Miles Davis has been an inspiration to actor Don Cheadle since he was 10 years old. To Cheadle, the jazz legend was a ‘symbol of creative energy and power’ and someone who was never afraid to step out of his comfort zone. It’s a quality that the musician and actor have in common, as Cheadle took on the role of both director and star of biopic Miles Ahead.

Don Cheadle Miles Ahead Don Cheadle in Miles Ahead.

During the filming of Miles Ahead, Cheadle spent most of his time steeped in the role, but as the film’s director, sometimes he found himself having to break character to remind people who was in charge.

Continue reading: How Don Cheadle Channelled Miles Davis To Direct And Star In 'Miles Ahead'

From Jim Caviezel And Christian Bale To Will Ferrell: 7 Actors Who Have Played Jesus

By Stephanie Chase in Movies / TV / Theatre on 27 March 2016

Jim Caviezel Will Ferrell Christian Bale Ewan McGregor Willem Dafoe Max Von Sydow Victor Garber

Jesus has had many faces on the big screen, with some more memorable than others.

The story of Jesus has been told many different times on the big screen, with a wide variety of interpretations. But what’s more diverse is the list of actors who have found themselves playing the son of God. Sure we all remember Jim Caviezel in The Passion of the Christ, but did you know Will Ferrell also once donned a wig and a beard to play Jesus?

Jim Caviezel

Jim Caviezel in The Passion of the Christ.

Continue reading: From Jim Caviezel And Christian Bale To Will Ferrell: 7 Actors Who Have Played Jesus

‘Jane Got A Gun’: Everything You Need To Know About Natalie Portman’s New Western

By Elinor Cosgrave in Movies / TV / Theatre on 23 October 2015

Natalie Portman Joel Edgerton Ewan McGregor Lynne Ramsay Gavin O'Connor

Here’s what you need to know about Natalie Portman’s new film, ‘Jane Got A Gun’.

Natalie Portman is taking on a whole new genre with her latest film, Jane Got a Gun. The trailer for the upcoming movie was released earlier this week and it bears all the hallmarks of an epic Western including gun slinging, shoot outs and a torrid but ultimately ill-fated romance.

Natalie Portman at the 68th Cannes Film Festival in May 2015.

Continue reading: ‘Jane Got A Gun’: Everything You Need To Know About Natalie Portman’s New Western

‘Jackass’ Star Steve-O Sentenced To Jail Time Over ‘SeaWorld Sucks’ Protest

By Elinor Cosgrave in Lifestyle / Showbiz on 09 October 2015

Steve O Olivia Wilde Matt Damon Ewan McGregor Willie Nelson Real Housewives Jackass

Steve-O has been sentenced to jail time over his August protest against SeaWorld.

Jackass star Steve-O AK.A. Stephen Glover has been sentenced to 30 days in jail on misdemeanour charges filed against him after he conducted an anti-SeaWorld protest in August.

Steve O Steve-O photographed at Gatwick Airport in February 2015.

Continue reading: ‘Jackass’ Star Steve-O Sentenced To Jail Time Over ‘SeaWorld Sucks’ Protest

Danny Boyle Plans To Begin Shooting 'Trainspotting' Sequel Next Summer

By Stephanie Chase in Movies / TV / Theatre on 28 September 2015

Danny Boyle Ewan McGregor Robert Carlyle Jonny Lee Miller Irvine Welsh

It’s been nearly 20 years since the original film starring Ewan McGregor and Robert Carlyle was released.

Director Danny Boyle has said he plans to begin shooting the long awaited Trainspotting sequel next summer. If all goes to plan Boyle hopes that the film will then hit cinemas later in 2016, in time for the original film’s 20th anniversary.

Danny Boyle hopes to begin shooting Trainspotting sequel next year.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Boyle said that the shoot was planned for “May/June” 2016, but added that it all depends on Jonny Lee Miller and Robert Carlyle’s shooting schedules. Both actors are currently tied up with television commitments in the US, with Carlyle starring in ‘Once Upon A Time’ and Miller in ‘Elementary’.

