Tag Archives: in theaters

Review: Can Daniel Radcliffe survive the ‘JUNGLE’?

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Based on the international best-selling memoir by Yossi Ghinsberg

An enthusiastic young adventurer follows his dreams into the Amazon jungle with two friends and a guide with a mysterious past. Their journey quickly turns into a terrifying ordeal as the darkest elements of human nature and the deadliest threats of the wilderness lead to an all-out fight for survival.

Daniel Radcliffe is almost unrecognizable as real-life adventurer Yossi Ghinsberg. Greg McLean‘s film, based on Ghinsberg’s harrowing journey (and autobiography) in the Bolivian jungle in 1981 is filled with some of the most gag-inducing moments in a non-horror film we’ve seen since 127hrs. Radcliffe, sporting a heavy accent, transforms onscreen from a fit hiker to gaunt survivor. His emotional and physical rollercoaster ride is quite the experience for the audience, proving once again that Radcliffe’s talent is far beyond his Harry Potter years.
The film is essentially broken into 2 equal parts equally. The first hour is how Yossi and company come to be in the jungle, to begin with. Relationships are challenged, tempers flare, bodies are wearing down. Suddenly, and by a devastating accident, Yossi falls into the raging river, stranding him alone. This second hour has Radcliffe in almost every shot. Blended with colorful flashbacks, seriously intense stunts, and beautiful insight, JUNGLE thrills. The story is beyond incredible, lending you to wonder how and if you could survive. Check out the trailer below!

Momentum Pictures will release the thriller JUNGLE in select theaters and On Demand/Digital HD on October 20th.

A true story of survival against all odds, JUNGLE is based on the international best-selling memoir by Israeli adventurer Yossi Ghinsberg and is directed by Greg McLean (The Belko Experiment, Wolf Creek).  The film adaptation stars Daniel Radcliffe (Swiss Army Man, Horns, Harry Potter franchise) as Yossi, Thomas Kretschmann(Wanted, King Kong, Resident Evil: Apocalypse), Alex Russell (Carrie, Unbroken), and Joel Jackson (“Safe Harbour”).

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: ‘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: ‘DON’T WORRY BABY’, Daddy’s got you.

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Presents

DON’T WORRY BABYDon't Worry Baby poster

The modern family dynamic can be complicated, at best. With the divorce rate at 50%, blended families are more the norm than anything else. The idea of Mom, Dad, 2.5 kids and a dog no longer fits inside a neat little box. If anything, that’s the oddity now. In the new film DON’T WORRY BABY, writer/director Julian Branciforte takes this concept to a whole new level.

Struggling photographer Robert (Magaro) and his philandering father Harry (McDonald) realize that they each had a one-night stand with the same woman, Sara-Beth (Walker), in the same week. Years later, they realize that either one of them might be the biological father of her adorable four-year-old daughter. They begrudgingly agree to share fatherly duties while awaiting a paternity test.

Don't Worry BabyRobert and Harry are strangely pitted against one another for “father of the year” status, in an awkward competition of responsibility. Robert is not only navigating relationship normalcy but he is grasping to find happiness in general. Harry, in a sad attempt to outdo his son, uses demeaning words and actions to cut Robert down at every turn. Branciforte’s story is immensely compelling, offers moments of surprise and nothing but honesty. The performances all around are outstanding.

Dreama WalkerJohn Magaro‘s Robert battle self-loathing and confusion as he finds his way through career, life and love. This role for Magaro is proof that his natural talent is way more than enough. Chris McDonald‘s Harry is a self-righteous prick coming to terms with his own life long mistakes as father and husband. The performance is something I have to come expect from McDonald’s. There is a reason he has had such a long career. Dreama Walker, as Sara-beth, could have been a throwaway character. The ins and out of a quietly complex young woman were well played by Walker. As the film progresses, we become more and more invested in each role as Branciforte does a wonderful job developing everyone. To believe this story, this is absolutely necessary. With solid smaller roles filled by Britt Lower and Tom Lipinski, some of the film’s most shining moments come from Talia Balsam as Harry’s wife Miriam. The dynamic between Sara-beth and the woman betrayed is an unexpected one, but truly inspiring. Let me not forget to mention how fantastically darling Rainn Williams is as Mason, the young lady there is so much to do about. This little sweetheart is meant to be on the big screen. The chemistry between the entire cast combined with tight direction make this a winner.

Don't worry baby stillDON’T WORRY BABY is ultimately about making amends. Coming to terms with what we’ve created emotionally is a huge task, and it’s one that this film dives into head first. You can catch Don’t Worry Baby in theaters and On Demand this Friday, July 22nd.

