Check out the trailer for ‘Rock Dog’!

Dream big with Luke Wilson, Eddie Izzard, J.K. Simmons, Lewis Black, Kenan Thompson, and Mae Whitman in the new trailer for ROCK DOG!

Follow Bodi (Wilson) as he chases his passion for music all the way to the front door of rock idol Angus Scattergood (Izzard) in the exciting new animated family comedy from the Academy Award® nominated writer-director of SURF’S UP and co-director of TOY STORY 2.

Bring the entire family to join in on the fun with this stellar cast when ROCK DOG arrives in theaters February 24th, 2017!

Review: ‘Fences’- Denzel Washington and Viola Davis shine in this August Wilson adaptation

Fences, based on his Pulitzer Prize winning play of the same name, is a family melodrama directed by and starring Denzel Washington as a father and husband wrestling with the ghosts of his past and the struggles of his present. This powerful story is rooted deep with the effects of how racial divide leaves an impression on the African American family. Filled with outstanding performances delivering one of the most impactful screenplays in recent memory, Fences will touch you deep and leave a lasting impression on your soul.

Troy (Denzel Washington) is a 53 year old father of two, struggling to stay afloat as a trash collector in Pittsburgh, PA. Troy grew up mostly on his own since the age of 14, trying to make ends meet and facing the impending birth of his first child. After being sent to prison for a violent crime, Troy learned how to play baseball, having spent time practicing while in prison, and became a star in the Negro leagues, but never made it to the Major Leagues due to the color barrier. He lives with his wife, Rose (Viola Davis), a strong, supportive woman who’s responsible for creating a calming force and a stable and loving life that Troy has been craving. Rose gave birth to Troy’s second child, Cory (Jovan Adepo), a young, talented athlete who is desperately seeking the approval of his father all while trying to carve out a path for success in his young life.

Troy’s first son, Lyon (Russell Hornsby), is an aspiring musician and the first to feel the pinch of his fathers judgement. A man looking to prove he can walk his own path and live up to the large shadow his father has left before him. Troy and Rose are also responsible for Troy’s younger brother Gabriel (Mykelti Williamson), an ex-soldier who suffered a brain injury while fighting for his country. The pressures of life are closing in around Troy and an unexpected choice changes the landscape for his family forever. Troy and Rose are faced with a future of uncertainty and doubt and a family torn down to its foundation. Can the strength of a lasting love help mend the cracks or are they destined to see the future from different sides of the fence?

Denzel Washington delivers one of his finest performances in his storied career. A deeply flawed man who’s buried the pain of his past deep in order to carve out a stronger future for his family resonates loudly in his portrayal. Viola Davis is exceptional as Rose and delivers an Oscar winning performance in this emotional tour de force. To watch such a strong woman broken down to be reborn anew is an wondrous journey to behold. Young Jovan Adepo shines are Cory. His inner struggle to find something to connect with his father is something every child can relate to. The parallels between his performance and that of Russell Hornsby provide a clarity to the sins of the father and how easy it is to lose touch with how your actions can impact those you are responsible for. Mykelti Williamson delivers a heart breaking performance as the physically impaired brother of Troy. His journey through the story acts as a reminder to Troy that it takes sacrifice, sometimes the ultimate sacrifice, to remind you of what you have and why you have it.

Overall, Fences is an incredible story and one to be cherished for generations to come. It’s a painful journey through struggle and pain, but a satisfying reminder to cherish what you’ve been given.

Stars:

3 1/2 out of 5

Trailer:

Check out the green and red band trailers for ‘Snatched’ starring Amy Schumer & Goldie Hawn!

20th Century Fox has released the NSFW and the safe for work trailers for Snatched starring Amy Schumer & Goldie Hawn and we them for you below!

When her boyfriend dumps Emily, a spontaneous woman in her 30s, she persuades her ultra-cautious mom to accompany her on a vacation to Ecuador. At Emily’s insistence, the pair seek out adventure, but suddenly find themselves kidnapped. When these two very different women are trapped on this wild journey, their bond as mother and daughter is tested and strengthened while they attempt to navigate the jungle and escape.

The movie also stars Joan Cusack, Ike Barinholtz, Wanda Sykes and Christopher Meloni. It’s directed by Jonathan Levine.

SNATCHED hits theaters everywhere on Mother’s Day Weekend 2017!

