Category Archives: Reviews

Review: ‘The Ottoman Lieutenant’ is more than “just a romance”.

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Paladin

Presents

THE OTTOMAN LIEUTENANT

THE OTTOMAN LIEUTENANT is the first movie to explore the eastern front of World War I, and tells the story of a beautiful, strong-willed woman (Hera Hilmar, ANNA KARENINA, DAVINCI’S DEMONS), who, frustrated by ongoing injustice at home, leaves the United States after meeting Jude, an American doctor (Josh Hartnett, PENNY DREADFUL, BLACK HAWK DOWN, PEARL HARBOR ) who runs a remote medical mission within the Ottoman Empire — a world both exotic and dangerous, and on the brink of what is about to become the first World War.  There, she finds her loyalty to Jude and the mission’s founder, (Ben Kingsley, GANDHI, SCHINDLER’S LIST) tested when she falls in love with a lieutenant in the Ottoman Imperial Army (Michiel Huisman, WILD, THE AGE OF ADALINE, HARLEY AND THE DAVIDSONS, GAME OF THRONES).  Now, with invading army forces at their doorstep, and the world about to plunge into all-out war, she must decide if she wants to be what other people want her to be, or to be herself.

This sweeping romance is everything you want it to be. A grand score by Geoff Zanelli sets the tone for this gorgeously constructed period piece with a powerhouse cast. Director Joseph Ruben brings to life the story of a young woman, although born into wealth, has the desire to be of service as a nurse wherever she is needed. Inspired by a visiting doctor, she makes arrangements to use her inheritance to fund medical supplies and travel to a remote hospital in the Ottoman Empire. Along the way she tags a lieutenant in the Ottoman Imperial Army to be her escort to her inspiring doctor. Sparks fly as tradition and duty come into call and cooler heads must prevail in love and war, but who will win? Hera Hilmar plays our leading lady with the tenacity and innocence to make you both admire and route for her. Michiel Huisman as our Lieutenant is valiant, passionate, and maintains a ceaseless faith in doing what’s right. Josh Hartnett plays Jude as elegantly strong and equally stubborn. The unsurpassed master, Sir Ben Kingsley as hospital founder Woodruff, is strong-headed but for good reason. He becomes the guidance so desperately needed in Lillie’s adventure. The chemistry between the cast is deliciously palpable. I cannot imagine any of these roles filled by other actors. The costumes and the attention to detail are impeccable. The Ottoman Lieutenant is historically interesting and beautifully written, but don’t write it off as “just a romance.” The film tackles such issues as the outbreak of the Armenian genocide, gender politics, and transcending cultural and religious norms in the name of love. You can catch the film nationwide today, March 10th.


Starring:

Michiel Huisman (Wild, Age of Adaline, “Game of Thrones”)

Hera Hilmar (Anna Karenina, Davinci’s Demons)

Josh Hartnett (“Penny Dreadful“)

& Academy Award-Winner Ben Kingsley (Gandhi, Schindlers List)

Directed by: Joseph Ruben

Written by:  Jeff Stockwell

RT: 100 minutes

http://theottomanlieutenant.com/

Social Media:

Facebook: @theottomanlieutenant

Twitter: @theottomanlieut

Instagram: @theottomanlieutenant

Review: ‘BRIMSTONE’ takes Dakota Fanning down the darkest path yet.

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BRIMSTONE
Official Selection – Venice International Film Festival 2016
North American Premiere – Toronto International Film Festival 2016
Official Competition – London Film Festival 2016

U.S. Premiere – Palm Springs International Film Festival 2017

BRIMSTONE is a tale of powerful womanhood and resistance set against the unforgiving cruelty of the American frontier. Wrongly accused of a crime she didn’t commit, the story follows Liz (Dakota Fanning) now turned fugitive, who is being hunted by a vengeful and diabolical Preacher (Guy Pearce.)
BRIMSTONE is directed and written by Martin Koolhoven (Winter in Wartime, AmnesiA) and features an all-star cast: Guy Pearce (HBO’s “Mildred Pierce,” The Proposition, Memento), Dakota Fanning (The Runaways, War of the Worlds, Man on Fire), Emilia Jones (One Day, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides), Carice van Houten (HBO’s “Games of Thrones,” Black Book) , and Kit Harington (HBO’s “Games of Thrones,” MI-5).
Once we saw Dakota Fanning in I Am Sam, there was no doubting she would become one of the most talented actresses of her time. Taking on daring roles has always been part of her repertoire. She has never been afraid to push the envelope as a professional. In BRIMSTONE, Fanning plays a young woman whose life, we come to learn, has been nothing but hardship and emotional torture, mainly at the hands of one man. Guy Pearce plays a sadistic preacher hunting Fanning’s character, Liz. His sick interpretation of the Bible leads them both on a journey that takes danger to the next level. Liz only wants to protect her family and the Reverand wants nothing more than to destroy her. The script is extremely dark and completely unexpected. At a full 2hr and 20 min run, you never see what’s around the bend. It’s emotionally exhausting and that is meant to be a compliment. Pearce is vile in every way. Skin-crawlingly good in this role. Kit Harrington is a breath of fresh air and I wish we had seen more of him, but understand his purpose. The cast is exquisite and their chemistry is phenomenal.
Fanning is nothing short of brilliant, almost having to tackle several different characters in the same film. To say more would give away too much and I encourage you to experience the film for yourself. While Brimstone can be difficult to watch during multiple scenes, it’s presentation is outstanding. Presented as chapters of the Bible and out of order, you discover information along the way that ultimately sets up the ending. Never a dull moment, the film’s intensity cannot be denied. You can see Brimstone in theaters and On Demand this Friday, March 10th. Check out the trailer below.
 
 Momentum Pictures will release the upcoming thriller/western BRIMSTONE in select theaters and On Demand / Digital HD March 10, 2017.

Review: ‘WOLVES’ depicts a young man trapped between boyhood and manhood.

