Tinseltown is a horrible, fickle mistress. A tarted-up fame junkie with flashbulb eyes and ashy elbows who is always on the hunt for the next big thing.

One day, you might find yourself seated at the best tables with no need for a reservation. The next, you’re nobody. A nothing. Fodder for tabloids to call fat or for bloggers to draw dicks on. Like these esteemed actresses who likely won’t get Oscar noms this year.

Blake Lively – Savages

She solidified herself as an actress to watch (this time for her acting) with her performance in The Town. However, her next foray into serious drama didn’t garner a fraction of the acclaim. Unless Amy Adams starts doing American Pie sequels, there’s no way we should expect Blake Lively to receive the Best Supporting Actress nod in 2012.

Nicole Kidman – The Paperboy

To the surprise of everyone who hasn’t seen a movie pre-2003, Nicole Kidman snagged nominations for both a SAG Award and a Golden Globe for her role in The Paperboy. Despite her total commitment to the slutty Southern character, the film itself is to blame here for her Oscar snub. The reasons are two-fold. For one, Zac Efron is in this movie. Two, she number ones on him. I can’t think of many award-winning movies in recent memory where characters pee on themselves or others. Except 127 Hours maybe.

Doona Bae – Cloud Atlas

She gave the bravest performance in the year’s most unjustifiably derided films. Doona Bae’s portrayal as a servant clone/sex slave turned revolutionary in 2144 Neo Seoul. Not only did her pain inspire future generations to fight for their civil rights, but it also inspired me to second-guess the hiring practices at Hooter’s restaurants.

Laura Linney – Hyde Park On The Hudson

We haven’t seen much of Laura Linney lately, outside of Downton Abbey introductions, and Hyde Park On The Hudson was her chance to come back. Not that the Academy will take notice with Anne Hathaway out there shaving her head while crying.

Helen Mirren – Hitchcock

I don’t know. Just seems Oscar-y, doesn’t it?

Lively has been flirting with the A-list for the past year or so, having gone “ugly” in The Town, cleverly disseminated nude pictures of herself to the masses (What the hell. It’s Friday. Here’s a link to the smoking-hot pics.), and jumped on board Oliver Stone‘s The Savages in her highest-profile role to date. Will this nascent project be the one that catapults her to superstardom? It’s hard to tell as this project has seemed to lose steam over the past year or so, but they could do a lot worse than Blake Lively. Ke$ha, for instance.

Lively would play Elizabeth, the star of the film, a Victorian young lady who enjoys impalin the walking dead as much as she does playing coy to Mr. Darcy.

While I don’t think Lively is a bad choice here, the selection doesn’t seem terribly inspired, as they are probably just going for the biggest name they can get. However, if attaching her gets production rolling on this film, good. Great. Splendid. She’s the best actress for the job, etc.

Now please start making the film.

8 photosBlake Lively

Filming begins later this year so hopefully Moore will be able to squeeze in a few more nerd roles before then. (THR)

The film opens with an explanation of the guardians and will power constructs. There’s still no other way to explain this crazy mythology than flat out exposition. A little more is explained as Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds) trains on Oa so he’s ready to fight the Parallax, a creature using fear as its power source.

New ‘Green Lantern’ Trailer Lays It All Out For You

The will power constructs are intricate and clever. That’s really the victory of creative screenwriting, to say “instead of just green energy blasts, what temporary devices could we use to have this guy beat that guy?” Even constructs as simple as swords are meaningful as an homage to the classical duel.

A thrilling air sequence spells out Hal’s personality. His rogue tactics are cool in a training exercise, since it’s hypothetical. Wouldn’t be so cool if real lives were at risk. It spells out all the conflicts between fearless Hal and by the books Carol Ferris (Blake Lively), but it’s a fun Bruckheimer style Top Gun sequence.

It’s simple fun. That’s okay, but we do like our superheroes to have a little metaphor. Jordan ultimately gets to the value of admitting fear, but it really stays on the surface of the whole will vs. fear debate. Maybe in the sequel. It’s more fun than Thor, because the constructs are just more fun to watch than big dudes hitting each other.

8 photosBlake Lively

I was worried that Green Lantern would be inaccessible since it’s all in space with aliens. If anything, the movie spends too much time on earth. There’s not much epic space battle at all. The rescues and battles on earth are fine but the “character” scenes sort of force contrived human moments in there. They want to have fun with the powers and be romantic, but it feels like screenplay template.

Maybe the biggest component that’s missing is that earth really has no say in this. Hal decides whether or not to join the guardians and the guardians debate sacrificing earth to Parallax, but earth never speaks up. Earth doesn’t even know what’s going on? They see a few disasters but that’s just a reaction shot while other forces control the plot of the film. Hal doesn’t even get to experience the superhero phenomenon, since nobody he rescues really comments on it.

So Green Lantern doesn’t make me a comic book fan, but as a “superhero saves the world” movie, it’s fun. Sinestro (Mark Strong) brings it, lending gravitas to the formula. Hector (Peter Sarsgaard) is the typical mad scientist with new power, but Sarsgaard makes him really weird and uncomfortable to watch. The film is a mixed bag, but the joyful spectacle wins out.

A word from Blake: “Wanting to be an actor and wanting to be famous are different.”

4 photosNew ‘Green Lantern’ Posters: Alien Freaks Striking Poses

She beat out Olivia Wilde and Teresa Palmer for the role although I can totally see either of them dating Laguna Beach pot dealers. There was some question about whether or not she’d take this role or that of a really hot witch in Oz: The Great and Powerful. But in the end she decided she couldn’t pass up the chance to be screamed at by the director of Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps and U Turn. (Variety)

The Savages is about two California potheads (Aaron Johnson and Taylor Kitsch), whose communal girl-pool Ophelia (Lively) gets kidnapped by a badass Mexican drug cartel, forcing the two top dealers to work for them. And that’s why you shouldn’t do drugs, you guys. Cause bad guys played by Salma Hayek and Benicio Del Toro will come after you and the hot girl you share with your pal. You’ve been warned.

The Savages begins production this July. (Deadline)

The film is about two potheads in Laguna Beach who might ultimately be played by Aaron Johnson and Taylor Kitsch. A badass Mexican drug cartel kidnaps Ophelia, forcing the two top dealers to work for them. My understanding is that nobody cries, “mellow out man,” and Neil Patrick Harris remains uninvolved.

Stone’s first-first choice for Ophelia was Jennifer Lawrence, who chose to play Katniss in The Hunger Games instead, which is thrilling news if you’re anxiously awaiting the next Twilight-y series. However, Stone might not get his second choice either, because Lively is also in talks to star as Glinda the Good Witch in Sam Raimi‘s Oz: The Great and Powerful. Will he have to “settle” for plain ol’ Olivia Wilde or Teresa Palmer?

Man, all this casting talk is making me tense. *Takes Bong Hit* (Variety)

Falling back onto Abbie Cornish, Blake Lively and Teresa Palmer should work out just fine as those are high-profile names for what’s becoming a very high-profile project. All three actresses are reportedly reading for the part of O, the girlfriend of two pot dealers who gets kidnapped and held for ransom on account of their shady behavior. Aaron Johnson and Taylor Kitsch have been cast as the two boyfriends, with Benicio del Toro and possibly Selma Hayek signing on to play principals from the rival drug cartel.

No single frontrunner for the desired role of O has been stated. In fact, it’s likely that this trio of actresses is not even exhaustive, as Deadline is getting into the mix and saying that they hear Stone is inclined to handpick at unknown for the part.

In summation, the part of O definitely won’t be played by Jennifer Lawrence. It might be played by Abbie Cornish, Teresa Palmer, or Blake Lively. Or another well-known young actress. Or it could be played by someone we’ve never heard of.

While this sounds like a bit of a mess, it underlines the fact that The Savages has enough weight behind it that it can do what it damn well pleases at this point, so it will be interesting to see which direction the never-predictable Oliver Stone takes this project. Stay tuned, I guess.

The lovely and talented Ms. Lewis has also been cast in A Single Shot with Alessandro Nivola and William H. Macy. Here’s a plot synopsis:

“A Single Shot follows a man who, while on a deer-poaching expedition, accidentally shoots and kills a woman. While the man is trying to cover up the misdeed, he comes across a sack of money and a killer who’s after it.”

That sounds pretty cool. I hope Juliette Lewis isn’t playing the woman who gets shot! (via Collider)

Anyway, her part was originally supposed to be played by Kirsten Dunst, but this has apparently fallen through for whatever reason. Maybe the producers decided it was time to cast someone from the current wave of superhero blockbusters, as opposed to Dunst who’s part of the old guard. (via The Playlist)

In addition to Incarceron, Lautner has also recently attached himself to an untitled spy thriller at New Regency that’s being touted as a youth oriented Bourne Identity. The film is said to be based on the life of Julal Aviv, the Israeli-America security consultant. Lautner’s got a difficult life these days, what with splitting his time between beautiful women and spy heroics has to be tiring. Let’s hope he finds some time to relax with his favorite hobby: running shirtless through woods in cutoff denim shorts. (The Playlist)

Christopher Nolan is getting actresses lined up in a pretty little row for The Dark Knight Rises casting. Doesn’t sound like Charlize and Vera are in the mix anymore, unless this is some kind of elaborate rouse, and if that’s the case, Nolan **shakes angry fist** The director will meet for two female lead roles, one a love interest for Bruce Wayne, the other a villain (who will hopefully wear a tight leather outfit). The actresses looking to impress Nolan are Blake Lively, Natalie Portman, Keira Knightley, Naomi Watts, Rachel Weisz, and Anne Hathaway. Pssst! Ladies. I hear he likes Vegemite sandwiches. And cleavage. Bring both just in case. (Deadline)

^{There can be only one.}

As is the trend nowadays, Baz Luhrmann is using the casting process of his new film as an opportunity to meet Natalie Portman. The director is in search for an actress to portray Daisy Buchanan opposite Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire in his adaptation of the classic novel, The Great Gatsby.

Luhrmann workshopped the script with DiCaprio, Maguire, and Rebecca Hall but wants to expand his efforts to find the right fit. Though Hall still remains in the running, the director is also planning to shoot tests with the usual suspects: Keira Knightley, Amanda Seyfried, Abbie Cornish, Michelle Williams, Scarlett Johansson, and the recently-single Blake Lively. I see what you’re doing there Baz, and I’m disappointed. I’d expect that kind of behavior from John Mayer. Not from you. (Deadline)

In this month’s issue of Interview Magazine, Ben Affleck tosses questions at Blake Lively, who stars in his latest directorial effort, The Town. She gave answers and stuff, but more importantly, there are hot pics of her locked in a holding cell! In a publication where the visuals usually come second to the copy, I’m surprised they printed a spread that makes you totally forget what reading is.

Check out the pics of Blake after the jump…

It was rumored last week that Blake Lively was making a play for the role of sexy astronaut in Alfonso Cuaron‘s Gravity. However, it’s been expected that role was Scarlett Johansson‘s for the taking. Well, now it’s official that both ladies are pushing for the part, with reports that they both have tested for the role.

Will this create a rift between the two? Will that rift involve wrestling?? Hopefully. We’ll let you know if and when Pay-Per-View tickets for the event go on sale. Gravity is said to be a really ambitious, experimental film that would require a lot from whichever actress lands the part. Neither Johansson or Lively have carried a film of this magnitude to date, but both are ready to step up. Personally, I’m really torn. Either would be super-convincing as an astronaut. (THR)

Warner Bros is moving ahead with plans for a second Green Lantern film by hiring Michael Goldenberg to handle scripting duties (as indicated by the hastily-Photoshopped typewriter above). Goldenberg has previously written Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix and Contact, as well as a rewrite on the first Green Lantern film. This move shows a lot of faith from the studio that the franchise will be a big hit. So prepare yourselves for the onslaught of marketing materials, because everywhere you look next summer you’ll see little kids wearing novelty rings, eating green Whoppers, and suffering from skull gigantism caused by exposure to space radiation. (Variety)

_{Sounds like Blake’s starring in softcore porn.}

Warner Bros. dropped these new teaser character posters for Green Lantern. They’re not unlike Power Rangers in the sense that if you put them together they form one gigantic poster that can do battle with other gigantic posters. Personally though, I think the Blake Lively poster alone should bring all other marketing materials to its knees.

Check out the posters after the jump…

(/Film)

^{Miss New England 2008}

Attractive women in New England are few and far between, so when you meet one you had better jump on it. It doesn’t matter where you meet. The bar, the Market Basket, and the bank that you are currently robbing are all perfectly acceptable places to pick up a comely, young lass. And that’s exactly what Ben Affleck does in the trailer for his second directorial effort The Town.

In this daring sequel, Jeremy Renner plays Will Hunting and Affleck reprises his role as Chuckie, who are now bank robbers inexplicably (note to self: fact check this later). Chuckie meets Rebecca Hall during a robbery and develops an attraction to her, even though he’s got Blake Lively at home in denim cut-offs. Then Don Draper shows up and is all Mr. FBI Guy and there are a few shoot-outs and Slipknot masks. All in all, it looks really good! I’ll see it.

WATCH A MOODY MEDITATION ON WHAT DRIVES ONE TO STEAL, AND ALSO BLAKE LIVELY IN DENIM CUT-OFFS AFTER THE JUMP…

The Town Trailer – Watch more Movie Trailers

In case you’re too poor to buy or too chicken to steal this week’s issue of Entertainment Weekly featuring Green Lantern photos, I’ve got five more of them here for you. I gave you the cover this morning, but you just don’t let up. Question: If Peter Sarsgaard had a five-head before donning the Hector Hammond prosthetic, then what do you call his new look? You call it a missed opportunity to show more pics of Blake Lively. I’m totally digging her as a brunette. Unhand her, Ryan Reynolds! Blake’s mole belongs to me now!

Check out the scanned images (because SOMEONE doesn’t have an issue breaking the law) after the jump…

I just assumed Green Lantern would tell the story of a test pilot who finds a ring that grants him fantastic powers. CBM got the official synopsis and it’s so much more than that. Just kidding. It’s still about a guy who finds a ring. Why am I posting this? I think the more important question is why am I not at a barbeque?? Let’s have those two questions answer one another.

FULL SYNOPSIS AND CAST AND CREW DETAILS AFTER THE JUMP…

‘Bringing the enduringly popular superhero to the big screen for the first time, “Green Lantern” stars Ryan Reynolds (“X-Men Origins: Wolverine”) in the title role, under the direction of Martin Campbell (“Casino Royale”).

The film is currently scheduled for release in 3D and 2D on June 17, 2011. “Green Lantern” will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. ‘