Review: ‘BARNEY THOMSOM’ makes murder relatively complicated.

Gravitas Ventures Logobarney thomson posterDirected by and starring Robert Carlyle (The Full Monty, Trainspotting, 28 Weeks Later) in his directorial debut the film features Emma Thompson (Sense & Sensibility, Saving Mr. Banks), Ray Winstone (The Departed) and Tom Courtenay (Quartet).

Barney Thomson, awkward, diffident, Glasgow barber, lives a life of desperate mediocrity and his uninteresting life is about to go from 0 to 60 in five seconds, as he enters the grotesque and comically absurd world of the serial killer.

barney thomson robert carlyleRobert Carlyle is a real winner in his directorial debut. His portrayal of Barney is a wonderful mixture of neurotic, depressed, and pathetic Mama’s boy. A far cry from his Once Upon A Time role as Mr Gold. His skill as a director is plain to see. Barney Thomson has an upbeat and fun vibe. If you combined Baz Lurhmann‘s Strictly Ballroom, Richard Shepard’s Dom Hemingway, with a twist of Tarantino, you’ve got the eclectic style of Barney Thomson. Casting Emma Thompson as his mother, Cemolina, was pure genius. Their chemistry is unmatched. Wait until you see the prosthetics on Emma. The slightly overdone (and orange) nature of the makeup, creates the perfect backdrop for this larger than life character.

robert and emma thompson barney thomsonThe dialogue from Richard Cowan and Colin McLaren is quippy and hilarious. Utilizing the a beautifully absurd storyline combined with rapid fire Scottish rhetoric makes for the perfect combination in style and comedy. The soundtrack is incredible and Fabian Wagner‘s cinematography is stunning. It’s clear that Carlyle knows his stuff and I, for one,  look forward to any future endeavors. Barney Thomson is a hit.

BARNEY THOMSON On Demand February 2nd, 2016  and in theaters March 11th, 2016.

 

Directed By:                   Robert Carlyle (directorial debut)

Written By:                     Richard Cowan and Colin McLaren based on the novel by Douglas Lindsay

Produced By:                 John G. Lenic, Kaleena Kiff, Holly Brydson, Brian Coffey, Holly Brydson and Richard Cowan

Starring:                           Emma Thompson (Sense & Sensibility, Saving Mr. Banks), Robert Carlyle (The Full Monty, Trainspotting, 28 Weeks Later), Ray Winstone (The Departed), Tom Courtenay (Quartet)

Distributed by:             Gravitas Ventures

Running Time:              96 Minutes

Rating:                               NR

Review: EMELIE is a parent’s worst nightmare.

Dark Sky Films Logopresents

EMELIE

Directed by: Michael Thelin

Starring: Sarah Bolger (ABC’s “Once Upon a Time,” AMC’s “Into the Badlands” )

EMELIE poster

 In Theaters and On Demand March 4, 2016 

As a parent, all you want is for your family babysitter to care for your kids like you would.. When you do find a reliable sitter, you hold onto then for dear life. But what happens when, once in a  while, your beloved child care provider is unavailable? You might panic and start calling other parents for recommendations, but if you’re really lucky, your babysitter has an alternative option already in the pipe line. Evening saved, right? What if the kids don’t like them? They’re probably just overreacting. What if it’s for a good reason? EMELIE is a parent’s worst nightmare.

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As their parents head out for a date in the city, the three young Thompson children immediately take to their new babysitter, Anna (Sarah Bolger, Into the Badlands, Once Upon a Time), who seems like a dream come true: she’s sweet, fun, and lets them do things that break all of their parents’ rules. But as Anna’s interactions with them take on a more sinister tone, the kids realize that their caretaker may not be who she claims to be. Soon it’s up to big brother Jacob to protect his siblings from the increasingly nefarious intentions of a very disturbed woman whose weapon is trust, and whose target is innocence.

Featuring tour-de-force performances from Bolger and its three young leads, EMELIE is a multidimensional, nail-biting thriller that asks the question: how can you put an end to horror after you’ve already let it in?

