Image Credit: (left) Jonathan Olley; Myles AronowitzFor the record, I swear I will never again write the word “RPattz.” Blame it on the dizzying effects of the storm that turned the East Coast upside down on Saturday, ripping giant trees out by their roots. But you know what I mean: Depp, Damon, DiCaprio, and Pattinson all wanted you to choose them this past weekend, offering a quartet of movies that, taken together, might be read as the resting pulse of serious, mainstream American cinema. Which is why I’ve always had a particular fondness for springtime wide releases: They’re so content to be what they are. There’s no pretense, no great expectations. Spring movies don’t rattle their chains and bellow like summer joy-ride blockbusters; they don’t hustle for prestige (with the best of manners, of course) like autumnal Oscar bait. What you see is what you get.
And by that measure, Alice in Wonderland, Green Zone, Shutter Island, and Remember Me comprise a pretty classy assortment pack. (For the mainstream comedy alternative, add She’s Out Of My League.) Here’s Tim Burton’s family fairytale made by one of the medium’s most inventive visual stylists, starring one of the medium’s most interesting chameleons; Paul Greengrass’ distinctive action pic, incorporating essential information about current events; Martin Scorsese’s lavish construction of a big old spooky junky thriller; and dewy romantic mush that ends with the kind of howling tonal misstep that makes bad movies interesting.
When you look it at it that way: Cool! (And no one is angling for an award!)
So who was your man this weekend?
One name on there does not belong with the rest.
Can you guess?
Have you seen the movie? Or are you just knocking it because Robert P. is in it?
You couldn’t pay me to see another movie with him in it. I had to sit through both of those Twilight movies and they are total garbage filled with wooden actors.
I saw the movie, and enjoyed it.
Also, even though critics didn’t like it, many of them praised him…hence the rotten tomatoes consensus starts by saying that the leads are likable.
There are three very experienced actors with a wide range of movie roles and a few oscar nominations behind them in that list, and one who so far has a pretty short filmography with popular appeal and ho-hum critical response. I wouldn’t have said “Brando, DeNiro, Newman and Depp” right after A Nightmare on Elm Street, either, you know? So take a step back and re-think why one of them wouldn’t belong there yet, Bec.
@CGI McBride – I saw the movie and it was really good, and I also did not like the Twilight movies. So maybe you shouldn’t judge Robert P. off those movies and watch this one to give you another idea of what kind of actor he is.
Man!!!
I wish people would STOP bashing Rob P. man he’s just an actor for petes sake!
If you don’t like him DON’T then don’t watch him!!!!
Mo: In response to your statement that “wouldn’t have said “Brando, DeNiro, Newman and Depp” right after A Nightmare on Elm Street, either, you know? So take a step back and re-think why one of them wouldn’t belong there yet”, Johnny Depp had a teeny-tiny part in that movie. Hardly the same a Pattinson’s starring role in Remember Me and his two Twilight movies. Apples and Oranges. The article is simply about leading men who had movies out this weekend and like it or not, Pattinson is a leading man in this movie.
I can’t understand why are you on this site? Have you seen Remember me? Or at least the trailer? Than don’t speak about! I like VERY MUCH Johnny Deep and I like DiCaprio and I don’t like Matt Damon, even if he is good. And I started to appreciate Rob because, for now, he is really good – beside twilight series which will mark his next years of acting. I think he will be really good in few years, if he will keep going in this direction. But, still, even if I like him very much Deep is THE ONE!
It’s not a comparison of who is the better actor, it is who has movies out right now. Geez.
Thanks, Heather2, for seeing my point… I know there’s a strong impulse to jump in here on any post related to Robert Pattinson with or without Twilight. But if we open up the discussion to comparing the acting styles of Damon, Depp, Leo, and (yes) Pattinson in such a varied quartet of movies, I think we get into much more interesting territory. For instance, here’s a theory: I don’t think anyone BUT Depp could play the Mad Hatter in Burton’s Alice in Wonderland. But I think Remember Me might have been (somewhat) better if an un-famous actor had the leading role. Similarly, I think DiCaprio adds to the ambiance of Shutter Island, but Green Zone would have been “purer” without Damon reminding us of his work in the Bourne movies.
