From Christopher Reeve.Org: The Reeve Foundation Champions Committee, joined by Hayden Christensen and Dior Beauty hosted a successful and fun-filled sold-out summer party last night at the Boom Boom Room in New York City.

Fashion and fundraising joined forces as Christensen, Allure magazine editor-in-chief Linda Wells, and many more welcomed supporters of the Reeve Foundation, including friends of the Foundation Jesse McConnell and Taylor Price, pictured at right.

From: NBC New York – The children of the late legendary actor Christopher Reeve gathered at The Standard’s Boom Boom Room last night for a posh summer fundraising event along with good pal Hayden Christensen.

“Hayden is a good friend, so him being here is really spectacular,” Alexandra Reeve Givens, daughter of Christopher, told Niteside at the Reeve Foundation event.

“He’s actually always been very supportive and he agreed to come. He’s followed what we’ve been doing for a long time. He wanted to just lend his name to the cause. “

Christensen’s appearance at the charity event, which supported the leading organization for people living with paralysis, speaks to his character, Matthew Reeve, son of Christopher, said: “He’s been incredibly generous with his time. I mean I’ve known him for eight years, and I just asked a good friend for a favor.”

From s2smagazine.com: Will Packer can breath a sigh of relief now that his long-awaited action flick Takers has had its Hollywood premiere.

“I thought that if we put together a really, really good looking group of guys—sexy bad boys—that women would respond and want to see it. Typically action is a male domain, but I knew that if we casted it and marketed it the right way, we would be able to broaden [our audience] and bring in women as well.”

Paul Walker, Hayden Christensen and Matt Dillion also star in Takers, which reminds us a bit of the Ocean’s series. However Will assures us that Takers is distinctly different, even with its smart-alecky comedy.


“Overall, I think it’s a satisfying movie. I think people will be pleased with it,” Will told S2S, pointing out that the film will be far from predictable. “There’s gonna be some surprises in there. It doesn’t all wrap up the way you might expect it to.”

To see what surprises Will has in store for viewers, check out Takers when it hits theaters on August 27.


Snoop Dogg at the Takers premiere in Hollywood Brown told MTV recently that he did “96 percent” of his stunts in the film and would’ve done more if producers had allowed him to. “I think the most exciting parts are the stunts, getting to blow stuff up, shoot guns, you know what I’m saying,” he told MTV. “It’s all fun!”

Other cast members out there with newlywed T.I. (real name Clifford Harris) included Idris Elba, Michael Ealy and Hayden Christensen plus director John Luessenhop.

Also spotted on the red carpet: Snoop Dogg, Jesse McCartney, newlywed LaLa Vazquez, Quinton Aaron, Andy Dick, Koena Mitra, Claudia Jordan, Camille Winbush and singer Keri Hilson, who also performed at the after-party, held at Boulevard 3 in Hollywood.

The movie, which also stars Zoe Saldana and Matt Dillon, opens Aug. 27 in U.S. theaters. Click the pic of Snoop Dogg to launch a gallery of red carpet pictures — and if you wonder what it’s like to work with Brown, check out the video of Ealy and Christensen at the premiere, below.

Luckily, Hayden Christensen and Idris Elba on the red carpet show elegance. The first wears discreet custom chess, while the second uses wool blazer with a vest. Notice how the shirt “Wall Street”, the one with white collar and wrists, makes any male look more fancy.
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The Canadian-born star and his older brother yesterday filed suit in Manhattan federal court against the cable outfit, charging that it stole their idea for a comedic drama about a “concierge” doctor who makes house calls to the rich and famous.

The brothers claim that USA’s “Royal Pains” — which is in its second season — is a shameless rip-off of “Housecall,” which they offered to the NBC subsidiary in 2005.

The Christensen’s claim a USA exec told them “that, prior to learning about ‘Housecall,’ he was unaware of concierge doctors and that he thought it was a fascinating idea.”

A USA spokeswoman declined to comment.

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The duo arrived with an elderly woman who was escorted to sit elsewhere. It was unclear who she was.

Mr. Chai was announced as the winner of the Swarovski award for menswear designer, presented to him by actor Ed Westwick and TV personality Alexa Chung. When his name was called, Mr. Chai just said, “Wow,” and Mr. Christensen congratulated him by slapping his back. When the designer got up to the stage, he said it again: “Wow.” Among the many people he thanked was Mr. Christensen, for being his date.

When the awards were over, Mr. Christensen turned to Mr. Chai and said, “Hold on, I have to go get my grandmother.”

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By Hayden Christensen

Editors note: More than 20 million people have died of HIV/AIDS in Africa, despite the fact it is now a preventable and treatable disease. “The Lazarus Effect” campaign features dozens of celebrity artists helping to raise awareness of the value of 40 cents – the cost of antiretroviral medicine needed for people with HIV/AIDS in Africa to survive – by comparing trivial items worth the same amount (a stick of gum, a smear of lipstick, etc).

I recently went on a trip to Africa and came back with the need to get involved and help raise awareness about AIDS. I was familiar with the (RED) campaign and the remarkable work they have done and are currently doing and wanted to be a part of it. One of our initiatives is to raise AIDS awareness through “The Lazarus Effect.” This inspiring documentary airs tonight on HBO. If you miss it there, you can see it on YouTube afterwards.

“The Lazarus Effect” addresses one of the world’s worst epidemics—AIDS in Africa. It focuses on the transformative effect of antiretroviral medicine and shows us how someone who is severely suffering from AIDS can regain their health in as little as 40 days by simply taking two pills a day that only cost 40 cents. The narrative of the documentary is told from the perspective of patients and doctors who are battling AIDS in their every day life. The story that unfolds in this documentary does not focus on the devastation and despair, but on survival. It shows what the human impact of smart aid programs has been.

Just eight years ago there were only 50,000 people across the continent who could access ARV (antiretroviral) treatment as it cost over $10,000 a year. Treatment was virtually impossible since the majority of people living in Africa make less than $2 a day. At that time, AIDS was a death sentence and more than 6,000 people were dying each day from a preventable and treatable disease. Today, that number has been nearly cut in half. Thanks to the efforts of global health organizations the cost of these pills is less than $158 a year. This means that programs offering aid can afford to get them to the millions of people who are in need.

Three million people are on ARV treatment today in Africa, but there are still millions of people across the continent who don’t have access to the basic treatment needed to fight AIDS. They are dying, and the worst part is that treatment is available. This documentary shows what is possible when there is access to treatment.

I hope people watch the documentary and are inspired to help raise funds to support the incredible programs that ultimately save lives. I urge people to visit JOINRED.COM and learn how they can get involved.

This is your first visit to Latin America, what do you think about Brasil?
Rio is beautiful, and I love calm attitude of Brazilian people, I have heard so much about it after the announce of this town as the venue for Olympic Games. Montreal developed so much after the games, I think it will the same for you.