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Presents

Bart Freundlich’s new film WOLVES

From the famous courts of West 4th Street, to the tenements overlooking the bridges of the lower east side, Wolves paints an original, diverse, and emotional portrait of a boy becoming a man in New York City. 18-year-old, Anthony Keller is a high school basketball star. Now in his senior year he is being recruited by Cornell University, a dream come true.  Called “Saint” by everyone at his school (St. Anthony’s), he does his best to live up to his name.  He is captain of his team, a good student, has a long time girlfriend and some good friends.  But the ease with which he moves through his life is a facade. At home, Anthony struggles with his troubled Father, Lee Keller, (Michael Shannon) and his gambling addiction.  Anthony’s Mother, Jenny, (Carla Gugino) has made it her mission to keep the family afloat but has done so only with great emotional and financial sacrifice.

As Anthony approaches the end of his senior year and the city finals, he is faced with adversity from all sides, and the stakes are high.  He must find his own definition of what it means to be a man, both on and off the court, and in doing so he is confronted with the decision of a lifetime.

There is definitely more than meets the eye to this coming of age, high school basketball story. Newcomer Taylor John Smith plays “Saint”, a kid trying desperately to make everyone around him happy. He is emotionally stretched thin and like many high school students who want/need to achieve their lofty dreams, finally meets his breaking point. WOLVES is filled to the brim with fantastic performances. With a heavy hitting cast alongside Smith, there are more layers to this film, and it all comes down to perspective.

Smith’s lead performance is natural, endearing, and powerful. The abusive aspect of the film coming directly from Michael Shannon (as his father), is tough stuff for any actor. But for Smith to easily go toe to toe with a vet like Shannon, all I can say is, “Bravo.” Speaking of Shannon, he plays a real self-loathing scumbag. Unhappy and resentful professor with a gambling addiction, he not only doles out physical abuse to his son but a heavy handed dose of emotional as well. Shannon gives a performance closer to his early seasons on Boardwalk Empire, short fuse and potentially underlying sociopathic tendencies. Carla Gugino is better than ever as the mother trapped in a marriage of frustration and protection of her son and her own sanity. Grittier than her performance in Match but equally as wonderful. For me, the most noteworthy role is one of the smallest. As a momentary surrogate father figure, former pro-baller and wise truth speaking guru, John Douglas Smith is a master. Some of the most impassioned moments in the script come from the mouth of this character Socrates (aptly named). I could have watched this man wax philosophic for the entire film. He was the grounding force the script so desperately needed, as not to lead it into after-school special territory.

On the whole, you will route for WOLVES and the storyline. You can catch the film in theaters and On Demand, tomorrow March 3rd. Check out the trailer below.

In Theaters & On Demand on March 3rd

RT: 110 Minutes

Review: ‘BURLESQUE: HEART OF THE GLITTER TRIBE’ gives you a peek behind the feathers and the lives of the performers

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BURLESQUE: HEART OF THE GLITTER TRIBE explores the world of burlesque and its growing popularity across the U.S.  The film invites audiences to experience this art form up close and personal – seeing its evolution from old world burlesque to “neo-burlesque,” which combines classic striptease with modern dance, comedy and even fire acts.
This truly entertaining doc lets us peek behind the feathers and into the lives of a troupe of very awesome entertainers. Often times the perception of Burlesque is objectification. This is totally misleading. The art of burlesque is about empowerment. It is not about having the perfect body, in fact, some of the best dancers are not the shapes we expect. Infusing sexiness, glamor, and humor is all part of the special form of performance. Here are a few introductions to the individuals we get to meet in the film.
Zora Von Pavonine, one of the stars featured in the film, spends every waking minute perfecting her act and designing one-of-a-kind costumes inspired by designers Alexander McQueen and Jean Paul Gaultier.  Through her own admission, her obsession has a taken a toll on her relationship and her pocket book.
We also meet Angelique DeVil, a college graduate and a dancer by trade, who credits burlesque for allowing her to express her various “personalities” – thus making her alive!
 
Lastly, Isaiah Esquire, is often referred to as “Glamazon.”  He confesses that dance has transformed him from a shy, stuttering teenager who suffered from body image issues to a confident performer, dancer, and teacher.
With the perfect balance of intimate sit down interviews, backstage/rehearsals, and full-out performances, BURLESQUE: HEART OF THE GLITTER TRIBE is as enjoyable to watch as it is to be in awe of. You can watch the film in select theaters March 3rd and on VOD / iTunes March 7th.

Review: ‘Lavender’ will haunt you in the daytime.

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SYNOPSIS: When a photographer (Abbie Cornish) suffers severe memory loss after a traumatic accident, strange clues amongst her photos suggest she may be responsible for the deaths of family members she never knew she had. Justin Long plays a psychiatrist who helps her recover lost memories.

In Lavender, Abbie Cornish‘s character Janie is haunted by memories old and new. Trying desperately to reconnect to her childhood, she is drawn back to the home she once lived in and where her family was massacred. Problem is, she has zero memory of anything involved in that time or space. A car accident has triggered someone or something to send her mysterious gifts to help along the way. Her daughter Alice is being affected as well. Can Janie put together the disturbing clues in time to save history from repeating itself? A speeding ticket lawyer is a legal professional who practices law and focuses mostly on vehicular traffic infraction and other crimes related to this particular offense. This is an important matter because many people who commit this may overlook this and take it for granted or forget about it. If this happens, the crime may become a bigger issue. An attorney who specializes in this particular field is specially trained and educated to defend his client for charges associated with this offense. If you want to get more details, then visit LouisianaSpeedingTicket.com site.

There are several options that a speeding ticket lawyer can give his client. Several general defenses for this charge include refuting the speed that the police officer stated, moving above the speed limit but conditions warranted it and moving above the limit due to an emergency situation. If these defenses are presented, several evidences need to be presented to support the claims. The legal professional needs to establish that the need to move above the limit was there during the time. There is also such a thing as a presumed and absolute speed limit. With the former, it means that the individual who was driving has driven above the limit and he needs to prove that he was moving at a safe speed. In the absolute state, the speeding ticket lawyer has to defend a person who has actually driven above it even though it was just one mile over the limit.

