The film generated large buzz and strong reviews after its Toronto International Film Festival premiere last month.
- Oct 17, 2014
AceShowbiz - It was just last month that Chris Rock's "Top Five" sparked a bidding war among big studios such as Lionsgate, Paramount and Sony. Now the comedy movie has announced a theatrical release date and unveiled its first trailer.
"Top Five" tells the story of New York City comedian-turned-film star Andre Allen, whose unexpected encounter with a journalist forces him to confront both the career that made him famous and the life he left behind. Rock directs and stars in the movie as the comedian trying to reinvent himself as a serious actor.
The pic also stars Gabrielle Union as Rock's reality-TV star fiancee who wants their wedding televised. Rosario Dawson plays a reporter who stands by the actor when his serious movie about a Haitian revolution drama, "Uprize", hits theaters.
"The character, it's not exactly me, but I've been through that," said Rock when asked whether it was inspired by his own life. "Hey, this movie will come out some week and I'll pretty much have - I won't have Rosario - but I'll have a similar day to the day the guy has in the movie."
After its lauded premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in early September, the pic generated interest among studios with the price tag going as high as $10 million. Paramount eventually won the bid with $12.5 million.
"Top Five" is set for a December 5 limited release in the U.S., followed by a wide release on December 12. Rock said that he wanted the film to be released this year so that co-star Dawson would be eligible for the awards season.
