‘Joy’ trailer starring Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper & Robert Deniro

Posted on by — Leave a reply

JoyJOY opens in theaters everywhere December 25, 2015!

Release: December 25, 2015
Director: David O. Russell
Screenplay by David O. Russell; Story by: Annie Mumolo and David O. Russell
Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Edgar Ramirez, Diane Ladd, Virginia Madsen, Isabella Rossellini, Elisabeth Röhm, Dascha Polanco and Bradley Cooper

SYNOPSIS

JOY is the wild story of a family across four generations centered on the girl who becomes the woman who founds a business dynasty and becomes a matriarch in her own right. Betrayal, treachery, the loss of innocence and the scars of love, pave the road in this intense emotional and human comedy about becoming a true boss of family and enterprise facing a world of unforgiving commerce. Allies become adversaries and adversaries become allies, both inside and outside the family, as Joy’s inner life and fierce imagination carry her through the storm she faces. Jennifer Lawrence stars, with Robert De Niro, Bradley Cooper, Edgar Ramirez, Isabella Rossellini, Diane Ladd, Virginia Madsen , Elisabeth Röhm and Dascha Polanco. Like David O. Russell’s previous films, Joy defies genre to tell a story of family, loyalty, and love.

JOY Official Channels
SITE: www.JoyMovie.com
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/JoyTheMovie
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/JoyTheMovie
INSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/JoyTheMovie
OFFICIAL HASHTAG: #JoyMovie

Chris Rock returns to host the next Academy Awards

Posted on by — Leave a reply

Oscarschris rock

Multi-hyphenate artist and filmmaker Chris Rock will return to host the Oscars® for a second time, producers David Hill and Reginald Hudlin announced today.  The 88th Academy Awards® will be broadcast live on Oscar® Sunday, February 28, 2016, on the ABC Television Network.  Rock previously hosted the 77th Oscars telecast in 2005.

“Chris Rock is truly the MVP of the entertainment industry,” said Hill and Hudlin. “Comedian, actor, writer, producer, director, documentarian – he’s done it all.  He’s going to be a phenomenal Oscar host!”

“I’m so glad to be hosting the Oscars,” said Rock. “It’s great to be back.”

“We share David and Reggie’s excitement in welcoming Chris, whose comedic voice has really defined a generation,” said Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs.  “He is certain to bring his amazing array of talents to this year’s show.”

“Chris may be best known as a stand-up comic, but we think of him as a creative innovator in many other ways. He is unafraid in his artistry,” said Academy CEO Dawn Hudson.  “We couldn’t be happier to welcome him back to the Oscars.”

“Chris Rock is a comedic powerhouse who will bring tremendous energy to the event, and we’re honored to have him,” said Paul Lee, President ABC Entertainment Group.

With a career spanning more than three decades, Rock most recently directed the comedy special “Amy Schumer: Live at the Apollo,” which premiered this month on HBO.  In 2014 he wrote, directed and starred in the critically acclaimed feature “Top Five,” and in 2009 ventured into the documentary world as a writer, producer and star of “Good Hair.”

Rock has enjoyed ongoing success in both film and television as a comedian, actor, writer, producer and director.  His feature acting credits include “I Think I Love My Wife,” which he also wrote and directed, “Head of State” (writer, producer and director), “Death at a Funeral” (also producer), and the first three films in the blockbuster “Madagascar” series, as the voice of Marty.  His other acting credits include “The Longest Yard,” “Nurse Betty,” “2 Days in New York” and “Lethal Weapon 4.”  In 2011 Rock made his Broadway debut starring in “The Motherfucker with the Hat,” which was nominated for six Tony Awards®, including Best Play.  In television, Rock created, executive produced and narrated the series “Everybody Hates Chris,” which ran from 2005 to 2009 and was inspired by Rock’s childhood.  He was a cast member on “Saturday Night Live” from 1990 to 1993.

Known internationally for his groundbreaking stand-up comedy, Rock has won four Emmy® Awards for his comedy series and specials, including “Chris Rock – Kill the Messenger,” “The Chris Rock Show” and “Chris Rock: Bring the Pain,” and has achieved record audience numbers around the world.  He also has earned three Grammy® Awards for his comedy albums Never Scared, Bigger and Blacker and Roll with the New.

The 88th Oscars will be held on Sunday, February 28, 2016, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be televised live by the ABC Television Network at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.  The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

Final Trailer for ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ Has Arrived!

Posted on by — Leave a reply

1E6F3277-B5B0-4BEC-AC53-84DE96452D98The brand new trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens debuted last night on ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” during halftime of the National Football League game between the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles in Philadelphia and we have it for you below!

Lucasfilm and visionary director J.J. Abrams join forces to take you back again to a galaxy far, far away as Star Wars returns to the big screen with Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

 The film stars Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew and Max Von Sydow. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams and Bryan Burk are producing with Tommy Harper and Jason McGatlin serving as executive producers. The screenplay is by Lawrence Kasdan & J.J. Abrams and Michael Arndt.

Tickets to the highly anticipated cinematic event are now on sale everywhere tickets are sold. For more information, visit http://StarWars.com.

Records & Red Lipstick: Covergirl ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ Limited Edition Collection

Posted on by — Leave a reply

Star Wars Makeup. Seriously.

I’m a child of the 80’s and always loved the Star Wars movies.  I watched them on VHS tapes, mimicked Darth Vader in box fans, and had a pretty good impression of a Tauntaun walk. I was disappointed, along with the rest of the world, in the three prequel movies in the 2000’s, but I have high hopes for the newest movies. Being a lover of all things makeup, I obviously was excited to see that CoverGirl was coming out with a Limited Edition collection for The Force Awakens.


