Oscar-nominated British actor Albert Finney has died aged 82 after a short illness.

Oscar-nominated British actor Albert Finney has died aged 82 after a short illness.

He was a five-time Oscar nominee who began his career at the Royal Shakespeare Company before making his mark in film.

His big film break came as "angry young man" Arthur Seaton in Saturday Night and Sunday Morning.

He went on to star in Tom Jones, as Hercule Poirot in Murder on the Orient Express, Erin Brockovich and Skyfall.

Finney's other memorable roles include Winston Churchill in The Gathering Storm, for which he won a Golden Globe and a Bafta.

He also played the title role in Scrooge, billionaire Daddy Warbucks in Annie, Ed Bloom Senior in Tim Burton's Big Fish and the mobster Leo O'Bannon in Miller's Crossing.

BBC News

Night Manager series 2 release date, Tom Hiddleston and everything you need to know Your complete guide to the next season.

DIGITAL SPY
Sam Ashurst
27 April, 2017

 SAM ASHURST
27 APRIL 2017

The legions of Tom Hiddleston fans campaigning for the actor to be the next James Bond were (almost) rewarded in early 2016, when The Night Manager began broadcasting on BBC One.

Essentially a long-form Bond flick spread across six episodes of television (based on a John le Carré book, as opposed to an Ian Fleming one), it followed Hiddleston's luxury-hotel night manager (and former British soldier) Jonathan Pine, as he's recruited as a spy and tasked with taking down a secret arms trade operating between Whitehall and Washington, DC.

Pine may have completed his mission, but if there's one thing James Bond taught us, a spy's work is never done.

It garnered huge critical, audience and award-ceremony success, being nominated for 36 awards and winning 11, including Golden Globes and Emmys. Which probably helped its chances of returning for a second series.

There's one significant element holding it back, but we'll get to that in a moment.

For now, here's all the very latest The Night Manager series 2 news and rumours

We've got some bad news for those desperate Googlers – there's literally no chance of a new series this year.

Still, 2017 has brought some good news to fans. In March of this year, director Susanne Bier confirmed that scripts for a second season were "slowly being developed".

This was the first official confirmation that series 2 was even being considered, and it was reason enough for The Night Manager maniacs to order a slap-up celebration meal via room service.

Bier told Broadcast: "We all very much want to do a season two, but the thing we absolutely do not want is to do something that does not live up to the level of season one. That would be a really bad idea."

Despite series one's massive ratings success / huge awards haul, the show has yet to be renewed for a second series.

The BBC and AMC, along with producers The Ink Factory, released a statement explaining the situation, saying they are in the "early stages" of development.

"[We] are in the early stages of developing a potential second series of The Night Manager, but nothing is definite yet and we have nothing to announce," they said.

Producer Simon Cornwell (who is also author John le Carré's son) has said that the show's creators "would love to do another series".

One possible – and fairly major – hold-up is the fact the source book was a one off, with no follow-ups.

http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/the-night-manager/feature/a826989/the-night-manager-series-2-2017-renewed-release-date-tom-hiddleston-trailer-cast-plot/

The Night Manager seasons 2: Tom Hiddleston, Hugh Laurie and Olivia Colman reportedly 'bac

INDEPENDENT
Jack Shepherd

Fans of Tom Hiddleston’s extended James Bond audition - AKA The Night Manager - have been pining for a sequel ever since the BBC show finished airing last year.

Earlier this month, director Susanne Bier confirmed a second series is "slowly being developed,” saying:  "We all very much want to do a season two, but the thing we absolutely do not want is to do something that does not live up to the level of season one. That would be a really bad idea.”

New reports claim Hiddleston - along with co-stars Hugh Laurie and Olivia Colman - have signed up for another series, an insider telling The Daily Express they producers are “just working on the story, and then it’s down to availability.”

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/the-night-manager-seasons-2-tom-hiddleston-hugh-laurie-olivia-colman-return-back-a7651681.html

Who will be the next James Bond? Latest odds on Tom Hardy, Aidan Turner and Michael Fassbender as bets roll in

THE SUN
By Hannah Shaw
7th March 2017, 10:57 am  Updated: 7th March 2017, 11:31 am

The contest to play James Bond is still anyone’s game with a number of suave men in the running.

While Aidan Turner has been the bookies favourite for quite some time, he is currently being pipped to the post by Tom Hardy and Michael Fassbender.