Red Band

Green Band

 

Review: ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’

The expansion of the Star Wars universe is off to an outstanding start at Disney and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story just changed the entire game. The first stand-alone film in the planned anthology series, director Gareth Edwards’ war story centering around the legend of the rebel team that stole the plans to the Death Star is a tale many Star Wars fans have clamored to see and the director has delivered a unique, entertaining and satisfying film that will win over hardcore fans and novice alike.

Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) has been on the run since she was a young child. Her father, research scientist Galen Erso (Mads Mikkelsen), was forced to return to the Empire to complete the design of the Death Star by Imperial Director Orson Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn) which, in turn, sent Jyn into hiding with the help of her father’s friend Saw Gerrera (Forest Whitaker). Fifteen years has passed and the memory of her father still haunts young Jyn.  An imperial pilot named Bodhi Rook (Riz Ahmed) has defected and smuggle a message to the Rebel Alliance with information crucial to their cause. The rebel forces have located Jyn with the hopes of recruiting her to help find her father and discover the secrets of the monstrous weapon. Rebel Officer Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) and his droid K-2SO (Alan Tudyk) accompany Jyn on a mission to retrieve the message from Bodhi Rook on the planet Jedha.

After an encounter with imperial troops, the trio are aided by warrior Chirrut Îmwe (Donnie Yen) and mercenary Baze Malbus (Wen Jiang) who join the cause to help Jyn retrieve her father. Quickly the mission becomes more about the preservation of the galaxy and the team set their sights on stealing the plans to the Death Star at the high-security base on the planet Scarif. The time is now for the rebels to take their stand, to secure the safety of the galaxy and destroy the most valuable weapon in the Empire’s arsenal, the Death Star.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is a near perfect cinematic experience. Director Gareth Edwards and cinematographer Greig Fraser elected for a raw, gritty feel to the film and the tone plays to the subject matter perfectly. The script by Chris Weitz and Tony Gilroy is smart and engaging and doesn’t over complicate the objective of telling this war story. Each frame of the film was envisioned with excitement and respect for the Star Wars franchise and the filmmakers have created an outstanding compliment film to the original trilogy.  Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Donnie Yen, Riz Ahmed and Wen Jiang, the members of the Rogue One team, were perfectly cast in their respective roles. The voice of Alan Tudyk for K-2SO added just enough comedic relief necessary in the right places. Mads Mikkelsen, in his limited screen time, helped enrich the emotional journey for Jones’ Jyn and provide the redemption factor we all come to know in the Star Wars universe. The stand out star in the film to me was Ben Mendelsohn. His menacing performance as the main protagonist never fell into cliche’s and provided a satisfying character arc.

Overall, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is an exceptional movie to be enjoyed on the biggest screen you can find. The journey never wearies and it will enrich your love for the franchise a little bit more. Next up…Episode VIII!!

4 1/2 out of 5

After Credit Scene?

No

Trailer:

Gru is back in the new ‘Despicable Me 3’ trailer!

The team who brought you Despicable Me and the biggest animated hits of 2013 and 2015, Despicable Me 2 and Minions, returns to continue the adventures of Gru, Lucy, their adorable daughters—Margo, Edith and Agnes—and the Minions.  Despicable Me 3, directed by Pierre Coffin and Kyle Balda, co-directed by Eric Guillon, and written by Cinco Paul & Ken Daurio, will be released in theaters on June 30, 2017.

The animated film is produced by Illumination’s Chris Meledandri and Janet Healy, and executive produced by Chris Renaud.

Joining Steve Carell and Kristen Wiig in Despicable Me 3 is Emmy, Tony and Grammy Award winner Trey Parker, co-creator of Comedy Central’s global phenomenon South Park and the Broadway smash The Book of Mormon.  Parker voices the role of villain Balthazar Bratt, a former child star who’s grown up to become obsessed with the character he played in the ‘80s, and proves to be Gru’s most formidable nemesis to date.

The movie also feature the voices of Miranda Cosgrove, Dana Gaier, Nev Scharrel, Steve Coogan, Jenny Slate and Julie Andrews.

