Hollywood in the Hub

Whitey Bulger Sparks New Interest in Tours and Future Movies

2011-06-28T10:16:00.001-05:00

Now the next chapter is ready to be written as the Whitey Bulger arrest has certainly sparked up a big interest in Boston crime movies. From The Departed to Mystic River to The Friends of Eddie Coyle to The Town, Hollywood has loved to use Boston as a backdrop for crime dramas.

Watch Video Featuring On Location Tours:
Boston Arrest Sparks New Interest in Boston, NECN

Now that Bulger has been arrested after being on the run for 16+ years, expect Boston to continue to serve as the crime drama/mob movie hub for Hollywood producers for years to come. Only time will tell which movie spin we will we see next. Will it be The Departed part 2 that builds off of the original? Or will we see more accurate portrayal of Whitey's life told from the point of view of:

- One of his crew. There have already been plenty of books written by former associates that Hollywood could adapt.

- Whitey's girlfriend, Catherine Greig - Will she sell her story to Hollywood? We haven't seen this story before so my guess is Barbara Walters will be all over this interview in a few years.

- Whitey himself. According to several sources, agents found a manuscript in the apartment they raided in California. Could this serve as both Whitey's confession while also sparking a movie production?

More Information

Watch Video Featuring On Location Tours: Boston Arrest Sparks New Interest in Boston, NECN
Read: Hollywood loves Boston’s seamy underbelly - The Boston Globe

Hollywood celebrities are spotted in Boston - Boston.com

2011-05-11T00:05:00.000-05:00

Mark Wahlberg was in town today filming a scene for a new movie called Ted in the Boston Public Garden along the Boston Movie Mile. Check out more: Hollywood celebrities are spotted in Boston - Boston.com

Kevin James is Back - Open Casting March 26th

2011-03-25T13:55:00.001-05:00

Kevin James can not get enough of Massachusetts. After filming Grown Ups, Mall Cop and the upcoming Zookeeper, James is back to film Here Comes the Boom.

If you wanted to get involved, Boston Casting is holding an Open Casting Call on the South Shore for the film this Saturday. Boston Casting is looking for people of ALL TYPES (ages 18+) to be extras on the film that is shooting late March- early June. Anyone interested should bring a current photo.

Open Call Information:

Saturday March 26th

10am- 3pm

South Shore Casting Studio

Hanover Mall

1775 Washington Street

Hanover, MA 02339

People who have already attended an Open Call for this film do not need to attend another one. For more information, visit www.bostoncasting.com

Governor's Trip Shows Movie Location Tourism Picking Up Steam

2011-03-23T13:57:00.000-05:00

Governor Deval Patrick recently took a trip overseas and received repeated requests about tours for movie location sites in the Baystate. Here at Boston Movie Tours, we've seen that recent Oscar nominees The Town, The Social Network and The Boxer have been big drivers for the guests interested in the 2011 season.

“We’ve had a number of questions about tours of destinations that have been used in the movie industry,” said the governor. The governor says there’s a lot of interest in seeing the spots that have shown up recently on the big screen.

Listen to the interview:
http://boston.cbslocal.com/2011/03/22/governor-europeans-interested-in-touring-states-movie-sites/

Boston Movie Tours Ranked #4 in United States

2011-03-17T16:27:00.000-05:00

Boston Movie Tours recently took in 4th place of nationally ranked movie location tours.

TripAdvisor®, the world’s largest travel site, recently announced the top ten movie tours in the U.S., according to TripAdvisor travelers and editors.

Offering an entertaining and educational behind the scenes look at where some of the hottest films in history have been made, these tours are ideal for silver screen connoisseurs and star-gazers alike.

Read the Full Article
http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/tripadvisor/42943/

Great Boston Movie Video

2011-03-17T13:03:00.000-05:00

Just saw this great montage of Boston movies on Funny or Die. Check it out. First time I've seen Good Will Hunting, The Departed, The Boxer, The Town and others all in one video.

Boston Movie Trailer - watch more funny videos

Charlie Sheen: Live in Boston - Culture Desk - An Entertainment and cultural blog by The Boston Globe

2011-03-16T17:21:00.000-05:00

Mr. Charlie Sheen is bringing his 1-man show to Boston on April 12th which got me thinking..... In how many Boston movies has Sheen appeared? Sheen has appeared in dozens of movies but the closest Boston connection is Being John Malkovich. The Back-to-Boston Connection: It's a stretch but the real John Malkovich lives in Cambridge. If you want to check our Sheen's rants, head on over to Boston University to pick up tickets.

Charlie Sheen: Live in Boston - Culture Desk - An Entertainment and cultural blog by The Boston Globe

Kevin James About to Film Soon - Casting Call this Saturday

2011-03-11T10:44:00.000-05:00

Boston Casting has an open casting call for extra this Sat for a feature film starring Kevin James from 10am -3pm. If you are looking to be an extra, here's your chance. Must be 18+. Go to bostoncasting.com for more info.

Sarah Jessica Parker filming at Faneuil Hall - The Names Blog - Boston.com

2011-03-11T00:23:00.001-05:00

Sex and the City star Sarah Jessica Parker hit the hub today to film a scene at Faneuil Hall. Parker is filming a new movie called "I Don't Know How She Does It."
Get the details from The Names Blog - Boston.com

2011 Schedule Coming Soon. Opening in May

2011-03-07T12:01:00.000-05:00

Boston Movie Tours is opening in May this season. We plan to have a few tours sprinkled throughout April so check this site for the latest updates.

Four Boston Academy Awards

2011-02-28T07:00:00.001-05:00

Boston area movies represented the city well taking home four awards.

Christian Bale won for Best Supporting Actor. Bale was awesome but personally, I was rooting for Jeremy Renner in The Town. Loved The Town for being a true Boston movie.
Melissa Leo for Best Support Actress in The Fighter
Aaron Sorkin won for adapted screenplay for The Social Network
Angus Wall and Kirk Baxter win for Best Editing for The Social Network

Katherine Heigl set to shoot movie in Boston - The Names Blog - Boston.com

2010-10-19T13:41:00.000-05:00

According to the Boston Globe, The Age of Adeline is tentatively scheduled to start shooting in the Boston area in the spring 0f 2011. Katherine Heigl from Grey's Anatomy stars in this movie about a woman who doesn't age that is faced with a decision when she meets the man of her dreams...give up immortality for the man she loves.

Katherine Heigl set to shoot movie in Boston - The Names Blog - Boston.com

Film School Just Got Easier

2010-10-19T09:50:00.007-05:00

The Harvard Bookstore held an event promoting 101 Things I Learned in Film School last night. Co-authors Neil Landau and Matthew Frederick were both on hand to discuss the best-seller which proves to be a straightforward and interesting read. Landau said of his book, "you can turn to any page and cure writer's block." The book's format has really popularized the 101 Things I Learned series created by Frederick.

His first book 101 Things I Learned in Architecture School actually sprung from his own frustration while living in Cambridge, MA. "There's too many damn architects," Frederick said, prompting him to turn to writing. "Then [the architects] all bought the book!"

Matthew Frederick is an architect and urban designer in addition to his writing credits. He is currently working on several new book projects, including Copernicus Goes to Suburbia and Radical Urbanism. Other topics he has co-authored/co-learned 101 Things in, include business school, culinary school and fashion school.

Neil Landau is a screenwriter whose film and television credits include Don't Tell Mom The Babysitter's Dead, Doogie Howser M.D., Melrose Place, The Magnificent Seven and The Secret World of Alex Mack. He has developed scripts for a number of production companies such as Disney, Warner Bros. and 20th Century Fox. And he also teaches at UCLA's School of Film, Television and Digital Media.

101 Things I Learned in Film School

2010-10-18T15:02:00.005-05:00

How does effectively set a scene? What is the best camera angle for a particular mood? How does new technology interact with scenes? And how does one even get the financing to make a movie? these basic questions and much more are covered in this book on the film industry and making movies as a profession. With insights for someone who wants to make movies as a full time career, or just someone who is just interested in film, 101 Things I learned in Film School, offers an inside view of the art and craft of filmmaking.

Harvard Book Store is very pleased to welcome screenwriter Neil Landau, for a conversation about his best-selling book 101 Things I learned in Film School. Joined by creator of 101 Things I learned series, Matthew Frederick, tonight, October 18, 2010, at The Harvard Bookstore @ 7pm. Event is free, no tickets required.

Here is the link.

Boston Movie Tours will be in attendance tonight to catch the conversation... and we'll also be giving away a couple tickets to our tours at the event!

Conviction In Theaters Today

2010-10-15T15:07:00.006-05:00

Today's release of a new Massachusetts-set film is met with some controversy. Conviction is the big-screen telling of a story based on true events that took place here in the Bay State. The movie, however, was not locally shot.

Hilary Swank plays a working mother who puts herself through law school in order to represent her brother at trial. Her brother played by Sam Rockwell was wrongfully convicted of murder. The movie also stars Boston Movie Star Minnie Driver (Good Will Hunting).

This story is told through the eyes of Swank, or rather her character's point of view. The controversy that has surfaced has been from the victim's family, who apparently were never contacted by Swank who also produced.

Conviction is in theaters today. The official trailer can be seen here.

Matt Damon's New Movie Hereafter

2010-10-13T15:09:00.006-05:00

Hollywood in the Hub star Matt Damon teams up with director Clint Eastwood (again) in their new Warner Bros. film Hereafter. The movie hits theaters nationwide Friday 10/16 and should do well at the box office. Check out the official trailers.

The last time Eastwood directed Damon was in 2009's Invictus, which actually earned Damon an Acadamy-Award nod for best supporting actor (Christoph Waltz / Inglorious Bastards). But Clint has a talent for bringing out the best in his performers. He directed Sean Penn to a Best Actor Oscar for the Boston-made Mystic River. So maybe Matt will ~Hereafter~ get a chance to add to his own collection of Oscars!

Brad Pitt in his First Boston Movie "Moneyball"

2010-10-05T17:40:00.000-05:00

Men, watch your wives. It's being reported by boston.com that Mr. Brad Pitt is in town scouting Fenway Park for his next movie Moneyball. We've been waiting for Pitt to join the superstar ranks of Boston filming. This is the first movie filmed in Beantown that Pitt is appearing in.

Moneyball is based on the book of the same name about how Oakland As GM Billy Beane uses new school methods to put together successful baseball teams. In the book, the Red Sox Kevin Youkilis is referred to as the Greek God of Walks for his knack of getting on base via walk. The funny thing is Youk isn't greek.

Catch up on the details: Brad Pitt playing "Moneyball" at Fenway Park - The Names Blog - Boston.com

Affleck won't direct Superman film

2010-09-28T23:36:00.000-05:00

Fresh of starring and directing in Boston's The Town, Ben Affleck won't be jumping aboard the Superman train.

Read all the details on Boston.com

The Town's On Top!

2010-09-24T14:03:00.004-05:00

Moviegoers across the country made the Ben Affleck film The Town the highest grossing movie of the past week raking in roughly $30 million. And it's still going strong here in Boston anyway...