What did you like the most?
The music. I just finished filming a psychological thriller, “Non-stop to Brazil”, by Brad Anderson, a movie that trace a bridge between Brazil and America through the music.I knew about Brazilian rhythm and I find them fascinating.(Note: the journalist thinks the name is the last movie of Brad Anderson instead “Vanishing in the 7thstreet”, Brad Anderson made music for the soundtrack of “Vanishing…)

Another projects?
Now, in summer (our winter..) the release of “Takers” with Matt Dillon, its a movie about a bank robber band and Jumper II script, although not soon..

Michael Lacoste brought you, on Wednesday, to à Fundação Gol de Letra of ex football player Raí, how it was?
Wonderful! I met the children and even played with the ball! it was a pity I wore boots but I could pass the ball better! I adore being part of social works,there are as much terrible things that happens around the world, its necessary to help! I just finished a campaigning for RED. I was in Africa a few time ago and I was shocked because how aids hits their society.

Do you like Football?
I played football since I was a child, although I play more to Hockey or tenis. One good thing about football is you dont need more than a ball and friends. Sometimes I get together a group for playing a match.

Would you like working with some Brazilian film maker?
Sure, with Fernando Meirelles, who directed “The constant gardener”

Are you interested in fashion?
I’d like to be presentable! (laughs!) dress is a way to express, but I’m not fashionista.I prefer to use comfy clothes that I can soil! so I don’t suffer shopping, I’m lucky I have a person who do that for me…

How does a woman have to dress if she wants you stare at her?
First of all she needs to respect herself, I don’t like when they use less clothes, simply is better.

Challenge…which is the most challenge project you have faced?
If its about my career, I spare no effort to conquer new spaces, although I’m known because action film, I made always, parallel to this films, more introspective characters and I’d like to be known by them too. Acting in big productions is great, because so many people goes to theaters on the other hand I don’t act thinking how many tickets I’m going to sell.What really attracts me is the personality of the character.

What about a Canadian production?
There aren’t so much films in Canada,anyway, we are there…I’m wishing to make a Canadian film, all I need is the invitation…
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Engaged since 2009, the actor said he is deeply in love and cant wait to get married. Hayden finished his steak in the restaurant Porcão, in Ipanema.

Then he went back to the hotel in Arpoador beach, took a bath and came back to Los Angeles.

Hayden attended the Lacoste fashion show that took place in Copa Cabana Palace on Wednesday. The actor had a vip treatment , with access to a luxury spa and play football with Raí. IG had a chat with the actor, famous because of his character Darth Vader in the Star Wars trilogy.

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Thank you Norma Lita

How would you define your style?
I’d say it’s casual and comfy. I like sportive activities, so I want to wear clothes that have no problem getting dirty. At the same time I like to take care of myself and be presentable. In general, I like simple clothes, nothing extravagant.

Do you pay attention to brands?
Look, I don’t like brands that put a 3 meters logo on a t-shirt, so that is my only rule about not to wear. But Lacoste’s crocodile is fine!

Did you know that Lacoste was the first brand to put their logo outside of clothes?
I didn’t know it, that’s fun!

What are your key pieces?
These boots that I’m wearing and the navy jacket, that I wear a lot. These two are really like me.

Do you follow trends?
I don’t follow trends, but I think there are many great stylists in contemporary fashion.

Any particular name?
Ah, that’s a question for my fiancee! That’s her thing…

What do you think of her style?
I think she does a good job in respecting her style, I don’t think she tries to follow trends. She tries to wear what reflects who she is.

And she creates trends many times!
She’s a trendsetter? She’ll love to know it, she loves these things!

What was the most fashionable gift you’ve ever given to her?
I usually buy her things from Hermès, because they have the H of my name. I give her a small necklace that was a small H in it, a bracelet that has a small H in it… I have some kind of theme going on!

Do you have a personal stylist?
No, and I think I never will. But my fiancee is a great personal stylist, and she’s mine only! She loves to buy things for me.

What outfit would you never wear?
Leather pants. In the beginning of my career I made a photo session wearing one, but I was too naive and I thought I had to do everything I was told. So they showed up with a pair and I said “Ok, I think I’ll wear leather pants, then”.

What do you wear to go to the beach?
I never wear speedos. It’s not possible over there in Canada. I like longer shorts, surfer style.

Is there anything that you don’t like about the way that women dress?
You know when they get all dressed up and can’t walk? That makes me laugh, because I keep thinking why would anyone wear something that would prevent them from moving, breathing, and doing all the basic necessities of life!

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Thank you Anon and Mariana! Do not repost without credit!

What would you do if this face to face with Darth Vader, one of the greatest villains of the seventh art? Well, he would not come to Brazil, but Hayden Christensen, the actor who gave life to the character in the first three films in the saga “Star Wars” made his first visit to the country. The reason was special: he is the poster boy Lacoste and came to Rio to participate in the parade that the designer held at the Copacabana Palace.

The Canadian actor spoke to the report of IG on the afternoon of Wednesday (12) and talked about fashion, career, and has revealed that an ideal type of woman, with personality and sense of humor. Check out the interview below:

iG: What do you think about Brazil? Is there any place in particular you’d like to visit?
Christensen: This is my first time in Brazil and I’m finding it very nice. People are very nice and quiet. I have not had the opportunity to know very well the river, because I’ll get some time (the season of the actor is only three days), but tomorrow I’ll go do tourist programs such as the Sugarloaf, the barbecue … At Corcovado I can not go, because I said it’s closed off to visitors.

IG: In relation to Brazilian culture: you know any director, film or music?
Christensen: I do not really know much about movies and Brazilian culture. This is only my first visit to Brazil. But, I already have the visa in my passport of the country and plans to return sometime in the next five years. Sure, I’ll be back.

IG: What was it like playing a character so striking as Darth Vader in the latest films in the saga of “Star Wars”? That role has changed your life?
Christensen: Interpret a character like that was one of the most amazing things in my life. It was the movie that had the greatest recognition. Also, my brother has always been a big fan of “Star Wars” and we were very excited when I got the part.

IG: You’ve worked with established actors like Samuel L. Jackson and Ewan McGregor. Which one impressed you most? With another actor who would play opposite you?
Christensen: Wow! All were wonderful. I find it hard to choose one, but I would love to work with actors like Sean Peann solid reputation, Billy Crudup and Michael Gambon. I think others would learn from them.

IG: You became known for futuristic movies and science fiction. He had no fear of being stereotyped?
Christensen: I really think people associate me with that kind of movie, but I do not see it as a bad thing. I’m a fan of the genre. I’m still young, I have enough time to do different jobs, they succeed.

iG: What are your upcoming projects?
Christensen: My next film is called “Shadow Chaser”. This is one long action-adventure, the way I like. Everyone would also like us to do a sequel to “Jumper”, but this is a matter of time. We are working on the script …

IG: How did the partnership with Lacoste?
Christensen: I grew up playing tennis, so I always wore too much clothing by Lacoste, mainly polo shirts. When they invited me to be the poster boy of perfume Challenge, I was very happy because I think that the brand promotes an image of healthy people who enjoy sports as I do.