Continue reading: Danny Boyle Plans To Begin Shooting 'Trainspotting' Sequel Next Summer

Danny Boyle Confirms 'Trainspotting 2' Is In The Works

By Ed Biggs in Movies / TV / Theatre on 07 September 2015

Danny Boyle Ewan McGregor Ewan Bremner Robert Carlyle Jonny Lee Miller

The sequel will be adapted from Irvine Welsh's follow-up novel 'Porno', and will feature Ewan McGregor, Robert Carlyle, Jonny Lee Miller and Ewan Bremner.

With five months to go until the classic original movie celebrates its twentieth anniversary, Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle has confirmed that all four of the main cast members of Trainspotting are on board to make a sequel.

Boyle, who was speaking at the Telluride Film Festival ahead of the first-ever screening of the Steve Jobs biopic project he helped to save from oblivion, also announced that the screenplay for the sequel (adapted from Irvine Welsh’s 2002 novel ‘Porno’) had already been written by John Hodge, who was nominated for an Oscar for his work on the first movie in 1997.

Danny Boyle has confirmed that the core cast of 'Trainspotting' is on board for a sequel

Continue reading: Danny Boyle Confirms 'Trainspotting 2' Is In The Works

Ewan McGregor Declares He Would Be Up For 'Trainspotting' Sequel With Director Danny Boyle

By Stephanie Chase in Movies / TV / Theatre on 22 June 2015

Ewan McGregor Danny Boyle Irvine Welsh

Speaking at this year’s Edinburgh film festival, McGregor said he’d be willing to reprise his role as Renton in a follow up to the 1996 drama.

Ewan McGregor has said he would be up for revisiting the role of heroin addict Renton in a sequel to 1996’s Trainspotting, if director Danny Boyle was also on board. Speaking at the Edinburgh film festival, McGregor also revealed there’s no longer any bad blood between himself and the director after their much publicised falling out in the late 90s.

Ewan McGregor at the Edinburgh film festival

When asked if he’d now return for a Trainspotting sequel McGregor said he has changed his mind on the subject and would now say yes. “I would be up for it,” McGregor said. “I’ve said that to Danny. Everybody has talked about it and speculated about it, but I don’t if it’s happening yet. I’ve not seen a script and I don’t know if there is one. It’s been a long, long time.”

Continue reading: Ewan McGregor Declares He Would Be Up For 'Trainspotting' Sequel With Director Danny Boyle

Who Is Ewan McGregor Playing In 'Beauty And The Beast'?

By Michael West in Movies / TV / Theatre on 22 April 2015

Ewan McGregor

Ewan McGregor could have one of most memorable songs in 'Beauty and the Beast'.

Ewan McGregor is in final negotiations to play the key role of Lumiere in Disney's live action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast, which also boasts Emma Watson, Ian McKellen and Kevin Kline amongst its cast.

Ewan McGregor could have one of the more memorable musical moments in Beauty and the Beast

Lumiere is the maître-d of the prince-turned-Beast's house performing being transformed into a candelabra after a spell was cast on his master and the residents of his grand home. It's yet to be announced whether Disney is turning the film into a musical, though Lumiere had one of the more memorable songs in the original film: Be Our Guest. McGregor previously impressed with his singing in Moulin Rouge.

Continue reading: Who Is Ewan McGregor Playing In 'Beauty And The Beast'?

Star Wars: The Phantom Menace Trailer

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. A trade dispute on the planet Naboo has led to a full-scale invasion of the planet. Two members of the of the honourable Jedi Order, Master Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and his Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) travel to the Trade Federation flagship to negotiate an end to the blockade. While they are there, however, they uncover a secret invasion of the entire planet which threatens to endanger millions of lives. Their quest to save the planet and keep the peace will lead them to a young boy with incredible potential. And the fate of the entire galaxy will be thrown into danger.