I tried finding the collection at a few midtown NYC Duane Reade’s but had no luck (does anyone ever find collections in NYC drugstores? I never have luck. Only me?). Thankfully, most of the collection is available on Walgreens.com, so I placed an order (which, I might add was delivered within 36 hours, so that was crazy).The collection includes:

  • Super Sizer Waterproof Mascara – The Light Side (1 shade)
  • Super Sizer Mascara – The Dark Side (1 shade)
  • Outlast Nail Polish (6 shades)
  • Colorlicious Lipstick (6 shades)

Unfortunately, when I ordered from Walgreens, the nail polish wasn’t available, so I didn’t get any of those. I’m not a huge fan of waterproof, so I just picked up The Dark Side mascara. It is not my cup of tea. Though the color is nice and dark, it doesn’t give a lot of volume. I’ll likely use it for simple day looks or to use on my lower lashes.

I also picked up three of the lipsticks (R-L):

Silver is more of an icy pink. It goes on fairly sheer, but it builds up. I actually liked how it looked when I had only one layer on. It was sheer enough to see my natural lip color through, but it still gave a cool frosty silver glimmer. It took about four layers to get to where I thought was totally opaque.

Red is a deep burgundy with gold shimmer and Purple is deep and wearable with a touch of frost. Both of these were super pigmented and opaque on one swipe. Overall, I like the colors a lot. There are a couple of things about these lipsticks however, that will keep me from wearing these lipsticks often. First, these feel almost gritty. I can feel the texture on these and that drives me crazy. The other is the smell/taste of the lipsticks. It is very strong, chemically smell and taste. I had to take it off immediately. It has been a long time since I bought a CoverGirl lipstick, do they all smell like this? It’s a shame because I do like the colors of these.

Here are swatches of the three I own.

L-R: Red 30, Silver 10, Purple 50
L-R: Red 30, Silver 10, Purple 50
Currently Wearing: 
Bite Beauty Luminous Créme Lipstick in Pomegranate
Currently Listening to:

Follow me: 

Instagram: RecordsAndRedLipstick
Twitter: @RecordsRedLips
Pinterest: Records & Red Lipstick

Disclaimer: This post contains my own opinion. I have not been sent these items for consideration and/or review. 

h/t: Records & Red Lipstick

9 movies from the New York Film Festival you can watch this fall

Posted on by — Leave a reply

NYFF 53 banner

Philippe Petit (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) in TriStar Pictures' THE WALK.

Philippe Petit (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) in TriStar Pictures’ THE WALK.

The Walk – In theaters now

[imdb id=”tt3488710″ plot=”short”]

Truly a Robert Zemeckis film, The Walk is best watched as Liz and I did – IMAX 3D. Even those with only a slight fear of heights will be kept pinned to their seats, gripping the armchair, as we both did. There’s so much to appreciate about people who have dreams.

 

ST. JAMES PLACEBridge of Spies – in theaters now

[imdb id=”tt3682448″ plot=”short”]

 

EXPERIMENTER-2Experimenter – in theaters & VOD now

[imdb id=”tt3726704″ plot=”short”]

The story behind the story, Experimenter tells the tale of the man as he begins the most famous of his experiments. With several high-profile cameos, director Michael Almereyda uses several creative ways to punch up ordinary scenes.

 

 

Heart of a DogHeart of a Dog – in theaters October 21st

[imdb id=”tt4935446″ plot=”short”]

Michael Stuhlbarg, Michael Fassbender, Kate Winslet Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs – nationwide October 23rd

[imdb id=”tt2080374″ plot=”short”]

Liz’s non-iPhone user review here!

 

Brooklyn-2Brooklyn – in theaters November 6th

[imdb id=”tt2381111″ plot=”short”]

 

MIA MADRE_1304Mia Madre – in theaters November 6th

[imdb id=”tt3013610″ plot=”short”]

Liz loved it! Find out why in her review!

 

Ingrid Bergman In Her Own Words-1

Ingrid Bergman – In Her Own Words – in theaters November 13th

[imdb id=”tt4621016″ plot=”short”]

Liz tells you why you’ll love the personal story of the Hollywood starlet in her review!

 

(L-R) KYLE CHANDLER and CATE BLANCHETT star in CAROL

(L-R) KYLE CHANDLER and CATE BLANCHETT star in CAROL

Carol – in theaters December 18th

[imdb id=”tt2402927″ plot=”short”]

What did I think of it? Find out in my review!

Final ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ Trailer Coming Next Week!

Posted on by — Leave a reply

Screen_Shot_2015-04-16_at_1.38.59_PM.0

According to Screen Crush, the wait if finally over Star Wars fans, the new trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens will debut on Monday October 19th! You will also be able to pre-order tickets for the film starting the same day for the December 18 release.

Also, the trailer will air during a special Star Wars themed Monday Night Football on Disney-owned ESPN. The trailer is expected to debut during halftime and tickets pre-sales will go live approximately at the same time. The promotion will include an “opening crawl” for the football game and Star Wars themed on-screen graphics (fans in attendance will also be able to watch the trailer on the stadium’s Jumbotron). Even the ESPN fantasy app will be updated with Star Wars avatars and graphics. You might also want to stay near your computer on Sunday morning for the debut of the official Star Wars: The Force Awakens poster and throughout the day for some additional items.

The trailer is also expected to hit theaters on November 6 with the new James Bond film Spectre.

Disney Pixar Reveals ‘Sanjay’s Super Team’ in this New Clip

Posted on by — Leave a reply

Snjy-big

The first clip from the Disney Pixar’s short film Sanjay’s Super Team is now available and we have it for you below!

