Review: ‘The BFG’

the-BFG-poster

Family films rarely get much bigger than The BFG, based on the novel of the same name by Roald Dahl and directed by Steven Spielberg. The story of an orphan girl who befriends a giant and accompanies him on the adventure of a lifetime is heartwarming and family friendly with an amazing cast lead by Oscar winner Mark Rylance and newcomer Ruby Barnhill. Come on a journey into giant country and experience the wonder of The BFG.

thebfg56687cbb591d6_1_93288b10

Sophie (Ruby Barnhill) is a young orphan girl in London who longs for adventure. Telling the story of frightful things lurking in the shadows of the night, she encounters her own in the form of a massive giant who takes young Sophie from her bed and races back to his home in giant country. Initially afraid of what’s to come, she is introduced to her captor, The BFG (Mark Rylance), an endearingly dim-witted giant with enormous ears and a keen sense of smell. The BFG, or Big Friendly Giant, is nothing like the other inhabitants of giant country you see. He keeps to himself and fancies to feed himself snozzcumber and frobscottle as opposed to his giant brethren  Bloodbottler (Bill Hader) and Fleshlumpeater (Jemaine Clement) who prefer to eat humans.

thebfg570436e7994bb_1_f71a697b

The BFG spends most of his time in dream country where he collects dreams and then takes them to children all around the country, teaching Sophie all about the magic and  mystery of dreams. Everything is wonderful between the two new best friends until Sophie’s presence is detected by the other giants, putting her in danger. Sophie and the BFG must head to London to convince Queen Victoria (Penelope Wilton) to help with the impending giant attacks, but they must first convince the Queen and her maid, Mary (Rebecca Hall), that giants do indeed exist. Together, they must all come up with a plan to get rid of the giants once and for all.

thebfg570436e8ebf37_1_d3b62e7c

Legendary director Steve Spielberg does not disappoint with his creation of this wonderful Roald Dahl classic. This is a rare film when visuals take a back seat to performance. Mark Rylance is outstanding as the BFG and you truly immerse yourself into his performance that you forget he is a CGI giant. Ruby Barnhill is wonderfully feisty and a true joy to watch. The two of them have a chemistry that works right from moment one. The visuals are spectacular and should be applauded. They subtly blend into the outstanding storytelling and lend the perfect mix to this awe inspiring film.

Overall, The BFG is this summers perfect family film and should not be missed!

Stars:

4 out of 5

After credit scene?

No

Trailer:

Spielberg and Ford Reunite as Indiana Jones Returns to Theaters JULY 19, 2019

indiana-jones-sankara-stones

Indiana Jones will return to the big screen on July 19, 2019, for a fifth epic adventure in the blockbuster series. Steven Spielberg, who directed all four previous films, will helm the as-yet-untitled project with star Harrison Ford reprising his iconic role. Franchise veterans Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall will produce.

“Indiana Jones is one of the greatest heroes in cinematic history, and we can’t wait to bring him back to the screen in 2019,” said Alan Horn, Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios. “It’s rare to have such a perfect combination of director, producers, actor and role, and we couldn’t be more excited to embark on this adventure with Harrison and Steven.”

Famed archaeologist and explorer Indiana Jones was introduced in 1981’s Raiders of the Lost Ark – one of AFI’s 100 Greatest American Films of All Time – and later thrilled audiences in 1984’s Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, 1989’s Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and 2008’s Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. The four films have brought in nearly $2 billion at the global box office.

More as it becomes available

 

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

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 FulliloveJames 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:

Back to the Future Documentary ‘Back in Time’ Coming This October

Back-in-Time-Poster

Gravitas Ventures has announced the acquisition of all North American rights to Back in Time, directed by Jason Aron, featuring interviews with Michael J. Fox, Robert Zemeckis, Steven Spielberg, Bob Gale, Lea Thompson and Christopher Lloyd. Back in Time looks at both the making of the original film and the fan culture that has developed over the years. It will be available on VOD, DVD/Bluray and select theaters on the very day Marty McFly (Fox) arrived in Back to the Future 2 – on “Future Day,” October 21, 2015.