Cornish is wonderful in this role. It’s a subtle and believable performance under truly bizarre circumstances. Dermot Mulroney plays her only living relative and uncle. His genuine and seemingly even paced presence is a gift to the film. Not to be left out is the altogether unsettling Justin Long. As Janie’s doctor, there is something a little extra strange about his character that will drive your brain to do somersaults as the plot twists at every turn. A bit of a departure from his usual fare, there is no denying his talent here. Nothing but praise for the entire cast as the chemistry is palpable. Director Ed Gass-Donnelly uses music and sound to his advantage to build the unease. With co-writer Colin Frizzell, the script will challenge you at every turn. Clever use of what appears to be a 360-degree camera and quick cuts only adds to the suspense. You will not figure it out until the final 10-15 minutes of the film. Lavender is a thrilling little gem.

TITLE:  LAVENDER
THEATRICAL, VOD AND DIGITAL HD RELEASE DATE: March 3, 2017
DIRECTOR: Ed Gass-Donnelly
WRITER:  Colin Frizzell, Ed Gass-Donnelly
CAST: Abbie Cornish, Diego Klattenhoff, Justin Long, Dermot Mulroney
GENRE: Thriller
DISTRIBUTOR: AMBI Media Group & Samuel Goldwyn Films

 

Review: ‘Logan’- A masterful send off to Hugh Jackman in his iconic role

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Hugh Jackman takes his final bow as the iconic Wolverine in Logan, a thoughtful tale of redemption and regret thru the eyes of the only man to ever play the role. Director James Mangold (The Wolverine) returns to bring the final act to a close opting for a more dramatic tone than full on action film like previous films in the X-Men franchise. Logan is the perfect send off to both actor and character and a love letter to all who have endured the good and the very bad of this characters cinematic arc. The long journey of the Wolverine concludes.

Tired and weary, Logan (Hugh Jackman) finds himself among the last mutants standing in a world that’s long forgotten his kind. Opting to blend in to society and live out his days, Logan keeps to a quiet life, driving a limo and acting as a caretaker for friend and mentor Charles Xavier (Sir Patrick Stewart) for whom age has taken a huge toll. He is aided in this task by Caliban (Stephen Merchant), a mutant who can sense and track other mutants, but is running from a past he would soon forget.

Logan is approached by a young Mexican nurse looking for the Wolverine to help her protect her daughter Laura (Dafne Keen)  from a secret experiment called Transigen. Pierce (Boyd Holbrook), is the leader of the Reavers, a team set to find escaped patients from the Transgien project who have set their sights on finding Laura at all costs. Reluctant and unwilling to upend his life, Logan opts to decline the offer until he becomes faced with the stark reality that helping this young girl get to her destination is more vital than he anticipated. Aided by Charles Xavier, the three set their sights on North Dakota and “Eden”, a safe haven for mutants, but Transigen has plans of its own to unleash a new and improved version of their experiments that will test the aging Logan to his limits and beyond.

Seventeen years is a long time for anyone to play the same role, but Hugh Jackman has cherished his experience and has been so caring of the character that seeing him for the last time feels like a family member moving across the globe. Jackman pours his heart and soul into this movie and turns in the best performance of his X-Men career. Patrick Stewart is equally as outstanding as the aging Charles Xavier. The relationship between the two characters has grown from a student to teacher to father to son and the two actors chemistry is cemented into these performances. Newcomer Dafne Keen is brilliant in her first starring role and acts as the catalyst to the emotional journey that Logan embarks on in this film. To watch her rage from an outsiders view allows Logan to see himself and offers a rare opportunity to help steer this child down a different path than him. Their onscreen relationship is a beautiful nod to the pull that Logan has from the animal he’s become and the life he so sorely wishes never eluded him.

Overall, Logan is an outstanding film and a must see for all X-Men lovers and film lovers alike. It’s an emotional journey for both audience and actor and one we won’t soon forget. Thank you Hugh for your Wolverine, there will never be another who could match yours.

Stars:

4 out of 5

After Credit Scene?

No

Trailer:

Review: ‘FROM NOWHERE’ is a timely look into the daily struggle of undocumented kids.

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Presents

From NowhereThree undocumented Bronx teenagers are graduating from high school while navigating the treacherous waters of trying to get their papers to stay in the US.

 From Nowhere stars Julianne Nicholson as a Bronx high school lit teacher who has three students that are undocumented immigrants. Denis O’Hare is their passionate case worker. While these two stars make a massive impact in the script, the plot focuses on the three students in questions. We are privy to their home lives, their backstories, and their final few weeks of senior year. In a time in our country when undocumented immigrants are being dehumanized by an administration that has become more dysfunctional than anything we’ve ever seen in our history, From Nowhere gives us faces to focus on, people to care about, stories to route for. It’s a timely film and one that needs to be viewed by a wide audience in this era of chaos. Our young leads, played by J. Mallory-McCree, Octavia Chavez-Richmond, and Rachel Castro, are extraordinary. These kids could have easily been picked out of a real high school in the Bronx. The chemistry they possess with both Nicholson and O’Hare must be applauded. Nicholson, also appearing in a drastically different role with Sophie and The Rising Sun, shines as per usual. Her ability to connect with her fellow actors in uncanny. Not surprising is the incredible performance from Denis O’Hare. His chameleon acting chops, which I thoroughly enjoy on American Horror Story every season, serve him well. It was really lovely to see him in a role like this. Anytime you give a great actor a great script, you have the potential for movie gold. From Nowhere’s screenwriters, Matthew Newton and Kate Ballen did their homework on the immigration process. Taking a realistic look at the difficulties that can tear families apart. Also directing the film Newton does not pull punches with a surprisingly honest ending. You cannot wrap this subject in a pretty bow. We are experiencing this crisis in real time and From Nowhere brings the struggle into our homes.

  • Opens tomorrow
  • FEBRUARY 17, 2017
  • (Limited NY/LA/National)
  • NR, 1 hr 29 min
  • Drama

Review: In ‘MY NAME IS EMILY’ Evanna Lynch leaves Hogwarts behind.