Despicable Me 3 is in theaters June 30, 2017

Review: ‘La La Land’ dances to Oscar contention

It’s been 14 years since a musical has won the top prize at the Academy Awards and La La Land is vying to end that streak with this enchanting tale of love in the City of Angels. Director Damien Chazelle (Whiplash) returns hungry for Oscar gold and brings with him a powerfully memorizing cast with catchy songs and a beautifully crafted story that will transport you out of the uncertainty of the real world and into a reality of hope and creativity where dreams are within the grasp of the dreamer and the skies the limit for the few that chose to believe. Transport yourself to La La Land.

Mia (Emma Stone) is an on-studio barista and aspiring actress looking for her big break. Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) is a pianist who sees the world closing in around him to suffocate the one thing he loves above all, Jazz. Chance has crossed their paths on several occasions, but for Sebastian, his focus of his perfect future sees right through what’s facing his present. But chance won’t be denied. The two meet again with each doing their best to dismiss the obvious, that there is clearly chemistry between them. One day, Sebastian finds Mia at work and, after a declaration of her dislike for jazz, decides to take her to a jazz bar. He opens up to Mia about his passion for jazz and his aspirations of running his own jazz bar, they discuss Mia’s trials and tribulations of being an actress and Sebastian helps reinforce her passion for her craft. The two face the inevitable truth that the future is brighter with each one beside the other.

Mia decides to write a personal single-actress play, “So Long, Boulder City,” hoping it will propel her to stardom, and Sebastian becomes a keyboardist in his jazz band, The Messengers, with long time friend Keith (John Legend), which takes him on tour and away from Mia.  Facing the inevitability of change, the star crossed lovers tackle their new projects head on. As they forge on to keep their love alive, Mia faces a hard road that has her question the choices she’s made and looks to change her future. Sebastian’s future plans have altered now because of the bands success and in the process, they find themselves on different paths. Now is it the dreamers, coming full circle to face the truth about their choices, or do they have one final act in which to create their happy ending?

La La Land is nothing short of extraordinary. A timeless tale of love and aspiration of two lovers facing the hard realities of life. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone are the perfect pair to bring Mia and Sebastian to life. Having worked together before as a couple on screen,  the trust that each other has in the abilities of the other to bring out the best in their performances creates beautifully crafted emotional scenes and moments of pure joy. Unlike many musicals before, the choreography by Mandy Moore and the music of Justin Hurwitz are never overpowering and act only as a compliment to the surrounding story.  The cinematography by Linus Sandgren is bright and vibrant and director Damien Chazelle’s vision culminated in a movie that will be cherished for generations to come.

Overall, La La Land is destined to compete for best picture during award season and rightfully so. It’s a film destined to steal your heart and yearn for a time when you dreamed an impossible dream. Be sure to leave the real world at the door and allow yourself the pleasure of this treasure.

Stars:

4 1/2 out of 5

After Credit Scene?

None

Trailer:

The Full Length Trailer for ‘The Fate of the Furious’ is Here!

On the heels of 2015’s Furious 7, one of the fastest movies to reach $1 billion worldwide in box-office history and the sixth-biggest global title of all time, comes the newest chapter in one of the most popular and enduring motion-picture serials of all time: The Fate of the Furious.
Now that Dom and Letty are on their honeymoon and Brian and Mia have retired from the game-and the rest of the crew has been exonerated-the globetrotting team has found a semblance of a normal life.  But when a mysterious woman (Oscar® winner Charlize Theron) seduces Dom into the world of crime he can’t seem to escape and a betrayal of those closest to him, they will face trials that will test them as never before.
From the shores of Cuba and the streets of New York City to the icy plains off the arctic Barents Sea, our elite force will crisscross the globe to stop an anarchist from unleashing chaos on the world’s stage…and to bring home the man who made them a family.
For The Fate of the Furious, Vin Diesel is joined by a returning all-star cast that includes Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Nathalie Emmanuel, Elsa Pataky and Kurt Russell. In addition to Theron, the series welcomes newcomers Scott Eastwood and Oscar® winner Helen Mirren. The film is directed by F. Gary Gray (Straight Outta Compton) and produced by returning producers Neal H. Moritz, Michael Fottrell and Diesel.
The Fate of the Furious zooms into theatres on April 14th, 2017

Review: Michael Shannon & Imogen Poots are trying hard to love each other in ‘Frank & Lola’

Gorgeously shot with emotionally-charged performances, Frank & Lola is written and directed by first-time feature director Matthew Ross and stars Michael Shannon and Imogen Poots in the title roles.