Sun Bets are currently taking bets on over 50 male actors to take on the role of James Bond as Daniel Craig’s replacement.

The favourite is currently split between Tom Hardy and Michael Fassbender, who both have odds of 11/4.

Trailing behind are War & Peace’s James Norton, Poldark’s Aidan Turner and Luther’s Idris Elba, but what are their chances?

Who’s in the running for the next Bond?

Tom Hardy

Tom Hardy has fuelled the rumour mill by staying quiet when questioned on the role
Age: 39

Sun Bets odds: 11/4

Where do we know him from? Actor Tom Hardy is no stranger to the big screen having appeared recently in Mad Max: Fury Road, The Revenant and Legend.

The British actor has recently appeared in the BBC series Taboo and has fuelled Bond rumours after refusing to comment on whether he would like to take over from Daniel Craig, for fear of jinxing his chance.

Michael Fassbender

Michael Fassbender made his Alien debut in the 2012 prequel, Prometheus
Age: 39

Sun Bets odds: 11/4

Where do we know him from? Fans may recognise Fassbender from 2012 film Prometheus, and the star has hit the big screen again with his role in Assassin’s Creed.

Sun Bets place the actor’s odds at 20/1, however in an interview with GQ Fassbender said: “As an acting role, I think Daniel has done such a cracking job in this age group.

“I think the franchise needs something new.”

James Norton

James Norton made an impression on viewers during his stint on BBCs Happy Valley
Age: 31

Sun Bets odds: 7/2

Where do we know him from? Norton has an impressive accolade of TV credits behind him.

Viewers may recognise James from BBC’s Happy Valley, where he played the role of Tommy Lee Royce.

James has also starred in Granchester, Black Mirror and War & Peace.

Aidan Turner

Aidan has become a sex symbol thanks to his topless action in Poldark
Age: 33

Sun Bets odds: 4/1

Where do we know him from? Most viewers will recognise Aidan as heartthrob Ross Poldark.

Aidan started his career on stage but soon found fame on the big screen after appearing in The Hobbit trilogy.

The 33 year old took the lead in Bond odds back in August, however refused to comment on the rumours at MCM Expo.



READ MORE HERE:
https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/1703522/next-james-bond-latest-odds-tom-hardy-michael-fassbender/

'Weren't you tempted to propose?' Tom Hiddleston giggles nervously after being teased about stunning Kong: Skull Island co-star Brie Larson

DAILY MAIL
By Naomi Ackerman For Mailonline
PUBLISHED: 12:32 EST, 3 March 2017 | UPDATED: 12:57 EST, 3 March 2017

They are two of the most well-renowned actors on the planet at the moment - and are starring together in new blockbuster action movie Kong: Skull Island.

And British hunk Tom Hiddleston revealed he got to film some pretty romantic scenes - including one in an open-doored helicopter at sunset over the Pacific ocean - with his stunning co-star Brie Larson.

So BBC Radio 2 show host Chris Evans couldn't resist trying to find out if there was a budding love affair between the stars when Tom stopped by the radio studios on Friday morning.

Though Tom did admit a Huey helicopter ride with Brie over a sunlit ocean was 'one of the great gigs'.

The Eton-educated actor, who has been tipped as a possible replacement for Daniel Craig as James Bond, told The Chris Evans Breakfast Show: 'Brie Larson and I got to go in the island of Oahu in Hawaii, at four o'clock in the afternoon, with no doors on the helicopter, the blades running..'

Chris interjected and jokingly said: 'Brie Larson sitting next to you, that must have been terrible.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-4278764/Tom-Hiddleston-giggles-nervously-Brie-Larson-teasing.html#ixzz4aN3KfYU2
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Tom Hiddleston dresses down for casual lunch with mystery brunette... as he is tipped to be the next 007 after Daniel Craig 'quits'

DAILY MAIL
By EMILY SHERIDAN FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 06:48 EST, 23 May 2016 | UPDATED: 08:30 EST, 23 May 2016

He's rumoured to be the top name in the frame for one of the biggest roles in Hollywood - James Bond.

But it was business as usual for Tom Hiddleston as he met up with a mystery brunette for lunch in London on Sunday.



The actor was spotted dressed down for a relaxing afternoon in his hometown as speculation continues to grow over the next 007

He's rumoured to be the top name in the frame for one of the biggest roles in Hollywood - James Bond.