In Back in Time, cast, crew, and fans explore the classic time-travel trilogy’s resonance throughout pop culture. As the project evolved it took them from the joyous nostalgia at a massive London fan event to the living rooms of Michael J. Fox, Robert Zemeckis, Steven Spielberg, Bob Gale, Lea Thompson and Christopher Lloyd as well as Huey Lewis, James Tolkan (“Mr. Strickland”) Claudia Wells (“Jennifer Parker”) and more. Nothing is overlooked as they explore everything from Eric Stoltz’s casting to the invention of the hoverboard. Travelling throughout the world and leaving no stone unturned brings unparalleled behind-the-scenes access to the “BTTF” lexicon.

“Iconic documentaries, like a bolt of lightning, only come around so often,” said Nolan Gallagher, Founder and CEO of Gravitas Ventures, “we are honored to be a part of the ‘Back to the Future’ mythology and bring this must-have film to the millions of fans who have loved the trilogy all these years.”

Filmmakers Jason Aron and Lee Leshen add:

“As both fans of the trilogy and filmmakers, it was extremely important for us to have this documentary seen by as many people as possible. We knew within minutes of meeting Nolan that the team at Gravitas would make that dream a possibility.”

In addition to original cast and crew support, Back in Time was directed by Jason Aron, who also served as Executive Producer with Louis Krubich, Akrum Sheikh and Ronald Ferguson. Adam F. Goldberg (“The Goldbergs”) served as Co-Executive Producer. Lee Leshen produced.

‘Ready Player One’ Set for December 2017 Release

ReadyPlayerOneBookArt

The game is on in 2017. Warner Bros. Pictures, Village Roadshow Pictures and DreamWorks Pictures’ Ready Player One—the already much-anticipated sci-fi action adventure, to be directed by Steven Spielberg—has been slated for release on December 15, 2017. The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President, Domestic Distribution; Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing and Distribution; and Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President, Worldwide Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

A three-time Academy Award winner, Spielberg (Schindler’s List, Saving Private Ryan) is directing Ready Player One, based on Ernest Cline’s bestseller of the same name, which has become a worldwide phenomenon. The film is being produced by Spielberg; Donald De Line, under his De Line Pictures banner; Dan Farah; and Spielberg’s longtime colleague Kristie Macosko Krieger; with Bruce Berman serving as executive producer. De Line and Farah originally brought the project to Warner Bros.

Ready Player One marks a return to Warner Bros. for Spielberg, who previously directed the studio’s Empire of the Sun, The Color Purple and A.I. Artificial Intelligence, in addition to producing the hits Gremlins and The Goonies.

In making the announcement, Fellman stated, “Any film from Steven Spielberg is an event film, so it felt right to date this thrilling new project from one of our greatest filmmakers for the holiday season.”

Sue Kroll added, “From the success of the book, Ready Player One already has a devoted following, and we’re excited for its fans and moviegoers everywhere to see this fantastically innovative story come to life. We know it couldn’t be in better hands, and look forward to working with Steven and the producers to bring it to the big screen.”

Kwan Vandenberg said, “There are few directors with the global stature of Steven Spielberg, so we are thrilled to be delivering his latest adventure to audiences worldwide.”

A presentation of Warner Bros. Pictures, Village Roadshow Pictures and DreamWorks Pictures, “Ready Player One” will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures.

New Spielberg Movie Officially Titled ‘Bridge of Spies’

ST. JAMES PLACE

DreamWorks Pictures’/Fox 2000 Pictures’ upcoming dramatic thriller directed by three-time Academy Award®-winning director Steven Spielberg (Saving Private Ryan, Schindler’s List) and starring two-time Academy Award winner Tom Hanks (Forrest Gump, Philadelphia), has been titled Bridge of Spies. In addition, 12-time Oscar® nominee Thomas Newman (The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Saving Mr. Banks) has been signed to score the film, as John Williams’ schedule was interrupted and he was unavailable to score the film due to a minor health issue, now corrected. The laws facing automotive dealers are niche specific and known by few. MLG team of experienced automotive lawyers has vast experience representing dealers in a variety of contexts. We have represented dealers in cases involving terminations, add-points, facilities upgrades, warranty chargebacks, allocation, curtailments, breach of fiduciary duty and fraud, both before the California New Motor Vehicle Board and in state and federal court.

