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Home , Ben Foster, Jamie Dornan, Luke Evans

Streep holds nothing back in38 brutal drama SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2013

A shopper poses for pictures with a Christmas decoration at a shopping mall in Petaling Jaya, on the outskirt of Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Despite having a Muslim majority dominated by ethnic Malays, a large percentage of ethnic minorities in Malaysia celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday. — AFP Hollywood’s best & worst casting of 2013

he year 2013 was a busy year for casting directors who his career around. This mysterious voyage will be much more and that goes for writer-director Ryan Coogler too. So it was scrambled to fill high-profile roles and film reporters exciting with McConaughey anchoring the cast, plus he has Jamie Dornan, “” (Oct. 23) baffling to learn that these guys wanted to do what is essen- Twho raced to report those decisions. For every actor that experience exploring space, having starred opposite Jodie This Irish hunk and former Calvin Klein model is the perfect tially “Rocky 7,” in which Jordan would play Apollo Creed’s won the casting lottery, hundreds more out on life-chang- Foster in ’ “Contact.” fit to slip into Christian Grey’s underwear. The role requires a grandson. I totally understand the desire to make a boxing ing roles. While these decisions can’t really be judged until the certain mystery, and Dornan may benefit from audiences’ lack movie, but why settle for Stallone’s sloppy sevenths. This fran- movies actually hit theaters and we can finally see these per- Michael B. Jordan, “Fantastic Four” (rumored May 2) of familiarity with his work. He showed a glimpse of his dark chise has been run into the ground and not even a different formances, TheWrap has ruled which choices were the best While some “Fantastic Four” fans clamor for strict adher- side as a serial killer in the miniseries “The Fall,” and “Fifty” fans perspective can change how much baggage audiences will and which ones left us scratching our heads. Enjoy! ence to canon, I believe the best actor for the job deserves a have yet to complain about his abs and piercing eyes that bring into the theater. chance, which explains why I’ve been lobbying for more black suggest a hint of mischief. Despite his limited resume, he superheroes for years. The time appears to have finally come, should be considered an improvement from , with “Fruitvale Station” star Jordan all but signed to play whose heart was never really in the project. Let’s hope Dornan Tyler Perry, “Gone Girl” (rumored July 25) BEST Johnny Storm, aka the Human Torch. Fox’s reboot hails from sent him a fruit basket at the very least. Director David Fincher deserves the benefit of the doubt Jordan’s “Chronicle” director Josh Trank, so the duo already when it comes to casting, but there’s a lot of doubt here, as Chris Pratt, “Guardians of the Galaxy” (Feb. 5) have a strong rapport. Jordan has the physique and the wise- , “Horrible Bosses 2 (Oct. 25) there is anytime Perry steps out of Madea’s costume. I haven’t It turns out Pratt’s surprise casting in “Moneyball” was cracking sense of humor that the role requires, so who cares if This casting was a bingo! We’ve seen the two-time Oscar read Gillian Flynn’s bestselling book so I don’t know much merely a sign of things to come. The “Parks and Recreation” Johnny and Sue Storm are rewritten to be adopted siblings? winner play humorous villains before, but he’s always had to about what the role actually requires, but I’m fairly certain that star is a leading man-in-the-making who has just needed an Jordan is the next major African-American star, and Fox is dial it back a notch due to the “serious” nature of his films. while Perry may be a draw for black audiences, he’ll be a major opportunity to prove himself. Marvel agreed, and the compa- smart to board the bandwagon early before his asking price With “Horrible Bosses 2 being a straight-up comedy, Waltz distraction on screen. ny’s faith in Pratt seems to have paid off, as the first photo the goes through the roof. will be able to embrace his inner-clown and go for broke as an actor released of his jacked-up physique was startling. Pratt evil employer who will be paired with onscreen son . Harrison Ford, “The Expendables 3 (Aug. 6) has got the perfect sense of humor to fit Peter Quill, aka Star Julianne Moore, “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay” Regardless of their profession, I’m expecting movie magic. Why? I’d love to know just why Ford is signing up for this Lord. Universal clearly has faith in his rising stardom, as the (rumored June 27) dreadful action franchise? He’s Han Solo, Indiana Jones, Blade studio also plans to entrust him with the lead in “Jurassic You can never have enough strong women in one movie, Ben Foster, “Warcraft” (Dec. 4) Runner for crying out loud! This is a straight-up paycheck role, World.” and Julianne Moore is the perfect fit for this franchise. She’ll Even with Duncan Jones at the helm, I had ZERO interest in which Ford takes plenty of anyway. I can’t imagine he was play President Alma Coin, who leads the districts’ rebellion this fantasy film until Foster was cast as one of the leads. yearning to fly to Bulgaria or wherever this unnecessary Quvenzhane Wallis & Cameron Diaz, “Annie” (Feb. 8 & against the Capitol. With four Oscar nominations under her Foster isn’t typical leading man material but he’s one of the sequel is filming in eastern Europe. He’s so much better than June 26) belt, Moore will add even more gravitas to the star-studded most interesting actors in Hollywood and has been for years. this material that there’s only one word for it - slumming. With attitude to spare, the precocious nine-year-old who cast, and we can’t wait to see her share the screen with Foster is notoriously selective so he must believe in the proj- scored an Oscar nomination for “Beasts of the Southern Wild” Jennifer Lawrence. ect, and I’m glad Legendary believes in him enough to take Joel Edgerton, “Exodus” (Aug. 13) was the natural choice for Sony’s hip-hop flavored reboot of the gamble. A lily-white Australian playing the Egyptian pharaoh the classic musical. While initially flirted with Melissa McCarthy, “Susan