In Sanjay’s Super Team, the new short film from Pixar Animation Studios, accomplished artist Sanjay Patel uses his own experience to tell the story of a young, first-generation Indian-American boy whose love for western pop culture comes into conflict with his father’s traditions. Sanjay is absorbed in the world of cartoons and comics, while his father tries to draw him into the traditions of his Hindu practice. Tedium and reluctance quickly turn into an awe-inspiring adventure as the boy embarks on a journey he never imagined, returning with a new perspective that they can both embrace.

Sanjay’s Super Team opens in theaters on November 25, 2015, in front of Disney Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur.

The Walking Dead’s Lauren Cohan Encounters ‘The Boy’ in this Terrifying New Trailer

Posted on by — Leave a reply

The boy

STX Entertainment and Lakeshore Entertainment have released the first trailer for the terrifying new film The Boy from director William Brent Bell (The Devil Inside) and starring Lauren Cohan (“The Walking Dead”). You can view the trailer below!

Greta (Cohan) is a young American woman who takes a job as a nanny in a remote English village, only to discover that the family’s 8-year-old is a life-sized doll that the parents care for just like a real boy, as a way to cope with the death of their actual son 20 years prior. After violating a list of strict rules, a series of disturbing and inexplicable events bring Greta’s worst nightmare to life, leading her to believe that the doll is actually alive.

The film also stars Rupert Evans, Jim Norton, Diana Hardcastle, Ben Robson and James Russell

The Boy will scare audiences nationwide on January 22, 2016.

TheBoyMovie.Tumblr.com

Facebook.com/TheBoyMovie

Twitter.com/TheBoyMovie

Instagram.com/TheBoyMovie

Quentin Tarantino Says He Will Release Two Different Versions of ‘The Hateful Eight’

Posted on by — Leave a reply

hateful8.0.0

We are only two months away from the release of Quentin Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight and some interesting news regarding two different versions of the film has been unearthed in a recent interview with Variety. Tarantino previously announced the intention of releasing the film as a  limited roadshow engagement this holiday season with the film being presented in Ultra Panavision 70mm, but now we find out that that version of the film will be different from the one being released just a few weeks later in multiplexes.

Tarantino had this to say:

“The roadshow version has an overture and an intermission, and it will be three hours, two minutes. The multiplex version is about six minutes shorter, not counting the intermission time, which is about 12 minutes.”

The director clarified that he was not ordered to cut the theatrical version down, but rather wanted to make the roadshow a unique experience with a little more meat. But that doesn’t mean you’ll see a weaker version in multiplexes, rather, a “different” experience. As Tarantino states, he didn’t want to “treat the multiplex release like this left-handed version, either,” he said. So he tweaked certain scenes to better suit the separate viewing experiences.:

“The 70 is the 70,” he said. “You’ve paid the money. You’ve bought your ticket. So you’re there. I’ve got you. But I actually changed the cutting slightly for a couple of the multiplex scenes because it’s not that. Now it’s on Showtime Extreme. You’re watching it on TV and you just kind of want to watch a movie on your couch. Or you’re at Hot Dog on a Stick and you just want to catch a movie.”

The sequences in question play in “big, long, cool, unblinking takes” in the 70mm version, Tarantino said. “It was awesome in the bigness of 70, but sitting on your couch, maybe it’s not so awesome. So I cut it up a little bit. It’s a little less precious about itself.”

The Hateful Eight roadshow is to play in 100 theaters when it opens Dec. 25.

 

Review: ‘ROOM’ is gut-wrenching and extraordinary.

Posted on by — 1 Comment ↓
 
Presents
ROOM_hires_rgbWhat would you do to protect the ones you love? What sacrifices would you make to ensure their health and safety? ROOM pushes our “what if’s” to the brink and asks us to take a leap of faith into this harrowing story of a mother and son.
ROOM tells the extraordinary story of Jack (Jacob Tremblay in a breakout performance), a spirited 5 year-old who is looked after by his loving and devoted Ma (Brie Larson, SHORT TERM 12, TRAINWRECK). Like any good mother, Ma dedicates herself to keeping Jack happy and safe, nurturing him with warmth and love and doing typical things like playing games and telling stories. Their life, however, is anything but typical-they are trapped-confined to a windowless, 10-by-10-foot space, which Ma has euphemistically named “Room.” Ma has created a whole universe for Jack within Room, and she will stop at nothing to ensure that, even in this treacherous environment, Jack is able to live a complete and fulfilling life. But as Jack’s curiosity about their situation grows, and Ma’s resilience reaches its breaking point, they enact a risky plan to escape, ultimately bringing them face-to-face with what may turn out to be the scariest thing yet: the real world. ROOM also stars three-time Academy Award® nominee Joan Allen and Academy Award® nominee William H. Macy.
 At once a taut narrative of captivity and freedom, an imaginative trip into the wonders of childhood, and a profound portrait of a family’s bonds and fortitude, ROOM is a beautifully transcendent experience based on the award-winning global bestseller by Emma Donoghue. Director Lenny Abrahamson (FRANK) remains faithful to the novel while bringing Jack, Ma and their entirely singular world to heart-pounding and intensely cinematic life. ROOM demonstrates the triumphant power of familial love even in the darkest of circumstances, and is sure to take its place among the most emotionally affecting films to ever explore the bond between parents and children.
ROOM_DAY22-0113_rgbThis film will leave you in tears. There is absolutely no getting around it. Sitting in a small screening room filled with all ages and stages of critics, at various points in the film, people, including myself, were weeping. ROOM takes hold of you and never lets go. It forces you to face your own fears, (albeit, mostly irrational) and think about what you would do if you were in Ma’s position. Should she have tried sooner to get Jack to safety? Was her decision to craft a special world just for Jack the right one? Hopefully, we will never have to answer such questions. I am very glad that Emma Donoghue was able to adapt her own words for the  big screen. In speaking to some audience members that had read the novel, they admitted that the book tore their hearts out. They were amazed at Donahue’s skill in bringing these characters to life and found it to be even more effective on film. Other book fans were so affected by the novel, that they couldn’t even bring themselves to see the film. I encourage them to be brave. It is worth every gut-wrenching moment.  Bravo to Lenny Abrahamson for a gorgeously structured movie. FRANK was a complete gem and he has another total success in ROOM.
ROOM_DAY8-0044_rgbBrie Larson‘s performance as Ma is stunning. Her ability to span emotions in each scene is elegant and engrossing. This is one of the least glamorous roles an actress could receive and yet, Larson is somehow able to show the beauty of her struggle to remain sane in a scenario that is unimaginable. She should not be overlooked come awards season. Joan Allen as Larson’s mother is just lovely. Finding out that you’re a Grandma and having to adjust to the unknown, well, Allen made it look easy. Wiiliam H. Macy, ever the star, has the uncanny ability to make you love him, hate him, and completely understand where he is coming from with a mere glance. Now… let’s talk about our Jack. Jacob Tremblay gives the kind of performance one might expect from a 45 year old Oscar winner. Jacob turned 9 on October 5th. He was 8 when production began in November 2014. Jacob gives one of the most honest and insightful performances I have ever seen from anyone, let alone a child actor. Each moment feels fresh,completely unrehearsed or false. Tremblay has a long and brilliant career ahead of him. I hope, for the sake of wonderful storytelling, he chooses to continue this path. We, as an audience, would be privileged to watch him grow.