With all due respect, I think this article would have been better suited if you had left out Robert and included Jay Baruchel. He is a MUCH better actor even if he is not known. And don’t worry, I know this article is not about who is a better actor, but part of me thinks that you included Robert’s name so people would read, when in fact the names of the other three would be enough.
Lisa, I do agree that Depp is the only actor that could have played Hatter. He was amazing, along with Bonham Carter. They were the bright points in that film, although entertaining. Leo could do anything at this point in my opinion. He can sell just about any role. I am biased when it comes to Rob because I am a huge fan of his, but I thought that he was what made RM great. I just hate that people in general can’t go into his film and not see Edward Cullen. I personally saw hints of Edward, but not entirely. Tyler Hawkins is all over the place with his mannerisms and anger. Edward is quiet and reserved and a gentleman. But I guess he will have to get a few more films under his belt before some will give him respect. I am indifferent to Matt. He is just there. I’m sure that you have read my disdain for your review of Remember Me. I thought it was harsh to say the least, but we all have our opinions.
Agree about Depp, but really think DiCaprio was the low point of SI. All the other actors were flawless, esp. Ruffalo who truly surprised me, but Leo’s performance was… flat.
How can you put Rpattzzzzzzz (feel asleep), who made only 3 movies, with such accomplished actors as Johnny, Leo and Damon. It would have been better if you just mentioned these three instead of adding a fourth. But i guess you don’t want to lose your teen viewers.
I’m not equating their talents, Moe: These guys were the movie stars of the weekend.
What about Jay Baruchel? His movie grossed more then Pattison’s.
Confidential to JJ, above: I’m SO busted: I included RP’s name so you’d read this!
Thank you for the admission. That’s all I ask.
Moe, i think she meant that for me. Anyways, honesty can be good.
Robert 3 movies?? Where have you been? Robert is working on his 10th movie although not all are out yet. If you are going to scoff about his achievements at least know what they are.
Have you seen Remember Me. If you haven’t don’t bash it. It is actually a really good movie and you may be suprised the Robert Pattinson can really act. You will eat your words one day!!
Hate to disappoint you but Robert Pattinson has made much more than just 3 movies!
I assume when you say 3 movies you are referring to the two “Twilight movies” and “Remember Me”? If so, you are missing the fact that he was also in the “Harry Potter” series, a movie in the UK called “Bad Mother’s Handbook”, “Little Ashes” (starring role in which he played Salvadore Dali), and “The Haunted Airman”.
He’s made more than 3, moron….so if you don’t know what you are talking about, than shut up.
Moe – I am far from being a ‘Teen’,yet I think Robert is an amazing actor and am a complete fan of his. Granted, Depp Leo and Matt have done a score of other films which may or may not outrank Robert’s, but I think everyone needs to take a step back and review each actor individually and not against each other. Where Depp is brilliant in films such as Alice and Pirates, Matt is equally brilliant in Bourne and Green Zone, that said, the one thing everyone seems to be forgetting is that each of the films mentioned in this article are from four different Genre’s and it’s not fair to pit them against each other as such!!
Robert is a good actor and given time may just grown to become a brilliant one, but still, I would judge him on his own merits and not that of Depp, Matt or Leo’s!!!!
I saw his other movie about Dali and he sucked in that too.
Robert Pattinson because his last name doesn’t start with a “D”? LOL
I was thinking the same thing! There’s also only one movie on this list that I won’t waste money to see. You can guess that as well.
Maybe if that dope would cut that ridiculous Friends’ haircut, he’d get more respect.
All of them.
Lisa, just keep kicking the man while he is down. I guess you are enjoying yourself this week.
I’m sure that people are going to bitch at you because of this comment, but I totally agree.
*waits for the bashing to begin*
I agree with Trish. I like all of them.
Remember Me was an AMAZING movie. (and I’m not the biggest Twilight fan in the world, and now I completely see Robert P. in a new light.) It truly was a moving and beautiful film and was way more than just a romance.
I agree, Bec. I really enjoyed seeing Pattinson oustide of the vampire act. I really enjoyed the cast in this movie, they made me feel for them, everyone did a great job. But I also think watching Depp, will always be worth the price, not so much for Damon, though.
