Author(s): Connor Campbell
Location: TX
"840 Maple Street"
Written & Directed by Michel Gondry
Cinematography by Conrad W. Hall
Original Score by Jon Brion
Main Cast
Maggie Gyllenhaal- Elizabeth Kendrick
Tom Wilkinson- Samson Walker
Jeremy Sisto- Michael Kendrick
Elizabeth Perkins- Jessica Western
Matthew Broderick- Gary Western
Tagline: "Have you ever felt like someone‘s in your house?"
Synopsis: For 5 years, Michael & Elizabeth Kendrick have lived at 840 Maple Street in Santa Ana, California. Elizabeth is a somewhat successful psychiatrist while her husband Michael is a big shot lawyer for one of the most successful law firms in south L.A.. Their relationship has lost something in the last couple of months. Both of them are too afraid to say anything about it and Elizabeth has turned to her alcoholic sister Jessica and her uptight husband Gary for comfort. But what they don’t know is that 840 Maple Street has also been the address of Samson Walker for a little over 6 months now. Samson was once a surgical intern at a hospital but quit after watching his wife die in surgery. He lost everything, his house and all his money. He worked odd jobs his whole life after that until one day he saw Elizabeth watering her plants outside her house. He was fascinated by this young beauty who reminded him of his wife he lost so long ago. So when she left the house, he broke in and has lived in her house while the Kendrick’s were at work, and living in the attic and night. One day, Elizabeth got home early. Samson frantically hid in the pantry. 30 minutes later, Samson moved from the pantry and slowly headed for the stairs while Elizabeth watched T.V.. When he was just almost out of site, Elizabeth turned around to see the bottom of his feet. She saw this as a chance to freshen up her life. She called him back down to the living room. Samson told her his story and Elizabeth was so fascinated by this old homeless man and fell for him. It was the beginning of an affair. When she was sure Michael was asleep, she would sneak up to the attic to be with Samson. He made Elizabeth happier than she had ever been. But when Elizabeth got pregnant, the real problems arose.
What the Press would say:
Michel Gondry’s newest film 840 Baker Street is a breathtaking film about a woman who takes back her life by having an affair with an old homeless man who’s been secretly living in her attic. Gondry has directed this film perfectly with the perfect blend of comedy and drama. Elizabeth, played by Maggie Gyllenhaal is one of the most original characters in recent cinema history. Maggie gives her best performance ever as the young psychiatrist who reclaims her boring life. She has proven that she will be among the greatest actresses to have lived. Maggie will certainly receive her first Oscar nomination and definitely her first win. Tom Wilkinson teams up with Michel Gondry once again with another brilliant performance. You forget that he’s homeless and old and learn to love him. Jeremy Sisto is also good as the husband who’s a little too involved in work to notice that his wife is sleeping with a hobo. Elizabeth Perkins stole every scene she was in as Jessica. Perkins is perfect as an alcoholic and is a lock for Best Supporting Actress. Rounding out the cast list is Matthew Broderick who nails the character Gary Western, a sort of real life Ned Flanders. This film is spectacular with a near perfect score from Jon Brion and the amazing cinematography of Conrad W. Hall, son of Academy Award Winning cinematographer Conrad L. Hall.
Hall has proven himself with some of the best cinematography for a comedy I’ve ever seen. Overall, 840 Maple Street is a masterpiece and is by far the best film of the year.
FYC-
Best Picture
Best Director- Michel Gondry
Best Actor- Tom Wilkinson
Best Actress- Maggie Gyllenhaal
Best Supporting Actor- Matthew Broderick
Best Supporting Actor- Jeremy Sisto
Best Supporting Actress- Elizabeth Perkins
Best Original Screenplay- Michel Gondry
Best Cinematography- Conrad W. Hall
Best Original Score- Jon Brion
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
The Abstinence Teacher
Author(s): Chris M.
Location: NJ
"The Abstinence Teacher"
Directed by Curtis Hanson
Written by Curtis Hanson and Tom Perrotta based on the novel “The Abstinence Teacher” by Tom Perrotta
Original Music by Thomas Newman
Main Cast
Mary Louise Parker - Ruth Ramsey
Steve Carell – Tim Mason
Holly Hunter – Erika Morgan
Sean William Scott - Marvin Keats
Kristen Stewart - Tracey Ramsey
John Lithgow - Pastor Dennis
Tagline: "The movie with something to offend everyone"
Synopsis: Ruth Ramsey is a single mother, who is the sexual education teacher at the local high school, in the prominent town of Stone Wood Heights. Ruth approaches her "Health & Family Life" course with unflappable, matter-of-fact candor. Convinced that pleasure is good, shame is bad, and knowledge is power, she saw it as her mission to demystify sex. During the previous term, Ruth sparked a nasty community backlash when she took advantage of a teachable moment when she told her students, "From what I hear about oral sex, some people enjoy it." Erika Morgan, a noted conservative cable news pundit created a media storm when a concerned parent informed her about Ruth’s comment. Ruth found herself subjected to a lawsuit, denounced by religious figures across the country and dubbed the "Oral Sex Lady." Not only was Ruth forced to issue a public apology, but the school board adopted a new abstinence curriculum designed by Christian fundamentalists and supervised by a Marvin Keats, a highly attractive, but ferociously judgmental virginity consultant.Forced to teach this puritanical new curriculum in her classroom and enduring a long spot of involuntary abstinence at home, Ruth suffers through a lonely, aggravating fall term. Ruth’s’ life takes an interesting turn when she meets her daughter Tracy’s new soccer coach, Tim Mason. Ruth recognized him from her mandatory Tabernacle Church group meetings that she has to attend in order to keep her job. They become fast friends. Tim is a bit of a town pariah as well. Last year Tim lost his high paying job, after he hit a parked car while under the influence. To avoid a jail sentence, he agreed to community service, and was advised to coach the girl’s soccer team as a way giving back to the community. Tim's a reformed alcoholic and drug addict who's putting his life back in order with the help of the Church under the guidance of Pastor Dennis. Pastor Dennis, whom appears to be a strict and severe, political and social conservative, is truly a sincere individual who is concerned about his congregation. It’s under Pastor Dennis that the bond between Ruth and Tim flourishes. Over the past six months, they both have suffered the abuse, the insults, and public humiliation; it’s through their relationship and bond made that they can rebuild their lives, and ultimately creates a new life together.
What the Press would say:
Curtis Hanson has created a compelling film that captures the recent American phenomena that is the conservative evangelical movement. Hanson creates a darkly humorous film that examines the societal contradictions and hypocrisies in this evolving adaptation of Tom Perrotta’s novel “The Abstinence Teacher.” Mary Louise Parker leads this strong ensemble as Ruth Ramsey, a paranoid, pretentious sexual education teacher who crosses the line one too many times. She is hilarious in her self deprecating humor, and brings a sincere intensity to the role that only she can. Parker will be too hard to ignore by the Academy. Steve Carell delivers another intelligent comedic performance as the reformed alcoholic. Carell is at his best in this dark comedy when he flexes his ability to balance comedy and drama within the same scene, something few actors can do with such ease. Watch out for Carell in the Best Actor Race, he will be a contender. John Lithgow and Holly Hunter turn in hilarious supporting performances. Lithgow is incredible as Pastor Dennis, the over the top evangelical minister, and Holly Hunter as the insanely narcissistic, self processed “Moral Watchdog” Erika Morgan, a nationally famed conservative media pundit who creates a firestorm surrounding Ruth Ramsey. Both actors deliver tour de force performances, and will be recognized for their brilliant comedic work. The team of Curtis Hanson and Tom Perrotta has delivered a socially relevant and involving dark comedy. The auteur and the author will be rewarded for this successful collaborative effort. See the movie everyone is talking about.
For Your Consideration:
Best Picture (GG – Comedy / Musical)
Best Director – Curtis Hanson
Best Actor – Steve Carell
Best Actress – Mary Louise Parker
Best Supporting Actor – John Lithgow
Best Supporting Actress – Holly Hunter
Best Adapted Screenplay – Curtis Hanson and Tom Perrotta
Location: NJ
"The Abstinence Teacher"
Directed by Curtis Hanson
Written by Curtis Hanson and Tom Perrotta based on the novel “The Abstinence Teacher” by Tom Perrotta
Original Music by Thomas Newman
Main Cast
Mary Louise Parker - Ruth Ramsey
Steve Carell – Tim Mason
Holly Hunter – Erika Morgan
Sean William Scott - Marvin Keats
Kristen Stewart - Tracey Ramsey
John Lithgow - Pastor Dennis
Tagline: "The movie with something to offend everyone"
Synopsis: Ruth Ramsey is a single mother, who is the sexual education teacher at the local high school, in the prominent town of Stone Wood Heights. Ruth approaches her "Health & Family Life" course with unflappable, matter-of-fact candor. Convinced that pleasure is good, shame is bad, and knowledge is power, she saw it as her mission to demystify sex. During the previous term, Ruth sparked a nasty community backlash when she took advantage of a teachable moment when she told her students, "From what I hear about oral sex, some people enjoy it." Erika Morgan, a noted conservative cable news pundit created a media storm when a concerned parent informed her about Ruth’s comment. Ruth found herself subjected to a lawsuit, denounced by religious figures across the country and dubbed the "Oral Sex Lady." Not only was Ruth forced to issue a public apology, but the school board adopted a new abstinence curriculum designed by Christian fundamentalists and supervised by a Marvin Keats, a highly attractive, but ferociously judgmental virginity consultant.Forced to teach this puritanical new curriculum in her classroom and enduring a long spot of involuntary abstinence at home, Ruth suffers through a lonely, aggravating fall term. Ruth’s’ life takes an interesting turn when she meets her daughter Tracy’s new soccer coach, Tim Mason. Ruth recognized him from her mandatory Tabernacle Church group meetings that she has to attend in order to keep her job. They become fast friends. Tim is a bit of a town pariah as well. Last year Tim lost his high paying job, after he hit a parked car while under the influence. To avoid a jail sentence, he agreed to community service, and was advised to coach the girl’s soccer team as a way giving back to the community. Tim's a reformed alcoholic and drug addict who's putting his life back in order with the help of the Church under the guidance of Pastor Dennis. Pastor Dennis, whom appears to be a strict and severe, political and social conservative, is truly a sincere individual who is concerned about his congregation. It’s under Pastor Dennis that the bond between Ruth and Tim flourishes. Over the past six months, they both have suffered the abuse, the insults, and public humiliation; it’s through their relationship and bond made that they can rebuild their lives, and ultimately creates a new life together.
What the Press would say:
Curtis Hanson has created a compelling film that captures the recent American phenomena that is the conservative evangelical movement. Hanson creates a darkly humorous film that examines the societal contradictions and hypocrisies in this evolving adaptation of Tom Perrotta’s novel “The Abstinence Teacher.” Mary Louise Parker leads this strong ensemble as Ruth Ramsey, a paranoid, pretentious sexual education teacher who crosses the line one too many times. She is hilarious in her self deprecating humor, and brings a sincere intensity to the role that only she can. Parker will be too hard to ignore by the Academy. Steve Carell delivers another intelligent comedic performance as the reformed alcoholic. Carell is at his best in this dark comedy when he flexes his ability to balance comedy and drama within the same scene, something few actors can do with such ease. Watch out for Carell in the Best Actor Race, he will be a contender. John Lithgow and Holly Hunter turn in hilarious supporting performances. Lithgow is incredible as Pastor Dennis, the over the top evangelical minister, and Holly Hunter as the insanely narcissistic, self processed “Moral Watchdog” Erika Morgan, a nationally famed conservative media pundit who creates a firestorm surrounding Ruth Ramsey. Both actors deliver tour de force performances, and will be recognized for their brilliant comedic work. The team of Curtis Hanson and Tom Perrotta has delivered a socially relevant and involving dark comedy. The auteur and the author will be rewarded for this successful collaborative effort. See the movie everyone is talking about.
For Your Consideration:
Best Picture (GG – Comedy / Musical)
Best Director – Curtis Hanson
Best Actor – Steve Carell
Best Actress – Mary Louise Parker
Best Supporting Actor – John Lithgow
Best Supporting Actress – Holly Hunter
Best Adapted Screenplay – Curtis Hanson and Tom Perrotta
Across the River
Author(s): Chris M.
Location: NJ
"Across the River"
Produced by Jonathan Demme
Directed by Jonathan Demme
Written by Bo Goldman
Based on the 1988 Etienne Chatiliez’s film “La vie est un long fleuve Tranquille”
Main Cast
Hugh Grant as Conrad Darling
Emma Thompson as Judith Darling
Tyler Hoechlin as Landon Darling
Dennis Quaid as Jerry Lahey
Elisabeth Perkins as Margery Lahey
John Patrick Amedori as Sean Lahey
Christina Ricci as Nurse Carol
Matt Dillon as Dr. Foster
Tagline: "N/A"
Synopsis: On Thanksgiving, 1989, at New York Presbyterian hospital, two women gave birth to sons. A nurse, named Carol is very upset because she has just found out that her obstetrician lover, Dr. Foster, is going to spend Thanksgiving with his wife and children instead of her. During her fit of hysteria she ends up accidentally switching the two infants shortly after delivery. Carol thinks she might have made a mistake but does not tell anyone because the children look so similar. Eighteen years later, Carol, on her deathbed, confesses to Dr. Foster, who in turn must contact the two families. The elitist, upper- class Darlings found out that their precious little boy has grown up across the Hudson River with the uncivilized, lower class Laheys. Horrified by how their child has lived, the Darlings decide to bring their son, Sean, back into their sheltered home; the Laheys agree, but for a fee. Sean's habits, however, are deeply ingrained; meanwhile the son the Darling’s have raised as their own, Landon, who begins to ponder curiosities about his real parents; and all hell breaks loose at the Darlings Manhattan Brownstone. Sean's arrival causes havoc among the upright, uptight Darlings and creates a link between the two socially opposite families.
What the Press would say:
“Across the River”, is, as everybody has been saying, the funniest movie in years. There are some filmmakers who can literally get away with anything, say anything, do anything, and people will let them. “Across the River” is a crazed grab-bag of a movie that does everything to keep us laughing. Jonathan Demme and Bo Goldman, the Oscar winning team behind “Melvin & Howard” reunite to create one of the most memorable comedies in years. This duo will be too tough to forget come nomination time, creating a lasting impression in the minds of whoever sees the film. “Across the River’s” comedy, performances, and insights are all dead-on perfect. The comedic team of Emma Thompson and Hugh Grant, as the wealthy elitist Darlings is wonderful. Emma Thompson has the stand out performance as the matriarch, Judith Darling, an aging socialite who learns that the son she has been raising for the past eighteen years really belongs to a gross, small time criminal family from New Jersey. She is hysterical and will be too hard to be ignored when nominations are announced. Dennis Quaid and Elisabeth Perkins turn in career best performances in their supporting roles as the Laheys. They are brilliant as the disgusting, lower class criminals who continually come up with new ways to scam the government, and parents who care more about money than the welfare of their own child. Nominations for Quaid and Perkins seem like a very strong possibility. Watch out for young actors John Patrick Amedori and Tyler Hoechlin as the children separated at birth. John Patrick Amedori, plays Sean, and delivers a terrific performance in his spookier-than-thou turn as the demented long lost son. Tyler Hoechlin plays Landon Darling and delivers a performance that matches his stunning debut in “Road to Perdition.” Hoechlin will likely be recognized for his strong work as a son who struggles to suppress his curiosity about his biological parents even though he knows they are terrible people. He brings the heart to this film. This is the one film you must see this season; it certainly is the most talked about.
For Your Consideration:
Best Picture
Best Director – Jonathan Demme
Best Actress – Emma Thompson
Best Supporting Actor – Dennis Quaid
Best Supporting Actor - John Patrick Amedori
Best Supporting Actor – Tyler Hoechlin
Best Supporting Actress – Elisabeth Perkins
Best Adapted Screenplay – Bo Goldman
Location: NJ
"Across the River"
Produced by Jonathan Demme
Directed by Jonathan Demme
Written by Bo Goldman
Based on the 1988 Etienne Chatiliez’s film “La vie est un long fleuve Tranquille”
Main Cast
Hugh Grant as Conrad Darling
Emma Thompson as Judith Darling
Tyler Hoechlin as Landon Darling
Dennis Quaid as Jerry Lahey
Elisabeth Perkins as Margery Lahey
John Patrick Amedori as Sean Lahey
Christina Ricci as Nurse Carol
Matt Dillon as Dr. Foster
Tagline: "N/A"
Synopsis: On Thanksgiving, 1989, at New York Presbyterian hospital, two women gave birth to sons. A nurse, named Carol is very upset because she has just found out that her obstetrician lover, Dr. Foster, is going to spend Thanksgiving with his wife and children instead of her. During her fit of hysteria she ends up accidentally switching the two infants shortly after delivery. Carol thinks she might have made a mistake but does not tell anyone because the children look so similar. Eighteen years later, Carol, on her deathbed, confesses to Dr. Foster, who in turn must contact the two families. The elitist, upper- class Darlings found out that their precious little boy has grown up across the Hudson River with the uncivilized, lower class Laheys. Horrified by how their child has lived, the Darlings decide to bring their son, Sean, back into their sheltered home; the Laheys agree, but for a fee. Sean's habits, however, are deeply ingrained; meanwhile the son the Darling’s have raised as their own, Landon, who begins to ponder curiosities about his real parents; and all hell breaks loose at the Darlings Manhattan Brownstone. Sean's arrival causes havoc among the upright, uptight Darlings and creates a link between the two socially opposite families.
What the Press would say:
“Across the River”, is, as everybody has been saying, the funniest movie in years. There are some filmmakers who can literally get away with anything, say anything, do anything, and people will let them. “Across the River” is a crazed grab-bag of a movie that does everything to keep us laughing. Jonathan Demme and Bo Goldman, the Oscar winning team behind “Melvin & Howard” reunite to create one of the most memorable comedies in years. This duo will be too tough to forget come nomination time, creating a lasting impression in the minds of whoever sees the film. “Across the River’s” comedy, performances, and insights are all dead-on perfect. The comedic team of Emma Thompson and Hugh Grant, as the wealthy elitist Darlings is wonderful. Emma Thompson has the stand out performance as the matriarch, Judith Darling, an aging socialite who learns that the son she has been raising for the past eighteen years really belongs to a gross, small time criminal family from New Jersey. She is hysterical and will be too hard to be ignored when nominations are announced. Dennis Quaid and Elisabeth Perkins turn in career best performances in their supporting roles as the Laheys. They are brilliant as the disgusting, lower class criminals who continually come up with new ways to scam the government, and parents who care more about money than the welfare of their own child. Nominations for Quaid and Perkins seem like a very strong possibility. Watch out for young actors John Patrick Amedori and Tyler Hoechlin as the children separated at birth. John Patrick Amedori, plays Sean, and delivers a terrific performance in his spookier-than-thou turn as the demented long lost son. Tyler Hoechlin plays Landon Darling and delivers a performance that matches his stunning debut in “Road to Perdition.” Hoechlin will likely be recognized for his strong work as a son who struggles to suppress his curiosity about his biological parents even though he knows they are terrible people. He brings the heart to this film. This is the one film you must see this season; it certainly is the most talked about.
For Your Consideration:
Best Picture
Best Director – Jonathan Demme
Best Actress – Emma Thompson
Best Supporting Actor – Dennis Quaid
Best Supporting Actor - John Patrick Amedori
Best Supporting Actor – Tyler Hoechlin
Best Supporting Actress – Elisabeth Perkins
Best Adapted Screenplay – Bo Goldman
Batman: End of All Hope
Author(s): Tony
Location: Pittsburgh
"Batman: End of all Hope"
Directed by Chan-wook Park
Written by Timothy J. Sexton
Music by Javier Navarrete
Produced by Grant Hill
Main Cast
Billy Crudup as Batman/Bruce Wayne
Robert Knepper as The Riddler/Edward Nigma
Madeleine Stowe as Silver St. Cloud
Ian McKellen as Alfred Pennywood
William H. Macy as Commissioner Jim Gordon
Laurence Fishburne as Lucious Fox
Martin Henderson as Dr. Richard Thorton
Ling Bai as Echo
Mellisa George as Query
Tagline: "One mans revenge is another mans obsession"
Synopsis: Chapter 1: "I am the beginning of all things. I am at the end of eternity. There is but one path from my beginning to my end. My whole embodies indifference. What am I?"The sounds of the heart monitor triggered that empty feeling Bruce had at the bottom of his soul, sitting there bed side near his father figure for most of his life. After the near death beating from Two-Face and Black Mask, Alfred still was in his coma. Months have past and comas this long are a rarity, which bothered Bruce. All he could do is sit back and think the fact that Mask had escaped and left Two-Face to die. Due to the wounds, Bruce knew no word would come from Black Mask in a long time, and it hadn't. His personal psychiatrist, Dr. Richard Thorton suggests that Bruce should be get back to work to pass the time, throw parties and socialize with the wealthy. He was after all the most powerful man in Gotham, which later on would prove to be his downfall.Chapter 2: "No legs have I to dance, no lungs have I to breathe, no life have I to live or die, yet I do all three, what am I?"A yacht party was how Bruce tried to forget about the problems at hand. On this yacht was sassy Silver St. Cloud and the brilliant, yet esoteric Edward Nigma. Atracted was Silver towards the blissful Bruce Wayne they all knew, yet he was confronted by the always plotting Nigma, who had to be restrained from Bruce. According to Nigma, he felt insulted that Bruce made his name through the family, money, and power, while his own wit and intelligence would prove to be much more potent. After the confrontation, Silver and Bruce would continue their discussions, and soon to be very close friends, which is what Bruce needed, or did he?Chapter 3: "You heard me before, yet you hear me again. Then I die, 'til you call me again. What am I?"Edward Nigma was a disturbed inventor, a genius fascinated with riddles and puzzles. He suffered from obsessive compulsion, the only reasons for his soon to be actions were to prove that he was the greatest person in the history of the world. That is how is alter ego, the Riddler, began. With no sign of Batman in weeks, The Riddler decided to begin his experiment. Along with his two assistants Echo and Query, two firearm and combat rebels, the Riddler would take his inventions and turn them into death traps, when the simple answer of a riddle would be the only chance of escape. He could never kill his victims when he had full control. With Batman missing, the Riddler owned the streets of Gotham.Chapter 4: "Give me an x, I'll stand to face you. Give me a cross, I'll turn my back on you. What am I?"With the Riddler purposely leaving clues at his crime scenes calling out Batman, Jim Gordon is on the hunt to find the Bat to put an end to the Riddlers madness. While Bruce was still in an emotional state and spending more time with Silver, Nigma went on a search to identify Batmans identity. After all the Riddlers careful calcuations, he would know Batmans true identity, but to reveal it was to easy. Nigma wanted to manipulate Gothams most feared vigilante in his personal life, starting with the murder of his psychatrist Thorton. With Bruce knowing the Riddler was after him, he took extreme caution with Silver, but it was too late. The Riddler captured Silver and put her in a mechnical device that would be stopped if Silver knew the keyword. "No sooner spoken than broken. What is it?" Chapter 5: "I come in darkness, but fill the mind with light. I bring enlightenment to some, while gripping others in the hand of fear. What am I?"After the funeral Bruce could think of nothing but vengeance. The device was triggered by sound, and all Silver had to do was silence herself, she couldn't. The Riddler had done it and drawn the Bat out. Now, Batman is on a mission to the Riddler down. To do so he must beat the Riddler at his own game he must take back the streets of Gotham, go through the Riddlers deadly traps, and some how, some way bring him to justice.
