Oct. 21 Film Clips with lede on Kevin James and other items At the Movies
When signing on as star of the broad comedy “Here Comes the Boom,” Kevin James wanted his fans to have plenty of laughs.
He also hoped to give them some things to think about.
In the PG-rated picture, co-starring Salma Hayek and Henry Winkler, James plays a biology teacher who trains to become a mixed martial arts fighter to win enough money to keep the school board from eliminating arts courses. That subject has a special meaning for the former “King of Queens” sitcom star, who began his career as a stand-up comic.
“When schools cut back on extracurricular activities and stuff, it can be devastating to kids,” James said during a Philadelphia red-carpet event at the Prince Music Theater to celebrate the opening of “Here Comes the Boom.” “I wasn’t even involved with music (in school), but you can see how music can affect you in your life.
“It’s a big part of everyday life and how it shapes these kids.
“It was important to me (to have a message in the film). I had some great teachers in my life, and I still stand by some of the things they taught me 30 years ago.”
“School can teach you how to be a good guy and how to take the right path in life.”
James’ life forever changed due to a course he took in college.
“I was very lucky to find this path,” said the 47-year-old James, who played football in college. “I did a public-speaking class in college, and for some reason, I panicked while doing it, ended up speaking to the entire class, and got laughs out of it.
“I loved getting laughs.”
James is currently enjoying success with two films — “Hotel Transylvania” (in which he does the voice of the Frankenstein monster) and “Here Comes the Boom” — in the box-office top 10.
He has three films that will be coming out in the next few months.
“Little Boy” is the story of a child who waits for his father’s return from World War II; “Grown Ups 2” stars Adam Sandler and Chris Rock in a sequel to the ensemble comedy-drama about adjusting to demands and pressures of family life; and “Valet Guys” co-stars Kevin Hart in a comedy (co-written by James) about two guys who go on the run after witnessing a mob hit.
And is another sitcom out of the question?
“You never know,” James said. “I had a good time with the one I did.”
Casting Calls
George Miller will direct “Fury Road,” the upcoming prequel to “Mad Max.” Tom Hardy (“Lawless”) will star.
Look for Anne Hathaway (“The Dark Knight Rises”) and Chris Hemsworth (“Thor”) to star in director Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of “Robocalypse.” The futuristic thriller is based on the book by Daniel H. Wilson.
Sylvester Stallone will work behind the scenes by writing the script for “Homefront.” Kate Bosworth (“Straw Dogs”) and Jason Statham, who teamed with Stallone on the “Expendables” franchise, will co-star in the action tale.
Director Lee Daniels (“The Paperboy”) is gathering a strong ensemble for “The Butler,” inspired by Will Haygood’s Washington Post article about an African-American man who served as a butler to eight presidents in the White House for more than three decades. The cast includes Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, Mariah Carey, John Cusack, Terrence Howard, Minka Kelly, Lenny Kravitz, Melissa Leo, James Marsden, David Oyelowo, Vanessa Redgrave, Alan Rickman, Liev Schreiber and Robin Williams.
Gaul on the radio
My “At the Movies” radio segment airs live at 11:35 a.m. every Friday as part of “The Dom Giordano Show” (WPHT-AM/1210 and www.thebigtalker1210.com).
The broadcast includes discussions of newly released movies and DVDs as well as motion picture news and cinema trends.
A different version of my “At the Movies” segment can be heard on Burlington County College radio station WBZC-FM/88.9, 95.1 and 100.7 on Fridays at 8:45 a.m. and 12:45 and 4:45 p.m. and on Saturdays at 10:45 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. The show can also be heard online at www.z889.org.
Gaul on the Web
My film reviews, features and columns can be found under entertainment/movies on our website, www.phillyBurbs.com.
Lou Gaul: 609-871-8055; email: lgaul@phillyBurbs.com
To subscribe, go to phillyburbs.com/orderBCT