An unconventional love story, we start with the two in bed together. The two obviously did not have a romantic chemistry yet she was very comfortable with her body. As the story continues, we see that Frank and Lola are in a relationship, and live together. Fifteen years his junior, Imogen Poots gives a raw performance with very little makeup and often in disarray. Michael Shannon as Frank is his usual quiet intensity, so his moments of levity really stand out.

Rosanna Arquette makes an appearance as Lola’s mother, a woman who seems to view Lola as competition, rather than a daughter. Although it’s only one scene, it gives a glimpse into Lola’s world. Justin Long has a small role and although I generally love his work, I didn’t like the over-the-top of the character.

Frank and Lola are both severely flawed and as such, their actions often lead them in directions that cause problems. Writer/director Matthew Ross showcases this and does so with beautiful backdrops of Las Vegas and Paris. I enjoyed not knowing what would happen and rooting for these two. I hope you will too.

In theaters from Paladin and On Demand and Digital HD from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment on December 9, 2016

https://vimeo.com/188033673

Are you ready for the teaser for ‘THE FATE OF THE FURIOUS’!

The eighth installment in the popular franchise The Fast and the Furious is officially called The Fate of the Furious and now we have a teaser to the trailer which will debut on Sunday on Facebook!

Now that Dom and Letty are on their honeymoon and Brian and Mia have retired from the game—and the rest of the crew has been exonerated—the globetrotting team has found a semblance of a normal life.  But when a mysterious woman (Oscar® winner Charlize Theron) seduces Dom into the world of crime he can’t seem to escape and a betrayal of those closest to him, they will face trials that will test them as never before.

From the shores of Cuba and the streets of New York City to the icy plains off the arctic Barents Sea, our elite force will crisscross the globe to stop an anarchist from unleashing chaos on the world’s stage…and to bring home the man who made them a family

The cast consists of Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Dwayne Johnson, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, Lucas Black, Scott Eastwood, Kurt Russell, Jason Statham and Charlize Theron. The film is directed by F. Gary Gray (Straight Outta Compton).

Check back Sunday for the full trailer!

In Theaters April 14, 2017

20th Century Fox has debuted the FIRST trailer and poster for WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES’!

20th Century Fox has debuted the FIRST trailer and poster for WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES. In the third chapter of the critically acclaimed blockbuster franchise starring Andy Serkis and Woody Harrelson, Caesar and his apes are forced into a deadly conflict with an army of humans led by a ruthless Colonel. Check out the first trailer and poster below!

WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES hits theaters everywhere July 14, 2017!

Review: ‘ABATTOIR’ delivers a sensory labyrinth of mystery and murder.

The film was the 2016 official selection of the LA Film Festival, Fantasia, Sitges and numerous other festivals.  The film stars Jessica Lowndes, Joe Anderson, Lin Shaye, Dayton Callie and was directed by Darren Lynn Bousman.
SYNOPSIS: An investigative reporter works to solve the mystery behind a mysterious man who has been buying houses where tragedies have occurred. Set in a world where it always feels like night, even in daylight hours, real estate reporter Julia Talben’s life is turned upside down when her family is brutally murdered. It is believed to be an open and close case, but Julia quickly realizes there is much more to this story when she returns to the crime scene to find the murder room deconstructed and physically removed from her sister’s home. This ignites an investigative pursuit that eventually leads her and ex-lover Detective Declan Grady to the town of New English where they find the enigmatic Jebediah Crone and the Abattoir – a monstrous house stitched together with unending rooms of death and the damned.  Julia comes to realize that her sister’s soul is trapped inside, but the Abattoir isn’t just a house – it’s a door to something more evil than anyone could have ever imagined. Julia and Grady are ultimately faced with the question: How do you build a haunted house? One room at a time.
Darren Lynn Bousman, director of several of the Saw franchise sequels, and one of my all-time favorite films REPO! The Genetic Opera, brings to life a peculiar story and a visual maze. The look of Abbatoir is something to behold and one that evolves as the story rolls along. It’s a thriller, horror, and first person video game all wrapped into one lovely and bizarre package. The costumes are intentional throw backs that give further validity to a tale that criss crosses generations. Lin Shaye, who has what I like the call the “Timelord effect” (similar to another horror legend Barbara Crampton,) a timeless quality to her presence and ability to inhabit any character she tackles effoertlessly. Jessica Lowndes is reteaming with Bousman after appearing in The Devil’s Carnival. Her classic movie star looks only enhance her believeable performance as a headstrong and heartfelt woman determined to uncover the mystery behind who or what is buying homes where violent tragedy occurs and rips out the murder room. The answers are extraordinarily twisted. The films runs about 1hr40mins but feels very much likethe graphic novel it was based upon. This could have easily been made into a mini series. Abattoir is intriguing from the very first shot and will keep your brain engaged with plot and stunning sets throughout. Momentum Pictures is releasing Abattoir today in Theaters, VOD and Digital HD, December 9th

