« April 2007 | Main | June 2007 »
Memorial Day weekend signals the traditional start of summer 'round these parts, so news is slow and lazy. But the festival season is still underway and many are announcing over the next few weeks.
Among them is the Jackson Hole (Wyoming) Film Festival, where Black Irish is showing. It was one of our Top Picks of 2006.
There will be two screenings:
Friday, June 8
3:00 PM
Teton Theatre
Sunday, June 10
8:00 PM
Teton Theatre
Meanwhile, as we reported earlier, the film is playing the Seattle International Film Festival. From a Seattle site making festival recommendations, this is just one line about the film's young star, but it's an impressive one:
"Michael Angarano [is] well on his way to becoming the greatest actor of his generation..."
We agree.
Posted by phileysmiley at 09:18 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Alpha Dog and Off the Black both debuted at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival and were a couple of our Top Picks from the past year. Both have been out on DVD in the U.S.
It seems that folks who may have missed out on the short theatrical run of Alpha Dog are now picking up the DVD and being knocked out by it. Check out some excerpts from this very impressive review from Collider.com:
Occasionally there is one of those movies that just completely slips through the cracks. Usually it's a low to medium budget movie that is either mis-marketed, under marketed or just dumped to die a quick death. A few years later you might discover a movie like this on cable at 3 AM and think, "whoa, that was actually pretty good."
Films like Running Scared, Wrong Turn, Turistas, Josie and the Pussycats, Can't Hardly Wait, Teachers Pet, Rent, The Fountain, Breach and Win a Date with Tad Hamilton are some recent additions to this sad subgenre of film. And it looks as if Alpha Dog is in prime position to be the new guy.
All of the acting is top shelf, especially Ben Foster who just drips an oddly charismatic brand sleaze. The usually clean cut [Emile] Hirsch is a revelation as the total scumbag, Johnny Truelove and Sharon Stone has an absolutely heartbreaking monologue that almost steals the movie at the beginning of the third act.
Also of note is Justin Timberlake who is making a very interesting career for himself. Instead of picking the easy romantic leads or action heroes, Timberlake has cut a path of smaller, more complex character roles that imply higher aspirations as an actor than the cross promotion that most musicians get from film roles. At this rate, he's on tap to end of like Mark Wahlberg instead of Madonna.
----------------------------------------
Meanwhile, Axiom Films has announced the UK Region 2 DVD release of Off The Black on 25th June 2007 priced at 19.99.
Features include:
* Feature length Audio commentary with director James Ponsoldt
* Production video diary (approx. 30 mins)
* Stills gallery
* English subtitles for the hearing impaired
Click to enlarge
------------------------------------------
And speaking of Alpha Dog, that film's star Anton Yelchin walks away with Charlie Bartlett, one of our Top Picks from the just-completed Tribeca Film Festival. It hits theaters on August 3rd. The Hollywood Reporter picks Charlie Bartlett as one of the top 10 sleeper hits of summer:
Sidney Kimmel Entertainment and MGM's R rated comedy Charlie Bartlett (Aug. 3) is directed by Jon Poll (who edited such films as Meet the Fockers and Scary Movie 3) and stars Anton Yelchin, Hope Davis and Robert Downey Jr. Its storyline about an eccentric teenager who becomes popular as a supplier at school of prescription drugs should appeal to a core audience of young adults and that's often the road to becoming a sleeper.
Posted by phileysmiley at 08:25 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
We have been following the progress of Jieho Lee's The Air I Breathe for well over a year. It was one of our Top Picks from this year's Tribeca Film Festival, and earlier we posted reports from the World Premiere, pictures from the red carpet beforehand and Q&A afterward, video of the Q&A, answers to questions about the film, and an extensive review.
The team has been working hard at the Cannes Film Market, and tonight we are pleased to report that the film has been acquired for U.S. distribution by industry leader ThinkFilm.
It also has deals in place for a dozen international territories including:
Germany (Splendid)
South Korea (Showtime)
Benelux (RCV)
U.K. (Pathe)
Italy (CDI)
Stay tuned for release dates...
Posted by phileysmiley at 01:21 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
The Stone Angel, director Kari Skogland's adaptation of the Margaret Laurence novel, is one step closer to seeing the light of day. We've been following the progress of this Canadian-produced film for close to a year. It was shot last fall in Manitoba. As we predicted awhile back, Skogland is hoping to see the World Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
According to a report in Playback, the $8 million independent film has tremendous international potential.
"It features a well-known and bankable cast -- including Academy Award winner Ellen Burstyn (The Wicker Man), Dylan Baker (Fido, Spider-Man 2 and 3), Ellen Page (X-Men: The Last Stand) and Kevin Zegers (Transamerica). Furthermore, Skogland says the story itself is exportable.A test screening for general audiences in Toronto was "extremely positive," says Skogland, and a six-minute trailer screened at the AFM sparked the attention of several American distributors."
"We are putting a toe in the water and talking to one or two companies to see if they will come to the plate with a strong enough offer now," she says. "But if not, then we will go into TIFF without a U.S. distributor, knowing that the audience screening will be strong."
There's a good chance that we will be covering this year's festival, as we did in 2006. If so, you can count on us being at the World Premiere of The Stone Angel.