Cooper” (July 25) Ramses? the villainous role of Miss Hannigan, Diaz is a better fit for the When Paul Feig announced his intention to make a female What year is this? This might be the single worst casting character, who is getting a much-needed makeover for the spy comedy, only one actress came to mind, and sure enough, decision of the year. Edgerton is a great actor but I have a feel- new movie. We can’t wait to see the sparks fly on Christmas Feig got his girl. After stealing every scene in “Bridesmaids,” WORST ing he’s setting himself up for failure here. Plenty of A-list Day. McCarthy established herself as a bona fide movie star this actors have given a chance and gotten burned, year with “Identity Thief” and “The Heat,” and she’s a perfect fit and I have serious concerns about his action-heavy take on Drew Barrymore, “Blended” (rumored Feb. 21) for Feig’s comic vision. Her casting will help dictate the tone of the story of Moses who apparently shoots bow & arrows as if This didn’t seem a big deal when it was announced, but the movie and make it easier for Fox to sell. We can’t wait for he were Katniss’ father. Barrymore is the only one of ’s love interests their next collaboration. Jack Reynor in “Transformers: Age of Extinction” (Jan. that he’s had real chemistry with. Warner Bros. released the 8) trailer for the Africa-set romantic comedy on Tuesday and , “Batman Vs. Superman” (Aug. 22) Any unknown actor would be stupid to turn down a role in Charlie Hunnam, “Fifty Shades of Grey” (Sept. 2) while it seemingly stays close to Happy Madison’s formula for I’ve covered this once before, but I can’t say enough about a blockbuster like the fourth “Transformers” movie. I get that. It was doomed from the beginning. Hunnam’s reps more or success, there’s no denying it was a stroke of casting genius this choice. I defended Affleck through his darkest years and But Reynor had tremendous buzz coming off the little-seen less forced him into the coveted role, which he had numerous putting those two back together again after “The Wedding felt vindicated after he rebounded as a director, though he indie “What Richard Did” and should’ve waited for a better role notes about before ultimately dropping out because he didn’t Singer” and “50 First Dates.” still hasn’t gotten the respect he deserves as an actor. I think like something along the lines of Jack O’Connell’s role as Louis have adequate time to prepare for the film. Hunnam (and the he’ll make a great Caped Crusader, especially considering that Zamperini in Angelina Jolie’s “Unbroken.” While this franchise project) suffered public humiliation, though perhaps he , “The Fault In Our Stars” (March 19) director Zack Snyder aims to depict a tired, more world-weary may be getting a boost with Mark Wahlberg (also a dreadful spared himself future embarrassment by leaving the role to a While “Divergent” may end up being a misstep for the bud- superhero. The haters came out in full force, but in time, decision on his part, albeit one from 2012), I can’t imagine it’ll newcomer who could actually benefit from everything it ding “Descendants” star, this cancer-driven drama is the sort of Affleck’s casting will be seen as an inspired decision. be much different than the schlock that came before it, unless offers. tearjerker that will expand her fan base and could even put director Michael Bay has finally seen the error of his money- her back in the awards conversation. Up-and-coming director Chadwick Boseman in “Get On Up” (Aug. 26) making ways. Gal Gadot, “Batman Vs. Superman” (Dec. 4) Josh Boone directs from a script by Woodley’s “Spectacular A rising star after “42,” this seems like a solid match, even if The femme fatale from the “Fast and Furious” franchise Now” screenwriters Michael Weber and Scott Neustadter, who other actors look more like young James Brown. Say what you Luke Evans, “The Crow” (May 4) would be fine if she was just playing Ben Affleck’s love inter- adapted John Green’s bestselling novel. If Fox 2000 pulls off will about and how this story should’ve been told The Crow is my favorite superhero, so expectations were est, but her character will grow into in future this tricky adaptation like it did “Life of Pi,” Woodley will likely by a filmmaker of color, but if he can make “The Help” work, he sky-high for Relativity’s long-gestating reboot. Unfortunately, films, and I haven’t seen evidence that she’s up to the task. be remembered for movies like these, not silly YA franchises. can pull this off too, and Boseman is a step in the right direc- Evans has yet to prove he has what it takes to step into Sure, the Israeli Army veteran has some serious fighting skills, tion. With charisma to spare, he’s a star in the making. Please, Brandon Lee’s considerable shoes. Eric Draven has a soft, soul- but does she have the screen presence or the gravitas to hold Matthew McConaughey, “Interstellar” (rumored March please, please just trust me on this one. ful, sensitive side as well as a wicked sense of humor, and our attention? I couldn’t even keep her and Elsa Pataky 28) Evans is a little too bland for my taste. I’m still excited about straight in the “Fast” films. I would’ve liked to have seen Leave it to Christopher Nolan to nab the hottest actor on , “The Boy Next Door” (Sept. 6) this movie, but I would’ve liked to see in the win this role, but the “Hobbit” star must’ve the planet, who has totally turned his career around thanks to The “American Idol” judge had been written off as a movie role. Alas, we’re left to wonder what might’ve been. gotten “lost” in the superhero shuffle. — Reuters “The Lincoln Lawyer,” “Killer Joe,” “Magic Mike,” “Mud” and star in recent years but this low-budget Blumhouse thriller “Dallas Buyers Club,” the latter of which is expected to earn could be the perfect vehicle for her return to the big screen. him an Oscar nomination. The mere thought of that several She plays a cougar who has an affair with her teenage neigh- Michael B. Jordan, “Creed” (July 24) years ago would’ve made my head explode. This is the culmi- bor. This could be awful, or it could be awesome. Either way, a Jordan is the hottest young actor in Hollywood. He nation of all the hard work McConaughey has put in to turn bold stroke of casting genius. could’ve done anything he wanted after “Fruitvale Station,”