But it was business as usual for Tom Hiddleston as he met up with a mystery brunette for lunch in London on Sunday.

The actor was spotted dressed down for a relaxing afternoon in his hometown as speculation continues to grow over the next 007

'It’s not something that’s come into my life yet. I’m not closed to it by any means - in fact, I’m definitely open to the possibility. But you know what they say: you can’t go out and look for it, you just have to wait for it to come to you.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3604742/Tom-Hiddleston-dresses-casual-lunch-mystery-brunette-tipped-007-Daniel-Craig-quits.html#ixzz49cHlZ9tj 
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

UK bookmaker suspends betting on Tom Hiddleston to be James Bond

FOX 411
April 15, 2016

LONDON –  A British bookmaker has suspended betting on British actor Tom Hiddleston to be the next James Bond.

Coral says a flurry of bets in recent days made "The Night Manager" star the 2-1 favorite to replace Daniel Craig to be the next 007. But after a particularly large wager, the odds plummeted and betting was suspended.

Coral says Luther star Idris Elba and Homeland actor Damian Lewis had been Bond front-runners in previous months. But Coral spokeswoman Nicola McGeady, says while earlier in the year "there was a gamble" on those two, nothing has "come close to the recent gamble on Hiddleston."

http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2016/05/15/uk-bookmaker-suspends-betting-on-tom-hiddleston-to-be-james-bond.html

EXCLUSIVE: Tom Hiddleston spotted in 'meeting with 007 director Sam Mendes'... fuelling speculation he's set to play James Bond

DAILY MAIL
By EMILY SHERIDAN FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 09:11 EST, 12 May 2016 | UPDATED: 11:23 EST, 12 May 2016

He won over even more fans with his performance as suave Jonathan Pine in TV hit The Night Manager.

And now it looks like Tom Hiddleston could be even closer to replacing Daniel Craig in the role of James Bond after he was spotted at the same venue as the franchise's film-maker.

A source told MailOnline how the actor was spotted at London's Soho House: Dean Street on Wednesday, with 007 director Sam Mendes.

Sam has helmed two Bond films in recent years, but also has non-007 interests, having recently announced he will direct and produce The Voyeur's Motel, adapted from Gay Talese's novel.

Tom, 35, has been one of the names in the frame to replace Daniel, who has played the suave MI6 agent since Casino Royale 10 years ago.

Although Daniel, 48, or producers haven't confirmed the actor has retired the role, there has been a flurry of speculation in recent months.

Last week, Tom played down the rumours, telling chat show host Graham Norton: 'The thing is the position isn't vacant as far as I am aware. No one has talked to me about it.

'I think the rumours have all come about because in the Night Manager I play a spy and people have made the link.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3586994/Tom-Hiddleston-spotted-meeting-007-director-Sam-Mendes-Soho-House.html#ixzz48Uc3281K 
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ROBERT PATTINSON, AIDAN TURNER AND THEO JAMES: KNOW THE CURRENT HEARTTHROBS AND FUTURE STARS

MOVIE NEWS GUIDE
ANSHUL HARDIKAR
April 20, 2016

The line up has changed and so has the trend. Gone are the days when Hollywood bigwigs were the only movie stars because a new generation has already taken over. Stars like Robert Pattinson, Aidan Turner and Theo James are currently some of the leading ones in the roster. They have incredible following and are worth every penny. Here is what puts them on the top of their game.

1. Talent. Solely the most important thing any future movie star might need. Talent is one thing that sets you apart from others. All the three heartthrobs have proved their mettle with “Twilight,” “Poldark” and “Divergent” series and hopefully will continue to do so.

2. Dedication. For any individual to become an actor, it needs dedication and for any actor to become a star, it needs even more dedication. There are no doubts about their dedication because each one of them has worked really hard to get their portrayal right. Normally, when they set out to prepare for their roles, they research, read up and then apply it to their roles.

3. Ability to get under the skin. As mentioned earlier because of the immense dedication that they have, their portrayal becomes so convincing that at times it gets hard to believe if fans are looking at the actor or the character. For instance, Robert’s Edward or Aidan’s Ross Poldark.

4. Good looks. This has got to do a thing or two with being a heartthrob, however, it is not the most important thing. Their looks are something worthy dying for and there is no one better than their female fan base to express it. It is also believed that it was Aidan’s mass appeal amongst female fans and performance in “And Then There Were None” that got him a meeting with the Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.