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Sarah Bolger stuns as the babysitter from Hell. Soft and cool one minute and downright sociopathic the next. Her backstory makes her motives all the more incredible. Never is there a moment when you don’t feel beyond uncomfortable. You never know what she’ll do with the constant passive aggressive look in her eyes. It is completely terrifying. Scene stealer award goes to Bolger’s foil, Joshua Rush, as Jacob. He is perfect from beat to beat. It’s a complex role for any actor, let alone someone so young. Think a slightly older Jacob Tremblay from ROOM. That’s the quality Rush gives in Emelie. He deserves much more attention and I look forward to SEEING more of him in the future, as the majority of his current body of work has been voice. Director Michael Thelin has created a quite a roller coaster of  fear. I was off my game from the first frame to the very last. EMELIE will make any parent think twice about who’s really watching their children.

 In Theaters and On Demand March 4, 2016 

#EmelieMovie
@DarkSkyFilms

‘Brave’s’ Merida Coming to ABC’s “Once Upon a Time”

meridaposter

Look who’s coming to this season of “Once Upon a Time”! Scottish actress Amy Mason will appear as Brave‘s Merida from the fifth season premiere of ABC‘s hit series, “Once Upon a Time” and today, the network has released a poster for you to enjoy.

Season five premieres Sunday, September 27 at 8:00pm ET/PT on ABC

ABC Announces Its 2015-2016 Primetime Schedule

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ABC today announced its 2015-16 slate of programming, which includes 10 new series. Paul Lee, president, ABC Entertainment Group had this to say:

“Our new slate of shows continues the momentum from last year. ABC was the most buzzed about network, and the only major network to hold on to its audience and to grow in the target demo. Our 2015-16 schedule, with new shows and returning favorites that reflect our commitment to world-class storytelling, will solidify ABC’s place as the network that raises the bar for what viewers expect from broadcast television.”

Returning series “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” “American Crime,” “The Bachelor,” “Beyond The Tank,” “black-ish,” “Castle,” “Dancing with the Stars,” “Fresh Off the Boat,” “Galavant,” “The Goldbergs,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “How to Get Away With Murder,” “Last Man Standing,” “Marvel’s Agent Carter,” “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” “The Middle,” “Modern Family,” “Nashville,” “Once Upon a Time,” “Scandal,” “Secrets and Lies,” “Shark Tank” and “20/20.” are all penciled in.

The new series include  “The Catch,” “Dr. Ken,” “The Family,” “The Muppets,” “Of Kings and Prophets,” “OIL,” “Quantico,” “The Real O’Neals,” “Uncle Buck” and “Wicked City”.

Here’s a look at the grid:

MONDAY
8-10 P.M. – Dancing with the Stars
10-11 P.M. – Castle

TUESDAY
8-8:30 P.M. – THE MUPPETS
8:30-9 P.M. – Fresh Off the Boat
9-10. PM. – Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
10-11 P.M. – QUANTICO

WEDNESDAY
8-8:30 P.M. – The Middle
8:30-9 P.M. – The Goldbergs
9-9:30 P.M. – Modern Family
9:30-10 P.M. – black-ish
10-11 P.M. – Nashville

THURSDAY
8-9 P.M. – Grey’s Anatomy
9-10 P.M. – Scandal
10-11 P.M. – How to Get Away with Murder

FRIDAY
8-8:30 P.M. – Last Man Standing                                                                                      8:30-9 P.M. –Dr. Ken
9-10 P.M. – Shark Tank
10-11 P.M. – 20/20

SATURDAY
8 P.M. – Saturday Night Football

SUNDAY
7-8 P.M. – America’s Funniest Home Videos
8-9 P.M. – Once Upon a Time
9-10 P.M. – OIL
10-11 P.M. – OF KINGS AND PROPHETS

Here’s a look at the new series:

THE CATCH

From Shondaland’s Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers, The Catch is a new thriller centered on the strong, successful Alice Martin (Mireille Enos). She’s a fraud investigator who’s about to be the victim of fraud herself by her fiancé. Between her cases, she is determined to find him before it ruins her career. The Catch stars Mireille Enos as Alice, Alimi Ballard as Evan, Damon Dayoub as Kieran, Jay Hayden as James, Jacky Ido as Emil, Bethany Joy Lenz as Zoe, Rose Rollins as Andie and Elvy Yost as Maria. “The Catch” was written by Jennifer Schuur. Executive producers are Jennifer Schuur, Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers and Julie Anne Robinson. The Catch is produced by ABC Studios.