I like all of them, but at the moment, since I went to see RM and loved it, I am all for Robert Pattinson and sick of the world hating on him at the moment. It’s like people are dying for him to fail. I agree with Trish, Amanda and Bec.
And Remember Me was an amazing film, whether you hated the ending or not. But I liked Alice In Wonderland and Shutter Island as well.
The majority of us are dying for him to fail.
And that is where my confusion comes in. Why? Why are you dying for him to fail so badly? What did he ever do personally to you for you to hate him so much? It’s not like he is arrogant and full of himself.
Just a guess, but I am pretty sure that the hate comes from how much the Twilight gang gets shoved in everyone’s faces by every media outlet. I think most of the cast of that movie will go on to have careers more like Mark Hamill than Harrison Ford.
I think Robert P. will have a hard time overcoming the ‘he’s Edward’ typecasting, and while I wouldn’t mind seeing Remember Me at some point, think he will typecast himself pretty badly is all the movies he does are just him sulking and simmering.
While the RP supports on this piece seem more level-headed than most, most of the time RP and Twilight fans post read like this — RPATZ IZ SOOOOO HAWT! TWILIGHT IS TEH BEXT MOVIE EVAR!!!!!!
It does make me sympathize with the haters a bit, even though I pride myself on being a pretty open-minded guy.
Does that help at all?
@ Frank Anderson:
I feel like there are extremes on both sides: vicious Twilight-haters, and ridiculous Twilight fangirls. Both extremes can be frustrating.
His roles in Bel Ami and Water for Elephants should hopefully allow him to showcase his range.
Thank you Frank. I appreciate the response. While I agree that there are a large portion of Twilight fans that are annoying to the extreme and are in large part teens, and that the media does shove Twilight down our throats, that is hardly Robert Pattinson’s fault. The man is trying. He could have jumped on the bandwagon and done Spiderman 4 or POTC 4, but chose to do RM instead, a low budget film that was stripped down and showcased his acting rather than just his pretty face.
Plus he has two roles coming up that are extremely different from anything else that he has done.
I do agree that the Twilight films left much to be desired, but to hate the actor himself and want him to fail so badly is ridiculous. Hate the annoying fans. Hate the media saturation. Don’t hate him for making an effort.
I agree with you on that one too. I think people are crazy to think the media would not cover this series. It is huge right now! That said, I have some problems with the story and especially the message Bella’s quest seems to be saying to young girls.
I can live with all this though, because I think we need to respect what other people enjoy, even if it is not for us.
I understand covering this series a ton more than some things that get a ton of coverage despite their low ratings or popularity…
I disagree that’s he’s done anything to break out of the Edward mold: Tragic backstory? Check! Rich family? Check! Doomed romance? Check! Rebel without a cause? Check! Hair that hasn’t been brushed in three weeks? Double Check! His character in RM is quite similar to his role in Twilight, and as someone who’s seen most, if not all his movies (good friend of mine is a hardcore fan) I am seeing nothing to make me think he has the acting chops to have a lasting career outside of Twilight. And I think people are really having an issue of the “too cool for school, fame is hard!” attitude the Twilight cast, mostly him and K.Stewart have had. Just my take. I don’t hate him, but I have to admit, I am kind of sick of him. Overexposure alert!
He has no range. He’s done at least 5 or 6 movies now, if he hasn’t shown his range then he ain’t got none.
We are dying for him to fail because he’s an “actor” who doesn’t know what acting is. I have seen all of those movies (except New Moon, which is the exact same thing as Twilight) and sadly, his best acting work was in Harry Potter 4.
I hate (actually I love) to break it to you, but sitting around, scowling, and trying (and failing) to act sexy does not count as real acting. Like @Jessica said, 0 range. Rant over.
Extra note: @Heather2, he probably only did RM because no one would ever be stupid enough to offer him a role in Spiderman 4 or POTC 4.
It irritates me too, but I’ve learned to ignore it. There’s nothing wrong with having faith in an actor. Regardless of whether or not people bash us for it, we’re completely entitled to think that he has the potential to be a good actor.
I agree. People have the right to not like what they want, but the pure hatred just astounds me.
I think if he had started doing smaller Indie films straight out of Harry Potter, then he wouldn’t get so much hate. Twilight makes people hate him. Those movies are a showcase of bad talent and bad writing. They’re not doing any of the actors any favors. They even made Michael Sheen and Dakota Fanning look bad.