Posted by phileysmiley at 10:30 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Chasing 3000 tells the story of two brothers who set out in the summer of 1972 to witness Roberto Clemente's 3000th hit, a milestone which few have achieved in the history of the game. On the face of it, this is a baseball movie. As American as mom and apple pie. But once the film starts rolling you realize that this is really something else. It's about something more universal, and is bound to touch everyone.
When a film is based on a true story, by definition, many already know the basic plot going in. It's essentially summed up in the first line of this review. Thus the challenge of the filmmakers is to create a new layer of excitement and interest on top of what is known. How is this done? First, write a good script. The team of Bill Mikita, Cris D'Annunzio, and director Greg Lanesey did just that. Next, find actors who will flesh it out and see this vision through.
Trevor Morgan is Mickey (based on writer Bill Mikita), the teen inspired to be in the stands when the momentous event occurs, no matter where or when. Morgan's ability to keep a thin veil of strength and confidence over an inner sensitivity and childlike innocence is second to none. Rory Culkin is Roger, the muscular dystrophy-afflicted little brother whose toughness perhaps even surpasses that of Mickey. It's that quality in Culkin's performance, combined with the vulnerability which Morgan imparts to the physically healthy older brother, which is at the heart of the curious dynamic which drives the film. Who is leading whom?
Ray Liotta heads up the multitude of veterans who populate Chasing 3000. As the present-day version of Mickey, he bookends the film and provides an uncharacteristically loving father figure to his own two children, for whom this story is now family legend. As in any good road movie, the boys will encounter a deliciously diverse group of characters along the way, and M. Emmet Walsh does a star turn as the old codger with a heart of gold who provides some of the film's most poignant moments (and there are many).
The production values are surprisingly topnotch for an independent film. Denis Maloney's cinematography highlights the irony of Roger's limiting wheelchair existence with the limitless possibilities opened up by cross-country travel on a whim. Sweeping landscapes combine with the Lawrence Shragge score to coax open those tear ducts. And somehow the filmmakers were able to find locations within the Los Angeles area which mimic every stop along the way, from St. Louis to the Deep South to Pittsburgh. The film just looks and sounds right - they covered every base.
More than anything, it's about the special love that only exists between brothers at a time in their lives when they need each other the most. In the 80s, The Cure sang "Boys Don't Cry." But no doubt they will in the local cinema. Chasing 3000 is a tearjerker for guys in the guise of a sports movie. But shhh...don't tell them that. And yes, there's plenty for the ladies to like as well. There were more than a few sighs in the audience now and then at the World Premiere here at the Tribeca Film Festival. Maybe it was the baseball uniforms.
So take the family. Chasing 3000 has something for everyone. This is one of those rare films that has the potential to be universally affecting. Like Rocky and Rudy, Chasing 3000 is destined to be what seems to be missing in cinema today, a good old-fashioned feel-good movie that can make even the cynics smile. And maybe shed a tear as well.
Posted by phileysmiley at 05:44 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Okay, I'll admit it. I'm a sucker for long tracking shots. Sure, they may be self-indulgent on the part of a director, but few things amaze and dazzle me as much as a 2, 3, 4, 5 minute take with actors weaving in and out while the camera moves similarly, seamless action and dialogue, and no edits. Zip. Zilch. Nada. The director, cinematographer, camera operator, focus puller, and just about every rigger and gaffer around need to work together as a team more than in any other type of shot.
Hitchcock (my fave), Scorcese, Altman, Anderson, Van Sant...all masters of the art. It's rare that I link to another blog's post, but Daily Film Dose has compiled a list of the best tracking shots, with clips, to boot.
"In a director's cinematic bag of tricks the long tracking shot is the boldest way of making a statement. It's the flashiest and most attention-grabbing egotistical way of flexing one's muscle. In most cases it's a narcissistic maneuver, "look-at-me" filming technique, but rare ones, the best ones, serve to reflect and further the story in a way that can't be reflected with traditional editing."
It makes for some great reading, and watching.
Posted by phileysmiley at 08:07 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
The on again-off again saga of The Light-House is apparently on, as we reported earlier. According to ScreenDaily:
Horizon Motion Pictures has signed a deal to represent four projects from Irreverent Media Ltd (IML) in Cannes as executive producer and co-producer seeking sales, distribution and co-production partners.
The quartet is headed by The Light-House, a story starring Kevin Zegers and William Hurt that is said to be inspired by the dying words of the celebrated horror writer Edgar Allan Poe.
Zegers will play a misunderstood man who flees his tortured past and becomes the keeper of a lighthouse, where he must finally face his demons. Fredrik Thorsen wrote the screenplay.
Filming is scheduled to begin later this year in British Columbia and Horizon's Rob Straight and Caroline Stern will produce alongside Tom O'Brien and Echo Lake Productions' Doug Mankoff. CAA's Rick Hess will oversee for the agency.
Posted by phileysmiley at 05:58 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Man in the Chair, our #1 Top Pick from this year's Santa Barbara Film Festival, has been acquired by Transmedia International Releasing for U.K. distribution. The deal was made as the Marche Du Film (Cannes Film Market) got underway.
Meanwhile, the schedule has been announced for the Declaration of Independents Film Festival in London, England.