Opening October 16th in New York

At Angelika and AMC Loews Lincoln Square 13 

The film will expand nationwide on November 6th!!

Find out what happens when people experience ‘The Ghost Dimension’ unexpectedly!

Posted on by — Leave a reply

Screen Shot 2015-10-14 at 5.54.33 PM[1]Paramount Pictures wants you to find out what happens when  unsuspecting people are invited to an open house, and end up experiencing The Ghost Dimension! Check out the video below…

https://youtu.be/P7a6vxxZdtQ

Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension is in theaters October 23, 2015!

https://www.facebook.com/paranormalactivity
https://twitter.com/tweetyourscream
https://www.youtube.com/user/ParanormalActivity
https://instagram.com/paranormalmovie/

#ShareYourScare

Snapchat: ParanormalMovie

Review: ‘MEADOWLAND’ drives Olivia Wilde to the brink.

Posted on by — Leave a reply

Meadowland poster

How does one cope after the loss of a child? Do marriages survive? Can we be saved? These are all questions in an intense script lead by a masterful performance from Olivia Wilde. Sarah and Phil’s son goes missing, shattering their life together and forcing each to find their own way to cope. Cinematographer-turned-director Reed Morano presents a masterfully crafted contemplation on a relationship strained to the breaking point. Olivia Wilde and Luke Wilson capture the unraveling emotions with remarkable power, alongside Kevin Corrigan, John Leguizamo, Elisabeth Moss, Giovanni Ribisi, Juno Temple, and Merritt Wever. Read More →

Review: ‘Back in Time’- A Look Back at 30 Years of ‘Back to the Future’

Posted on by — Leave a reply

Back-in-Time-Poster

The Back to the Future trilogy is one of the most important film franchises in history and one that is near and dear to my heart. This year not only marks the 30th anniversary of the original film’s release, but it’s also the celebration of the day Marty arrived in the future (October 21st, 2015), a day many fans have been waiting to arrive. To mark the occasion, a new documentary entitled Back in Time, directed by Jason Aron, is arriving and it brings together cast, crew and fans of the films to discuss the trilogies impact on society and it’s legacy within the history of film.

BIT-Still-cars

What started as a concept quickly gained steam when the film team decided to use a Kickstarter campaign to get the funds to make this film. Quickly, over 600 backers soon helped make Aron’s dream a reality and the team had their money to make the film. Much of the film focuses on the DeLorean time machine as the crew travels across America finding collectors and discussing the concept of being a Back to the Future collector. Discussions with some of the lucky DeLorean owners quickly turns from a discussion about the car itself, to an understanding of the impact the films have had on the collectors as well as their loved ones. Each story has a uniqueness from each other as the film team has collected super fans who use the cars not only as a way to satifsy a want in their life, but as a way to help raise awareness for the Michael J Fox foundation.

BIT-Huey Lewis

Along with the collectors, the team was able to explore some of the ways that the fandom is taken to another level. A look at Secret Cinemas Back to the Future event, which took place in London in 2014, shows the sheer magnitude of what super fans will go to to recreate the world of their favorite movie. The event included a replica of Hill Valley along with a viewing of the film on the facade of the clock tower. The crew also spoke with people inspired by the proposed technology of Back to the Future II, one company in particular, Hendo Hoverboards, is working to and has created a real life Hoverboard! But the real treat of Back in Time was the interviews with the cast and crew.

back_in_time_still

Robert Zemeckis, Steven Spielberg and Bob Gale discussed the struggles with getting Back to the Future made. From getting a studio to make the film to recasting the lead well into production, getting Back to the Future made was one tough task. One of the interesting tidbits to come from these talks was from Zemeckis who was adamant about his feelings of future sequels in the franchise. Dan Harmon (creator of “Community”) and Adam F. Goldberg (creator of “The Goldbergs”) discussed the films impact on their careers and the properties they created. Actors Donald Fullilove, James Tolkan, Claudia Wells and Lea Thompson spoke about their experiences making the films as well as their experiences with fan interaction, but it was the interviews with Christopher Lloyd and Michael J. Fox that was really the show stealer. Hearing the two principle actors discuss the film and its production was a real treasure and one that makes Back in Time a must see film.