What the Press would say:
The Bat is back, and this time with a vengeance. Director Chan-wook Park, the man who brought us Oldboy and Lady Vengeance, takes part in the second film of this Batman epic. Park is known for his cult classics based on the revenge theme, End of all Hope was made for Park. His inventive and clever directing has a visual style that outstrips his ability to tell a story. Aside him is returning writer of Scars of Tomorrow, Tim Sexton, who once again brings a marvelous script that pays tribute to the old Batman comics, the ruthless villains and troubled hero. Much like Scars of Tomorrow, End of all Hope doesn't hold anything back, while being a superhero film it's not for the faint of heart Though not gory in the least bit, it's the surroundings that make this film what it is, a more disturbing look at a superhero that shows human capability, emotion. Aside from the director change, much of the cast has stayed the same. Crudup returns and is putting any other superhero that put on the black suit in shame. Crudup shows more acting ability then any other role in his career. While this film is loaded with suspenseful action, close calls, and nifty gadgets, Crudup takes on the most challenging aspect of Batman, realizing he's human after all. A new addition has been added to End of all Hope, and that is the natorious villian The Riddler, played by the uncomparable Robert Knepper. Knepper takes his ruthless Prison Break antics to use and transforms into the Riddler, a man with one of the most dangerous weapons, obsession. Nothing in his personal life was distorted, some people are just born evil. His weakness is himself, his condition allows him to be defeated. Knepper is sadistic, witty, and sinister, as a Batman villian should be.Don't miss out on falls most riveting action drama, Batman: End of all Hope. The superhero film for adults, the next great sequel in film.
FYC:
Best Picture - Chan-wook Park
Best Director - Chan-wook Park
Best Actor - Billy Crudup
Best Supporting Actor - Robert Knepper
Best Original Screenplay - Timothy Sexton
Best Original Score
Best Cinematagraphy
Best Art Direction
Location: Pittsburgh
"Batman: End of all Hope"
Directed by Chan-wook Park
Written by Timothy J. Sexton
Music by Javier Navarrete
Produced by Grant Hill
Main Cast
Billy Crudup as Batman/Bruce Wayne
Robert Knepper as The Riddler/Edward Nigma
Madeleine Stowe as Silver St. Cloud
Ian McKellen as Alfred Pennywood
William H. Macy as Commissioner Jim Gordon
Laurence Fishburne as Lucious Fox
Martin Henderson as Dr. Richard Thorton
Ling Bai as Echo
Mellisa George as Query
Tagline: "One mans revenge is another mans obsession"
Synopsis: Chapter 1: "I am the beginning of all things. I am at the end of eternity. There is but one path from my beginning to my end. My whole embodies indifference. What am I?"The sounds of the heart monitor triggered that empty feeling Bruce had at the bottom of his soul, sitting there bed side near his father figure for most of his life. After the near death beating from Two-Face and Black Mask, Alfred still was in his coma. Months have past and comas this long are a rarity, which bothered Bruce. All he could do is sit back and think the fact that Mask had escaped and left Two-Face to die. Due to the wounds, Bruce knew no word would come from Black Mask in a long time, and it hadn't. His personal psychiatrist, Dr. Richard Thorton suggests that Bruce should be get back to work to pass the time, throw parties and socialize with the wealthy. He was after all the most powerful man in Gotham, which later on would prove to be his downfall.Chapter 2: "No legs have I to dance, no lungs have I to breathe, no life have I to live or die, yet I do all three, what am I?"A yacht party was how Bruce tried to forget about the problems at hand. On this yacht was sassy Silver St. Cloud and the brilliant, yet esoteric Edward Nigma. Atracted was Silver towards the blissful Bruce Wayne they all knew, yet he was confronted by the always plotting Nigma, who had to be restrained from Bruce. According to Nigma, he felt insulted that Bruce made his name through the family, money, and power, while his own wit and intelligence would prove to be much more potent. After the confrontation, Silver and Bruce would continue their discussions, and soon to be very close friends, which is what Bruce needed, or did he?Chapter 3: "You heard me before, yet you hear me again. Then I die, 'til you call me again. What am I?"Edward Nigma was a disturbed inventor, a genius fascinated with riddles and puzzles. He suffered from obsessive compulsion, the only reasons for his soon to be actions were to prove that he was the greatest person in the history of the world. That is how is alter ego, the Riddler, began. With no sign of Batman in weeks, The Riddler decided to begin his experiment. Along with his two assistants Echo and Query, two firearm and combat rebels, the Riddler would take his inventions and turn them into death traps, when the simple answer of a riddle would be the only chance of escape. He could never kill his victims when he had full control. With Batman missing, the Riddler owned the streets of Gotham.Chapter 4: "Give me an x, I'll stand to face you. Give me a cross, I'll turn my back on you. What am I?"With the Riddler purposely leaving clues at his crime scenes calling out Batman, Jim Gordon is on the hunt to find the Bat to put an end to the Riddlers madness. While Bruce was still in an emotional state and spending more time with Silver, Nigma went on a search to identify Batmans identity. After all the Riddlers careful calcuations, he would know Batmans true identity, but to reveal it was to easy. Nigma wanted to manipulate Gothams most feared vigilante in his personal life, starting with the murder of his psychatrist Thorton. With Bruce knowing the Riddler was after him, he took extreme caution with Silver, but it was too late. The Riddler captured Silver and put her in a mechnical device that would be stopped if Silver knew the keyword. "No sooner spoken than broken. What is it?" Chapter 5: "I come in darkness, but fill the mind with light. I bring enlightenment to some, while gripping others in the hand of fear. What am I?"After the funeral Bruce could think of nothing but vengeance. The device was triggered by sound, and all Silver had to do was silence herself, she couldn't. The Riddler had done it and drawn the Bat out. Now, Batman is on a mission to the Riddler down. To do so he must beat the Riddler at his own game he must take back the streets of Gotham, go through the Riddlers deadly traps, and some how, some way bring him to justice.
What the Press would say:
The Bat is back, and this time with a vengeance. Director Chan-wook Park, the man who brought us Oldboy and Lady Vengeance, takes part in the second film of this Batman epic. Park is known for his cult classics based on the revenge theme, End of all Hope was made for Park. His inventive and clever directing has a visual style that outstrips his ability to tell a story. Aside him is returning writer of Scars of Tomorrow, Tim Sexton, who once again brings a marvelous script that pays tribute to the old Batman comics, the ruthless villains and troubled hero. Much like Scars of Tomorrow, End of all Hope doesn't hold anything back, while being a superhero film it's not for the faint of heart Though not gory in the least bit, it's the surroundings that make this film what it is, a more disturbing look at a superhero that shows human capability, emotion. Aside from the director change, much of the cast has stayed the same. Crudup returns and is putting any other superhero that put on the black suit in shame. Crudup shows more acting ability then any other role in his career. While this film is loaded with suspenseful action, close calls, and nifty gadgets, Crudup takes on the most challenging aspect of Batman, realizing he's human after all. A new addition has been added to End of all Hope, and that is the natorious villian The Riddler, played by the uncomparable Robert Knepper. Knepper takes his ruthless Prison Break antics to use and transforms into the Riddler, a man with one of the most dangerous weapons, obsession. Nothing in his personal life was distorted, some people are just born evil. His weakness is himself, his condition allows him to be defeated. Knepper is sadistic, witty, and sinister, as a Batman villian should be.Don't miss out on falls most riveting action drama, Batman: End of all Hope. The superhero film for adults, the next great sequel in film.
FYC:
Best Picture - Chan-wook Park
Best Director - Chan-wook Park
Best Actor - Billy Crudup
Best Supporting Actor - Robert Knepper
Best Original Screenplay - Timothy Sexton
Best Original Score
Best Cinematagraphy
Best Art Direction
Before She Sleeps
Author(s): Ryan D.
Location: MA
"Before She Sleeps"
Directed by: Stephen Daldry
Written by: Michael Cunningham
Main Cast
Cristina Ricci as Jude Cartow
Zooey Deschanel as Julia Paltrow
Julianne Moore as Suzanna Armstrong
Casey Affleck as Detective Falantry
Tagline: "3 Woman, 3 different times, 1 thing in common"
Synopsis: This is the story of the psyche of three female killers. Each in different periods of time, and at different stages in their murdering careers.First there is Jude (Ricci). She lives in the 1950’s, and looks like any average woman. One problem with Jude is she has been in a bad relationship where the man overpowers her. Her way of feeling dominant was killing him. Now she can’t stop killing. Though she wants to stop she feeds on feeling dominant.Than there is Julia (Deschanel). Julia is from the 1960’s. Julia, an Ivy League grad, looked like she was heading in the right direction. She than ended up marrying white trash and killed him when she couldn’t take it anymore. Right now she has been caught and throughout the whole film she is interrogated by Detective Falantry (Affleck). In interrogation she reflects on her regrets and life as a serial killer.Finally there is Suzanna (Moore). She lives in the present and is a lonely depressed woman living in New York City. She has low self esteem and feels like she isn’t noticed. She has decided she is going to kill someone to get famous. Even if it isn’t positive attention it is still attention in her mind. The film focuses on her pre-shooting.
What the Press would say:
Before She Sleeps is a moving, thrilling tail of the psyche of a female killer. With knock-out performances, good direction, and intelligent writing, this film is one of the year’s best.Director Stephen Daldry is really in his element, you get a good feel for this films direction. Daldry has a clear plan and follows through on it which is the best thing a director can do. The writing moves the film along with an appropriate pace and he gives each female depth.All three women really shine. Each has that one scene or line that screams Oscar. Cristina Ricci plays Jude with sorrow that really reads in her eyes. Zooey Deschanel giving her breakout dramatic performance steps it up to really shine. She has the hardest task; she is in one room for almost the whole film, sitting in a chair and still never bores you. Her slow deep southern accent reads perfectly for her character especially when she says “I have worked too hard in my life to get somewhere I aint ever goin’, how would that make you feel.” Julianne Moore exudes excellence with probably her most challenging role to date. Her character is extremely messed up in the head, and has so many layers, and Moore succeeds. Her scenes have a lot more art attached to them including scenes in her head of her falling into quick sand in her bedroom, and her whole room filling up with water. This film is a knock out.
Awards:
Best Picture
Best Director
Best Original Screenplay
Best Actress-Cristina Ricci
Best Supporting Actress-Zooey Deschanel
Best Supporting Actress-Julianne Moore
Best Supporting Actor-Casey Affleck
Location: MA
"Before She Sleeps"
Directed by: Stephen Daldry
Written by: Michael Cunningham
Main Cast
Cristina Ricci as Jude Cartow
Zooey Deschanel as Julia Paltrow
Julianne Moore as Suzanna Armstrong
Casey Affleck as Detective Falantry
Tagline: "3 Woman, 3 different times, 1 thing in common"
Synopsis: This is the story of the psyche of three female killers. Each in different periods of time, and at different stages in their murdering careers.First there is Jude (Ricci). She lives in the 1950’s, and looks like any average woman. One problem with Jude is she has been in a bad relationship where the man overpowers her. Her way of feeling dominant was killing him. Now she can’t stop killing. Though she wants to stop she feeds on feeling dominant.Than there is Julia (Deschanel). Julia is from the 1960’s. Julia, an Ivy League grad, looked like she was heading in the right direction. She than ended up marrying white trash and killed him when she couldn’t take it anymore. Right now she has been caught and throughout the whole film she is interrogated by Detective Falantry (Affleck). In interrogation she reflects on her regrets and life as a serial killer.Finally there is Suzanna (Moore). She lives in the present and is a lonely depressed woman living in New York City. She has low self esteem and feels like she isn’t noticed. She has decided she is going to kill someone to get famous. Even if it isn’t positive attention it is still attention in her mind. The film focuses on her pre-shooting.
What the Press would say:
Before She Sleeps is a moving, thrilling tail of the psyche of a female killer. With knock-out performances, good direction, and intelligent writing, this film is one of the year’s best.Director Stephen Daldry is really in his element, you get a good feel for this films direction. Daldry has a clear plan and follows through on it which is the best thing a director can do. The writing moves the film along with an appropriate pace and he gives each female depth.All three women really shine. Each has that one scene or line that screams Oscar. Cristina Ricci plays Jude with sorrow that really reads in her eyes. Zooey Deschanel giving her breakout dramatic performance steps it up to really shine. She has the hardest task; she is in one room for almost the whole film, sitting in a chair and still never bores you. Her slow deep southern accent reads perfectly for her character especially when she says “I have worked too hard in my life to get somewhere I aint ever goin’, how would that make you feel.” Julianne Moore exudes excellence with probably her most challenging role to date. Her character is extremely messed up in the head, and has so many layers, and Moore succeeds. Her scenes have a lot more art attached to them including scenes in her head of her falling into quick sand in her bedroom, and her whole room filling up with water. This film is a knock out.
Awards:
Best Picture
Best Director
Best Original Screenplay
Best Actress-Cristina Ricci
Best Supporting Actress-Zooey Deschanel
Best Supporting Actress-Julianne Moore
Best Supporting Actor-Casey Affleck
Buzzed
Author(s): Chris P. / Zgamer
Location: IL / Eagle, ID
"Buzzed"
Written and Directed by Jason Reitman
Music by Rolfe Kent
Edited by Dana E. Glauberman
Distributed by Fox Searchlight Pictures
Produced by Daniel Dubiecki and Joseph Drake
Main Cast
Jason Bateman as Patrick Layton
Linda Cardenilli as Amy Witherspoon
Andy Griffith as Richard Goodwin
Hank Azaria as Jim Shultz
Cloris Leachman as Wendy Goodwin
J.K. Simmons as Brad Eastbrook
Jenna Fisher as Susan Page
Tagline: "With the right reviews, any film can win an Oscar"
Synopsis: Patrick Layton (Bateman) is a well-known romantic comedy producer who has just recently funded a new film he feels will win him respect from the critics and his peers. It's a masterful big budget WWII epic romance titled, "The Other Side of the World", written by his war film loving friend Jim Shultz (Azaria). Ever since he read the first draft, he'd been convinced it would be a hit. It has Oscar written all over it. However, once the heads of Megamount Studios viewed the film, it became apparent that Layton's Oscar hopeful film could turn out to be a flop. So Brad Eastbrook (Simmons), the bombastic studio head, comes up with an idea. They must hire a critic to write fake reviews around the Internet promoting the film as a legitimate Oscar contender and a sure box office success to protect their investments. The critic he hires is Richard Goodwin (Griffith), a recently unemployed professional critic who was fired from his job after writing bad reviews to future successes, tarnishing his magazines respected name. Goodwin is first unsure about the idea but soon accepts the offer in order to keep his naggy wife, Wendy (Leachman), off his back. Once the reviews are posted on the web, Layton and his pregnant girlfriend, Amy Witherspoon (Cardenilli), start to believe his film actually has a chance at winning an Oscar. Then the film's good buzz finds itself in jeopardy after Susan Page (Fisher), an up and coming entertainment reporter, writes an article exposing the fake reviews that could ultimately hurt the film's chances at being a hit.
What the Press would say:
Jason Reitman certainly knows how to satirize Hollywood with his newest release "Buzzed" . He delved into it a little in "Thank You For Smoking" , but now he really gets a chance to smack around not only the awards-crazy mentality of studio heads but also the God-like power Hollywood gives critics come Oscar time. However, rather than go for the usual visual gags other directors use, Reitman weapon of choice in the film is witty dialogue and there's plenty of it in this film. Whether it's a heated argument between studio head Eastbrook and critic Goodwin or the casually mindless chatter of Layton and his girlfriend, Reitman covers a lot of ground that ranges from humorous, touching and, more often than not, truthful. His screenplay is simply brilliant, with some really hilarious scenes and very likable characters backing it up.The technicals for the film, while not its strong point, really create a distinct identity for the piece in a way that could only suit Reitman's directing style. The editing sets a nice pace that intermingles with the dialogue effectively and the settings, though not huge set pieces, really establish location. However, what will keep audiences attention is Reitman collaborator Rolfe Kent's delightful score. Just like his score in "Sideways", it creates the perfect mood for the bait, with a bit of light heartedness sprinkled with a dose of reality. From the opening suite to the closing credits, this may be the film's sure-fire Oscar win for technicals.Of course, it's the acting that really makes the film shine. Reitman has created another likable ensemble from actors few know about, but whom everyone will love. Bateman shines as Patrick Layton, the hopeful yet naive producer who wants to get his due. It's not exactly what specific thing Bateman does onscreen that him great, but just the way he handles his character throughout. All the little quirks Layton is given (especially that laugh) make the character come to life. The supporting cast is no slacker though. From Leachman's naggy but good intentioned wife to Cardenilli's faithful but distracted girlfriend/fiance, everyone has a chance to shine. However, two individuals make the biggest impression of the group. First is Simmon's loudmouthed (and sometimes foul-mouthed) studio head Brad Eastbrook. He is such a hilariously misguided character who embodies everything that makes people think Hollywood is nothing but a money whore. From his rapid-fire speech to his cut-corners attitude, Simmon's character steals the spotlight from almost everyone around him. The other is Griffith's Roger Ebert-like critic Richard Goodwin. He's such a lovable old guy that you just can't help but be mad at the way he handles his personal life. Plus, his scene with Simmons where they discuss "pretty actors" will most likely go down as one of the funniest dialogue scenes ever filmed. That should earn him an easy nod.This is by far the wittiest film of the year. From the great characters to the superb dialogue, this sets the benchmark for Reitman's films to come.
Awards Consideration
Best Picture
Best Director - Jason Reitman
Best Original Screenplay- Jason Reitman
Best Actor - Jason Bateman
Best Supporting Actor - Andy Griffith
Best Supporting Actor - J.K. Simmons
Best Supporting Actress - Cloris Leachman
Best Supporting Actress - Linda Cardenilli
Best Original Score- Rolfe Kent
Location: IL / Eagle, ID
"Buzzed"
Written and Directed by Jason Reitman
Music by Rolfe Kent
Edited by Dana E. Glauberman
Distributed by Fox Searchlight Pictures
Produced by Daniel Dubiecki and Joseph Drake
Main Cast
Jason Bateman as Patrick Layton
Linda Cardenilli as Amy Witherspoon
Andy Griffith as Richard Goodwin
Hank Azaria as Jim Shultz
Cloris Leachman as Wendy Goodwin
J.K. Simmons as Brad Eastbrook
Jenna Fisher as Susan Page
Tagline: "With the right reviews, any film can win an Oscar"
Synopsis: Patrick Layton (Bateman) is a well-known romantic comedy producer who has just recently funded a new film he feels will win him respect from the critics and his peers. It's a masterful big budget WWII epic romance titled, "The Other Side of the World", written by his war film loving friend Jim Shultz (Azaria). Ever since he read the first draft, he'd been convinced it would be a hit. It has Oscar written all over it. However, once the heads of Megamount Studios viewed the film, it became apparent that Layton's Oscar hopeful film could turn out to be a flop. So Brad Eastbrook (Simmons), the bombastic studio head, comes up with an idea. They must hire a critic to write fake reviews around the Internet promoting the film as a legitimate Oscar contender and a sure box office success to protect their investments. The critic he hires is Richard Goodwin (Griffith), a recently unemployed professional critic who was fired from his job after writing bad reviews to future successes, tarnishing his magazines respected name. Goodwin is first unsure about the idea but soon accepts the offer in order to keep his naggy wife, Wendy (Leachman), off his back. Once the reviews are posted on the web, Layton and his pregnant girlfriend, Amy Witherspoon (Cardenilli), start to believe his film actually has a chance at winning an Oscar. Then the film's good buzz finds itself in jeopardy after Susan Page (Fisher), an up and coming entertainment reporter, writes an article exposing the fake reviews that could ultimately hurt the film's chances at being a hit.