Continue: Star Wars: The Phantom Menace Trailer

Star Wars: Revenge Of The Sith Trailer

After five long years, the Clone Wars are still raging across the galaxy. Count Dooku (Christopher Lee), the Separatist leader and his minion, General Grievous, have captured the Chancellor of the Galactic Republic. Jedi master Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) and Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) are tasked with his rescue. Once the chancellor is saved and Dooku is defeated, the location of General Grievous is discovered. If the Jedi can send a strike force to capture or kill Grievous, then they will be able to end the war entirely. But there is a darkness growing within Anakin, and the Jedi Order are slowly starting to become aware of it. But as the power of the Chancellor continues to grow, and his hold over Anakin grows too, leading to a revelation which will forever change the galaxy, and lead to a greater, more destructive war.

Continue: Star Wars: Revenge Of The Sith Trailer

Star Wars: Attack Of The Clones Trailer

Discontent is spreading across the galaxy. A separatist movement, led by the fallen Jedi Count Dooku (Christopher Lee) is challenging the Galactic Republic for power. Now the Jedi Order are forced to do all they can to keep the peace in the galaxy, all the while knowing that war is brewing on the horizon. When former Queen of Naboo, Padmé Amidala (Natalie Portman), now a senator for the planet, is caught up in a failed assassination attempt, Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) and his Padawan Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) must seek out the source of the attack, and do all they can to prevent the war that is coming to the galaxy.

Continue: Star Wars: Attack Of The Clones Trailer

May The Fourth Be With You! Or April 10th For The Full 'Star Wars' HD Collection

By Stephen Caswell in Movies / TV / Theatre on 08 April 2015

Star Wars Disney Harrison Ford Carrie Fisher Ewan McGregor Samuel L Jackson

For the fans that just can't wait until December, 'Star Wars' is set to a release a new HD collection for digital distribution.

'Star Wars' is a phenomenon. The oddball 1977 original movie (later deemed to be "Part 4") was the first true blockbuster, changing the way movies are merchandised and reigniting the steadily dying science fiction genre. It turned the space opera into a crowd-pleasing licence to print money, and we all love it for that. On the other hand, the best way to send any self-respecting geek into a fit of frothing rage is even allude to the prequel trilogy without discussing how you would have made it better yourself.

Harrison Ford in 'Star Wars: A New Hope'

The thing is, the original trilogy is still held in such high regard, that the series is still a viable investment; not only are we getting an entirely new trilogy beginning at the end of 2015, but a remastered collection of the entire saga so far is set to be released digitally online on 10th April, 2015. As if you needed something to get you in the mood.

Continue reading: May The Fourth Be With You! Or April 10th For The Full 'Star Wars' HD Collection

Star Wars: The Digital Collection Trailer

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. The majestic order of honourable, strong Jedi, do all they can to keep the peace in a galaxy slowly tearing itself apart through trade disputes and separatist uprisings. All the while, they are becoming aware of the steady growth of an ancient group of darker, hate filler Jedi known as The Sith, are returning. In amongst their troubles, a young boy is discovered; a boy who could be more powerful than any Jedi that has ever lived. If a legendary prophecy can be believed, he is the one who will destroy the Sith and bring balance back to the Force - the energy which binds all life together.

Continue: Star Wars: The Digital Collection Trailer

Son Of A Gun Review

By Rich Cline

Very Good

This may not be the brightest thriller in the cinema, but it's made with such a ripping sense of energy that it's thoroughly entertaining. With his first feature, Australian filmmaker Julius Avery packs the screen with intense characters, raucous set-pieces and suggestions of all kinds of metaphorical meaning. He also assembles a terrific cast of actors willing to chomp merrily on the scenery. So even if the movie never actually cracks the surface, it's a true guilty pleasure.