A dramatic thriller set against the backdrop of a series of historic events, Bridge of Spies tells the story of James Donovan (Hanks), a Brooklyn lawyer who finds himself thrust into the center of the Cold War when the CIA sends him on the near-impossible task to negotiate the release of a captured American U-2 pilot. Screenwriters Matt Charman and Ethan Coen & Joel Coen have woven this remarkable experience in Donovan’s life into a story inspired by true events that captures the essence of a man who risked everything and vividly brings his personal journey to life. The film will be released in theaters nationwide on October 16, 2015.

Williams, whose credits include Stars Wars: The Force Awakens and the Harry Potter films, will join Spielberg on his next film, The BFG, beginning later this year, continuing their unprecedented collaboration which they have enjoyed for over 40 years.

Newman has scored many films for DreamWorks, including The Help, Road to Perdition and American Beauty, the latter two for which he received Academy Award® nominations for Best Original Score.

 Bridge of Spies also stars three-time Tony Award® winner Mark Rylance (Twelfth Night, Jerusalem, Boeing Boeing) as Rudolf Abel, a KGB agent defended by Donovan; Scott Shepherd (Side Effects) as CIA operative Hoffman; Academy Award® nominee Amy Ryan (Birdman,Gone Baby Gone) as James’ wife, Mary; Sebastian Koch (A Good Day to Die Hard) as East German lawyer Vogel; and Academy Award nominee Alan Alda (M*A*S*H, The Aviator) as Thomas Watters, a partner at Donovan’s law firm.

Fox 2000 Pictures co-financed Bridge of Spies with DreamWorks in association with Participant Media, and will distribute internationally. Disney will handle domestic distribution. In addition to directing, Spielberg will produce the film with Marc Platt (Into the Woods, Drive) and Kristie Macosko Krieger (Lincoln), with Adam Somner (The Wolf of Wall Street), Daniel Lupi (Her), Jeff Skoll (The Hundred-Foot Journey) and Jonathan King (Cesar Chavez) serving as executive producers. The screenplay is by Matt Charman (Suite Francaise) and three-time Academy Award® winners Ethan Coen & Joel Coen (No Country for Old Men, Fargo).

Steven Spielberg May Direct Next ‘Indiana Jones’…Is Chris Pratt Joining Him?

chris-pratt-indiana-jonesSounds as if we have a marriage made in Disney heaven. Deadline is reporting that Steven Spielberg (at least his team of people) is potentially interested in directing the fifth installment into the Indiana Jones franchise and he would like to bring Chris Pratt along with him. This news comes mere months after it was reported that Walt Disney Pictures and Lucasfilm were eyeing the Guardians of the Galaxy star as the successor to Harrison Ford’s famous character.

Ford, now 73 years old, has been quite vocal about wanting to return to the franchise for one more go, but if these reports are true, it would appear that the legendary actor was being forced out. This would not come as a surprise to many as the last installment, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, is widely considered an epic failure by fans and critics alike, despite making close to $800 million globally.

We will next see Chris Pratt star in this summers blockbuster Jurassic World, a movie produced by Spielberg, who is said to have selected Pratt to star in the film.

More as it becomes available…keep it here for all your movie news!

Retro Review: 30 Years Ago, the World Was Introduced to the Coen Brothers with ‘Blood Simple’

blood simple original

In my opinion, there have been very few filmmakers that have changed the cinematic landscape for the better since my birth some forty years ago. Many would likely point to folks like George Lucas and Steven Spielberg as standard bearers for the post-New Hollywood Cinema gang. And while those two certainly changed the cinematic landscape, I wouldn’t say their effect has been good or for the better. That’s another story, though. What I can say is that January 18, 1985 announced the presence of two game changers in Hollywood, and with Blood Simple‘s release, the world met Joel & Ethan Coen. Without a doubt two of the most original filmmakers still working in Hollywood, the Coen Brothers speak in their voice, tell the stories they want to tell and all with flourishes befitting the finest filmmakers in the history of cinema. Read More →