Russell Brand Tries Again in ‘The President Stole My Girlfriend’

Russell Brand, fresh off the unfortunate Arthur re-make, announced that he’ll star in and produce The President Stole My Girlfriend.  Warner Bros. Pictures recently picked up the comedy from a script written by Matt Portenoy.  Portenoy’s Porky’s rewrite is garnering positive reviews in the industry so look to see a lot more of him in the near future.

Branded Films partners, Brand, Nik Linnen and Beau Bauman, will share producing and executive producing credits.

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Movie Review - 'Arthur'

Arthur Starring Russell Brand, Helen Mirren, and Greta Gerwig Directed by Jason Winer Rated PG-13

Arthur, the remake of the 1981, Dudley Moore classic, stars Russell Brand, America’s new favorite saucy Brit, as the inebriated Peter Pan caught between a life of endless riches and the potential of true love. The film introduces us to our quick-witted, yet impetuous alcoholic of a hero, as he is presented with an ultimatum: either marry the socially respectable, yet morally despicable, Susan, (Jennifer Garner) or be cut off from his multi-million dollar family fortune. Despite his disgust for and sexual repulsion to Susan, Arthur is unable to imagine his life without an endless supply of booze, partying, and movie-car replicas. He complies, and surrenders to having a business partnership for a marriage. That is until he fatefully runs into the free spirited, illegal tour guide, Naomi (Greta Gerwig). Smitten beyond the usual one-night-stand Arthur has become so accustomed to, he must confront his behaviors, his choices, his live-in nanny (Helen Mirren), and most importantly, himself, to decide what greater power will control his destiny.

The film gets off to a slow, sloppy, and somewhat confusing start. The jokes don’t quite hit, and the initial development is halting and awkward. A new contribution to the Russell Brand fan club myself, I took a deep, inward sigh, and resigned myself to an hour and a half of disappointment. Thankfully, not fifteen to twenty minutes in, Arthur strapped on the power packs and took off!

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Movie Review - 'Hop'

Hop Starring Russell Brand and James Marsden Directed by Tim Hill Rated PG

What kind of self-respecting bunny would turn down the opportunity to assume the illustrious position of the famed Easter Bunny? If you have ever pondered this query, look no further. The answer lies in Tim Hill’s holiday production of Hop, starring James Marsden and Russell Brand.

The Easter tale, that follows a frighteningly similar plot as many Christmas films, is the story of E.B., the son of the current Easter Bunny, voiced by Hugh Laurie. Prepped to assume his father’s position in the next week, E.B. decidedly has other plans. Hitching a high-tech rabbit-hole ride from Easter Island to Hollywood, California, the little talking bunny plans to fulfill his dream, to become a professional drummer. When his attempt to infiltrate the playboy mansion, on account of the fact that he too is a sexy bunny, fails, he wanders the lonesome Hollywood streets, until he stumbles upon the desperately unmotivated, unemployed Fred O’Hare. As their friendship forms, the two help one another to realize their true callings.

Let me start by saying that Russell Brand is screamingly funny as the rebellious E.B., delivering with comic perfection the many punch lines in the film. Though I enjoy children’s films, I rarely laugh out loud, and there were several moments during Hop that I laughed all the way from one punch line to another. Unfortunately, Brand’s performance was not enough to lift this movie out of mediocre territory.

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First Trailer for Russell Brand's 'Hop'

A few days ago I shared with you guys the first poster for Russell Brand's new animated feature Hop, in which Brand voices the Easter Bunny whom after being accidentally injured by a slacker (James Marsden) has to live with said slacker while he recovers.  If you care, you can check out my enthusiastic thoughts on this idea in the last post.

Well you know what they say, behind every bad poster is an even worse trailer (or something along those lines).  And this film is no different.  In fact, this trailer really only tells you one thing about the movie: it's from the guys behind Despicable Me.  Which, in hindsight, may be a genius move seeing as how it's the best thing it's got going for it.

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First 'Hop' Poster Shows Off Russell Brand as Animated Easter Bunny

The first poster for the "Russell Brand Easter Bunny comedy" (yes, you read that correctly) Hop was released via Facebook this morning.  The film is being produced by Universal Pictures' Illumination Entertainment, the guys behind this year's surprisingly good Despicable Me, but that seems to be the only good thing going for it.

Hit the jump to read film's synopsis and check out the poster.

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