Robert Carlyle: EIFF interview, Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2

• In Person: BAFTA Scotland Interview with Robert Carlyle

Hear from the instantly recognisable but always believable actor about a life in film, from Begbie to Renard and beyond. Part of Edinburgh International Film Festival.

EIFF in partnership with BAFTA Scotland presents a rare opportunity to hear EIFF patron Robert Carlyle in conversation. With a multitude of impressive roles, including his seminal performance as the hot-headed Begbie in Trainspotting, his award-winning turn as Gaz in The Full Monty, and his memorable portrait of Renard, the psychotic terrorist in The World Is Not Enough, Robert Carlyle has proved himself to be one of the most gifted actors of his generation. His seemingly endless range and his ability to literally inhabit his characters have enabled him to excel on our TV and cinema screens since the early 90s.

Event details -

Date: Sun 24 Jun 5pm–6:30pm      

Location: Filmhouse, Edinburgh           

Tickets: 0131 228 2688 £9 (£7.50) Buy tickets at www.edfilmfest.org.uk

Source: TheList 

• Robert Carlyle returns for Castlevania: Lords Of Shadow 2

It's been confirmed that Hollywood actor, Robert Carlyle, best known for roles in movies like The Full Monty, Formula 51 and 28 Weeks Later, will be returning to play the lead character of Gabriel Belmont in Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2.

According to That Video Game Blog, the actor has been pegged to return as the titular character in the AAA title from Konami, and they received confirmation by reaching out to Dave Cox, the head of product planning at Konami as well as the producer on the upcoming Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2. Cox responded to the query on twitter, simply stating that "Yep Bobby is back :)"

Fans of Carlyle were treated to an interesting performance in the original game, as he played the heart-broken and sullen warrior Garbiel Belmont, a Holy Knight from a special order, out to save his wife who is trapped in limbo, as forces of an unknown and dark nature vie to tip the balance in their favor. Lords of Shadow is a bit more complex than that and is similar to Dante's Inferno but a little less introspective.

The second game deals with the continued story of Belmont as he becomes the very thing he fought against in the first game, following the events of the DLC. Additional characters also hop into the fray but there hasn't been any word on how they play into the game's story. The new E3 trailer gives you a brief glimpse of what to expect from the game, which is set for release in 2013 for the Xbox 360 and PS3.

Source: Cinema Blend

Peter Capaldi: 'The Thick Of It' update, and 'The Suspicions of Mr Whicher' review

• The Thick Of It series four “should be ready for Autumn”

Armando Iannucci has confirmed that series four of BBC political satire The Thick of It is in the can and ready to be edited in time for an autumn air date

Finally, some news to celebrate from the BBC drama and comedy section. Cameras have been rolling (do camera still roll? Whirring perhaps?) on the new series of The Thick of It since March, and this morning creator Armando Iannucci confirmed on Twitter that they’ve just wrapped.

Eight brand new Coalition-themed episodes of the political satire are now waiting to be edited, starring the returning cast of Peter Capaldi, Chris Addison, James Smith, Joanna Scanlan and Rebecca Front. A broadcast date is yet to be confirmed, though Iannucci sent the following tweet, intimating that we should expect to see the new series on the BBC later this year:

“In answer to all your queries, though Thick of It filming is over, editing will take a few months. But all should be ready for Autumn x”

Chris Addison has also been updating his Twitter followers on the new show’s progress, though went about it in with his tongue firmly positioned in his cheek, spilling news on the new, explosive 3D CGI direction the series has taken, and announcing a Brian Eno cover of Bring Me Sunshine performed by Trent Reznor to be the show’s new theme tune. Sounds pretty good, if you ask us…

Source: Den Of Geek 

Also reported by Radio Times 

• Review: The Suspicions of Mr Whicher (2011)

"This review of The Suspicions of Mr Whicher (2011) contains a discussion of the relevant historical events. If you prefer to watch this television film by Hat Trick Productions without preconceptions, do not read this review"

Source: Opionator

Brian Cox: interview, and 'The Campaign' update

Conversation Zone - Sunday Morning with Richard Holloway - Brian Cox

Richard Holloway talks to actor Brian Cox about his boyhood and his happy days as a young student in swinging sixties London.

First broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland, 3:00AM Thu, 31 May 2012
Available until 4:02AM Thu, 7 Jun 2012 on BBC iPlayer

‘The Campaign’ Trailer: Ron Burgundy and Alan Go to Washington
Political discourse always becomes especially volatile during a presidential election year, and 2012 has proven to be no different. Hence, Warner Bros. is hoping to rope in anyone in the mood to let off some steam – and simply laugh at the often ridiculous nature of the electoral process, with this summer’s Will Ferrell/Zach Galifianakis laughfest, The Campaign.

