Hollywood in the Hub

Matt Damon on Entourage

2009-10-02T12:41:00.001-05:00

I was listening to an interview this morning with always funny Jeremy Piven who let it out that the Boston connection on Entourage continues this Sunday. Boston area local Matt Damon will be making a cameo along with Lebron James.

Earlier this year, the Patriots Tom Brady appeared on an episode along with executive producer and Boston local Mark Wahlberg.

Check out this hilarious trailer below.

Wichita on the Boston Movie Tour!

2009-09-30T12:38:00.003-05:00

We have to give it up to director James Mangold (Walk the Line) for making our jobs here at Boston Movie Tours a whole lot easier. We will not have to change our Theatre-on-Wheels bus route at all to include his new Boston-made flick Wichita because they filmed on a location directly where we make a hop-off stop! The Loaded Gun is reporting and has pictures of the movie being filmed in front of the Boston Fire Museum on Congress Street.

For those of you unfortunate enough to still have not taken the best tour Boston has to offer (ours) a highlight for many is to see the filming location of the 344 Washington Street scenes in Martin Scorcese's The Departed. Well the place where Tom Cruise was just filming on Monday is exactly where our bus stops to show the scene from The Departed... I know!! Almost too good to be true!

Let's just hope that Wichita can reach the bar The Departed set so high.

Boston Stars Top the Box Office

2009-09-28T15:46:00.004-05:00

Well, kinda. The box office results for this past weekend have the animated Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs at #1... making Bruce Willis' movie Surrogates the top-earner of (not-animated) films this weekend! Way to go Bruce!

As I've written before, Surrogates was shot in Boston and takes place in a futuristic Boston. The action was good and the premise was unique. It was short enough and had some great moments.

Former Cheers' star Kelsey Grammar came in third this weekend at the box office with his latest role as Mr. Martin Cranston in Fame.

And next in line at this weekend's box office payday is hometown superstar Matt Damon and his movie The Informant.

Personally, I'm thrilled about the movies lined up for release this coming Friday. Inventions of Lying (filmed in Boston) is coming out. And I haven't been interested in a zombie movie since Shaun of the Dead, but Zombieland looks like an American-style version of it so I'll be checking it out. And I'll probably have to see Michael Moore's Capitalism:A Love Story, because I can't only watch comedies... though he does make me laugh. So it's a great time to go to the movies, soon it'll be holiday movie season and let's be honest, just like holiday music, they're the same every year.

Bruce is Surro-Great!

2009-09-25T13:09:00.003-05:00

Maybe a stretch... but the movie has its moments. I was able to attend an advanced screening to the new Bruce Willis flick Surrogates this past Wednesday night at the Boston Common 19 Movie Theatre. It's always cool seeing a city you walk around in everyday on the big screen, though our Boston is certainly different than the one in the movie.

The movie follows the futuristic story of a Boston FBI Agent called Greer (Willis) as he unravels a deadly plot aimed at killing most of the world's population. The movie has a softer side as our protagonist also unravels a love story between himself and his distant wife played perfectly by the beautiful Rosamund Pike (Die Another Day). Also turning in a well-acted performance is Greer's partner Peters, actress Radha Mitchell.

Surrogates shows us an interpretation of the future that is very alienating. Director Jonathan Mostow puts the audience on edge with moments that are over-the-top ridiculously improbable, but contrasts them with seemingly genuine every-future-day beats that make you feel as though the world might go down a similar path.

Anyway, anything to get Ving Rhames and Bruce Willis in some more scenes together! Right?! Their combined presence is a kind of "movie force" that audience members like myself really enjoy. And also in the movie we are introduced to a character that the audience is supposed to relate to, Bobby. He provides some great comic relief and absolutely stole every scene he was in. And I knew when I saw him that I'd seen him before; its actor Devin Ratray and Home Alone fans will know him as Buzz! That's right, Macaulay Culkin's tarantula loving older brother was easily my favorite part of this movie.

The set in Boston movie was also a shot in Boston movie so hopefully we'll be showing off more of Surrogates on our future tours!