READ MORE HERE: http://www.movienewsguide.com/robert-pattinson-aidan-turner-theo-james-know-current-heartthrobs-future-stars/196897

Let Tom Hiddleston Seduce You: ‘The Night Manager’ Is the Best Bond Audition Yet

THE DAILY BEAST
Kevin Fallon
April 19, 2016

There’s a scene late in AMC’s sexy spy thriller The Night Manager in which star Tom Hiddleston,
tailored to a swoon in a bespoke suit, suavely gestures to the barkeep and orders a drink: “Excuse me, sir, could I have a vodka martini, please?”

After the miniseries run of The Night Manager, a slick and highly entertaining cat-and-mouse romp (but mostly a six-episode Tom Hiddleston audition to be the next James Bond), it’s a wonder that our dashing hero doesn’t freeze in the frame right there, as whimsical animations take over the screen to the tune of a Shirley Bassey torch song.



That’s not a spoiler. It might be an endorsement.

We meet Jonathan Pine (Hiddleston), a former soldier and the best damned night manager at a Cairo hotel you’ve ever met.

He encounters the mistress of a corrupt member of Egypt’s most powerful family. He senses she’s in danger. They fall, with the swiftness of 007 in pheromone-sniffing distance of a leggy blonde, in love—and in bed. And you know the rule about the first Bond Girl: tragedy ensues.

Quickly, he finds himself entrenched in an undercover mission to bring down the man responsible, an English billionaire named Richard Roper (Hugh Laurie), a corrupt arms dealer in the costume of a wealthy philanthropist.


READ MORE HERE: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/04/19/let-tom-hiddleston-seduce-you-the-night-manager-is-the-best-bond-audition-yet.html

Tom Hiddleston, Aidan Turner, Tom Hardy: Is Bond a Three Horse Race?

FEMALE FIRST
by Helen Earnshaw | 9 April 2016


Last year, a whole host of names such as Idris Elba and Damian Lewis - both fine actors - were banded around as a possibility for the next 007. However, it is looking increasingly like a three horse race for one of cinema's biggest and most iconic roles.

Should Craig call time on his tenure as Bond, will it be Tom Hardy who takes over? As Tom Hiddleston got what it takes to move the franchise on? Or will Aidan Turner land this coveted role?

- Tom Hardy

Tom Hardy is an actor who has been linked to this role for quite some time and remains the bookies favourites to take over from Daniel Craig when he finally leaves this role behind.

For me, Hardy has always been the obvious choice to take on the role of 007. There is no denying that the handsome actor looks the part, but there is an air of menace about him that I think would fit this role beautifully.

I have just always thought that Hardy and Bond would be the perfect fit and that he is an obvious choice.

Hardy already has a huge fan base and would no doubt bring new viewers to the Bond franchise. The actor is also no stranger to tackling big movies so the Bond franchise would be very safe in his hands.

- Tom Hiddleston

Up until fairly recently Tom Hiddleston was perhaps not everyone's first choice to take on the role of 007. One episode into his TV stint on The Night Manager and fans were calling for his name to be thrown into the hat.

There is no denying that Hiddleston is a beautiful thing and would more than look the part in a tux. But The Night Manager showed that the British star also had the action chops that are required to take on this role.

While I still think this role should go to Hardy, I would not be disappointed if it was revealed that Hiddleston was to take over from Craig. Hiddleston is a wonderful actor and I think that he would bring a sensitivity and an intelligence to this character that would be very exciting to explore.

The last few weeks has seen support for Hiddleston as Bond grow and grow and he is now the second favourite - behind Hardy - to land the role. He really has come from nowhere to be a major player in this race to become 007.

- Aidan Turner

Of all the names that are potentially in the frame to take over the role of James Bond, Aidan Turner is perhaps the least favourite of the lot - the role of Bond would certainly send his star rocketing; just like it did for Craig.

He is no stranger to success with The Hobbit film franchise and TV series Poldark under his belt. Bond would be the perfect platform for him and Bond producers have had a knack of casting those who are not hugely famous in the role.

Interestingly, Turner is the only one who has been linked to a meeting with producers to discuss the role. A source told The Sun last month that the actor had held preliminary talks with Bond producers.