Little Ashes and Twilight were indie movies. Just thought I would point that out. And I agree that MR is the worst screenwriter of all time. The Twilight movies are awful and do nothing for the cast. I agree on all that.
But the point is that he has been offered roles that are more mainstream, potential blockbusters, special effects galore and he did not take them. I find it endearing that he took Remember Me. But whatever. People are gonna see things the way that they see them. And Remember Me is also an indie film.
@heather2
Twilight is an indie movie? What world are you living in?
Twilight is an indie movie! It had a very small budget, and no one imagined it would take off the way it did. Although I am a HUGE Robert Pattinson fan, I agree that the screenwriter for the Twilight movies is a total incompetent. I did enjoy the books though. Don’t just see RP as Edward – it is a job, and even he has said that he thinks the relationship between Bella and Edward is seriously unhealthy! He is a very well balanced and self-deprecating man, who just happened to be cast as the most popular character right now. Do you hate Zac Efron for his success in the High School Musical roles? He also, isn’t that person!
You know what makes me laugh the most? You sad-a$$es who, despite not liking Robert (for whatever reason you care to give), still feel the need to talk about him on here and comment on him and his film. If you don’t like the guy than why don’t you do what Susan does and ‘learn to ignore it’??!!!!
Get off your high horses, go watch something you would enjoy and if you think you are such huge critics, go make a film of your own, release it and then see how YOU like being bashed for simply trying to do something you want??!!!!
Rant over…..for now!! LOL!
Let me say this. I have nothing aginst the individual actors in the Twilight movies but those movies are so bad as are the novels they derive from. I have serious problems with the fans that continually praise them as cinematic and literary masterpieces. These are the same people that text sympathy votes on Am. Idol rather than voting for the better singers. That being said I think it is human nature for people to rebel against the people that are a part of something that annoys and/or infuriates them. Hence the RPatts, that is right I said RPatts, backlash. Not fair just so IMO.
But you’re wrong, dog.
Most of the fans, both on this site and beyond, do NOT praise Twilight “as cinematic and literary masterpieces”. That’s ridiculous. Most fans enjoy them for the fluff that they are amidst protests from book and film snobs that insist they aren’t worth of anyone’s attention, and work themselves up to the point of anger, and lash out by insulting the fans. So glad I don’t take my entertainment so seriously.
You are wrong dog. I’m 39, a big fan of the books and movies, but in no way do I consider either “cinematic or literary masterpieces”. They are light, fun, harmless entertainment.
I understand there is a ton of press coverage on the Twilight series, and for some reason that seems to anger people. I kinda felt the same during the whole “Jon and Kate” non-stop coverage (never watched the show and didn’t care two cents about anything having to do with them), but instead of firing off angry posts and getting myself all worked up about it, I just moved on to the next story. . .
@Andrew
YES Twilight was a tiny little picture that exploded. Small budget, unknown cast, indie type director. It just happened to take on a life of it’s own due to the enormous fanbase of the book series.
I personally don’t care if he succeeds or fails. My problems are with his choices. RM is exploiting our national emotions for no artistic reason, just cause. And don’t get me $%^*&!@ started on the anti-feminist overtones of Twilight.
I’d hit all of that, except for Depp.
I do SO look forward to the day when the Twi-hate fades, and moviewatchers evolve a bit and recognize that Pattinson IS a talented actor.
AL, did you see RM? What did you think?
Not yet – I’d hoped to see it Saturday, but things came up. I’m going to try for this coming weekend.
Why exclude Depp? I’m all for the fivesome implied by this article.
I know he’s well-liked, respected as an actor, but for some reason he just doesn’t do it for me.
hmmm…and concrning the haters…pay them no mind. They don’t even know why they hate him. Read Water for Elephants and with Sean Penn involved it should be very interesting
Dude, Ambient, you don’t like Depp? Wow. I am … hurt. hahahaha
Observer, yeah WFE is gonna be good and Rob will have to have his game face on for that. Reese and Christoph on screen with him. Should be some great stuff.
I know, I know.
Also really looking forward to reading (and seeing) Water for Elephants.
I’m not a big Depp fan either. I think he’s a great character actor, but I’ve never gotten the “OMG he’s so hot!” vibe.