TITLE: ABATTOIR
IN THEATERS, VOD AND DIGITAL HD:  December 9, 2016
DIRECTOR: Darren Lynn Bousman
WRITER: Christopher Monfette
CAST: Jessica Lowndes, Joe Anderson, Lin Shaye, Dayton Callie

DISTRIBUTOR: Momentum Pictures

The first trailer for ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ is here!!

Marvel and Sony Pictures have released the first trailer for Spider-Man: Homecoming and we have it for you below!

A young Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Tom Holland), who made his sensational debut in Captain America: Civil War, begins to navigate his newfound identity as the web-slinging super hero in Spider-Man: Homecoming.  Thrilled by his experience with the Avengers, Peter returns home, where he lives with his Aunt May (Marisa Tomei), under the watchful eye of his new mentor Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.). Peter tries to fall back into his normal daily routine – distracted by thoughts of proving himself to be more than just your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man – but when the Vulture (Michael Keaton) emerges as a new villain, everything that Peter holds most important will be threatened.

Spider-Man: Homecoming swings into theaters July 7, 2017

Watch the teaser for ‘Baywatch’ here!

Baywatch follows devoted lifeguard Mitch Buchannon (Johnson) as he butts heads with a brash new recruit (Efron). Together, they uncover a local criminal plot that threatens the future of the Bay.

The film also stars Priyanka Chopra, Kelly Rohrbach, Alexandra Daddario, Ilfenesh Hadera, Jon Bass, Hannibal Buress and is directed by Seth Gordon.

Baywatch is in theatres on May 26, 2017

Check out James Franco and his tats in a new ‘WHY HIM?’ clip and add your own ink to Franco’s back!

Check out James Franco and his tats in a new WHY HIM? clip and add your own ink to Franco’s back!  Visit Laird’s Tattoo Shop HERE:  LairdsTattooShop.com

Over the holidays, Ned (Bryan Cranston), an overprotective but loving dad and his family visit his daughter at Stanford, where he meets his biggest nightmare: her well-meaning but socially awkward Silicon Valley billionaire boyfriend, Laird (James Franco). The straight-laced Ned thinks Laird, , is a wildly inappropriate match for his daughter. The one-sided rivalry-and Ned’s panic level-escalate when he finds himself increasingly out of step in the glamorous high-tech hub, and learns that Laird is about to pop the question.

WHY HIM? hits theaters everywhere December 23, 2016!

WEBSITE: http://whyhimmovie.com

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/WhyHimMovie

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/WhyHimMovie

INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/whyhimmovie

#WhyHim

Watch the teaser trailer for ‘The Circle’ starring Tom Hanks, Emma Watson and John Boyega

EuropaCorp has released a BRAND NEW TEASER TRAILER for The Circle Based on the international best-seller by Dave Eggers, The Circle is a thrilling modern morality tale starring Emma Watson, Tom Hanks, and John Boyega.

As she rises through the ranks of the world’s largest tech and social media company, The Circle, Mae (Watson) is encouraged by company founder Eamon Bailey (Hanks) to live her life with complete transparency. But no one is really safe when everyone is watching.

Directed by James Ponsoldt, The Circle will be in theaters on April 28th, 2017

Official site: http://wearethecircle.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeAreTheCircle/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WeAreTheCircle
Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/WeAreTheCircle/

Hashtag: #TheCircle

The Teaser Trailer for ‘Transformers: The Last Knight’ is Here!

transformers

Paramount Pictures has released the teaser trailer for the upcoming sequel Transformers: The Last Knight and we have it for you below!