ABC.Go.com/Shows/The-Catch

Facebook: Facebook.com/TheCatchABC

Twitter:

Hashtag: #TheCatch

THE FAMILY

This thriller follows the return of a politician’s young son who was presumed dead after disappearing over a decade earlier. As the mysterious young man is welcomed back into his family, suspicions emerge – is he really who he says he is? The Family stars Joan Allen as Claire, Alison Pill as Willa, Margot Bingham as Sergeant Nina Meyer, Zach Gilford as Danny, Liam James as Adam, Floriana Lima as Bridey, Madeleine Arthur as Young Willa, Rarmian Newton as Young Danny, Rupert Graves as John and Andrew McCarthy as Hank. The Family was written by Jenna Bans. Executive producers are Jenna Bans and Mandeville Television’s Todd Lieberman, David Hoberman and Laurie Zaks. “The Family” is produced by ABC Studios.

ABC.Go.com/Shows/The-Family

Facebook: Facebook.com/TheFamilyABC

Twitter:

Hashtag: #TheFamily

OF KINGS AND PROPHETS

An epic Biblical saga of faith, ambition and betrayal as told through the eyes of a battle-weary king, a powerful and resentful prophet and a resourceful young shepherd on a collision course with destiny. Of Kings and Prophets stars Ray Winstone as King Saul, Haaz Sleiman as Jonathan, Maisie Richardson-Sellers as Michal, Oliver Rix as David, Simone Kessell as Ahinoam, James Floyd as Ish-Boseth, Mohammad Bakri as Samuel and Tomer Kapon as Joab. Of Kings and Prophets was written by Adam Cooper & Bill Collage. Executive producers are Adam Cooper, Bill Collage, Jason Reed, Reza Aslan and Mahyad Tousi. Of Kings and Prophets is produced by ABC Studios.

ABC.Go.Com/Shows/Of-Kings-And-Prophets

Facebook: Facebook.com/OfKingsAndProphetsABC

Twitter: KingsProphets

Hashtag: #OfKingsAndProphets

OIL

Billy and Cody Lefever dream of a new life beyond their working class roots and move to “The Bakken” in North Dakota, booming after the biggest oil discovery in American history. They’re soon pitted against a ruthless tycoon who forces them to bet big and put everything on the line, including their marriage. Oil stars Don Johnson as Hap, Chace Crawford as Billy, Rebecca Rittenhouse as Cody, Delroy Lindo as Tip, Amber Valletta as Carla, Scott Michael Foster as Wick, India de Beaufort as Jules, Yani Gellman as AJ and Caitlin Carver as Lacey. Oilwas written by Josh Pate and Rodes Fishburne. Executive producers are Tony Krantz, Josh Pate, Rodes Fishburne, Drew Comins and Don Johnson. Oil is produced by ABC Signature.

ABC.Go.com/Shows/Oil

Facebook: Facebook.com/OilABC

Twitter: @oilabc

Hashtag: #OILabc

QUANTICO

A diverse group of recruits has arrived at the FBI Quantico Base for training. They are the best, the brightest and the most vetted, so it seems impossible that one of them is suspected of masterminding the biggest attack on New York City since 9/11. Quantico stars Priyanka Chopra as Alex, Dougray Scott as Liam, Jake McLaughlin as Ryan, Aunjanue Ellis as Miranda, Yasmine Al Massri as Nimah, Johanna Braddy as Shelby, Tate Ellington as Simon and Graham Rogers as Caleb. Quantico was written by Josh Safran. Executive producers are Josh Safran, Mark Gordon and Nick Pepper. Quantico is produced by ABC Studios.

ABC.Go.com/Shows/Quantico

Facebook: Facebook.com/QuanticoABC

Twitter:

Hashtag: #Quantico

WICKED CITY

Wicked City follows a unique case set in a noteworthy era of L.A. history, starting with a murder case from 1982 centered on the rock ‘n’ roll, cocaine-infused revelry of the Sunset Strip. Alliances are formed between detectives, reporters, drug dealers and club-goers to solve a serial murder case. Wicked City stars Ed Westwick as Kent, Erika Christensen as Betty, Adam Rothenberg as Jack, Taissa Farmiga as Karen, Gabriel Luna as Paco, Karolina Wydra as Dianne, Holley Fain as Trish, Darrell Britt-Gibson as Diver and Anne Winters as Vicki. Wicked City was written by Steven Baigelman. Executive producers are Steven Baigelman and Mandeville Television’s Todd Lieberman, David Hoberman and Laurie Zaks. Wicked City is produced by ABC Studios.