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Monument Releasing

Presents

 MY NAME IS EMILY

 A Film By

Simon Fitzmaurice

Opening Theatrically In US Cities On February 17

VOD To Release On February 24

MY NAME IS EMILY, the debut-feature written and directed by the amazing Simon Fitzmaurice, is a life-enhancing story starring Evanna Lynch (Harry Potter), Michael Smiley (The Lobster, Kill List) and newcomer George Webster (City of Dreamers, Blood Moon).

After her mother dies and her visionary writer father is institutionalized, Emily is placed in a foster home and a new school where she is ostracized. On her 16th birthday, when her father’s annual card fails to arrive, Emily knows something’s wrong. Enlisting Arden, her only friend at school, she sets off on a road trip adventure across Ireland to find her missing Dad and break him out of the psych ward. They are an odd couple, this pale girl and the boy in the velvet suit, and along the way, they both come to realize important truths about the nature of relationships, both to their parents and to each other. MY NAME IS EMILY is a story of madness, sadness and love.

In  2008, director Simon Fitzmaurice was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease (ALS). Now completely paralyzed, Fitzmaurice typed the script for the film, through the movement of his eyes and iris recognition software, Eye Gaze. This is also how he communicated with cast and crew during the film’s six-week shoot. Given four years to live, Simon credits writing and filmmaking with having saved his life.My Name is Emily is a stunning coming of age film. Evanna Lynch shines in this complex role of a sad and brilliant young lady. The layers of this character come from the outstanding script from writer/director Fitzmaurice. Infusing philosophy, literature, poetry, loss and teenaged angst all intertwined into a story of finding oneself through letting go and letting people in. Michael Smiley is as wonderful as he’s ever been, touching the cornerstone of every possible emotion. George Webster, in particular, is one hell of a find. His natural ability to draw you in is reminiscent of the late Anton Yelchin. He will seduce you with his awkwardness and charm the pants off you all in the same scene. The honest chemistry between Lynch and Webster makes this film what it is. Another high note (pun not intended) is the glorious soundtrack. Each song evokes a familiarity that seems to fit perfectly into the moment. With a cool mix of voiceover moments and flashbacks, My Name is Emily is a true delight.

 

Review: ‘I AM MICHAEL’ places James Franco on emotional seesaw in this true-life story.

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A film by Justin Kelly

Starring: James Franco, Zachary Quinto, Emma Roberts
WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY:
Justin Kelly (King Cobra)
Based on The New York Times article “My Ex-Gay Friend” by Benoit Denizet-Lewis

EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY:
Gus Van Sant (Milk, Good Will Hunting, To Die For)

PRODUCED BY:
Rabbit Mandini – James Franco and Vince Jolivette (Palo Alto, Spring Breakers, Lovelace), Michael Mendelsohn (I Am Wrath, Lord of War, Air Force One) of Patriot Pictures, Scott Reed and Ron Singer of That’s Hollywood.

I AM MICHAEL is the incredible true-life story of Michael Glatze (Franco), a high-profile queer youth activist who created a national controversy when he claimed to no longer be gay and became a straight Christian pastor. The film follows Michael from his life in San Francisco with his boyfriend Bennett (Quinto), where he pursues political activism, a journalist career at XY Magazine, social awareness, and sexual exploration, to his days of personal self-discovery. After a traumatic scare, Michael is plagued by doubt and paranoia, and begins a religious reawakening. Michael renounces his gay lifestyle, rejects his friends, and endeavors to find his “true self.” He explores Buddhism and Mormonism, yet ultimately lands at a Christian Bible school in rural Wyoming where he meets his girlfriend, Rebekah (Roberts), and becomes the pastor of his own church. This powerful new film captures one man’s haunting journey through modern concepts of love, denial and redemption.

Crisis of conscience, fear, confusion, exploration, self-loathing, and everywhere in between. I Am Michael follows the unusual journey of Michael Glatze, a man whose inner turmoil pulls him every which way. Emotional tethers bring Glatze back and forth between his intellectual desire to live in God’s light and path, or whatever that means to him at any moment in time, and the natural desires that come with being a human being. Not wanting to be labeled as a gay man, his oftentimes outwardly offensive exploration comes at the cost of personal relationships. The story rolls along at a rapid pace, which never takes away from the tumultuous up and down in Michael’s life. Franco, is brilliant, as per usual. If you haven’t delved into the huge range of his work, you are genuinely missing out. The man is a PR genius and I still wonder when he has time to sleep. Quinto, as boyfriend Bennett, also bring a beautifully grounded performance and is the perfect foil for Franco’s energy. Emma Roberts plays what some might call a tragic role, as Glatze’s eventual fiance’. A young Christian girl willing to look beyond the past and love Michael for who he claims to presently be and believe. The film features the song “Crucify” by Tori Amos (Which I’ve conveniently shared underneath the trailer!). Its placement is both poignant and perfect in tone and lyrics. Overall, I am Michael gives us a glimpse into a place where religion and sexuality collide and perhaps illustrates the intolerance from both angles. The film comes to theaters and on VOD today, January, 27th.

 

Opening in Theaters and VOD on January 27th

Official Selection at the Sundance Film Festival, Berlin International Film Festival, Seattle International Film Festival, Frameline Film Festival, Provincetown International Film Festival, Chicago International Film Festival.
RT: 101min

Review: ‘Trespass Against Us’ makes Michael Fassbender and Brendan Gleeson family.

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TRESPASS AGAINST US is set across three generations of the Cutler family who live as outlaws in their own anarchic corner of Britain’s richest countryside. Chad Cutler (Michael Fassbender) is heir apparent to his bruising criminal father, Colby (Brendan Gleeson) and has been groomed to spend his life hunting, thieving and tormenting the police. But with his own son, Tyson (Georgie Smith) coming of age, Chad soon finds himself locked in a battle with his father for the future of his young family. When Colby learns of Chad’s dreams for another life he sets out to tie his son and grandson into the archaic order that has bound the Cutler family for generations. He engineers a spectacular piece of criminal business involving a heist, a high-speed car chase and a manhunt, which leaves Chad bruised and bloodied and with his very freedom at stake. With the law cracking down and his father tightening his grip, Chad is forced into increasingly desperate measures. Featuring incredible performances – and an astonishing score by The Chemical Brothers – TRESPASS AGAINST US is at once an exhilarating crime thriller and a profoundly moving story about love and family.