In Theaters and On Demand
July 22nd

Starring
John Magaro (Carol, The Big Short, Woody Allen’s Upcoming Series)
Chris McDonald  (Happy Gilmore, Thelma and Louise)
Dreama Walker (CBS’s The Good Wife)
Tom Lipinski (USA Network’s Suits)
&
Talia Balsam (No Strings Attached, AMC’s Mad Men)

Written & Directed By
Julian Branciforte

Review: The raw nature of ‘Glassland’ will leave you broken hearted

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Glassland_poster

America has fortunately be given another profoundly great Irish Film. After the overwhelming feelings of isolation we felt with the Irish film, Room (2015); our emotions take another beating when witnessing the physical and mental consequences of alcoholism in Gerard Barrett’s Glassland. The film had an incredible cast who really blew me away with their performances. Alcoholism is not a joke, and this film will show audiences just how heartbreaking it really is.

Glassland-2

John (Jack Reynor) and his mother Jean (Toni Collette) reside in a low-income suburb in Dublin, Ireland. With no help from his mother, John works all night driving a taxi to help provide for his family, all while his mother falls victim to her disease. She believes a better life is found at the bottom of a bottle, even while knowing the impact her choices have on her family. Their story shows the sacrifices that have to be made from both John and Jean in order to create some hope for their future.

Glassland-3

Barrett’s shots throughout the film were powerful. The change in technique and the difference in the camera’s movements really set the tone for each scene. There are times where the camera is motionless in a single room, making the audience feel as trapped as Jack feels in the scene. Later, Barrett changes over to a shaky camera technique, giving the audience more of an unsettled feeling. The film overall is simple, and despite not having a very complex story, it is raw and beautifully demonstrated. This film shows us the heartbreaking truth that many people in this world deal with everyday;  without the amazing performances from the cast and well executed cinematography, this meaningful film might of fallen through the cracks. Check out Glassland in theaters on February 12th.

WINNER – SPECIAL JURY PRIZE – SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL 2015
BEST FILM – GALWAY FILM FESTIVAL

3/5 Stars

Review: ‘MOMENTUM’ is action packed sexiness.

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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”)

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

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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

 

‘The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window and Disappeared’ is finally available in the U.S.!

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100 Year Old Man_poster

This incredibly funny and endearing film is one of the most upbeat things I’ve seen this year. Long story short, not unlike the title suggests, Allan is turning 100 and is stuck in a nursing home. Reminiscing through pictures and stories from his past, Allan decides to jump out of the window and go on an adventure, anywhere. He ends up with a suitcase full of money belonging to some pretty scary people and on his way to freedom he runs into other wayward souls that get entangled in his absurd journey.

Allan (Robert Gustafsson) and Julius (Iwar Wiklander) in THE 100 YEAR OLD MAN. Courtesy of Music Box Films.

Allan (Robert Gustafsson) and Julius (Iwar Wiklander) in THE 100 YEAR OLD MAN. Courtesy of Music Box Films.

Lead actor Robert Gustafsson is an absolute delight. Comic timing and facial expressions of a real genius, he takes this film through time and through encounters with historical figures like Ronald Reagan and Joseph Stalin, just to name a few. With a passion for blowing things up and an innate ability to talk to anyone, Allan becomes a double agent, a soldier, and perhaps the actual creator of the atomic bomb.

THE 100 YEAR OLD MAN. Courtesy of Music Box Films.

THE 100 YEAR OLD MAN. Courtesy of Music Box Films.

The film is a mixture of scenes from Allan’s youth and the shenanigans he’s gotten himself into on his birthday. Adapted beautifully from the novel of the same name by author Jonas Jonasson, with the help of screenwriters Felix Herngren & Hans Ingemansson, it is definitely full of belly laughs and good times. Herndren, also the director, gives us a colorful, lush, and impeccable comedic foreign film, unlike the many melodramatic features we’re used to getting from over seas. The theater I was in was in stitches the entire duration, and when you can get a theater full of critics laughing, well that’s a feat unto itself. I highly recommend you catch this movie. It is available in theaters in on demand!

Allan (Robert Gustafsson) in THE 100 YEAR OLD MAN. Courtesy of Music Box Films.

Allan (Robert Gustafsson) in THE 100 YEAR OLD MAN. Courtesy of Music Box Films.

Powered by the antics of a mischievous centenarian on the run, comic fable The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed out the Window and Disappeared abounds with irreverent charm.  After a long and colorful life working in munitions and getting entangled in the Spanish Civil War, the Manhattan Project, and other definitive events of the 20th century, Allan Karlsson finds himself stuck in a nursing home.  Determined to escape on his 100th birthday, he leaps out of a window and onto the nearest bus, kicking off an unexpected journey involving, among other surprises, a suitcase stuffed with cash, some wicked criminals, and an elephant named Sonya.  Like an unruly Nordic cousin of Forrest Gump, Allan’s youthful escapades and current adventures weave together into an offbeat treat for anyone who’s young at heart.  Starring beloved comedian Robert Gustafsson, this fanciful spin on world history is based on a best-selling novel and also the highest-grossing Swedish film of all time.