Read more: http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/movies/is-bond-a-three-horse-race-936347.html#ixzz45T3moOD0

Henry Cavill new James Bond: Superman actor being groomed as the next 007?

CHRISTIAN TODAY
Snooky Grawls 27 June 2015



It is that time once again for Ian Fleming's James Bond character where the search for a new actor to play 007 is up in the air.

Daniel Craig is the current one portraying the British Super Spy and word around is that the one likely to succeed him is Henry Cavill.

Should Cavill indeed be blessed of taking over from Craig, it will mark the first time that an actor with high regard would be chosen to play the role.

Previous actors who took on the role of 007 were virtual unknowns. In fact, portraying James Bond was seen as a springboard for their career.

Among the actors who previously played James Bond include Sean Connery, David Niven, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and Craig.

So will Cavill be up to the task?

For the record, Cavill had auditioned for the role before. This was back in 2005 when he tried out together with Daniel Craig. At that time, producers felt he was too young for the role (he was only 22 years old at the time) so Craig eventually got the part.

After 10 years and Cavill having a following of his own, all that has changed. He has the age and most importantly the looks that James Bond had always been associated with, a lady's man if you will.

So does this make him a shoe-in to be the next 007?

While that remains up in the air, Cavill is set to debut in another remake – The Man from U.N.C.L.E which is set to debut this coming August. The upcoming film may somehow help critics if Cavill is fit to be the next James Bond, being a spy-themed movie.


READ MORE HERE: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/henry.cavill.new.james.bond.superman.being.groomed.as.the.next.007/57000.htm

Rosamund Pike as Bond? Ed Miliband is the man with the Midas touch

THE GUARDIAN
Anne Perkins
April 1, 2015


 Pierce Brosnan and Rosamund Pike in Die Another Day. 'Pike has also been a Bond girl. This idea is the stuff of dreams.' Photograph: Sportsphoto Ltd/Allstar

The election campaign can stop here. There is not going to be a better idea. The Labour leader, Ed Miliband, thinks Rosamund Pike should be the next Bond. This is, simply, the perfect proposal – perfect for Bond and incidentally pretty good as a piece of political positioning, all the better for looking like the sort of off-the-cuff idea you would like your prime minister to be capable of having.

Pike is surely out in front as the actor of her generation. Most recently she was in Gone Girl as the woman who sat down and invented her life and also her husband’s; plausible, irresistible and icily cruel as she plotted the perfect revenge.

She was beautiful and funny in Lynn Barber’s wonderful film, An Education, in which she pulled off the even trickier feat of being thick too. She’s as brilliant on stage. Her genius was first confirmed to me when I saw her in the title role of the weird Madame de Sade at the Donmar Warehouse, subtly commanding attention even alongside Judi Dench.



Describing her like that makes her sound a bit overqualified for Bond. But Daniel Craig’s Bond is a more intelligent, nuanced creation than his predecessors, and the franchise would not be half as successful if it did not mature to keep pace with the more complex and demanding thrillers out there in the market. Pike could raise the bar. Or not. Stay with it, Sam Mendes, please.



There is, purists will argue, the gender thing. So far, the feminist revolution has been largely limited to comics. We pointed out last week that there is a thing going on in that world with feminist superheroes. If Thor can be a woman, so can Bond. (Idris Elba could obviously be Bond too, but that is a different piece).

What would be dazzlingly transformative about Pike as Bond is the effect on the mental landscape. The whole James Bond proposition is constructed around the idea of women as throwaway accessories, baubles recruited exclusively for what they say about Bond himself. It is true that Craig’s Bond has occasionally shown an approach marginally more evolved than the caveman, but still women are there – except Dench, who is M as in Mother – purely instrumentally.

Pike’s Bond would turn the whole premise on its head. Even better, she would do it completely differently. Pike as Bond would obviously be smart enough to crack a cypher, tough enough to withstand being doused repeatedly in icy water, and ruthless enough to make use as necessary of her licence to kill. While retaining the capacity to make dry asides about the gruesome fate of her enemies, she would not be casually exploitative of the people around her, or if she was, then only because it was a necessary, if nasty, aspect of her character, rather than on the basis of their gender, race, creed etc. Also, she has been a Bond girl. This is the stuff of dreams.