Rubbing Elbows with the Stars!

2009-09-22T15:31:00.004-05:00

Little did I know that U2 were not the only stars at the U2 concert last Sunday. The Boston Globe reported that the audience was filled with them! Apparently the leading duo of Wichita (currently filming in Boston) Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz spent the evening at Foxboro Stadium. Cruise's wife Katie Holmes (Dawson's Creek), once a native of Capeside, MA (I know it's a fake town) was also at the sold-out show. The globe actually got a picture of the couple jogging around the streets of Boston the following morning.

Back in May, I was the 104th caller on WBCN and actually won myself 3 tickets to the concert this past Sunday! So I got to go for free and all those big names probably had to shell up a few bucks... that's Star Power!!

If you missed the show and have the hankering to listen to some U2, I say pop Blown Away into your DVD player. The Boston movie is filled with songs from the irish rockers and provides a great backdrop to Tommy Lee Jones' irish accent, haha.

Matt Damon Going Director?

2009-09-20T09:20:00.000-05:00

While reading the paper this morning, I came across this article on Matt Damon. Besides now starring in the Informant, Damon is looking long term at the director's seat. A new role for leading man Matt Damon - The Boston Globe

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New Pics From Ben Affleck's "The Town"

2009-09-19T18:08:00.004-05:00

Photographer Kevin Wiles has been busy this week!

Check out these photos he shot around Fenway Park just yesterday!

Ben Affleck is wearing a Boston Policeman's costume next to co-star Jon Hamm (Mad Men) adorned in F.B.I. gear, complete with shotgun!

Boston's The Surrogates Hitting Theaters

2009-09-17T15:06:00.000-05:00

I was watching the Patriots game the other night and noticed a futuristic Boston in a movie trailer. The Surrogates with Bruce Willis and Radha Mitchell is hitting theaters September 25th.

A futuristic Boston is the backdrop as FBI agents investigate a high-tech surrogate phenomenon that allows people to purchase unflawed robotic versions of themselves. I am still not sure exactly what that means but I’m a big Willis fan so I look forward to seeing the flick.

I also look forward to seeing how the filmmakers used CGI to bring Boston into the future. We have seen plenty of movies that show an older Boston (Amistad) but none that highlight the city looking forward. Maybe city architects will get some ideas.

Two for 1 Tickets

If you are interested in saving some dough, I came across a 2-for-1 promopromo Fandango is running if you use a Visa Signature card. Here’s the link.

Zookeeper on the Common!!

2009-09-17T12:49:00.003-05:00

Snapped two days ago in Boston Common are these pics from the upcoming Adam Sandler comedy The Zookeeper! Kevin James and Joe Rogan can be seen here filming a chase scene.

You'll see James followed by Rogan up Park Street toward the Massachusetts State House.

And then around the corner in front of the Robert Gould Shaw "Glory" Memorial.

A big thanks to Kevin Wiles for these awesome pictures!!

If anyone else would like to share some filming pictures with us, please send them to daspro@bostonmovietours.net.

Boston Author Screens Boston Movie!

2009-09-17T11:34:00.004-05:00

Thirty years ago one of author Robin Cook's many novels was turned into the big screen thriller Coma. And the Boston Globe reports that this Monday, the Massachusetts physician will be giving a talk about his well known book-turned-movie at Brookline's Coolidge Corner Theatre.

Michael Crichton's theatrical interpretation of the novel will follow the talk by Cook. The movie stars Genevieve Bujold and a young Michael Douglas. Also making a cameo is one of the world's most revered 'staches, Tom Selleck. Selleck is just one of many patients that enter Operating Room 8 for routine surgery and mysteriously leave the room in a coma. ahh!

The movie is set at Boston Memorial Hospital and was filmed at both MGH and the Boston City Hospital in town. For any Boston movie fans who are interested in a creepy old movie, Coma is the one for you! But why rent it when tickets to the screening next week are less than 10$? Exactly. I hope to see you there!