Man in the Chair will have three screenings:
June 4, 4:30 PM
Renoir Theatre
June 5, 9:15 PM
Renoir Theatre
June 7, 9:15 PM (Closing Night film)
Renoir Theatre
Meanwhile, Man in the Chair star Michael Angarano is in China shooting The Forbidden Kingdom. The film features the long-awaited pairing of Jackie Chan and Jet Li. Tons of behind-the-scenes info and pictures are posted at Jackie Chan's blog.
Here are a couple. Click the pictures to enlarge thumbnails.
Posted by phileysmiley at 05:11 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Just got back from a rockin' good vacation in LA this past week. Actually, I was a guest of Microsoft at a convention there but it was certainly more fun than work. I ate way too much (Roy's at 8th and Figueroa -- awesome! -- try the butterfish), went to a Dodgers game (well, went to Dodgers Stadium -- didn't see much of the actual game!), and partied it up at Universal Studios. Got to see some good friends and make some new ones.
Ironically, being in LA actually took me out of the loop for a few days so I have some catching up to do. Already I've got some news an updates about films we've been watching and will post all the info ASAP.
Posted by phileysmiley at 05:51 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
On Saturday, April 28, I attended the World Premiere of The Final Season at the Tribeca Film Festival. The event took place at the Schimmel Center at Pace University in New York.
A Q&A session followed the screening. Sean Astin, Powers Boothe, Rachael Leigh Cook, Tom Arnold, and director David M. Evans attended.
This is Part 2. We posted Part 1 earlier.
More to follow!
Posted by phileysmiley at 05:23 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Charlie Bartlett is a comedy with a message. Some may say that's an oxymoron. But Jon Poll, directing from a Gustin Nash script, takes on the task and turns in a hybrid of a film that is so incredibly engaging you'll wonder why few filmmakers take on such a challenge. The audience was so loud and boisterous at the World Premiere screening at the Tribeca Film Festival that it sent the laugh meter off the scale.
Anton Yelchin is Charlie Bartlett, a kid born with a silver spoon in his mouth and an enterprising, albeit mischievous, brain. His antics get him kicked out of one private school after another. But his clever and earnest sincerity is bound to hit the target sooner or later and it does when he is thrown to the public school wolves. The scheme he invents to endear himself to the student body is nothing short of genius, and his performance fits the bill.
Yelchin has made a name for himself playing the smart, sensitive, and innocent tortured kid. Here he gets the chance to stretch his acting chops in a completely different direction. He's confident and anything but vulnerable. The wide range of emotions and the talents he shows here are unsurpassed. He sings, he dances, he plays piano, he does physical comedy and has fight scenes and romantic scenes and just about everything that could be thrown at him. And he looks to be so thoroughly enjoying it, which comes across onscreen and proves to be so central to the film. After all, to enjoy a film one must identify somewhat with the protagonist, or at least like him, and Anton does that better than many actors twice his age.
Hope Davis is a riot as his not-quite-all-there mother. It's easy to see the source of Charlie's quirkiness. The relationship between mother and son is playful and mischievous, the kind of "mom as best friend" scenario which often results in tragedy. Here it's played just for laughs, and it works. She is everymom - with a twist of lemon.
Tyler Hilton is perfectly cast as the bully who we know from the start is destined to soften up somewhere along the way. That's what movie bullies do. But he brings an especially charming quality to the role which plays perfectly against Charlie's leanings toward the dark side. It's a delicate balance but Yelchin and Hilton make it work.
Robert Downey Jr. is ironically cast as the substance-addled principal who also happens to be the father of Charlie's love interest. One has to wonder whether Principal Gardner or Downey is speaking in some of the more poignant scenes about alcohol and drugs. It's chilling. Perhaps for that reason alone he is a standout here.
Kat Dennings plays the girl who is out to win Charlie's heart. The dynamic with Downey and Yelchin is a natural source of drama. This is the film's most heartfelt storyline, and Dennings is admirably up to the task.
At times it all feels so real, and it's no wonder -- writer Gustin Nash actually continued to write scenes and dialogue specifically for those actors after the film got underway and it shows.
Charlie Bartlett has the look and feel of a studio film, which should help it find an audience. The subject matter demands an R rating, if only for its content. But it's a film kids need to see. The message is squarely aimed at teens, even younger ones, and parents need to take heed. In the guise of a comedy, a good one at that, Charlie Bartlett has something meaningful to say about the excuses we use to justify our behavior and the chemical coping methods so many of us cling to. And it's damn funny.
Posted by phileysmiley at 03:55 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
The Air I Breathe is stunning in many ways. It should be established right from the start that this is not a movie which allows you to check your brain at the door. It demands attention and thought. Director Jieho Lee and co-writer Bob DeRosa have crafted an intriguing work which leaves more questions than answers. And, after all, that is what art should aspire to do.
The film is based on a Chinese proverb which says that life consists of four emotions: Happiness, Pleasure, Sorrow, and Love. To be whole one must experience each emotion, and by doing so we are interconnected with all other human beings. The film itself is structured in the same fashion, with each of four segments focusing on those ideas. The lead actors portray those emotions one by one. Forest Whitaker is Happiness, Brendan Fraser is Pleasure, Sarah Michelle Gellar is Sorrow, and Kevin Bacon is Love. They anchor the four segments of the film, while the rest of the magnificent ensemble cast weaves in and out of the narrative.
