Category Archives: Features

Get Ready Folks! ‘Full House’ is Your Latest Revival Show!

Posted on by — Leave a reply

fullhouse1

Hold on to your hats, the Tanner’s are back! TVLine is reporting that Netflix is in final talks to bring Fuller House, a 13-episode revival of the show that would star Candace Cameron Bure as D.J. Tanner and Andrea Barber as her best friend Kimmy Gibbler.

Stars John Stamos, Bob Saget and Dave Coulier, while not confirmed at this time, are expected to make appearances. No word on if the Olsen twins will return. Stamos is set to produce the show with original series’ creator Jeff Franklin on board as executive produce with Thomas L. Miller and Robert L. Boyett. 

The beloved original series ran eight season on ABC.

More as it becomes available!

New Trailer for New Netflix Series ‘Chef’s Table’ Exploring 6 International Chefs

Posted on by — Leave a reply

chef'_pds_002_h

Netflix logo

Chef’s Table goes inside the lives and kitchens of six of the world’s most renowned international chefs. Each episode focuses on a single chef, featuring Ben Shewry (Attica Restaurant in Melbourne, Australia), Magnus Nilsson (Fäviken in Järpen Sweden), Francis Mallmann (El Restaurante Patagonia Sur in Buenos Aires, Argentina), Niki Nakayama (N/Naka Restaurant in Los Angeles, CA, USA), Dan Barber (Blue Hill Restaurant at Stone Barns and in New York City, USA) and Massimo Bottura (Osteria Francescana in Modena, Italy) and thier unique look at their lives, talents and passion from their piece of culinary heaven. Chef’s Table premieres exclusively on Netflix, April 26th, wherever Netflix is available.

Jeremy’s Review: Alex Gibney’s ‘Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief’ Is a Scary and Spot-On Adaptation of Lawrence Wright’s Book

Posted on by — Leave a reply

going clear posterHaving read Lawrence Wright‘s bestseller Going Clear before seeing Alex Gibney‘s documentary adaptation, I was well-versed in much of what this film covers with regards to the “Church” of Scientology. The book is dense with the craziest shit about founder L. Ron Hubbard and the operation of his religion and the zealots that surrounded him and took over after his death in 1986. The book focused heavily on the journey of Oscar winning screenwriter-director Paul Haggis (Crash, Million Dollar Baby, Casino Royale) through the ranks of the church as he attempted to go “up the bridge” to the highest levels, covering nearly 35 years. His resignation letter hit like a ton of bricks and really brought to light many grievances that had been trickling out from ex-church members without much in the way of corroboration since the church had so far been able to silence those who left through extreme intimidation tactics. Even armed with all of this knowledge, seeing this story play out on screen did nothing more than seal my perception that Scientology is a bigoted, dangerous enslaving cult.

going clear - la office

Gibney’‘s film is incredibly well-crafted like the rest of his films. He fleshes out Wright‘s story by bringing a long list of extremely high ranking former – Scientologists, among them are Haggis, former Executive Director of the Office of Special Affairs Mike Rinder, former Inspector General of the Religious Technology Center Marty Rathbun, former SeaOrg executive Tom Devocht, handler for John Travolta, Spanky Taylor and actor Jason Beghe (check out his video describing his life in Scientology). Wright also appears filling in gaps. This is a veritable who’s who of ex-Scientologists and each of their stories are incredibly compelling and really sad in so many ways. Many of them spent decades in the church and you can see the pain it has caused them and still causing them as they are routinely harassed by members of the church and private investigators that are hired by the church.

going clear - mike rinder

Funny enough, the film doesn’t concentrate a ton of time on L. Ron Hubbard himself. Sure, there is enough to give us a working knowledge of who he was and the evolution of his ideas into what later became Scientology.  Of course Hubbard (who famously said, “You wanta make real money, you gotta start a religion”) and his legacy are never far away, but the main focus of the film is what happened with the church after he died and the direction it took under its new leader, David Miscavige. Miscavige is portrayed as a paranoiac who has gone to extreme measures to consolidate his power, doling out abuse in any way to keep his detractors, both real and perceived, in check. The people listed above corroborate these charges, they being the very reasons they left.

going clear - lrh

We get our requisite time on Tom Cruise‘s transition into the poster boy for the church and his special relationship with Miscavige, although the book goes into far more detail about how abusive Miscavige is even to someone like Cruise. His rise and the church’s win in the battle with the IRS over getting tax exemption status and the absurd way that they ended up getting it, really opened the flood gates of money and the church’s ability to snap up real estate all over the world adding to their coffers. But the more steam the church gained, the more Miscavige flew into rage and pushed out those who were closest to him.

going clear - miscavige

This is a powerful story and one that is quite scary. The vigor that the members of the church, and I do use that term as loosely as one can, protect their beliefs is undying. If someone they know leaves the church, they completely disconnect from them and never talk to them again. They dedicate their lives, and some even sign a billion year contact with them, to the messages of Hubbard. They are fanatical in ways that echo the followers of Jim Jones, but go far beyond sans the suicide. The words of the former Scientologists are harrowing and Gibney does a great job of illustrating what they go through after leaving and why the followers of this “religion” are as cult-like as you’ll find (here’s a good example).