I know because the 8m show I went to see last night sold out as I waited in line for tickets. So my friends and I got tickets for the 9pm, which also sold out. Now of course the "stadium seating" in the theater really had no comparison to the actual stadium seats of Fenway Park like when I first saw the flick. And of course the popcorn was the opposite of free, no peanuts, no crackerjack, and no Ben Affleck... but the movie was maybe even better than I remember it.

So twice in two weeks I've seen The Town (I still haven't robbed a bank), and I was treated to two completely different sets of previews. Last night we literally were shown 20 full minutes of previews! 20 minutes is the length of a sitcom without commercials! ARGH! I honestly can't name half of the movies that were previewed, and I probably won't see the half I remember...

The Fighter I will see. I hadn't seen a trailer for the movie since March when I actually got to watch about 15 minutes of real footage and another half hour of back story/research the filmmakers put together. It was awesome. And in the trailer from last night, I saw a clip from the same stuff I'd seen 6 months ago. It's of Mark Wahlberg and his dozen or so sisters cursing and fighting each other on a porch. The Berg plays Irish Mickey Ward, a Lowell born and bred boxer trying to reach the top. His brother in the movie is played by Christian Bale and both looked in absolute peak physical condition. The movie was primarily shot last year in Lowell with re-shoots happening out in L.A. It hits theaters this December!

Ben Affleck Premieres The Town at Fenway Park!

2010-09-15T12:57:00.009-05:00

Ben Affleck's The Town gave many Bostonions something exciting to watch at Fenway Park this September, sorry sox. And not just the movie, but the people-watching and "star"-gazing was a thrill too for many here in the Hub.

Over the past few years Fenway Park has frequently undergone venue transformations. The Winter Classic brought a hockey rink. There was "Football at Fenway" this summer. And a number of concerts have been played recently by such acts as Dave Matthews Band, Paul McCartney and Aerosmith. Last night's premiere of The Town was my favorite or these transformations.

A movie screen was erected about the visiting team dugout and the lucky guests were all seated on the third-base line. The buzz in the air was invigorating, like that heard inside a happy beehive with a surplus of honey. It was electric. I know for me, every first time I walk up that ramp from the concession area into the park itself I'm always overloaded with that Fenway Feel. This time was no different. As my eyes looked up the ramp they saw not monster green, not sox red, but movie screen white. The buzz just grew.

The evening of entertainment really got underway as some VIP's were ushered to their seats after their pictures and interviews were taken on the field. The girl sitting behind me had just unbelievable vision, pointing out celebrity after celebrity from pretty far away. She literally was doing her own E! on the Red Carpet commentary. "Now we have Tom Brady in his classic Sculley Cap, looks like he's here with Giselle... And that's Matt Damon with his wife..." and so on and so forth. Really everyone from the film was in attendance including principals Blake Lively, and Jon Hamm. But really everyone from the film was in attendance, including local actors and local film crews. Affleck said in his pre-screening address that he was excited to give the screening in the Hub so all the awesome Bostonions that contributed could enjoy watching their work with their families and friends on such a grand scale. He also said that "Matt Damon will be signing autographs after the show". Good times.

Ben Affleck's pre-screening talk not only touched on the talented movie makers here in Massachusetts, but also included a dedication of sorts to the people of Charlestown who weren't really depicted in the film. That even though The Town focuses on the evil and the ugly side of its population, Charlestown is home to mostly hard-working, honest people who do not deserve the bad rap the movie gives it.

Finally, the movie, with no real spoilers!! First of all, welcome to a true Boston movie in every way possible! The accents were perfect, spot on. Not just the accents, but the truth behind them. Very real, and when you get that from a movie right at the start, it's just so much easier to get into the world that you are about to be a part of for the next two hours. The characters in the movie were clearly defined which made their interactions and dialogues that much more captivating. And even though there were some occasional plot twists or reveals, you could always tell exactly the goals of each character and knew where each stood. The character's each had a foil or two, had a parallel character or two and I'm very interested in seeing it again to study some of their relationships in better detail.

The settings make this a real Boston movie. If they had not set up shop in Charlestown for the majority of their filming, The Town would just be the punch line to the joke, "Where does Gigli live?". Haha. But the movie fans in Fenway, myself included, felt a real connection to the Boston we were seeing. Not necessarily to the crime per se, but to the city we live in, work in and see everyday. From Bunker Hill to Harvard Square and from the Old North End to Fenway Park itself, The Town for us really could have been called "Right Over There".

This is now what I consider to be the best Ben Affleck movie, formerly Good Will Hunting. And I had GWH in my mind from time to time during The Town. Both were strongly acted and showcased a realistic Boston in their film. Part of GWH's success was the monologues, that's how the characters came to life. There really wasn't much of that this time around... and I was actually kinda waiting for it. The only real monologue is Affleck's story about how his mother left. I remember watching it thinking that the story wasn't that good and the performance wasn't particularly moving. I then remember feeling strangely satisfied that the monologue wasn't better nor the acting... because it actually fit better being the way it was. It was more real, more believable. Because this character isn't going to find the right way to say what he's trying to say. He doesn't want to tell the story, and he knows that he doesn't really know the full story. And it's more or less the story of who he is, which he's questioning anyway. I really enjoyed that. And thinking back to the stories/monologues in GWH, you have Robin Williams with a beautifully dark, well-spoken opening up to Damon on the bench, and Damon himself time and again expounding brilliant, logically reasoned intelligence and emotion through his speeches in the Harvard Bar, at his job interview and in a courtroom. Now Affleck's story about his Uncle Marty at a bar scene in GWH is so much like his character's from The Town. The GWH story is not the best story, not the funniest, not the best told or acted... but the perfect fit for the film, even if it was just to set-up Minnie Driver's story.

Anyway, that's one of the things I've thought about most since seeing The Town, that a robbing a bank. And there's such great little things in the movie that make the biggest difference in turning a good movie into a great movie, or a great Boston movie. Another quick GWH for example, "Morgan wanted to get you a T pass". In The Town we get "I learned it from my mother". See the movie, get the joke.

Speaking of see the movie, it hits theaters everywhere this Friday, 9/17. Thanks to the people at Warner Bros. and Fenway Park for making last night so special. And thanks to everyone who spent last year making this movie the best Boston movie of 2010!

BMT on hand for The Town Premiere

2010-09-13T17:51:00.000-05:00

We just got our tickets and are pretty excited to be part of Ben Affleck's The Town red carpet premiere at Fenway Tues night. We worked with Warner Brothers, Cheers and the Liberty Hotel to give away Boston trips in major markets across the U.S. The winners receive a special The Town movie tour which departs Tuesday afternoon. We then hit the red carpet about 7.

Watch the Trailer
The early reviews on IMDB are fantastic so looking forward to this heist flick.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQ7wcayQQLQ

THE TOWN TOUR THIS TUESDAY!!!

2010-09-09T11:10:00.004-05:00

We've been waiting for another great movie starring both Boston and Ben Affleck for awhile here in The Hub, and the wait is almost over. Just 9 days from now The Town hits theaters nationwide and we couldn't be more excited to offer a special Bus Tour featuring The Town on Tuesday 9/14! Our *Special* The Town Tuesday Bus Tour starts at a special time, 12pm! Get your tickets now!!!

For more information on The Town

The Town - Coming Soon!

2010-08-13T12:20:00.005-05:00

Just saw my first and second commercials for the latest greatest Ben Affleck flick, The Town. I remember all the filming buzz from last year and can't wait to see how it all comes together on the big screen. It hits theaters nationwide September 17th and also stars Chris Cooper and Jon Hamm. The trailer is here from the official Warner Bros. website. Check out our picture from The Town filming around the Boston Common last November!

Mark Wahlberg in Massachusetts for Premiere

2010-08-04T10:06:00.004-05:00

The Other Guys drops in theaters this Friday, but some lucky folks in Hingham got to check out a special screening with the star himself earlier this week. Mark Wahlberg reportedly visited his brother's restaurant with his family and screened the movie down there on the south shore.

You've obviously seen the trailers and ads for the new flick, which actually look pretty funny. Those who watch movies with me know how hard it is for me to enjoy a Will Ferrell movie, but I'm certainly gonna give this one a shot. Especially after hearing that they shoot Derek Jeter in the movie! The movie will likely do very well in Boston!!!

Massachusetts Movie Monday Bus Tour 7/26

2010-07-19T15:46:00.000-05:00

Next Monday 7/26, we are celebrating the 5 year anniversary of Boston Movie Tours by offering special discounts on our Theater-on-Wheels bus tour. Hop aboard our bus for the cost of a walking tour. So pay the regular walking tour price, and we'll throw in the bus for a nearly 50% discount.

All tickets for Mass Movie Monday cost only $23 when you book online.

RESERVE YOUR TICKETS TODAY

Four-alarm fire damages Boston Movie Location

2010-07-08T16:04:00.000-05:00

DeLuca's Market, used in the legal drama, A Civil Action caught on fire earlier today. The famous Boston market was used in a scene where William H. Macy's character tried to purchase a lottery ticket in hopes of keeping his law firm afloat. I can't find the clip on youtube but it's a pretty funny scene.

Read this article for the latest news.
Four-alarm fire damages landmark Beacon Hill market - Local News Updates - MetroDesk - The Boston Globe

More What's Your Number?!

2010-07-06T18:45:00.003-05:00

All our guides just wrapped up what may have been the hottest Boston Movie Tour on record! And as we toured the streets of Beacon Hill, we all noticed the cones being put up along Beacon and Bowdoin Streets. This is the same block as the 21st Amendment, a bar where filming for What's Your Number? took place a couple weeks back. Staffers said that the trucks are loading in tonight for an all day shoot tomorrow! We will be having our Theater-On-Wheels Bus Tour @ 11am tomorrow morning, and we'll be going directly past the filming location! Come check it out tomorrow!

Save BIG on our July 4th Tours!

2010-07-02T14:08:00.002-05:00

Celebrate freedom with Boston Movie Tours this holiday... buy three adult tickets, and get the 4th FREE! Offer only good for tours this Sunday July 4th. Our theater-on-wheels bus tour @ 11am, and our movie-mile walking tour @ 2pm.

Offer for web orders only, may not be combined with other offers.

BMT Featured in Where Magazine

2010-07-01T16:00:00.000-05:00

In the July issue of Where Boston(the complete guide to go) you'll find a piece on us here at Boston Movie Tours. Check them out at wheretraveler.com

Hollywood East Connection Contest

2010-07-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

For those of you looking for a cheap way to take one of our awesome tours this summer, maybe this is for you. Look like a celebrity, act like one, impersonations? Send pictures or video of you and your spitting image to our friends at the Hollywood East Connection. They're giving away our tour tickets to the best submission! Visit their contest page for all the details. Hurry, deadline is this weekend!

This Weekend at the (TOY)Box Office

2010-06-30T14:29:00.003-05:00

Apparently the picturesque scenery of Massachusetts just can't compare with a computer-imagined bedroom as Toy Story 3 actually took the top spot over locally shot Grown Ups and Knight & Day. Thankfully the movie does feature the voice of Boston's favorite postal employee, John Ratzenberger (Cheers'). Odds are that next weekend's top spot will go to another third installment of a franchise, the Twilight blah blah. Can you tell how excited I am??