Ferrell stars in The Campaign as incumbent North Carolina congressman Cam Brady, a popular candidate who seems assured for yet another term in office. That is, until Brady commits a major public faux pas that inspires a pack of wealthy CEOs to select their own puppet candidate as a replacement – in the form of local Tourism Center director Marty Huggins (Galifianakis)

Watching Ferrell and Galifianakis play off one another should be fairly entertaining; similarly, the supporting cast (Jason Sudeikis, Dylan McDermott, John Lithgow, Brian Cox) reads as pretty solid overall.

The Campaign begins in theaters around the U.S. on August 10th, 2012.
Read more and watch the trailer at Screen Rant 

Billy Boyd performing at ‘For the Love of Eilidh’

A star of an Oscar-winning movie and an icon of one of Scotland’s top comedies are preparing to take to the stage in Stirling.

‘Lord of the Rings’ actor Billy Boyd and Paul Riley, who played Winston in ‘Still Game’, are among the stars performing at ‘For the Love of Eilidh’.

The concert in the Macrobert on June 15 is the largest annual fundraiser for the Eilidh Brown Memorial Fund and also features a number of other stars of the stage, screen and music worlds, including musician Jon Fratelli and Tom Urie of ‘River City’.

Eilidh lost her battle with germ cell cancer two years ago, aged just 15. However, her devastated parents Gordon and Nicole were inspired to set up an appeal in her name to build a respite home for children going through similar struggles and their families.

The people of Stirling have since rallied round, raising more than £100,000 towards the more than £200,000 needed to build the home. Land on which to build the home has also been donated by a farming family near Thornhill.

Last year’s concert raised around £15,000 for the charity.

Billy, who will be back with his band Beecake, said: “It is a great charity anyway but, having done the concert last year, I know what a great night it is and I’m willing to do anything to help.

“Eilidh’s dad Gordon and I went to drama school together and were in the same class. Although we left in 1995 we stayed in touch and I knew Eilidh.

“The experience they had in going as a family to Callum’s Cabin when Eilidh was ill made them realise just how much it helps during times like that and gave them the inspiration to create the fund in Eilidh’s name.

“It is amazing to think that they are doing this, not for themselves but to help other families.

“People might think the concert is a bit like stepping on eggshells or that they have to have known Eilidh to go along but it’s not like that at all. It is a celebration of Eilidh’s life.

“Of course it is emotional at times and Eilidh is remembered in a celebratory way, with songs she liked, but it’s also a big night out for people, with acts like Jon Fratelli and a wild and wonderful group of people such as Tom Urie and Paul Riley. There’s a lot of comedy and a lot of music.

“I met up with my band last week and we are going to be thinking about what we will be doing on the night. It’s sounding really beautiful.

“I have a few things going on at the moment but I always find time for the band stuff and for Gordon’s night. It’s such a great night and the great thing is, because it’s the second one, we know what a fantastic night it is.

“It honestly was one of my favourite nights of last year.”

Paul Riley is just as excited about the prospect of taking to the Macrobert stage for the concert.

He said: “ Billy and myself have fun and enjoy a laugh and each other’s company. There is a great atmosphere.

“With the contacts Gordon has, the chance for him to organise a concert is almost a no-brainer.

“But he really is a very humble guy. Because of his personality so many people are happy to turn out for him. It’s the mark of the man that this is the path he has chosen to go down.

“This is one of these things where he and his family will get nothing out of what they are doing but they are doing it because they know it will help so many other people who have gone through what they and Eilidh did. It’s fantastic to be able to support them in that.”

Paul has also managed something of a coup, securing some of the most sought-after gig tickets in Scotland to raffle at the concert.

“I was speaking to my pal Kevin Bridges about the concert,” said Paul. “Unfortunately he couldn’t make it because of another commitment but he gave me two tickets for his show to raffle in aid of Eilidh’s fund.

“They were completely sold out ages ago and are much sought after so hopefully they will help raise a few extra quid.”

Paul is about to start rehearsals for a stage production of ‘The Wicker Man’ and is working solidly on a variety of projects right up until at least November but he wouldn’t miss ‘For the Love of Eilidh’. It is a great night.

“I don’t have any big plans for what I am going to be doing. I will probably just roll up on the night and say whatever comes out of my mouth. I’m just happy to be West of Scotland champion garbage talker.

“There’s some talk of Billy and I doing a song together. which might happen, but that depends.