US actor, Tom Cruise smiles during the i

There will be blow back from this film, but it’s good to know that HBO lawyered up from the outset of making this movie in anticipation of Scientology trying in their typical fashion of shutting anything down that is critical of their beliefs. Gibney and company pull back the curtain and really expose Scientology for what it is – a quack religion that is built on the money of the members who sacrifice literally everything they have for the church. The active members are, by all intents and purposes, enslaved both physically and mentally and in a Hotel California kind of way – you can check out, but you can never leave. Like so many documentaries of late, this film plays out more like a thriller than a non-fiction film telling a story, which engages the viewer even more than the fascinating story unfolding over the two hour running time. The church likens itself to a humanitarian effort, that it is doing the work that no one else will or can, but the words of people like Mike Rinder and Marty Rathbun quickly counter that notion. The charges in the film might be unbelievable without the cast of former members to flesh it all out, but due to the sheer absurdity of the beliefs of this particular cult, I can’t say that’s really the case. I think the most shocking things are that they were able to coerce the government into giving them tax exemption and that they get away with the culture of degradation and violence that appears to be rampant and unchecked.

This is an absolute must see film this year. I give HBO and Alex Gibney all the credit in the world for tackling this subject knowing there was going to be legal wranglings from the very beginning of its production. In addition, I urge you to read Lawrence’s book. It is able to give far greater detail about much of what is covered in the film.I dare you not to be intrigued.

Here’s the trailer:

 

‘While We’re Young’ and think we know everything.

Posted on by — Leave a reply

whilewereyoungposter

Being a grown up… firstly, let me say that phrase is so off putting, I can’t believe I actually wrote it, but I digress. Let’s start again. Being an adult, and by that I mean living by the expectation that we’ve made our path our own and are so brilliantly happy with those decisions that we feel self satisfied, is frankly a bunch of bullshit. Few of us who identify as adults are completely content to say we’ve plateaued at the level of “Everything is Awesome”. Most if us are simply lying. It’s much easier to tell the younger generation that they’re doing it wrong (Because, if we’re being honest, self loathing, fear, and envy throw those words and thoughts into our frontal lobe pretty swiftly on a regular basis. But, are we completely wrong? When I watch some of the “interactions” between millennials these days, I have to wonder: “How do they live this way?!” When did “swiping to the left” becoming any way to meet anyone? How conceited do you have to be to not even give an individual more than a few seconds of attention before writing them off completely? Were we just as annoying, bold, outspoken, talented, brash, lost, self aware, smart, lazy, passionate, and entitled? WHILE WE’RE YOUNG is Noah Baumnach‘s new film starring Ben Stiller, Naomi Watts, Amanda Seyfried, Adam Driver, Charles Grodin, and Adam Horovitz. In a day and age where technology makes life easier and harder all at once, a middle aged couple, Cornelia and Josh, think they’ve got it made; no kids, free schedule, and creative passion for filmmaking. When they meet young hipster couple Darby and Jamie, their preconceived notions of what life should be like are thrown into a bit of chaos. Jaime is a huge fan of Josh’s work. The young couple boldly asks if Cornelia and Josh want to hang out with them. What would a middle aged couple have in common with a barely mid twenties couple? Turns out a lot, if a lot meant doing all the things we did in our youth that almost seem ironic to a millennial generation. But fondness might just be an act of manipulation forcing Cornelia and Josh to grow up themselves.

whilewereyoungbenandnaomistill

Ben Stiller gives us a really grounded performance. You know this guy. While still having perfect comic timing, he plays Josh as a genuinely earnest guy trying to reinvent his life and marriage. Naomi Watts as Cornelia is hilarious and heartbreaking. Struggling with fertility issues she attempts to pass off as not so big a deal, she connects with Darby over the simple moments, woman to woman. Speaking of Darby, Amanda Seyfried plays this character with a gentle ease. Her down to earth attitude is refreshing and she remains altogether likable. Adam Driver, whose stock is has taken off since GIRLS began, is fantastic. His combination of perceived sincerity and inflated ego trips are spot on for this generation. Charles Grodin plays Cornelia’s documentarian father, Leslie. He is the father we all wish we had. Loving, guiding, with a hint of cynicism, Grodin is a delight on screen.

whielwereyoungadamandamandastill

In a world where every moment can be edited with an app, Baumbach throws our societal downfalls back into our own faces. He has a habit of injecting personal moments into  his scripts. They play with an elegant ease and familiarity that touch a wide audience.  For Baumbach, writing what he knows has been extraordinarily successful in his previous films like The Squid and the Whale, Kicking and Screaming, and Frances Ha. The film has an eclectic soundtrack, with tracks from Vivaldi, The Psychedelic Furs, David Bowie and HAIM. WHILE WE’RE YOUNG is heartfelt, funny, and a real joy to watch. The struggle between Gen X and millennials is a revelation on screen. I highly recommend this film to audiences of all ages. You will walk away one happy camper, I assure you.