Continued Affleck Sightings around The Town

2009-09-16T13:30:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, Ben Affleck's The Town filmed over in the Harvard Square area. Affleck is both starring and directing this Boston-based robber flick which filmed in front of Grendel’s Den and UpStairs on the Square.

Affleck has also filmed in numerous Boston locations including Charlestown and Fenway Paaaaaaaaaaaark.

Barrymore's Back... Sox Will Win Series Again!

2009-09-12T16:43:00.005-05:00

A safe bet!

If you're one of the faithful looking for signs right now, look no further. I give you our sweet little good luck charm that did the trick in 2004, Drew Barrymore. It has been reported that the Fever Pitch star was in South Boston this past week at the Artists for Humanity EpiCenter.

Okay, all well and good... Barrymore has a new movie coming out on October 2nd entitled Whip It. The movie just happens to also star Jimmy Fallon as "MC". Call it RedSox colored blood but it easy to see whats going on here. The Sox will over power some dominant Yankee team like they did 5 years ago... and they'll have to re-shoot the end of Whip It!

Actually Whip It, though sports-based, focuses on America's other great national past-time, female roller-derby! Not only does Drew play character "Smashley Simpson", but she also took on the job of director for the first time. More information including trailers can be found at its website www.foxsearchlight.com/whipit/

Still not convinced? Here's the kicker. Daniel Stern of Celtic Pride is also in the movie. He once kidnapped a Utah Jazz Damon Waynes trying to help the boys in green win a title!

With these forces combined, The RedSox Nation might have a new favorite movie this October. Can't wait to say "We told you so!"

Cheers' Bartender Back In Town!

2009-09-10T14:30:00.011-05:00

Though he won't be pouring beer for Norm and Cliff, Woody (Woody Harrelson) will be coming back to Boston this weekend! Harrelson will be doing publicity around town to support the release of his upcoming thriller Zombieland. His character in the movie is named Tallahassee and is one a few evolved humans living in a world overrun by, you guessed it, ZOMBIES!!

Co-starring in the film and also accompanying Harrelson to Boston, is up and coming actor Jesse Eisenberg (Adventureland). Eisenberg plays Colombus, a fearful fellow in this fright-filled world. The cast is rounded out with actress Emma Stone (Superbad) and Little Miss Sunshine herself, twelve-year-old Abigail Breslin. It is directed by Ruben Fleischer and is his first full-length, theatrically released film.

What is really enticing me to catch this flick? It's easily the chance to see accomplished funnyman Bill Murray, take on the role of a lifetime... a zombie!

Zombie lovers can start getting excited as the nationwide premiere of Zombieland is October 2nd. For more information and to watch a Restricted rated trailer go, to the movie's website Zombieland.com.

Image:Bob Riha Jr/WireImage

Deal or No Deal Extras needed

2009-09-09T17:13:00.000-05:00

I'd love to get on this show one these days.

If you want to catch it up close, Boston Casting is seeking NONUNION audience members 18-50 years old for the TV game show. It shoots IN WATERBURY, CONN.TOMORROW 9/10/09 with an arrival time of 7:30 You will be needed for 5 hours. Job pays $8.00 per hour.

If interested and available please email your photo to alicia@bostoncasting.com right away. Tell em Boston Movie tours sent you.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Mass Local Uma Thurman Returns

2009-09-09T16:01:00.002-05:00

For you Pulp Fiction fans, keep your eyes out next week for Uma Thurman. Thurman will be in Boston next Friday 9/18 to accept the 2009 Boston Film Festival Film Excellence Award and present her upcoming film Motherhood as the festival’s opening night film.

For the Boston connection, Uma was born in Boston and Uma grew up in Amherst, Massachusetts before moving to NY to start her acting career.

A poignant comedy set in Manhattan, Motherhood takes place over the course of a single day as Eliza (Thurman) looks after her two young children while struggling to hand on to her identity as an aspiring writer. The film also stars Minnie Driver (Good Will Hunting) and Anthony Edwards.

The director/screenwriter is Katherine Dieckmann and the producers are Rachel Cohen, Jana Edelbaum, Pamela Koffler, Christine Vachon, and John Wells. The movie is set for release in Boston on October 23rd.