“Regardless, it will be a great night with a lot of laughs and music. I’m just happy to be part of it.”

‘For the Love of Eilidh’ takes place at the Macrobert on June 15. Tickets, price £25, are available from the Macrobert box office on (01786) 466666.

Source: Stirling Observer

 

VIDEO FLASH: Alan Cumming in National Theatre of Scotland's Macbeth

The National Theatre of Scotland has released a promotional video of Tony Award winner Alan Cumming in William Shakespeare's Macbeth, which will run at the Glasgow Tramway, June 13-30, before transferring to New York's Lincoln Center as part of The Lincoln Center Festival on July 7.

The production, to be co-directed by John Tiffany and Andy Goldberg, is set in a psychiatric ward.

Cumming won the Tony Award for Cabaret. His many stage credits include The Threepenny Opera, Design for Living, and The Seagull. He currently stars as Eli Gold on CBS' hit series, The Good Wife, for which he received an Emmy Award nomination.

Source: Theater Mania 
If the video won't play here, it can be viewed there.

Brave: interviews, photos, new clip

• Stars of Disney Pixar's new film Brave visit Edinburgh for special preview

The stars of Disney Pixar blockbuster Brave left Edinburgh yesterday after welcoming the world’s press to Scotland.

Kelly Macdonald, Kevin McKidd and Robbie Coltrane – who voice Princess Merida, Lord MacGuffin and Lord Dingwall – spoke to ­journalists from around the globe attending special previews before a gala dinner.

But they took time out to chat to the Sunday Mail about their own Disney memories.

All the stars are proud to be part of Brave –the story of Highland princess Merida – which will have its European première when it closes the Edinburgh Film Festival on June 30.

It goes on general release in the UK in August and Kevin hopes Scots moviegoers will be delighted by the way that the country is depicted.

He said: “It is a love letter to Scotland. It really conjures up the feel of the country – the wind is blowing, the sea is flowing and everything is covered in ferns or moss and always in motion. It is a very textured landscape and you see this in the movie. Everything looks so real and vibrant.

“They have managed to capture the lush texture and the rough, primal nature of the Scottish landscapes in a beautiful way.”

The preview ended in a spectacular dinner on Friday at five-star Prestonfield House, in Edinburgh, where Gaelic singer Julie Fowlis performed two songs from the Brave soundtrack.

Here, the film’s stars reveal the impact that the world of Walt had on their childhood.

Read more at Daily Record 

Also reported by Kevin McKidd Online

Zimbio have added Brave Photoshoot Edinburgh to their gallery here

• Brave interviews

Kelly Macdonald, Billy Connolly & Emma Thompson – Flicks And Bits

Kelly Macdonald, Kevin McKidd and Robbie Coltrane – I Need My Fix and The Scotsman

Billy Connolly –  Trailer Addict

1. His character

2. The Lords

3. Emma Thompson

4. Themes

• New Brave clip  

Source: Spinoff

Soccer Aid snippets - James McAvoy & Gerard Butler

 
Soccer Aid: Ed Norton and James McAvoy discuss ball skills  
Source: James McAvoy Central  
They’ve also added new pics from Soccer Aid 

Gerard Butler: Soccer Aid for UNICEF!

 

Gerard Butler shows off his sports skills as he participates in the celebrity Soccer Aid football match for UNICEF on Sunday (May 27) held at Old Trafford in Manchester, England. The 42-year-old actor, who graciously played for a good cause, was joined by dozens of stars including Edward Norton, Mike Myers, Will Ferrell, and James McAvoy. The event, which featured Hollywood stars and soccer legends, was a huge success as it helped raise $6.46 million for the charity. Despite the good match, there were some intense moments during the game as both Will Ferrell and celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay were injured during the match and taken off the field. 
Source: Just Jared  

Celebrity Soccer Aid match at Old Trafford raises £4m for Unicef 
Read more at Manchester Evening News 
Also reported by Digital Spy

Weekly schedule for Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson

Mo 6/4: Guy Pearce, Jessica St. Clair (R 4/10/12)

Tu 6/5: Michael Sheen, Michael Ian Black (R 4/18/12)

We 6/6: Sean Hayes, Lena Dunham (R 4/13/12)

Th 6/7: Kelly Preston, Joel Stein (R 4/19/12)

Fr 6/8: Anne Rice, Geoff Tate (R 3/19/12)

Mo 6/11: Jason Schwartzman, Matt Kirshen

Tu 6/12: Andy Garcia, Cody Horn

We 6/13: Ellen Page, Lee Brice