There is no doubting the abilities of both Michael Fassbender and Brendan Gleeson in this family crime drama. The two could very easily be related based on their spectacular on-screen chemistry. The action (predominantly in car chase form) is plenty and should be seen on the biggest screen possible for maximum clarity and impact. Gleeson does a brilliant job in making you squirm. Think about the most awful, offensive relative that shows up on holidays and multiply that feeling by 10. You are quickly sympathetic to Fassbender’s rock and a hard place persona. The little bit of mischievous joy he gets by rattling the cops is nothing in comparison to his brooding desire to be a better man for his wife and two kids. The last thing he wants is for history to repeat itself. He desperately tries to break the cycle, much to the chagrin of his father hence moving the plot along. Though even with the talent, there is a slowness and lack of back story that would have been nice to hear or see. The choice to make The Cutler’s a traveler family is cool in concept but I wish there had been a better explanation as to how our patriarch became so anti-establishment. One is left to assume. Ultimately, Trespass Against Us is a film about the line between family loyalty and self-preservation. The film is available on Direct TV and in theaters beginning today.

Check out a clip and the trailer below.

Directed by:                                          Adam Smith

Written by:                                             Alastair Siddons

Produced by:                                       Andrea Calderwood, Gail Egan, Alastair Siddons

Executive Produced by:                     Joshua Astrachan, Rose Garnett, Frederick W. Green, Peter Hampden, Phil Hunt, Norman Merry, Compton Ross

Starring:                                                  Michael Fassbender, Brendan Gleeson, Lyndsey Marshal, Killian Scott   

In Theaters January 20th, 2017

Running Time:                                       1hr 39min

Rating:                                                   R

Review: ‘The Founder’- Witness the creation of the McDonald’s empire

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The fastest way to get to the top is by standing on the backs of others, Ray Kroc discovered this and used it to become one of the most successful businessmen this country has ever known. John Lee Hancock (Saving Mrs. Banks) directs Oscar nominated actor Michael Keaton as the man who brought McDonald’s to every hometown in America.

Ray Kroc (Michael Keaton) is a traveling salesman who currently specializes in selling Prince Castle brand milkshake makers. Life on the road has been a struggle for Ray, each day he visits restaurants and drive-ins across the Midwest finding more resistance to his sales pitch than enthusiastic buyers. He has a comfortable life back home in Illinois with his wife Ethel (Laura Dern) and a simple but comfortable living, but success to do something great keeps driving Ray back to the road to find his legacy. A chance order from the McDonald’s brothers in San Bernadino, CA will change his life forever.

Ray meets with the two brothers who own and operate the establishment, Maurice “Mac” McDonald (John Carroll Lynch) and  Richard “Dick” McDonald (Nick Offerman), who have created an innovative way of supplying hamburgers to the public. Awestruck by their creation, Ray convinces the brothers to let him take their McDonald’s idea nationally, and this is where the real story begins. Through all the struggle, the persistence of Ray Kroc leads to success and his control of the franchise’s present and future. The evolution into one of the most powerful men in business was paved with betrayal, cunning and ingenuity, which makes the story dramatically unfold.

Michael Keaton’s enthusiasm and delivery bring Kroc’s persona to life in a near perfect way. Throughout the film, we witness the transformation of a person starved to prove himself to a person drunk on success and whether you love him or hate him, he got there his way.  John Carroll Lynch and Nick Offerman are wonderful as the McDonald’s brothers. Each step of their rise and fall is felt in their portrayal of the characters and you can’t help but cringe as their decimation unfolds. The story centers around the tense relationship between the brothers and Kroc and these actors bring a wonderful mix of humor and drama to help make this story as mesmerizing as it is.

Overall, The Founder is an interesting tale of the rise of McDonald’s and men who brought the “Golden Arches” to the country. It’s a sad look at the glutton of success and repulsive effects it has on those in the way. The performances make this film worth the journey.

Stars:

3 out of 5

Trailer:

Review: ‘SPLIT’- M. Night Shyamalan’s Best Movie in Over a Decade

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The last thirteen years have not been kind to M. Night Shyamalan’s career. After several failed films, it looks like the once “master of suspense” has finally found his way back to making quality films with Split, the most ambitious and downright thrilling film of Shyamalan’s since Signs. Described as a psychological horror film, which is both written and directed by Shyamalan himself, the film stars James McAvoy as a man living with twenty three unique personalities and a moment of impulse that will unearth a side of himself not yet experienced.

Kevin (James McAvoy) has made a life changing decision, one that he will never come back from. Kevin has kidnapped young friends, Claire (Haley Lu Richardson) and Marcia (Jessica Sula), and their troubled friend Casey (Anya Taylor-Joy), and is now holding them captive in a windowless room somewhere underground. Frightened and unsure of why they’re in this predicament, the three young girls soon find out that their captive is more than he appears. Having first been introduced to Dennis, the forceful leader of Kevin’s personalities, more emerge to suit the situation. Patricia, the elder statesmen and the calming voice and Hedwig, a nine-year-old boy looking for a friend, arrive to meet the young ladies and help them understand why they have been chosen. Casey, the more road weary of the three girls, pitches an idea that they must try and convince one of the personalities to betray the others and free the girls before it’s too late, but a twenty fourth personality begins to emerge as “The Beast” is growing and threatens to consume all that Kevin is.

The performance of James McAvoy is truly spellbinding. His commitment to the multiple roles inside Kevin are portrayed in widely unique ways, with each personality granted its own separate thought process. It’s McAvoy‘s finest role since Filth. Betty Buckley portrays the calming and mothering figure of Dr. Karen Fletcher. Her involvement in the film adds a unique substance and understanding the to workings of Kevin and creates doubt in the audience’s thinking about the man. Haley Lu Richardson and Jessica Sula embody the spirit necessary to create the fear and confusion of being captive and compliment the emergence of Anya Taylor-Joy‘s Casey as the strength of the group. Casey’s backstory is a powerful twist that parallel’s the situation at hand and Joy’s portrayal the perfect vessel to tell it.