WHILE WE’RE YOUNG opens today! (Friday, March 27th)

The New Trailer for J.K. Rowling’s ‘The Casual Vacancy’ Has Arrived

Posted on by — Leave a reply

casual-vacancy

HBO has revealed the new trailer for the HBO Miniseries/BBC adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s best selling novel “The Casual Vacancy.” The show will be broken into three parts with parts one and two scheduled to debut back-to-back on Wednesday, April 29 (8:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT), followed by the debut of part three the next night, Thursday, April 30 (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET/PT).

When Parish Councilman Barry Fairbrother unexpectedly dies in his early forties, the town of Pagford is left in shock. An English idyll, with a cobbled market square and an ancient abbey, Pagford is not what it first seems. What lies behind the pretty facade is a town at war – rich at war with poor, teenagers at war with their parents, wives at war with their husbands, teachers at war with their pupils. And the empty seat left by Barry on the parish council soon becomes the catalyst for the biggest battle the town has yet seen. Who will triumph in an election fraught with passion, duplicity and unexpected revelations?

The cast includes Michael Gambon, Keeley Hawes, Rory Kinnear, Monica Dolan, Julia McKenzie, and Abigail Lawrie.

The three part miniseries is directed by Jonny Campbell and written for the screen by Sarah Phelps. Neil Blair, Paul Trijbits and Rick Senat serve as executive producers.

Sneak Peak of ‘Derek’ Netflix One-Hour Special Starring Ricky Gervais Airing Friday April 3rd

Posted on by — Leave a reply

DerekSpecial_Vertical_KeyArt_US

 

I love this show. Not only does it make you laugh, but it gives you warm fuzzies.

Take a look at a sneak peak of the one-hour special of Derek, Ricky Gervais’ bittersweet comedy drama about a group of outsiders living on society’s margins. The Derek Special will become available exclusively to Netflix members in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Nordics and Benelux on Friday, April 3 at 12:01am PT. Seasons 1 and 2 of Derek are currently streaming.

Derek, for which Gervais was nominated for an Emmy® for Outstanding Actor and a Golden Globe® for Best Actor In A Comedy Series for his leading role, centers around Derek Noakes (Gervais), a tender, innocent man whose love for his job at a retirement home shines through. Derek cares deeply for the home’s residents, because they are kind and funny and tell him stories of what life used to be like. Among those in his life are Kev (David Earl), a lovable train wreck who lives with Derek and spends most of​ his time lazing around the home; and Hannah (Kerry Godliman), a care worker in the home and Derek’s best friend. She is smart, witty and hard-working, and, like Derek, always puts other people first.

In the Derek Special, Tom (Brett Goldstein) has a new job, which allows him to spend more time with Hannah. Will this allow their relationship to flourish? Derek is upset with Hannah for upsetting Kevin, who goes missing, whilst Vicky takes on more responsibilities.

Retro Review: Michael Schultz’ Martial Arts Epic ‘The Last Dragon’ Turns 30 Today

Posted on by — Leave a reply

The last dragon - poster 2

As we take another spin around the films that came out in 1985, it’s hard to pass up an 80s cult  classic like Michael Schultz‘ (or should I say Barry Gordy‘s) The Last Dragon. The 80s were an interesting time for martial arts films. Since Bruce Lee’s death in 1973, the genre lingered in the exploitation realm with no bona fide star to bring it to the forefront again. Grossing $26 million (33rd best of 1985), The Last Dragon was a hit despite opening opposite Friday the 13th Part V and Porky’s Revenge. Did it help resurrect the genre? Likely not. However, it helped keep the martial arts film in consciousness of moviegoers until the late 80s when stars like Jean-Claude Van Damme and Steven Seagal picked up the mantel.

the last dragon - bruce leroy 1

So for the unlucky few who haven’t seen this one, this is how it shakes out. Local legend “Bruce” Leroy Green (Taimak – yes, that’s his name…and he isn’t the only singular name in the film) trains hard with his master, gives everything he’s got to take himself to the next level of consciousness as a student, to achieve the final level where the spirit takes over for the mind and guides the body without thought. Why do you ask would he want to do this? Well, whoever achieves this level will find him or herself engulfed in “the glow”, a power that, if in the hands of a true master, could create beauty that would be without bounds. But if it got into the wrong hands…well, I think you know where this is going. This struggles unfolds by happenstance when Leroy rescues popular club deejay and singer Laura Charles (former Prince protégé Vanity…see, another singular name) after refusing to help video arcade magnate Eddie Arkadian (Christopher Murney) by playing his girlfriend’s music video on her show.

the last dragon - laura charles

As Arkadian attempts every trick in his devious book to persuade her to play the video, including letting her order a la carte at dinner, Leroy is there to thwart his efforts. So he decides to look for a little help to get Leroy out of the way. And who does he turn to for help? Only the Shogun of Harlem, Sho Nuff (Julius Carry), that’s who. He’s the meanest, prettiest, baddest mofo low down around this town and he has serious issues with Leroy who has turned down his attempts to battle in the past. In this situation he sees the opportunity to once and for all decide who is the master. Using Laura and Leroy’s little brother Richie (Leo O’Brien) as bait, Sho Nuff and Leroy finally come to blows and the ending is incendiary.