Back in Time is set to premier October 21, 2015 digitally, on Netlfix and at Los Angeles’ We’re Going Back celebration. The film will then travel across America from November 3 through November 24 with the 88MPH film and music tour. Event attendees will be able to enjoy the feature, a Q&A session, a concert by The Flux Capacitors, the DeLorean Time Machine, and meeting original  Back to the Future cast members. Visit Back in Time for more information.

Stars:

3 1/2 out of 5

After Credit Scenes?

There are interviews throughout the credits.

Trailer:

Review: ‘MOMENTUM’ is action packed sexiness.

Posted on by — Leave a reply
Momentum posterIn MOMENTUM, when Alex (Olga Kurylenko), an infiltration expert with a secret past, accidentally reveals her identity during what should have been a routine heist, she quickly finds herself mixed up in a government conspiracy and entangled in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse with a master assassin ( James Purefoy) and his team of killers. Armed with her own set of lethal skills, Alex looks to exact revenge for her murdered friends while uncovering the truth. The film is the feature film debut for director Stephen Campanelli, who has worked under Clint Eastwood as his camera operator for the last 15 years.
Olga Kurylenko still Momentum
Olga Kurylenko easily carries this film. Beautiful, talented, with a real Katherine Zeta-Jones quality about her, she uses her strong sexuality and smooth skills to own this role. James Purefoy as Mr. Washington is masterfully evil. His iconic tone and timbre were a perfect casting choice. Kurylenko and Purefoy are perfect foils for one another. Equally strong screen presence and matched wits. Surprise cast member as The Senator, truly the driving force behind the entire plot, is skillfully played by non other than Morgan Freeman. (So you know he’s fabulous by default.)
James purefoy still Momentum
The script is great. Fast paced, with a classic Bond quality to it, it is filled to the brim with huge action scenes, car chases, shoot outs, sly plot twists. It is pure entertainment. The more we delve into Alex’s origins, the more interesting the film is. The real shocker and reason behind all the action, revealed near the end of the film is awesome. Totally set up for a sequel, I will say right now, I would watch it. The cast is wonderful, the script is tight, overall Momentum is a winner.

In Theaters, On Demand, and iTunes October 16, 2015
Directed by Stephen S. Campanelli (Camera operator on American Sniper and Jersey Boys)
Written by Adam Marcus and Debra Sullivan (co-writers of Texas Chainsaw 3D and Conspiracy)
Starring Olga Kurylenko (Quantum of Solace, The November Man) and James Purefoy(TV’s “The Following,” TV’s “Rome”)

Die Hard 6 is Coming…with a Twist

Posted on by — Leave a reply

die-hard-1-bruce-willis

Hollywood just doesn’t know when to let a good thing die. Deadline is reporting that 20th Century Fox is developing a sixth installment into the Die Hard franchise, but with an interesting twist. Die Hard 6 is said to serve as a prequel AND a sequel and would tentatively feature the return of Bruce Willis as John McClane, but only to bookend a story set in 1979. What’s even more shocking is that producer Lorenzo Di Bonaventura is currently working with director Len Wiseman to develop the project. Wiseman, if you remember, directed the abysmal Live Free or Die Hard back in 2007 and will most likely direct the newest installment.

Die Hard 6 would focus on a young McClane during his years as a New York City police officer.

More as it becomes available

Top 10 of the 53rd New York Film Festival

Posted on by — 1 Comment ↓

NYFF 53 bannerThis year’s New York Film Festival was full of surprises. While you can always count on big names, great directors (old and new), splendid writing, and some of the most stunning cinematography, there were quite a few films that truly stood out from the pack. Here are the Top 10 films that we saw this year.

Coming soon… RND’s Top 10 Honorable Mentions and an update on Release Dates of each of the fest’s selections thus far!

In Alphabetical Order:

079

Arabian Nights: Volume 2, The Desolate One

Miguel Gomes, 2015, DCP, 131 minutes
U.S. Premiere, Entrant for Academy Award for Best Foreign Film
Unfolding in a more melancholic register, the second part of Miguel Gomes’s monumental yet light-footed magnum opus shifts tones and genres at will (deadpan neo-Western, Brechtian courtroom farce, tear-jerking melodrama), all the while treating its fantasy dimension as a path to a more meaningful truth.

LIZ

While this is the 2nd film in a series of three, this installment blew the others out of  the water. Presented in s storytelling fashion to keep a murderous king at bay, Arabian Nights 2 gives us three distinct tales. After Volume 1, I was prepared for the structure of the trilogy: Political satire meets serious political situations that occurred in Portugal from 20121-2013. Shaharazad narrates the tales intertwined with real footage and interviews of actual effected countrymen and women. The tales are downright absurd, very loosely based upon those appearing in the original Arabian Nights stories. While at times completely nonsensical, the dialogue is quippy and unapologetic in it’s farcical nature and use of profanity. These films are certainly dynamic and completely uncategorical when it  comes to a genre label. In fact, Volume 2 is being entered into the Best Foreign Language Film in this year’s Oscar race. The tale that I, by far, enjoyed the most is title “Tears of a Judge.” I want this dialogue for my very own performing purposes at some point. It is that far out there a filled with ridiculous levity.

everythingiscopy1-1600x900-c-defaultEverything Is Copy

Jacob Bernstein, 2015, DCP, 89 minutes
World Premiere
This extremely entertaining film is a tribute to director Jacob Bernstein’s mother, the sparkling but caustically witty Nora Ephron: Hollywood-raised daughter of screenwriters who grew up to be an ace reporter turned piercingly funny essayist turned novelist/screenwriter/playwright/director.