IG: And how do you define your style?
Christensen: I like casual attire and comfortable. And I am a very active person, so I like clothes that have no problem with that mess and leave me free to play sports.

iG: What piece of clothing that you do not give up at all?
Christensen: That difficult question! I do not know if I am so attached to a piece of clothing, I am not so vain, but I really like shoes. Especially boots. I bought these I’m wearing in London a year ago and use it enough. Whenever I’m in a place that is hot or cold.

iG: Today you visited the project Gol de Letra Foundation. How was the experience?
Christensen: I went there and played football. I love it but I do not think I did quite well because I was in boots (laughs). I think I’m better at tennis and hockey, sports practice since small. I know that Brazilians are crazy about football. When the game “FIFA” in the Playstation always choose the team from Brazil: Ronaldinho and Kaka are always the best, at least in the video game.

IG: You seem to be a very shy person. The fame and the paparazzi annoy you?
Christensen: It depends where I am. At my farm in Canada they do not bother me even a little, why not travel there often. But when I’m in Los Angeles, they can be a little insensitive. That’s crazy! They await you at the door of your house and follow you to where you go. If a camera were not as they would be pursuing.

IG: You are considered sexy symbol and has worked with women as icons of beauty Natalie Portman, Sienna Miller and Jessica Alba. In real life, what a woman should do to make you win?
Christensen: I like women who have their heads in place, they have their own opinions and be respected. I really look for a woman with humor, that makes me laugh. I think this is key! And if he is in evening dress, even better.

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“It’s been a great trip. I loved the place and am having great experiences. Now that I have my visa, I will always return, “he joked, that during the afternoon visited the Gol de Letra Foundation, and former player Rai. He, who arrived in Rio in the morning, also said he was impressed with the beauties of the city and wanting to make a tour to see more before departure, as this Thursday, 13.

Rai also attended the parade and commented enthusiastically about the star’s visit to the NGO. “He was incredible. Interacted with everyone and was very open. The children talked to him, do not know in what language, but spoke,” he said laughingly.

But even if Hayden was delighted with Maria Fernanda Candido. The actor looked into her green eyes and made a point of posing next to the actress in the pictures. Before among actors Reynaldo Gianecchini and Marcelo Novaes, he traded places to stay near Maria Fernanda.

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Guest of honor of the French fashion label Lacoste, the Copacabana Palace, actor Hayden Christensen landed on Tuesday for his first season in Rio de Janeiro. Face Challenge which promotes the perfume in the world, the artist who became famous for playing Anakin Skywalker – the juvenile stage of the villain Darth Vader – Star Wars II and III, regretted not having seen landing in the city that is postcard from Brazil abroad. “I was sleeping. But when I got the car, all I see is all that really speak out there,” he said, which is in Latin America for the first time.

Well, almost everything is the same: “Yes, I remember the episode of the Simpsons, monkey walking the streets of Rio, but this was not my impression,” he laughs. “People are so nice family. We look at them and seem to already know them.”

Christensen was born, I Toronto, Canada, and early wanted to be an actor. It was discovered in a test when her sister was to follow for a commercial. He won the role as having “the” face for the job. He went to New York with his parents in 1994 at age 13, and enrolled in a school of interpretation. The modeling career came much later, for an ad for Louis Vuitton in 2004.

This year he has produced enough. Finished Revenge of the Sith, the third film in the Star Wars, and taped a complement to the DVD version of Chapter VI of the saga, The Return of the Jedi. The campaign of Lacoste – Christensen’s second career – began to be planned for two years and was released worldwide last year.

The actor did not parade on Tuesday night. As guest of honor, their participation was sitting in the front row of the disputed parade. On Wednesday, the programming was more daytime. He woke up at 11am and visited the Gol de Letra Foundation, Rai’s former player and coach of Milan, Leonardo. Arriving at the neighborhood of Chestnut, in Docklands, threw the ball more than the contract called for, with one detail: he wore combat boots. “Not a good idea to play without shoes,” he admitted.

Over the river, finally, he revealed that he wanted to be here in a warmer season of the year. To see people with less clothing.

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The producers are Tove Christensen, Myriad’s CEO and President Kirk D’Amico, Michael Mailer and Alvaro Longoria.

The story follows a former national security expert, played by Christensen, who, while investigating the murder of his only sister and her young son, discovers that a religious sect called The Shadow of the Cross may be involved. With the help of his sister’s friend Ana, they follow the clues to a clinic in the mountains of Italy, where a terrifying secret experiment has been conducted – successfully. The results are so threatening to the foundation of the Church that they will do anything to keep it from being revealed.

“We are very pleased to have Hayden on board for this project,” said D’Amico. “His passion for the character of Joe Lassiter and the world he inhabits – of religion, politics and secret operatives – was apparent to all of us involved in the project. It is this kind of commitment that we know will lead to a compelling performance.”

Hayden Christensen will next be seen starring in John Luessenhop’s Takers opposite Matt Dillon and Zoe Saldana and Brad Anderson’s Vanishing on 7th Street opposite Thandie Newton and John Leguizamo. Hayden is involved with the (RED) campaign and recently shot a PSA for them that also features Bono, Javier Bardem, Don Cheadle, Penélope Cruz, Claire Danes, Hugh Jackman, Julianne Moore, Gabourey Sidibe, Gwen Stefani, The Jonas Brothers, among others.

Director David R. Ellis started his career as a stuntman and moved into directing, where he served as 2nd unit director on Harrison Ford’s Patriot Games and Clear and Present Danger. His directing credits include Final Destination 2, Cellular, starring Kim Basinger and Jessica Biel, Asylum, with Sarah Roemer, Snakes on a Plane with Samuel L. Jackson and The Final Destination in 3-D, which occupied the number one spot at the box office when it was released last year.

Kevin Bernhardt wrote the screenplay to the crime-drama The Immortals starring Eric Roberts and Joe Pantoliano and the Tom Berenger thriller Fear of Flying. He wrote the adventure El Americano which will be directed by Amy Redford and Elephant White, which will star Kevin Bacon. He also wrote the screenplay for Peaceful Warrior.

The Genesis Code comes to theaters in 2011 and stars Hayden Christensen. The film is directed by David R. Ellis.

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The campaign equates what the average person can buy with 40 cents from a stick of gum to a smear of lipstick to what the same amount would mean to someone with HIV/AIDS in Africa; another day of life transforming medication. The campaign features Bono, Hayden Christensen, Javier Bardem, Penelope Cruz, Iman, Claire Danes, Toni Collette, Hugh Jackman, Orlando Bloom, Gabourey Sidibe, and others.