Grown Ups In Theaters!

2010-06-25T16:18:00.007-05:00

I was a bit harsh on Knight & Day earlier this week... my Grown Ups review shall be much cheerier. Right off the bat, this is only a Massachusetts movie, not a Boston movie. You will not find the hub anywhere in the film. What you can see a lot of is the beautiful rural scenery that our state has to offer. You can also see a whole bunch of some of the funniest comedians SNL ever offered. And it was damn funny!

Adam Sandler knows how to lead a movie. He was great. David Spade too. Rob Schneider was even funnier than I usually find him, and that's also how I felt about Kevin James in the movie. And Chris Rock was great at never breaking the effeminate character they wrote for him. But I do think if they had written him in the more traditional Rock-role, it would have been that much better seeing him and Maya Rudolph scream it out (she was sooo great). I do remember watching the movie thinking that if Chris Farley hadn't died, then Kevin James would be premiering Paul Blart 2 this week! Imagine that though. Rock, Spade, Sandler, Schneider and Farley! Wow.

But the cast didn't disappoint. The plot didn't undermine or lessen the comedy, which comes fast and frequent. Even the smaller roles were just brought to life with so many veterans. Tim Meadows, Colin Quinn and Steve Buscemi added highlights to what is sure to be the #1 comedy of the weekend.

So I don't feel right applying our "Boston Movie Scale" to the movie since it isn't one, but it has to go high on the list of Massachusetts movies filmed here in house since the tax credit has taken effect. And on your basic 10 point overall flick scale, I feel comfortable going 8.5/10. I'm not saying this is a must-see for everybody, but if you like the old bad boys from SNL, you won't be let down.

Grown Ups is in theaters now!

What's Your Number Filming Tonight!

2010-06-24T20:28:00.001-05:00

Just walked by the bar 21st Amendment next to the Massachusetts State House... filming What's Your Number there all night! Coincidentally, the bar is closed for filming :( Going to take some pictures now and get them for y'all!

Grown Ups Tomorrow!

2010-06-24T15:14:00.006-05:00

Summer's here and so is the next Massachusetts movie to hit theaters... Grown Ups. Actually, already got a chance to see a screening of the movie, but again, can't really tell you about it until tomorrow. Be sure to check back for my review!

Knight & Day (Today)!

2010-06-23T15:24:00.005-05:00

The commercials are on every channel, and it seems as though the actors are too! Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz have been going full-out on the publicity for their summer blockbuster. From The Today Show in the morning to The Daily Show at night, the two are covering almost as much ground as they did while filming the movie!

So yes, it's here, our Boston Blockbuster! And so is my take on the flick, without any real spoilers. The first 40 minute chunk of the movie was beautiful Boston. Seeing landmarks in the background, remembering the buzz when they were in town filming last year, and of course the action! The Boston part of the movie for me was obviously the best, but it really felt like a let down when they moved to Europe. Everything was moving so fast, and the character development was flowing and then poof, we're in Europe and I'm still not really sure what the movie's about.

The style was pretty good, fitting well with the strengths of both Diaz and Cruise; her smarter than the average blond routine and his action-hero with a smirk really meshed. And the two had some pretty funny jokes, one-liners, silent pauses that came from the chemistry. But the movie seemed like it wanted to go in either of three directions... action movie, comedy movie with action, or action movie spoof. And instead of picking one and doing it great, they kinda picked all three and it was dull, average even. Maybe if they had went for the R-rating and left some humorous curses in the flick it would have sat better with me. But once seeing it was going to be rated PG-13, its like you're just waiting for the one F-bomb they get to drop. Diaz got it.

I did a little ruminating on Knight & Day, and I think I know the movie it most reminds me of... Star Trek III: The Search for Spock. The trekkies who see Knight & Day will back me up on this. There's a crazy new technology/power source device and it ends up not being so stable. The bad guys stopping at nothing, hell-bent on harnessing it's power. So played... And of course with it being a Tom Cruise movie, there's always some sort of mole-hunt or shady mentor of his generally adding a not-so-hidden twist later in the film.

So, as far as where it ranks among our favorite Boston movies, I really think it showed a lot of our city. The best stunts in the movie were the Boston ones. And more or less, including the total package of the movie stars filming here so much and production going so smoothly, it was a pretty enjoyable effort. So on our Boston scale, I'm giving Knight & Day a 8.5/10.

As for the movie itself, only 6/10.

Knight & Day Opens Wednesday!

2010-06-22T07:55:00.000-05:00

I've seen it already... but I can't tell you about it until Wednesday... I can tell you that Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz filmed Knight & Day all over Boston last fall... and that it used to be called Wichita... and that their website has interactive trailers for you to check out. My full critical analysis on Wednesday!

What's Your Number? Rockport Base Camp

2010-06-21T12:40:00.005-05:00

Thanks again to our fabulous Chelsey Brooks for snapping this picture of the new base camp for What's Your Number? This is out in Rockport and apparently a wedding scene will be staged for the movie... and you may actually get to see our very own Chelsey Brooks in that wedding! We'll be sure to keep you posted!

Fan of Boston TV shows?

2010-06-14T07:14:00.000-05:00

ABC's new Boston Med premieres June 26th. Check out this history of Boston based TV shows on boston.com. Which is your favorite?

Boston-based TV shows - Boston.com

What's Your Number on Boylston Street

2010-06-10T12:12:00.007-05:00

Chelsey Brooks (Boston Movie Tours Expert) just snapped this photo of What's Your Number filming in front of 272 Boylston Street! They filmed at the W Hotel in the Theatre District last week... Found this sign by Smith & Wollinsky after our GBCVB event at the Melting Pot!

Filming at Bova's in the North End

2010-05-27T09:22:00.000-05:00

Looks like Bova's Bakery in the North End is making it into another Boston movie. In Fever Pitch, Red Sox fanatic Jimmy Fallon lived above Bova's. This week, actors Anna Faris and Chris Evans filmed a scene outside Bova’s for a movie now filming in the hub called What’s Your Number?

Read the article...
Cool scene in the North End - The Boston Globe: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

The Zookeeper Release - Sooner Than Later

2010-05-17T16:25:00.005-05:00

A bumped-up release date for The Zookeeper can be taken as a sign that yet another awesome Boston movie will be a box office competitor next summer! And though Furry Vengeance didn't really have what it took to rake in money "paw" over fist, this one just might. Talking animals could make all the difference! Especially if the animals have the voices of Adam Sandler, Sylvester Stallone and Jon Favreau. I remember the buzz around the movie filming while on the tour-beat last season and apparently there's still buzz enough to push the movie's release up sooner than later. So you can look for The Zookeeper in a theater near you July 8th 2011! (Shown is Kevin James filming around the Boston Common last summer.)

Calling All Vampires....

2010-05-15T12:58:00.003-05:00

Boston Casting is doing this today... looking for Twilight fans, which I am not one of, but maybe you are!

May 15, 2010

Last chance Twi-hards! In anticipation of the new movie The Twilight
Saga: Eclipse, we're holding an open casting calls TODAY
Saturday, May 15th. Come and tell us if you're on Team Jacob or Team
Edward for your chance to be involved in a special TV event!

Must be 18 years old or older.

Open casting will take place TODAY Saturday, May 15th from 10am-4pm.

Boston Casting,
129 Braintree Street, Suite 107, Boston MA, 02134

Celtic Pride!

2010-05-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

Just a little... WAY TO GO C'S!

NEW MOVIE FILMING ALERT!

2010-05-13T13:56:00.004-05:00

What's Your Number? is reportedly scheduled to be filming in the North End of Boston in roughly two weeks (5/26,27) according to the awesome folks at On Location Vacations. The new flick stars Anna Faris of Scary Movie's fame and Massachusetts' own Chris Evans. Some bigger names are attached to the project as well. IMDB & The Loaded Gun both have my idol appearing in the movie... Joel McHale! Yay! (maybe he'll do an episode of "The Chowder" here! haha) And also featured in the movie will be Zachary Quinto and Andy Samberg. So if you're around the north end in a couple of weeks, keep your eyes peeled for the lights, cameras and action!

Hollywood in the Hub, MAY 2010

2010-05-05T13:46:00.001-05:00

Blogger,

We are off to a fantastic start this season and would love to see you on one of our tours! Check out our full spring schedule on our website BostonMovieTours.net

In this month's newsletter we'll introduce you to our newest movie tour guides, give you the goods behind the latest Boston movie to hit theaters Furry Vengeance starring Brendan Fraser, and give you details on how to be selected for a brand new Massachusetts TV show... it's going to be a Wicked Summah. Also, if you're looking for a Mother's Day activity, check out our discounts on our May 9th tours!

And as always, check out our Hollywood in the Hub blog for the latest Boston Movie Tour gossip and insider info!

Jeff, Rachel and Dave

MAY 2010

Our Spring Schedule / Mother's Day Discount
New Guides join Boston Movie Tours
New Boston Movie Furry Vengeance Now In Theaters
Casting For Wicked Summah
Blockbuster Boston Movies Coming This Summer

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Our Spring Schedule / Mother's Day Discount

We are off to a great start this spring and with the weather getting nicer weekend after weekend, it's time to stretch those winter legs on our Movie Mile walking tour! Visit on foot the locations of over 30 different Boston Movies... Or hop on one of Bus tours, sit-back and enjoy as we take you all over the city showcasing even more locations and movie knowledge!

THEATER ON WHEELS BUS TOUR

11AM Saturdays & Sundays in May

MOVIE MILE WALKING TOUR

2PM Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays in May

SEE OUR SPRING SCHEDULE AND PURCHASE TICKETS FROM OUR WEBSITE

MOTHER'S DAY DISCOUNT! - We are offering a Mother's Day special on our Mother's Day tours. Save 5$ on our Mother's Day Theatre-on-Wheels Bus tour and save 3$ on our Mother's Day Movie Mile Walking tour. Just buy tickets through our website for May 9th, and use the promo code mom2010 to save!

Group/Private Tours - Available anytime. Request a Quote. mailto:groups@bostonmovietours.net

Meeting Location (All Tours) - Boston Common Visitor Center
For check-in, you can check in at the Boston Common Visitor Center with your Boston Movie Tours guide starting 30 minutes prior start time. Look for the guide in the red shirt.

New Guides Join Boston Movie Tours

So not only do we have a bunch of great new movies to talk about this season, we also have some great new guides for your entertainment! Please let me introduce you to Chelsey, Angel and Jonathan! These three are the newest Boston-loving, movie-watchers to join our team. Come catch them on tour!

This new group has it all... on-air talent, behind the camera expertise and stand-up comedy! This group is fresh of their first weekend of tours and already have been getting great reviews... it's going to be an awesome season!

New Boston Movie Furry Vengeance Now In Theaters

In the newest Boston movie to be released, Furry Vengeance has all the kid-friendly, skunk-spraying humor you could ask for. It was shot in a couple towns around the Massachusetts area including Topsfield, Danvers and Ipswich and partly in Boston. It's the typical story of man vs. nature, kinda. Brendan Fraser's character continually gets out-witted by woodland creatures trying to protect their environment from the actor's construction project.