LIZ

Let me start by saying, I want to be Nora Ephron when I grow up. Jacob’s intimate portrait of his late mother, a woman we all came to love, adore, and respect is one of my favorites of the entire film festival this year. Admittedly, I am the exact target audience for this doc. 35, pregnant, writer, brash, unapologetic, ambitious. What I learned from all the footage of Nora’s life and sit down interviews with family, friends and colleagues was an insight into how I want to live my own life. While Nora was an open book through her essays and interviews in the public, she was still very much private when it came to her illness in the end, keeping it from her own children for longer than many may have deemed necessary. With beloved films like When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, Julie & Julia, and incredible books like I Feel Bad About My Neck, Ephron was a tore de force as a human and an artist. She made me feel good about my own eclectic life choices thus far. She made me feel like it was alright (in fact brilliant) to be the only girl in “boy’s club”. She proved that a mixture of boldness, outspokenness, humility, love, kindness, and admitting your faults to yourself and world is the only way to live. Everyone adored her. She was one of a kind. Everything Is Copy captures her essence perfectly.

Ingrid Bergman In Her Own Words-5Ingrid Bergman – In Her Own Words

Stig Björkman, 2015, DCP, 114 minutes
Now Available on demand
This lovingly crafted film is composed from Ingrid Bergman’s letters and diaries, the memories of her children and a few close friends and colleagues, photographs, and moments from thousands of feet of Super-8 and 16mm footage shot by Bergman herself.

Liz was delighted by this doc as well. Having not known very much about Ingrid’s life prior to the screen, she found this film to be charming and effective. Read her review here!

https://youtu.be/TEh5Nh4a9WE

lescowboys-1600x900-c-defaultLes Cowboys

Thomas Bidegain, 2015, DCP, 104 minutes
U.S. Premiere
In this unpredictable update of John Ford’s The Searchers, a father embarks on an obsessive quest to bring back his daughter, who has disappeared with her Muslim boyfriend. As the years pass and his life falls apart, the father passes the mission on to his son and the action assumes near-epic proportions as it shifts to post-9/11 Afghanistan.

LIZ

This timely look into race and religion is a two fold story of sorts. While Alain and his son, George, search for his estranged daughter, we are privy an intertwining of their search and the ramping up of Muslim extremism based around actual terror attacks. From before 9/11 to the 2005 London underground bombings, we follow the two as they navigate rival faiths and the yearning to find a loved one. The film is incredibly poignant in so many ways. The script takes some unexpected turns.Oftentimes,  frustrating but always touching and meaningful. Les Cowboys is rich in culture relations and I enjoyed this film on more levels than I ever expected.

THE LOBSTER_06930The Lobster

Yorgos Lanthimos, 2015, DCP, 118 minutes
Releases March 2016
In the future, single people are rounded up and sent to a seaside compound, given a finite number of days to find a match, and turned into animals if they fail. Welcome to the latest dark, dark comedy from absurdist Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos. Winner of a Cannes Jury Prize.

MELISSA

The plot is enough to lift your eyebrows and peak your interest. In, The Lobster, originality is not dead and lives on in this absurdly funny drama. While Colin Farrell is rather flat, it makes you focus on everything around him. Would you consider this the future or an alternate reality? There’s no limit to the conversations you’ll have every time it’s mentioned.

MIA MADRE_1252Mia Madre

Nanni Moretti, 2015, DCP, 106 minutes
U.S. Premiere
A filmmaker (Margherita Buy) tries to cope simultaneously with a mercurial American movie star (John Turturro) and the impending death of her mother (Giulia Lazzarini) in Nanni Moretti’s moving, hilarious, and subtly disquieting new film.

Liz loved it! Find out more and read her review!

MICROBE ET GASOIL-4

Microbre & Gasoline

Michel Gondry, 2015, DCP, 103 minutes
U.S. Premiere
Michel Gondry’s fresh, lyrical, handmade-SFX comedy is a story of two teenage misfits who build a house on wheels and take to the road, sputtering, pushing, and coasting their way across France.

Liz was a huge fan of this new Gondry classic. Check out her thoughts here!

Son of Saul stillSon of Saul

László Nemes, Hungary, 2015, 35mm, 107m
Hungarian and German with English subtitles
A film that looks into the abyss, this shattering portrait of the horror of Auschwitz follows Saul (Géza Röhrig), a Sonderkommando tasked with delivering his fellow Jews to the gas chamber. Determined to give a young boy a proper Jewish burial, Saul descends through the death camp’s circles of Hell, while a rebellion brews among the prisoners. A bombshell debut from director and co-writer László Nemes, Son of Saul is an utterly harrowing, ultra-immersive experience, and not for the fainthearted. With undeniably virtuoso plan-séquence camerawork in the mode of Nemes’s teacher Béla Tarr, this startling film represents a new benchmark in the historic cinematic depictions of the Holocaust. A deeply troubling work, sure to be one of the year’s most controversial films. A Sony Pictures Classics release.

LIZ

There is so much to say about this film. Centered specifically around one man’s story, Son Of Saul, is one of the most emotionally powerful films about the concentration camps realities. Ripe with extended takes and 100’s of extras, this film is one of a kind in it’s technicality. Some of the most impactful moments are created with the sound editing. Yelps and murmured conversations set the tone of the mind. What could be happening just out of focus and out of frame. Son Of Saul is a tribute to all those lost in the Holocaust. Géza Röhrig‘s performance must not be overlooked. His presence grabs you from the first moment on screen and his sincerity to tell a story of man trying to survive while making right with God is one that simply cannot be missed.