READ MORE HERE;

Colin Firth: How ‘Kingsman: The Secret Service’ Blew Away Bond, Bourne in South Korea

THE WRAP
MOVIES | By Todd Cunningham on March 23, 2015 @ 5:41 pm



In South Korea the movie “Kingsman: The Secret Service” is a cultural phenomenon and record-breaking $40 million box office smash, out-grossing the super spies — like James Bond and Jason Bourne — that it spoofs.

Just as mind-boggling are the unlikely factors powering its breakout, seized upon by clever and opportunistic Fox marketers who have pulled off a media coup.

To become Fox’s biggest hit in Korea since “Avatar,” the movie capitalized on a spate of recent high-profile beat-downs of poor Koreans, the bizarre mid-air meltdown of a Korean Air executive’s daughter and the country’s fascination with British dandies — perfectly personified in “Kingsman” by Colin Firth as the suave and stylish agent Harry Hart.

“We decided to take advantage of this and made three viral videos similar to real-life incidents to promote the film,” said Tom Oh, one of Fox’s top men in Korea. “Everything came together to create a massive hit.”

“Kingsman,” an action adventure adapted from the Mark Millar-Dave Gibbons comic book “The Secret Service,” has been a hit just about everywhere for Fox.

It has grossed $114 million domestically since it opened with a surprising $41.7 million against “Fifty Shades of Grey” over the Presidents Day weekend. It also has brought in $180 million at the foreign box office, and it will add to that figure when it opens in China this weekend. But for “Kingsman,” there’s been nothing like South Korea, which ranks as its No. 1 market abroad.

“The national mood at the time of release was one of strong dissatisfaction for politicians and the super-rich, like the second- and third-generation children of chebol (business families),” said Oh. “The most hated was the vice-chairwoman of Korean Air, whose abusive tantrum towards the flight attendants and forcing the plane to return to the gate put her behind bars.”

READ MORE HERE: http://www.thewrap.com/how-kingsman-the-secret-service-blew-away-bond-bourne-in-south-korea/

Colin Firth started rumours that he was the next James Bond

ONE NEWS NEW ZEALAND
Published: 12:01PM Saturday January 31, 2015 Source: BANG Showbiz



Colin Firth used to start rumours that he was going to be the next James Bond.

The 54-year-old actor has joked that while he's now too old to take on the iconic role, he doesn't think he was ever in the running, apart from when he tried to spark some speculation himself.

When asked how he feels about never having played the suave spy, he said: "I suppose this has got to be it for me in a way, I suppose. I think it would never have happened. I remember lists being around of speculation ... never from the Bond people, just lists ... in my handwriting."

The star plays secret agent Harry Hart in 'Kingsman: The Secret Service' and he was delighted his role drew comparisons between himself and British sitcom 'Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em' funnyman Frank Spencer because he did his own stunts in the movie.

Speaking on London Live, he added: "That's a huge honour. I remember thinking actually that there was nothing cooler in the world than a courageous, athletic, dynamic man pretending to be a complete klutz and loser. I thought that was absolutely wonderful.

"The fact he was Superman pretending to be Clark Kent effectively."

READ MORE HERE: http://tvnz.co.nz/entertainment-news/colin-firth-started-rumours-he-next-james-bond-6226460

Colin Firth: Early Rave Reviews Roll In For 'Kingsman: The Secret Service'

INDIEWIRE
By Kevin Jagernauth | The Playlist
December 30, 2014 at 10:09AM



It's a bit surprising given that Fox had pushed the movie out of its original fall release date into early 2015, and that the movie itself — a violent, tongue-in-cheek riff on the spy genre starring Colin Firth and Samuel L. Jackson — doesn't exactly scream critic bait. But it seems Vaughan has pulled it off, creating a big piece of popcorn entertainment that works on all levels, even if some of the button-pushing sequences and alleged sexism are expected to create some controversy. "Kingsman: The Secret Service" opens on February 13th. Here's what the critics had to say:

The Guardian: "They say the clothes make the man, and these are some killer duds....Despite the presence of grandfatherly Michael Caine, Kingsman’s tone is about as far from the Christopher Nolan-style superhero film as you can get. Verisimilitude is frequently traded in for a rich laugh. The action scenes delight with shock humour. It’s violent, but not gory, ready-made for word balloons reading 'OOOF' or 'KRAKOOM.' "

(there is absolutely no reason for me to include this GIF except for the obvious)

Empire: "Perhaps the riskiest mainstream movie in years, Vaughn’s love letter to spy movies may be uneven in places, but it’s ultra-violent, envelope-pushing, and fun enough to overcome the flaws. Bond with the stabilisers taken off."