the last dragon - sho nuff

I loved this film as a kid, all of 10 when it was released in the spring of ’85. It had some funny parts (mostly courtesy of the character Johnny Yu played by Glen Eaton), it had the beautiful Vanity (Denise Matthews is her given name) and had some badass kungfu in it. What was there not to like, right? And I still love the film. I will say that it hasn’t necessarily held up that well over time. Taimak, while an asskicker in the martial arts department, is no actor. He is awkward and his performance is quite stilted, but his presence was there for one reason – to kung fu the hell out of his role. The charisma just isn’t there. I love that Christopher Murney is the heavy in this film. His turn as Hanrahan, the insane goalie, in my favorite movie, Slap Shot is as good as it gets and he brings that same energy to this film. And he looks the part of a crazy bastard, too.

M8DLADR EC003

Barry Gordy‘s participation in the film is one of the most interesting aspects. Gordy is the founder of Motown Records and it’s strange to see his name so prominently displayed on every piece of marketing for this film. You don’t see Michael Schultz‘s name hardly mentioned and when the final credits roll in the film, it’s Gordy‘s name as producer that is mentioned first (really, Schultz’ name is absent from the end credits). This film was used in large part to launch musicians, especially DeBarge, whose megahit single, ‘Rhythm of the Night‘, is played in its entirety in the film, appears on the soundtrack and was nominated for a Golden Globe for best song. The soundtrack is actually an awesome time capsule of pure 80s sound with Dwight David‘s theme song, Vanity‘s awful ‘7th Heaven’, Willie Hutch‘s awesome ‘The Glow’ and cuts by Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and Gordy‘s son, Rockwell.

the last dragon - macy

Rewatching this film gave me two shocks – first was seeing William H. Macy as Laura Charles’ lackey and Chazz Palminteri as one of Arkadian’s goons who is dispatched by Leroy. The Last Dragon is quite representative of the 80s – style over substance. One thing I will give to this film is that racial stereotypes that were so prevalent up to and beyond this time are largely absent so deserving credit to the filmmakers for that. While The Last Dragon doesn’t really hold up, it’s a fun film to revisit from time to time for all the things I’ve mentioned above.

There have been rumblings that the Wu Tang Clan’s own RZA is in talks to remake this film, which I think would be quite interesting. His martial arts homage Man with the Iron Fists received mixed reviews (I actually liked it, but I think I’m in small company). I’m almost exclusively against remakes of any kind, but it would be interesting to see the envelope pushed a little more with the martial arts and the removal of the advertising for Motown recording artists in this film. I guess we’ll see if that actually happens or not.

So if you haven’t seen it before or have forgotten about it and want to revisit it, here’s the trailer:

Game of Thrones premiere event to stream live on Facebook Monday March 23

Posted on by — Leave a reply

game-of-thronesGame of Thrones® Season 5 Red Carpet Premiere Event in San Francisco
To Stream Live on Facebook March 23, 6:00pm PST/9:00pm EST
via Facebook.com/GameofThrones

Game of Thrones Facebook & Instagram Presence Comes to Life on the Red Carpet Through Cast Interviews, Video Presentations & Fan Participation

For the second year in a row, HBO® will give Game of Thrones fans the opportunity to experience all the red carpet action during the season five premiere event. On Monday, March 23, dozens of Game of Thrones cast members will gather at the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco to celebrate the upcoming season and the sizzling excitement will be featured live exclusively on Facebook.

Fans will be able to participate in the real-time social media experience by submitting questions to the cast via Facebook (Facebook.com/GameofThrones) and Instagram (@GameofThrones), which will be answered by cast members from the red carpet from 6pm-7pm PST (9:00pm–10:00pm EST).  The live event, hosted by media personality Veronica Belmont and Mara Raphael from “The Daily Share” on HLN, will be streamed via the Facebook page and fans can follow along with #GoTPremiereSF.

Cast members scheduled to attend the premiere include Alfie Allen, Ian Beattie, Dean-Charles Chapman, Gwendoline Christie, Emilia Clarke, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Liam Cunningham, Peter Dinklage, Nathalie Emmanuel, Jerome Flynn, Aidan Gillen, Conleth Hill, Keisha Castle-Hughes, Michiel Huisman, Michael McElhatton, Hannah Murray, Iwan Rheon, Sophie Turner, Carice van Houten, Maisie Williams, and more. In addition to answering questions from fans, the cast will also stop by the Instagram photo studio and pose for fun pictures with the Game of Thrones Funko figures.

One hundred super fans from the Bay Area will be chosen to participate in the red carpet “Fanzone” which provides perfect viewing access to cast members and other celebrities as they arrive. They will also attend the screening and receive a VIP gift bag featuring a USB loaded with the album “Catch the Throne: The Mix Tape Volume 2.”