Judging by it's lack of real success at the box office this past opening weekend, you may not have long to see it in theaters! It reportedly took in roughly six millions dollars... yikes. That stinks! Brendan Fraser looks so depressed in the poster, must have had to sit through so many screenings of his own movie!

If you want to check out the trailer you can visit the movie's official site, www.furryvengeance-movie.com

Casting For Wicked Summah

Well what is there to really be said about Wicked Summah? Already you're either for it or against it. Personally I am dying to find out what beantown-bred hooligans they end up casting for the show. What show??? Wicked Summah! Haven't you heard? It could be you!!!

The same casting genius that put Snooki and The Situation together is working magic on Cape Cod this summer, with a Massachusetts-style Jersey Shore show! Doron Ofir has been casting Massholes from all over the Bay State on the Internet. They are looking for audition footage of why you should be having a wicked summah. Think you have what it takes, or know someone who does? Check out the official casting website and keep your eyes peeled for cameras on the cape!

Blockbuster Boston Movies Coming This Summer

When June rolls around, Boston will be all over the big screen. I can't wait! June 25th is the release date for two Boston Movies going head-to-head for tops at the box office.

Knight & Day starring Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz is the front-runner to grab the top spot in my mind. I believe it is the biggest-budgeted movie to ever be filmed in Massachusetts... thank you tax credit! From the Jacob Wirth Restaraunt in the Theatre District to the roof of a speeding car on top of the Zakim Bridge, the movie filmed all over town. Knight & Day looks action packed with over-the-top humor.

The Adam Sandler comedy Grown-Ups opens the same weekend. The movie's cast is comprised of a who's who in the world of post-snl success. Tina Fey, Chris Rock, Tim Meadows, Norm MacDonald, Maya Rudolph, David Spade and Rob Schnieder. Add to that the comedic stylings of Salma Hayek, Steve Buscemi and Kevin James and you have a hilarious "coming of age" story.

And if you want to see hometown heartthrob Ben Affleck, you'll have to wait until the last weekend of summer, but it should be worth it. His sophomore effort at directing comes in the form of The Town based on Prince of Thieves by Chuck Hogan. I personally can't wait to see it considering I got to see Ben himself in action during the movie's filming last fall! Should really be a wicked Boston movie summer!

Trailers available by clicking through the movie posters!

We'd Love to Hear from You H

Please feel free to contact us at the below email addresses with any comments or suggestions. Also, if you have information you would like to have included in future newsletters, please send it along. We'd love to get your celeb pics, sightings and other movie news.

Jeff - jcoveney@bostonmovietours.net
Rachel - rcoveney@bostonmovietours.net
Dave - daspro@bostonmovietours.net

Boston Movie Tours Web Site

Sincerely,
Jeff and Rachel Coveney
Boston Movie Tours Founders

Hot Movie Tour News

Now Booking 2010 Group Outings.

A record number of corporate and school groups have booked their 2009 outings with Boston Movie Tours.

Book Your Group Event

Movie Location of the Month

Park Street used in

The Zookeeper

New Boston on DVD :

Buy Now (Amazon)

Boston - Coming Soon!

Knight & Day

The Town

Grown Ups

Boston - In Theaters Now

Furry Vengeance

Can't Get Enough?

Read the Hollywood in the Hub blog.

Every week our Boston Movie Tours gossip scouts scour the papers, internet, and goings-on in the city to find YOU the hottest, juiciest stories out there. Make sure to check out our blog to stay in the Beantown Hollywood loop!

2009 Copyright Boston Movie Tours, a division of Take One Tours, LLC. Some other trademarks and content belong to their respective owners. Boston Movie Mile and Hollywood in the Hub are trademarks of Take One Tours.

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Mother's Day Discounts!

2010-05-04T10:41:00.003-05:00

Why not spend Mother's Day on a Boston Movie Tour? To sweeten the deal, we're knocking $5 off the price of admission to our Theater-on-Wheels Bus tour on May 9th and $3 off our Movie Mile Walking Tour this coming Sunday.

Simply place your order online through our website www.bostonmovietours.net, and enter the promo code mom2010 when purchasing tickets to this Sunday's tour. We still have tickets available, so order today!

Furrry Vengeance Opens Today

2010-04-30T15:16:00.003-05:00

The latest, greatest Massachusetts made movie hits theaters nationwide today. Furry Vengeance stars Brendan Fraser and was filmed here last year. Though he was at one time George of the Jungle, friend to all animals, Fraser now finds himself at odds with every critter imaginable in this new flick. Watch the fur fly in this kid-friendly comedy at a theater near you.

Save the Empire!

2010-04-17T09:16:00.004-05:00

"Damn the man, save the empire!" one of the most quote-able lines from Empire Records... and today just happens to be National Record Store Day. And of course Liv Tyler is the daughter of Massachusetts' Steven Tyler, so there's your Boston connection. Actually Aerosmith tickets for this summer's Fenway show went on sale this morning at the Orpheum theater. There was a line of folks lining the street of our office, thought they were all interested in taking our bus tour today!

Aerosmith actually had their first number 1 single in the Ben Affleck blockbuster Armageddon. Also playing with the bad boys of Boston will be other local favorite J. Giles Band whose music was prominently featured in Fever Pitch.

But back to my original idea, Empire Records is such a classic 90's movie that has stood the test of time so well. Don't rent it or netflix it... go buy it and support your favorite local record store!

More "Fur" You

2010-04-15T16:56:00.003-05:00

Here's The Inside Track on Brendan Fraser filming his latest movie in Massachusetts. Furry Vengeance hits theaters April 30th!

Jersey Shore Director Casting Massachusetts Natives

2010-04-13T10:02:00.003-05:00

That's right, the Jersey-ing of Massachusetts is bound to be a sudden craze. Some are already calling the project "Mass-holes," great! I know we have idiots here in Massachusetts too, but I really don't want them to get their own Jersey Shore style show. I have friends from Jersey, and I'm embarrassed for them. But now it looks as if Doron Ofir of Shore fame is scouring the internet for... mass-holes, for a new project. Here's the Inside Track.

Furry Vengeance!

2010-04-12T10:13:00.004-05:00

Springtime is here, bringing all the little critters out from their winter hiding places. Unfortunately, they all have it in for Brendan Fraser. In the newest Boston movie to be released, Furry Vengeance has all the kid-friendly, skunk-spraying humor you could ask for.

The movie filmed in Massachusetts in 2009 and is scheduled to be released April 30th. Furry Vengeance was shot in a couple towns around the Massachusetts area including Topsfield, Danvers and Ipswich and partly in Boston. It's the typical story of man vs. nature, kinda. Fraser's character continually gets out-whitted by woodland creatures trying to protect their environment from the actor's construction project. It's along a storyline of Caddyshack except made for kids. Personally, I'm saving my animal movie of this year for The Zookeeper, frankly because I enjoy talking animals.

If you want to check out the trailer you can visit the movie's official site,
www.furryvengeance-movie.com

Come Join Us on Opening Day this Saturday

2010-04-07T15:33:00.000-05:00

It's 80 outside the Boston Movie Tour office and we are ready to start the season with new movies such as The Maiden Heist, Shutter Island and more. There are still a few seats left for opening say this Sat at 11am. Catch all the newest movie gossip on the Theater-on-Wheels.

Top April Fool's Day Fake News

2010-04-01T12:37:00.002-05:00

Saw this, liked it, happy April Fool's all! Headlines include:

New Starbuck's Sizes

Hulu - hidden agenda

Google goes Topeka

More on City Island

2010-03-30T12:59:00.004-05:00

So easily my favorite movie of this year! City Island is being released wider-and-wider, cause it's awesome! Anyway, here's a link to a new article interviewing Andy Garcia. And look for City Island in theaters near you!

Irish Film Festival in Boston This Weekend

2010-03-24T17:27:00.002-05:00

In case the Irish spirit has stuck with you a week after St. Patrick's Day, and you're waiting to see the Celtics in the playoffs, we'd like to inform you that the Irish Film Festival is hitting Boston this weekend. The festival runs Thursday - Sunday this week all over town. For details on screenings and tickets, visit irishfilmfestival.com!

City Island - Advanced Screening

2010-03-21T12:12:00.000-05:00

This movie was top-notch! Really funny, well-acted and well-put together. I got to attend a showing of City Island at the Museum of Fine Arts this week and it really was a great time.

The movie's history includes winning an Audience Award at the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival, which comes as no surprise considering both that the flick was pretty awesome, and of course that the flick was set in a neighboring borough. The movie really was brought to life through the acting, more specifically the layering of the major characters. There was always just so much being communicated, undertones, overtones... really fantastic stuff.

The principle actors are Andy Garcia, Julianna Margulies, Emily Mortimer, Steven Strait and Dominik Garcia-Lorido. All were excellent. The most excellent though was the young Ezra Miller. I want to say his character is like one we've seen Micheal Cera play, but Miller brought something special to this awkward, quirky adolescent male role . He really was brilliant. And of course they were all brought together under the clever writing and direction of Raymond De Felitta.

Wish I had more information on when and if the movie will be released nationally. I've read that it will be opening in New York (obviously) this weekend. Hopefully it makes it's way to a theater near you, I highly recommend it!

Conan Comes Home!

2010-03-20T10:00:00.000-05:00

Well if you could still see him on one of those box things in everyone's house it would be a different story. But since he is no longer on television (for the moment) Conan fans rejoice that the funnyman will be touring this spring... think he's got any material? HA!

Yes the Massachusetts born and bred Conan O'Brien will be playing two shows in Boston at the Wang Center June 4th and 5th. Conan, who really does look like the President of Finland, will be taking his "Prohibited" tour across the country. The tour is sponsored by American Express.

If you want to meet Conan, it will cost you about 700$. I'm serious! The CitiCenter is offering crazy packages that include meet-and-greets, private receptions before the show, sound check and front-row seats if you have the dough for it. Go here to check it out!

New Mark Wahlberg Movie

2010-03-18T10:17:00.000-05:00

This looks funny. Date Night is slated to hit theaters April 9th and is guaranteed to to make you laugh. The line-up in this movie is just big name after another. Boston movie star Mark Wahlberg is easily one of the biggest names in the flick, and is in good company. The movie also stars James Franco, Kristen Wiig, Mila Kunis, Mark Ruffalo, Tina Fey, Steve Carell, Ray Liotta and Samantha Bee. Is there any way this movie could not be hilarious?

Happy Saint Boondocks Day!

2010-03-17T09:29:00.000-05:00

What a great holiday to spend in Boston! And if you can't seem to find Saint Patrick, you can always rely on the Boondock Saints who are more or less in town to throw down tonight.

Troy Duffy (writer/director) of Boondock fame will be hosting a concert tonight at the Paradise Rock Club. Tickets are available through Livenation here!

Massachusetts Film Tax Cap Rejected

2010-03-16T11:25:00.000-05:00

The Hollywood East Connection has reported that the tax cap on Massachusetts-made movies has been rejected. Meetings on Beacon Hill took place the past two weeks in order to discuss such a cap. I'm not going to lie or pretend that I really get the entire economic breakdown of the whole thing. What I do know is that the state isn't losing real money on this one, if anything it's hypothetical money. It's kinda like money in a heist movie when one guy isn't happy with his cut of the loot and pulls a double cross. That "guy" is usually blown away after pulling that stunt, left dead or with nothing. Massachusetts is that "guy" is this movie. I feel if that if the cap had been approved, Massachusetts might not even be used in filming a movie about Massachusetts.