ABC.Go.com/Shows/Wicked-City

Facebook: Facebook.com/WickedCityABC

Twitter: @WickedCityABC

Hashtag: #WickedCity

Dr. Ken

Doctor-turned-actor/comedian Ken Jeong (“Community,” “The Hangover”), plays Dr. Ken, a brilliant physician with no bedside manner. He is always trying to be a good doctor as well as a good husband and dad to his two kids. However, these good intentions have a way of driving everyone crazy at work and at home. Luckily, his therapist wife, Allison, is just the right partner to keep things sane. Dr. Ken stars Ken Jeong as Dr. Ken, Suzy Nakamura as Allison, Tisha Campbell-Martin as Damona, Dave Foley as Pat, Jonathan Slavin as Clark, Albert Tsai as Dave and Krista Marie Yu as Molly. Dr. Ken was written by Jared Stern, Ken Jeong, and Mike O’Connell. Executive producers are Jared Stern, Ken Jeong, John Davis, John Fox and Mike Sikowitz, with Mike O’Connell as co-executive producer. Dr. Ken is produced by Sony Pictures Television and ABC Studios.

ABC.Go.com/Shows/Dr-Ken

Facebook: Facebook.com/DrKenABC

Twitter: @DrKenABC

Hashtag: #DrKen

THE MUPPETS

The Muppets return to primetime with a contemporary, documentary-style show. For the first time ever, a series will explore the Muppets’ personal lives and relationships, both at home and at work, as well as romances, breakups, achievements, disappointments, wants and desires. This is a more adult Muppet show, for “kids” of all ages. Bill Prady (“The Big Bang Theory”) and Bob Kushell (“Anger Management”) are co-writers and executive producers. Randall Einhorn (“Wilfred”), Bill Barretta, Debbie McClellan and Kyle Laughlin are also executive producers. “The Muppets”The Muppets is produced by ABC Studios and The Muppets Studio.

ABC.Go.com/Shows/The-Muppets

Facebook: Facebook.com/TheMuppetsABC

Twitter:

Hashtag: #TheMuppets

THE REAL O’NEALS

A fresh take on a seemingly perfect Catholic family whose lives take an unexpected turn when surprising truths are revealed. Instead of ruining their family, the honesty triggers a new, messier chapter where everyone stops pretending to be perfect and actually starts being real. The Real O’Neals stars Martha Plimpton as Eileen, Jay R. Ferguson as Pat, Noah Galvin as Kenny, Matthew Shively as Jimmy, Bebe Wood as Shannon and Mary Hollis Inboden as Jodi. The Real O’Neals was written by David Windsor and Casey Johnson. Executive producers are David Windsor, Casey Johnson, Brian Pines, Dan McDermott, Stacy Traub and Dan Savage. The Real O’Neals is produced by ABC Studios.

ABC.Go.com/Shows/The-Real-Oneals

Facebook: Facebook.com/TheRealONeals

Twitter: @TheRealONeals

Hashtag: #TheRealONeals

UNCLE BUCK

Based on the hit movie of the same name, Uncle Buck (Mike Epps) is a fun-loving but irresponsible guy who needs a job and a place to stay. By happy coincidence, his nieces’ and nephew’s nanny has just quit and his brother and sister-in-law need his help. His unconventional personality may just make him the right fit for the family and they may be the answer to his problems, too. Uncle Buck stars Mike Epps as Buck, Nia Long as Alexis, James Lesure as Will, Iman Benson as Tia, Sayeed Shahidi as Miles and Aalyrah Caldwell as Maizy. Uncle Buckwas written by Steven Cragg and Brian Bradley. Executive producers are Steven Cragg, Brian Bradley and Will Packer. Co-executive producers are Korin Huggins and Phil Traill. Uncle Buck is produced by Universal Television and ABC Studios.

ABC.Go.com/Shows/Uncle-Buck

Facebook: Facebook.com/UncleBuckABC

Twitter: @ABCUncleBuck

Hashtag: #UncleBuck