Additionally, screens along the carpet will feature a Game of Thrones Facebook “Year in Review” showcasing the most resonant content from the show’s Facebook page from 2014 to the present along with best in class Game of Thrones Instagram and Facebook postings from fans. A few lucky fans who shared photos of themselves with their Game of Thrones Funko on Instagram will also be featured during the livestream.

Immediately following the red carpet coverage at 7pm PST (10:00pm EST), Facebook viewers will be treated to a never-before-seen behind-the-scenes video featuring footage from the new season.

Season five of the Emmy®-, Golden Globe®- and Peabody®-winning series Game of Thrones premieres on HBO on Sunday, April 12th at 9:00pm.

First Look at Paul Reubens in ‘ Pee-wee’s Big Holiday’

Posted on by — Leave a reply

Pee-wee-NetflixFilming for Judd Apatow’s new adaptation of Pee-wee Herman began this week, and with it comes our first look at Paul Reubens in full costume! Yup, he hasn’t aged a day since your childhood.

The movie is entitled Pee-wee’s Big Holiday and is being produced for Netflix. Reubens previously starred in two big screen films 1985’s Pee-wee’s Big Adventure and 1988’s Big Top Pee-wee

No word on the release date, but as soon as we know, you’ll know!

Someone is shooting a Pee Wee Herman movie!

A photo posted by Judd Apatow (@juddapatow) on

‘GROWING UP & OTHER LIES’ speaks to the inbetweeners in us all.

Posted on by — Leave a reply

GrowingUpAndOtherLies

The city will make you or it will break you. But, perhaps that’s just a myth. How do we survive the rat race that is New York City? The great divide between those living paycheck to paycheck and those who own their own apartment is pretty wide. Do we, as New Yorkers, put that  pressure on ourselves, or is  it the city that places those life expectations on us? In Growing Up & Other Lies, four friends commemorate and commiserate their friendship by deciding to send off one of their crew with a walk along the entire length of the island of Manhattan. It’s the true to life story of Rocks, Gunderson, Billy and Jake. Friends who took their own paths after college. Although they all still reside in the city, like so many of us in our 30’s, life gets in the way and connections become fewer and further between. Jake make a go at living as an artist and now, on the heels of a breakup and a sick father, is a good time to exit the city gracefully. The guys plan to walk the length of the island in one day. Along the way, stopping at points that have meaning or that, maybe, they’ve never stopped to observe before. (Also a common occurrence for natives. You’ll never actually see a New Yorker at The Empire State Building. Ever.) Complications get in the way as they try to ease Jake into making his final decision.

growing up and other lies 1

Written and directed skillfully by Darren Grodsky and  Danny Jacobs, who have been a creative team in the past with the film Humboldt County, Growing Up & Other Lies speaks to anyone who has felt like they aren’t where they planned to be. Life throws you curve balls. Whether you choose to bat is up to you. This is a truly solid ensemble cast. Josh Lawson, Adam Brody, and Wyatt Cenac play Jake, Rocks, and Gunderson, respectively. Danny Jacobs play Billy. Each of these characters is someone you already know. Jake is kind of a self esteem starved mess, Rocks seems like he’s got it together but it’s too good to be true, Wyatt is the smart ass we all need and Danny, well, Danny is the over excited one of the group that sort of makes it easy to pick on. 

growing up and other lies 2

The editing of the film in itself is a beautiful love song to New York. As they travel from one neighborhood to the next, there is a gorgeous “hand drawn” graphic that guide you. The music changes, the view changes, and the guys change. As cliche as it sounds, the film really drives home that life is what you make it. I got the opportunity to talk with Danny and Darren on the phone about the film. (Bare with the Google Voice recording… I heart you so hard Google) Take a listen to our chat below:

Darren Grodsky and  Danny Jacobs talk GROWING UP & OTHER LIES

 

Growing Up & Other Lies is a quintessentially New York film. It’s an homage to the generation surviving between X and Y. Touching and laugh out loud funny, it’s a true testament to the times in our lives we either live to regret or live for.

Synopsis | After struggling for years as an artist in New York City, Jake is calling it quits and returning home to Ohio. On his last day in the city, he persuades his three oldest friends to help him retrace their greatest adventure together: a walk down the entire length of Manhattan.  But their attempt to reclaim the glory of their early 20s doesn’t go quite as planned.

Over the course of the day, buried conflicts emerge as Jake becomes embroiled with his ex-girlfriend and his friends dip into their own crises of manhood. GROWING UP AND OTHER LIES is an anti-coming-of-age comedy.

Written & Directed by | Darren Grodsky and Danny Jacobs (Humboldt County)

Starring | Adam Brody, Wyatt Cenac, Danny Jacobs, Josh Lawson, Amber Tamblyn and Lauren Miller

Run Time | 90 Minutes

Release Date | In theaters and On Demand March 20th

6 Films to catch at this year’s New Directors New Films Festival

Posted on by — 3 Comments ↓

New Directors New Films logo 2015Last year’s fest was a total success in my opinion. I saw some of my favorite films of the entire year there; Buzzard, The Babadook, Fish and Cat, Dear White People, and the #1 film on my Top 10 for 2014, A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night. This year’s selections were just as eclectic in subject and style. Here is my personal list of things to consider at this year’s New Directors New Film Festival.