SteveJobs-NYFF53-fullSteve Jobs

Danny Boyle, 2015, DCP
Centerpiece
Danny Boyle and Aaron Sorkin joined forces to create this dynamically character-driven portrait of the brilliant man at the epicenter of the digital revolution, working from Walter Isaacson’s best-selling biography and starring Michael Fassbender in the title role, Kate Winslet as Joanna Hoffman, Seth Rogen as Steve Wozniak, Jeff Daniels as John Sculley, Michael Stuhlbarg as Andy Hertzfeld, and Katherine Waterston as Chrisann Brennan.

LIZ

I expected to abhor this film, simply based upon Alex Gibney‘s new doc Steve Jobs: The Man In The Machine (You can hear a Girls On Film Podcast all about his feature here!) I assumed that it would be a glorifying picture of a worldwide idol. Little did I realized that Walter Isaacson‘s book, one I own and have not yet cracked the spine on, would be anything but a fanboy’s essay. Find out how wrong I truly was in my review.

wheretoinvadenext-1600x900-c-defaultWhere to Invade Next

Michael Moore, 2015, DCP, 110 minutes
U.S. Premiere
In his new film, Michael Moore ponders the current state of the nation from a fresh perspective—that is, from the outside looking in—and gives us a film that is as provocative, funny, and impassioned as the rest of his work.

LIZ

With very current viral footage of the mess we find ourselves in currently as a country, from police brutality, Ferguson, wrongful imprisonment, and abortion rights, one might assume that this is yet another typical, angry, leftist doc cobbled together to specifically speak to a base I happen to be a part of politically. Well, think again. This has got to be Michael Moore‘s most upbeat film to date. Presented in a structure of having Michael himself, “invade” countries around the world, Moore travels to discuss the best ideas from each nation. Visiting Finland, Germany, Portugal, and Iceland, just to name a few, Michael chats with citizens and government officials to find out what makes them healthier and happier  than Americans in many ways. Delving to issues such as women’s homework, health clinics, banning drug arrests, paid vacation, free university, sex ed, school lunches, female run government agencies, and prison rehabilitation. The funny part about this film, besides Michael’s own levity and calm demeanor, is that all of these ideals are straight out of what Michael called “America’s Playbook.” In the press conference following the screening, Moore explained that every one of the countries came out to say that these ideas cam from The United States, originally.

“The American dream seemed to be alive and well… everywhere except America.” – Michael Moore

He goes on to say that we should not be mistaken, that he would not want to live in any other country other than the US. He admits that each of these countries certainly has their own problems, as well. The point in making this particular documentary was to show that we can make America even better, if we sit down and have civil conversations, one at a time. Where To Invade Next will be a winner on both sides of the aisle and around the world.

Review: Experience a Mother’s Worst Nightmare in ‘The Diabolical’

Posted on by — Leave a reply

This Friday comes a smart and unique horror story of a single mother’s own hellish reality. Thanks to XLrator Media and the directing of Alistair Lengrand, their film The Diabolical will keep you guessing all the way up to the final act. For those of you who are struggling in finding a decent horror film, this one may be worth the watch.

It all began with Madison (Ali Larter) sitting alone on her laptop; her two children, Jacob (Max Rose) and Haley (Chloe Perrin) asleep upstairs. The lights begin to flicker and the pictures on the wall begin to shake. “Not again,” she says. Suddenly a flash of light appears in the doorway where a bloody grotesque being comes crawling out towards her. She backs up and repeats to herself “It’s not real. It’s not real.” Another flash of light appears and the creature is gone. Madison then collects herself, sits back down in her seat and continues on with her night. This opening scene is a big reason why this film is different from your typical horror flick. The story begins with the paranormal phenomena as a pre-existing condition in the characters lives, which actually brings a really interesting side to Madison, Jacob and Haley’s characterization over the course of the film. The film continues on with the small family not only struggling with paranormal disturbances, but also Jacob’s violent behaviour in school and potential foreclosure on their house. After realizing that no one can help her situation, the strong and independent mother takes these problems into her own hands.

Ali Larter gave a solid performance as a protective mother of two. Her co-actors, Chloe Perrin, Max Rose, and Arjun Gupta, who played her son’s science tutor, Nikolai, all had equally as impressive performances. The Diabolical isn’t the greatest horror film of the year, however it is definitely different enough and interesting enough to check out. If you find yourself interested in science fictional side of horror you can find The Diabolical in theaters, VOD and iTunes on October 16th. 

3 1/2 out of 5 stars.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rdKYbCPfYc

 

New York Comic Con 2015 Coverage

Posted on by — Leave a reply

NY-Comic-Con-2015

As a veteran of making the yearly pilgrimage to San Diego for the king of all cons, San Diego Comic Con, I was curious to hear that New York Comic Con was quickly becoming the east coasts version of the massive event. Having never attended the event I was ready to see for myself, so I made the train ride up to the Big Apple and walked into the Javits Center for the first time, and I am so glad that I did.

20151009_120451

First off, this con is very much a fan event, first and foremost. Walking into the gates you find huge banners of upcoming seasons of fan favorite shows as well as some new, interesting shows gathering buzz around the fandom. The landscape is wide open for your cosplay viewing pleasure and it seems that the event coordinators have filled each area with something interesting to keep the traffic flowing to every square foot of the convention center. My favorite booth, by far, was the Cafe 80’s replica from Back to the Future II. Complete with video board and Delorean, fans had their chance to take photos with the car as well as try their luck at the Wild Gunman video game for a chance to win one of a limited amount of Pepsi Perfect replicas made by Pepsi to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the franchise. Unfortunately yours truly didn’t get a chance to play, but the kids loved it!