Set in Western Australia, the film centres on 19-year-old JR (Brenton Thwaites), who begins a six-month stint in prison with a determination to rise to the top. His bravado nearly gets him killed, but he boldly aligns himself with notorious criminal Brendan (Ewan McGregor), and in exchange for protection inside JR agrees to help Brendan from the outside. Sure enough, in six months Brendan launches an audacious prison break, after which he and Brendan get to work with dodgy mobster Sam (Jacek Koman) on an even more elaborate gold heist. JR is loving the gangster lifestyle but still refuses to follow the rules, which puts him on a collision course with Sam as he openly flirts with Sam's prized moll Tasha (Alicia Vikander). Now JR thinks he can steal Tasha, ditch Brendan and get away with the gold. As if.

Yes, the film is a web of double-crosses and betrayals, none of which is much of a surprise. All of the final act's twists and turns are loudly announced early on, as are the strained metaphors of chess-playing criminals and father-son mentoring. Avery's script and direction constantly suggest that nothing is what it seems, although it's hard not to see what's really going on. But what's on-screen is so much fun that we don't mind at all. Thwaites, McGregor, Vikander and Koman all have a great time playing with our expectations. Each character is cocky and sure that they're in control, when it's clear that they're not. And the sparks between them make each scene sizzle.

Continue reading: Son Of A Gun Review

Our Favourite Pictures From The Sundance Film Festival 30th Anniversary [Photos]

By Stephen Caswell in Movies / TV / Theatre on 27 January 2015

Ewan McGregor Kevin Bacon Slash Sundance Film Festival Saoirse Ronan Jason Schwartzman Emile Hirsch Ethan Hawke Michael Shannon James Franco Winona Ryder

Happy 30th Birthday to The Sundance Film Festival! A whole host of stars and celebrities flocked to have their pictures taken at Sundance.

The Sundance Film Festival is currently in full swing, having begun on 22nd January, and wrapping up on 1st February. This year, something particularly special is in the air at Salt Lake City, as the festival is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. That's right, the Sundance Film Festival has been running for 30 years! Starting out back in 1985, Sundance screened 86 films with the help of 13 staff members. Last year, the festival showcased 186 films of 12,218 that were submitted. That sort of growth has helped Sundance become one of the biggest independent film festivals in, not only North America, by the world.

Kevin Bacon at The Sundance Film Festival, 2015 (Credit: Larry Busacca - Getty Images)

This year, 54 first-time filmmakers are having their films premiered at the festival, but there are plenty of well-known faces there, as well, as 200 films are being shown this year for the monumental anniversary. For the 12th year running, The Village at the Lift has been set up in Park City with a café, restaurant, nightclub and photo studio. And this photo studio has seen a host of celebrities for the festival flocking in to pose for pictures in promotion for their various films, taken by Larry Busacca.

Continue reading: Our Favourite Pictures From The Sundance Film Festival 30th Anniversary [Photos]

Mortdecai Review

By Rich Cline

Bad

Despite a superior cast and terrific-looking production values, this mystery romp is a misfire on every level. The only vaguely entertaining moments come in some snappy wordplay that's presumably all that remains of Kyril Bonfiglioli's beloved novel Don't Point That Thing at Me. Otherwise, the film feels clumsy and outdated, and even Johnny Depp's quirky schtick seems halfhearted. So even though it looks great and elicits a few giggles, it's such a mess that it's hard to imagine why anyone got involved.

Depp plays Lord Charlie Mortdecai, an art expert whose immaculately kept manor house is at risk of foreclosure due to unpaid taxes. So he leaps at the finder's fee when his old pal MI5 Inspector Martland (Ewan McGregor) asks him to investigate a murder linked to a missing Goya painting. The problem is that Martland still holds a torch for Charlie's wife Joanna (Gwyneth Paltrow), a brainy bombshell who launches her own investigation into the case. With his trusty manservant Jock (Paul Bettany) by his side, Charlie is taken to Moscow and Los Angeles in search of the Goya. And it all boils over in a chaotic encounter with a smirking art collector (Jeff Goldblum), his man-crazy daughter (Olivia Munn) and a sneaky killer (Jonny Pasvolsky).