Another Flick to Film in Charlestown

2009-09-06T10:38:00.001-05:00

It may not be the big budget film The Town with Ben Affleck, but local filmmakers of Oxymorons are beginning to shoot around Charlestown.

The independent flick is about the not so glamorous life of a local drug pusher in Charlestown.

Check out details in the Inside Track article.CharlestownÃ¢ÂÂs hooked on Ã¢ÂÂOxyÃ¢ÂÂ

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The "Wheel" of Boston

2009-09-05T09:50:00.001-05:00

For you Wheel of Fortune fans, Pat Sajak was recently in town filming some episodes. Just one of these days, I'd like to spin that big bad boy. The closest I've gotten is the Foxwoods.Pat Sajak and Vanna White enjoy good Ã¢ÂÂFortuneÃ¢ÂÂ

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The Boondock Saints II is finally coming to theaters!

2009-09-03T12:50:00.008-05:00

We've been hearing rumors for about 10 years now that Troy Duffy was going to make a sequel to his first movie The Boondock Saints. Years came and went and we didn't see anything. Last November we heard they were actually in production, but I still didn't believe it would actually finish. Today the trailer has been released for The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day, and I think it's safe to say this is actually a reality.

In this movie the two brothers (Sean Patrick Flanery and Norman Reedus) have been in deep hiding in Ireland when they hear that Concezio Yakavetta (Judd Nelson) -- son of the Yakavetta from the original -- killed a priest in Boston to send the boys a message. They return to mount a violent and bloody crusade with help from Il Duce (Billy Connolly) and a new partner in crime (Clifton Collins), but a sexy FBI operative (Julie Benz) is hot on their trail!

Almost of the original actors -- minus Willem DaFoe (might have a secret cameo) -- are back to reprise their roles. Even David Della Rocco, who died in the first film, will be back in a dream sequence. Although set in Boston, all of the movie was shot in and around Toronto, Canada. The movie will be released this November 1st, on All Saints Day.

Pics from ben Affleck's The Town

2009-09-02T16:18:00.005-05:00

Thanks to our movie location hunter buddy, Joey D (who is kicking my butt in Fantasy Baseball), we got a couple of pics from the set of Ben Affleck's The Town. The movie about four bank robbers is being shot all over Boston. Today, the filmmakers are shooting on Bunker Hill Street in Charlestown.

The last time I remember filmmakers using a laundromat in a Boston movie was in The Departed. Unlike The Departed which converted a Beacon Hill laundromat into a Jack Nicholson mob hangout, it looks like Monument Laundry is actually going to be...... Monument Laundry.

Wahlbergs to add to funky bunch

2009-09-02T10:12:00.001-05:00

Congrats to Mark Wahlberg who just had a baby. Walberg is in town filming The Fighter.Wahlbergs to add to funky bunch

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Hip Hop Hits the Boston Movie Scene

2009-09-02T09:24:00.001-05:00

From Boston based Gone Baby Gone to The Town, hip hop artist Slaine is filming again in the city. Funny, I just watched Gone Baby Gone the other night and was thinking how great the casting was.

Slaine will be playing a bank robber in Ben Affleck’s The Town, a movie based on Chuck Hogan’s novel “Prince of Thieves.

Affleck's 'The Town' begins filming in Charlestown

2009-09-01T12:36:00.005-05:00

Ben Affleck has been busy in Boston this summer. After shooting The Company Men in May, he has started production for his next starring role in The Town yesterday. This will also be his second directorial effort after 2007's Gone Baby Gone also filmed all over Boston.

The movie is based on the book Prince of Thieves by fellow Massachusetts native Chuck Hogan about a bunch of regular guys from Charlestown who pull off a successful bank robbery in Kenmore Square.