On May 24, 2010 HBO will present “The Lazarus Effect.” The 30-minute film captures a series of true-life resurrections on screen ones that don’t require a single act of magic or faith to make the miracle happen. Rather than miracles, “The Lazarus Effect” records the extraordinary, life-restoring effect of ARVs on HIV-positive Africans who, only a few years ago, would have never had a chance. Now they have hope.

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HIV/AIDS is a preventable and treatable disease, yet it has killed more than 20 million people in Africa. In 2002, more than 29 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa had HIV, yet only 50,000 people could afford the $10,000 a year treatment they needed to stay alive. Today, thanks to increased political support, a push by global health organizations, and contributions from the private sector, the cost of ARV drugs is now around 40 cents a day and more than three million people in Africa, are now receiving treatment. The availability of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, which block HIV’s assault on the body’s immune system, can transform the lives of people from near death to health in as little as three months. This has been dubbed “The Lazarus Effect” after the story in the Bible when Jesus resurrected Lazarus from the dead.

Director Lance Bangs and the subjects of the documentary Constance Mudenda and Concillia Muhau were in attendance. Major celebs in attendance included: Bono and his wife, Ali Hewson and Adam Clayton of U2, Chris Rock and his wife, Malaak Compton-Rock, Hayden Christensen.

After credits rolled, guests headed over to the Ace Hotel’s Liberty Hall for the after-party. On my way out, I saw that Hayden Christensen was surrounded by adoring fans asking for autographs.

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Susan Smith Ellis, CEO of (RED) and Hayden Christensen, star of Star Wars films and this summer’s “Takers,” will ring the NASDAQ Opening Bell to mark the beginning of the Lazarus Effect Campaign and to celebrate the broadcast of “The Lazarus Effect” documentary airing May 24 at 9:00 p.m. EDT on HBO.

Where: NASDAQ MarketSite — 4 Times Square — 43rd & Broadway — Broadcast Studio

When: Thursday, May 6, 2010 at 9:15 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. ET

The campaign equates what the average person can buy with 40 cents–from a stick of gum to a smear of lipstick–to what the same amount would mean to someone with HIV/AIDS in Africa; another day of life transforming medication. The campaign features Bono, Hayden Christensen, Javier Bardem, Penelope Cruz, Iman, Claire Danes, Toni Collette, Hugh Jackman, Orlando Bloom, Gabourey Sidibe, and others.

On May 24, 2010 HBO will present “The Lazarus Effect.” The 30-minute film captures a series of true-life resurrections on screen–ones that don’t require a single act of magic or faith to make the miracle happen. Rather than miracles, “The Lazarus Effect” records the extraordinary, life-restoring effect of ARVs on HIV-positive Africans who, only a few years ago, would have never had a chance. Now they have hope.

Facebook and Twitter:

For multimedia features such as exclusive content, photo postings, status updates and video of bell ceremonies please visit our Facebook page at:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/NASDAQ-OMX/108167527653

For news tweets, please visit our Twitter page at:

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Webcast:

A live webcast of the NASDAQ Opening Bell will be available at: http://www.nasdaq.com/about/marketsitetowervideo.asx
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Everyone wants to talk to Gaby. Everywhere she goes. Which is why it took all my powers of the force to pull Luke Skywalker — Hayden Christensen — away from Gaby for just a minute to chat about the film and his very personal reason for supporting the RED campaign.

“I lost my aunt to AIDS, just a few years ago. I’m trying to figure out right now what else I can do. We need to get people healthy and this is a treatable disease. RED gives consumers the ability to buy things to give their money to something positive It bridges the gap between consumerism and charity,” Hayden told me.

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Hayden did not parade, but will be one of the hosts of the night next to the company’s chairman Michel Lacoste, son of the founder of the famous brand alligator, Rene Lacoste.

It will be the first parade in Rio, but the second in the country. In 2008, to mark the 75th anniversary of its creation, Lacoste did parade in the building of the Oca in Ibirapuera Park in Sao Paulo.

The theme of the summer collection is “Water and air bridge wins pier with lights in blue. The color also looks more frequent in men and women, also in white, others black and yellow.

The parade held at the Copacabana Palace for 300 guests. According to the company said, through his press office, the river is a strategic city and central to its expansion plans and will place the opening of the third store’s own brand by 2012.

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The campaign, directed by renowned photographer Brigitte Lacombe, features Hayden Christensen, Bono, Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem, Julianne Moore, Naomi Watts, Claire Danes, Alek Wek, Iman, John Turturro…..Read More ?

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/red/43843/

The campaign, directed by renowned photographer Brigitte Lacombe, features Bono, Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem, Julianne Moore, Naomi Watts, Claire Danes, Alek Wek, Iman, John Turturro, Toni Collette, Hugh Jackman, Orlando Bloom, Lucy Liu, Gabourey Sidibe, Kerry Washington, Bryan Cranston, LeAnn Rimes, Jane Lynch, Michelle Rodriguez, Gwen Stefani, Hayden Christensen, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Don Cheadle, Ludacris, Common, Benicio Del Toro, Dakota Fanning, Christy Turlington and the Jonas Brothers.

“At the heart of this campaign, is a message of progress and the results of smart targeted aid,” says Susan Smith Ellis, CEO, (RED). “We felt it was important to show that people’s lives are being transformed every day by medication funded by organizations such as the Global Fund and PEPFAR. This story needs to be told so that people understand that the money is working, there is real progress and that we need to continue making this treatment accessible to those who need it.”

“More than 20 million people have died in Africa from a disease that can now be treated for as little as 40 cents a day,” says Kerry Washington. “It is staggering how little it costs to make such dramatic changes in someone’s life. I’m lending my voice to this campaign to ensure more people learn about this and that we invest in ensuring that AIDS is not a death sentence merely because of where you’re born.”

“The Lazarus Effect” is a term that references the biblical story of Lazarus and his resurrection. The term has been used broadly to describe the transformative effect of antiretroviral medicine on those living with HIV. A person dying from AIDS can regain their strength and vitality in as few as 40 days after gaining access to antiretroviral pills that cost just 40 cents a day. The campaign, including the documentary, draws attention to the impact of increased access to this medicine during the past decade and the hope it has brought to millions of people.

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Hayden Christensen: Although his future will forever be tied with the fearsome “Darth Vader”, the young Canadian actor is one of the most attractive people in the “star system”. Intelligent, with a touch of sensibility and always up for super-productions as well as more artistic opportunities. “Takers”, alongside Matt Dillon, is next for the star, who does not lose sleep over fame.

