All Hail the Queen
Cate Blanchett Returns to the Role that Made Her a Star
by Matt Goldberg

Cate Blanchett is regal. She’s not wearing the white-powder make-up or painstakingly-designed dresses of Elizabeth I, the breakthrough role that she reprises in Elizabeth: The Golden Age, but her power and presence are felt throughout the room. She’s more humble than the famous queen of English history, but removed from the intimidation of such confidence there’s a warmth and intellect that sets the room at ease as we ask her about reprising a character that had such an impact on her career, her multitude of projects, and how she views the character of Elizabeth I after 10 years, 24 films, three Oscar nominations, and one Oscar win. [ more ... ]

Great Scott!
Russell Crowe reteams with his favorite director in American Gangster
by B. Love

Say what you will about Russell Crowe’s reputation for being difficult on a personal level, but there’s no questioning the tough-talking actor’s track record. Between 1997 and 2003, the New Zealand native starred in five films that were nominated for a Best Picture Oscar (with Gladiator and A Beautiful Mind ultimately winning), while Crowe garnered three Best Actor nominations and one win. With this summer’s 3:10 to Yuma and this month’s American Gangster, the 43-year-old thespian has continued his hot streak, delivering two more back-to-back classics. [ more ... ]