The movie sees Mark Wahlberg and Josh Duhamel returning for another round of robot action with Anthony Hopkins, Laura Haddock, Jerrod Carmichael and Isabela Moner joining the castThe film is again directed by Michael Bay.

Transformers: The Last Knight hits theatres and IMAX on June 23, 2017

#Transformers

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformersmovie/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformers/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformersmovie/

Snapchat: TFMovie

Review: ‘THE POSSESSION EXPERIMENT’ has haunting visual appeal.

the-possession-experiment-poster

SYNOPSIS:  THE POSSESSION EXPERIMENT tells the story of Brandon (Minor), who has always been drawn to the supernatural.  So when asked to pick a topic to base his final world theology class project on, he decides to explore the dark world of exorcisms. Teamed up with three classmates, the group investigates a multiple homicide that they eventually discover was an exorcism gone horribly wrong. Brandon becomes obsessed with the event, and in a strange turn of events, decides the only way to research this topic is to undergo an exorcism himself.

possession-experiment-image Scott B. Hansen‘s film is a visual feast for most of its run. At moments, it appears to be two different films with any scenes specifically involving the occult are spectacular. They rival any big budget film like The Conjuring. On the other hand, the scenes that are not directly linked to these moments come off as afterthoughts with a low quality to them. The difference between the two is rather astounding. The acting from the majority of the cast is down right atrocious, with three perfromances withstanding this criticism. Lead Chris Minor, who carries the film on his shoulders, does a great job taking on a familiar horror trope with his emtional heart on his sleeve. Jake Brinn, as stoner sidekick Clay, gives a down to earth portrayal.  You could easily think he was plucked from a local college to play this role overnight. Our lady of the hour in The Possession Experiment is actress KT Fanelli. Her commitment to playing a woman too far gon  to save is, frankly, award worthy. Color me impressed with her ability to take on the physicality required to make this a convincing performance. the-possession-experiment-chris-minor-still

While the screenplay may not seem to be anythign new, there is one heck of a clever twist. And the ending, which really doesn’t arrive until you get into the credits, is fantastic. The highest praise I am eager to share about The Possession Experiment is the phenominal practical effects. I actually cringed and looked away several times. As someone who lives and breathes new horror films 3-5 times a week, that’s saying something. Two more positives come with the effective sound editing and an updated live stream concept that brings the script into the 21st century. Not so hidden are the homages to A Nightmare on Elm Street and Rosemary’s Baby. If the acting had been up to par and the ancilary shots matched in quality, this film would most defintely hod its own weight in a world where horror standards get higher every day.

TITLE: THE POSSESSION EXPERIMENT
AVAILABLE ON VOD AND iTUNES:  December 6, 2016
DIRECTOR: Scott B. Hansen
WRITER: ,  Mary J. Dixon, Scott B. Hansen
CAST:  Chris Minor, Jake Brinn, Nicky Jasper with KT Fanelli and Bill Moseley
GENRE: Horror
DISTRIBUTOR: Momentum Pictures

Review: Meet the ‘Tree Man’ who works every Christmas selling trees in New York City

treeman_poster_final
Every holiday season, hundreds of Christmas tree sellers from across North America descend upon the streets of New York City to ply their trade. Having left their homes and families behind, they endure the adversity of a migrant’s survival living out of their cars and vans. François, a Tree Man and father of three from Québec, returns to the same Manhattan street corner every year to deliver the magic of the season.

Long days, cold nights and living in a van for a month. This documentary follows François, a father of three from Quebec, who is loved by his fellow tree sellers as well as his customers.

Tree Man is solely focused on the people of the NYC tree-selling institution. By following François, you’ll all meet the new generation learning from the veterans. There is a very short segment describing the general history of tree-selling in NYC, but it’s only a taste.

I was also interested in learning more of François’ history and also the turmoil of leaving every year. It’s a nice human interest story.

Also recently added to Netflix, Tree Man is available Tuesday, December 6th on VOD and iTunes.