Overall, Split is a great psychological thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat. The shocking ending will have fans of Shyamalan‘s earlier films gasping in disbelief. A true return to form for the proud director.

Stars:

3 1/2 out of 5

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Review: ‘Paterson’- Adam Driver Shines in Jim Jarmusch’s Beautiful New Film

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Jim Jarmusch’s new film, Paterson, is a slow, tranquil walk thru the life of an ordinary man, which is very Jarmuschian, but this calming experience is like very few of the directors predecessors, which makes the unique film an even bigger treasure to behold.

Paterson (Adam Driver) is a bus driver in the city of Paterson, New Jersey who secretly likes to write poetry. Every day, Paterson follows a simple routine that suits his mundane lifestyle. He wakes up to his creatively ambitious wife Laura (Golshifteh Farahani) and his dog Marvin, eats his breakfast, walks the same path to work, drives the same daily bus route, eats dinner and walks the dog thru the city and takes a moment to stop at the local bar and have a beer on his way home. Life is simple and that’s the way Paterson prefers it. Each passing moment offers Paterson a chance to expand his secret book of poetry which is comprised of intimate experiences in his life. A matchbox or a thought or a simple calm breeze can spark the creative juices within this brilliant mind, however, Paterson doesn’t FEEL brilliant.

Paterson likes life with very little disruption, Laura’s world is ever changing. Each supports the other in their creative endeavors, but it’s Laura who needs to chip away at Paterson’s timid persona to help him envision a world where everyone gets to enjoy his poetry as much as he does. This is life, daily life, for Paterson, but when faced with a moment of disruption that throws off the balance of his life, it will take a soul searching event to climb back to his comfort and regain a normality to his tiny piece of the world.

Jim Jarmusch has created another masterpiece for us to treasure for decades to come. The delicate telling of this beautifully written film plays like an insiders look into one man’s existence, but the truly exceptional part of the journey is that you become engrossed within the frames of the film and begin to see life thru the eyes of this wonderful character. Adam Driver is exceptional as the titular character. There are multitudes of complicated layers within this character that you see fighting to surface, but the struggle of keeping this uneventful life on course seems to control every aspect of his existence. Golshifteh Farahani is a vision and the one counter aspect to Paterson’s life. Her performance is a peaceful, and yet, disruptive force within the film that adds humor, compassion and love that acts like a sanctuary for her counterpart.

Overall, Paterson is one of Jim Jarmusch‘s finest moments and a movie that offers many interpretations for it’s viewers. This movie is one of the best films of the year and one the best films this decade.

Stars

4 out of 5

After Credit Scene?

No

Trailer:

Review: ‘Patriot’s Day’

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The terror attack on the 2013 Boston Marathon is the subject of the new Peter Berg movie Patriot’s Day, a story of one cities courage and strength in the face of adversity. The film follows the attack and the events following as the FBI and Boston police begin the manhunt for the people responsible for the senseless act. Mark Wahlberg leads an all star cast in this powerful rendition that will give you a first hand account of the men and women behind the scenes work that brought the terrorists to justice.

Tommy Saunders (Mark Wahlberg) is a Boston police officer at the center of the action after brothers Dzhokhar Tsarnaev (Alex Wolff) and Tamerlan Tsarnaev (Themo Melikidze) plant man made bombs at the finish line of the Boston Marathon killing and wounding spectators and participants. Following the events, Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis (John Goodman), Richard DesLauriers, Special Agent in the FBI’s Boston field office (Kevin Bacon) and Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick (Michael Beach) assemble a task force to hunt down those responsible for the heinous attack. We’re introduced to victims of the attacks including Jessica Kensky (Rachel Brosnahan) and Patrick Downes (Christopher O’Shea), a young married couple injured during at the finish line, Officer Sean Collier (Jake Picking), a young MIT security guard who encounters the brothers on the run and Dun Meng (Jimmy O. Yang), a young Chinese native abducted by the brothers during their escape and Watertown Police Sergeant Jeffrey Pugliese (J.K. Simmons), one of the men responsible in the completion of the manhunt. Each story gives us insight into the effects the attacks had on a multitude of people throughout the Greater Boston area.

Director Peter Berg, a veteran to strong telling of dramatic content, provides a carefully crafted telling of the events by focusing on the emotional aspect of those effected without over politicizing. It allows the audience to experience the aftermath of a horrific attack and the work that goes into catching the bombers. The pace is thrilling and the acting is superb. Patriots Day is a wonderful film that honors the men and women of Boston and the strength of that great city. It’s a film not to be missed.

Stars:

4 out of 5

After Credit Scene?

No

Trailer:

Review: ‘Monster Trucks’

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Director Chris Wedge (Epic) makes the jump from animation to live action with Monster Trucks, a film looking to resurrect the 1980s family creature features for a new generation of movie goers. The story, conceived by former Paramount Pictures president Adam Goodman, with the help of his four year old son, is ludicrous to say the least, but just entertaining enough to hold the attention of younger audiences.

This is Tripp (Lucas Till), a high school kid looking to get out of his small town and find his place in this big world. Tripp works at a junk yard and likes to tinker around with cars, especially working on his custom monster truck. After an accident at a nearby oil-drilling site, a peculiar creatures finds its way into the junk yard and into Tripp’s life. This squid-like creature seems harmless enough and really loves the taste of oil, so Tripp decides to hide him from an oil company hit squad looking to take the creature back to their lab. Seeing as Creech (that’s what we’re calling the thing) likes his truck, Tripp decides to make the truck into a true “Monster” truck fully powered by Creech. With the help of book nerd and love interest Meredith(Jane Levy) and a scientist Dr Bill Dowd (Thomas Lennon), Tripp must help Creech rescue his parents from Reece Tenneson (Rob Lowe) and return them back to their home beneath the ground.

Monster Trucks isn’t a bad film by any stretch, but nor is it a good film. The premise may sound ridiculous, and it is, but the cast is likeable enough and the overall story of humans destroying the planet for oil and profit regardless of what they disturb in the process is a topic that provides a real world learning experience for audiences. The major fault of the film is it lacks the human element of emotional connection and opts for a more action-centric approach. There’s a lot to be desired about Creech and his love for oil and speed, but there was a real “E.T.” opportunity between Tripp and Creech that was overlooked.