Except for Depp? I can’t take you seriously anymore.
But the fact that you and I are on opposite ends of the spectrum makes for a very yin/yang situation – except that I would never insult Johnny Depp or his fans the way you go after Twilight fans. I hope I can be an inspiration to you, Celia.
What? When do I EVER insult twilight fans? I would never ever be mean to any. I have no idea of what you speak. But of course you inspire me.
I had to see Alice in Wonderland. I love the combo of Damon and Greengrass, but the wife and I wanted to see something more fun than serious this weekend.
I chose Depp. AIW was better than I expected it would be based on EW’s review, and I don’t think his character was a one-note; on the contrary, I found his character much more complex than Alice’s.
I have no interest in the other movies whatsoever. RM: I hate mushy romance movies, and I think RP is overrated. I don’t hate him, but I don’t buy his acting when they make him use an American accent. SI: the trailer gave me nightmares. I hate scary thrillers, especially when it involves crazy people. GZ: I liked the Bourne movies, but war movies bum me out. I enjoyed the Hurt Locker, and that filled my war movie quotient for this decade.
RM is about as far from a mushy romance as you can get. First and foremost it’s a movie about familial relationships and loads of dysfunction that abounds after tragedy. Yes there is romance, but it plays a secondary role IMO. I thought Robert Pattinson did a decent job and held his own against some pretty strong co-stars. Especially enjoyed his scenes with Pierce Brosnan and the little girl that played his sister. All of you hating on RP clearly have forgotten Leo Mania IMO and now he’s considered with the ‘big boys’ in the acting world. He was EVERYWHERE after Titanic – you couldn’t escape him, very similar to what RP is experiencing now. Give the guy a chance and see where it takes him. He’s relatively new to the game – it’s not his fault a little low budget picture he signed on for like Twilight exploded. I’m sure he’d be much happier leading a somewhat normal life.
I think Depp is good, but not in Alice. In fact I think the film is awful.
Karin – THANK YOU!!! I saw AIW too on opening weekend and I gotta say…I wasn’t all that impressed….Though, I do think Depp’s portrayal of Mad Hatter was good, the film itself felt a little bland and flat to me….I wasn’t all that impressed with the 3D aspect of it either…wasn’t that brilliant….Avatar in 3D was better..cinematic-wise…..
Uh, I’m sorry. What awards has Pattison ever been nominated for, or for that case any of his movies? He’s a no talent teen hack. He’s the new Corey Haim. Too soon?
He’s the new Kirk Cameron/Joey Lawrence!
Actually he has check out his movie How to Be which won many Film Fest awards it seems that you let the media form your opinion rather then actually researching and forming your own opinion. PS your last sentence is tasteless and any argument you would have had fails because of it
So you’re saying he has no accomplishments. Film festival awards?? Those don’t count. Because if they did, Vanilla Sky would be considered one of the best movies ever.
“How to be” was good and received an award: Strasbourg Film Festival Award for Best Actor.
Hmm…lets see….Twilight won 6 out of 7 awards at MTV Awards 2009, Teen Choice Awards and a score of others…….Don’t comment unless you know of facts…Please….If you don’t like him, fine, but unless you can give me 10 VIABLE and FACTUAL reasons as to why you think he has no talent don’t bother replying…Thank you!
I’m not a Robert Pattinson bitch. But he is a true actor and he did a great job in this movie. People should stop hating him just because of twilight and see him differently.
You’re really putting Robert Pattinson in the same league as Matt Damon, Johnny Depp, and Leonardo DiCaprio? Bad form, EW. Very bad form.
Oops, Cate–I forgot to add Jay Baruschel!!
I’m ok with that!
Who? je
Did you not read the actual article and know what it is about?
Pfft, can’t believe they put Robert Pattinson in the same league as the stars of ‘Stuck on You’, ’21 Jumpstreet’, and that kid from Growing Pains.
Cate, I think it’s time to expand your horizon a bit, think beyond the collective mumbles of the hater brigade.
LMAO
Ok, everyone has to start somewhere. You are right. I’m just so tired of him…and those three are such wonderful actors, that it irked me a bit. But I am a very proud member of the Twilight Hater Brigade.