THE DIARY OF A TEENAGE GIRLDiary of a Teenage Girl 1 Original

Minnie is a 15 year old with a coked out mom and little self esteem. When she takes her childish fantasies to an adult level by sleeping with her mother’s boyfriend, emotional hell breaks loose in form of a tape recorded diary and sketches turned animated thoughts. This film jumps off the screen with a breakout performance from Bel Powley as Minnie. She is funny, insightful, and an apparent old soul, all while still just a kid trying not to lose her shit. The added element of the animation only adds to the wonder of this film. Kristen Wiig plays Minnie’s absent mother. She is a revelation in this role. You know, those rare cinematic moments when you forget who the actor is because you’re so immersed in the performance, that it’s a winner. Alexander Skarsgård is the creepy object of Minnie’s affection. This is not a coming if age tale for our lead, but truly for the adults in the film. The Diary Of A Teenage Girl will remind you of your own sexual awakening. All the awkwardness, the curiosity, and frankly, the lies you were told by everyone around you. Rediscover your own past. Go ahead.

VIOLETVioletJesse has been through a terrible trauma. He is despondent after the murder of his good friend, just feet from him at a local mall. Violet is a look into the world of survivor’s guilt. The camera work alone should get you through the door. Breathtaking closeups coupled with soft focus and exquisite sound editing creates a barrage of sense memory moments for both for Jesse and the audience alike. The uncomfortable silence (dialogue wise) is the key to this film. At a tight 82 minutes run, Violet is about what’s not being said.

WESTERNwesternWestern is a documentary that takes us into the world of small town politics up against very large drug cartel violence in the two bordering towns of Eagle Pass, Texas and Piedras Negras, Mexico. Mayor Chad Foster puts on a brave face as violence escalates and threatens the harmony he’s worked so hard to procure in Eagle Pass. Mayor Jose Manuel Maldonado, tries his best to ease the minds of local constituents and the mass media alike. Local cattle rancher, Martin Wall’s, smile turns hard in the wake of a temporary USDA ban on livestock trade over the border. Each of these men is doing their darnedest to maintain peace, safety and the livelihoods of so many others. Pulling the curtain back on what feels like scenarios that only happen in the movies, is eye opening. You have to remind yourself that these folks are living, breathing people with families and loved ones. This documentary is unusually educational and will certainly restore your faith in humanity.

LISTEN TO ME MARLONLISTEN TO ME MARLON (300dpi)This doc opens up in a jarring fashion. Reminiscent of the floating head at Disneyland’s The Haunted Mansion, there we see and hear the disembodied “Head” and voice of Marlon Brando. Director, Stevan Riley has granted the world the access he gained to mountains of audio tapes made by Brando himself. Some are self hypnosis tapes in which he recalls childhood moments once kept very close to his chest. Through archival footage and Brando’s own voice, we delve into the personal life of the reclusive star. These confessional tapes reveal a side of this legend not many people were privy to. Acting was somewhat of a spiritual outlet. His charisma was endless, as was his passion for sex and affection. Receiving little from his alcoholic parents, Brando‘s ego was lifted by his enormous talent, perhaps too far for the likes of some. Although, as you listen to him speak, you gather that he was a rather astute, observant, reflective man who struggled with real abandonment issues that never truly get resolved for him. Tragedy followed him in his personal life and the genius and attention swallowed him hole at times. Listen To Me Marlon is a gorgeous portrait. When you stop taking notes during a film and just listen, as a critic, that is the moment of pure magic.

GOODNIGHT MOMMYGOODNIGHT MOMMY_Still 2Give a kid an inch, so they say, and they’ll take a mile. Twins Lukas and Elias have been awaiting the return of their mother. She has just completed facial reconstructive surgery. Longing for her love and affection, the boys are thrown into detective mode when Mom returns a different person. Face completely bandaged and rage on the surface, she forces the boys to maintain quiet and changes all the rules. Something clearly amiss, Lukas and Elias must find a way to make her admit who she really is, while facing the changes themselves. Much like last year’s The Babadook, psychological torture is in the cards. Can you stomach the tactics used by children when they don’t fully understand the consequences themselves? Goodnight Mommy will scare the hell out of you and make you squirm like never before.

DOG LADYdog ladyFollowing a woman surrounded by a pack of discarded dogs, this film highlights the off-grid lifestyle to the nth degree. The film’s subject, played flawlessly by co-director Verónica Llinás, chooses to live on the outskirts of Buenos Aires in a what begins as a primitive lean-to, and progresses in sound structure along with the movie itself. We follow our lady through four full seasons as she forages for food and supplies. Her ingenuity is astounding, taking what is essentially trash and making a home for herself. She has absolutely zero dialogue. The sparse dialogue that does exist comes from what little human interaction she allows; taunting children, a clinic doctor, and a brief sexual encounter with a rather verbose rancher. This film is highly engrossing, perhaps causing the viewer to reassess the amount of material objects we carelessly cast aside. Her sense of survival and her clear warm spirit guide this film along it’s year long timeline. There is definitely something to be said about the it’s wide final shot. It will force you to  come to terms with your true feelings of our Dog Lady.