The idea is somewhat fuzzy at first. This is an unconventional story with a similarly unique style. Unlike most films, the major characters don't really have major arcs in story line or performance. While some may find a couple of the actors a bit deadpan, they pretty much are solid throughout while consistent in their characterizations. Whitaker and Fraser especially fit that description. Both are quite stoic in their roles, but that's what the story demands. Sarah Michelle Gellar may be the exception. She is the one who has to display a wide range of emotions, more than the others. Her character is quite tortured and goes through a lot emotionally and physically. Gellar is a very brave actress who took risks and put her heart and soul into it. She is sure to surprise many people. Bacon is a delight and is perfectly cast as a would-be hero. Andy Garcia is a chilling and devilish nemesis throughout, while Emile Hirsch provides some comic relief in his brief appearance.
The script is filled with poetic statements, hearkening back to the Chinese proverb on which the story is based. Each segment's main character provides voiceover. And while the language is somewhat oblique, the dialogue is quite blunt and to the point.
Visually it is breathtaking, with broad sweeping images interspersed with numerous gritty close-ups of tragedy. The Air I Breathe has the look of a big budget film, although it is not. Watch for some fascinating visual effects. Handheld with close-ups is used for some of the more chilling parts and creates tension. Hitchcock would be proud.
Surprises occur at every step of the way. One of the most startling aspects of this film is that there are moments when one may think, "No, that won't happen." And then it does. It's hard to watch at times and quite violent. There's sadness and tension. But there is also an amazingly clever use of humor in the film, and that is perhaps what is most surprising. But that's what life is. The soundtrack plays a major role in this movie, as if another character. It has an Asian feel, not just because of the filmmaker's background but because the film is based on that Chinese proverb. It was quite haunting.
The Air I Breathe is, at its heart, a character piece which follows a general theme. Seems simple. On the face of it, it plays out like a crime drama. But there's more to it, and it takes patience and thought to get to the point of it. Not everyone will be able to do that. But it is definitely worth the effort.
Posted by phileysmiley at 01:48 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
The CineVegas Film Festival has announced its schedule for 2007. The 9th Annual CineVegas rolls into Sin City June 6-16th. Screenings will take place at the Brenden Theatres inside the Palm Casino Resort. In a few short years it has become one of the premiere festivals in the country.
World Premieres include Choose Connor, written and directed by 21 year-old Lucas Elliott. An accomplished actor, he was most recently seen in Letters from Iwo Jima. The ensemble cast features Steven Weber, Alex Linz, Escher Holloway, Erick Avari, John Rubinstein, Michael Welch, and Chris Marquette.
There will be two screenings:
Friday, June 8 at 6:00 PM
Saturday, June 9 at 4:30 PM
Several of the actors in Choose Connor have also appeared in a number of films which are among our Top Picks of the past year. Having them all together should make for some quality performances. This is one to catch.
Posted by phileysmiley at 11:07 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
We have been following the roller coaster ride of a little indie called Love is the Drug for over a year. A shroud of mystery has surrounded the film and rumors regarding release strategies have run rampant.
I saw the film at the San Fernando Valley Film Festival in North Hollywood a couple of months ago. Star John Patrick Amedori was present and we had a chance to chat afterward about his amazing performance. This is an extremely powerful film that provokes controversy wherever it goes. Elliott Lester directed from an original screenplay by Wesley Strick, whose past works include Arachnophobia, Cape Fear, The Glass House and Final Analysis.
Now we have received some exclusive information about the future of Love is the Drug and have been given the go-ahead to announce the following for now:
A regional theatrical release is definitely planned for early fall. A marketing strategy is being worked on as we speak, and details will be forthcoming as we are made aware of them.
Love is the Drug WILL be coming out in theaters -- stay tuned to this space as we are able to reveal more information.
Posted by phileysmiley at 07:47 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
I attended the World Premiere of Nobel Son at the 2007 Tribeca Film Festival. That's Nobel as in Nobel Prize, and it takes the festival prize in my book. This winning film, from writer/director/producer/editor Randall Miller (did he make lunch too?), is on my list of Top 10 Picks from among the 30 I saw at this year's festival.
Professor Eli Michaelson (Alan Rickman) is about to win the Nobel Prize. His son Barkley (Bryan Greenberg) is a promising Ph.D. candidate wanting little to do with his father's pomposity. The night before the prize is to be handed to Michaelson, Barkley is kidnapped for a ransom equal to the $2 million prize. Dad refuses to pay. Let the madness and mayhem begin. In addition to Greenberg and Rickman, Nobel Son stars a troupe of talented veterans including Bill Pullman, Shawn Hatosy, Danny DeVito, Mary Steenburgen, Ted Danson, Ernie Hudson, and Eliza Dushku.
It's always hard to single anyone out in such an amazing ensemble cast. Greenberg, the titular son, is a worthy protagonist. The roller coaster ride on which he is taken is chilling, yet his upper crust background and bravado veneer cannot hide his childlike innocence. It is that vulnerability which sucks us in and compels us to look even when we would rather look away.