I am of the opinion that everyone who hates Robert Pattinson because they are ‘tired’ of him, are the kind of people who can’t have lasting relationships, i.e marriages. How do you grow tired of a person, especially one as pretty as him? I could look at him everyday for the rest of forever. I’m dead serious.
I agree, Observer. How could you be tired of THAT?
To The Observer: I have no real opinion of Twilight. Not a fan but am by no means a hater. That aside, I can say I really don’t find Robert Pattinson THAT attractive. To me he just looks a tad dirty and always somber. A little tipsy and under the influence looking. As I’m sure some people don’t find Damon, Depp, or DiCaprio attraction. To each their own.
And I’m not a person that cannot have a lasting relationship. Quit bashing those that don’t share the same opinions as you.
Kim, my opinion was directed at people who hated Robert Pattinson simply because they were tired of him. Since you say you didn’ hate him then your response doesn’t really make sense does it. It seems to me that you’re projecting. Read my comment again before making comments that don’t make sense because I didn’t bash anyone. Not everyone can sustain a relationship. It takes all kinds…
Kim, to be honest, I had seen Robert Pattinson before even reading the series and didn’t really see the appeal, I was kind of ‘meh’ about him. I did fall for Edward’s character and probably transferred my feelings about him to the actor playing the part. HOWEVER, now having seen him in other roles and in interviews, I find him totally alluring and charming in his own right.
I wouldn’t expect someone who hasn’t seen him the same way to feel the same way – but I also don’t understand the hate, nor the attacks on his acting abilities (which I do believe in).
I have nothing against Pattinson, but I think he’s a little overexposed right now, hence the backlash. It’s nothing that hasn’t been seen before. DiCaprio had overexposure backlash from Titanic, Depp from Pirates of the Caribbean, Damon from I guess Good Will Hunting (he was EVERYWHERE in the press after his Oscar win. It got old quickly.) They all got over it. I’ve only seen Pattinson in Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire (he was actually very memorable in that role,) and the first Twilight movie (which I didn’t really like, but didn’t hated…just my opinion.) I think once Twilight fever dies down (only three more movies to go!) and he can move to more adult roles, his true potential will show. In the meantime, it’s like he’s being shoved down everyone’s throats. Teen movies are not for everyone.
I read the Twilight series before the movies came out and heard all the hype over Pattinson. I did not get it at the time, I thought he looked like a twelve year old in the movie. It wasn’t until I heard and watched him in interview after interview that I became his fan because of his personality. Then he became hot to me. As I have said in multiple comments, the Twilight films are a point of contension for me. I like them, but definitely do not love them. The books are a million times better, but I fell in love with the cast, so the movies are entertaining for me to watch because of them. I will literally go see anything Rob and Kristen are in because I feel that they have that “it” factor. I have seen probably every movie that both of them have been in and see their potential. Sure, both are over hyped and the media do shove them down people’s throats, but I don’t think the actors can be blamed for that. So I get upset when people hate on them instead of placing the hate where it is deserved. I am heavily invested as a fan in both of their careers and am more into them for how they are underneath the surface. The fact that Rob is hot is just a perk to the whole package. And since both of them have movies coming out this month, it is only fair that they are going to be everywhere.
Seriously. Robert Pattinson is nice enough, but is NOWHERE near the actor the other three are.
True, but the other three have been acting since Pattinson was a toddler. As someone oblivious to the Twilight phenomenon, I don’t understand his appeal, but it appears that he’s trying to be an actual actor, not just a movie star. Maybe he’ll catch a break when he’s no longer on bedroom walls (or cubicles, or screesavers…)
Damon is not good, always the same kind of fims. Except Invictus and Good Will hunting… but the others… meh
I spent the weekend with a bunch of college basketball players. March Madness, baby!
I agree I dont think robert P belongs in the same category as the others.
Check Out GenerationGossip.com
love rob,you guys need to remember,that,depp,leo,pitt,damon and afew other actors put out some pretty bad movies,they will be the first ones to admit this,stop with the hate,lets give this kid a chance hes going to be just find,lets remember none of us are perfect,shouldnt judge rob,remember the saying people that live in glass houses,shouldnt throw stones,best of luck rob.
I just think Damon is not good. Leo, Johnny, yes. Rob growing on me.