Francois the Tree Man is far from his wife and three small children in Quebec, selling Christmas trees and living in a van on the streets of New York City. He does it for them. But this is home, too. Like the hundreds of Christmas tree sellers who descend upon the city from Canada, New England and even Europe, Francois delivers the magic of the season over a grueling month in his adopted neighborhood, since Christmas is a special time of the year, people send gifts, and use services as portable north pole to get digital gifts for people. He’s a star, a storyteller, a Santa Claus in a sap-stained coat, a confidant, a friend, and a father figure to the local characters who are his New York family. They also need him. TREE MAN is the story of Francois’s journey, how he arrived here, what holds him, and the conflict that will cause him to leave. As one of Francois’ long-time customers says: “This has nothing to do with the trees anymore.”

Sneak Peek of ‘The Mummy’ is Here!

the-mummy

Tom Cruise headlines a spectacular, all-new cinematic version of the legend that has fascinated cultures all over the world since the dawn of civilization: The Mummy.

Thought safely entombed in a tomb deep beneath the unforgiving desert, an ancient princess (Sofia Boutella of Kingsman: The Secret Service and Star Trek Beyond) whose destiny was unjustly taken from her is awakened in our current day, bringing with her malevolence grown over millennia and terrors that defy human comprehension.

From the sweeping sands of the Middle East through hidden labyrinths under modern-day London, The Mummy brings a surprising intensity and balance of wonder and thrills in an imaginative new take that ushers in a new world of gods and monsters.

Cruise is joined by a cast including Annabelle Wallis (upcoming King Arthur, television’s Peaky Blinders), Jake Johnson (Jurassic World), Courtney B. Vance (TV’s American Crime Story: The People V. O.J. Simpson) and Oscar® winner Russell Crowe (Gladiator).

The creative team on this action-adventure event is led by director/producer Alex Kurtzman and producer Chris Morgan, who have been instrumental in growing some of the most successful franchises of the past several years—with Kurtzman writing or producing entries in the Transformers, Star Trek and Mission: Impossible series, and Morgan being the narrative engineer of the Fast & Furious saga as it has experienced explosive growth from its third chapter on.  Sean Daniel, who produced the most recent Mummy trilogy, produces alongside Kurtzman and Morgan.

Come back Sunday for the full trailer!

The Mummy arrives June 9, 2017

Review: ‘RUN THE TIDE’ dives into lost childhoods and abuse.

runthetide_posterSome if us had great childhoods. Others, perhaps a rocky road. Abuse in a family can cause rifts both seen and unseen. How far would you go to protect your loved one? In Soham Mehta‘s new film, RUN THE TIDE, a young man is faced with the biggest nightmare so far. The return on his abusive mother now threatens the life he’s provided for his younger brother. Can time heal everything?runthetide_1RUN THE TIDE stars Taylor Lautner (The Twilight Saga, “Scream Queens”), Constance Zimmer (“UnREAL,” “Entourage“), Kenny Johnson (“Bates Motel,” “Secrets and Lies”), Johanna Braddy (“UnREAL,” “Greek”) and introducing Nico Christou. Lautner gives a viscerally raw performance as the older brother who endured years of physical and emotional abuse at the hands of his mother, played beautifully by Zimmer. It’s a far cry for both, as we’re used to seeing Lautner is action roles these days. He easily wears his heart on his sleeve and proves we’ve been taking his acting chops for granted for far too long. Zimmer’s role is about as unglamorous a departure from the hit series UnReal as you can get also showing her immense talent. The chemistry between Lautner and newcomer Nico Christou is out of this world.  Their bond feels anything but forced and they make the film what it is. Christou’s natural abilities are vastly beyond what you’d expect from someone his age. The soundtrack is one of the first things that captures you in this film. The thoughtfully chosen songs are ones that make you want to close your eyes and breathe. Writer Rajov Shah takes the entire film to present the back story and it comes off as completely organic in pacing. Run The Tide is a nice film about second chances and the realities for sacrifice.runthetide_10

  You can catch it in theaters and On Demand/Digital HD this Friday, Dec 2nd. 

TITLE: RUN THE TIDE
IN SELECT THEATERS AND ON DEMAND / DIGITAL HD: December 2, 2016
DIRECTOR: Soham Mehta
WRITER: Rajiv Shah
CAST:  Taylor Lautner, Constance Zimmer, Kenny Johnson, Johanna Braddy, Nico Christou
SYNOPSIS: When their drug abusing mother is released from prison determined to rebuild their family, Rey kidnaps his younger brother Oliver and escapes their desert home for the California coast.
DISTRIBUTOR: Momentum Pictures, Orion Releasing