The Wrap: "The fifth and, yes, best film from director Matthew Vaughn ('Layer Cake,' 'X-Men: First Class'), 'Kingsman: The Secret Service' is a startlingly enjoyable and well-made action film leavened by humor and slicked along by style, made by, for, and about people who’ve seen far too many Bond films."



THR: "As he did in 'X-Men: First Class,' director Matthew Vaughn strikes an energetic balance between cartoonish action and character-driven drama, though the tinge here is darker, with a story that hinges on matters of climate change, the insidiousness of technology and the class divide. The mix grows less seamless and the story loses oomph as it barrels toward its doomsday countdown, but the cast's dash and humor never flag. And if the movie sometimes panders shamelessly to fanboys, that could serve it well upon its February release, when it goes head-to-head against a fantasy of another persuasion: 'Fifty Shades of Grey'….Reviewed in nearly final form, the widescreen feature pops with sharp action, including a brief bit of parkour and a car chase in reverse."

READ MORE HERE: http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/early-rave-reviews-roll-in-for-kingsman-the-secret-service-20141230

‘Kingsman: The Secret Service’ Review: Colin Firth Rocks Suits, Stunts, and ‘Splosions

THE WRAP
 By James Rocchi on
December 27, 2014 @ 8:00 am

The fifth and, yes, best film from director Matthew Vaughn (“Layer Cake,” “X-Men: First Class”), “Kingsman: The Secret Service” is a startlingly enjoyable and well-made action film leavened by humor and slicked along by style, made by, for, and about people who’ve seen far too many Bond films. Fleet-footed and unrepentantly British, it’s a reunion of sorts behind the scenes for Vaughn and comics writer Mark Millar, but it’s infinitely better than their 2010 collaboration “Kick-Ass.”

Credit for that goes to Vaughn’s adaptation of the script alongside producer Jane Goldman, which finds cheer and cleverness in Millar’s mixture of retro-style spy action with a snobs-versus-slobs twist.

The basics are basic indeed: Super-spy Harry Hart (Colin Firth, surprisingly capable and up for it), obligated to recruit a new member for the independent spy group from which the film takes its name, chooses the grown-but-aimless son of a late comrade, Gary ‘Eggsy’ Unwin (Taron Egerton). Eggsy is put through his paces as a potential spy even as Hart investigates whether telecommunications mogul Valentine (Samuel L. Jackson, playing a mix of Russell Simmons and Bill Gates by way of Blofeld with a comedy lisp) is the target of a round of kidnappings and killings or if he is, in fact, the mastermind behind them.



With its fashion-forward flair — the film may borrow liberally from the Roger Moore 007 era, but there’s also a touch of Patrick Macnee’s bespoked gentleman spy Mr. Steed from “The Avengers” — “Kingsman: The Secret Service” feels like a well-made gentleman’s suit, with superb cut, distinctive color, and excellent construction.  In terms of cut, the film’s style is precise and yet broad, with the hidden lairs, jump-suited minions and maniacal villains of a long-gone era of Bond movies, perfectly walking the fine line of mocking what it loves and vice versa. You get the gear, the gadgets, and the gusto, but you also get sly winks at how ludicrous it all is; it’s a movie that fakes a stiff upper lip but also constantly raises its eyebrow in amusement.

In terms of color, important for both a film and a men’s ensemble, Vaughn has cast his film fairly perfectly. Firth is game and great in his computer-aided fight scenes and his dialogue delivery, with Egerton a naturally charismatic presence with smarts behind his smile. Mark Strong plays gadgetmaster Merlin, while Michael Caine is briefly brilliant as the head of Kingsman. Jackson goes for broke and strikes riches as Valentine, supported by henchwoman Gazelle (Sofia Boutella), who sports a pair of sharpened-and-bladed prosthetic legs as divinely mad as any deadly dentures Richard Kiel ever wore as Jaws. The score, by Henry Jackman and Matthew Margeson, offers perfectly fun pastiches of John Barry’s iconic work on the 007 films.