According to Loaded Gun Boston, they were filming at a triple decker home on the corner of Bunker Hill St. and Mead St. yesterday and today. Plans to continue filming in Charlestown for the rest of the week. Blake Lively who plays Ben's ex-girlfriend in the movie was also on set this week. Affleck's The Company Men costar and Kingston resident, Chris Cooper, is currently in negotiations to play his father in the movie. Rapper Slaine, who played gangster "Bubba Rogowski" in Gone Baby Gone will be playing one of the bank robbers. The cast will be rounded out with Mad Men star Jon Hamm who will be playing an FBI agent investigating the robbery.

If you have any tips about The Town please email me at npistorino@bostonmovietours.net

Shutter Island Release Date Pushed Back

2009-08-25T15:12:00.004-05:00

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Paramount has officially postponed the release date of Martin Scorsese's film Shutter Island from October 2 to February 19.

In a statement from Paramount Pictures Chairman and CEO Brad Grey, "Our 2009 slate was greenlit in a very different economic climate and as a result we must remain flexible and willing to recalibrate and adapt to a changing environment."

He went on to say, "Leonardo DiCaprio is among the most talented actors working today, and Martin Scorsese is not just one of the world's most significant filmmakers, but also a personal friend. Following a highly successful 2009, we have every confidence that 'Shutter Island' is a great anchor to lead off our 2010 slate and the shift in date is the best decision for the film, the studio and ultimately Viacom."

The movie, based of a novel written by Dorchester native Dennis Lehane (Mystic River, Gone Baby Gone), is set in 1954 and is about a U.S. Marshal (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) who is investigating the disappearance of a murderess who escaped from a hospital for the criminally insane and is presumed to be hiding on the remote Shutter Island. Shutter Island will be released nationwide 2 October 2009.

As previously mentioned the filming for the movie has taken place in East Boston, Taunton, Medfield, Nahant Beach, Hyde Park, Boston Harbor Islands (Peddocks Island), and the North End.

Boston Movie Tours Featured in the Metro

2009-08-21T14:07:00.005-05:00

Boston Movie Tours was featured in the "Going Out" section of the Metro. Katrina Ballard, the reporter of the article, took a tour with us about a month ago and here is what she had to say:

If you're serious about your Boston movies, it won't be a spoiler to mention the scene in "The Departed" where Martin Sheen falls off the roof to his death. We need to mention it because that building is just one of the stops on Boston Movie Tours, which you can take as a guided walk or bus ride around the city.

The walk explores Beacon Hill, where almost all Boston movies were shot, to survey scenes from "Blown Away" and "The Boston Strangler." The guides carry screenshots to point out differences between the real locations and the Hollywood scenes, poking fun at how Martin Scorsese turned Charles Street Cleaners into a restaurant. They joke that Scorsese had to get his vision just right for that clip, which lasts a mere five seconds, but the guides' admiration for every production detail is apparent.

Less intimate than the walking version, a longer bus tour ventures into Southie to visit the tourist favorite: L Street Tavern, a spot made famous by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck's breakout movie, "Goodwill Hunting."

Nick Pistorino, director of operations at Boston Movie Tours, says the city has long been a top choice for filming because of its diverse neighborhoods and palette of backdrops.

"Because Boston is so eclectic, you can figure out where they're shooting," he says. "What helps most of the time is going around in my car and finding it out."

Thanks to a Massachusetts tax incentive passed back in 2004, movies are increasingly filmed in Boston but are not necessarily "Boston movies," says Pistorino. "The Pink Panther 2" was filmed here to save on costs but is actually set in France.

"It's starting to turn around. Ever since 'The Departed,' we're waiting for a really big movie to come out that's good for Boston," he says. "'The Company Men' with Ben Affleck looks like it might be that next big movie."

Tourists and students will enjoy the waltz through Boston's swankiest streets as they answer movie trivia, learn about the city's history and see just where on the Common Matt Damon played rugby.

If you'd like to set up a tour, you can go to our website at bostonmovietours.net or call us at 866.668.4345.

Workers take action to launch film careers - The Boston Globe

2009-08-21T12:42:00.002-05:00

Looking to get into film in Boston, the industy is on Miracle Grow (Love that analogy). Check out this latest article from the Globe.

Workers take action to launch film careers - The Boston Globe

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