What the Press would say:
Jason Reitman certainly knows how to satirize Hollywood with his newest release "Buzzed" . He delved into it a little in "Thank You For Smoking" , but now he really gets a chance to smack around not only the awards-crazy mentality of studio heads but also the God-like power Hollywood gives critics come Oscar time. However, rather than go for the usual visual gags other directors use, Reitman weapon of choice in the film is witty dialogue and there's plenty of it in this film. Whether it's a heated argument between studio head Eastbrook and critic Goodwin or the casually mindless chatter of Layton and his girlfriend, Reitman covers a lot of ground that ranges from humorous, touching and, more often than not, truthful. His screenplay is simply brilliant, with some really hilarious scenes and very likable characters backing it up.The technicals for the film, while not its strong point, really create a distinct identity for the piece in a way that could only suit Reitman's directing style. The editing sets a nice pace that intermingles with the dialogue effectively and the settings, though not huge set pieces, really establish location. However, what will keep audiences attention is Reitman collaborator Rolfe Kent's delightful score. Just like his score in "Sideways", it creates the perfect mood for the bait, with a bit of light heartedness sprinkled with a dose of reality. From the opening suite to the closing credits, this may be the film's sure-fire Oscar win for technicals.Of course, it's the acting that really makes the film shine. Reitman has created another likable ensemble from actors few know about, but whom everyone will love. Bateman shines as Patrick Layton, the hopeful yet naive producer who wants to get his due. It's not exactly what specific thing Bateman does onscreen that him great, but just the way he handles his character throughout. All the little quirks Layton is given (especially that laugh) make the character come to life. The supporting cast is no slacker though. From Leachman's naggy but good intentioned wife to Cardenilli's faithful but distracted girlfriend/fiance, everyone has a chance to shine. However, two individuals make the biggest impression of the group. First is Simmon's loudmouthed (and sometimes foul-mouthed) studio head Brad Eastbrook. He is such a hilariously misguided character who embodies everything that makes people think Hollywood is nothing but a money whore. From his rapid-fire speech to his cut-corners attitude, Simmon's character steals the spotlight from almost everyone around him. The other is Griffith's Roger Ebert-like critic Richard Goodwin. He's such a lovable old guy that you just can't help but be mad at the way he handles his personal life. Plus, his scene with Simmons where they discuss "pretty actors" will most likely go down as one of the funniest dialogue scenes ever filmed. That should earn him an easy nod.This is by far the wittiest film of the year. From the great characters to the superb dialogue, this sets the benchmark for Reitman's films to come.
Awards Consideration
Best Picture
Best Director - Jason Reitman
Best Original Screenplay- Jason Reitman
Best Actor - Jason Bateman
Best Supporting Actor - Andy Griffith
Best Supporting Actor - J.K. Simmons
Best Supporting Actress - Cloris Leachman
Best Supporting Actress - Linda Cardenilli
Best Original Score- Rolfe Kent
The Cabin
Author(s): Chris M.
Location: NJ
"The Cabin"
Produced, Written, and Directed by Christopher Nolan
Original Score composed by Howard Shore
Cinematography by Wally Pfister
Film Editing by Dody Dorn
Original Music written by Bob Dylan
Main Cast
Jeremy Irons as Rory Colme
Kathy Bates as Anne Marie Courtney
Christian Bale as Robert Burns
Sandra Bulluck as Loraine Devine
Mos Def as Rondell Anthony
Tagline: "For them it was their shot at a dream, for him, their dream was his next novel"
Synopsis: Best selling author Rory Colme (Irons) is holding a contest for his most ardent fans. For over one month, contestants around the country submitted short stories they have written for a chance to win a spot in Colmes personal cabin in Wyoming. This cabin is where Colme’s has written every single one of his thirty best-selling novels. Four lucky contestants will be chosen and will spend three months in the cabin; they will compete in complete isolation from the outside world, a condition similar to what Lord Byron, Mary Shelley and others faced in the nineteenth century; that isolated group produced works such as Frankenstein; who knows what this group will produce. The ultimate winner will have their final product published by Colmes. Colmes hand picks each contestant, whom are, Anne-Marie Courtney (Bates), a housewife and mother of four from Maine, Robert Burns (Bale), a recent divorcee, who is a history professor at the University of Colorado, Rondell Anthony (Def), a working class family man from Georgia, and Loraine Devine (Bullock), a bakery owner from Texas, who was recently widowed. What happens when four strangers are stuck together in small quarters for three months, completely isolated from the outside world? Tempers rise, sanity is questioned, and survival is a goal. The contest is really a clever guise for Colmes real ambition, he has the cabin under surveillance and is writing his newest novel based on the behavior of these four very different contestants.
What the Press would say:
Christopher Nolan has successfully woven another psychological thriller in his modern masterpiece, “The Cabin”. Nolan has created another heart pounding film. Nolan will be recognized by the academy for his incredible script and intelligent direction. Instead of big budgets and special effects, Nolan allows his actors and script to leave his mark and it’s a powerful mark that he leaves. Look for an acting nomination for Christian Bale, who plays a troubled college professor who is coming to terms with his recent divorce, and is on the verge of losing his sanity. Critics are hailing his performance as one of the most realistic portrayals of a mental breakdown in film history. Bale is not only going to be nominated but he will win the Best Supporting Actor. Kathy Bates is incredible as Anne-Marie Courtney, a sheltered housewife and mother from Maine whose hobby has been writing short stories with aspirations of becoming a famous novelist. She shines in this role; she is socially awkward and does not deal well with the situation she has entered. Bates has created an endearing character that the audiences sympathies with, and come January, so will the Academy. Sandra Bullock plays Loraine Devine, and delivers the strongest performance of her career, in a role that is a departure from the lighter fare she is known for. Bullock dives into the role of Loraine Devine, a clinically depressed woman who hopes that this contest will help her in her process of grieving the loss of her deceased husband. Her condition worsens over time and she contemplates suicide only to survive with the unlikely ally of Rondell Anthony. Rondell is played by Mos Def who continues to build a resume of impressive work. He is the mediator who prevents confrontations between his housemates from escalating. He questions his own sanity but fights to the very end to return to his family. Jeremy Irons is brilliant as Rory Colmes, a two faced novelist who jeopardizes the sanity and health of four contestants in order to create his next best selling book. He plays his character effectively, as the man we love to hate. Irons will most certainly be rewarded for his work as the manipulative author. “The Cabin” is operatic in its ambition; a great, joyous leap into melodrama and coincidence, with ragged emotions, crimes and punishments, generational turmoil and celestial intervention, all scored to Bob Dylan’s inventive music. The more you think about “The Cabin”, the dry wit, the bravura staging, the intricate design, the wondrous performances, the better and more unusual the film seems. “The Cabin” is an impressive film with superior acting; featuring career best performances from its distinguished cast, a cant miss this awards season.
FYC:
Best Picture
Best Director – Christopher Nolan
Best Actor – Jeremy Irons
Best Supporting Actor – Christian Bale
Best Supporting Actor – Mos Def
Best Supporting Actress – Kathy Bates
Best Supporting Actress – Sandra Bullock
Best Original Screenplay – Christopher Nolan
Best Cinematography - Wally Pfister
Best Film Editing - Dody Dorn
Best Original Score – Howard Shore
Best Original Song – Bob Dylan
Location: NJ
"The Cabin"
Produced, Written, and Directed by Christopher Nolan
Original Score composed by Howard Shore
Cinematography by Wally Pfister
Film Editing by Dody Dorn
Original Music written by Bob Dylan
Main Cast
Jeremy Irons as Rory Colme
Kathy Bates as Anne Marie Courtney
Christian Bale as Robert Burns
Sandra Bulluck as Loraine Devine
Mos Def as Rondell Anthony
Tagline: "For them it was their shot at a dream, for him, their dream was his next novel"
Synopsis: Best selling author Rory Colme (Irons) is holding a contest for his most ardent fans. For over one month, contestants around the country submitted short stories they have written for a chance to win a spot in Colmes personal cabin in Wyoming. This cabin is where Colme’s has written every single one of his thirty best-selling novels. Four lucky contestants will be chosen and will spend three months in the cabin; they will compete in complete isolation from the outside world, a condition similar to what Lord Byron, Mary Shelley and others faced in the nineteenth century; that isolated group produced works such as Frankenstein; who knows what this group will produce. The ultimate winner will have their final product published by Colmes. Colmes hand picks each contestant, whom are, Anne-Marie Courtney (Bates), a housewife and mother of four from Maine, Robert Burns (Bale), a recent divorcee, who is a history professor at the University of Colorado, Rondell Anthony (Def), a working class family man from Georgia, and Loraine Devine (Bullock), a bakery owner from Texas, who was recently widowed. What happens when four strangers are stuck together in small quarters for three months, completely isolated from the outside world? Tempers rise, sanity is questioned, and survival is a goal. The contest is really a clever guise for Colmes real ambition, he has the cabin under surveillance and is writing his newest novel based on the behavior of these four very different contestants.
What the Press would say:
Christopher Nolan has successfully woven another psychological thriller in his modern masterpiece, “The Cabin”. Nolan has created another heart pounding film. Nolan will be recognized by the academy for his incredible script and intelligent direction. Instead of big budgets and special effects, Nolan allows his actors and script to leave his mark and it’s a powerful mark that he leaves. Look for an acting nomination for Christian Bale, who plays a troubled college professor who is coming to terms with his recent divorce, and is on the verge of losing his sanity. Critics are hailing his performance as one of the most realistic portrayals of a mental breakdown in film history. Bale is not only going to be nominated but he will win the Best Supporting Actor. Kathy Bates is incredible as Anne-Marie Courtney, a sheltered housewife and mother from Maine whose hobby has been writing short stories with aspirations of becoming a famous novelist. She shines in this role; she is socially awkward and does not deal well with the situation she has entered. Bates has created an endearing character that the audiences sympathies with, and come January, so will the Academy. Sandra Bullock plays Loraine Devine, and delivers the strongest performance of her career, in a role that is a departure from the lighter fare she is known for. Bullock dives into the role of Loraine Devine, a clinically depressed woman who hopes that this contest will help her in her process of grieving the loss of her deceased husband. Her condition worsens over time and she contemplates suicide only to survive with the unlikely ally of Rondell Anthony. Rondell is played by Mos Def who continues to build a resume of impressive work. He is the mediator who prevents confrontations between his housemates from escalating. He questions his own sanity but fights to the very end to return to his family. Jeremy Irons is brilliant as Rory Colmes, a two faced novelist who jeopardizes the sanity and health of four contestants in order to create his next best selling book. He plays his character effectively, as the man we love to hate. Irons will most certainly be rewarded for his work as the manipulative author. “The Cabin” is operatic in its ambition; a great, joyous leap into melodrama and coincidence, with ragged emotions, crimes and punishments, generational turmoil and celestial intervention, all scored to Bob Dylan’s inventive music. The more you think about “The Cabin”, the dry wit, the bravura staging, the intricate design, the wondrous performances, the better and more unusual the film seems. “The Cabin” is an impressive film with superior acting; featuring career best performances from its distinguished cast, a cant miss this awards season.
FYC:
Best Picture
Best Director – Christopher Nolan
Best Actor – Jeremy Irons
Best Supporting Actor – Christian Bale
Best Supporting Actor – Mos Def
Best Supporting Actress – Kathy Bates
Best Supporting Actress – Sandra Bullock
Best Original Screenplay – Christopher Nolan
Best Cinematography - Wally Pfister
Best Film Editing - Dody Dorn
Best Original Score – Howard Shore
Best Original Song – Bob Dylan
Cartel
Author(s): Adam
Location: TX
"Cartel"
Directed by PHILIP NOYCE
Written by JOSHUA MARSTON
Produced by MACE NEUFELD
Briefly based on the true life story of Pablo Escobar
Featuring new original songs by JUANES & MANU CHAO
Main Cast
MICHAEL PENA as Juan Rosolindo
ANTONIO BANDERAS as Marco Ayanda
JOHN LEGUIZAMO as Francisco "Fran" Rosolindo
MIA MAESTRO as Vivian Rosolindo
RUBEN BLADES as Ricardo Rosolindo
Also featuring in side roles... JOHN ORTIZ, JORDI MOLLA, ROSIE PEREZ, CARLOS GALLARDO, FREDDY RODRIGUEZ
Tagline: "No empire lasts forever"
Synopsis: Medellin, Colombia. The 80s.Juan Rosolindo is one of the world's most wanted drug dealers by Colombian authorities. His empire of drug trafficking in Colombia has built him a fortune so big, he is considered to be one of the richest men in the world. He leads a very trusted group of traffickers which include his brother Francisco, acting as his right hand man. He is happily married to his wife Vivian, has two children, and holds a close relationship with his father Ricardo. Much of his fortunes have been given to many of the poor citizens of Medellin. The police and DEA are out to catch him, while many of the common folk view him as a monster while at the same time some embrace his actions of giving amongst the growing poverty in Colombia.Colombian police chief Marco Ayanda has dedicated much of his career to catching Rosolindo and putting him away. A key event in the case has occurred that could finally allow the authorities to put Rosolindo away for good. Francisco has been picked up and arrested during a transport. Upon questioning, he is given a proposition, help the DEA catch Juan and be paid a handsome reward along with his freedom, or do time for drug trafficking. Faced with a difficult dilemma, Francisco chooses to help the DEA in secrecy and bring down his brother's empire. But he soon realizes the pain it is causing when he sees the trust his brother holds in him, the dangers of being discovered and the confusion of love and hate between Juan's criminal lifestyle and his viewing as a Colombian Robin Hood. The chase leads Juan to become suspicious of his surroundings and begin to question each man around him, while never being able to bring himself to believe that Francisco would sell him to the authorities. The emotional effects brought on by each side in which the brother's stand become more and more apparent as the case develops. As Juan gets closer and closer to the truth, details begin to unravel for the authorities which include his support of the guerillas and their criminal acts of murder as well as the discovery that Ricardo has been helping his son by hiding evidence thus making him an accomplice to his crimes. Trust is questioned, brotherhoods are broken, and Rosolindo's empire eventually falls.
What the Press would say:
"In the thrilling tradition of Patriot Games and Clear & Present Danger, director Philip Noyce creates a scenario of thrills using superb direction and camera skills. No scene is dull and each event is fantastically crafted to create a cinematic gem.""Pena's performance as Rosolindo is flawless. He becomes the cartel punch for punch, showing no signs of acting, but of natural performing abilities. A giant step in the young actor's career. Maestro is fantastic as his wife, but the surprising supporting show stealer is Ruben Blades. In his few but commanding scenes, he proves himself to be more than just a notable character actor, but steps into the light as a dominating performer. Its amazing how powerful the chemistry is between he and Pena when the two are on screen together. You know Pena is the star and a fantastic performance is given by him, but Blades is the deserving champion between them. Come time for the awards, those two men will be major contenders.""Joshua Marston flourishes with another fantastic script. Maria Full of Grace realistically portrayed the transport of drugs through the scenario of mules, this shows us the fragile empire of drug trafficking. He has a touch for true life. His capture of setting, time and character is phenomenal. No prisoners are taken. He gives it to you how it is."
FYC
BEST PICTURE (Drama)
BEST DIRECTOR- Philip Noyce
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY- Joshua Marston
BEST ACTOR- Michael Pena
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR- Ruben Blades
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS- Mia Maestro
BEST FILM EDITING
BEST ORIGINAL SONG- "La Cancion del Emperador" performed by Jaunes & Manu Chao
Location: TX
"Cartel"
Directed by PHILIP NOYCE
Written by JOSHUA MARSTON
Produced by MACE NEUFELD
Briefly based on the true life story of Pablo Escobar
Featuring new original songs by JUANES & MANU CHAO
Main Cast
MICHAEL PENA as Juan Rosolindo
ANTONIO BANDERAS as Marco Ayanda
JOHN LEGUIZAMO as Francisco "Fran" Rosolindo
MIA MAESTRO as Vivian Rosolindo
RUBEN BLADES as Ricardo Rosolindo
Also featuring in side roles... JOHN ORTIZ, JORDI MOLLA, ROSIE PEREZ, CARLOS GALLARDO, FREDDY RODRIGUEZ
Tagline: "No empire lasts forever"
Synopsis: Medellin, Colombia. The 80s.Juan Rosolindo is one of the world's most wanted drug dealers by Colombian authorities. His empire of drug trafficking in Colombia has built him a fortune so big, he is considered to be one of the richest men in the world. He leads a very trusted group of traffickers which include his brother Francisco, acting as his right hand man. He is happily married to his wife Vivian, has two children, and holds a close relationship with his father Ricardo. Much of his fortunes have been given to many of the poor citizens of Medellin. The police and DEA are out to catch him, while many of the common folk view him as a monster while at the same time some embrace his actions of giving amongst the growing poverty in Colombia.Colombian police chief Marco Ayanda has dedicated much of his career to catching Rosolindo and putting him away. A key event in the case has occurred that could finally allow the authorities to put Rosolindo away for good. Francisco has been picked up and arrested during a transport. Upon questioning, he is given a proposition, help the DEA catch Juan and be paid a handsome reward along with his freedom, or do time for drug trafficking. Faced with a difficult dilemma, Francisco chooses to help the DEA in secrecy and bring down his brother's empire. But he soon realizes the pain it is causing when he sees the trust his brother holds in him, the dangers of being discovered and the confusion of love and hate between Juan's criminal lifestyle and his viewing as a Colombian Robin Hood. The chase leads Juan to become suspicious of his surroundings and begin to question each man around him, while never being able to bring himself to believe that Francisco would sell him to the authorities. The emotional effects brought on by each side in which the brother's stand become more and more apparent as the case develops. As Juan gets closer and closer to the truth, details begin to unravel for the authorities which include his support of the guerillas and their criminal acts of murder as well as the discovery that Ricardo has been helping his son by hiding evidence thus making him an accomplice to his crimes. Trust is questioned, brotherhoods are broken, and Rosolindo's empire eventually falls.
What the Press would say:
"In the thrilling tradition of Patriot Games and Clear & Present Danger, director Philip Noyce creates a scenario of thrills using superb direction and camera skills. No scene is dull and each event is fantastically crafted to create a cinematic gem.""Pena's performance as Rosolindo is flawless. He becomes the cartel punch for punch, showing no signs of acting, but of natural performing abilities. A giant step in the young actor's career. Maestro is fantastic as his wife, but the surprising supporting show stealer is Ruben Blades. In his few but commanding scenes, he proves himself to be more than just a notable character actor, but steps into the light as a dominating performer. Its amazing how powerful the chemistry is between he and Pena when the two are on screen together. You know Pena is the star and a fantastic performance is given by him, but Blades is the deserving champion between them. Come time for the awards, those two men will be major contenders.""Joshua Marston flourishes with another fantastic script. Maria Full of Grace realistically portrayed the transport of drugs through the scenario of mules, this shows us the fragile empire of drug trafficking. He has a touch for true life. His capture of setting, time and character is phenomenal. No prisoners are taken. He gives it to you how it is."
FYC
BEST PICTURE (Drama)
BEST DIRECTOR- Philip Noyce
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY- Joshua Marston
BEST ACTOR- Michael Pena
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR- Ruben Blades
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS- Mia Maestro
BEST FILM EDITING
BEST ORIGINAL SONG- "La Cancion del Emperador" performed by Jaunes & Manu Chao
Conceiving the Truth
Author(s): Bryce M.
Location: LA
"Conceiving the Truth"
Directed by: Spike Lee
Written by: Spike Lee
Produced by: Spike Lee and Monty Ross Cinematography by: Ernest R. Dickerson
Film Editing by: Samuel D. Pollard
Main Cast
Jurnee Smollett as Janet Morris
Vivica A. Fox as Sharon Morris
Crispin Glover as Joe Crepson John Carroll Lynch as Mike Lou
Matt Dillon as Ferris Tomster
Samuel L. Jackson as James Cattle
Tagline: "When trying to find her father she found something else"
Synopsis: Janet Morris is known around town as the A student with a promising future. She has everything except the one thing she really wants. Janet wants to know who her father was. She lives at home with her loud mouthed step father, James Cattle, and her cheery-but-depressing mother, Sharon Morris, and for years Janet has begged her mom to tell her about her father. Finally, on a hot and sunny day, she gets her wish. Sharon reveals to Janet, that 17 years ago she was raped by an old co-worker. The event was so terrifying she did not go to the police, and the event still haunts her dreams. She soon found out she was pregnant, and after some heavy thinking she decided to keep the baby. At the time of the rape Sharon wasn't aware of which one of her old co-workers raped her, but after 17 years she finally figured out who it was. However, she won't tell Janet, because she fears it will badly effect Janet's life.However, if Janet can't find out through her mom, she'll find out by herself. Janet makes it her goal to find the man who raped her mother all those years ago, who is also her father. What Janet doesn't know is what she will do once she finds him. James urges Janet to enforce vigilante justice to the mystery man. However, Janet notices that her mother actually shows a bit of love for the mystery man whenever the topic comes up in a conversation. Even though Janet does not know what she will do once she finds her father, she does have three likely suspects, that can all be her father....Joe Crepson use to be Sharon's close partner. He is known to be very silent at times, and awkward at other times. Joe has been known to put women on a somewhat religious pedestal, and has a record of therapy for sexual frustration.Mike Lou use to be Sharon's boss. He had a reputation of trying to seduce his female employees, and ultimately was fired for sexual harassment. He is known for being rude, loud, and since being fired he has been living at home; running a small independent pornography website.Ferris Tomster use to date Sharon when they both worked together. However, Sharon dumped him when she found out he was involved with drug trafficking. Eventually, word of Ferris' drug involvement led to him being fired. The short tempered Ferris blamed his job loss on Sharon, and was even visited by the police after making death threats to Sharon. As the years went by, Ferris was arrested for attempted child molestation, but recently has been let out of prison on parole. As Janet investigates the suspects, and comes close to finding the truth, the question of what she will do once she finds her father is still enslaving her mind. Will she find her father and embrace him? Or bring him to justice?