Overall, Monster Trucks isn’t going to win any awards, but it might entertain your children and that’s really all that matters with these films.

Stars:

2 out of 5

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Review: ‘Live By Night’- An American Crime Drama from Ben Affleck

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Oscar winner Ben Affleck (Argo) directs and stars in Live By Night, an American crime drama about a young man from Boston and his desire for revenge. The film is based on the award-winning best-seller by Dennis Lehane and is written for the screen by Affleck himself. A film that starts with a lot of promise but quickly loses steam and struggles to make it to the finish.

Joe Coughlin (Ben Affleck) is the son of a Boston Police Deputy Superintendent, a WWI vet, and an outlaw. He’s a man with a good heart who seems destined for a better path, but it’s his anti-establishment ways that keep him in business for himself. Joe works with a loyal crew including Dion (Chris Messina), a close friend who’s got Joe’s back under any condition. Joe falls for Emma (Sienna Miller), the girlfriend of Irish gangster Albert White (Robert Glenister) and the two have a secret love affair, but when the gangster finds out, it forces Joe to make some life changing decisions. Driven by a need to right the wrongs committed against him, Joe accepts an alliance with the Italian mob and a move to Tampa with his crew to run the rum business there. But every decision comes at a cost as does the price of revenge, and Joe is about to find out just how much.

Live By Night, on the surface, is an enjoyable enough gangster film. An all star cast including Zoe Saldana, Sienna Miller, Chris Cooper, Brendan Gleeson and Elle Fanning do their best to provide insight into their personal piece of the elaborate puzzle, and each actor does an admirable job to help bring their character arc to fulfillment, but Ben Affleck tries to navigate thru the myriad of storylines he’s created and ultimately leaves the story winded and the characters unfulfilling.

Overall, the film sets out to tell a gangster story and it does just that, but the journey is long and tiresome and loses it’s muster about halfway thru. Should you see it? Sure, but don’t expect the next Godfather, for that it is not.

Stars:

3 out of 5

After Credit Scene?

No

Trailer:

Review: ‘Silence’- The Journey of Faith is a Rough One

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Martin Scorsese returns to cinemas with Silence, a passion project that’s been in development for over 25 years. This epic historical drama is based on the 1966 novel of the same name by Shūsaku Endō follows two 17th century Jesuit priests who travel from Portugal to Japan in order to locate their missing mentor and spread the word of God. A film about those who have questioned their faith from time to time and those who would sacrifice their lives in the name of it. A powerful movie that is anything but silent.

Father Cristóvão Ferreira (Liam Neeson) has been spreading the word of God under threats of his life in Japan when his communication runs silent. His two pupils Father Sebastião Rodrigues (Andrew Garfield) and Father Francisco Garupe (Adam Driver) set out to Japan to dispel the notion that Father Ferreira committed apostasy and learn of his fate. On their travels they meet Kichijiro (Yosuke Kubozuka), an alcoholic fisherman who has fled Japan and now begs to return. Kichijiro agrees to become their guide and help them find sanctuary in the hostile land while they learn of the location of their mentor. The priests arrive to Japan to learn that the local Christian population has been driven into hiding for fear of their lives.

Seeing that their influence is needed, Fathers Rodrigues and Garupe begin helping the natives reclaim their faith in the Lord until the inquisitor arrives at the village and demands information about any suspected Christians. Seeing first hand the brutality that the countrymen face for their faith, The two priests split up in hopes to find Father Ferreira, but they face the harsh conditions of living in secret which leads Rodrigues into imprisonment. While under the guard of the Samurai, he is expected to denounce his faith and set an example for those imprisoned for believing in Christianity that they must also denounce God. Rodrigues begins to question the motives of God for the suffering of the Japanese people. Soon, it is his own faith that will be tested and his will to do what’s right over what he believes the Lord would want.

Silence is a tale of choice, of sacrifice and of self preservation. It’s a film deeply woven into the history of Catholicism that highlights the trials and tribulations that these priests and their followers endured. Martin Scorsese’s brilliant storytelling delicately parallels the suffering of the Jesuit priests and those of the apostles of Christs time and delves into the psyche of the faithful and those questioning theirs. Andrew Garfield is brilliant as Fathers Rodrigues and brings an intense, emotional performance to the film that truly encapsulates the emotional journey the young priest endures. Adam Driver is a wonderful supporting performance and creates a moral reference point for which all other characters in the film can be judged. Yosuke Kubozuka’s character is a brilliant representation of humanity and it’s struggle with faith. Kubozuka is chilling and delivers a truly thought provoking performance. Liam Neeson‘s presence is otherworldly and commands the screen when he’s present. The actor says more in his expression and delivers some astonishingly personal dialogue that capture the true essence of the situation they are all facing.

Overall, Silence is a treasure. It’s a film that will leave you deep in thought and questioning the strength of your own faith. Scorsese does it again.

Stars:

4 out of 5

After Credit Scene?

No

Trailer:

Review: Don’t get trapped in ‘The Snare’

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C.A. Cooper’s first feature length film debut, The Snare, is the story of Alice (Eaoifa Forward) who heads out to a vacant vacation complex for a drunken weekend, with her friend Lizzy (Rachel Warren) and her boyfriend Carl (Dan Paton). Despite the fact that they were knowingly trespassing, they didn’t expect the hell that they would soon be trapped in. This is the story of those who have fallen into a trap, and I want to make sure you don’t follow in their foot steps.

This is a film that had great ideas however, they were poorly executed. There were scenes within the film that were great, and scenes that were terrible, and in all honestly just needed to be cleaned up. The film didn’t appear to have a huge budget and it showed in different places through out, for example there was plastic patio furniture in the kitchen, and it didn’t make sense considering the overall quality of the apartment. There are many independent horror films out there with small budgets that are still great due to their creativity; The Snare just didn’t quite reach that mark. For someone who loves the horror genre, this film at times can feel rather frustrating, because you see the shell of an unnerving film, however the meat within it just wasn’t good.