You can find out more about these incredible films, and so many more, at NDNF. The Diary of a Teenage Girl opens tonight! Screenings during the fest take place at MoMa and FSLC.

 

7 Movies to Buy Digitally Before You Can Rent – Space Travel, Songwriting, Middle Earth & Hugh Grant

Posted on by — Leave a reply

Interstellar 2

The digital revolution is here. If you’re ever waiting to buy a movie on DVD or Bluray, chances are, it’s already available to buy or rent online. In the case of these movies, you can buy digitially BEFORE you’re able to rent them or buy the physical copy. Read More →

Bruce Willis, Foreign Animation & A Halo Movie? New Releases This Tuesday

Posted on by — Leave a reply
BO0R1900.CR2

Johnathon Schaech (“Chris,” left) and Bruce Willis (“Julian,” right) star in Lionsgate Home Entertainment’s VICE.

[imdb id=”tt3804114″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt2557256″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt3400214″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt1865505″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt2962876″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt3480796″ plot=”short”]

HBO NOW Will Be Available to Cablevision’s Optimum Online Internet Customers

Posted on by — Leave a reply

Keeping your customer happy is what customer service is all about, so when a potential client calls, it’s very important that you give them a quick turnaround as well as a clear idea of what they’re dealing with when they call.

In the end, when you build a strong customer service strategy, you’ll develop a relationship with every potential client in the shortest possible amount of time. It will help you build a relationship with the people that need to know the most so you can focus on their needs. Don’t know what is a cdp and how it can help your business? Visit this page for more info.

Create a strong brand.

If you’re building a personal brand online, you’ll want to make sure your message is strong enough to get through your website. As a personal brand, you’re going to want to make sure that every link on your website points to a reliable source. You’re going to want to make sure that your website has some form of branding.

The more specific you are with your website, the better. It will make you stand out as a trustworthy source and will help make people think twice before you’re offering their data to third parties.

Provide services. This is the best time of year for SEO to work on websites for businesses that are growing or are in need of a refresher on what they need to do to make their online presence shine. If you’re in need of help with your website, be sure to take advantage of a professional SEO firm. They may have their own website that you can visit or they may have a link to an online directory where you can learn more about SEO services. They could also be able to get you a free Website Audit, which will let you learn what your website and its content is doing on Google. For more about Site Audit services, check out our review of the best Site Audit Services for online businesses.

Network. If you’re not part of an established business network, then it’s important to make the most of your networking. Do what you can to become a guest on others’ blogs and podcasts. Get involved in discussion forums about topics of interest to you. Connect with others who are interested in what you have to offer. Connect with your peers. Look for opportunities to promote your blog or website to others in the industry. Learn as much as you can about what others are doing. Use this information to find ways to become a better blogger, communicator, and influencer.

Connect. Just as you’ll need to get more targeted, you’ll also want to figure out ways to connect with others who have the same interests as you. Communicate with them. Find opportunities for conversation. Attend conferences and trade shows. Ask questions in their forums. Post on their blogs and discuss what you have to share. Get their feedback. Be open. Don’t be afraid to ask for their help or assistance if they have something to share.

Share. It is never too early to start sharing your blog with the world.

62 New Movies Hit HBO Go – ‘Wet Hot American Summer’ ‘The Talented Mr Ripley’ ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ & More

Posted on by — Leave a reply

hbogo-logo_feature

Movies of note:

  • Little Miss Sunshine – My favorite indie of 2007. Steve Carell, Greg Kinnear, Toni Colette
  • Mrs Doubtfire – “Dude looks like a lady!”
  • One Fine Day – Michelle Pfeiffer & George Clooney in adorableness
  • Recount – Kevin Spacey & Denis Leary in the HBO movie about that crazy election.
  • The Rock – Nicolas Cage, done.
  • Rush – Ron Howard directs Chris Hemsworth in this racing drama
  • Sleeping With the Enemy – Julia Roberts stars in this domestic abuse thriller
  • Staying Alive – Oh, oh, oh, John Travolta
  • The Talented Mr Ripley – Revisit this amazing movie with Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Cate Blanchett, Jude Law, Philip Seymour Hoffman
  • Tammy – Melissa McCarthy is actually pretty tolerable and it features lots of amazing actresses
  • Too Big to Fail – HBO with another political drama that draws praise
  • We’re the Millers – It’s silly, it’s fun and it’s got Jason Sudekis
  • Wet Hot American Summer – Catch the movie before the episodes on Netflix this July