Hayden Christensen was only eight years old when, even under his father’s opposition, took advantage of his first professional opportunity: starring in a Pringles commercial in his native Canada . The typical premeditated story of the infant Machiavellian? The furthest thing from the truth. He met his first manager because on the day in which his oldest sister (a former trampoline jumper) was looking for an agent to take her first steps as an actress, there was no one to babysit the young Hayden. The manager asked if the young boy had an agent and Christensen is proof, since then, that “once you pop, you can’t stop”. It’s difficult that the imagination of a “Star Wars” fan can’t establish the parallel between this casual encounter and the scene from “The Phantom Menace” in which ‘Qui-Gon Jinn’ (Liam Neeson) realizes that it was the Force and not just some random accident which took his ship to the remote planet of Tatooine where he found a 9 year old boy named ‘Anakin Skywalker’…

But before George Lucas choose him from 400 aspiring actors (including Leonardo DiCaprio), Hayden was already an emerging star. He was nominated for a Golden Globe for “Life as a House” (2001); he had shared his talent in “The Virgin Suicides” (1999), the debut from indie muse Sofia Coppola; and had worked with “teen” terror genius John Carpenter in the film “In the Mouth of Madness” (1995). When he learned that he was required for the first audition of “Star Wars”, the still adolescent Hayden was a real professional; he did not attend the audition because he did not want to miss filming of “Higher Ground” (2000), which was filming in Vancouver . He continued with the auditioning process thanks to the insistence of his agent, until one day George Lucas said he wanted to see him at Skywalker ranch. Hayden was chosen to interpret the myth before he became a myth, basically ‘Anakin’ before his transformation into ‘Darth Vader’, one of the most iconic characters, which caused pandemonium amongst fans throughout the world in “Attack of the Clones” (2002) and “Revenge of the Sith” (2005)

Everyone was caught up with ‘Haydenmania’, everyone but Hayden. Even with the significance of the new “Star Wars” trilogy, the actor has always shined amongst all of the stars of his age, because of his independence and modesty. After the saga, he starred in other high budget films – like “ Virgin Territory ” (2007) or “Jumper” (2008) – and smaller budget films such as “Awake” (2007) or the retrospective “Factory Girl” (2006) and “Shattered Glass” (2003), for which he won the award for best male actor at the Palms Film Festival. Though the films appear very different, the Canadian actor assures: “All of my characters have something in common. I like the roles that having an interesting growth; that experience changes; that find themselves affected by the elements in the story. I’ve always felt that conflict is essential to drama”.

Christensen, who we recently saw attending the Winter Olympics in Vancouver as a regular spectator, has not given into the Hollywood lifestyle. Even though “People” magazine have included him in their most beautiful people lists. He spends the majority of the year in Canada, he loves jazz, plays piano, studies architecture as a plan B and takes great sport risks, such as Eco-Challenge” Fiji Island, in which he formed a team with his brother and sister: 500 kilometers of hiking, swimming, mountain biking… In his adolescence he competed in tennis and hockey.

In an interview he confessed: “Everything that I want, is what my mother wanted for me when she raised me: to be happy. For that, you don’t need to have a relationship. It’s not necessary to have reached a certain level of respect. I just want to continue caring about what I do and be nice to everyone in the process. It’s important to feel that. That is happiness”.

While he enjoys his relationship with Rachel Bilson, one of the stars of “The O.C.” and a costar in one of his most recent movies, “New York, I Love You” (2009), he returns to screens this summer is “Takers”, a thriller directed by John Luessenhop and with a very attractive ensemble cast (Paul Walker, Chris Brown, Matt Dillon and Hayden). May the force be with him.


Scans can be viewed in the gallery


Thank you to Rosie for translating the article.

“In the film a mysterious and seemingly global blackout causes countless populations to simply vanish, leaving only their clothes and possessions behind. A small handful of survivors band together in a dimly-lit tavern on 7th Street, struggling to combat the apocalyptic horror. Realizing they may in fact be the last people on earth, the darkness hones in on them alone.”

Credit to MrDisgusting
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Click to enlarge!

Finally after some fairly vague details we have an official plot crunch for you for the film which stars Hayden Christensen, John Leguizamo, and Thandie Newton. Dig on that below. No release dates have been issued as of yet but when we know, you’ll know!

For more check out an early title card treatment over at Bloody Disgusting.

Synopsis
A mysterious, seemingly global blackout causes countless populations to simply vanish, leaving only their clothes and possessions behind. A small handful of survivors band together in a dimly-lit tavern on 7th Street, struggling to combat the apocalyptic horror. Realizing they may in fact be the last people on earth, the darkness hones in on them alone.”

Credit to Uncle Creepy
and
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“Beyond nervous,” said Christensen, dressed in a Canada home-white jersey and sporting a black-and-red-trim Team Canada while sitting in Section 117, Row 23. “It’s been an amazing game but I don’t like the score right now.”

Christensen lives in Vancouver and said “it’s incredible, such a treat for all of us to have the Olympics in our city.” He is a Canucks fan, but also roots for NHLers Raffi Torres (Columbus) and the well-traveled Mike Zigomanis (right now playing for Toronto’s top minor-league team).

“I played hockey with both of them growing up,” said Christensen. “I dreamed about becoming a pro hockey player, just like most kids [in Canada]. I love the game.”
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IM Global’s fast-rising Octane division is talking up its genre titles to international buyers here at the EFM.

Octane sales chief Catherine Quantschnigg’s slate is led by psychological thriller Isolation from Boogeyman director Stephen T Kay, which is financed by Matty Beckerman’s Natural Selection fund.

Rounding out the slate are Brad Anderson’s recently wrapped thriller Vanishing On 7th Street starring Hayden Christensen, Thandie Newton and John Leguizamo, and Tim Sullivan’s 2001 Maniacs: Field Of Screams, which received its market premiere last week.
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(Click to Enlarge)

The cast seems like a fun boys club, with costars Matt Dillon, Paul Walker, and Michael Ealy.

Good fellas, man. Everyone was just snapping on one another. If you weren’t sharp with your wit you might get laughed at for 20 minutes. Of course you have Hayden Christensen, he’s a little less slick with his…he’s more of a farm boy. But he’d give it back whenever he wanted to.
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Olympics offer an almost unmatched gathering of international A-listers from the worlds of sport, society, Hollywood, and business, and Vancouver should be no exception.

“I expect not to sleep at all,” says Lainey Lui, known as Lainey Gossip to her fans in the blogosphere.

Lui is getting ready, which included a recent reconnaissance call to journalists who covered the 2000 Summer Games in Sydney, Australia.

“It was basically a 16-day party. I totally expect that to be the case in Vacouver,” she says.

The rumour mill is rife with chatter about who will grace the rain-soaked streets of the West Coast city next month.

Omega, the official timekeeper of the Games, has confirmed a star-studded lineup of celebrity ambassadors, including supermodel Cindy Crawford and U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps, who won eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The Swiss watchmaker will also have astronaut Buzz Aldrin in town, and a company spokesperson has hinted that more of their celebrity endorsers could show up in the spotlight. George Clooney and Nicole Kidman are signed with Omega, as well as Formula One driver Michael Schumacher, Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi and golfer Sergio Garcia.

It is a sporting event, after all, and celebrity athletes will abound in and out of official competition.

Among the competing athletes, U.S. speed skater and “Dancing With the Stars” alum Apolo Anton Ohno, American skier Lindsey Vonn and snowboarder Shaun White will draw big crowds.