What the Press would say:
Spike Lee returns back to his personal film roots with his latest film "Conceiving the Truth". The film follows a young women as she tries to find her biological father, who raped her mother at conception. The film may sound melodramtic or something that would be a very intense drama, but Spike Lee tones down the tense atmosphere for a more optimistic one. Just like with "Do The Right Thing" or "Jungle Fever" the drama is very hip, having a comedic sense in some scenes to go along with the drama. However, just because the atmosphere is comical and hip doesn't mean the dramatic plot points are frail or the effective story telling is missing. Scenes are just as powerful as they have always been in a Spike Lee film, and Spike Lee does provide a powerful theme to an already compelling story.Spike Lee has had some powerful performances in his past movies, but, without a second thought, "Conceiving the Truth" has the best acting out of any previous Spike Lee film. Crispin Glover, Matt Dillon, and Samuel L. Jackson all provide great performances. Jurnee Smollett shines as the lead in a role that will surely earn her more exposure, and bring her career into new heights. John Carroll Lynch will surely end up as a fan favorite in the same sense as Mark Wahlberg in "The Departed". His character is loud, rude, and hilarious, but he can also can pull off the dramatic scenes like a pro. However, the show stealer here, which I think all critics will agree with, is Vivica A. Fox with a performance that is not only leagues better than her past roles, but also one of the most compelling supporting performances of the year. Vivica plays the mother of Jurnee's character, who was raped years ago, and became pregnant with her daughter. What makes the character so interesting is the fact that she almost holds the person who raped her in an envious position. In addition to that trait, Vivica also has some great scenes in the various flashback scenes, which consist of a terrifying rape scene.Although I think "Inside Man" was a brilliant movie, "Conceiving the Truth" is the true return of Spike Lee. His style that he has used in past movies such as "Do The right Thing" has returned, along with some of the best ensemble acting of the year, and an incredible show stealing performance from Vivica A. Fox. "Conceiving the Truth" will be known as one of the best films of the year, and audiences will be highly entertained.
Best Picture
Best Director- Spike Lee
Best Actress- Jurnee Smollett
Best Supporting Actress- Vivica A. Fox
Best Supporting Actor- John Carroll Lynch
Best Supporting Actor- Samuel L. Jackson
Best Original Screenplay- Spike Lee
Best Film Editing
Best Sound Editing
Best Cinematography
Location: LA
"Conceiving the Truth"
Directed by: Spike Lee
Written by: Spike Lee
Produced by: Spike Lee and Monty Ross Cinematography by: Ernest R. Dickerson
Film Editing by: Samuel D. Pollard
Main Cast
Jurnee Smollett as Janet Morris
Vivica A. Fox as Sharon Morris
Crispin Glover as Joe Crepson John Carroll Lynch as Mike Lou
Matt Dillon as Ferris Tomster
Samuel L. Jackson as James Cattle
Tagline: "When trying to find her father she found something else"
Synopsis: Janet Morris is known around town as the A student with a promising future. She has everything except the one thing she really wants. Janet wants to know who her father was. She lives at home with her loud mouthed step father, James Cattle, and her cheery-but-depressing mother, Sharon Morris, and for years Janet has begged her mom to tell her about her father. Finally, on a hot and sunny day, she gets her wish. Sharon reveals to Janet, that 17 years ago she was raped by an old co-worker. The event was so terrifying she did not go to the police, and the event still haunts her dreams. She soon found out she was pregnant, and after some heavy thinking she decided to keep the baby. At the time of the rape Sharon wasn't aware of which one of her old co-workers raped her, but after 17 years she finally figured out who it was. However, she won't tell Janet, because she fears it will badly effect Janet's life.However, if Janet can't find out through her mom, she'll find out by herself. Janet makes it her goal to find the man who raped her mother all those years ago, who is also her father. What Janet doesn't know is what she will do once she finds him. James urges Janet to enforce vigilante justice to the mystery man. However, Janet notices that her mother actually shows a bit of love for the mystery man whenever the topic comes up in a conversation. Even though Janet does not know what she will do once she finds her father, she does have three likely suspects, that can all be her father....Joe Crepson use to be Sharon's close partner. He is known to be very silent at times, and awkward at other times. Joe has been known to put women on a somewhat religious pedestal, and has a record of therapy for sexual frustration.Mike Lou use to be Sharon's boss. He had a reputation of trying to seduce his female employees, and ultimately was fired for sexual harassment. He is known for being rude, loud, and since being fired he has been living at home; running a small independent pornography website.Ferris Tomster use to date Sharon when they both worked together. However, Sharon dumped him when she found out he was involved with drug trafficking. Eventually, word of Ferris' drug involvement led to him being fired. The short tempered Ferris blamed his job loss on Sharon, and was even visited by the police after making death threats to Sharon. As the years went by, Ferris was arrested for attempted child molestation, but recently has been let out of prison on parole. As Janet investigates the suspects, and comes close to finding the truth, the question of what she will do once she finds her father is still enslaving her mind. Will she find her father and embrace him? Or bring him to justice?
What the Press would say:
Spike Lee returns back to his personal film roots with his latest film "Conceiving the Truth". The film follows a young women as she tries to find her biological father, who raped her mother at conception. The film may sound melodramtic or something that would be a very intense drama, but Spike Lee tones down the tense atmosphere for a more optimistic one. Just like with "Do The Right Thing" or "Jungle Fever" the drama is very hip, having a comedic sense in some scenes to go along with the drama. However, just because the atmosphere is comical and hip doesn't mean the dramatic plot points are frail or the effective story telling is missing. Scenes are just as powerful as they have always been in a Spike Lee film, and Spike Lee does provide a powerful theme to an already compelling story.Spike Lee has had some powerful performances in his past movies, but, without a second thought, "Conceiving the Truth" has the best acting out of any previous Spike Lee film. Crispin Glover, Matt Dillon, and Samuel L. Jackson all provide great performances. Jurnee Smollett shines as the lead in a role that will surely earn her more exposure, and bring her career into new heights. John Carroll Lynch will surely end up as a fan favorite in the same sense as Mark Wahlberg in "The Departed". His character is loud, rude, and hilarious, but he can also can pull off the dramatic scenes like a pro. However, the show stealer here, which I think all critics will agree with, is Vivica A. Fox with a performance that is not only leagues better than her past roles, but also one of the most compelling supporting performances of the year. Vivica plays the mother of Jurnee's character, who was raped years ago, and became pregnant with her daughter. What makes the character so interesting is the fact that she almost holds the person who raped her in an envious position. In addition to that trait, Vivica also has some great scenes in the various flashback scenes, which consist of a terrifying rape scene.Although I think "Inside Man" was a brilliant movie, "Conceiving the Truth" is the true return of Spike Lee. His style that he has used in past movies such as "Do The right Thing" has returned, along with some of the best ensemble acting of the year, and an incredible show stealing performance from Vivica A. Fox. "Conceiving the Truth" will be known as one of the best films of the year, and audiences will be highly entertained.
Best Picture
Best Director- Spike Lee
Best Actress- Jurnee Smollett
Best Supporting Actress- Vivica A. Fox
Best Supporting Actor- John Carroll Lynch
Best Supporting Actor- Samuel L. Jackson
Best Original Screenplay- Spike Lee
Best Film Editing
Best Sound Editing
Best Cinematography
Dancing With Auntie
Author(s): T.D.
Location: TX
"Dancing with Auntie"
Directed by Jason Reitman
Produced by Lianne Halfon, Mason Novick, & Russell Smith
Written by David Magee
Distributed by Fox Searchlight Pictures
Art Direction by Dianne Wager
Set Decoration by Jay Hart
Cinematography by John Lindley
Editing by Dana E. Glauberman
Costumes by Rita Ryack
Music by Mychael Danna
Main Cast
Ryan Gosling as Barry Metcalfe
Ellen Page as Susan Pearson
Hugh Laurie as Norman Metcalfe
Elizabeth Perkins as Beryl Metcalfe
Sharon Stone as Dot Metcalfe
Brittany Snow as Marlene Tonks
Jesse Eisenberg as Jed Tonks
Tagline: "On Christmas day, a dark secret will be a gift that the Metcalfes will never forget"
Synopsis: The Boxing Day ‘do’ at Barry’s parents’ house was always the same, year after year, until 1967. Up to then, the get-together had consisted of a visit by Auntie Dot, cousin Marlene, and Jed, Marlene’s boorish husband; present giving, mountains of food, too much drink, and dancing. Every year, to Barry’s excruciating embarrassment, Dot would say to Barry, “Come on Barry, dance with your auntie!”, and Marlene, Dot’s daughter; also called ‘auntie’ by Barry, would ‘inadvertently’ find some way of making him cringe.
When Christmas 1967 arrives though, Barry, now in his late teens, and having outgrown the childish pleasures of Christmas, invites his new girlfriend, Susan, along to meet Beryl, his mom, Norman his dad, and his other close relatives. Her inclusion in the festivities however, has a catalytic effect on the entire family’s relationships; changes that somewhat alter the Christmas-time party atmosphere. Susan is a very modern, uninhibited ‘sixties’ girl, and quickly comes into conflict with Beryl, a strictly conventional woman, who desperately tries to reinforce her rose-tinted view of family life.
With tensions raised, Marlene’s pregnancy is clumsily announced and despite more ham-fisted attempts at humor from Jed, Norman is forced to keep the peace between the women as deeply hidden anxieties rise to the surface like molten lava, scorching each and all in its path. The source of the turmoil is uncovered when Beryl’s fragile emotions explode and she reveals the family’s dark secret - that Norman made a girl pregnant while he was in the army. The baby’s mother died at birth, and so the child (Marlene) was brought up as her own by Norman ’s sister, Dot. Marlene and Jed are unaware of this, as is Barry, who now has a new step-sister. With everyone coming to terms with this dramatic news, it all ends with just Barry and Marlene in the living room, as she touchingly says to him, “Come on Barry, dance with your … auntie?”.
What the Press would say:
From director Jason Reitman (Juno) comes a hilarious yet smart comedy that will make you wish to cherish your family life. “Dancing with Auntie” is a story about a teen, his modernistic girlfriend, and a family with a dark secret, and David Magee cleverly brings this out through his wonderful script. The black comedy involves several funny situations, as well as heartwrenching scenes that will undoubtedly be considered some of the best you’ve seen in years. With wonderful performances by the female cast members, you could say that his film is definitely a woman’s show. Even in this clever ensemble, you can tell that Ellen Page and Brittany Snow are the leads. They both deliver hilarious performances, with Page’s modern values and Snow’s heartbreaking scenes, you will instantly fall in love with them. The supporting ladies also give amazing performances as well. Elizabeth Perkins really lets her inner bitch out in this film as Barry’s mother, and she almost stole the entire movie. Sharon Stone hasn’t been in any good films lately, but this is by far her best work yet! Her role as Dot is glamorous and funny, and this role could definitely put her back at the Oscars. But the women weren’t the only stars of the film, but so were Ryan Gosling and Jesse Eisenberg, who both equally deliver great performances. Believe it or not, “Dancing with Auntie” is a well-written piece of work that will go down as one of the best comedies of all time.
For Your Consideration
Best Picture
Best Actor in a Leading Role – Ryan Gosling
Best Actress in a Leading Role – Ellen Page
Best Actress in a Leading Role – Brittany Snow
Best Actress in a Supporting Role – Elizabeth Perkins
Best Actress in a Supporting Role – Sharon Stone
Best Adapted Screenplay – David Magee
Best Art Direction-Set Decoration
Best Costume Design
Location: TX
"Dancing with Auntie"
Directed by Jason Reitman
Produced by Lianne Halfon, Mason Novick, & Russell Smith
Written by David Magee
Distributed by Fox Searchlight Pictures
Art Direction by Dianne Wager
Set Decoration by Jay Hart
Cinematography by John Lindley
Editing by Dana E. Glauberman
Costumes by Rita Ryack
Music by Mychael Danna
Main Cast
Ryan Gosling as Barry Metcalfe
Ellen Page as Susan Pearson
Hugh Laurie as Norman Metcalfe
Elizabeth Perkins as Beryl Metcalfe
Sharon Stone as Dot Metcalfe
Brittany Snow as Marlene Tonks
Jesse Eisenberg as Jed Tonks
Tagline: "On Christmas day, a dark secret will be a gift that the Metcalfes will never forget"
Synopsis: The Boxing Day ‘do’ at Barry’s parents’ house was always the same, year after year, until 1967. Up to then, the get-together had consisted of a visit by Auntie Dot, cousin Marlene, and Jed, Marlene’s boorish husband; present giving, mountains of food, too much drink, and dancing. Every year, to Barry’s excruciating embarrassment, Dot would say to Barry, “Come on Barry, dance with your auntie!”, and Marlene, Dot’s daughter; also called ‘auntie’ by Barry, would ‘inadvertently’ find some way of making him cringe.
When Christmas 1967 arrives though, Barry, now in his late teens, and having outgrown the childish pleasures of Christmas, invites his new girlfriend, Susan, along to meet Beryl, his mom, Norman his dad, and his other close relatives. Her inclusion in the festivities however, has a catalytic effect on the entire family’s relationships; changes that somewhat alter the Christmas-time party atmosphere. Susan is a very modern, uninhibited ‘sixties’ girl, and quickly comes into conflict with Beryl, a strictly conventional woman, who desperately tries to reinforce her rose-tinted view of family life.
With tensions raised, Marlene’s pregnancy is clumsily announced and despite more ham-fisted attempts at humor from Jed, Norman is forced to keep the peace between the women as deeply hidden anxieties rise to the surface like molten lava, scorching each and all in its path. The source of the turmoil is uncovered when Beryl’s fragile emotions explode and she reveals the family’s dark secret - that Norman made a girl pregnant while he was in the army. The baby’s mother died at birth, and so the child (Marlene) was brought up as her own by Norman ’s sister, Dot. Marlene and Jed are unaware of this, as is Barry, who now has a new step-sister. With everyone coming to terms with this dramatic news, it all ends with just Barry and Marlene in the living room, as she touchingly says to him, “Come on Barry, dance with your … auntie?”.
What the Press would say:
From director Jason Reitman (Juno) comes a hilarious yet smart comedy that will make you wish to cherish your family life. “Dancing with Auntie” is a story about a teen, his modernistic girlfriend, and a family with a dark secret, and David Magee cleverly brings this out through his wonderful script. The black comedy involves several funny situations, as well as heartwrenching scenes that will undoubtedly be considered some of the best you’ve seen in years. With wonderful performances by the female cast members, you could say that his film is definitely a woman’s show. Even in this clever ensemble, you can tell that Ellen Page and Brittany Snow are the leads. They both deliver hilarious performances, with Page’s modern values and Snow’s heartbreaking scenes, you will instantly fall in love with them. The supporting ladies also give amazing performances as well. Elizabeth Perkins really lets her inner bitch out in this film as Barry’s mother, and she almost stole the entire movie. Sharon Stone hasn’t been in any good films lately, but this is by far her best work yet! Her role as Dot is glamorous and funny, and this role could definitely put her back at the Oscars. But the women weren’t the only stars of the film, but so were Ryan Gosling and Jesse Eisenberg, who both equally deliver great performances. Believe it or not, “Dancing with Auntie” is a well-written piece of work that will go down as one of the best comedies of all time.
For Your Consideration
Best Picture
Best Actor in a Leading Role – Ryan Gosling
Best Actress in a Leading Role – Ellen Page
Best Actress in a Leading Role – Brittany Snow
Best Actress in a Supporting Role – Elizabeth Perkins
Best Actress in a Supporting Role – Sharon Stone
Best Adapted Screenplay – David Magee
Best Art Direction-Set Decoration
Best Costume Design
The Dark Tower III: The Waste Lands
Author(s): James Somerton
Location: Canada
"The Dark Tower III: The Waste Lands"
Directed By David Lynch
Written by David Lynch & Stephen King
Based on his novel.
Main Cast
Viggo Mortenson as Roland; The Last Gunslinger
Tobin Bell as Randall Flagg; The Man in Black
Collin Farrel as Eddie Dean
Tracie Thoms as Susanna Mia
Benicio Del Toro as Blaine
Tagline: "Never Forget the Future"
Synopsis: A rumbling locomotive tears through the silence of the desert like a bullet through flesh. Roland, Eddie, and Susanna continue to make their way through the vast waste lands of Mid-World. Susanna's wheel chair has been destroyed and so Eddie must now hold her on his shoulders in order for her to get around. Roland pays little attention to the two of them as they near the mountain town of Calla. There is something there he must learn.When they reach the town, they find it completely abandoned. There is not even a single trace of life. The only proof that people ever lived here is a diary found in a small house on the eastern outskirts of the town. In this diary, they learn of what happened to the people. The wolves came and they devoured each and every new born baby until the people withered and died without anyone to take their place. he last vestige of hope destroyed by the ravenous appetites of beasts.The smoke billows from atop of the head of the locomotive as it grows closer and closer.Roland continues on his journey with Eddie and Susanna in toe. Again, he barely speaks to them. About fifty miles outside the city they spy a screaming infant; naked and worn by the desert winds. Maternal instincts overcoming her, Susanna hops down off of Eddie's shoulder and hurls herself over to the child by way of her powerful arms. This child is burnt black with blood dried to every inch of its body. Yet it still lives. Here they are attacked by "the wolves". Men dressed in red armor with wolf-like helmets. Roland fires six bullets into the eyes of his attackers while Eddie huddles over Susanna. The "wolves" flee but not before putting the infant out of its misery. The tracks cringe underneath the death-faced train as it thunders past the mountains and into the town of Calla.Roland, Eddie, and Susanna run through the desert after the fleeing "wolves". Three words spoken by their leader have sent Roland into a mist of insanity that frightens Eddie and Susanna. "The Dark Tower" he said before running off in the other direction. When Roland, Eddie, and Susanna reach their hide away, there shall be a great battle. Many lives will be lost but the mystery of where Roland's Dark Tower is located, with finally be solved. The train screeches to a stop just outside of Calla.
What the Press would say:
"The Waste Lands" is the darkest film in "The Dark Tower" series by far. With some of the most disturbing visuals, and darkest character moments, I was left in awe by how the series has progressed since "The Gunslinger". This is such a different film from both of it's predecessors that one can almost walk into this movie without knowing anything of the two before it. The cast is once again amazing, with only one new addition to the cast this time around. Benicio Del Toro joins the cast as Blain, leader of "The Wolves". His face is never seen but his dark voice makes it way through the metal mask and haunts your thoughts as he speaks. His character may be the most important one in Roland's story, next to the man in black. In the end, it is Blain that reveals to Roland where it is that he must go, and just how to go about getting there. Viggo Mortenson once again gives the most powerful performance in the film, as Roland dissolves into a sort of madness half way through the movie. A madness that isn't resolved until very near the end of the film. The end of the film is one of the most hard hitting and shocking ending I have ever seen. After seeing Eddie and Susanna develop a sort of quasi romance throughout the first half of the film, we must witness their untimely end. Eddie and Susanna are both killed in such horrible ways that Most people in the theatre had to turn away. It is only after the horrendous deaths of his two companions that Roland finds out the true location of The Dark Tower; a mythical structure that The Man in Black had spoken of before firing at Roland on the beach. When he returns to Calla with Eddie and Susanna's dead bodies he is faced with something shocking; a giant locomotive breathing smoke and beckoning him to come aboard. When he does, we watch the train thunder off into the distance as the credits role. David Lynch once again gives us a look into the disturbing world of The Dark Tower and, once again, leaves us hanging. One more film and we will get to see how Roland's journey ends.
Possible Nominations:
Best Picture
Best Actor - Viggo Mortenson
Best Supporting Actress - Tracie Thoms
All technical Categories
Location: Canada
"The Dark Tower III: The Waste Lands"
Directed By David Lynch
Written by David Lynch & Stephen King
Based on his novel.
Main Cast
Viggo Mortenson as Roland; The Last Gunslinger
Tobin Bell as Randall Flagg; The Man in Black
Collin Farrel as Eddie Dean
Tracie Thoms as Susanna Mia
Benicio Del Toro as Blaine
Tagline: "Never Forget the Future"
Synopsis: A rumbling locomotive tears through the silence of the desert like a bullet through flesh. Roland, Eddie, and Susanna continue to make their way through the vast waste lands of Mid-World. Susanna's wheel chair has been destroyed and so Eddie must now hold her on his shoulders in order for her to get around. Roland pays little attention to the two of them as they near the mountain town of Calla. There is something there he must learn.When they reach the town, they find it completely abandoned. There is not even a single trace of life. The only proof that people ever lived here is a diary found in a small house on the eastern outskirts of the town. In this diary, they learn of what happened to the people. The wolves came and they devoured each and every new born baby until the people withered and died without anyone to take their place. he last vestige of hope destroyed by the ravenous appetites of beasts.The smoke billows from atop of the head of the locomotive as it grows closer and closer.Roland continues on his journey with Eddie and Susanna in toe. Again, he barely speaks to them. About fifty miles outside the city they spy a screaming infant; naked and worn by the desert winds. Maternal instincts overcoming her, Susanna hops down off of Eddie's shoulder and hurls herself over to the child by way of her powerful arms. This child is burnt black with blood dried to every inch of its body. Yet it still lives. Here they are attacked by "the wolves". Men dressed in red armor with wolf-like helmets. Roland fires six bullets into the eyes of his attackers while Eddie huddles over Susanna. The "wolves" flee but not before putting the infant out of its misery. The tracks cringe underneath the death-faced train as it thunders past the mountains and into the town of Calla.Roland, Eddie, and Susanna run through the desert after the fleeing "wolves". Three words spoken by their leader have sent Roland into a mist of insanity that frightens Eddie and Susanna. "The Dark Tower" he said before running off in the other direction. When Roland, Eddie, and Susanna reach their hide away, there shall be a great battle. Many lives will be lost but the mystery of where Roland's Dark Tower is located, with finally be solved. The train screeches to a stop just outside of Calla.
What the Press would say:
"The Waste Lands" is the darkest film in "The Dark Tower" series by far. With some of the most disturbing visuals, and darkest character moments, I was left in awe by how the series has progressed since "The Gunslinger". This is such a different film from both of it's predecessors that one can almost walk into this movie without knowing anything of the two before it. The cast is once again amazing, with only one new addition to the cast this time around. Benicio Del Toro joins the cast as Blain, leader of "The Wolves". His face is never seen but his dark voice makes it way through the metal mask and haunts your thoughts as he speaks. His character may be the most important one in Roland's story, next to the man in black. In the end, it is Blain that reveals to Roland where it is that he must go, and just how to go about getting there. Viggo Mortenson once again gives the most powerful performance in the film, as Roland dissolves into a sort of madness half way through the movie. A madness that isn't resolved until very near the end of the film. The end of the film is one of the most hard hitting and shocking ending I have ever seen. After seeing Eddie and Susanna develop a sort of quasi romance throughout the first half of the film, we must witness their untimely end. Eddie and Susanna are both killed in such horrible ways that Most people in the theatre had to turn away. It is only after the horrendous deaths of his two companions that Roland finds out the true location of The Dark Tower; a mythical structure that The Man in Black had spoken of before firing at Roland on the beach. When he returns to Calla with Eddie and Susanna's dead bodies he is faced with something shocking; a giant locomotive breathing smoke and beckoning him to come aboard. When he does, we watch the train thunder off into the distance as the credits role. David Lynch once again gives us a look into the disturbing world of The Dark Tower and, once again, leaves us hanging. One more film and we will get to see how Roland's journey ends.
Possible Nominations:
Best Picture
Best Actor - Viggo Mortenson
Best Supporting Actress - Tracie Thoms
All technical Categories
Dem Berenstain Bearz
Author(s): Kwame
Location: N/A
"Dem Berenstain Bearz"
Directed by Tim Robbins
Written by Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon
Music by Swizz Beatz and the Florida A&M University Marching Band
Main Cast
Columbus Short as Father
Tim Curry as Mother Bear
Ciara as Brother Bear
Chow Yun-Fat as Sister Bear
Steve Buscemi as Lizzy
Cicely Tyson as Too Tall
GrizzlyT-Pain as The Mayor
Tagline: "This Thanksgiving, rediscover the wildest cream of the wildest dreams from your youth"
Synopsis: There are 47 1/2 families in Over-Eastside Hamilton,Georgia. The 1/2 family,The Berenstain Bears is only considered a half-family because they are bears.In this clever re-imagining of the Berenstain Bears, Too Tall Grizzly,once the school bully,comes home after visiting his dying brother in Chile, and is inspired to "make a difference in this place,you know what I mean?". He is saddened by the mistreatement of his current friends,yet former foes, the Berenstain Bear family,and is determined to improve their reputation. However,the Mayor won't have this,and his evil prescene intervenes.Could Dem Berenstain Bearz become "a full family" by the time that the 2010 Census comes around?
What the Press would say:
Lou Lumenick of the New York Post boasts "I've already watched this movie 23 times and I haven't gotten enough of it.And I don't think I ever will....it sticks to you...it makes you think,and you'll soon be raving yourself". Peter Hammond of Maxim has this to say "Can you say 'Top Contender for all the critics association awards known to man'?". He added,"There has been quite a hustle and bustle about the cast...relative newcomer Columbus Short especially deserves the praise that has been bestowed upon the actors". The splendid hip-hop score,composed by Swizz Beatz, is described as being insane.Whatever the controversy may be over the authenticity of "Dem Berenstain Bearz",Tim Robbins must be commended for his passion toward this dream project of his.
FYC:
Best Picture
Best Director-Tim Robbins
Best Screenplay
Best Actor:Columbus Short
Best Actress:Cicely Tyson
Best Supporting Actor:Tim Curry,Steve Buscemi,Chow Yun-Fat,T-Pain
Best Supporting Actress:Ciara
Best Original Score:Swizz Beatz
Location: N/A
"Dem Berenstain Bearz"
Directed by Tim Robbins
Written by Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon
Music by Swizz Beatz and the Florida A&M University Marching Band
Main Cast
Columbus Short as Father
Tim Curry as Mother Bear
Ciara as Brother Bear
Chow Yun-Fat as Sister Bear
Steve Buscemi as Lizzy
Cicely Tyson as Too Tall
GrizzlyT-Pain as The Mayor
Tagline: "This Thanksgiving, rediscover the wildest cream of the wildest dreams from your youth"
Synopsis: There are 47 1/2 families in Over-Eastside Hamilton,Georgia. The 1/2 family,The Berenstain Bears is only considered a half-family because they are bears.In this clever re-imagining of the Berenstain Bears, Too Tall Grizzly,once the school bully,comes home after visiting his dying brother in Chile, and is inspired to "make a difference in this place,you know what I mean?". He is saddened by the mistreatement of his current friends,yet former foes, the Berenstain Bear family,and is determined to improve their reputation. However,the Mayor won't have this,and his evil prescene intervenes.Could Dem Berenstain Bearz become "a full family" by the time that the 2010 Census comes around?
What the Press would say:
Lou Lumenick of the New York Post boasts "I've already watched this movie 23 times and I haven't gotten enough of it.And I don't think I ever will....it sticks to you...it makes you think,and you'll soon be raving yourself". Peter Hammond of Maxim has this to say "Can you say 'Top Contender for all the critics association awards known to man'?". He added,"There has been quite a hustle and bustle about the cast...relative newcomer Columbus Short especially deserves the praise that has been bestowed upon the actors". The splendid hip-hop score,composed by Swizz Beatz, is described as being insane.Whatever the controversy may be over the authenticity of "Dem Berenstain Bearz",Tim Robbins must be commended for his passion toward this dream project of his.
FYC:
Best Picture
Best Director-Tim Robbins
Best Screenplay
Best Actor:Columbus Short
Best Actress:Cicely Tyson
Best Supporting Actor:Tim Curry,Steve Buscemi,Chow Yun-Fat,T-Pain
Best Supporting Actress:Ciara
Best Original Score:Swizz Beatz
A Destiny of Souls
Author(s): James Somerton
Location: Canada
"A Density of Souls"
Directed By Marc ForsterWritten By Christopher Rice
Main Cast
Topher Grace as Stephen Conlin
Ben MacKenzie as Greg Darby
Penn Badgely as Brandon Charbonet
Hilarie Burton as Meredith Ducote
James Lafferty as Jeff Hugh
Connie Britton as Monica Conlin
Dana Nicholson as Trish Ducote
Tagline: "Friends Forever"
Synopsis: In the fall of 1994, four best friends (Stephen, Greg, Brandon, and Meredith) entered Cannon High School in the city of New Orleans. And then it all happened.PART ONE:Brandon Charbonet is now twenty-seven years old. He kisses his girlfriend goodbye as he heads out for a night with the guys. By midnight, he'll be dead. Shot himself in the throat. Meredith Ducote sits in her room at Harvest Pines Rehabilitation Center. She's been sitting here for five weeks, routinely getting up twice a day to go to meetings about her alcoholism. She'll get to leave soon though. Her mother is coming to pick her up.Stephen Conlin returns home after a night out with his boyfriend Jeff. Stephen checks in on his mother before retreating to his room and sitting at his computer. He's almost finished his third novel and his fans are clamoring for me. He'll have it finished by the end of the night, he's sure. Nobody has seen Greg Darby in three years.PART TWO:Greg and Brandon stand by their lockers, laughing with the rest of the football team about the embarrassment last night at that play. How could someone they used to hang out with be such a fag? Meredith joins them and starts in on the conversation.Meanwhile, Stephen Conlin leaves the drama building after an hour of being praised by everyone involved in last night's play for his magnificent performance. On his way home, he bumps into the start quarterback, Jeff Hugh, who offers him a ride home. Stephen politely declines and walks home.That night at the big game, Greg is taken off the field for fighting with one of his own team mates, leaving Jeff knocked out near the 30 yard line. Meredith is in a state of shock. Brandon doesn't think Greg did anything wrong. What the hell was Jeff doing defending that faggot Stephen anyway? And then something happened that would change everyone's life forever.PART THREE:Stephen walks out of a bookstore as rain starts falling on his head. Earlier that day he had attended the funeral of a one time friend. Meredith had also been there. She didn't look well. He thought he had seen Greg there but that couldn't have been. No one has seen Greg in years. Greg Darby stands atop the bell tower at Cannon High School. A sniper rifle rests on the edge, only balanced by his hand. He is waiting for him. Waiting for Stephen. When he sees the man who ruined his life and ended Brandon, he'll get his revenge. The rain is coming down so hard now. The wind has picked up. The sky is black. Everything looks like the world is ending. Stephen's car has broken down and he's waiting for Jeff to come pick up. He's waiting just outside Cannon High School.
What the Press would say:
"A Density of Souls" is a showcase for young talent in strong rolls that stick with you even after leaving the cinema. Written by Christopher Rice, and adapted from his novel, this is a sprawling tale of young lives torn to shreds by an event we are never privy to seeing or knowing about. It's a complex and sordid story told in flashbacks and flash-forwards, opening with a suicide and ending with a murder. This film tells us the story of Greg, Brandon, Meredith, and Stephen; four best friends torn apart in high school. Although three of them stick together for the most part, Stephen is left completely alone in high school, the only attention paid to him by hateful students. Topher Grace is sixteen again in these scenes and you completely believe it. Along with his other acting companions, Grace switches flawlessly between his high school self and his adult self. Playing his mother is Connie Britton who dishes out a fantastic performance as Stephen's accepting, but worried, mother. When the car she buys him as a teenager is vandalized with homophobic statements, she makes sure that the car is taken away to be fixed before Stephen can see. She is always trying to protect him but, in the end, is forced to watch helplessly as her son fights for his life. The other standout performance in the film is from Ben MacKenzie, who gives a highly disturbing performance as Greg Darby, a high school football star who's career is cut short because of a violent temper that eventually leads him to the top of a bell tower with a sniper rifle. His eyes tell us so much and yet so little. We never are allowed to see why he hates Stephen so much, although he and Brandon both say, on several occasions, that their hatred is warranted. New Orleans gives a backdrop to the story that adds to the dark atmosphere. With Lafayette Cemetery always a reminder of death in the background, we're never allowed to forget the first disturbing scene in the movie when we see Brandon put a gun to head and let loose. "A Density of Souls" is dark, brooding, and unforgiving. It's a story of hate, jealousy, and secrets. A fantastic creation that delves deep into the darkness of the human soul and sees how many layers there really are. How one character can redeem themselves in the end, and how one will never be able to forgive himself.
Possible Nominations
Best Picture
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Actor - Topher Grace
Best Supporting Actress - Connie Britton
Location: Canada
"A Density of Souls"
Directed By Marc ForsterWritten By Christopher Rice
Main Cast
Topher Grace as Stephen Conlin
Ben MacKenzie as Greg Darby
Penn Badgely as Brandon Charbonet
Hilarie Burton as Meredith Ducote
James Lafferty as Jeff Hugh
Connie Britton as Monica Conlin
Dana Nicholson as Trish Ducote
Tagline: "Friends Forever"
Synopsis: In the fall of 1994, four best friends (Stephen, Greg, Brandon, and Meredith) entered Cannon High School in the city of New Orleans. And then it all happened.PART ONE:Brandon Charbonet is now twenty-seven years old. He kisses his girlfriend goodbye as he heads out for a night with the guys. By midnight, he'll be dead. Shot himself in the throat. Meredith Ducote sits in her room at Harvest Pines Rehabilitation Center. She's been sitting here for five weeks, routinely getting up twice a day to go to meetings about her alcoholism. She'll get to leave soon though. Her mother is coming to pick her up.Stephen Conlin returns home after a night out with his boyfriend Jeff. Stephen checks in on his mother before retreating to his room and sitting at his computer. He's almost finished his third novel and his fans are clamoring for me. He'll have it finished by the end of the night, he's sure. Nobody has seen Greg Darby in three years.PART TWO:Greg and Brandon stand by their lockers, laughing with the rest of the football team about the embarrassment last night at that play. How could someone they used to hang out with be such a fag? Meredith joins them and starts in on the conversation.Meanwhile, Stephen Conlin leaves the drama building after an hour of being praised by everyone involved in last night's play for his magnificent performance. On his way home, he bumps into the start quarterback, Jeff Hugh, who offers him a ride home. Stephen politely declines and walks home.That night at the big game, Greg is taken off the field for fighting with one of his own team mates, leaving Jeff knocked out near the 30 yard line. Meredith is in a state of shock. Brandon doesn't think Greg did anything wrong. What the hell was Jeff doing defending that faggot Stephen anyway? And then something happened that would change everyone's life forever.PART THREE:Stephen walks out of a bookstore as rain starts falling on his head. Earlier that day he had attended the funeral of a one time friend. Meredith had also been there. She didn't look well. He thought he had seen Greg there but that couldn't have been. No one has seen Greg in years. Greg Darby stands atop the bell tower at Cannon High School. A sniper rifle rests on the edge, only balanced by his hand. He is waiting for him. Waiting for Stephen. When he sees the man who ruined his life and ended Brandon, he'll get his revenge. The rain is coming down so hard now. The wind has picked up. The sky is black. Everything looks like the world is ending. Stephen's car has broken down and he's waiting for Jeff to come pick up. He's waiting just outside Cannon High School.
What the Press would say:
"A Density of Souls" is a showcase for young talent in strong rolls that stick with you even after leaving the cinema. Written by Christopher Rice, and adapted from his novel, this is a sprawling tale of young lives torn to shreds by an event we are never privy to seeing or knowing about. It's a complex and sordid story told in flashbacks and flash-forwards, opening with a suicide and ending with a murder. This film tells us the story of Greg, Brandon, Meredith, and Stephen; four best friends torn apart in high school. Although three of them stick together for the most part, Stephen is left completely alone in high school, the only attention paid to him by hateful students. Topher Grace is sixteen again in these scenes and you completely believe it. Along with his other acting companions, Grace switches flawlessly between his high school self and his adult self. Playing his mother is Connie Britton who dishes out a fantastic performance as Stephen's accepting, but worried, mother. When the car she buys him as a teenager is vandalized with homophobic statements, she makes sure that the car is taken away to be fixed before Stephen can see. She is always trying to protect him but, in the end, is forced to watch helplessly as her son fights for his life. The other standout performance in the film is from Ben MacKenzie, who gives a highly disturbing performance as Greg Darby, a high school football star who's career is cut short because of a violent temper that eventually leads him to the top of a bell tower with a sniper rifle. His eyes tell us so much and yet so little. We never are allowed to see why he hates Stephen so much, although he and Brandon both say, on several occasions, that their hatred is warranted. New Orleans gives a backdrop to the story that adds to the dark atmosphere. With Lafayette Cemetery always a reminder of death in the background, we're never allowed to forget the first disturbing scene in the movie when we see Brandon put a gun to head and let loose. "A Density of Souls" is dark, brooding, and unforgiving. It's a story of hate, jealousy, and secrets. A fantastic creation that delves deep into the darkness of the human soul and sees how many layers there really are. How one character can redeem themselves in the end, and how one will never be able to forgive himself.
Possible Nominations
Best Picture
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Actor - Topher Grace
Best Supporting Actress - Connie Britton
Dubai
Author(s): Maia
Location: LA
"Dubai"
Written and Directed by Michael Winterbottom
Main Cast
Gerard Butler as Trevor Bartley
Alan Rickman as Emmanuel Norton
Cameron Diaz as Amanda Matheson
Ashraf Barhom as Hiram Merinak
Bar Refaeli as Fatima Merinak
Jason Isaacs as Armand Matheson
Emily Mortimer as Charlotte
Oded Fehr as Emre Sham
Tagline: "Welcome to Paradise (Right of Admission Reserved)"
Synopsis: A study into the effects of global commerce on human and labor rights in one of the most contrasting cities in the world: Dubai; during the days leading to the inaugural ceremony of an exclusive resort:Everything bright and charming architect TREVOR BARTLEY (Butler) wanted since joining the Development Department of Golden Crown Resorts was to become supervisor of one of the company’s top projects. His dream came true when he was made responsible of the construction of The Rajah Resort in Dubai: a grand-luxury hotel that would become the most important for the company on the Middle East. Unfortunately, after eight months of exhaustive work and unsuccessful negotiations with Dubai’s corrupt authorities and cheap but lazy labor force; most of Bartley’s early enthusiasm turned into scorn. Not even the company of many local girls and the wife of a prominent executive could keep him thrilled anymore and now; a week before the hotel’s opening ceremony; can Bartley deal with the pressure of his snotty supervisors, a fraudulent inspector and the unhappy workforce?Bureaucratic construction inspector EMRE SHAM (Fehr) knows two ways to make a living: the traditional and the fast one. Known for his unpredictable temper and his disdain for foreigners; Sham had become a nightmare for a vast number of corporate architects and engineers during their stay in Dubai. When he met enthusiastic but inexperienced Trevor Bartley, Sham spotted a new source of additional profit. However, after months of extortion; something out of Bartley’s reach made things personal…For manipulative trophy-wife AMANDA MATHESON (Diaz), life in the paradisiacal Dubai was no longer exciting after four years. Her husband Armand (CEO of a prominent oil company based on the emirate) barely paid any attention to her and, after having done everything and being everywhere you can be on Dubai; Amanda realized she hadn’t done everyone yet when Trevor Bartley joined her elitist social circle. Their affair was a so-called secret within their community and sadly for Amanda, so was Bartley’s other woman...
FATIMA (Refaeli) was a dollar-seeking escort well connected with Dubai’s rich and powerful but when she met handsome Trevor Bartley, she fell in love. She couldn’t tell if he felt the same away about her but moving to his luxurious condo had been enough for her to leave her other clients; including detestable public servant Emre Sham.Humble construction worker HIRAM MERINAK (Barhom) was lucky to get any job these days. At age 40 and with heavy competition from younger and cheaper workers; a man like him was no longer valuable for Dubai’s society. He had to provide for his family, including his “college student” niece Fatima, so when the construction of the Rajah called for additional workforce due to unexpected delays; he was happy to do it for less than the minimum weight. Snobbish, upper-level auditor for Golden Crown EMMANUEL NORTON (Rickman) loved Dubai but hated its people (in his own words, after a one-month stay). Yet, he managed to act kindly to everyone but co-worker Trevor Bartley and his own assistant, the hypochondriac Charlotte (Emily Mortimer). The Bartley-Norton relationship had always been tough and their continuous critics were not limited to each other’s professional skills. Just days before the grand opening of the Rajah, Norton has found many of the final details are behind schedule and to make things worst; a local bureaucrat is threatening to close the hotel for no apparent reason. Norton and Bartley are now forced to work together to achieve the same goal…Will Bartley and Norton triumph over the vengeful Sham? Will Hiram discover Fatima’s extracurricular activities? Will Amanda find a new hobby before her husband finds about them? And most importantly, Will The Rajah open on time, or not?
What the Press would say:
English filmmaker Michael Winterbottom is known for his stylish direction and his ability to bring the best out of his ensembles. On his latest film, the very mature and incisive Dubai, Winterbottom’s trademarks are supported by the emirate’s gorgeous locations.In Winterbottom’s Dubai, there are the wealthy and the hopeful; the loyal and the deceiving, the powerful and the beautiful… Worlds and classes collide, willingly or not, but the director understands that the best way to inject his message to this story is by turning his characters into living morals instead of portraying them as stereotypes from Screenwriting 101. There are no perfect individuals in Dubai but the film still manages to be highly sensitive. The womanizing Trevor Bartley, played energetically by Gerard Butler, is a bright but unmotivated man who has lost his way. Butler prints very subtle hints of kindness and insecurity into his character’s (apparent) rock-hard persona and the result is a very magnetic and enticing performance that audiences can feel for.Cameron Diaz is also vibrant as the calculating Amanda. Diaz has certainly played similar characters before but here, the actress is able to spot a key twist on her vixen’s psyche: she is genuinely lonely. Amanda is a woman who gets what she wants but hardly what she needs and Diaz gets what the viewers need to see of the real Amanda to understand her. Supermodel Bar Refaeli is a revelation as the ambitious Fatima, a social climber on the wrong steps, a beautiful woman used to play with people but not to be played with. Refaeli takes many risks by the hand of Winterbottom and she ends up baring her soul (and more) in a career-making performance.Character actor Alan Rickman finds the perfect role to separate from his Harry Potter image in Emmanuel Norton: a neurotic, hypocrite and xenophobic snot forced to save the day. Rickman puts fierce determination on making his character an annoying but still likeable prick. Expect AMPAS to take notice of this versatile tour-de-force. Persian actor Ashraf Barhom made a lasting impression as an Iranian officer in The Kingdom last month and he’s now back with another moving and communicative performance. Barhom conveys clear emotions on each of his scenes, especially those where he has found about his niece’s secret life. Finally, Oded Fehr (of Sleeper Cell’s fame) is terrific as the egotistical, vulgar bureaucrat who won’t stop till he gets his honor restored. It’s a meaty role with lots of dramatic scenes and comedic quips and the actor’s clever delivery is essential for his character to leave a lasting impression on the viewers.Overall: Dubai is vigorous, witty and critical but at the core, it is a very commanding drama with lots of points perfectly made. Writer/Director Winterbottom delivers a well-conceived story that shows how in today’s economy, corporations are the ones getting global while individuals, us, remain on our own…Consider Dubai for the following awards:
Best Picture (Drama)
Best Ensemble (SAG)
Best Director –Winterbottom
Best Actor – Butler
Best Actress – Diaz
Best Supporting Actor – Rickman / Fehr / Barhom
Best Supporting Actress - Refaeli
Best Original Screenplay
Creativity Awards (Original Bait/Original Character/Cast/Tagline)
Location: LA
"Dubai"
Written and Directed by Michael Winterbottom
Main Cast
Gerard Butler as Trevor Bartley
Alan Rickman as Emmanuel Norton
Cameron Diaz as Amanda Matheson
Ashraf Barhom as Hiram Merinak
Bar Refaeli as Fatima Merinak
Jason Isaacs as Armand Matheson
Emily Mortimer as Charlotte
Oded Fehr as Emre Sham
Tagline: "Welcome to Paradise (Right of Admission Reserved)"
Synopsis: A study into the effects of global commerce on human and labor rights in one of the most contrasting cities in the world: Dubai; during the days leading to the inaugural ceremony of an exclusive resort:Everything bright and charming architect TREVOR BARTLEY (Butler) wanted since joining the Development Department of Golden Crown Resorts was to become supervisor of one of the company’s top projects. His dream came true when he was made responsible of the construction of The Rajah Resort in Dubai: a grand-luxury hotel that would become the most important for the company on the Middle East. Unfortunately, after eight months of exhaustive work and unsuccessful negotiations with Dubai’s corrupt authorities and cheap but lazy labor force; most of Bartley’s early enthusiasm turned into scorn. Not even the company of many local girls and the wife of a prominent executive could keep him thrilled anymore and now; a week before the hotel’s opening ceremony; can Bartley deal with the pressure of his snotty supervisors, a fraudulent inspector and the unhappy workforce?Bureaucratic construction inspector EMRE SHAM (Fehr) knows two ways to make a living: the traditional and the fast one. Known for his unpredictable temper and his disdain for foreigners; Sham had become a nightmare for a vast number of corporate architects and engineers during their stay in Dubai. When he met enthusiastic but inexperienced Trevor Bartley, Sham spotted a new source of additional profit. However, after months of extortion; something out of Bartley’s reach made things personal…For manipulative trophy-wife AMANDA MATHESON (Diaz), life in the paradisiacal Dubai was no longer exciting after four years. Her husband Armand (CEO of a prominent oil company based on the emirate) barely paid any attention to her and, after having done everything and being everywhere you can be on Dubai; Amanda realized she hadn’t done everyone yet when Trevor Bartley joined her elitist social circle. Their affair was a so-called secret within their community and sadly for Amanda, so was Bartley’s other woman...
FATIMA (Refaeli) was a dollar-seeking escort well connected with Dubai’s rich and powerful but when she met handsome Trevor Bartley, she fell in love. She couldn’t tell if he felt the same away about her but moving to his luxurious condo had been enough for her to leave her other clients; including detestable public servant Emre Sham.Humble construction worker HIRAM MERINAK (Barhom) was lucky to get any job these days. At age 40 and with heavy competition from younger and cheaper workers; a man like him was no longer valuable for Dubai’s society. He had to provide for his family, including his “college student” niece Fatima, so when the construction of the Rajah called for additional workforce due to unexpected delays; he was happy to do it for less than the minimum weight. Snobbish, upper-level auditor for Golden Crown EMMANUEL NORTON (Rickman) loved Dubai but hated its people (in his own words, after a one-month stay). Yet, he managed to act kindly to everyone but co-worker Trevor Bartley and his own assistant, the hypochondriac Charlotte (Emily Mortimer). The Bartley-Norton relationship had always been tough and their continuous critics were not limited to each other’s professional skills. Just days before the grand opening of the Rajah, Norton has found many of the final details are behind schedule and to make things worst; a local bureaucrat is threatening to close the hotel for no apparent reason. Norton and Bartley are now forced to work together to achieve the same goal…Will Bartley and Norton triumph over the vengeful Sham? Will Hiram discover Fatima’s extracurricular activities? Will Amanda find a new hobby before her husband finds about them? And most importantly, Will The Rajah open on time, or not?
What the Press would say:
English filmmaker Michael Winterbottom is known for his stylish direction and his ability to bring the best out of his ensembles. On his latest film, the very mature and incisive Dubai, Winterbottom’s trademarks are supported by the emirate’s gorgeous locations.In Winterbottom’s Dubai, there are the wealthy and the hopeful; the loyal and the deceiving, the powerful and the beautiful… Worlds and classes collide, willingly or not, but the director understands that the best way to inject his message to this story is by turning his characters into living morals instead of portraying them as stereotypes from Screenwriting 101. There are no perfect individuals in Dubai but the film still manages to be highly sensitive. The womanizing Trevor Bartley, played energetically by Gerard Butler, is a bright but unmotivated man who has lost his way. Butler prints very subtle hints of kindness and insecurity into his character’s (apparent) rock-hard persona and the result is a very magnetic and enticing performance that audiences can feel for.Cameron Diaz is also vibrant as the calculating Amanda. Diaz has certainly played similar characters before but here, the actress is able to spot a key twist on her vixen’s psyche: she is genuinely lonely. Amanda is a woman who gets what she wants but hardly what she needs and Diaz gets what the viewers need to see of the real Amanda to understand her. Supermodel Bar Refaeli is a revelation as the ambitious Fatima, a social climber on the wrong steps, a beautiful woman used to play with people but not to be played with. Refaeli takes many risks by the hand of Winterbottom and she ends up baring her soul (and more) in a career-making performance.Character actor Alan Rickman finds the perfect role to separate from his Harry Potter image in Emmanuel Norton: a neurotic, hypocrite and xenophobic snot forced to save the day. Rickman puts fierce determination on making his character an annoying but still likeable prick. Expect AMPAS to take notice of this versatile tour-de-force. Persian actor Ashraf Barhom made a lasting impression as an Iranian officer in The Kingdom last month and he’s now back with another moving and communicative performance. Barhom conveys clear emotions on each of his scenes, especially those where he has found about his niece’s secret life. Finally, Oded Fehr (of Sleeper Cell’s fame) is terrific as the egotistical, vulgar bureaucrat who won’t stop till he gets his honor restored. It’s a meaty role with lots of dramatic scenes and comedic quips and the actor’s clever delivery is essential for his character to leave a lasting impression on the viewers.Overall: Dubai is vigorous, witty and critical but at the core, it is a very commanding drama with lots of points perfectly made. Writer/Director Winterbottom delivers a well-conceived story that shows how in today’s economy, corporations are the ones getting global while individuals, us, remain on our own…Consider Dubai for the following awards:
Best Picture (Drama)
Best Ensemble (SAG)
Best Director –Winterbottom
Best Actor – Butler
Best Actress – Diaz
Best Supporting Actor – Rickman / Fehr / Barhom
Best Supporting Actress - Refaeli
Best Original Screenplay
Creativity Awards (Original Bait/Original Character/Cast/Tagline)
Earshot
Author(s): Alfredo
Location: NY
"Earshot"
Written and Directed by Richard Kelly
Produced by Christopher Ball
Cinematography by Steven Poster
Original Music by Michael Andrews
Film Edited by Sam Bauer and Eric Strand
Main Cast
Ethan Hawke - Detective Eric Neil
Ed Harris - Detective Sam Kincaid
Monica Potter - Laura Neil
Tagline: "Hearing is Believing"
Synopsis: Detective Eric Neil opens his eyes. Everything is blurry. He is on the floor in a pool of sweat. He picks his head and listens. Nothing. His head his still pounding but its not as bad as it was just before he blacked out. His vision is still blurry. He sits on the floor and closes his eyes hoping to readjust his vision. He thinks back to what lead him to this state of being. It was two weeks ago that he was assigned to the "Sight Seeker" case. The Sight Seeker had been on the loose for almost two months without a single lead. He got his nickname from the way they found the bodies. The poor saps had their eyes ripped right out of their heads. If that wasn't sick enough police never found the eyeballs at any of the crime scenes. Detective Neil and his partner Detective Sam Kincaid were given a chance to solve the case. Sam Neil had been going through some rough times at work. He was in debt. His marriage was strained. The Sight Seeker case would hopefully be his turn around. But then something strange started happening to him. Something that he could not explain. At first he thought it was the stress at home with his wife, Laura. Later it was undeniable. He was hearing people's thoughts. It was something so extraordinary. In the beginning, he used it to his advantage hearing the thoughts of those around him including his wife. After a while his abilities started to go out of control. He began to get pounding headaches. He could no longer control who's thoughts he heard. Outside in the street he would hear hundreds of voices. He could not bear it. He started acting odd. So odd that his partner and wife worried about him. He told his wife about his abilities but she did not believe him. They started arguing. There was an incredibly sharp pain in his head. So strong he could not control it. He blacked out in his living room. The last thing he saw was his wife running to catch him.Now he sits there on the floor. His vision slowly coming back. Thats when he thought about his wife. He opened his eyes. He was surprised to find out that he was not lying in sweat but blood. His horror intensified. He knew the blood did not belong to him. He got up and followed the trail of blood. There behind the sofa was his wife dead. Her eyes removed from her head. Before the horror and sadness could settle in his partner barged in with backup. At that moment Eric knew that they thought he was the Sight Seeker. Eric managed to escape his house. Now he is on the run and must find the real sight seeker using his mind reading abilities before the police catch him.
What the Press would say:
Writer/Director Richard Kelly ("Donnie Darko") once again takes us on a mind bending trip with his latest film "Earshot". The film is dark, gritty and also somewhat humorous at times. Ethan Hawke gives a great performance as a police detective that is down on his luck and unexplainingly stumbled upon the power to hear peoples thoughts. Hawke manages to take a totally unbelievable premise and make it believable with his stellar acting. Also along for the ride are Ed Harris as his partner and Monica Potter as his doubting wife and latest victim of the seriel killer the "Sight Seeker". This film is sure to become a cult classic with horror fans. This is one film to check out. It is scary, full of suspense and a little gore. All the makings of a horror cult classic. Ethan Hawke should be taken into serious consideration for Best Actor.
Best Picture
Best Director - Richard Kelly
Best Original Screenplay - Richard Kelly
Best Actor - Ethan Hawke
Location: NY
"Earshot"
Written and Directed by Richard Kelly
Produced by Christopher Ball
Cinematography by Steven Poster
Original Music by Michael Andrews
Film Edited by Sam Bauer and Eric Strand
Main Cast
Ethan Hawke - Detective Eric Neil
Ed Harris - Detective Sam Kincaid
Monica Potter - Laura Neil
Tagline: "Hearing is Believing"
Synopsis: Detective Eric Neil opens his eyes. Everything is blurry. He is on the floor in a pool of sweat. He picks his head and listens. Nothing. His head his still pounding but its not as bad as it was just before he blacked out. His vision is still blurry. He sits on the floor and closes his eyes hoping to readjust his vision. He thinks back to what lead him to this state of being. It was two weeks ago that he was assigned to the "Sight Seeker" case. The Sight Seeker had been on the loose for almost two months without a single lead. He got his nickname from the way they found the bodies. The poor saps had their eyes ripped right out of their heads. If that wasn't sick enough police never found the eyeballs at any of the crime scenes. Detective Neil and his partner Detective Sam Kincaid were given a chance to solve the case. Sam Neil had been going through some rough times at work. He was in debt. His marriage was strained. The Sight Seeker case would hopefully be his turn around. But then something strange started happening to him. Something that he could not explain. At first he thought it was the stress at home with his wife, Laura. Later it was undeniable. He was hearing people's thoughts. It was something so extraordinary. In the beginning, he used it to his advantage hearing the thoughts of those around him including his wife. After a while his abilities started to go out of control. He began to get pounding headaches. He could no longer control who's thoughts he heard. Outside in the street he would hear hundreds of voices. He could not bear it. He started acting odd. So odd that his partner and wife worried about him. He told his wife about his abilities but she did not believe him. They started arguing. There was an incredibly sharp pain in his head. So strong he could not control it. He blacked out in his living room. The last thing he saw was his wife running to catch him.Now he sits there on the floor. His vision slowly coming back. Thats when he thought about his wife. He opened his eyes. He was surprised to find out that he was not lying in sweat but blood. His horror intensified. He knew the blood did not belong to him. He got up and followed the trail of blood. There behind the sofa was his wife dead. Her eyes removed from her head. Before the horror and sadness could settle in his partner barged in with backup. At that moment Eric knew that they thought he was the Sight Seeker. Eric managed to escape his house. Now he is on the run and must find the real sight seeker using his mind reading abilities before the police catch him.
What the Press would say:
Writer/Director Richard Kelly ("Donnie Darko") once again takes us on a mind bending trip with his latest film "Earshot". The film is dark, gritty and also somewhat humorous at times. Ethan Hawke gives a great performance as a police detective that is down on his luck and unexplainingly stumbled upon the power to hear peoples thoughts. Hawke manages to take a totally unbelievable premise and make it believable with his stellar acting. Also along for the ride are Ed Harris as his partner and Monica Potter as his doubting wife and latest victim of the seriel killer the "Sight Seeker". This film is sure to become a cult classic with horror fans. This is one film to check out. It is scary, full of suspense and a little gore. All the makings of a horror cult classic. Ethan Hawke should be taken into serious consideration for Best Actor.
Best Picture
Best Director - Richard Kelly
Best Original Screenplay - Richard Kelly
Best Actor - Ethan Hawke
Fiddler on the Roof
Author(s): Al
Location: NY
"Fiddler on the Roof"
Directed by Mike Nichols
Written by David Benioff
Main Cast
Tevye: Mandy Patinkin
Golde: Kathy Bates
Motel Kamzoil: Roger Bart
Tzietel: Evan Rachel Wood
Perchik: Topher Grace
Hodel: Emmy Rossum
Chava: Kate Mara
Lazar Wolf: Harvey Fierstein
And
Yente: Barbra Streisand
Tagline: "N/A"
Synopsis: Tradition. It's what keeps the people of the small Russian-Jewish shtetl of Anatevka going every day as they go about their business. And tradition is what their entire society is based upon. All the fathers go to work, lead the home, and pray on the Sabbath. All the mothers cook, clean, and pray on the Sabbath. All the sons go to school, learn the trade from their fathers, and pray on the Sabbath. And all the daughters learn from their mothers, get married off to a nice man by the town matchmaker Yente and pray on the Sabbath. That's the way it's always been, and that's the way it always will be.Tevye, the town milkman, thrives on tradition. He has 5 daughters, (Tzeitel, Hodel, Chava, Sprintze, and Bielke) and works hard to instill in them traditional Jewish values. He also tries to get his family by on a meager income, hoping to generate some wealth by finding her daughters rich husbands. He dreams of one day being a "rich man" and making his wife Golde and his daughters happy. So he is overjoyed when the town's prosperous butcher, Lazar Wolf, asks him for his oldest Tzeitel's hand in marriage. Tevye agrees happily, but Tzeitel is already in love with the town's meek tailor, Motel and they have secretly made a vow to marry. Though Tevye has already announced his daughter's engagement to Lazar Wolf, Motel gathers the courage to stand up to Tevye, proclaiming that "even a poor tailor is entitled to some happiness". Tevye, impressed, relents and agrees to give him Tzeitel's hand. They begin to plan a wedding.Meanwhile, Perchik, a student revolutionary, comes to Anatevka and begins to preach ideals that are directly at odds with those of the people of the town. Though they are set in their ways, he relentlessly tries to change them, showing them the changes that are happening all across the world. He and Hodel fall in love, much to Tevye's dismay. And Tevye also discovers that Chava is having a secret relationship with a Russian soldier.At Motel and Tzeitel's wedding, Perchik crosses the male and female barrier for the first time and dances with Hodel. Before the guests can protest, the Russian army invades for a "demonstration", wreaking destruction on Anatevka. As the world changes around them, the sheltered people of Anatevka must accept the changes around them and begin to let go their old traditions. But are these stodgy traditions what define their culture? Tevye must lead his community into the brave new world…step by step.
What the Press would say:
Fiddler on the Roof is the greatest musical of all time. I know, that's a bold statement to make in the first sentence of a movie review. But it's just one of those musicals that stirs up those feelings in people. Any Broadway buff worth their salt has seen it, and can tell you the intricacies of Mostel's performance versus Topol's in a snap. But even if you're not a Broadway expert, "Fiddler on the Roof" is accessible to anyone. And the acclaimed 1971 film translated it perfectly to the screen. And now that uppity Mike Nichols has the chutzpah to remake it?In the hands of a lesser director, the film would fail to live up to the standards of its predecessor and fail as a film. But Nichols has tons of experience in both the film and stage worlds, so it's only natural that he would combine them. He imbues the small town of Anatevka with brown, Earthy tones and treats the musical numbers like small rejoicings by the characters. It's usually very tough to blend songs with script, but he pulls it off, partly in thanks to David Benioff's screenplay that goes light on the hokey and heavy on the emotionally powerful, taking just enough liberties with the stageplay to make it faithful but to make it work on screen.Tevye is one of the all-time great stage roles for tenors, and so Mandy Patinkin was a natural for the role. Sure, he's not a big name, but can you imagine George Clooney as Tevye? Exactly. Patinkin embodies Tevye as a man who tries to be strong and stand up for what he thinks is right, but has too soft a heart to be arrogant. Tevye is a tree in the hurricane of changes around him that until now has ignored them and gone about his business, but is being ripped out and whirled around. Patinkin's performance is magnificent and dignified and his singing is legendary. Kathy Bates also puts in a great performance as Golde, Tevye's loudmouthed but kind wife. As the arranged-marriage Golde and Tevye begin to realize that they do care for each other, Bates plays it perfectly. She also handles the musical-comedy aspect of the role very well.Roger Bart is best known for his recurring role on "Desperate Housewives", but is a renowned Broadway actor. Motel is always a hard part to pull off, because it requires the actor to play a funny nerd but also show his inner strength. Bart does it, making us root for his character, the underdog, and stand up and cheer as we watch him and Tzeitel become happy together. Emmy Rossum is another highlight in the cast, showing remarkable depth as Hodel, a young woman who has been sheltered all her life and now having to make a choice- her family and tradition, or love and uncertainty? And I can't say anything that hasn't already been said about Barbra Streisand's casting. It's marvelous- she gives a rollicking, hilarious Dolly Levi-style performance as the town's matchmaker. What a great comeback for her in musical theater…hopefully someday she'll return to the stage. We can hope, right?So that's it. Fiddler on the Roof doesn't try to be the old movie, it doesn't try to be a Broadway musical, and it doesn't try to be a period drama. It rolls elements of all of those together into something that isn't a perfect movie, but certainly a great one. It's a movie musical for the ages, and if you haven't seen the show or the old movie, go out and see those now. And then see this film, which complements them both beautifully.
Best Picture – AMPAS
Best Picture (Musical/Comedy) – HFPA
Best Ensemble – SAG
Best Director – Mike Nichols
Best Actor – Mandy Patinkin
Best Actress – Kathy Bates
Best Supporting Actor – Roger Bart
Best Supporting Actress – Barbra Streisand
Best Supporting Actress – Emmy Rossum
Location: NY
"Fiddler on the Roof"
Directed by Mike Nichols
Written by David Benioff
Main Cast
Tevye: Mandy Patinkin
Golde: Kathy Bates
Motel Kamzoil: Roger Bart
Tzietel: Evan Rachel Wood
Perchik: Topher Grace
Hodel: Emmy Rossum
Chava: Kate Mara
Lazar Wolf: Harvey Fierstein
And
Yente: Barbra Streisand
Tagline: "N/A"
Synopsis: Tradition. It's what keeps the people of the small Russian-Jewish shtetl of Anatevka going every day as they go about their business. And tradition is what their entire society is based upon. All the fathers go to work, lead the home, and pray on the Sabbath. All the mothers cook, clean, and pray on the Sabbath. All the sons go to school, learn the trade from their fathers, and pray on the Sabbath. And all the daughters learn from their mothers, get married off to a nice man by the town matchmaker Yente and pray on the Sabbath. That's the way it's always been, and that's the way it always will be.Tevye, the town milkman, thrives on tradition. He has 5 daughters, (Tzeitel, Hodel, Chava, Sprintze, and Bielke) and works hard to instill in them traditional Jewish values. He also tries to get his family by on a meager income, hoping to generate some wealth by finding her daughters rich husbands. He dreams of one day being a "rich man" and making his wife Golde and his daughters happy. So he is overjoyed when the town's prosperous butcher, Lazar Wolf, asks him for his oldest Tzeitel's hand in marriage. Tevye agrees happily, but Tzeitel is already in love with the town's meek tailor, Motel and they have secretly made a vow to marry. Though Tevye has already announced his daughter's engagement to Lazar Wolf, Motel gathers the courage to stand up to Tevye, proclaiming that "even a poor tailor is entitled to some happiness". Tevye, impressed, relents and agrees to give him Tzeitel's hand. They begin to plan a wedding.Meanwhile, Perchik, a student revolutionary, comes to Anatevka and begins to preach ideals that are directly at odds with those of the people of the town. Though they are set in their ways, he relentlessly tries to change them, showing them the changes that are happening all across the world. He and Hodel fall in love, much to Tevye's dismay. And Tevye also discovers that Chava is having a secret relationship with a Russian soldier.At Motel and Tzeitel's wedding, Perchik crosses the male and female barrier for the first time and dances with Hodel. Before the guests can protest, the Russian army invades for a "demonstration", wreaking destruction on Anatevka. As the world changes around them, the sheltered people of Anatevka must accept the changes around them and begin to let go their old traditions. But are these stodgy traditions what define their culture? Tevye must lead his community into the brave new world…step by step.
What the Press would say:
Fiddler on the Roof is the greatest musical of all time. I know, that's a bold statement to make in the first sentence of a movie review. But it's just one of those musicals that stirs up those feelings in people. Any Broadway buff worth their salt has seen it, and can tell you the intricacies of Mostel's performance versus Topol's in a snap. But even if you're not a Broadway expert, "Fiddler on the Roof" is accessible to anyone. And the acclaimed 1971 film translated it perfectly to the screen. And now that uppity Mike Nichols has the chutzpah to remake it?In the hands of a lesser director, the film would fail to live up to the standards of its predecessor and fail as a film. But Nichols has tons of experience in both the film and stage worlds, so it's only natural that he would combine them. He imbues the small town of Anatevka with brown, Earthy tones and treats the musical numbers like small rejoicings by the characters. It's usually very tough to blend songs with script, but he pulls it off, partly in thanks to David Benioff's screenplay that goes light on the hokey and heavy on the emotionally powerful, taking just enough liberties with the stageplay to make it faithful but to make it work on screen.Tevye is one of the all-time great stage roles for tenors, and so Mandy Patinkin was a natural for the role. Sure, he's not a big name, but can you imagine George Clooney as Tevye? Exactly. Patinkin embodies Tevye as a man who tries to be strong and stand up for what he thinks is right, but has too soft a heart to be arrogant. Tevye is a tree in the hurricane of changes around him that until now has ignored them and gone about his business, but is being ripped out and whirled around. Patinkin's performance is magnificent and dignified and his singing is legendary. Kathy Bates also puts in a great performance as Golde, Tevye's loudmouthed but kind wife. As the arranged-marriage Golde and Tevye begin to realize that they do care for each other, Bates plays it perfectly. She also handles the musical-comedy aspect of the role very well.Roger Bart is best known for his recurring role on "Desperate Housewives", but is a renowned Broadway actor. Motel is always a hard part to pull off, because it requires the actor to play a funny nerd but also show his inner strength. Bart does it, making us root for his character, the underdog, and stand up and cheer as we watch him and Tzeitel become happy together. Emmy Rossum is another highlight in the cast, showing remarkable depth as Hodel, a young woman who has been sheltered all her life and now having to make a choice- her family and tradition, or love and uncertainty? And I can't say anything that hasn't already been said about Barbra Streisand's casting. It's marvelous- she gives a rollicking, hilarious Dolly Levi-style performance as the town's matchmaker. What a great comeback for her in musical theater…hopefully someday she'll return to the stage. We can hope, right?So that's it. Fiddler on the Roof doesn't try to be the old movie, it doesn't try to be a Broadway musical, and it doesn't try to be a period drama. It rolls elements of all of those together into something that isn't a perfect movie, but certainly a great one. It's a movie musical for the ages, and if you haven't seen the show or the old movie, go out and see those now. And then see this film, which complements them both beautifully.
Best Picture – AMPAS
Best Picture (Musical/Comedy) – HFPA
Best Ensemble – SAG
Best Director – Mike Nichols
Best Actor – Mandy Patinkin
Best Actress – Kathy Bates
Best Supporting Actor – Roger Bart
Best Supporting Actress – Barbra Streisand
Best Supporting Actress – Emmy Rossum
Green Grow the Lilacs
Author(s): Michael
Location: Oklahoma
"Green Grow the Lilacs"
Directed by James Mangold
Adapted by James Mangold
Distributed by 20th Century Fox
Original Score by John Barry
Main Cast
Keri Russell - Laurie Williams
Paul Walker- Curly McLaine
Thomas Kretschmann- Jud Fry
Anna Friel- Ado Annie Carns
Ryan Stiles- Ali Hackam
Tim Blake Nelson- Will Parker
Andrea Martin -Aunt Eller
Tagline: "You cain’t say no!"
Synopsis: Laurie, and Oklahoma farm girl, seems to be the center of every man’s attention. She’s being courted by her childhood sweetheart Curly, and the obsessive farm hand Jud Fry. While, she is in love with Curly, it seems so obvious that they should be together. In order to find some closure in the situation, she consults her best friend, Ado Annie, who is having her own problems in the game of love. Annie has to choose between the Persian Peddler, Ali Hackam and the talented cowboy Will Parker, she can’t seem to choose which is better for her. Since Annie is no help, Laurie turns to her Aunt Eller, who tells her to follow her heart, but not to hurt anyone on the way. Laurie chooses Curly because he loves her and she loves him and they fit together perfectly. Finding that Laurie had success with asking her Aunt about what to do, Ado Annie decides to do the same and comes to the conclusion that she should marry Will because he is spontaneous like she is. Laurie’s decision doesn’t go over well with the jealous Jud as he chooses to try and kill Curly so that he can marry Laurie himself. So when Jud attacks Curly, Curly ends up killing Jud in self-defense. Because Curly killed Jud, technically he should have to await trial for his crime, but because he and Laurie are to be married the next day and then go on their honeymoon the judge finds Curly not guilty after a short examination. So Laurie and Curly, as well as Ado Annie and Will, all marry and live a happy life in the territory that soon becomes Oklahoma.
What the Press would say:
Green Grow the Lilacs was originally written for the stage in 1931 by Lynn Riggs and was later adapted in the classic musical, Oklahoma! written by Oscar Hammerstein II with a lovely score by Richard Rogers. The groundbreaking musical revolutionized Broadway and Hammerstein gave all the credit to Riggs for his brilliant script. In the tradition of Riggs and Hammerstein, James Mangold has kept most of the first-rate dialogue, but changed it up and bit and changed it for the better. Filled with everything needed for a perfect film, Green Grow the Lilacs proves that superior films can be made. James directs the movie wonderfully and made every second enjoyable. His directing is even better on the actors, who are fantastic in their roles. Paul Walker gives a great performance as Curly the Cowboy and though it was a bit of a risk casting him, it was worth it. His comedic timing is fine, and he is great for the role. Tim Blake Nelson is very funny as the comical Will Parker and gives the best performance of his career. Surprisingly he has great roping skills and I looked forward to the scenes he was in. Keri Russell gives the best leading female performance of the year as the adorable Laurie and is perfect in everyway. She immersed in this role and she really is Laurie Williams. Russell is perfectly cast and really shines in the all-star cast. Anna Friel, from TV’s Pushing Daises, is the loveable Ado Annie and is really funny in her role. Her performance is great and she is really entertaining. The male performance of the year has to be Ryan Stiles from Whose Line is it Anyway as the Persian Peddler, Ali Hackam. Stiles is absolutely hilarious in the role and is perfectly cast. His performance is one for the record books and is remarkable coming from a man who is pretty new to films. Bottom Line, Green Grow the Lilacs is the best film of the year and a definite must see. Filled with everything needed for an engaging motion picture and even more than that, it will be a classic that lasts forever.
FYC:
Best Picture
Best Director
Best Actor- Paul Walker
Best Actress- Keri Russell
Best Supporting Actor- Tim Blake Nelson
Best Supporting Actor- Ryan Stiles
Best Supporting Actress- Anna Friel
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Art Direction
Best Costume Design
Best Editing
Location: Oklahoma
"Green Grow the Lilacs"
Directed by James Mangold
Adapted by James Mangold
Distributed by 20th Century Fox
Original Score by John Barry
Main Cast
Keri Russell - Laurie Williams
Paul Walker- Curly McLaine
Thomas Kretschmann- Jud Fry
Anna Friel- Ado Annie Carns
Ryan Stiles- Ali Hackam
Tim Blake Nelson- Will Parker
Andrea Martin -Aunt Eller
Tagline: "You cain’t say no!"
Synopsis: Laurie, and Oklahoma farm girl, seems to be the center of every man’s attention. She’s being courted by her childhood sweetheart Curly, and the obsessive farm hand Jud Fry. While, she is in love with Curly, it seems so obvious that they should be together. In order to find some closure in the situation, she consults her best friend, Ado Annie, who is having her own problems in the game of love. Annie has to choose between the Persian Peddler, Ali Hackam and the talented cowboy Will Parker, she can’t seem to choose which is better for her. Since Annie is no help, Laurie turns to her Aunt Eller, who tells her to follow her heart, but not to hurt anyone on the way. Laurie chooses Curly because he loves her and she loves him and they fit together perfectly. Finding that Laurie had success with asking her Aunt about what to do, Ado Annie decides to do the same and comes to the conclusion that she should marry Will because he is spontaneous like she is. Laurie’s decision doesn’t go over well with the jealous Jud as he chooses to try and kill Curly so that he can marry Laurie himself. So when Jud attacks Curly, Curly ends up killing Jud in self-defense. Because Curly killed Jud, technically he should have to await trial for his crime, but because he and Laurie are to be married the next day and then go on their honeymoon the judge finds Curly not guilty after a short examination. So Laurie and Curly, as well as Ado Annie and Will, all marry and live a happy life in the territory that soon becomes Oklahoma.
What the Press would say:
Green Grow the Lilacs was originally written for the stage in 1931 by Lynn Riggs and was later adapted in the classic musical, Oklahoma! written by Oscar Hammerstein II with a lovely score by Richard Rogers. The groundbreaking musical revolutionized Broadway and Hammerstein gave all the credit to Riggs for his brilliant script. In the tradition of Riggs and Hammerstein, James Mangold has kept most of the first-rate dialogue, but changed it up and bit and changed it for the better. Filled with everything needed for a perfect film, Green Grow the Lilacs proves that superior films can be made. James directs the movie wonderfully and made every second enjoyable. His directing is even better on the actors, who are fantastic in their roles. Paul Walker gives a great performance as Curly the Cowboy and though it was a bit of a risk casting him, it was worth it. His comedic timing is fine, and he is great for the role. Tim Blake Nelson is very funny as the comical Will Parker and gives the best performance of his career. Surprisingly he has great roping skills and I looked forward to the scenes he was in. Keri Russell gives the best leading female performance of the year as the adorable Laurie and is perfect in everyway. She immersed in this role and she really is Laurie Williams. Russell is perfectly cast and really shines in the all-star cast. Anna Friel, from TV’s Pushing Daises, is the loveable Ado Annie and is really funny in her role. Her performance is great and she is really entertaining. The male performance of the year has to be Ryan Stiles from Whose Line is it Anyway as the Persian Peddler, Ali Hackam. Stiles is absolutely hilarious in the role and is perfectly cast. His performance is one for the record books and is remarkable coming from a man who is pretty new to films. Bottom Line, Green Grow the Lilacs is the best film of the year and a definite must see. Filled with everything needed for an engaging motion picture and even more than that, it will be a classic that lasts forever.
FYC:
Best Picture
Best Director
Best Actor- Paul Walker
Best Actress- Keri Russell
Best Supporting Actor- Tim Blake Nelson
Best Supporting Actor- Ryan Stiles
Best Supporting Actress- Anna Friel
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Art Direction
Best Costume Design
Best Editing
Havana Dreams
Author(s): Alfredo
Location: NY
"Havana Dreams"
Directed by James Mangold
Written by Jose Rivera
Produced by Cathy Konrad
Cinematography by Eric Gautier
Film Edited by Michael McCusker
Costume Design by Arianne Phillips
Original Score by Gustavo Santaolalla
Original Songs by Alejandro Sanz
Main Cast
Alexis Bledel - Arianna Santiago
Santiago Cabrera - Alejandro Cruz
Rita Moreno - Rosa Gonzalez
Esai Morales - Ernesto Cruz
Ian Somerhalder - James Brody
Tagline: "Dreaming of a better tomorrow. Dreaming of Love"
Synopsis: The palm trees sway in the warm summer breeze. The smell of food is carried with it. You hear the splashing of the Caribbean Sea hitting the beach. All around children are playing in the white sand. These children are the offspring of the elite, wealthy and powerful. They are growing up not knowing the word "no". It is the summer of 1958, Cuba. Havana has become the playground of the upperclass Cubans and wealthy Americans. This is the world Arianna (Bledel) is living in. This is the only world she has known. Arianna has been living with her grandmother, Rosa (Moreno), since she was five years old. Her parents died in a plane crash. Despite her grandmother's vast wealth, Arianna was her most prized possession. This is due to the fact that Arianna has pale white skin and eyes as blue as the sky. Features that her grandmother claims she was blessed with thanks to her direct European ancestry. Arianna's blue eyes and pales skin give Rosa status that her dark eyes and complexion could not. This being the case, Rosa has carefully mapped out Arianna's entire life; including her wedding to James Brody (Somerhalder), a wealthy American from Florida. Arianna never complained because she was grateful for the life her grandmother has given her. Protesting about her engagement to James would be her first act of rebellion.In stark contrast, the world Alejandro Cruz (Cabrera) lived in with his brother Ernesto Cruz (Morales) was filled with poverty. The people in the Cruz's neighborhood worked from sun up to sun down just to be able to eat for one day. Cuba's leader had failed the masses. Alejandro was raised by his older brother Ernesto. Like Arianna, their parents had died when he was very young as well, leaving Ernesto to take care of his sibling. Ernesto was extremely hard working and passionate about everything he does. Alejandro loved and admired his brother and would follow him to the ends of the earth. Something that Ernesto took advantage of when rumblings of a revolution led by a Cuban lawyer and an Argentinian doctor started spreading through the slums that they lived in. Ernesto put all his energy into starting the revolution in his neighborhood. He recruited many other young men and they started secretly planning on ways to aid the revolutionaries hiding in the mountains. Ernesto passion would soon blind him to everything including the love affair his brother Alejandro is having with a wealthy young woman from Havana...Alejandro and Arianna met one day after Arianna had a fight with her grandmother about James. James as it turns out isn't such a sweet guy that he made Arianna's grandmother believe. He was an opportunist. His family has long ago lost their fortune. All they had going for them was their name. James' plan was to marry Arianna and gain her fortune. Arianna was upset and walking along the beach when she ran into Alejandro. The two hit it off instantly. Their love affair would set off a chain of events that include a plot to murder Alejandro, lies and betrayal from their families. From Rosa because she will not let her grand daughter go out with a nobody like Alejandro and ruin everything that she has worked hard to maintain and from Ernesto because he's worked to hard for the revolution to let his little brother's affair get in the way. Ultimately their love affair would leave one in Florida married to a man she does not love and another trying to escape the tryanny of the dictatorship that was not promised and on a journey across a sea to find the one he truly loves.
What the Press would say:
The versatile director James Mangold ("3:10 to Yuma", "Walk the Line") hits us with yet another classic story of betrayal, revolution and love in "Havana Dreams". The screenplay was written by Jose Rivera ("The Motorcycle Diaries"). On the surface this film is about two star crossed lovers but the wonderful thing about the screenplay is that it is layered. It is not only about forbidden love but about social classes in a country where the government is corrupt and given up on its poor. Its also about revolution and how change is welcomed but then we see that we got more than we bargained for or received nothing that was promised. This is the journey that the two leads, played magnificently by Alexis Bledel (TVs "Gilmore Girls") and Santiago Cabrero (of "Heroes" fame) go through. Alexis Bledel plays a compliant grand daughter. She is part of the elite and wealthy class in Havana. She is wonderful in this role. Many people will be surprised to learn that Alexis speaks fluent spanish. She is afterall of Mexican and Argentinian descent. Newcomer Santiago Cabrera has the right amount of brood and emotion to nail the character of Alejandro. This is the kind of breakthrough role that has earned many first time leading men Oscar nominations. The supporting characters of Rosa, Ernesto and James are of Oscar caliber. Rita Morena shines as the cold calculating grandmother. Esai Morales is downright scary as the older brother who loves his family but loves his country more and Ian Somerhalder is revalation as the scheming socialite. This film will be a major force come Oscar time.
Best Picture
Best Director - James Mangold
Best Original Screenplay - Jose Rivera
Best Actress - Alexis Bledel
Best Actor - Santiago Cabrera
Best Supporting Actress - Rita Moreno
Best Supporting Actor - Esai Morales
Best Supporting Actor - Ian Somerhalder
Best Cinematography
Best Film Editing
Best Costume Design
Best Original Score - Gustavo Santaolalla
Best Original Song - "La Primera Vez" (The First Time) by Alejandro Sanz
Best Orginal Song - "Solo Para Amarte" (Only to Love You) by Alejandro Sanz
Location: NY
"Havana Dreams"
Directed by James Mangold
Written by Jose Rivera
Produced by Cathy Konrad
Cinematography by Eric Gautier
Film Edited by Michael McCusker
Costume Design by Arianne Phillips
Original Score by Gustavo Santaolalla
Original Songs by Alejandro Sanz
Main Cast
Alexis Bledel - Arianna Santiago
Santiago Cabrera - Alejandro Cruz
Rita Moreno - Rosa Gonzalez
Esai Morales - Ernesto Cruz
Ian Somerhalder - James Brody
Tagline: "Dreaming of a better tomorrow. Dreaming of Love"
Synopsis: The palm trees sway in the warm summer breeze. The smell of food is carried with it. You hear the splashing of the Caribbean Sea hitting the beach. All around children are playing in the white sand. These children are the offspring of the elite, wealthy and powerful. They are growing up not knowing the word "no". It is the summer of 1958, Cuba. Havana has become the playground of the upperclass Cubans and wealthy Americans. This is the world Arianna (Bledel) is living in. This is the only world she has known. Arianna has been living with her grandmother, Rosa (Moreno), since she was five years old. Her parents died in a plane crash. Despite her grandmother's vast wealth, Arianna was her most prized possession. This is due to the fact that Arianna has pale white skin and eyes as blue as the sky. Features that her grandmother claims she was blessed with thanks to her direct European ancestry. Arianna's blue eyes and pales skin give Rosa status that her dark eyes and complexion could not. This being the case, Rosa has carefully mapped out Arianna's entire life; including her wedding to James Brody (Somerhalder), a wealthy American from Florida. Arianna never complained because she was grateful for the life her grandmother has given her. Protesting about her engagement to James would be her first act of rebellion.In stark contrast, the world Alejandro Cruz (Cabrera) lived in with his brother Ernesto Cruz (Morales) was filled with poverty. The people in the Cruz's neighborhood worked from sun up to sun down just to be able to eat for one day. Cuba's leader had failed the masses. Alejandro was raised by his older brother Ernesto. Like Arianna, their parents had died when he was very young as well, leaving Ernesto to take care of his sibling. Ernesto was extremely hard working and passionate about everything he does. Alejandro loved and admired his brother and would follow him to the ends of the earth. Something that Ernesto took advantage of when rumblings of a revolution led by a Cuban lawyer and an Argentinian doctor started spreading through the slums that they lived in. Ernesto put all his energy into starting the revolution in his neighborhood. He recruited many other young men and they started secretly planning on ways to aid the revolutionaries hiding in the mountains. Ernesto passion would soon blind him to everything including the love affair his brother Alejandro is having with a wealthy young woman from Havana...Alejandro and Arianna met one day after Arianna had a fight with her grandmother about James. James as it turns out isn't such a sweet guy that he made Arianna's grandmother believe. He was an opportunist. His family has long ago lost their fortune. All they had going for them was their name. James' plan was to marry Arianna and gain her fortune. Arianna was upset and walking along the beach when she ran into Alejandro. The two hit it off instantly. Their love affair would set off a chain of events that include a plot to murder Alejandro, lies and betrayal from their families. From Rosa because she will not let her grand daughter go out with a nobody like Alejandro and ruin everything that she has worked hard to maintain and from Ernesto because he's worked to hard for the revolution to let his little brother's affair get in the way. Ultimately their love affair would leave one in Florida married to a man she does not love and another trying to escape the tryanny of the dictatorship that was not promised and on a journey across a sea to find the one he truly loves.
What the Press would say:
The versatile director James Mangold ("3:10 to Yuma", "Walk the Line") hits us with yet another classic story of betrayal, revolution and love in "Havana Dreams". The screenplay was written by Jose Rivera ("The Motorcycle Diaries"). On the surface this film is about two star crossed lovers but the wonderful thing about the screenplay is that it is layered. It is not only about forbidden love but about social classes in a country where the government is corrupt and given up on its poor. Its also about revolution and how change is welcomed but then we see that we got more than we bargained for or received nothing that was promised. This is the journey that the two leads, played magnificently by Alexis Bledel (TVs "Gilmore Girls") and Santiago Cabrero (of "Heroes" fame) go through. Alexis Bledel plays a compliant grand daughter. She is part of the elite and wealthy class in Havana. She is wonderful in this role. Many people will be surprised to learn that Alexis speaks fluent spanish. She is afterall of Mexican and Argentinian descent. Newcomer Santiago Cabrera has the right amount of brood and emotion to nail the character of Alejandro. This is the kind of breakthrough role that has earned many first time leading men Oscar nominations. The supporting characters of Rosa, Ernesto and James are of Oscar caliber. Rita Morena shines as the cold calculating grandmother. Esai Morales is downright scary as the older brother who loves his family but loves his country more and Ian Somerhalder is revalation as the scheming socialite. This film will be a major force come Oscar time.
