MOVIE REVIEW: Big-screen 'Get Smart' remake aims at today's moviegoers Jun 29, 2008
Agent 23 (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson) and The Chief (Alan Arkin) tag along for the ride. For the most part, "Get Smart" is a good summer comedy. (Fresno Bee -- Lifestyle)
This is not a test Jun 28, 2008
Alan Arkin and, though it pains me to say it, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson turn in solid supporting turns as well. There are plenty of nods to the TV series throughout the movie. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
‘Get Smart' provides a funny and satisfying diversion Jun 28, 2008
Now Smart (Steve Carell) all 21st century updated is an analyst who desperately wants to be a field agent at top secret government agency CONTROL. When a threat arises from international villains KAOS, the Chief (Alan Arkin) grants Max's wish and pairs him with sexy operative Agent 99 (Anne Hathaway), while legendary Agent 23 (Dwayne Johnson), whose face has become too well known, is relegated to riding a desk. Truth is, Get Smart rides cleanly on the fence of amusingly watchable and wholly... (Cedar Park Hill Country News Weekender, TX)
'Get Smart' doesnt measure up to original series Jun 27, 2008
Starring Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway, Dwayne Johnson, Alan Arkin, Terence Stamp and Ken Davitian. Rated PG-13. (Kingston Mariner, MA)
Movie review: "Get Smart" missed it by that much Jun 27, 2008
But the Chief (Alan Arkin) wants to keep him inside. Smart's abilities as an analyst are too valuable. (Ames Daily Tribune, IA)
'Get Smart' just another action flick Jun 26, 2008
Carroll County Times: Westminster, Maryland. WEATHER SPONSORED BY. (Carroll County Times)
Long Journey To Nowhere Jun 25, 2008
REVIEW: FULL GROWN MEN IS SLOW - New York Post. MUCH familiar territory is covered in David Munro's "Full Grown Men," a sporadically funny road movie from the 2006 Tribeca Film Festival about a Peter Pan-ish 30-something played. (New York Post -- Entertainment)
'Get Smart' winsat box office Jun 23, 2008
Dwayne Johnson co-stars as a spy colleague and Alan Arkin as the spy agency's chief. Some critics derided the movie for forgoing the verbal comedy of the TV show in place of uninspired action, but new and old fans of the franchise appeared undeterred. (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
Get Smart: Clever comedy thriller Jun 23, 2008
Starring Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway, Alan Arkin, Dwayne Johnson and Terence Stamp ... Supporting stars fit the duo as snugly as a shoe phone: Alan Arkin as the beleaguered CONTROL Chief; Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson as beefy and bossy Agent 23 and Terence Stamp as amusingly diabolical bad guy Siegfried. (Toronto Star)
Steve Carell: Agent 86 ... and loving it. Jun 22, 2008
Of the first, Peter Hedges, who directed Carell in Dan In Real Life, says: "I think he has the potential to have the career of Bill Murray, one of the greatest actors alive, or Alan Arkin.". The second, also, remains to be seen: Carell's last big mainstream outing, Evan Almighty, cost $US175 million, almost broke even on worldwide takings but was neither a critical nor box office success. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
AP Photo/Warner Bros. Pictures, Tracy BennettAnne Hathaway, left, and Steve Carell star in a scene from “Get Smart.” Jun 22, 2008
Starring: Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Alan Arkin, Bill Murray. Written by: Tom J. Astle, Matt Ember. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Duo takes on Max, Agent 99 Jun 22, 2008
Your Connection to the. Web Search powered by YAHOO. (Athens Banner-Herald)
New releases Jun 21, 2008
Steve Carell is a sympathetically hangdog Maxwell Smart, Anne Hathaway makes an elegant Agent 99, and Alan Arkin is a crisp joy as the Chief. While many things explode, the movie never detonates. (Boston Globe)
Critic's corner Jun 21, 2008
Greg Kinnear (above) and Toni Collette head up a fractious clan en route to a kiddie beauty pageant; Alan Arkin and Steve Carell - sublimely funny as a suicidal Proust scholar - are along for the ride. -Ty Burr (R; runs through June 29). (Boston Globe)
Movie review: Get rewrite on 'Get Smart' Jun 21, 2008
And there's nothing unpleasant about seeing Alan Arkin as the chief or Terence Stamp as the evil maniac, Siegfried. (Stamp's performance, actually, could be lifted out and put in a serious drama, and no one would notice anything odd about it. (San Francisco Chronicle)
'Get Smart': Maxed Out, By Kurt Loder Jun 21, 2008
Smart" is uncertain exactly what it wants to be. The original show, created by gag maestros Mel Brooks and Buck Henry, began airing in 1965, in the midst of a spy-movie craze that had been launched by the first three Bond films. That very particular cultural context being long gone, this movie is left with a narrative premise secret spy agency battles international bad guys with a barrage of shpritzy one-liners that has no contemporary cognate. And so the filmmakers have striven mightily to... (VHI.com -- Music News)
'Get Smart' lacks intelligence of '60s TV series Jun 20, 2008
Better, it has Alan Arkin as the chief of top-secret spy organization CONTROL, updating Ed Platt's original with dry belligerence ... Starring: Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway, Dwayne Johnson, Alan Arkin, Terence Stamp. (Boston Globe)
'Get Smart' Jun 20, 2008
Alan Arkin doesn't get a chance to be more than adequate as CONTROL's leader, and Ken Davitian, who played Borat's sidekick, isn't as funny as he should be as a Siegfried associate. Coming off best, perhaps because his role is tiny, is Bill Murray as tree-bound Agent 13. (Los Angeles Times)
Oscars in the wings: Nerves, tears and cheers just offstage Jun 20, 2008
As Michael Clayton's Tilda Swinton walked off the stage carrying her Oscar for supporting actress, presenter Alan Arkin, last year's winner, chased after her through the wings of the stage. "Tilda! Tilda!" he said. (Yahoo News -- Academy Awards)
'Get Smart' retreads old ground Jun 20, 2008
Alan Arkin is warm yet irascible as the Chief, James Caan contributes a brief, entertaining turn as the president, and Bill Murray tosses off a goofy, underplayed cameo as ever-camouflaged Agent 13. With comic resources like this, "Get Smart" should have been a hoot, not just satisfactory. (Juneau Empire)
* [FILM REVIEW] Agent of reinvention (sorry about that, chief) Jun 20, 2008
Steve Carell (Maxwell Smart), Anne Hathaway (Agent 99), Dwayne Johnson (Agent 23), Alan Arkin (The Chief) ... He gets a shot after the identities of almost all of Controls agents are compromised and the chief (Alan Arkin) has no choice but to send out Smart next to the suave Agent 23, played by Dwayne Johnson, and the brutally beautiful Agent 99. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Get Smart falls short in spying and spoofing Jun 20, 2008
The chief (Alan Arkin) wants to keep Max in the CONTROL office because of Maxs talents for turning chatter overheard by satellite into 500-page reports, but when a double agent trashes the agencys secret headquarters and compromises the identity of its agents, Max gets his shot at the big time ... Starring: Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway, Dwayne Johnson, Alan ArkinDirector: Peter SegalRun time: 1 hour, 50 minutesMPAA rating: PG-13. (MSNBC -- Movies)
Steve Carell brings flair to formulaic 'Get Smart' Jun 20, 2008
There are also diverting supporting turns from the hard-working Dwayne Johnson, as CONTROL's resident smooth-groover and Alan Arkin as its hot-tempered boss. Terence Stamp's somnolent turn as Siegfried, an agent for KAOS - an enemy agency - with no notable kinks other than a love of Beethoven, only adds a touch of nostalgia for real Terence Stamp performances. (International Herald Tribune -- Arts)
Get Smart misses in its move to the big screen Jun 20, 2008
Everyone escapes unscathed, but Smart has to explain to the Chief (Alan Arkin) and Agent 23 (Dwayne Johnson) why the bad guys got away. As the story unfolds and gets more predictable, you quickly get the sense that Segal is searching for laughs. (Hillsdale Independent, NY)
Politically edgier, the new Get Smart mocks the President - Jun 20, 2008
Max and Agent 99 are finally forced together when CONTROL headquarters are attacked and the identities of its agents are compromised, The chief (Alan Arkin) is forced to put Agent 86 into the field, accompanied by the more experienced Agent 99. She recently returned from facial reconstruction surgery and is therefore capable of working undercover. (Globe and Mail)
'Get Smart' stars tell all Jun 20, 2008
The cast includes Dwayne Johnson as a star Control agent, Alan Arkin as the Chief and bad guy Terence Stamp, who played Kryptonian supervillain Zod and made Christopher Reeve kneel before him in "Superman II.". and chatted with The Associated Press, fondly recalling Feldon and the late Adams, discussing the show's longevity and sharing a funny Zod tale. (CNN -- Showbiz)
"Get Smart" Jun 20, 2008
Smart specializes in delivering long, excruciatingly detailed reports that bore his boss, the Chief (Alan Arkin), and his co-workers to bits. But he longs to become a real agent, and when the CONTROL headquarters are attacked by the crime syndicate KAOS (headed by the villainous Siegfried, played by the still criminally good-looking Terence Stamp, in a tiny, underfed role), Smart gets the promotion he wants. (Salon)
'Smart' Smooch Jun 19, 2008
June 16: Cast members, from left, Anne Hathaway, Dwayne Johnson, Alan Arkin, and Steve Carell pose together at the premiere of 'Get Smart. LOS ANGELES Who would have guessed that Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson would go from wrestling the world's best to kissing a man for money. (Fox News)
Review: The 'Get Smart' remake missed it by a hair Jun 19, 2008
After the agency headquarters is attacked and identities of key operatives compromised, the Chief (sharply played by Alan Arkin) promotes Smart to secret agent. He idolizes the brawny Agent 23 (Dwayne Johnson) but is paired with the sultry Agent 99. (USA Today -- Life)
Carell Gets 'Smart' To Play New Role Jun 19, 2008
Promoted by Chief (Carell's "Little Miss Sunshine" co-star Alan Arkin) to take on the dangerous mission, Smart is partnered with the stunning and lethal Agent 99 (Anne Hathaway) -- the only other agent who hasn't been compromised -- and introduced to a whole new world of action and spy-tech gadgetry. Opening in theaters Friday, the comedy also stars as Smart's idol, Agent 23, and Terrence Stamp as KAOS operative Siegfried. (NBCSandiego.com, CA)
"Get Smart" not nearly smart enough Jun 18, 2008
Max's boss, CONTROL's Chief, is played by Alan Arkin, who manages to retain his dignity, while Max's co-agent and love interest, Agent 99, is Anne Hathaway, who manages to retain her beauty. She's a martial-arts babe rather than an adoring co-worker, as Barbara Feldon originally played the role, but that probably suits the times. (Reuters)
99 Ways to 'Get Smart' Jun 18, 2008
"Alan Arkin is wonderful as the Chief. And they ve managed to work in the shoe phone and the cone of silence.". Henry, who s on the mend in Los Angeles from surgery, says he also saw "Get Smart" and he s OK with it. (Fox News)
Stars Loving It At "Get Smart" Premiere Jun 18, 2008
From left, Anne Hathaway, Dwayne Johson, Alan Arkin and Steve Carell pose on the red carpet at the premiere of "Get Smart" in Los Angeles on June 16, 2008. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles). (CBS News -- Early Show)
Carell, Hathaway discuss getting 'Smart' Jun 18, 2008
The cast includes Dwayne Johnson as a star Control agent, Alan Arkin as the Chief and bad guy Terence Stamp, who played Kryptonian supervillain Zod and made Christopher Reeve kneel before him in "Superman II.". Carell and Hathaway chatted with The Associated Press, fondly recalling Feldon and the late Adams, discussing the show's longevity and sharing a funny Zod tale. (MSNBC -- News)
'Get Smart' free preview Jun 18, 2008
When the headquarters of U.S. spy agency Control is attacked and the identities of its agents compromised, the Chief (Alan Arkin) has no choice but to promote his ever-eager analyst Maxwell Smart, who has always dreamt of working in the field alongside stalwart superstar Agent 23 (Dwayne Johnson). Smart is partnered instead with the only other agent whose identity has not been compromised: the lovely-but-lethal veteran Agent 99 (Anne Hathaway). (iAfrica.com)
Carell Uses Smart Approach To 'Get' Into Character Jun 18, 2008
Promoted by Chief (Carell's "Little Miss Sunshine" co-star Alan Arkin) to take on the dangerous mission, Smart is partnered with the stunning and lethal Agent 99 (Anne Hathaway) -- the only other agent who hasn't been compromised -- and introduced to a whole new world of action and spy-tech gadgetry. Opening in theaters Friday, the comedy also stars Dwayne Johnson as Smart's idol, Agent 23, and Terrence Stamp as KAOS operative Siegfried. (Click2Houston, TX)
Carell keeps resume handy Jun 17, 2008
The film also stars Dwayne Johnson and Alan Arkin. Search for a Movie Find a Movie. (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
Carell's Get Smart full of stunts, laughter Jun 17, 2008
He cites the case of Alan Arkin, who plays the chief of a secret spy agency. "There's a scene in the movie when Alan is trying to pronounce a name," Carell tells reporters. (Vancouver Sun)
Steve Carell Gets "Smart" Jun 16, 2008
This time around, the chief is played by Alan Arkin, who admits he used a stunt double when he got bonked on the head with a fire extinguisher. "I use a stunt double these days when I have to walk across the room," Arkin said. (CBS News)
Free shows at Bay Area county fairs Jun 16, 2008
Also in Screens: Delfn Vigil chats with Alan Arkin to find out what interested the Academy Award-winning actor in playing the Chief in the new big-screen adaptation of "Get Smart" (Page 29). In Sounds, Aidin Vaziri looks at the life and music of George Michael, who takes the stage at HP Pavilion in San Jose on Thursday (Page 40). (San Francisco Chronicle)
Where there's a will, there's Hathaway Jun 16, 2008
Former Rock Dwayne Johnson and Alan Arkin co-star as the 007-esque Agent 23 and CONTROL's Chief, respectively. To Hathaway's way of thinking, Get Smart offered her all the perks of being a bad-ass Bond girl -- but also more. (London Free Press)
Anne Hathaway is the sexy 'Smart' secret agent Jun 15, 2008
"Alan Arkin, who plays The Chief in the character's trademark deadpan style, doesn't have many scenes with Hathaway. But he did hang out with her in the make-up trailer, where he found her "funny and present. " In comments provided through his publicist, he described himself as "shocked" by her performance in the film, since it was such a departure from the character she played in "The Devil Wears Prada. (Boston Globe)
Industry Buzz Jun 15, 2008
SMART' CASTING: It's no coincidence that Steve Carell re-teamed with his Oscar-winning "Little Miss Sunshine" co-star Alan Arkin in "Get Smart." Taking on the bumbling spy role originated in the 1960s TV series by Don Adams, Carell championed Arkin for the role of his exasperated Chief (see story on Page 29). Both studied at Second City in Chicago and thrive on spur-of-the moment interaction. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
Hail To The Chief Jun 15, 2008
How did Academy Award-winning actor Alan Arkin ("Little Miss Sunshine") end up co-starring as the Chief, the head of the spy agency CONTROL made famous by Edward Platt in the series. With the movie opening Friday, we checked in with Arkin to find out. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
Starz Entertainment's Weekly Hot Items List June 23-29 Jun 13, 2008
The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (Tim Allen, Ann-Margret, Alan Arkin) 9 p.m. on Starz Santa Claus has two problems -- family visitors who don't know they're at the North Pole, and mischievous Jack Frost, the villain who is plotting to take over Christmas. Saturday, June 28 Starz Saturday Premiere The Brothers Solomon (Kirsten Wiig, Will Forte, Will Arnett) 9 p.m. on Starz Two brothers -- who are able to convince each other that their most outlandish ideas are plausible -- try to find women... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Win 'Get Smart' Movie Prizes Jun 7, 2008
When the headquarters of secret U.S. spy agency CONTROL is attacked and the identities of its agents compromised, the Chief (Alan Arkin) has no choice but to promote his ever-eager analyst Maxwell Smart, who has always dreamt of working in the field alongside his idol, stalwart superstar Agent 23 (Dwayne Johnson). Smart is partnered instead with the only other agent whose identity has not been compromised: the lovely-but-lethal veteran Agent 99 (Anne Hathaway). (Click2Houston, TX)