20151009_121430

Starz was among the exhibitors to bring to life their newest show “Ash vs Evil Dead” for fans to walk thru Ash Williams trailer and win some cool prizes. Other featured props came from Jurassic World, who brought an animatronic Velociraptor for fans to take pictures with and Warner Bros., who featured the costumes of Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman from the upcoming film Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. The vendor floor and artist row were filled with amazing pieces of original art as well as chances to purchase some rare and highly sought after collectibles.

20151009_151236

After a few long hours of gazing at the sights, it was time to head into one of the many panels that this con had to offer. From comic book writers to television stars, there was something for everyone one to enjoy. For me, it was the television panels, most importantly, Fox’s “The X-Files” Season 10 debut. Creator Chris Carter and stars David Duchovny and Mitch Pileggi were on hand to take fan questions and to show the season 10 premiere to the lucky fans in the audience. As a long time fan of the show I can say that the episode was outstanding and exactly what fans were hoping for in this return event series. Seeing Mulder and Scully together again brought back so many wonderful memories from the shows hayday and the actors haven’t missed a beat. The wait til January is on!

20151010_140645

Starz presents “Ash vs Evil Dead” panel brought cast and crew to the Hammerstein Ballroom for a Q&A session hosted by Kevin Smith. Director and creator Sam Raimi and star Bruce Campbell introduced the pilot episode to the crowd of thousands of fans eager to see a glimpse of the new show. The pilot didn’t disappoint! The comedy and over the top gore that made the Evil Dead trilogy so beloved was present and the new cast of characters add a new dimension to the show. After the viewing the cast and crew took fan questions and some interesting tidbits as to what to expect from the upcoming season were revealed. One of the most welcome comment came from Campbell himself who announced that Starz and the creators are hoping that the show runs for as many seasons as fans want.  “Ash vs Evil Dead” is here to stay people and it’s…groovy!

20151010_144630

Netflix panel featuring Marvel’s “Daredevil” and “Jessica Jones” was another highlight of the weekend. Rumors were abound that we could be getting the world premiere of the pilot episode for “Jessica Jones” and sure enough, Marvel delivered! But before that, we were graced by a panel for “Daredevil” Season 2 which featured the first teaser of the season featuring a first look at Elektra and The Punisher! Nothing ground breaking was revealed but the cast and crew are very excited to bring season two to viewers in 2016. Up next was what the audience was waiting for. A quick introduction of the cast and crew of “Marvel’s Jessica Jones” lead into the world premiere of episode one. The episode was dark, gritty and sexy which was a welcome surprise. The actors, including lead actress Krysten Ritter were wonderful and the tone of the show appears to allow for the each actor to explore their characters without constraint. David Tennant’s Kilgrave was lurking in the shadows for much of the episode and truly adds that a level of creepiness that will no doubt make “Jessica Jones” the must see show of 2015.  “Marvel’s Jessica Jones” premieres on Netflix on November 20th at 12:01am.

 

20151009_134825

As New York Comic Con comes to a close, I have so much appreciation for all the hard work that went into making this show as wonderful as it was. From the vendor floor to the panel line organization, everything was first rate at NYCC. As this show continues to gain steam, I can definitely see it being talked about in the same breath as San Diego, and rightfully so. NYCC, you have gained another fan, see you next October for round 2!

20151010_175531

 

Bill Murray & His Celebrity Friends Crash Christmas on Netflix in ‘A Very Murray Christmas’ December 4th

Posted on by — Leave a reply
A Very Murray Christmas

A Very Murray Christmas

NetflixDo you hear what I hear? Bill Murray and his celebrity friends are crashing Christmas!

On Friday, December 4th, Netflix will debut A Very Murray Christmas in all territories where Netflix is available.
A Very Murray Christmas

A Very Murray Christmas

Written by Sofia Coppola, Bill Murray and Mitch Glazer and directed by Sofia Coppola, A Very Murray Christmas is an homage to the classic variety show featuring Bill Murray playing himself, as he worries no one will show up to his TV show due to a terrible snow storm in New York City.  Through luck and perseverance, guests arrive at the Carlyle hotel to help him; dancing and singing in holiday spirit.

 
A Very Murray Christmas

A Very Murray Christmas

The star-studded cast also includes George Clooney, Paul Shaffer, Amy Poehler, Julie White, Dimitri Dimitrov, Michael Cera, Chris Rock, David Johansen, Maya Rudolph, Jason Schwartzman, Jenny Lewis, the band Phoenix, Frederic Moulin, Rashida Jones, Miley Cyrus, and more.

A VERY MURRAY CHRISTMAS

A VERY MURRAY CHRISTMAS

A Very Murray Christmas is executive produced by Coppola, Glazer, Roman Coppola and Tony Hernandez.

A Very Murray Christmas

A Very Murray Christmas

A Very Murray Christmas

A Very Murray Christmas

A VERY MURRAY CHRISTMAS

A VERY MURRAY CHRISTMAS

Follow @Netflix for more information on A Very #MurrayChristmas this holiday season.

https://youtu.be/rf_dgbBK25o

Watch the “Arrow” and “The Flash” New York Comic Con Sizzle Reels!

Posted on by — Leave a reply

arrowflash0625141280jpg-44d491_1280w

Warner Bros. Television Panel featured two brand new sizzle reels for the upcoming new seasons of “The Flash” and “Arrow” and we have them for you below!

“Arrow” airs Wednesdays on the CW

 

“The Flash” airs Tuesdays on the CW