Best Picture
Best Director - James Mangold
Best Original Screenplay - Jose Rivera
Best Actress - Alexis Bledel
Best Actor - Santiago Cabrera
Best Supporting Actress - Rita Moreno
Best Supporting Actor - Esai Morales
Best Supporting Actor - Ian Somerhalder
Best Cinematography
Best Film Editing
Best Costume Design
Best Original Score - Gustavo Santaolalla
Best Original Song - "La Primera Vez" (The First Time) by Alejandro Sanz
Best Orginal Song - "Solo Para Amarte" (Only to Love You) by Alejandro Sanz
Ike
Author(s): Tony
Location: Pittsburgh
"Ike"
Written and Directed by Cameron Crowe
Editing by Joe Hutshing
Music by Nancy Wilson
Main Cast
Steve Buscemi as Ike Fraley
Robert Downey Jr as Drew Maddox
Greg Kinnear as Larry Posluszny
Carol Kane as Gloria Fraley
James Caan as Eddie McFadden
Jennifer Beals as Emily Maddox
Julie Delpy as Maura Posluszny
Brian Howe as Ricky
Harris Yulin as Ordesky
Tagline: "Sticky pads and violence, say hello to Ike"
Synopsis: Drew and Larry, two acclaimed authors and best friends, finding themselves at the bottom of the barrel with no pulse. Both living off the success of their work, Drew is known for his daring murder novels. He's been to every psych ward and prison to study the breaking point of human behavior. Larry writes more intellectual and compelling novels, using his mild manner and perfectionist attitude to use, creating gratifying and beautiful novels. Drew is a potty-mouth, caffeine addicted sex-a-holic with his wife Emily. An ego so high that he's been refusing to answer his phone calls from his father for decades, punishing him for believing he was too hard on him as a child. Larry struggles to find his sex spark, living a calm and cautious life with his wife Maura. With both men staring down at their repetitive lifestyle, they want change. Drew insist that they switch genres to create a reflecting and different biagraphical story. Scared at first was Larry, but daringly he agrees. While participating in a group therapy, Drew comes across a man that admits he has a problem, but is shallow about the things in his life he can't explain. Larry sits back to watch a one-on-one psychologist meeting with a man who believes that manic energy and silly violence is what lifts his spirits. Both find a target, except it's the same man, Ike. Surprising Drew and Larry, they decide to invite Ike to dinner to explain his condition. According to their judgment, Ike had a split personality. He would change conversations and dialect frequently, one being aggressive claiming he's killed, the other a soft spoken family man. With the information they have collected, they uncover the truth about Ike, and tell it to the world.They travel miles to where Ike onced lived and flashback into his life. Drew investigates the confused and affectionate Ike Fraley. Along with his quirky wife Gloria, a lazy house wife, they raised their two sons. He worked at a company that made sticky pads that paid enough to feed his family, there's a job for everything. Bored at first was Drew, until it was revealed that Ikes true kindness was donating small change to starving children, helping build drug rehab centers and shelters for the homeless, being a great role model for his kids. He even met Gloria when she was begging for change on the streets. Larry reaches an illegal underground gambling scene, led by Eddie McFadden. Accused of being a cop, knife to throat, Larry says Ike sent him, a hand shake was in order. Ike was their "eliminator" of people who didn't pay their dues. He made everyone around him feel in danger. Drew's introduced to a world of sex, gambling, drugs, and murder schemes, even to a high speed car chase. With both personalities having no recollection to the other, life was complicated for Ike, especially when Gloria had an affair with his best friend Ricky. Ike then tried to kill Ricky with a meat cleaver. His story has reflected on Drew and Larrys life drastically. Larry feels more secure with himself as Drew answers his phone. They never heard from Ike again.
What the Press would say:
The high-energy, thought provoking film that will be raved by critics this year is "Ike". Cameron Crowe brings a richly entertaining comedy drama that is a seamless blend of character study and development. His dialogue he creates and the awkward, yet realistic silences he directs into conversations make "Ike" another gem in Crowes career. Once again he creates another fleshly blend group of characters that ride the glory bus to recognition. Riding shotgun is Steve Buscemi, the lead character Ike. The role just sends shockwaves down your body seeing how scary good Buscemi pulls it off. He's a man of two personalities and two different lifestyles, Buscemi at times makes us believe it's a different actor, whether it's the high spirited heartwarming side that every person wants to be like, or the looney, deranged psychopath that every person doesn't want to be. A perfect role for Steve to show off his wide range of character. Riding in the back seat is Robert Downey Jr, one of Crowes characters we can fully understand in real life. We delve into his personal problems that aren't completely overwhelming but enough put a hurting on his emotions. Drews vendetta against his father can make you laugh but shed a tear at the same time, and it's due to Jrs acting. His final scene with the phone is breath taking. Sitting next to him is Greg Kinnear who is the complete opposite of Jrs role, which always makes for great chemistry. He's the guy you see at the grocery store bickering with his wife because the egg carton is flimsy. He's very uptight and precautous, but knows it's putting a drastic effect on his relationship and life in general. A very enduring character for Kinnear.Once Crowe introduces us to our main character, the rest of the film is a vaste majority of flashbacks that cover all the importance in Ikes past life, with Downey and Kinnear telling them through their writing from their encounters with the rest of this great ensemble. Not enough can be said about Ike, the film and character. One side of Ike left everything behind because of the harmful trauma he endured with his wife and her affair. The other Ike left everything behind because he's perhaps running from the law. But who really knows who Ike is, is he a drifter that moves from place to place? Perhaps he's a godsend to two guys down on their lives in Drew and Larry. When things get tough and just pointless, watching "Ike" the film makes you realize that there is some sort of beauty within every event in our lives.
FYC:
Best Picture - Cameron Crowe
Best Director - Cameron Crowe
Best Actor - Steve Buscemi
Best Supporting Actor - Robert Downey Jr
Best Supporting Actor - Greg Kinnear
Best Original Screenplay - Cameron Crowe
Best Film Editing - Joe Hutshing
Best Original Score - Nancy Wilson
Location: Pittsburgh
"Ike"
Written and Directed by Cameron Crowe
Editing by Joe Hutshing
Music by Nancy Wilson
Main Cast
Steve Buscemi as Ike Fraley
Robert Downey Jr as Drew Maddox
Greg Kinnear as Larry Posluszny
Carol Kane as Gloria Fraley
James Caan as Eddie McFadden
Jennifer Beals as Emily Maddox
Julie Delpy as Maura Posluszny
Brian Howe as Ricky
Harris Yulin as Ordesky
Tagline: "Sticky pads and violence, say hello to Ike"
Synopsis: Drew and Larry, two acclaimed authors and best friends, finding themselves at the bottom of the barrel with no pulse. Both living off the success of their work, Drew is known for his daring murder novels. He's been to every psych ward and prison to study the breaking point of human behavior. Larry writes more intellectual and compelling novels, using his mild manner and perfectionist attitude to use, creating gratifying and beautiful novels. Drew is a potty-mouth, caffeine addicted sex-a-holic with his wife Emily. An ego so high that he's been refusing to answer his phone calls from his father for decades, punishing him for believing he was too hard on him as a child. Larry struggles to find his sex spark, living a calm and cautious life with his wife Maura. With both men staring down at their repetitive lifestyle, they want change. Drew insist that they switch genres to create a reflecting and different biagraphical story. Scared at first was Larry, but daringly he agrees. While participating in a group therapy, Drew comes across a man that admits he has a problem, but is shallow about the things in his life he can't explain. Larry sits back to watch a one-on-one psychologist meeting with a man who believes that manic energy and silly violence is what lifts his spirits. Both find a target, except it's the same man, Ike. Surprising Drew and Larry, they decide to invite Ike to dinner to explain his condition. According to their judgment, Ike had a split personality. He would change conversations and dialect frequently, one being aggressive claiming he's killed, the other a soft spoken family man. With the information they have collected, they uncover the truth about Ike, and tell it to the world.They travel miles to where Ike onced lived and flashback into his life. Drew investigates the confused and affectionate Ike Fraley. Along with his quirky wife Gloria, a lazy house wife, they raised their two sons. He worked at a company that made sticky pads that paid enough to feed his family, there's a job for everything. Bored at first was Drew, until it was revealed that Ikes true kindness was donating small change to starving children, helping build drug rehab centers and shelters for the homeless, being a great role model for his kids. He even met Gloria when she was begging for change on the streets. Larry reaches an illegal underground gambling scene, led by Eddie McFadden. Accused of being a cop, knife to throat, Larry says Ike sent him, a hand shake was in order. Ike was their "eliminator" of people who didn't pay their dues. He made everyone around him feel in danger. Drew's introduced to a world of sex, gambling, drugs, and murder schemes, even to a high speed car chase. With both personalities having no recollection to the other, life was complicated for Ike, especially when Gloria had an affair with his best friend Ricky. Ike then tried to kill Ricky with a meat cleaver. His story has reflected on Drew and Larrys life drastically. Larry feels more secure with himself as Drew answers his phone. They never heard from Ike again.
What the Press would say:
The high-energy, thought provoking film that will be raved by critics this year is "Ike". Cameron Crowe brings a richly entertaining comedy drama that is a seamless blend of character study and development. His dialogue he creates and the awkward, yet realistic silences he directs into conversations make "Ike" another gem in Crowes career. Once again he creates another fleshly blend group of characters that ride the glory bus to recognition. Riding shotgun is Steve Buscemi, the lead character Ike. The role just sends shockwaves down your body seeing how scary good Buscemi pulls it off. He's a man of two personalities and two different lifestyles, Buscemi at times makes us believe it's a different actor, whether it's the high spirited heartwarming side that every person wants to be like, or the looney, deranged psychopath that every person doesn't want to be. A perfect role for Steve to show off his wide range of character. Riding in the back seat is Robert Downey Jr, one of Crowes characters we can fully understand in real life. We delve into his personal problems that aren't completely overwhelming but enough put a hurting on his emotions. Drews vendetta against his father can make you laugh but shed a tear at the same time, and it's due to Jrs acting. His final scene with the phone is breath taking. Sitting next to him is Greg Kinnear who is the complete opposite of Jrs role, which always makes for great chemistry. He's the guy you see at the grocery store bickering with his wife because the egg carton is flimsy. He's very uptight and precautous, but knows it's putting a drastic effect on his relationship and life in general. A very enduring character for Kinnear.Once Crowe introduces us to our main character, the rest of the film is a vaste majority of flashbacks that cover all the importance in Ikes past life, with Downey and Kinnear telling them through their writing from their encounters with the rest of this great ensemble. Not enough can be said about Ike, the film and character. One side of Ike left everything behind because of the harmful trauma he endured with his wife and her affair. The other Ike left everything behind because he's perhaps running from the law. But who really knows who Ike is, is he a drifter that moves from place to place? Perhaps he's a godsend to two guys down on their lives in Drew and Larry. When things get tough and just pointless, watching "Ike" the film makes you realize that there is some sort of beauty within every event in our lives.
FYC:
Best Picture - Cameron Crowe
Best Director - Cameron Crowe
Best Actor - Steve Buscemi
Best Supporting Actor - Robert Downey Jr
Best Supporting Actor - Greg Kinnear
Best Original Screenplay - Cameron Crowe
Best Film Editing - Joe Hutshing
Best Original Score - Nancy Wilson
CCBAC Presents: I’m Not Missing You
Author(s): Ryan
Location: N/A
"CCBAC Presents: I’m Not Missing You"
Directed by Richard LaGravenese
Written by Richard LaGravenese & Gigi Levangie
Music by Mark Isham
Main Cast
Ali Larter (Stacy Minogue)
Ben Foster (Luke Pete)
Cher (Dr. Kim Lowenstien)
Ty Burrell (Kirk Pete)
Natalie Portman (Sara Evans)
Sofia Vergara (Eva Pete)
Tagline: "Christ asked for 40 Days and Nights of Sacrifice….Lowenstien wants 101"
Synopsis: It is hard to find a spouse, and even harder if you are famous. I’m Not Missing You is the story of Stacy Minogue (Ali Larter), a famous actress that is on the cover of every magazine there is. While her work schedule isn’t too hectic, coming off of an Academy Award, she can’t seem to find a spouse strong enough to withstand the constant flashing of cameras. While her friend, Sara Evans (Natalie Portman), insists that the problem is her promiscuous tabloid image and erratic behavior.Luke Pete (Ben Foster) is a famous off-Broadway actor and singer who is starting to branch off into film, his true passion. But, the only roles he seems to get are in B-Horror flicks such as: Blackula in Da’ Hood and It Came From Jupiter! However due to a hectic work and rehearsal schedule he can’t seem to find stability in his life to hold a girlfriend for more than a week, not to mention, financially make ends meet. He wants to be like his brother Kirk Pete (Ty Burrell) who is happily married to Eva (Sofia Vergara). However tension builds between Kirk and Luke when he suspects he and Eva are having a relationship. While Luke is innocent Eva has made subtle repeated attempts, though he is afraid to say something, possibly reading her wrong.It is soon that Stacy lands a job in New York, near Luke, she sporadically decides to move there. Sara going with her, she insists that she must see her Aunt, Dr. Kim Lowenstien (Cher), while there to fix her dating problems. Reluctantly she goes.Dr. Lowenstien has numerous plaques and awards and newspaper articles around her office, she seems to be a little off kilter with her methods. Dr. Lowenstien tells Stacy to swear off dating and sexual contact for 101 days and she will be cured. Accepting the fact, desperate for love she swears dating off for 101 days. However, it isn’t until she meets Luke at a coffee shop she thinks he could be the one. While they get to know each other well, Luke wants to take it to the next level, but while he is Stacy’s man of her dreams she doesn’t want him to get away. They decide to be ‘friends’ but Luke soon becomes annoyed with their lack of contact and Luke and Stacy are leaving in a few weeks to go their separate ways for their next film before the 101 days are up. However, if Stacy decides to start dating before she loses him, would she be led into her old habits?????
What the Press would say:
“Two thumbs WAY up!”-Ebert & Roeper“Hilarious and Heartfelt!”- People“A+! One of the Best Romantic Comedies since Pretty Woman!”-Entertainment Weekly“CCBA Club is a force to be reckoned with!”-Rolling Stone Magazine CCBAC’s I’m Not Missing You is a smartly crafted romantic comedy that has substance and soul, not to mention laughs at every corner. While at a mild PG-13 for some language and sexual references, it isn’t raunchy like other date comedies, but still holds in plenty of laughs in its 104 minute running time.Simplistically shot by Richard LaGravenese, he uses wider shots with few cuts in scenes of dialogue, but also changes it up to with close-ups in dispute scenes cutting back and forth to the actors yelling at one another.Not to mention the marvelous script written by Richard LaGravenese and Gigi Levangie. While Richard writes beautiful dramatic scenes, you can’t help but feel that Gigi added in her own witty remarks.While Jersey girl Ali Larter was that girl from Final Destination, she is now a household name thanks to the TV series Heroes, but after her performance she will be known as Academy Award Winner Ali Larter. Giving a tremendous performance, she certainly handles the glitz accept while in the Hollywood scenes, but you can see that empty piece that she still wants in her life. With a heart-wrenching breakdown scene it is hard not to miss.Ben Foster making his mark from stealing the show in 3:10 to Yuma shines as a broke actor. While known on his hometown streets he can’t help but feel overshadowed by his big brother having everything he wants in life. While giving hilarious performances in clips of Blackula and Jupiter! His down to earth performance of a guy meeting a celebrity is superb.While the leads are strong the supporting cast is write up there with them. Most notable is Cher. Her first performance since 2003’s Stuck On You, gives a great performance as an off-beat relationship psychiatrist popping up through-out the movie in least conventional of ways doing a “Ben Stein” brand of humor.Natalie Portman moves the plot along with humor and smile. Sofia Vergara steals some thunder in a dramatic storyline that could be a movie of its own. However Ty Burrell is a strong character that gives wise words of advice and has a hilarious Meg Ryan-like walk scene that will certainly leave you talking about.After the credits role you will certainly stay in the seat, waiting for the next showing.
Best Picture
Best Director: Richard LaGravenese
Best Screenplay: Richard LaGravenese & Gigi Levangie
Best Original Score: Mark Isham
Best Actor: Ben Foster
Best Supporting Actor: Ty Burrell
Best Actress: Ali Larter
Best Supporting Actress: Cher, Sofia Vergara, Natalie Portman
Location: N/A
"CCBAC Presents: I’m Not Missing You"
Directed by Richard LaGravenese
Written by Richard LaGravenese & Gigi Levangie
Music by Mark Isham
Main Cast
Ali Larter (Stacy Minogue)
Ben Foster (Luke Pete)
Cher (Dr. Kim Lowenstien)
Ty Burrell (Kirk Pete)
Natalie Portman (Sara Evans)
Sofia Vergara (Eva Pete)
Tagline: "Christ asked for 40 Days and Nights of Sacrifice….Lowenstien wants 101"
Synopsis: It is hard to find a spouse, and even harder if you are famous. I’m Not Missing You is the story of Stacy Minogue (Ali Larter), a famous actress that is on the cover of every magazine there is. While her work schedule isn’t too hectic, coming off of an Academy Award, she can’t seem to find a spouse strong enough to withstand the constant flashing of cameras. While her friend, Sara Evans (Natalie Portman), insists that the problem is her promiscuous tabloid image and erratic behavior.Luke Pete (Ben Foster) is a famous off-Broadway actor and singer who is starting to branch off into film, his true passion. But, the only roles he seems to get are in B-Horror flicks such as: Blackula in Da’ Hood and It Came From Jupiter! However due to a hectic work and rehearsal schedule he can’t seem to find stability in his life to hold a girlfriend for more than a week, not to mention, financially make ends meet. He wants to be like his brother Kirk Pete (Ty Burrell) who is happily married to Eva (Sofia Vergara). However tension builds between Kirk and Luke when he suspects he and Eva are having a relationship. While Luke is innocent Eva has made subtle repeated attempts, though he is afraid to say something, possibly reading her wrong.It is soon that Stacy lands a job in New York, near Luke, she sporadically decides to move there. Sara going with her, she insists that she must see her Aunt, Dr. Kim Lowenstien (Cher), while there to fix her dating problems. Reluctantly she goes.Dr. Lowenstien has numerous plaques and awards and newspaper articles around her office, she seems to be a little off kilter with her methods. Dr. Lowenstien tells Stacy to swear off dating and sexual contact for 101 days and she will be cured. Accepting the fact, desperate for love she swears dating off for 101 days. However, it isn’t until she meets Luke at a coffee shop she thinks he could be the one. While they get to know each other well, Luke wants to take it to the next level, but while he is Stacy’s man of her dreams she doesn’t want him to get away. They decide to be ‘friends’ but Luke soon becomes annoyed with their lack of contact and Luke and Stacy are leaving in a few weeks to go their separate ways for their next film before the 101 days are up. However, if Stacy decides to start dating before she loses him, would she be led into her old habits?????
What the Press would say:
“Two thumbs WAY up!”-Ebert & Roeper“Hilarious and Heartfelt!”- People“A+! One of the Best Romantic Comedies since Pretty Woman!”-Entertainment Weekly“CCBA Club is a force to be reckoned with!”-Rolling Stone Magazine CCBAC’s I’m Not Missing You is a smartly crafted romantic comedy that has substance and soul, not to mention laughs at every corner. While at a mild PG-13 for some language and sexual references, it isn’t raunchy like other date comedies, but still holds in plenty of laughs in its 104 minute running time.Simplistically shot by Richard LaGravenese, he uses wider shots with few cuts in scenes of dialogue, but also changes it up to with close-ups in dispute scenes cutting back and forth to the actors yelling at one another.Not to mention the marvelous script written by Richard LaGravenese and Gigi Levangie. While Richard writes beautiful dramatic scenes, you can’t help but feel that Gigi added in her own witty remarks.While Jersey girl Ali Larter was that girl from Final Destination, she is now a household name thanks to the TV series Heroes, but after her performance she will be known as Academy Award Winner Ali Larter. Giving a tremendous performance, she certainly handles the glitz accept while in the Hollywood scenes, but you can see that empty piece that she still wants in her life. With a heart-wrenching breakdown scene it is hard not to miss.Ben Foster making his mark from stealing the show in 3:10 to Yuma shines as a broke actor. While known on his hometown streets he can’t help but feel overshadowed by his big brother having everything he wants in life. While giving hilarious performances in clips of Blackula and Jupiter! His down to earth performance of a guy meeting a celebrity is superb.While the leads are strong the supporting cast is write up there with them. Most notable is Cher. Her first performance since 2003’s Stuck On You, gives a great performance as an off-beat relationship psychiatrist popping up through-out the movie in least conventional of ways doing a “Ben Stein” brand of humor.Natalie Portman moves the plot along with humor and smile. Sofia Vergara steals some thunder in a dramatic storyline that could be a movie of its own. However Ty Burrell is a strong character that gives wise words of advice and has a hilarious Meg Ryan-like walk scene that will certainly leave you talking about.After the credits role you will certainly stay in the seat, waiting for the next showing.
Best Picture
Best Director: Richard LaGravenese
Best Screenplay: Richard LaGravenese & Gigi Levangie
Best Original Score: Mark Isham
Best Actor: Ben Foster
Best Supporting Actor: Ty Burrell
Best Actress: Ali Larter
Best Supporting Actress: Cher, Sofia Vergara, Natalie Portman
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