Shelton bridge becomes movie set Jun 7, 2008
Three weeks ago, several scenes from the film "The Private Lives of Pippa Lee" were shot at Derby's Griffin Hospital, bringing Keanu Reeves, Winona Ryder and Alan Arkin to town. The film is set to be released next year, and also stars Robin Wright Penn and Julianne Moore. (Valley News, CT)
Best Road Trip Movies Remind Of Good Times Jun 5, 2008
Alan Arkin also won for Best Supporting Actor as the foul-mouthed grandpa. After seeing it, you will never be able to hear the song Super Freak by Rick James without thinking of this film. (Click2Houston, TX)
Starry-eyed Jennifer Hudson becomes one of the girls May 30, 2008
As for the glittery night she joined fellow actors Forest Whitaker, Helen Mirren and Alan Arkin in Hollywood's most exclusive winners' circle, Hudson said, "I don't party much, so I just went back to my room and sat with the Oscar and looked at it, like, is it really mine? I remember after I won it, I asked director Bill Condon, 'Can they take it back?' ". No, he assured her, no one would be repossessing it. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
John Phillip Law, at 70; actor was angel in 'Barbarella' May 17, 2008
He gained wide notice in 1966 with Alan Arkin, Carl Reiner, and Theo Bikel in "The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming," Norman Jewison's Cold War comedy in which a Soviet submarine runs aground off a peaceful New England island town. He played the sweet Russian youth who falls in love with a local American girl in the film, which was nominated for four Oscars, including best picture, actor (Arkin) and director. (Boston Globe)
Hot summer movies May 16, 2008
The good: A great cast - Anne Hathaway, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Alan Arkin, Terence Stamp and Bill Murray. The bad: A TV adaptation - see the entry for Sex and the City. (The Clarion-Ledger)
John Phillip Law, 70 May 16, 2008
He gained wide notice in 1966 with Alan Arkin, Carl Reiner and Theo Bikel in The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming, Norman Jewison's Cold War comedy in which a Soviet submarine runs aground off a peaceful New England island town. Actor John Phillip Law is seen in a 1967 file photo. (Globe and Mail)
Summer Blockbuster Clips May 15, 2008
Alan Arkin; Catherine O'Hara; Half Nelson; Independent Spirit Awards; Little Miss Sunshine; Robert Altman; Santa Monica; Zach Braff; award show; david t friendly; jill simonian; neve campbell; Quinceanera; richard glatzer; ryan gosling; sally kellerman; shareeka epps; wash westmoreland; A look at the strong bets, sure bets and toss ups at the Academy Awards ... Alan Arkin, Tom Hanks and Louise Fletcher talk about their first acting gigs ... Apocalypse Now; badlands; Bosom Buddies; splash; Tom... (Variety)
Reel Summer Fun May 11, 2008
Why you should care: The great cast includes Steve Carell as agent Maxwell Smart, Anne Hathaway and Alan Arkin, with Bill Murray, Terry Crews and the underrated Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson playing fellow agents. Carell's summer-comedy street cred took a huge hit with last year's much-despised "Evan Almighty," but he still has the capacity to carry a good film. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
Film crews are back in town May 2, 2008
According to Variety, the project on which Ms. Miller is at work now "centers on a dutiful wife whose husband falls for a younger woman, freeing her to explore her buried sensuality and leading to a very quiet nervous breakdown." Robin Wright-Penn, Alan Arkin, Keanu Reeves and Wynona Ryder are scheduled to star in the "Pippa Lee" film, which is adapted from a novel of the same title that is slated for release in August of this year. Films by Ms. Miller, who is 45, have won a number of awards. (New Milford Times, CT)
Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway Reveal 'Get Smart' Secrets ... Including Carell's Lingerie Scene Apr 3, 2008