And NHL stars Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin will lace up for the international hockey tournament, but they just might be overshadowed by the presence of the Great One. Molson Canadian Hockey House confirms Wayne Gretzky will be in town.

Golfer Mike Weir will make an appearance on behalf of the Ontario pavilion set for the Games and B.C. comedian Brent Butt will perform at Hockey House. Talk show host and comedian Stephen Colbert says he’s coming with the U.S. speedskating team, despite his “Hey Canada, Don’t Be An Ice-Hole” letter-writing campaign.

From the opening ceremonies and the nightly parties, to the celebrations after the flame goes out, there will be eye candy aplenty for star watchers.

And then there’s the nightlife. Business big wigs from Ferrari to Budweiser will be hosting star-studded private parties throughout the city.

Club Bud will take over Vancouver’s vaunted Commodore Ballroom, while HBC is rumoured to be setting up a gifting suite for the glitterati at the Loden Hotel.

“It’s not like people are going to be able to go up and crash the penthouse suite, but there will be celebrities going in and out of the Loden, so if you have the time and the inclination you can certainly stand across the street from the Loden, if that’s what you want to do, and wait for celebrities to go in and out,” says Lui.

Amid the Eurotrash jet setters and the usual line-up of Hollywood camera chasers, Lui says visitors might catch a glimpse of homegrown B.C. stars such as songstress Sarah McLachlan, NBA MVP and general VIP Steve Nash and actor Ryan Reynolds (now sometimes referred to as Mr. Scarlett Johansson).

“There’s a very, very good chance those people will be there and then a very, very good chance that international party superstars could fly in just to be seen and see other people.”

Celebutante Paris Hilton has never met a camera she didn’t love and with tens of thousands of them slated to be in Vancouver, there’s almost no chance she won’t show up to be part of the festivities, say celebrity watchers.

“She makes a career and a life out of going places she doesn’t belong just so she can be seen. It’s very, very possible she’d come to Vancouver and Club Bud is where she’d end up,” says Lui.

Despite the “sporting” nature of the event, athletes just might be outnumbered by musicians. Thanks largely to the accompanying Cultural Olympiad, the Barenaked Ladies, Feist, and Lou Reed will be in Vancouver at some point during the Games.

In Whistler, Usher, the Fray, and Jully Black are lined up to perform.

The mountain resort north of Vancouver is no stranger to celebrities, and will likely draw its own, long roster of A-list visitors.

“I think we’re going to see a lot of stars go up to Whistler, for sure. It’s easier for them to hide up there,” says Vancouver-based celebrity photographer Rik Fedyck.

In Vancouver, business should be a bit easier. Not all celebrities shun a camera lens.

“I’ve heard some pretty big names coming here. It’ll be good A-listers, put it that way,” Fedyck says.

He’s been told that Hayden Christensen of Star Wars fame, and rapper Sean “Puffy” Combs are on the Games guest list.

Fedyck has been entertaining calls from newspapers and magazines around the world, lining up coverage of their own favourite stars.

And there are sure to be some new stars born under the glow of the rings.

“I was in Calgary in ’88 and you’ve always got your little Olympic sweethearts or somebody who does well who becomes an instant celebrity, similar to what Phelps did,” he says.

“There’s probably not enough of me to go around and get everything that will be in town.”

Vancouver’s major advantage over other recent Games is that it’s in the same time zone as Hollywood and on the same continent.

“It’s not a haul to get here. I think that’s why the celebrity factor is going to be so high here,” says Lui, who will be reporting for CTV and updating her blog, www.laineygossip.com, regularly.

But for all her professional celebrity obsession, it’s not the Hollywood set that she’s looking forward to seeing.

“I’m obsessed with figure skating. I love Michelle Kwan, so it would be so exciting for me to see if Michelle Kwan shows up to watch the figure skating events. I’m also really, really obsessed with Wayne Gretzky. That would be really cool.”


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The actor in question is Hayden Christensen. Interpreter of Darth Vader in the Star Wars prequel, the game qualities often lacking it must be said and whose fame has not increased since the completion of Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, on the contrary . Will it be credible as the steering wheel pushed into the path of crime and chased by a relentless Interpol agent? We hope so. Especially as other colleagues in his many credible (Karl Urban and Thomas Jane) were stationed before the project remains stalled.

But if his presence is necessary for John McTiernan’s remake to film is an evil that is willing to pay.

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Hayden Christensen is he through whom The Chase finally takes the road? Previously, when he headlined again Run, the film has seen Karl Urban and Thomas Jane.

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“Takers” revolves around a notorious group of criminals, Idris Elba, Paul Walker, T.I., Chris Brown, Hayden Christensen and Michael Ealy . They continue to battle the police by pulling off perfectly executed bank robberies. They get in and out like clockwork. They never leave any evidence behind and keep everything on the “downlow” in between each heists. However, they try to pull off one last job that involves more money than ever before,and find that their plans get interrupted by a hardened detective who is very passionate about solving the case,and bringing these criminals down.

“Takers” movie hits theaters on February 26,2010 May 14, 2010.

(3 in half of 4)

Starring Natalie Portman, Orlando Bloom, Julie Christie, Shia LaBeouf, Robin Wright Penn, John Hurt, Chris Cooper and Bradley Cooper. Various directors. 110 minutes. At the Cumberland. 14A

Only a city as narcissistic as New York, punch-drunk in love with its own image, could hope to pull off the conceit of New York, I Love You, a series of short films in search of a feature theme.

The fact that the idea only partially succeeds is proof of the difficulty of giving an urban environment top romantic billing in a film that’s really about spontaneous human interactions.

Part of a planned franchise known as “Cities of Love,” which began with the much more satisfying Paris, je t’aime, the film rises and falls by its premise of giving a dozen or so international directors and a brace of actors a chance to make short-and-snappy comments on life in the Big Apple.

The “up” ones hold our interest and pique our curiosity. Mira Nair directs Natalie Portman as an orthodox Jew torn by religious convention and by her own romantic leanings when a business deal with a diamond merchant (Irrfan Khan) shows unexpected sparkle.

Yvan Attal’s segment is split into two fast-moving segments: Ethan Hawke’s comically horny hustler tries to pick up Maggie Q’s streetwise siren, while Chris Cooper and Robin Wright Penn make their own negotiations regarding appearances and intentions.

The “down” segments include Allen Hughes’ sad mini-essay on romantic regret, as a disconsolate Drea De Matteo struggles to fathom her one-nighter with a younger partner (Bradley Cooper).

Sadder and definitely stranger is the episode helmed by Shekhar Kapur, who took over for the late Anthony Minghella (to whom the movie is dedicated). Julie Christie is an opera singer who arrives at a chic Manhattan hotel with the evident intent to kill herself. A limping bellboy, played by a very game Shia LaBeouf, somehow connects with a character played by John Hurt to turn this suicide plan into a surreal memory trip.

While many of the segments amuse, and rarely wear out their welcome (the average running time is eight minutes apiece), it rapidly becomes apparent that each of them has some kind of twist, like an O Henry short story.

The result becomes less romantic and more Pavlovian, as we watch the set-up and then wait for its inevitable overturning. The gimmick reaches its groan-worthy limit in Brett Ratner’s episode about a prom night beau (Anton Yelchin) who finds that his wheelchair-bound date (Olivia Thirlby) is full of surprises.

New York, I Love You originally screened at the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival, where it included a short directed by Scarlett Johansson that has since been excised, reportedly because it didn’t suit the flow of the film.

The whole enchilada was billed at TIFF as a work in progress, and that designation still suits the finished effort, which is at once as maddening and as enthralling as New York City itself.

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A patchwork quilt sewn by the motliest crew of filmmakers, this American spinoff of the art-house anthology Paris Je T’aime (by the same producers), ranges in mood from ponderous, to cute, to enigmatic to enjoyably shticky to utterly confusing depending on which of the 11 short films on the Big Apple theme you’re watching.

Unlike, say, New York Stories — with its handful of tales from oh-so-New-Yorkers such as Martin Scorsese and Woody Allen — New York, I Love You is a paean to the city from people you often don’t necessarily associate with it.

Case in point: Chinese director Jiang Wen, whose tale of a young pickpocket (Hayden Christensen) and an older one (Andy Garcia), who spar at sleight-of-hand over the attentions of the old pro’s mistress (Rachel Bilson), could have been a Scorsese throwaway.

Or Mira Nair, who offers up a characteristically multiculturally themed story about a young Hassidic woman (Natalie Portman) who has ritually shaved her head in preparation for marriage, and her playful sympatico with a Jain jewelry dealer (Slumdog Millionaire’s Irrfan Khan).

To her credit, Portman’s own feel-good (if unmemorable) directorial effort, about a father-and-daughter in Central Park, is the only one to feature a black character. In New York.

Even Brett Ratner (Rush Hour) plays against type. There is not an explosion to be found in his quirky, hormone-drenched story of a nebbish high school kid (Anton Yelchin) facing the prom dateless, who is set up on a blind date with the handicapped daughter (Olivia Thirlby) of a curmudgeonly Italian shopkeeper (James Caan). There’s very little to be said about this episode without coming dangerously close to revealing the surprise end.

Caan’s character is one of a couple of repeat characters. But the true threadline character is Zoe (Emilie Ohana), an artist keeping a New York video diary, whose lens captures bits and pieces of each of the 11 stories. The result varies. But like a deli menu, there’s something for nearly every taste in New York, I Love You.

My favourite is an is-it-real playlet directed by Shekhar Kapur and set in a stately Plaza-like hotel, where an aging opera star (Julie Christie) contemplates suicide, while being catered to by a doting and solicitous crippled young bellman (Shia LaBeouf). Memories pile on memories, phantoms of lives past appear, all in a few minutes of sad drama.

At times, the barrage of mini-plays comes off like short-attention-span theatre. There is an almost co-op egalitarianism to the timing of the material, with some segments leaving the viewer wanting more and others wearing out their welcome somewhat in a short time.

But with the names and talents involved (others not previously mentioned here include Ethan Hawke, Orlando Bloom, Christina Ricci, Cloris Leachman, Chris Cooper and Eli Wallach), you know that nobody was going to get short shrift in the editing room.

If nothing else, the sheer volume of stories in New York, I Love You gives you plenty to talk about after.

(This film is rated 14-A)

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The film is a collection of intersecting vignettes that take place all over, you guessed it, New York. As a patriotic Canadian, I couldn’t help but wonder about Canada’s role in this parade of Hollywood stars acting in an American production about New York. I do believe that, much like Kevin Bacon, everything can be traced back to Canada.

Sure, there’s the obvious – Canadian Hayden Christensen is in it. But there must be more. And there is. So, without further ado, here’s a breakdown of all of the Canadian connections to this film’s impressive star roster I can think of.

1. Rachel Bilson. The former ‘The O.C.’ star is engaged to Hayden Christensen, who was born in Vancouver and raised in a Toronto suburb.

2. Ethan Hawke. He delivered guest lectures at Montreal’s McGill University in 2003. More salaciously, he allegedly had an affair with a 22-year-old Canadian student while filming a movie in Montreal while he was still married to Uma Thurman.

3. Bradley Cooper. ‘The Hangover’ alum is currently filming ‘The A-Team’ in Vancouver.

4. Justin Bartha. Mr. Olsen Twin co-starred in ‘The Hangover’ with Zach Galifianakis, who, according to GQ Magazine, is dating a Canadian lady. (Apparently the secretive Galifianakis wouldn’t let GQ publish her name, so she remains mysterious. And possibly made-up. Regardless, Canada was mentioned, so the Canadian connection – though rather weak – still stands.)

5. Natalie Portman. The high-profile Canadian musician k-os released the single “I Wish I Knew Natalie Portman” earlier this year, featuring fellow Canuck Nelly Furtado. Sample lyrics: “I’ve been on the run/ shadow weighs a ton/ I know I found a recipe, for me/ but I can’t really make you love me.”

6. Eva Amurri. Ms. Sarandon’s daughter is in Season 3 of ‘Californication’. Californication stars David Duchovny, who spent five years filming ‘The X-Files’ in Vancouver before it was moved to the States. (A move that was widely attributed to Duchovny’s complaints about Vancouver’s weather and being too far away from his wife, Téa Leoni.) He recently did a commercial voiceover for Canadian grocery giant Metro. But enough about Duchovny, he’s not even in this movie!

7. Drea de Matteo. ‘The Sopranos’ actress co-starred in the 2007 Canadian flick ‘The Good Life’, which was filmed in Winnipeg and Argyle, Manitoba.

8. Robin Wright (Penn). ‘The Princess Bride’ star was married to Sean Penn, who became the public target of the Ontario Minister of Health Promotion’s ire after smoking a cigarette at a press conference at Toronto’s Sutton Place Hotel in 2006. The gov fined the hotel $600 for not enforcing the Smoke-Free Ontario Act. Tsk, tsk, Mr. Penn. Apparently he didn’t get the memo re: smoking is no longer cool.

9. Cloris Leachman. ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’ alum co-starred in one of the best movies ever, ‘Beerfest’, as Great Gam Gam. Gam Gam’s husband, Johann von Wolfhaus, was played by Canadian legend Donald Sutherland.

10. Olivia Thirlby. The actress co-starred in ‘Juno’, which was filmed in Vancouver, directed by Canadian Jason Reitman and starred Canuck wunderkind Ellen Page.

11. Shia LaBeouf. The Beef used to live with his parents at their home in La Canada, California, before moving to La Bachelor Pad. OK, this doesn’t have much to do with Canada, la country. So sue me.

