPD. Law enforcement sources tell TMZ.com that the man in question is "deathly afraid" that Charlie will murder him based on a text message that Charlie sent to a mutual friend.

The unnamed man fell out with Sheen recently and later learned that the Anger Management star vented about him in a text message to a woman. "I'll blow his head off with my Super 90," the message allegedly read. Police are currently investigating and want to speak with Charlie about the threats. A source close to the actor refused to go into detail but said, "The accuser is a dishonorably discharged military person with multiple probation violations who is trying to shake him down for money." Doesn't exactly deny the whole shotgun thing then?

Sheen will next be seen in Roman Coppola's A Glimpse Inside the Mind of Charles Swan III, about a graphic designer's slide into despair when his girlfriend breaks up with him. The movie boasts a stellar cast, which also includes Jason Schwartzman and Bill Murray.

Continue reading: Charlie Sheen Threatens To Shoot Man With Semi-Automatic Shotgun?

George Clooney has signed up British actors Daniel Craig and Hugh Bonneville for his new World War 2 movie The Monuments Men. The Bond and Downton Abbey stars will join established Hollywood actors John Goodman, Bill Murray, Cate Blanchett and Oscar winner Jean Dujardin, according to Deadline.

The movie, written by Clooney and Grant Heslov, tells the story of a group of art experts chosen by the US government to retrieve works stolen by the Nazis, before Hitler destroys them. It's based on Robert M Edsel's book The Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves, And The Greatest Treasure Hunt In History. "I'm excited about it," Clooney told industry website TheWrap. "It's a fun movie because it could be big entertainment. It's big budget - you can't do it small - it's landing in Normandy". Hitler's forces swept through the museums and private collections of Europe during World War II, though 'The Monuments Men' were the directors, curators and art historians who risked their lives to retrieve the masterpieces. "I'm not opposed to doing a commercial film, I'm just opposed to doing a commercial film that doesn't feel organic to me," Clooney said of the subject matter, adding, "So if we're going to do a commercial film we thought 'let's do something that seems fun and actually have something to say."

The movie is due to begin production in March 2013, with a release date likely to be set for 2014.

Continue reading: George Clooney Signs Up Daniel Craig For WW2 Flick 'The Monuments Men'

It's only right that a film about a dog named Sparky being brought back to life by his school-boy owner, firstly, be the creation of king of Halloween Tim Burton, and secondly that it be the first spark of hopefully many to set the BFI Film festival ablaze in filmic glory. Tim Burton's 'Frankenweenie' opened the festival in London today (Oct 10th 2012), not far from where the film was created in the east of the city.

The festival has been running for over fifty years and is a celebration of the world's most creative, inspiring and enjoyable films. Every year the festival is divided into categories, that differ year on year. For 2012 the assemblages are “Love, Laugh, Cult, Thrill and Debate.”

The festival will close with a new version of Charles Dickens' 'Great Expectations', adapted by Mike Newells. There will be a whole host of other premières including 'Hyde Park on Hudson' (a comedy about Franklin D. Roosevelt, starring Bill Murray), Ben Affleck's thriller 'Argo' and 'The Sessions' starring Helen Hunt and John Hawkes.

Continue reading: Frankenweenie Brings The BFI Film Festival 2012 To Life

Justin Timberlake, Bill Murray and Olympic swimming great Michael Phelps were among a slew of famous names who putted their way through the first Ryder Cup Captains and Celebrity Scramble on Tuesday (September 25th).

With the cup itself set to kick off on Friday (September 28th) the aim of the Captain and Celebrity Scramble was to provide a bit of light relief and warm-up entertainment, with stars teaming up with professional players over a 10-hole game at the Medinah Country Club in Illinois, the same venue where the Ryder Cup proper will tee off.

On confidence alone, professionals should've been clamouring to team up with Timberlake, give the great reception his new look Myspace has been attracting this week. However, he like many of the celebrities was more interested in playing up to the crowd than taking his own game seriously. So whilst the professionals carried the burden of the teams, the likes of Caddyshack star Murray indulged in joking around front the crowd whilst comedian George Lopez smoked a cigar and ordered beers for his team. The eventual winners were Lopez and swimmer Phelps, the latter's competitive spirit still shining through; Murray and his teammate Timberlake came second.

Legendary film star Bill Murray has spoken out about the accusations from his ex-wife over domestic abuse and drug addictions, stating that said accusations were "devastating". Murray was divorced by his wife, Jennifer Butler Murray, after ten years of marriage in May, 2008.

Jennifer Butler Murray claimed that "adultery, addiction to marijuana and alcohol, abusive behaviour, physical abuse, sexual addictions and frequent abandonment" were the cause of their separation. The information comes from leaked legal documents, following her and their four children leaving the family home during 2006.

Related: Need Bill Murray? Who You Gonna Call? Well, His 0800 Number Is A Good Start

Continue reading: Bill Murray Brands Divorce Accusations As 'Devastating'

Bill Murray, comedy legend and 'Ghostbusters' star, has apparently finally ended the feud with 'Charlie's Angeles' co-star, Lucy Liu. According to Murray, there was no feud in the first place - they just had a 20-minute argument that was blown completely out of proportion. 

It was stated that Murray decided to not appear in the 'Charlie's Angels' sequel because he did not want to work with Liu any more. Murray, however, insists that this is far from the truth. Instead, he explains that "We began rehearsing this scene and I said, 'Lucy, how can you want to say these lines? These are so crazy.'" He continues to say that "She got furious with me because she thought it was a personal assault, but the reality is she hated these lines as much as I did. But for 15 or 20 minutes there, we went to our separate corners and threw hand-grenades and sky rockets at each other."

The actor insists that there is no longer and bad blood between them, saying that "We made peace and I got to know her better from that day, and I feel very warmly for her now." Murray agreed that he decided not to return to the sequel because he did not want to work with another member of the cast, although he insists that it was not Liu. Murray stated that "That same person was going to be involved in the second one, so I wasn't going to show up again."