Shawn Hatosy is one of the most prolific and versatile young actors in the business, and he is frighteningly brilliant here as the villain. The intensity he brings to this role never lets up from start to finish. Nobody is better at psycho-scary. Many will be blown away by his performance. If he wasn't on your radar before he will be after you see Nobel Son.
Alan Rickman provides most of the comic relief in a film that is much more dark than comedic. A lesser actor could have turned in an over-the-top performance which might have tipped the scales in favor of the lighter side of this film. That would have spoiled the intensity of the violent escapades these young men partake in. But he manages to play the buffoon as only a legend can.
I was quite surprised by the look and feel of this film. It's much more stylized than one might expect. Digital effects and clever camera work help take what could have been a standard caper movie (a la Oceans 11) and turn it into a psychological thriller, emphasis on the thrills. It is such a fascinating story and an amazing script, and kudos to Randall Miller for being able to create a work which defies categorization. Gasps and laughs are traded back and forth, yet it manages to toe the line between comedy and tragedy without losing its focus.
If Kubrick inhaled nitrous oxide while making A Clockwork Orange, it might look something like Nobel Son. It will keep you on the edge of your seat, literally. Nobel Son is a breathtaking, refreshing escape from convention.
Posted by phileysmiley at 04:37 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
The Seattle International Film Festival has revealed that Black Irish will be distributed by Strand Releasing.
I have been able to receive confirmation from Strand but not from Black Irish as of yet.
Unless I hear otherwise, I think it's safe to say that Black Irish has been picked up for distribution by Strand.
Black Irish was our #1 Top Pick from the 2006 Hamptons International Film Festival and one of our favorites of the past year. We've reported on it extensively here, having seen it several times at that and other festivals. Reviews, Q&A pics, and videos are posted elsewhere on this blog.
Posted by phileysmiley at 12:15 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
The wait is finally over! Cashback will open in the US on July 20. Cashback was my #1 Top Pick from the 2006 Toronto International Film Festival (out of over 30 screened) and one of the best of the year.
It has since gone on to win many accolades and major awards at festivals around the world.
Here are the opening cities:
San Francisco, CA: Lumiere Theatre
Denver, CO: Starz Filmcenter
Washington, DC: E Street Cinema
Philadelphia, PA: Ritz 5 Movies
Seattle, WA: Varsity Theatre
It will expand as time goes on.
Posted by phileysmiley at 05:44 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
The 2007 Seattle International Film Festival has announced its schedule, and no less than four of our Top Picks of the past year have been selected.
Man in the Chair was our #1 Top Pick from this year's Santa Barbara International Film Festival. It will have two screenings:
Saturday, June 02, 4:00 PM
Pacific Place Cinema
Monday, June 04, 4:30 PM
Lincoln Square Cinemas
--------------------------------------------------
Black Irish was our #1 Top Pick from the 2006 Hamptons International Film Festival. It will have two screenings:
Friday, June 01, 9:30 PM
Lincoln Square Cinemas
Sunday, June 03, 6:45 PM
Pacific Place Cinema
---------------------------------------------------------
Cashback was our #1 Top Pick from the 2006 Toronto International Film Festival. It will have two screenings:
Saturday, June 02, 6:45 PM
Lincoln Square Cinemas
Tuesday, June 05, 9:30 PM
Neptune Theatre
----------------------------------------------------------
Glue was also one of our Top Picks from Toronto. It will have two screenings:
Friday, May 25, 4:30 PM
Egyptian Theatre
Monday, May 28, 9:45 PM
Harvard Exit
------------------------------------------------
Walk the Talk is a film we have been highly anticipating. It will have its World Premiere at the Seattle International Film Festival.
There will be two screenings:
Friday, June 15, 9:15 PM
Egyptian Theatre
Sunday, June 17, 3:45 PM
SIFF Cinema
-------------------------------------------------------
Meanwhile, Charlie Bartlett, one of our Top Picks from the just-concluded Tribeca Film Festival, has been selected for Film Independent's 2007 Los Angeles Film Festival.
It is part of the "sneak preview of fall releases."
---------------------------------------------------------------
Also at the LA Film Fest will be the World Premiere of The Beautiful Ordinary. It has been selected as one of only eight films in the Narrative Competition (out of a total of 230 films). The brilliant ensemble cast features many of the actors who've appeared in some of our favorites of the past year.
Posted by phileysmiley at 05:19 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
On Tuesday, May 1, I attended the World Premiere of Charlie Bartlett at the Tribeca Film Festival. The event took place at the Schimmel Center at Pace University in New York.
A Q&A session followed the screening. Speaking are Anton Yelchin, director John Poll, and Hope Davis.
I did not post the parts of the Q&A which contained spoilers. The sound is low so crank it up.
Posted by phileysmiley at 01:26 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
The 6th Annual Tribeca Film Festival has come to an end, and my two weeks in the Big Apple were nothing short of spectacular. As at past festivals (15 in the past year alone) not only did the films I specifically chose to see turn out to be winners, but even those that I picked somewhat randomly turned out to be gems as well.