[imdb id=”tt0096754″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0131704″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0313911″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0106273″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0977855″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0424095″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0077578″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0116502″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0192111″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0419843″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt2106361″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0099871″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt3151724″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0113552″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0120723″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0089444″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0808348″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0119509″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt1015999″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0449059″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0113670″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0113691″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0399327″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0203019″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0166276″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0107614″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt2004420″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0093640″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt1684226″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt1010035″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0093660″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0120772″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0117247″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt1233334″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0057413″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0075066″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt1817273″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0156934″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt1000771″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0082979″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0117500″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0091875″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt1979320″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0239949″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0105327″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0274812″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0120820″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0096094″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0100604″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0120133″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0102945″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0400063″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0362165″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0108187″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0086361″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0134119″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt2103254″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt1742683″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0120885″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt1723121″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0243655″ plot=”short”]

[imdb id=”tt0419279″ plot=”short”]

12 New Random Indie Movies on Netflix – Jaime Lannister in a romance & ‘Harmontown’ following Dan Harmon after being fired from ‘Community’

Posted on by — Leave a reply

1000 Times Good Night-04

Netflix logo

 

A lot of new movies and TV shows were added in the last few days, but there are 12 new releases that Iook especially promising. There’s a bit of something for everyone in here!

[imdb id=”tt2409818″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt3479316″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt2719868″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt3318220″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt3311588″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt3518988″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt3202120″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt2741806″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt2215077″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt2579034″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt2353767″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt2511670″ plot=”short”]

Last Chance: 57 Movies Expiring from HBO GO Tomorrow 3.15.15 – ‘Mystery Men’ ‘Non-Stop’ ‘What Lies Beneath’

Posted on by — Leave a reply

hbogo-logo_feature

Tomorrow is the twice-monthly reset of movies, so you’ve got today and tomorrow to catch these before they disappear!

[imdb id=”tt2024544″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0405422″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0295289″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt2194499″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0112281″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0115641″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0315824″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0208003″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt1308729″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0245803″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0367594″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0160127″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0452598″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0352248″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt1457767″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0790636″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0377818″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt1869716″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt1631867″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0172396″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0133751″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt1839482″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0093058″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0338077″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0212985″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0107144″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0455967″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0271027″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt1216492″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0338216″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0770828″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0369735″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0113855″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0119707″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0120764″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0132347″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0113939″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt2024469″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0218922″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt2203939″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0831884″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0292644″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0398375″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0173910″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0120053″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0775529″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0359950″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0282171″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0184907″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0244970″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0117826″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0234853″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0862856″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0139668″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0111503″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0117979″ plot=”short”]
[imdb id=”tt0161081″ plot=”short”]

Jeremy’s Review: Patrick Wilson Kills It in Anthony Burn’s ‘Home Sweet Hell’, But the Rest of It Leaves Much to Be Desired

Posted on by — Leave a reply

home sweet hell poster

It makes sense that Home Sweet Hell was released on Friday the 13th. Chock full of bad luck, and playing out like an Ozzie and Harriet version of Very Bad Things, the film capitalizes on familiar horror tropes with a touch of humor. It’s very clear throughout the film, by its script as well as how director Anthony Burns directs it, that the film has pulled from other great films. But does that make it good? Well… Read More →

Liz’s Review: ‘CYMBELINE’- True in text, new in vision.

Posted on by — 1 Comment ↓

CYMBELINE_poster

Hamlet, Romeo & Juliet, Twelfth Night… Ghostly apparitions, star-crossed lovers, mistaken identity… If you mashed up all three of these Shakespeare plays, you would get the plot of his work Cymbeline. We’ve seen modernized versions of Shakespeare in the past, with films like Baz Luhrmann‘s Romeo + Juliet, O (for Othello), Hamlet,  10 Things I Hate About You, which was a modern incarnation of The Taming of the Shrew, and She’s The Man, meant to resemble Twelfth Night. Only R+J and Hamlet made the bold decision to use the original text. This can be a hindrance in getting audiences through the door. Some might look at this as too much of a challenge when stepping into a movie theater versus going to see a live play. Let alone the general understanding of the language, it’s not the easiest to follow for some. Cymbeline knocks it out of the park in both use of text and understanding. With a glorious cast, filled to the brim with talented celebrities, this version of Shakespeare’s work is pretty spot on. Read More →

Liz’s Review: ‘IT FOLLOWS’ an unexpected path.

Posted on by — 1 Comment ↓

It Follows poster

Most horror films are relatively formulaic. I can appreciate that as a fan, but every once in a blue moon, something truly special comes along. It Follows is the story of 19 year old college girl, Jay. During the early stages of a relationship with a boy named Hugh, Jay is knocked out by chloroform and tied to a chair. He explains that since they have slept together he has passed a curse onto Jay. A thing, a force, an entity, call it what you like, will now follow her wherever she goes. It will take many forms, oftentimes of a loved one, sometimes deceased. Never let it touch you, for if you do, it will kill you. The only way to pass along the curse it to sleep with someone else. Absurd premise, yes. Scary as hell, absolutely. Writer/Director David Robert Mitchell takes us into a world that was created from one of his childhood nightmares. A presence that stalked him slowly and incessantly. We’ve all had these dreams; something or someone following us. The main difference here is we always wake up. Read More →