Here is a link to the article from Hollywood East Connection focusing around the cap rejection.

Wet Weekend

2010-03-15T13:16:00.004-05:00

Well it looks like a scene from The Perfect Storm out there, only the scene has been happening for three days now! So much rain, like half a foot! Glad I'm not giving tours today!!

Boondock Saints St. Patty's Day in Boston

2010-03-11T15:19:00.004-05:00

The Boondock Saints was released ten years ago, and to celebrate the anniversary the movie makers have just released the sequel this week Boondock Saints II to DVD/Blu-ray. And not only that, but writer/director Troy Duffy will be in Boston to headline the celebration this St. Patrick's Day. I'm told Duffy will be joined by one of the movie's funnymen, Bob Marley for the festivities. Apparently some of the Boondockers have been zig-zagging the country in a Boondock Bus on their current tour. While in Boston, I'm told they will be hosting a concert at the Paradise Rock Club. Tickets for the event are available through Livenation.

Catching On: The Day the World Turned Gay

2010-03-09T10:17:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to former Boston Movie Tours guide Nick Pistorino who just had his Boston-made independent movie Short accepted into the 2010 Boston International Film Festival. The 8th annual festival runs
from April 16-25, 2010 with over 100 films.

Catching On: The Day the World Turned Gay begins the day same-sex marriage is nationally legalized, and young Brian McCabe wakes up to a nation divided. His father and other slippery slope theorists fear that homosexuality will suddenly spread across the world. In this comedic horror flick, Brian will have to overcome his adolescent awkwardness, save the girl of his dreams, fight with Zombies and try to straighten everything out before it’s too late.

Boston International Film Festival

Catching On Screening: Loews Theatre/AMC Boston Common, 175 Tremont St. Boston
Time:10:30PM Sunday, April 18th

Knight and Day Release Moved Up to Battle Grown Ups

2010-03-08T17:18:00.000-05:00

If you can't wait for Tom Cruise's first Boston movie since The Firm, you are in luck. OK, it's only a week but the upcoming release of romantic thriller Knight and Day has moved up from July 2, 2010, to June 25, 2010.

The move means that Knight and Day will battle Grown Ups on the opening weekend, another Massachusetts movie with Chris Rock and Adam Sandler.

Hollywood in the Hub, March 2010

2010-03-08T13:04:00.001-05:00

Blogger,

We are just weeks away from kicking off our 2010 season and would love for you to join us this year! Check out our full spring schedule on our website BostonMovieTours.net

Check out our movie review of the top movie in America, Shutter Island (filmed here in Boston and throughout Massachusetts)! See a preview for the latest Matt Damon movie. Check out our Oscar predictions and get the an update on Plymouth Rock Studios.

And as always, check out our Hollywood in the Hub blog for the latest Boston Movie Tour gossip and insider info!

Jeff, Rachel and Dave

MARCH 2010

Visit Us This Spring As We Kickoff Our 2010 Season!
Shutter Island Review and Info
Matt Damon's New Movie Green Zone
Oscar Review
Plymouth Rock Studios Update

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Visit Us This Spring As We Kickoff Our 2010 Season!

We have soooo many more movies to talk about with all the filming that went on last year. And come see where some scenes were shot before the newest movies even hit theaters!

THEATER ON WHEELS BUS TOUR

11AM Saturdays starting April 10th

11AM Saturdays & Sundays in May

MOVIE MILE WALKING TOUR

2PM Saturdays & Sundays starting APRIL 24th

SEE OUR SPRING SCHEDULE AND PURCHASE TICKETS FROM OUR WEBSITE

Group/Private Tours - Available anytime. Request a Quote. mailto:groups@bostonmovietours.net

Shutter Island Movie Review and Info

With over 40 million dollars taken in its first weekend, Shutter Island opened on top of the box office. Ten of those 40 million were mine, and they were well worth it! I actually saw it at Legacy Place in Dedham, which kept being mentioned in the movie! There was a line about Dedham prison, which I actually visited on a high school field trip... weird.

The movie was a solid 8 out of 10, twisty, turns, suspenseful and I enjoyed myself overall. And Leonardo DiCaprio really hit it out of the park with his performance. I would discuss more good stuff from it but don't want to give anything away. There were a couple little things about Shutter Island I didn't much care for. There were a lot of turns, and it kinda played out like a book would (yeah, I know it was a book by Dennis Lehane). It looked like they wanted to make one of those movies you "get more of" when you re-watch it, so I'm semi-looking forward to that. And it also seems like characters in Boston movies like this are always a "Marshall" just to impress that weird, unnatural Boston accent on the audience. I mean, I'm in Boston all the time and the only "Mahhshalls" I see are the stores!

Moving on, Michelle Williams... wow! She just keeps getting better and better looking, and her acting is keeping up with her looks. She was one of my favorites in this flick and has been one since her Dawson's Creek days... her Boston accent was spot-on and she definitely creeped me out. And when you see her standing by her backyard pond in the movie, you can't help but think she's Jen, that's the creek, and Dawson and her got into one of their usual, overblown episode snits.

The majority of Shutter Island was filmed here in Massachusetts, but it's hard to find Boston specifically in the movie. I mean, it takes place on an island, that's not Boston. They did some filming in Boston Harbor so I suppose that's gonna have to count.

Here are a few Shutter-ing Links to interviews, articles and the movie's website.

Boston Globe Article

DiCaprio Interview

Scorcesse Interview

Shutter Island Website

Matt Damon's New Movie Green Zone

The commercials have hit the airwaves for the hometown heart-throb's newest feature. On March 12th, Green Zone is scheduled to hit theaters nation-wide.

Matt Damon reunites with his Bourne-sequels director Paul Greengrass for the film. Even from the commercials one can see similar action sequences upon comparison. And like the Bourne flicks, the majority of filming took place overseas.

The Internet Movie Database (imdb) has the movie's tagline as "Chief Warrant Officer Roy Miller is done following orders." Sweet!

If you're interested in a trailer, we got it here!

Oscar Review

The local scene in Boston was festive over at the Oscar Night Boston Gala at the Langham Hotel. If you missed it and still want to donate to the Ellie Fund, visit here.

If only Shutter Island had come out a little sooner, Boston Movie fans would likely have a dog in the hunt. The show was hosted by a pair of actors whose longevities just so happens to include multiple works from Boston. Alec Baldwin had a fantastic role in one of Boston's biggest movies The Departed and also filmed here for the production of Malice. His co-host Steve Martin has worked a number of Boston filmings including Housesitter, Pink Panther 2, and The Out-Of-Towners.

The story of the night was The Hurt Locker which won six Oscars including Best Picture.

Check out the other winners.

Best Picture: The Hurt Locker
Kathryn Bigelow, Mark Boal, Nicolas Chartier and Greg Shapiro

Actor in a Leading Role: Jeff Bridges
Crazy Heart

Love Jeff for his role in Boston's Blown Away

Actor in a Supporting Role: Christoph Waltz
Inglourious Basterds

We of course were routing for Boston stars Woody Harrelson (Cheers) or Matt Damon (The Departed, Good Will Hunting, etc)

Actress in a Leading Role: Sandra Bullock
The Blind Side

Congrats to Sandra. We know the award wasn't given for The Proposal.

Actress in a Supporting Role: Mo'Nique
Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire

Visual Effects: Avatar
Joe Letteri, Stephen Rosenbaum, Richard Baneham and Andrew R. Jones

Animated Feature Film: Up
Pete Docter

Film Editing: The Hurt Locker
Bob Murawski and Chris Innis

Directing: The Hurt Locker
Kathryn Bigelow

Art: Direction

Visit the Oscars homepage for all the winners.

Plymouth Rock Studios Update

Hollywood in the Hub seems to keep running into trouble. I'm optimistic things will finally resume and Hollywood East will continue growing into the new thing. There is a great article here from The Patriot Ledger about growing concerns regarding the project and the local tax credit for the movie industry. Plymouth Rock Studios hasn't been putting out any new news on their website but you can visit that too.

Patriot Ledger Article

Plymouth Rock Studios

We'd Love to Hear from You H

Jeff - jcoveney@bostonmovietours.net
Rachel - rcoveney@bostonmovietours.net
Dave - daspro@bostonmovietours.net

Boston Movie Tours Web Site

Sincerely,
Jeff and Rachel Coveney
Boston Movie Tours Founders

Hot Movie Tour News

Now Booking 2010 Group Outings.

A record number of corporate and school groups have booked their 2009 outings with Boston Movie Tours.

Book Your Group Event

Movie Location of the Month

Boston Harbor used in

Shutter Island

New Boston on DVD :

Buy Now (Amazon)

Boston - In Theatres Now!

Shutter Island with Leonardo DiCaprio

Edge of Darkness with Mel Gibson

Boston - Coming Soon!

Furry Vengeance with Brendan Fraser

Can't Get Enough?

Read the Hollywood in the Hub blog.

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Latest News on Wahlberg's The Fighter

2010-03-05T13:05:00.004-05:00

First of all, this movie looks awesome! AWESOME!! I was actually able to attend a talk with one of the movie's producers David Hoberman this week and was shown a glimpse of his upcoming work on "Irish" Mickey Ward.

The Fighter was filmed mostly in Lowell last year. Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale play the two leads in the movie, boxing brothers Dickie and Mickey. The chemistry of these two was electric in few scenes I was shown. That electricity was heightened by documentary footage of the real brothers he put together when researching for the film. Powerful stuff.

And as for the movie, it looks like they nailed the Boston feel, the accents and I'm dying to see where they take it. I mean they make Lowell look like Lowell the way Good Will Hunting made Southie look like Southie. A release date is hard to find, but I'm told it should hit theaters this fall.

Hoberman was quoted in an article this week by the Boston Herald with his views on the ongoing film credit discussion in Boston. Here's the article.

Party Like a Star for the 2010 Oscars

2010-03-04T13:24:00.000-05:00

For the Boston locals that want to taste a bit of Hollywood, don't miss the anuual Ellie Fund Oscar Event, this Sunday. You've watched the Oscars Telecast before but never like this -- in black-tie style that helps women and families fight breast cancer. The gala is being held this year at the Langham Boston.

Hurry, ticket prices go up March 5th.

There will be plenty of movie items up for auction including several Boston Movie Tours family four packs.

Get More Details/Tickets

Movie Week on Millionaire

2010-03-03T10:00:00.000-05:00

Personally, I've always thought the questions on the daytime version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire were way easier than the ones Regis used to ask. This week, they are even easier... cause they're all about movies! This would have been my chance at game-show glory! Millionaire movie week is this week on ABC (check local listings).

Before They Were Famous

2010-03-02T14:06:00.002-05:00

ABC's 20/20 is running a special feature tonight looking at where the biggest names in Hollywood came from! I heard that they will be having a piece on Matt Damon and his infamous one-liner from Mystic Pizza, a movie that went a long way for Julia Roberts. They also will be showing old pictures of George Clooney (with pre-gray hair)! It's airing at 10pm tonight!

Shutter Island Still On Top!

2010-03-01T15:37:00.002-05:00

Two weeks strong now! The movie Shutter Island raked in another 2o million plus this weekend keeping it on top of the box office and bringing the total tally to roughly 75 million bucks! I thought Cop Out looked good enough to take the top spot but it fell a few million dollars short.

More Matt Damon Movie Rumors

2010-02-26T11:00:00.000-05:00

As if a swingers movie with Matt Damon and Ben Affleck as Yankees wasn't enough, a new movie rumor has surfaced. Apparently Matt Damon may be playing Robert F. Kennedy in an upcoming role! It feels like April Fools is early this year!

Oscars Preview and Predictions

2010-02-25T13:00:00.000-05:00

If only Shutter Island had come out a little sooner, Boston Movie fans would likely have a dog in the hunt. The show is actually being hosted by a pair of actors whose longevity just so happens to include multiple works from Boston. I'm not sure who is getting top billing so alphabetically, Alec Baldwin had a fantastic role in one of Boston's biggest movies The Departed and also filmed here for the production of Malice. His co-host Steve Martin has worked a number of Boston filmings including Housesitter, Pink Panther 2, and The Out-Of-Towners. The two will tagteam hosting the Oscars on March 7th.

And the nominees are... a few more than usual! Best Picture is including ten nominations, who has time to watch all those movies?? Not me. But that won't stop me from making predictions on instinct and randomness!

Best Picture

Avatar

District 9

Up in the Air

Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire

A Serious Man

Inglorious Basterds

The Blind Side

An Education

The Hurt Locker

It really almost has to be Avatar... half a billion dollars earned at the box office should be enough to get it Best Picture.

Performance by an actor in a leading role
* Jeff Bridges in "Crazy Heart" (Fox Searchlight)
* George Clooney in "Up in the Air" (Paramount in association with Cold Spring Pictures and DW Studios)
* Colin Firth in "A Single Man" (The Weinstein Company)
* Morgan Freeman in "Invictus" (Warner Bros.)
* Jeremy Renner in "The Hurt Locker" (Summit Entertainment)

Toss-up between Freeman and Bridges... Let's get Crazy Hearted and go with Jeff Bridges!

Performance by an actor in a supporting role

* Matt Damon in "Invictus" (Warner Bros.)
* Woody Harrelson in "The Messenger" (Oscilloscope Laboratories)
* Christopher Plummer in "The Last Station" (Sony Pictures Classics)
* Stanley Tucci in "The Lovely Bones" (DreamWorks in association with Film4, Distributed by Paramount)
* Christoph Waltz in "Inglourious Basterds" (The Weinstein Company)

Happy if either Boston star walks with it. Saw an interview with Woody this week saying he thought his chances of winning were under 1%... so Matt Damon wins!

Performance by an actress in a leading role

* Sandra Bullock in "The Blind Side" (Warner Bros.)
* Helen Mirren in "The Last Station" (Sony Pictures Classics)
* Carey Mulligan in "An Education" (Sony Pictures Classics)
* Gabourey Sidibe in "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire" (Lionsgate)
* Meryl Streep in "Julie & Julia" (Sony Pictures Releasing)

No idea! None! I mean everyone talked up Blind Side and Precious, but then you got Meryl Streep who's old, been around, so I don't know. Just rolled some dice, Helen Mirren takes it!

Performance by an actress in a supporting role

* Penélope Cruz in "Nine" (The Weinstein Company)
* Vera Farmiga in "Up in the Air" (Paramount in association with Cold Spring Pictures and DW Studios)
* Maggie Gyllenhaal in "Crazy Heart" (Fox Searchlight)
* Anna Kendrick in "Up in the Air" (Paramount in association with Cold Spring Pictures and DW Studios)
* Mo'Nique in "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire" (Lionsgate)

Doubt they'd give a win to one of two from the same flick... think Crazy Heart was good enough for Maggie to win, I'm picking her.

Best animated feature film of the year

*"Coraline" (Focus Features) Henry Selick
*"Fantastic Mr. Fox" (20th Century Fox) Wes Anderson
*"The Princess and the Frog" (Walt Disney) John Musker and Ron Clements
*"The Secret of Kells" (GKIDS) Tomm Moore
*"Up" (Walt Disney) Pete Docter

I loved Coraline, I hope it wins.

Achievement in art direction

* "Avatar" (20th Century Fox) Art Direction: Rick Carter and Robert Stromberg
Set Decoration: Kim Sinclair
*"The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus" (Sony Pictures Classics) Art Direction: Dave Warren and Anastasia Masaro
Set Decoration: Caroline Smith
*"Nine" (The Weinstein Company) Art Direction: John Myhre
Set Decoration: Gordon Sim
*"Sherlock Holmes" (Warner Bros.) Art Direction: Sarah Greenwood
Set Decoration: Katie Spencer
*"The Young Victoria" (Apparition) Art Direction: Patrice Vermette
Set Decoration: Maggie Gray

Avatar, easily.

Achievement in cinematography

*"Avatar" (20th Century Fox) Mauro Fiore
*"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" (Warner Bros.) Bruno Delbonnel
*"The Hurt Locker" (Summit Entertainment) Barry Ackroyd
*"Inglourious Basterds" (The Weinstein Company) Robert Richardson
*"The White Ribbon" (Sony Pictures Classics) Christian Berger

Avatar, again

Achievement in costume design

*"Bright Star" (Apparition) Janet Patterson
*"Coco before Chanel" (Sony Pictures Classics) Catherine Leterrier
*"The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus" (Sony Pictures Classics) Monique Prudhomme
*"Nine" (The Weinstein Company) Colleen Atwood
*"The Young Victoria" (Apparition) Sandy Powell

Have yet to see any of these, hadn't heard about most of them, but that Victorian charm is big in the theater circles so we'll take The Young Victoria

Achievement in directing

*"Avatar" (20th Century Fox) James Cameron
*"The Hurt Locker" (Summit Entertainment) Kathryn Bigelow
*"Inglourious Basterds" (The Weinstein Company) Quentin Tarantino
*"Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire" (Lionsgate) Lee Daniels
*"Up in the Air" (Paramount in association with Cold Spring Pictures and DW Studios) Jason Reitman

I'm a big Tarantino fan, loved his movie but it won't be him. Up in the Air had to awesome a cast to give this much credit to the director. They'll give it to Cameron. This was another Titanic, and that did pretty well!!!

That pretty much wraps up the major categories, to see full lists and details on the event, visit the Oscars homepage.

Matt Damon, Ben Affleck and the Yankees?

2010-02-24T12:28:00.000-05:00

The Boston Herald is speculating that it may be true! The two home-towners may be in the works of making a movie about a couple "swingin" Yankees! yikes. They should just make-out and get it over with, right? Anyway, here is a link to the article.

Shutter Island Tops Box Office

2010-02-23T11:43:00.005-05:00

With over 40 million dollars taken in this weekend, Shutter Island opens on top of the box office. Ten of those 40 million are mine, and they were well worth it! I actually saw it at Legacy Place in Dedham, which kept being mentioned in the movie! There was a line about Dedham prison, which I actually visited on a high school field trip... weird.

The movie was a solid 8 out of 10, twisty, turns, suspenseful and I enjoyed myself overall. And Leonardo DiCaprio really hit it out of the park with his performance. There were a couple little things about Shutter Island I didn't much care for. There were a lot of turns, and it kinda played out like a book would (yeah, I know it was a book by Dennis Lehane). It looked like they wanted to make one of those movies you "get more of" when you re-watch it, so I'm semi-looking forward to that. And it also seems like characters in Boston movies like this are always a "Marshall" just to impress that weird, unnatural Boston accent on the audience. I mean, I'm in Boston all the time and I see cops/officers everywhere, no Mahhshalls.

Moving on, Michelle Williams... wow! She just keeps getting better and better looking, and her acting is keeping up with her looks. She was one of my favorites in this flick and has been one since her Dawson's Creek days... her Boston accent was spot-on and she definitely creeped me out. And when you see her standing by her backyard pond in the movie, you can't help but think she's Jen, that's the creek, and Dawson and her got into one of their usual, overblown episode snits.

The majority of Shutter Island was filmed here in Massachusetts, but it's hard to find Boston specifically in the movie. I mean, it takes place on an island, that's not Boston. They did some filming in Boston Harbor so I suppose that's gonna have to count. Anyway, the movie is in theaters everywhere, enjoy!

Did I Shutter?

2010-02-20T10:00:00.000-05:00

Here is a Boston Globe article about the movie Shutter Island that opened this weekend and the company of "crazy" movies it keeps.

Matt Damon Goes Green!

2010-02-19T08:30:00.000-05:00

Start Shuttering!

2010-02-18T14:33:00.005-05:00

With the newest Boston movie Shutter Island scheduled to open tomorrow, I've found an article you might be interested in.

Leonardo DiCaprio Interview

And to watch the official trailer from Shutterisland.com, simply click the image! Looks Awesome!!!

Hollywood East Concerns

2010-02-17T20:55:00.002-05:00

Here is a link to an article this week from my hometown paper, The Patriot Ledger, concerning our booming movie enterprise in Massachusetts! If it was a magic 8-Ball, it would read "outlook does not look good".

Hollywood East

Box Office Weekend

2010-02-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

Well Mel Gibson gave it his best, but his new movie Edge of Darkness was unable to claim the top spot at the box office last weekend. Will anything be able to knock off Avatar??

The reviews of Edge of Darkness seem a bit wishy-washy. And it seems that many are harping on the too forced Boston accents! But that's the risk you run making a Boston film with a non-Bostonion lead.

Anyway, I predict Avatar will eventually fall from the top in a couple weeks... when Shutter Island comes out! I think that Leonardo DiCaprio's 2-D appeal will topple the 3-D flick. We'll see.

More Winter!

2010-02-02T12:46:00.002-05:00

Hey, even though it's a Pennsylvannia movie, I still love it, and am sure it'll be on TV at some point today! Happy Groundhog's Day!

Matt Damon's rugby doubts - Boston.com

2010-01-30T17:00:00.001-05:00

Matt Damon's rugby doubts - Boston.com

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Pudding

2010-01-28T12:57:00.003-05:00

A Cambridge tradition of honoring talent has a Boston Movie star for it's Woman of the Year. I'm speaking of course about Anne Hathaway from the hit chick flick Bride Wars, filmed in town! The Hasty Pudding people at Harvard University have chosen to honor Hathaway today, in true pudding fashion... a drag parade!

I went to school in Vermont, and have seen my share of off-beat parades, and this is the closest to one I've been since I left. The drag parade kicks off the celebration this afternoon up in Cambridge where Hathaway will be given her Pudding Pot and then roasted. Ha! Should be a great time!

Of course the Hasty's Man of the Year has been announced as Justin Timberlake, and his celebration will be held next week.

