James Gandolfini and James Frecheville join Tom Hardy's 'Animal Rescue'

Hit the multiplex this weekend for a few laughs and you're likely to pick magician comedy The Incredible Burt Wonderstone, which co-stars James Gandolfini as a self-centered casino owner. Gandolfini's a funny dude (see In the Loop for a prime display), but we know him best for crime drama thanks to years as one Tony Soprano. He'll get a chance to return to more familiar territory in Animal Rescue, the U.S. debut of Bullhead director Michael Roskam.

Gandolfini will be joined by Animal Kingdom's James Frechville in coming aboard the film, which already boasts an excellent cast with Tom Hardy, Noomi Rapace, and Matthias Schoenaerts (Rust and Bone). Based on a Dennis Lehane short story, it follows a lonely bartender in a mob-controlled bar who rescues a puppy from a garbage can and becomes the target of the dog's abusive and unstable former owner. Gandolfini's role is unclear, but we know Frecheville will play a small-time villain.

I'm a big fan of Frecheville, who recently appeared Two Mothers with Naomi Watts and Robin Wright. You can never go wrong with Gandolfini, so let's hope the film puts his talents to good use. Filming on Animal Rescue begins soon. [Variety]