Despite quite a lot of adult-aimed innuendo and violence, director David Koepp (Premium Rush) shoots the movie as if it's a hyperactive kiddie flick, all bright colours and shameless over-acting, with whooshing digitally animated transitions and a series of awkwardly staged car chases. None of this is remotely amusing. Even the constant double entendres are painfully overplayed, while the cartoonish Received Pronunciation accents put on by Depp, Paltrow and McGregor are more distracting than humorous. All of this leaves the characters impossible to engage with on any level; they aren't funny, endearing or even interesting.

Continue reading: Mortdecai Review

Son Of A Gun Trailer

A young man, JR (Brendan Thwaites) is only 19-years-old when he finds himself in an Australian prison. There, he comes under the protection of Australia's Public Enemy number one, Brendan Lynch (Ewan McGregor). In exchange for not being ganged up on or killed in prison, JR is going to have to help Lynch as soon as he is released from prison. This begins with a daring rescue attempt to break Lynch out, and then moves into a plot to steal a vast amount of gold. When JR's attention is diverted, Lynch reveals that their partnership may, in fact, be coming to an end.

Continue: Son Of A Gun Trailer

Son Of A Gun - Clips

JR (Brendan Thwaites) is receiving a lesson from his protector, Brendan Lynch (Ewan McGregor) over a game of chess. Lynch reveals that when an old friend of his performed a stunning opening movie during a game, no one knew what hit them. This move in particular was a bold one, and ensured that there would be no draw in the game from that start. Lynch revealed the true meaning of the lesson - there were to be no half measures. Later, JR wakes up in the house of his protectors, knowing that they are going to be angry after a date he went on. When he reveals that all he did was have dinner with a girl, Lynch informs him how if anything had gone on, an associate would have killed both JR and the girl. There are no half measures; if you are in the group, you are IN the group.

'Son of a Gun' is the feature debut of director Julius Avery. The film is set in and was filmed in Australia, and premiered in Australia on 16th October 2014. It is due to be released in the US on 16th January 2015, with a UK release following on 30th January.

Mortdecai Trailer

When a priceless painting is stolen with the presumable intention of being sold to fund terrorist activities, England needs a hero. Enter, Mortdecai. Lord Charles Mortdecai (Johnny Depp) is a well-known and barely liked art dealer. He is also on the verge of bankruptcy. Well, 'on the verge' may be a little too generous. Mortdecai's extravagant lifestyle ensures that he is in desperate need of money - so much so, that he is willing to take on the job of tracking down and returning the painting. Or, perhaps, he'll steal it himself when he gets the chance. Either way, he'll have to get his hands on it first, and that is going to be far from easy. Or safe.

Continue: Mortdecai Trailer

Mortdecai Trailer

Charlie Mortdecai may be rude, arrogant and distinctly unlikeable, but he's also a terribly rich English art dealer with a drop dead gorgeous wife, charming looks and a trusty man servant. He has been enlisted to uncover a painting, lost for decades and containing a top secret code that leads to a hidden bank account inside which is mounds of Nazi currency. It is with much apprehension on the part of Inspector Martland that Mortdecai become involved, with him being notoriously overt and extremely moronic. But he is happy to help with the recovery, travelling to various corners of the world and dazzling those he meets along the way. However, he has a lot to face on his journey - from MI5 to terrorists and his wife's repeated questions.

Continue: Mortdecai Trailer

Ewan McGregor - 'Jack the Giant Slayer' photocall - London, United Kingdom - Tuesday 12th February 2013

Ewan McGregor and Cannes Film Festival Tuesday 15th May 2012 Celebrities are seen arriving at The Martinez Hotel during the 65th Annual Cannes Film Festival

Ewan McGregor and Manhattan Hotel Tuesday 24th January 2012 Ewan McGregor leaving his Manhattan hotel with turn up jeans and smoking a cigarette.

Ewan McGregor and Vanity Fair - Ewan McGregor, Eve Mavrakis New York City, USA - World premiere of 'Amelia' presented by Bloomingdale's & Vanity Fair, held at Paris theatre Tuesday 20th October 2009