READ MORE HERE: http://www.thewrap.com/kingsman-the-secret-service-review-colin-firth-samuel-l-jackson-michael-caine/

The name's Elba. Idris Elba: Leaked Sony emails reveal boss Amy Pascal wants British actor to be James Bond

THE DAILY MAIL
By EMMA GLANFIELD FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 05:31 EST, 21 December 2014 | UPDATED: 09:48 EST, 21 December 2014

British actor Idris Elba could become the next James Bond, according to leaked Sony emails.

Elba, 42, who has starred in The Wire and Luther, could replace Daniel Craig as the next 007 when his contract ends after the next film, if leaked emails are to be believed.

Sony Pictures co-chairman Amy Pascal allegedly told a top executive at Columbia Pictures, which distributes the Bond films, that 'Idris should be the next bond'.

It is latest piece of information to emerge from the Sony hacking scandal, which resulted in the cancelling of the Christmas Day release of The Interview.

Hackers threatened 9/11-style terrorist attacks on cinemas showing the comedy about two journalists – played by actors James Franco and Seth Rogen – who are recruited by the CIA to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

The federal government confirmed on Wednesday that North Korea was behind the massive hack of Sony, which saw thousands of internal emails leaked.

According to the Daily Beast, an email sent on January 4 from Ms Pascal to Elizabeth Cantillon,

former executive vice president of production for Columbia Pictures, simply said: 'Idris should be the next bond (sic).'

If Elba, from Hackney, east London, did follow in Daniel Craig's footsteps, he would become the first black James Bond. Previous actors to portray 007 on the big screen include Pierce Brosnan, Roger Moore and Sean Connery.

Many have voiced support for Elba to play the British spy, including actor Jamie Foxx who said in an interview earlier this year that he was a big fan of the idea.

Elba himself has also previously expressed desire to play the British spy, telling website Reddit that he would take the role.

'Yes. if it was offered to me, absolutely,' he said. 

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2882431/The-s-Elba-Idris-Elba-Leaked-Sony-emails-reveal-boss-Amy-Pascal-wants-British-actor-James-Bond.html#ixzz3MZEH6MqM 

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Colin Firth: Fight scenes were exhilarating!

XPOSE
December 19, 2014



Colin Firth has raved about how much he "loved" filming choreographed physical scenes for Kingsman: The Secret Service.

Colin Firth "misses filming fight scenes terribly".

The 54-year-old actor is known for playing the dignified Englishman in countless films, but broke into the action world in his latest movie, Kingsman: The Secret Service. And shooting the heavily physical scenes with trained professionals was a serious thrill for him.

"To actually become a team with those people was utterly exhilarating and I have to say I missed it terribly," he told Access Hollywood. "Once those scenes were done, to go back to the day job of just sitting around pointing my suit at people and talking... it lacked the exhilaration."

Colin was directed by Matthew Vaughn in the action-spy movie, which was based on comic book The Secret Service. He portrayed Harry Hart, a secret service agent who takes a younger agent into the fray.

(oops wrong movie)

And Colin thoroughly enjoyed his foray into the genre.

"I started to love it!" he gushed. "I started to love the collaboration and the camaraderie, people whose history and whose skills were completely alien to mine."


READ MORE HERE: http://www.tv3.ie/entertainment_article.php?locID=1.803.874&article=154056

Rosamund Pike and boyfriend Robie Uniacke welcome their second child into the world

DAILY MAIL
By MAILONLINE REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 21:06 EST, 4 December 2014 | UPDATED: 05:00 EST, 5 December 2014



Rosamund Pike and long-time boyfriend Robie Uniacke have welcomed their second child into the world.

The Gone Girl actress gave birth to a baby boy on Tuesday, her rep confirmed to Us Weekly.

The 35-year-old, who allegedly opted for a home birth, and her 53-year-old partner are already parents to two-year-old son Solo.

The actress started dating the businessman, a twice married father of four, three years before announcing her first pregnancy.

Eton educated Robie, a former heroin addict, was previously married to Emma Howard, 59, daughter of the late Earl of Carlisle with whom he has a son also called Robie.

The marriage ended unhappily and both checked into rehab clinics to deal with their addictions. His second wife, Rose Batstone, is an interior designer with whom he has three children.

Rosamund had previously hinted that marriage may not necessarily be for her, telling Vogue in 2012: ‘It is interesting to break all the rules. I'm not married, I have a baby, and it feels infinitely more right.’


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2861686/Rosamund-Pike-boyfriend-Robie-Uniacke-welcome-second-child-world.html#ixzz3L8J5OMhX 
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