Mark Wahlberg's Newest Effort

2010-01-28T08:05:00.000-05:00

The Lovely Bones... yeah, really looks like a story I've seen/heard a hundred times by now. There's a young girl who's part dead, doing a haunting thing... who green-lighted this??

It is a Peter Jackson film. Too much time with hobbits buddy. This story has been told again and again, like since the fall of Mordor here! Mark Wahlberg must have gotten some quick cash for this movie, one which critics are exercising the "if you don't have anything nice to say" rule.

But hey, to each their own. If this sounds like your kinda movie, enjoy. I suspect you should hurry though because I doubt it will be in theaters long.

Say it Aint So. Boston Lifts Moritorium on Sightseeing Licenses

2010-01-27T13:00:00.001-05:00

Usually, I don't like getting surprise calls from the Boston Police Department. But this time, it was a little bit different. Somehow, I missed the news article in the fall but I just got a call from the Hackney division. Boston Sightseeing licenses are opening up.

This is unbelievably good news for Boston Movie Tours as it ends the sightseeing oligopoly that existed in Boston. So what the heck does that mean? It means Boston Movie Tours can potentially grow its business beyond the private tour and reservation-based business. The end result: more movie buffs can enjoy Boston's movie magic.

I will keep you updated as we go through the application process.We may need your support during this time.

The Announcement

Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Police Commissioner Edward F. Davis announce lifting of Sight-seeing License Moratorium.

Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Police Commissioner Edward Davis announce effective today that a moratorium on the issuance of any new sight-seeing automobile licenses, which was put in place in 1998, is hereby rescinded.

The moratorium on the issuance of licenses for Sight-seeing vehicles was put in place in June of 1998 in response to concerns about the impact of such vehicles on traffic in the downtown area during the construction of the new Central Artery and Ted Williams Tunnel. With the conclusion of surface construction, and time to evaluate the new traffic patterns, a moratorium is no longer necessary.

The Boston Police Department Hackney Carriage Unit will begin accepting applications immediately for the 2010 season which begins March 1, 2010. Additionally, since 2007 the BPD, in consultation with the Trolley industry, has been developing an improved Rule regarding the licensing process and ongoing regulation of Sight-seeing vehicles operating in Boston. Applications will be reviewed in accordance with the new rule.

New Boston Movie on DVD

2010-01-27T07:57:00.000-05:00

Well it seems like just yesterday I was at an advanced screening, but it was actually yesterday that this movie came out for sale on DVD. I am talking about Surrogates with Bruce Willis. I liked the movie for what it was, Bruce in a futuristic role as a cop. Hey, it's what he does best right?! Anyway, I'm sure you can find it in stores near you or Amazon or the like. Enjoy!

Shutter Island Coming Soon!

2010-01-26T07:25:00.005-05:00

Well the commercials have been popping up everywhere for what will be the 2nd major Boston movie released this year. Leonardo DiCaprio holds down the lead in yet another Boston flick put together by Martin Scorsese (just earned the Cecille B. DeMille Award).

The two obviously collaborated on one of the biggest movies ever to be filmed in the Bay State, The Departed, and this February you can check out this effort, Shutter Island. The movie is based on a novel by Dennis Lehane who holds much prestige in these parts. Lehane is also credited with penning Mystic River and Gone Baby Gone.

The movie is a throwback in time to the 1950's (kinda Catch Me if you Can like), and DiCaprio goes on a search for a missing person thought to be hiding out on Shutter Island. It looks intense, it very well could be the next Departed, and it hits theaters 2/19.

To watch a trailer for this upcoming thrill-ride, check it out here courtesy of Paramount Pictures!

Edge of Darkness - Coming Soon!

2010-01-22T09:16:00.000-05:00

Some secrets take us to the edge... and hopefully the movie will. Mel Gibson returns to a leading role in the upcoming action flick Edge of Darkness. Where's he been for so long? It's as if he was under the entire darkness blanket for the past few years, or as if the aliens actually "got him" in Signs!

Well truth be told, he's actually been working on this film right here in Massachusetts! Many surrounding towns were used for the filming as were a number of locations in Boston itself! I'm actually looking forward to seeing my South Station train stop on the big screen in this movie.

Edge of Darkness is set to be released January 29th, which is soon! It must be because the number of commercials I'm seeing for the movie are growing daily. Gibson plays a "bad-ass" investigating his daughter's death and of course, there are twists and turns that follow. It looks intense! It also looks like there is a car chase scene in some Big Dig tunnels below Boston... that the best idea? Anyway, the movie is rated R and there is a trailer here from Warner Bros. This is the first real Boston movie of 2010, I really hope it's good!

New Boston to DVD

2010-01-20T09:23:00.000-05:00

That's right there's new Boston out on DVD! In case you missed this one in the theaters last summer, (many did) The Invention of Lying is just about in stores. The DVD is scheduled for release Tuesday, January 19th and looks to be even funnier than when in theaters! Obviously I'm lying but the movie has Ricky Gervais with his usual quirky manners and it was filmed in and around Boston. Funny how a Boston movie about lying is being released the same day as a special political election here in town!

Tonight Show Shake-up

2010-01-18T09:18:00.001-05:00

What were they thinking? Jay Leno and Conan O'Brien are easily two of the most recognizable faces and comedians that Massachusetts has produced. And now there's... I don't even know what you call this.

Before I even begin, I would like to invite you all to share your opinions on the matter...

This is how I see it: The moment they said we're moving Jay to primetime, he was done. I mean, we've seen him host, talk to thousands of guests, the same ones again and again... how about something different? I mean, I can't recall ever seeing him have an acting role, why not write him into one of your successful comedies? I mean, throw him in The Office, Community, 30 Rock... actually those are the only ones that come to mind as being successful! Seriously though, when he started hosting the Tonight Show, he had it like once a week I think, (am I that old?) and then took it on full time... NBC could have weened us off him in that time slot in that manner as they could then better track the migration of the Conan faithful.

Did anybody really miss Leno when he went on hiatus those months? I mean, it would have been one thing if Conan had left the network and Jimmy Fallon was just thrown into the 11:35 time-slot, but there were too many awkward goodbyes and hellos. I mean guests were saying goodbye to Jay as if they would never appear on either of the new shows.

Truth be told, I am actually a Craig Ferguson guy. First of all he's fantastic, but simply the format of the show really has me. Quick introduction, commercial, monologuing, commercial, do we have time for emails, commercial, then one or two guests that are really more there to have fun then to do what seems like plugging something I don't really care about, commercial and then we remember what was learned on the show. Perfect. I mean, I'm a 24 year old male... aren't I like THE demographic that late night tv is geared to? I just don't know why NBC hasn't significantly changed the format of their late night shows for as long as I can actually remember.

I'm going to wrap this up with just a few more observations. Late night talk-show hosting seems like a tough business. I've seen Craig Kilborn start perhaps television's most relevant show of my generation, The Daily Show, on Comedy Central and then really get forgotten hosting CBS's Late Late Show, (credit Jon Stewart's awesome appeal factor to some of that, and some to Conan O'Brien as his competition). Bill Maher's Politically Incorrect did it's thing for awhile, having a great, fresh format that was semi-unsuccessfully recreated by Colin Quinn's Tough Crowd, and having a similar format uber-successfully revamped by Chelsea Handler on E! If NBC is trying to make comedy its prime-time forte, try something new! Please! Maybe Leno can make a half-hour work at his proposed new 11:35 slot, maybe everyone else on the network will go along with it, but I just don't see it. I don't think they'll have anything resembling Must See T V short of getting George Clooney back in scrubs and Jerry Seinfeld sitting around an apartment again.

Word has it that Conan's stint on the Tonight Show is going to end Friday, like tomorrow people! He's been joking almost entirely on the topic this past week, and his ratings have soared.

Like I said before, let me hear what you think. We might end up saving a network!

Boston Movies, Award Season, Red Carpets!

2010-01-16T09:21:00.001-05:00

Why are there no award shows highlighting the best award shows of the past year? Well while I get on top of that, you may have noticed that is actually award season! The Proposal actually fetched a People's Choice Award for favorite comedy of 2009. The flick was actually pitted against another Boston movie, Bride Wars in the same category. Bride Wars seemed to pop up on a number of Worst Movie of 2009 lists I saw floating around the net.

The next installment of awards on the schedule are the Golden Globes coming up this weekend. And though there are not really any Boston movies nominated, maybe Matt Damon can find some mantle space for new hardware. He is up for his comedic performance in The Informant and dramatic performance for Invictus, (as is co-star Morgan Freeman). The Departed's director Martin Scorcese will also be honored at the ceremony which will be hosted by Britain's own Ricky Gervais.

And if you Golden Globes just aren't enough, the award season will come to an unofficial end when the Oscars are handed out by the Acadamy March 7th. I'm sure the E! network will be in a tizzy for the next few Red Carpet weeks!

Winter Classic Draws Boston Movie Stars

2009-12-30T10:00:00.002-05:00

The Boston Herald Inside Track has an article posted about the who's who in the Fenway Park stands this coming New Year's Day. Of course all eyes will be on the boys in black and gold this Friday at the Winter Classic, but there will undoubtedly be many looking in the stands for famous faces. It is reported that Mystic River star Tim Robbins will be in attendance. Pat Sajak will be returning to Boston for the game just a few months after filing Wheel of Fortune in town. You know Denis Leary will be there and so will a bunch of the old-school Boston Bruins like Terry O'Reilly for the historic game. To check out the article follow this link. You can also check out a cool web cam of Fenway's transformation at the nhl's site. And to watch the the Flyers get a New Year's Beantown Beatdown, tune into NBC @1pm 1/1/10 for the coverage.

Still the Season for Reindeer Games

2009-12-29T13:41:00.003-05:00

Ben Affleck fans, I'm saying that you can get away with watching one of Ben's worst movies for about another week. This week between holidays is time to soak up as much of them as you care to because soon it will be way too late to watch Reindeer Games without getting those "what's wrong with you looks?"

Reindeer Games isn't the only movie that falls into this category... take for instance The Ref. Great movie (to me anyway) set at Christmastime with Bostonian Dennis Leary and Kevin Spacey (star of the hit Boston Movie 21). Or how about Trapped in Paradise with Dana Carvey, Jon Lovitz and National Treasure star Nicholas Cage. I love B movies like these but I mean, I can never get anyone to watch them with me except for this one week every year!

So if you're anything like me, go for it. Pop in that old DVD you normally get shunned for watching. Chalk up any looks you get to their diminished yule, and continue to enjoy the holidays!

Worst Movie Ever? At least there were bow and arrows

2009-12-26T16:52:00.000-05:00

So after a long and fun filled Christmas day w the family, I sat down late Christmas night to watch my first Blu-ray movie ever. The cover of In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale looked great and showed Jason Statham who I loved in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. Ray Liotta and Bert Reynolds had big parts so the movie had a little promise.

The the story follows a man called Farmer (Jason Statham) who fights for his people and then gets mixed up fighting creatures called Krug. That's about all you need to know (besides there are no Boston connections).

One word: Wow. From the script to the acting, this movie was just bad. It was so bad, it was almost laughable at times. I was going to turn it off but felt it was a badge of courage to watch the entire film. What was worse is the DVD version was extended so the movie ran 165 minutes I will never get back.

The one saving grace for the movie has great effects so it showed off my new Blu-ray nicely. I also got some tips on how to shoot a bow and arrow which is good for helping my son with his new toy bow and arrow set (seriously).

Thanks Loaded Gun!

2009-12-23T10:20:00.003-05:00

A big thank you to LoadedGunBoston.com for their recent shout-out! You guys rock... and our gift certificates rock too! They do make a great present for the Boston Movie Lover in your life! Again, you can now purchase gift certificates for next years' tours here. And of course, check out Loaded Gun Boston for other Boston movie gift ideas and content!

Boston's Knight and Day Trailer Sneak Preview

2009-12-23T07:00:00.001-05:00

Seems like Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz just finished wrapping action movie Knight and Day but the studio already has the trailer out. Boston is highlighted in a big way throughout the entire trailer and there are some series action scenes. Looks like Mission Impossible meets a comedic love story.

We'll see how that plays out as Boston has had a few clunkers made the past year. This one looks pretty good as is due in theaters the summer of 2010.

Hollywood in the Hub, December 2009

2009-12-15T16:33:00.001-05:00

Blogger,

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! Though the 2009 tour season has ended, we're giving you and yours a chance to enjoy Boston Movie Tours in 2010 with our Gift Certificates... just in time for the holiday season!

Boston has seen a number of movies filming this fall, and year as a whole... we're listing the top 9 Boston Movie of 2009! As we say goodbye to 2009, Tom Cruise says goodbye to Boston to finish filimg Knight & Day elsewhere. Also, we follow Matt Damon's busy December!

And as always, check out our Hollywood in the Hub blog for the latest Boston Movie Tour gossip and insider info!

Jeff, Rachel and Dave

December 2009

Gift Certificates Now Available for Theater - On - Wheels
Tom Cruise Wraps Filming in Boston for Knight & Day
Matt Damon's Busy December
Top 9 Boston Movies of 2009
Studios in Plymouth - Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Click to view this email in a browser

Gift Certificates Now Available for Theatre-On-Wheels

Due to popular demand, we are now offering Gift Certificates for our Theatre-On-Wheels Bus Tour! Just in time for the holiday season, they make the perfect gift for movie lovers and Bostonions. Order online, and have the recipient make a reservation for the tour of thier choice next season!

Take a Boston Movie Tour and we'll blow your mind with the craziest facts that will be sure to come in handy at your local bar's trivia night.

THEATER ON WHEELS BUS TOUR -
11AM Saturdays in April 2010

Group/Private Tours - Available anytime. Request a Quote. mailto:groups@bostonmovietours.net

Tom Cruise Wraps Boston Filming on Knight & Day

Tom Cruise spent about the Autumn months filimng his upcoming effort entitled Knight & Day. The movie Co-stars Cameron Diaz who actually returned to Boston for this movie after The Box filmed here last year. Cruise was spotted all around town with wife Katie Holmes during their stay. Tom said goodbye to Boston via his blog as he moves onto Europe for more filming. You can read his blog quote below and keep your eyes peeled for your favorite Boston landmarks in the background of the movie! You can also see clips of him during filming by clicking his older Boston movie, The Firm.

To the wonderful people of Boston,

My family and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your warmth and hospitality during our incredible stay here. We absolutely love Boston and will treasure our memories of the freedom trail, the Duck Tours, the museums, restaurants, gorgeous parks and, of course, our unforgettable runs around the St. Charles River. It was an autumn to remember!

On behalf of the cast and crew of ‘Knight & Day’ we thank you for being so accommodating, patient and understanding throughout our filming. By lending us the beauty of your city you’ve made this film something truly special. Words can only begin to express our appreciation.

I’d like to give a very special ‘shout-out’ to our local crew who were impeccable. It was a great pleasure working with you.

Matt Damon's Busy December

Hometown star Matt Damon has two different but related efforts coming out this December. We'll first take a look at Invictus. Directed by Clint Eastwood, the movie chronicles Nelson Mandela's aims at having his South Africa host the World Rugby Cup. Matt Damon portrays Francois Pienarr, star of the union team. Mandela is played by Morgan Freeman with Boston movie ties almost as numerous as Damon's, including Glory, Amistad, and Gone Baby Gone. The movie drops in theatres this weekend and you can watch a youtube trailer here.

Damon also teamed up with Freeman for a different kind of historical production. The People Speak will air on the History Channel this Sunday night. Damon essentially bankrolled the production from reports and also stars in the docudrama filmed primarily at the Emerson Majestic Theatre in Boston. In the presentation, Damon renders a Grapes of Wrath speech and even reads the Declaration of Independence. For more info, visit The People Speak.

Top 9 Boston Movies of 09!

We are wrapping up the year of Boston Movies as your wrapping presents this year... maybe that last minute DVD gift will come from our list for the Boston Movie Fan in your life. Of course, some of the movies on our list have yet to even hit theatres, but some have can be found in stores by now. And now, my completely biased list of 2009 Boston Movies!!!

#9 The Proposal

Ok, not really a romantic comedy kinda guy, so we'll get this one out of the way... it was actually a lot funnier and more enjoyable than I anticipated, and it topped the box office when it hit theatres Spring 09. Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock work well together, and the footage around the north shore really paints a pretty picture of Alaska (where the movie is set). It's on the list, and it's on DVD, enjoy!

#8 Grown-Ups (trailer)

This movie came to Massachusetts in early 2009 under the working title Lake House and looks to be in instant comedy classic. The movie is star-studded with comedians including Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Rob Schnieder, Steve Buscemi, Kevin James, David Spade, Tim Meadows and Norm McDonald... just to name a few! The filming went down in East Wareham, Southboro, Marblehead and Essex MA. The Happy Madison Production will hit theatres in 2010.

#7 The Invention of Lying

Ricky Gervais basically pulls a Liar Liar Bizarro World in this movie. It was shot all around Boston, Lowell and Quincy MA. It also stars Tina Fey and Jonah Hill but again, I'd be lying if I said I loved it.

#6 Surrogates

Heck Yes Bruce! Bruce Willis plays a cop in future Boston..... Awesome! The movie came out early this fall and it was worth it! Willis first role in a movie actually came in The Verdict (filmed in Boston) and his return to town was a solid effort!

#5 The Fighter

"Irish" Mickey Ward is portrayed by exactly who he should be, Mark Wahlberg. He and Christian Bale filmed a large portion of the movie in Lowell and Lexington MA this past year. Its scheduled to drop in 2010 and should be good.

#4 The Zookeeper

I know it's gonna be great after the whole lion pit catastrophe and rescue earlier this summer. It's stories like that that make movies like this legendary! Anyway, originally under the title of Paul Blart II, The Zookeeper set up shop far from malls at the Franklin Park Zoo. This summer, stars Kevin James and Joe Rogan actually filmed on the Boston Common. The movie is going to have talking animals and is on my list of must-sees for next year!

#3 The Company Men

Ben, Ben, Ben! Welcome back to Boston for another movie! The star studded cast filmed all over Boston and surrounding towns like Burlington and Marblehead early this year. The story follows the downsizing of a company that Ben Affleck works for. Also in the flick are Tommy Lee Jones, Craig T. Nelson, Chris Cooper and Kevin Costner. Coming out next year!

#2 Knight & Day

From closing down the Zakim Bridge to flubbing on the "Saint" Charles River, Tom Cruise was a busy beantowner this fall. His spy-comedy has recently moved abroad to continue filming.

#1 The Town

Of course... more BEN! This movie based on the Chuck Hogan novel Prince of Thieves has been filming all over Boston, Charlestown and the Fenway. Heck, it has to be number one on the list because I saw them filming it on the same block as our Boston Movie Tours Office! The Ben Affleck sightings make Boston that much cooler of a place! Check in with us for more info on The Town!

Studios in Plymouth - Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Hollywood in the Hub may take longer than expected. This past months, numerous stories have chronicled the construction and delays of the prospective Plymouth Rock Studios here in Massachusetts. Some funding has fallen through, residents are concerns are growing and everything's been more or less put on hold. Oh No is right!!

Below are links to different articles recently published by the Boston Globe and Boston Herald.

A grand studio dream runs headlong into reality - The Boston Globe

Hollywood Casts Wide Shadow on Bay State - The Boston Herald

Studio Project Faces New Queries - The Boston Globe

Plymouth Absorbs New about Studio Setback - The Boston Globe

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Dave - daspro@bostonmovietours.net

Boston Movie Tours Web Site

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Jeff and Rachel Coveney
Boston Movie Tours Founders

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Fenway Park used in The Town.

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Mark Wahlberg - An Entourage Movie Coming?

2009-12-12T13:16:00.001-05:00

Nothing like transforming your life's experiences into one of the biggest hits on TV. Apparently Boston local Mark Wahlberg is considering taking Entourage to the next level by bringing it to the big screen. Check out the Wahlberg interview on MTV. Wahlberg has been making the rounds promoting his new movie, The Lovely Bones.

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

Our Gift Certificates - Make Great Presents!

2009-12-11T17:12:00.006-05:00

It's not too late to give the gift of Boston Movie Tours! We now have Gift Certificates available for our Theater-On-Wheels Bus Tours. Order online, then just make a reservation for the tour of your choice next season! We'll show you the best movies Boston has to offer... Buy Now!

Ben Affleck's The Company Men Opens Jan 28th

2009-12-11T12:49:00.000-05:00

Before The Company Men hits major theatres, it will have its Sundance Film Festival USA premiere on Jan. 28 at the Coolidge Corner Theatre (Favorite theatre of BMT fan Joey D.) Starring Ben Affleck, Tommy Lee Jones, Kevin Costner and Chris Cooper, The Company Men follows the lives of three men trying to survive a round of corporate downsizing at a major company.

No word if Boston local Affleck will show up for the premiere but if I am a betting man, I’d give it 20% depending on his current projects. Ben, if you are reading, the Celtics are playing the Lakers on the 31st so a front court sighting would give the movie some good exposure on ABC. Feel free to grab an extra ticket for the BMT gang.

Get More Details at the Inside Track

Invictus Boston Connections - Damon, Eastwood and Freeman

2009-12-10T19:53:00.000-05:00

Matt Damon's latest movie Invictus is getting rave reviews. Although the movie about Nelson Mandela and 1995 Rugby World Cup was filmed thousands of miles away, the three lead actors do share a "Back to Bacon" like connection to Beantown. Here's some fodder for your next holiday party.

1. Matt Damon. Damon of course was born in the Boston area and was made famous by his role in Good Will Hunting and later in The Departed. For you Matt Damon fans, there is a great photo gallery of Damon throughout the years on boston.com.

2. Morgan Freeman. Freeman has frequented Boston in Beantown flicks Gone Baby Gone, The Maiden Heist and Amistad. As another tidbit, Damon met Amistad director Steven Spielberg on the set of Amistad which led to Damon's role in Saving Private Ryan

3) Clint Eastwood. Lastly, Clint Eastwood brought Dennis Lehane's Mystic River to the big screen.

Of the movies about 4 out of 5 received some kind of Oscar recognition (I wouldn't hold your breath on The Maiden Heist.) Only time will tell with Invictus.