As I've stated before, I attend film festivals to see indies, not Hollywood movies. These are "small" films, which often are low budget, though not necessarily, and play film festivals in hopes of getting "picked up" or "acquired" for distribution. These are films that aren't yet guaranteed to be shown in theaters. I can comment on them and root for their success. It gives a sense of investment and loyalty and passion. Of course, that's not the main reason I see them. It only describes what they are. I see them because, in my opinion, they are usually better than anything else out there. Indies are my passion. And unlike some other festivals, there really weren't any "movies" on the schedule anyway.
The lineup was also quite heavy with foreign films, and I saw entries from Mexico, Tunisia, Morocco, Iran, Iraq, Austria, France, Belgium, Turkey, Russia, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, China, Lebanon, Hong Kong, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, Israel, and the good old US of A. Almost all were World, International, North American, or US Premieres.
At Toronto, about 25% of my list were foreign films. At the Hamptons exactly half were. Here, 16 of 28 films I saw had English subtitles. That's 57%. 16 vs. 12. Amazing, and a lot of fun.
So here are (in rough but not necessarily exact order) my Top 10 Picks from the 6th Annual Tribeca Film Festival:
The Air I Breathe
The Final Season
Chasing 3000
Charlie Bartlett
Nobel Son
Napoleon & Me
Half Moon
Times and Winds
The Optimists
The Cake Eaters
Plus two documentaries which I'd like to single out:
The Third Monday in October
Nanking
I've written a bit about most of these in previous posts. I've also posted red carpet pictures as well as pics and video of the Q&As following the screenings. I hope to post more in the days ahead as I have the chance.
Posted by phileysmiley at 11:06 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
The 2007 Tribeca Film Festival hosted the World Premiere of Nobel Son. The magnificent ensemble cast came out on a beautiful, sunny Saturday afternoon in New York. One of the most highly anticipated films of this year's event, Nobel Son is both thoroughly entertaining and shocking at once. It left me breathless. Here are some pictures I shot on the red carpet.
Click the thumbnails to enlarge pictures
Alan Rickman, Bill Pullman
Bill Pullman
Bill Pullman
Bryan Greenberg
Bryan Greenberg
Bryan Greenberg
Shawn Hatosy
Eliza Dushku
Eliza Dushku
Eliza Dushku, Hal B. Klein
Johanna Torell
Writer/director/producer/editor Randall Miller and Alan Rickman
Writer/producer Jody Savin and Randall Miller, Composer Mark Adler and wife Joanie
Johanna Torell and David Rubenstein, Eliza and brother Nate
Jody Savin and Eliza Dushku, Shawn Hatosy and Bryan Greenberg
Shawn Hatosy and Bryan Greenberg (L)
Shawn Hatosy, Eliza Dushku, and Bryan Greenberg (R)
Shawn Hatosy, Eliza Dushku, and Bryan Greenberg (L)
Randall Miller, Alan Rickman, and Jody Savin (R)
Randall Miller, Alan Rickman, Jody Savin, and Bryan Greenberg (L)
Shawn Hatosy, Eliza Dushku, Bryan Greenberg, and Randall Miller (R)
Shawn Hatosy and Alan Rickman
Posted by phileysmiley at 04:12 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Today was one of the saddest days of my life. I said goodbye to my best friend.
I first met Dan in the summer of 2002. We grew closer and closer over the years. We emailed each other every few hours on most days. Some days we emailed back and forth dozens of times over the course of an evening. I still have them all -- thousands of emails. In a lot of ways it was the closest relationship I ever had with anyone. I didn't see him in person as often as I would have liked, since he was not near me, but we got together a few times a year.
I can't begin to put into words what an impact he had on me, and vice versa. If it wasn't for Dan this blog would not exist. I would not be attending film festivals or taking pictures. He inspired me to get more involved with movies and to get more interested in photography, among many other things.
He was my biggest fan and biggest mentor at the same time. He supported and encouraged me in everything I did, because he couldn't do it himself. He was my student and my teacher, and I was his student and his teacher. We fed off each other that way.
He was the best friend I ever had.
Some of his reviews and pictures are posted on this blog. He is the only other person whose work is posted here (other than my own). He became our "contributing reporter." He also helped edit a lot of my pictures and you'll see the credit thanking him on many posts.
Ironically, although Dan inspired me to follow my heart and get involved with film festivals and photography, he himself was not doing that at the time. After succeeding in encouraging me to do it, and seeing how much joy I got out of it, he then decided to try to attend screenings, write reviews, and take pictures himself.
We had this "feeding off each other" relationship that was unique in my life.
Here is some of what Dan contributed in the last month of his life:
Review and pics of "The Hoax" special screening
Pics of Joe Pantoliano at "Canvas" screening
"Canvas"
Posted by phileysmiley at 01:11 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
The Tribeca Film Festival isn't just about movies. The event was founded in 2002 by area resident Robert De Niro as a way of revitalizing the neighborhood surrounding Ground Zero following the attacks of September 11, 2001. In that spirit, the community was treated to a massive street fair yesterday. No less than a seven-block stretch of Greenwich Street from Hubert to Duane Street was filled with a grand promenade of tents, where local restaurants and merchants offered Tribeca's finest foods, refreshments, and merchandise. Local schools sponsored a variety of fundraising activities, from Chinese calligraphy to creating spin art. There were games, storytelling, puppet shows, and face painting. The public enjoyed performances by Broadway artists, stilt walkers, jugglers, and much much more.