Judging by the response the film (whose cast also includes the Rock, Alan Arkin and Masi Oka) received at the recent ShoWest festival, they're rolling along quite nicely. Caught up in a packed-room preview that had filmgoers fighting for seats so they could glimpse footage from the likes of "The Dark Knight" and "Speed Racer," the comedy unveiled a hilarious scene that had Steve Carell's Max getting mistaken for a terrorist on an airplane, accidentally piercing himself repeatedly with a tiny... (VHI.com -- Music News)
Jet-Setting At 11 Mar 30, 2008
At last year's Academy Awards, Alan Arkin, who won best supporting actor for playing her grandfather, said he did not want her to win. He was quoted as saying she's "had enough attention" and "needs to have a childhood.". (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
Sandler, Myers, Carell bring spring laughs Mar 26, 2008
Starring: Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Alan Arkin, Terence Stamp, Terry CrewsDirector: Peter SegalStory: In this big screen version of the classic TV series, Control Agent Maxwell Smart (Carell) and his partner 99 (Hathaway) take on the evil head of KAOS (Stamp). Smart gets help from superstar agent 23 (Johnson). (MSNBC -- Movies)
• Newsroom turns into Hollywood movie set Mar 26, 2008
Inside were props, make-up, wardrobe and dressing rooms for stars Wilson, Eric Dane and Alan Arkin. Marley m> is based on the 2005 best-selling memoir by former Sun-Sentinel columnist John Grogan, who brought an unruly Labrador retriever into his home in the early '90s. (Q13.com, WA)
Amy Adams isn't afraid anymore Mar 9, 2008
Next up for Adams is "Sunshine Cleaning," an indie about crime-scene scrubbers co-starring Emily Blunt and Alan Arkin. "I usually play upbeat characters and my character in "Sunshine Cleaning' is living a bleak existence," she says. "You spend the whole day feeling bad and then you get home and have to pull yourself out of it. (Cherry Hill Courier Post)
And the winner is ... Tilda Swinton? Mar 4, 2008
Had Alan Arkin misread the contents of the envelope. With the possible exception of Linda Hunt, who played a Eurasian male dwarf in "The Year of Living Dangerously" (1983), she's the most atypical Oscar winner ever. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Dane joins 'Marley & Me' Mar 3, 2008
Eric Dane will be moonlighting from "Grey's Anatomy" to take a co-starring role alongside Owen Wilson, Jennifer Aniston and Alan Arkin in "Marley Fox 2000's adaptation of John Grogan's bestselling memoir. David Franklin is directing.Wilson plays the ambitious reporter who moves with his wife (Aniston) to Miami for a newspaper job. Dane will play the journo's best friend, who suggests that the reporter adopt a puppy as a substitute for the children his wife wants to have. Marley morphs from an... (Variety)
DVD REVIEW: "Rendition" Feb 29, 2008
Unfortunately, Rendition falls like a skydiver without a parachute into the latter category, as a post-September 11 policy allowing the U.S. government to circumvent due process is brought to task by Reese Witherspoon ( Walk the Line ), Jake Gyllenhaal ( Jarhead ), Meryl Streep ( The Devil Wears Prada ) Alan Arkin ( Little Miss Sunshine ) and a cadre of other snarling and sniveling celebs. Witherspoon s Egyptian-born husband is suspected of ties to terrorists thanks to an unexplained call to his... (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Living in the age of 'Juno' Feb 28, 2008
There have been other movies with similar fortunes - Little Miss Sunshine, itself a double-Oscar winner, for best supporting actor (Alan Arkin) and screenplay (Michael Arndt), though it's not as good a film - but Juno has moved past that. It's now the standard by which the next wave of quirky, ironic films will be judged in all ways: script, star, direction, the whole package. (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
Overture nabs 'Sunshine Cleaning' Feb 27, 2008
Scripted by Megan Holley, the drama also stars Alan Arkin, Steve Zahn and Clifton Collins Jr.. The film was a hard sell at Sundance because the filmmakers were trying to recoup their cost, which insiders say was about $7 million. (Variety)