[Spoilers Ahead]

The film clearly had a deeper meaning behind what was occurring within Alice’s mind. We see that her father in the beginning of the story has no boundaries like a father normally would around his own daughter, which purposefully makes the audience uneasy. We are then introduce to Lizzy, who is supposedly her friend, and Lizzy’s boyfriend Carl, who shows clear parallels to Alice’s father’s perversions. Alice seems like a quiet and together girl, and her friend Lizzy does not share those same characteristics; in a lot of ways their friendship doesn’t make that much sense, such as Lizzy stealing keys to a vacation apartment that isn’t hers and Alice just kind of goes along with it. Once they realize they are stuck on one of the upper floors of the building with no practical escape, the story became slightly more interesting. When we begin to see what’s occurring in Alice’s mind, there wasn’t a natural build of suspense, but instead the film relied heavily on the jump scares, which is kind of a disappointment. The best moments of the film happen closer to the end, but even the ending it’s self didn’t finish very strong.

The film overall was underwhelming. The acting did hugely improve as the film went on, however I believe it really could of been better if select parts of the story had been done differently. The overall theme that I think C.A. Cooper was aiming for, was interesting; I did like the dark parallels between Alice’s home life and their entrapment within the apartment, as well as the eerie music. For some the good may out weigh the bad, however it is not a horror film that I would recommend.

2 1/2 out of 5 stars.

Uncork’d Entertainment’s British horror flick, The Snare will be release in theaters and VOD on January 6th, 2017.

Review: ‘Assassin’s Creed’- The Best Video Game Adaptation Yet!

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Video game properties have not been very successful in their transitions to Hollywood films, but Assassin’s Creed hopes to change all that as 20th Century Fox set to release their highly anticipated film this Christmas. This action packed thriller is set in the same universe as the video games but features an original story that expands the series’ mythology. Will Assassin’s Creed win over gamers and regular audiences alike or will the complexity of the story be lost on those unfamiliar with the popular game?

Callum Lynch (Michael Fassbender) is a man who has reached the end of the line. Having faced the death of his mother at the hands of his own father, Cal has lived a life of crime that has lead him to a stay on death row. After having his execution stage by Abstergo Industries, the modern-day incarnation of the Templar Order lead by Alan Rikkin (Jeremy Irons) and daughter, scientist Sophia Rikkin (Marion Cotillard), Cal learns of his family lineage which dates back hundreds of years to the Assassin’s Creed, a group of fighters sworn to protect an ancient artifact. Cal  is forced to participate in the Animus Project, a device which helps him link with his ancestor Aguilar de Nerha, an Assassin in the time of the Spanish Inquisition, and relive this memories in order to locate the ancient artifact. As Cal continues to experience Aguilar’s memories, he begins to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to confront the Templars in the present day and help stop them from locating the artifact that will allow the Rikkin’s to control free will.

Director Justin Kurzel makes up for the films lack of a coherent story and has elected for a visually stunning action film that overcomes its shortcomings to be very entertaining. Michael Fassbender embodies Aguilar and his ancestor Cal as if he is playing a Jekyll and Hyde of sorts. The highly regarded actor is lacking in the need to deliver any dialogue of merit, but his presence alone speaks volumes in the action sequences. Marion Cotillard and Jeremy Irons, two stellar actors who are underwhelming in the powerful adversary category which is where the film begins to lose its luster. The action sequences and cinematography when the focus is on Aguilar are breathtaking and some of the best you’ll ever seen on screen, but as we witness the transformation of Cal into assassin, there’s little in the modern world to compete.

Overall, Assassin’s Creed is highly entertaining with it’s action packed fight sequences and it’s visual effects, but the story is lacking at times which ultimately leads to a conclusion that may leave some wanting more. Still, it’s a franchise that has promise and should be given an opportunity to continue. Let’s just try and use the talents of these wonderful actors a bit better shall we?

Stars:

3 out of 5

After Credit Scene?

Trailer:

Review: ‘Passengers’- Take a Trip into the Unknown with Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence

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A science fiction love story, set on a starship starring Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt should be as bulletproof as Superman, but as we’ve learned in the past, looks can be deceiving. Passengers, directed by Morten Tyldum (The Imitation Game), is one of the most anticipated films of the holiday season, built up by a cleverly suspenseful trailer campaign and starring the two most beloved stars in Hollywood. As with their journey in the film, the movie starts off with a lot of promise, but quickly finds itself relying on the strengths of its cast to drive it home. Is the film worth your trip to the theater?

Jim Preston (Chris Pratt) and Aurora Lane (Jennifer Lawrence) are two of 5,000 passengers traveling in hibernation aboard the starship Avalon to the new colony of Homestead II. A 120 year journey that neither of them would know anything about, until an  unexpected event causes a malfunction in Jim’s pod, waking him 90 years too soon. Aurora would soon follow, leaving the two travelers alone together, trying to find a way to put themselves back into hibernation. The mystery surrounding Aurora’s pod is a major plot point in the film and one I will gloss over to save you a spoiler, but it works well, I assure you. Left only with the company of themselves and an android bartender named Arthur (Michael Sheen), Jim and Aurora find themselves accepting the hard truth that they may live out their lives together, alone on this starship, and never reach their intended destination. The two find themselves quickly falling for one another. When the continued malfunctions of the ship become apparently more frequent, Jim and Aurora must use their strengths to follow the clues and locate the problems before the ship is destroyed, but will the mystery surrounding their awakening become the thing that destroys them?

Over everything else, Passengers is a character driven film set in a science fiction universe; this helps makes the chemistry between Pratt and Lawrence work so well. Each actor encounters the agony of being alone and the inherent understanding that human beings need companionship to survive and to what ends you will go to achieve that need. Both Pratt and Lawrence are on top of their game and deliver performances that will ultimately save the film; I say save because the second half of the film is where the story begins to lose you. Plot holes lead to sloppy build up which leads to a conclusion that should feel satisfying, but falls just short of the mark.

Overall, Passengers is a long winded journey into space that stumbles over its missed opportunities but gets you there in the end. Worth the wait? Hardly, but still worth the trip to the theater.

Stars:

2 1/2 out of 5

After Credit Scene?

None

Trailer: