image: Zuma Press

The New York Post quotes a friend of the actor as saying “they haven’t booked a venue or made any solid plans. He just knows he wants to do it in April, and he’s been asking what is involved in a traditional Russian wedding ceremony.”

Wow.  Well, he’s trying hard.  The same source said that he’s taking Russian lessons to please his future bride.  I hope it’s all worth it.  Good luck to the happy (?) couple!

Post from: EveryJoe

image: Paramount Pictures

The character first made an appearance in 1968 in the Tales of Suspense #97 comic book and has gone through several transformations over the years and became known as Blacklash in Iron Man #146 (May 1981).

In the movie, Rourke will be Russian prisoner, Ivan Vanko, so it’s not surprising that his portrayal of Whiplash will include elements of Crimson Dynamo, a Russian/Soviet agent who wears powered armor.

I have read that Rourke took the casting very seriously and even researched the role by visiting Butyrka prison and even suggesting that half of his dialogue be in Russian.  That is incredible dedication and makes me feel a lot better about this sequel.  I think that if he can be bring the kind of energy and enthusiasm that he did to The Wrestler, he could be amazing opposite Robert Downey Jr. Besides, it’s also just great to see them both enjoying major career comebacks.

Post from: EveryJoe

While it’s probably not anywhere as good as The Wrestler, I am interested in seeing this movie only because I think that Rourke could be quite convincing in the role and I’d like to see his dynamics with Lane.  Plus, even if the movie is horrible, I’m a real sucker for those Witness Protection-type movies.

image: Amazon

Post from: EveryJoe

The film follows the life of Randy “The Ram” Robinson, an aging professional wrestler who suddenly finds himself facing retirement.  Unfortunately, life outside the ring is a lot more difficult than he might have imagined and, while he tries to correct some of the mistakes he has made in his life and get on the right path, he begins to wonder if there’s only one thing in life that he is truly good at – wrestling.

The story is heart wrenching and, at times, difficult to watch but is worth the effort.  Not only does Rourke deliver and incredible performance but his co-star, Marisa Tomei, proves why she deserves to be listed among the best actresses of her generation.

Interestingly enough, director Darren Aronofsky revealed that Mickey Rourke was his first choice but the studio wanted Nicolas Cage (what were they thinking!?).  Fortunately, Aronofsky continued to push to have Rourke in the starring role which is a good thing considering how many awards he has won.

image: Amazon.com

Post from: EveryJoe

Mickey Rourke (yes, that’s actually him above) who was once a boxer himself is now rumored to have a comeback in Hollywood making sportsy type movies.

Mickey Rourke (who also sometimes looks like this):

and this:

Images from splashnewsonline.com.

is getting some Oscar buzz for his performance in The Wrestler. Not only that, now he’s filming a movie about a “high-stakes game of Russian roulette” and (you’ve gotta laugh at this description) was apparently filming in a jail cell for one scene. The Post says he was, “an almost unrecognizable Mickey Rourke – covered in scars, facial hair, tattoos and cowboy gear.”

Are they joking? That’s what he looks like ALL THE TIME!

Post from: EveryJoe

Actor and former boxer Mickey Rourke was seen leaving a lunch date at Nellos in New York this week. The blue shades, which look so very cool on Bono, don’t exactly cut it for him.

But hey – since he’s a former boxer I’m assuming he can probably kick my butt. So I’ll shut up now.

Incidentally, anyone want to guess his age?

Post from: EveryJoe