Koo’s Corner

I have a couple of items for benkoo.com in the works before the year closes but wanted to distinguish Judd Apatow as my person of the year. Apatow declined to accept in person citing a busy schedule but released a statement that “this was the proudest moment of my entire career”.

For many of you, the name doesn’t ring a bell which is is somewhat of travesty in my opinion. Apatow is the creative mind between the new generation of comedic gems to follow in the foot steps of the Frat Pack movies in recent years (Zoolander, Wedding Crashers, Old School)

Apatow has overseen in some capacity the following films which includes two of my top 5 of 2007

- Walk Hard (writer producer) -haven’t seen it but people keep alerting me on how good it is

- Superbad (Producer)- funniest movies of the year?

- Knocked Up (Director, Writer, Producer) - Apatow should be applauded for his casting of Katherine Heigel (bummed she just got married) as well as the casting of his real life wive as the older sister.

- Talledga Nights (Producer) - poking fun of nascar. Genius.

- Anchorman (Producer)- Steve Carrell and Will Ferrell. Sweet!

- 40 Year Old Virgin (Diretor, Writer, Producer- hilarious and somewhat poignant

Apatow has had a major role in elevating the careers of great actors like Steve Carrell, Seth Rogan, Jonah Hill, Paul Rudd, and John C Reilly. With Apatow’s growing success he was able to reunite his writing team from the defunct television cult classic, Freaks and Geeks.

Freaks and Geeks Clip Below

[youtube=http://youtube.com/watch?v=FlM-ny3GgX0]

Apatow has a handful of movies in the works for 2008 including Pineapple Express, Don’t Mess With Zohan, Drillbit Taylor, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and Step Brothers. These films will include the likes of Seth Rogan, Adam Sandler, Will Ferrel, and a handful of other Apatow collaborators.

While its easy to ignore the guy behind the scenes, its even harder to ignore the success and influence Apatow has had on the entertainment scene the past couple of years. His films are often watched several times in theatres as well as on DVD and are staples to the Generation Y demographic.

Congrats Judd, on a successful 2007 and much thanks for picking up the slack for the rest of Hollywood.

Today I took glance at my options in case I wanted to take in a movie this extended Holiday weekend. Among my options were two films that starred a pair I have grown to appreciate over the years.

Phillip Seymour Hoffman in “Charlie Wilson’s War” and John C Reilly in “Walk Hard” are two men in their young 40’s who have really advanced their careers by picking terrific secondary roles in a wide spectrum of movies that have were either Blockbuster hits or cult classics. In an industry where looks can sometimes be valued over acting ability and bigger paychecks can lead ambitious actors astray from solid projects, its great to see Hoffman and Reilly reaping the benefits of years of shrewd project selection.

Phillip Seymour Hoffman- age 40

Starring in: Charlie Wilson’s War with Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks

Officially blew up when: Won Best Actor for role in Capote

Movies/Roles he was smart to take in chronological order:

Scent of a Women, Twister, Boogie Nights, The Big Lebowski, Patch Adams, Magnolia, Talented Mr. Ripley, Punch Drunk Love, Almost Famous, Cold Mountain, Along Came Polly, Capote, Mission Impossible 3, Charlie Wilson’s War

Analysis:

Although it wasn’t until recently that Hoffman had mainstream name recognition, he was continuously in a wide assortment of classic films throughout the nineties before moving onto bigger and better things of late. Boogie Nights and Big Lebowski are two comedic cult classics that elevated his status to younger viewers. Magnolia, Mr. Ripley, Cold Mountain, and Punch Drunk Love really were films that really showed his ability to act to the art house movie connoisseur type viewer.

Hoffman was hilarious in Along Came Polly and followed it up with his award winning Capote performance. With Mission Impossible 3 under his belt, Hoffman has shown the diversity and talent to star in any role that suits his fancy.

John C Reilly- 42

Starring in- Walk Hard

Officially Blew Up When - Nowish

Movies/Roles he was smart to take in chronological order:

The River Wild, Boogie Nights, The Thin Red Line, Never Been Kissed, Magnolia, The Perfect Storm, Gangs of New York, Chicago, The Aviator, Talladega Nights

Analysis:

Reilly had some hit and misses in the nineties but was smart to team with Hoffman in movies like Magnolia and Boogie Nights. He played co starring roles in Gangs of New York, Chicago, and The Aviator, all three of which were nominated for best picture with Chicago winning. Although many think he is more of a pure comedic role actor with his roles in Judd Appatow movies (Talledga Nights and Walk Hard), Reilly has a good portfolio in critically acclaimed dramas as well.

Reilly seems content for now to make his living in comedies co starring with Will Ferrel in Step Brothers and co starring with Sean William Scott (Stiffler) in Quebec. Why mess with a good thing?