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While most of the stories work and are interesting, some feel out of place and go nowhere. Brett Ratner’s tale of a teenage romp-with-a-twist starring James Caan and Anton Yelchin is cute and quirky. Bradley Cooper and Drea de Matteo hooking up after a drunken night at a bar in Allen Hughes’s cool feature is fun, and Ethan Hawke gives a great performance as an egotistical writer hitting on the wrong woman (Maggie Q) while sharing a smoke outside a restaurant. But Shekhar Kapur’s contribution about an aging singer (Julie Christie) reflecting in a hotel suite with a bellboy (Shia LaBeouf) is dry and drags on longer than it should. And Natalie Portman’s mixed-religion fantasy has its moments but leaves the audience wanting more.

Other intriguing moments include a thief (Hayden Christensen) being outsmarted by an older man (Andy Garcia) yet still getting the girl (Rachel Bilson), a young musician (Orlando Bloom) who needs a muse (Christina Ricci) to help him focus on finishing the score he’s working on, and a cute older couple (Cloris Leachman and Eli Wallach) celebrating their anniversary.

What I found most interesting about New York, I Love You is who’s absent from the film, notably Woody Allen. Allen has made a career out of inspired love stories set in NYC (Annie Hall and Manhattan for example) and I’m sure fitting in a narrative by him would have rounded out the collection nicely. Spike Lee and Martin Scorsese would have been great additions too.

If you’re a fan of New York and romance is your genre, you’ll probably enjoy New York, I Love You a lot. One thing’s for sure — it will make you want to pay the town a visit.

*** out of 5 stars

Rated R
Cast: Ethan Hawke, Natalie Portman, Orlando Bloom, Hayden Christensen, Robin Wright Penn
Directed by: Yvan Attal, Natalie Portman, Brett Ratner, Mira Nair

brian.mckechnie@citynews.rogers.com


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On the evening of November 8th, Bunny found her self on a darkened street, in Darth Vader’s arms…

In October and early November, my Ann Arbor company, Mup Mups Animal Actors, was hired to work on the film “The Vanishing on 7th Street” in Detroit.

“Vanishing” is directed by Brad Anderson (of the TV show “Fringe”) and stars Hayden Christensen (the young Darth Vader in the recent “Star Wars” sagas), John Leguizamo (Henri-Toulouse Latrec in “Moulin Rouge”) and Thandie Newton (Makemba “Kem” Likasu in the TV show “ER”) as survivors in a world where shadowy figures appear and human beings disappear.

The plot is so hush-hush, even I was not given a script (which we usually have so that we can break down the animal action as required). We had to train on-set for both animals, which can be a real challenge, no matter how simple the action seems (to the director or crew) or how good a trainer you are!

For the October days, I hired a real police horse, whose owner, a sergeant, came as his primary handler. Which was good, since we were shooting in a not-so-nice area of Detroit! The production company closed down I-75 for 8 hours for one of the police horse shoots, which I believe is the biggest stunt a film company has pulled off since the Michigan Film Incentive (MFI) was started in April 2008.

The other animal I was asked to find for the film was a white standard poodle.

I’ve been involved in the dog show scene for 15 years as an obedience and conformation exhibitor and as a vendor of my handmade porcelain dog breed jewelry. So I knew it would be difficult at this time of year to find the extreme show-groomed poodles, with the balls and flourishes. They are all on the road, being shown for those last-minute 2009 AKC standings, most with professional dog handlers.

But, luckily for us, Bunny and a few other young ones were available. Of those, he picked Bunny.

Bunny is a young white standard poodle bred and owned by longtime show exhibitor and Southeast Michigan Poodle Club president Patricia Jason of Saline. She was cast as a fancy dog wandering alone to fend for herself on the streets of the deserted city. We shot on a back street between the Compuware building and Greektown, just under the People Mover.

The script called for her to walk around from one mark to another, seemingly easy stuff. But when I, Pat and her daughter Danielle Sugai got there, we were asked to add a few other behaviors to make the scene more realistic.

This happens nearly every time I get to set with one of my animal actors! So I am always ready with my cooked garlic chicken (which I raise myself on my little farm next to the Pittsfield Preserve in Pittsfield Township).

So…on the one hand, Bunny is only 1.5 years old and prone to bouts of random silliness. On the other hand, poodles are one of the smartest breeds.

We were pretty sure she could do it.

Bunny had other ideas…

When the prop guys finished readying the set, we were allowed to work with her right there, where she would be (rummaging through broken-open grocery bags with cans and boxes spilled out on the ground and shoes and clothing scattered around- because the people had vanished).

Bunny seemed to be channeling Marilyn Monroe, who had a penchant for doing things her own way, much to the consternation of her directors.

Despite our efforts and the yummy bait, she went around, saying “Hi” to the crew, sniffing the props, eating some of the chicken and generally being a goofball.

At one point, a crew member, wearing a hoodie over his head and a variety of unusual-looking flashlight devices on the front of his clothing, came over to meet her and ask her name.

He knelt down, hugged and pet her for quite a while.

“Why all the lights?” Pat asked.

He smiled and said, “Oh, I just like flashlights.”

I said, “You look like a Star Wars character!”

A few minutes later, in better lighting, I took a good look at Bunny’s biggest fan, who was still doting on her.

“Are you Hayden?” I asked him.

“Yes, I am!” he said.

” Well,” I said, “I was kind of just kidding before but I guess you really were, like, the coolest Star Wars character- ever! ” (besides Han Solo).

It was nearly impossible to recognize him with his hoodie and makeup, which I’d say is true for most actors I’ve worked with, including Hllary Swank.

The cameras were set up. “ROLLING!” Brad yelled.

Pat released Bunny from stage right (the left side of the frame). Dragging her leash, Bunny went all the way into the set, to the bags, rummaged.

Showed her good side.

Did it right.

For a whole minute that seemed to last forever. I silently counted the seconds from the sidelines.

Danielle, standing next to me, at stage left (the right side of the frame) and I were cued via Walkie Talkie to call the dog.

We yelled, “BUNNY!”

Up shot her head. Exactly what they wanted.

Bunny looked around. Exactly what they wanted!

What was going on?! She was perfect!

Then we called “Bunny…baby, come!” and she sauntered off in our direction. Hayden runs into the scene, rummaging through the bags himself. Perfection.

Another take. Perfect again. No mistakes.

“CUT!” Brad yelled. “Moving on!” which meant, basically, that the dog was “wrapped!”

Ah, yes, the Force was strong in Bunny that night. I felt something, or someone was helping us.

It really was amazing that Bunny did the job so perfectly after all of those silly rehearsals. Pat and I had said Bunny’s performance could be in honor of Pat’s mother, who had sadly passed away just two days before.

Later, I was talking with the Humane Association representative and she said she’d ‘felt a presence’ on set helping us. I told her I did, too.

So, later, I thanked grandma, on the way home, for helping us with Bunny!
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