Here are some of the sights of Saturday's Tribeca Family Festival Street Fair.
Click the thumbnails to enlarge pictures
Posted by phileysmiley at 06:34 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
As the 2007 Tribeca Film Festival winds to a close, we are taking in our last few films before leaving the Big Apple. This weekend includes encore screenings of the award winners. David Volach's My Father My Lord (Hofshat Kaits) won the top jury prize, the Founders Award for best narrative feature. This entry from Israel is an exquisite, heartbreaking portrait of life in a household where no greater religious rules could apply -- the father is a Rabbi. It was the 27th film that I saw here, and there's one more to go for me tonight before wrapping things up.
In the coming days you can expect some more red carpet pictures and Q&A videos, as well as more extensive reviews of some of the films I talked about briefly over the last couple of weeks. Naturally, the law of diminishing returns meant that the more films I saw, the less I could report on them. So I'm a bit behind but promise to have many more reports in the days ahead.
There are so many people to thank but I want to particularly single out Andrew Kalish and his crew in the press office. Andrew went above and beyond the call of duty and helped me jump through some of the hoops it took to navigate my way around the festival. More to come.
Posted by phileysmiley at 03:30 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
The World Premiere of Charlie Bartlett took place this week at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York. A party atmosphere surrounded the arrivals of cast and crew at the Pace University Schimmel Center. The smiles on the faces were genuine and the mood was about as light and fun as that for any film I've seen here at the festival.
Click the thumbnails to enlarge pictures
Kat Dennings
Tyler Hilton
Tyler Hilton, Hope Davis
Anton Yelchin
Director Jon Poll, Dennings, Yelchin, Hilton, Davis (L)
Producer Jay Roach, Poll, Dennings, Yelchin, Hilton, Davis (R)
Roach, Poll, Dennings, Yelchin, Hilton, Davis, and festival co-founder Jane Rosenthal (L)
Cast (R)
Hope Davis, Tyler Hilton, Anton Yelchin
Anton Yelchin, the poster
Posted by phileysmiley at 05:46 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
The long wait to see Chasing 3000 finally came to an end this past weekend as the World Premiere took place at the Tribeca Film Festival. Director Greg Lanesey and screenwriter Bill Mikita were there along with the production team.
I will be writing a more thorough review as soon as I can. I also shot some stills and video of the Q&A following the screening and look forward to posting that as well.
As much as I'd heard and read about the film, nothing prepared me for the emotional impact it would have. Imagine this: when a film is based on a true story, by definition, many already know the basic plot going in. Thus the challenge of the filmmakers is to create a new layer of excitement and interest on top of what is known. How is this done? First, write a good script. The team of Bill Mikita, Cris D'Annunzio, and Greg Lanesey did just that. Next, find actors who will flesh it out and see this vision through. They found Trevor Morgan and Rory Culkin, the two brothers on a road trip to see Roberto Clemente hit his 3000th hit, and a multitude of veterans including Ray Liotta as their dad and M. Emmett Walsh in a star turn as one of the motley crew of characters they meet along the way.
On the face of it, this is a baseball movie. As American as mom and apple pie. But once the film starts rolling you realize that this is really something else. More than anything, it's about the special love that only exists between brothers at the time in their lives when they need each other the most. In the 80s, The Cure sang "Boys Don't Cry." Yeah, right. In this theater they sure were. Chasing 3000 is a tearjerker for guys in the guise of a sports movie. But shhh...don't tell them that. And yes, there's plenty for the ladies to like as well. There were more than few sighs in the audience now and then. Maybe it was the baseball uniforms.
So take the family. There's something here for everyone. Rarely have I seen a film that has the potential to be so universally affecting. Like Rocky and Rudy, Chasing 3000 is one of those films destined to be what seems to be missing in cinema today, a good old-fashioned feel-good movie that can make even the cynics smile. And maybe shed a tear as well.
Posted by phileysmiley at 01:13 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Cast members, filmmakers, producers, and their family members (some of whom were also in the film) walked the red carpet this past weekend for the World Premiere of The Final Season at the Tribeca Film Festival. The joy and love which went into the making of this film is clearly evident on their faces. The smiles were truly genuine.
Click the thumbnails to enlarge pictures
Powers Boothe, Danielle Savre
Rachael Leigh Cook, Nick Livingston
Tom Arnold
Roscoe Myrick
Brett Claywell
Sean Astin and Powers Boothe
Tom Arnold and brother, Brett Claywell and brother
Sean Astin and director David Mickey Evans
Owen Evans, Daniel Gillies and Rachel Leigh Cook, cast members
Cast members
Producers Steve Schott, Tony Wilson, Carl Borack, and Michael Wasserman, Powers Boothe
Danielle Savre, Rachael Leigh Cook
Sean Astin, the poster
Posted by phileysmiley at 07:05 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
A few more pictures from the World Premiere of The Air I Breathe at the Tribeca Film Festival.
Click the thumbnails to enlarge pictures
Co-writer Bob DeRosa and director Jieho Lee
Co-writer Bob DeRosa and director Jieho Lee
Following the screening, Lee brought the cast up onstage for a spirited Q&A session (earlier we posted some video of the Q&A).
Director Jieho Lee introducing cast
Bob DeRosa, Brendan Fraser, Andy Garcia, Kevin Bacon, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Jieho Lee
Posted by phileysmiley at 01:33 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
I attended the the World Premiere of Jieho Lee's The Air I Breathe on Sunday at the Tribeca Film Festival. As promised, here are some pictures I took on the red carpet. The stars were out in full force and all were gracious and seemed genuinely happy to spend time with the throngs outside the Tribeca Performing Arts Center.
Click the thumbnails to enlarge pictures
Freddie Prinze Jr. and Sarah Michelle Gellar
Freddie Prinze Jr. and Sarah Michelle Gellar
Sarah Michelle Gellar
Freddie Prinze Jr.
Andy Garcia and daughter Dominique, Brendan Fraser
Brendan Fraser, Director Jieho Lee and his wife Min Kim
John Bernthal
Todd Stashwick
Kevin Bacon
Kevin Bacon
Posted by phileysmiley at 01:48 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Tonight I attended the World Premiere of Charlie Bartlett at the Tribeca Film Festival. This is one of those films whose progress I've been following for almost a year so there was much anticipation on my part. Based on what I'd heard and seen in the trailer, I knew it would be funny but I had no idea just how much I'd laugh. It's an all-out comedy, yet still has a message to it. The audience was so incredibly engaged. I don't think I can remember a film where the laughter was so frequent and loud. People absolutely loved it. It was amazing.
Anton Yelchin is incredible in this role. I've seen much of his work and know what he is capable of, but the wide range of emotions and the talents he shows here are unsurpassed. He sings, he dances, he plays piano, he does physical comedy and has fight scenes and romantic scenes and just about everything that could be thrown at him. And he looked to be so thoroughly enjoying it, which came across onscreen and proved to be so central to the film. After all, to enjoy a film one must identify somewhat with the protagonist, or at least like him, and Anton does that better than many actors twice his age (he was 17 at the time).
Hope Davis is a riot as his not-quite-all-there mother, and Tyler Hilton is perfectly cast as the bully who we know from the start is destined to soften up somewhere along the way. The other supporting actors all seem perfect for their roles, and it's no wonder -- writer Gustin Nash said that he actually continued to write scenes and dialogue specifically for those actors after the film got underway.
I took a lot of pictures on the red carpet of Anton, Hope, and Tyler. I hope to upload and post them as soon as I can. Additional cast members joined them onstage afterward for the Q&A. I have some pictures and video of that as well.
I'll write more and post pictures when I can. Charlie Bartlett already has distribution and will be out in theaters in August.
Posted by phileysmiley at 01:30 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Here are some more answers to questions I've been getting. Just a reminder that I never post spoilers and will only answer to the extent that it doesn't give away details of the story.
How was the look and the writing of the movie? Was it special or more ordinary?
It had the look of a big budget film although I know it wasn't. There are some very cool visual effects but I can't say why because it would be a spoiler. They used handheld with closeups for some of the more chilling parts and it really created a lot of tension. I felt some Hitchcock influences. One of the most amazing things about the film is that there are moments when you think, "no, that won't happen" and then it does. It really was shocking.
The script is filled with poetic statements, hearkening back to the Chinese proverb which the story is based on. There is a lot of voiceover with each segment's main character. While the voiceovers are somewhat oblique, the dialogue is quite blunt and to the point.
Thank you for posting that this film looked to you to be an ensemble piece! Your weighing in with this, Larry, helped to dispel (in part) the rumor that this is only Sarah's film as her fans appear to have taken over. Now, I may be wrong, but that's what I was noticing, anyway.
Yes, it is definitely an ensemble piece. It is split into four basic parts and Sarah is the main character in the 3rd part. She does appear in the others but it's not "about" her per se.
Thank you for your review Larry! Can you tell me what's Sarah's name in the movie?
Thank you! I guess it's not a spoiler since we find this out pretty early on. Her name is Trista.
First off, thanks for all you're doing, but I must ask you...you keep saying "hard to watch at times." Is there any way you can kind of explain this more somehow?
Sure. There's quite a bit of violence. I don't say this as a negative in any way, though. Frankly, I've been seeing lots of films with lots of violence lately. But there's a lot and it looks very real. They didn't pull any punches like movies often do.
Is there a lot of torture??
Yes.
I only say this because I think people ought to be prepared. I don't see it as a spoiler because I think if people know this going in they will be able to handle it better. I would hate for people to go see it and be so upset that they don't follow the film. So I think it's fair to say it.
I'm not sure how folks will react to the film. It's not a typical movie and is hard to watch at times. It's really a character piece which follows a general theme. On the face of it it looks almost like a crime drama but it takes patience and thought to get the point of it. Not everyone is able to do that. But it is definitely worth the effort.
Posted by phileysmiley at 01:34 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
On Saturday, April 28, I attended the World Premiere of The Final Season at the Tribeca Film Festival. The event took place at the Schimmel Center at Pace University in New York.
A Q&A session followed the screening. Sean Astin, Powers Boothe, Rachael Leigh Cook, Tom Arnold, and director David M. Evans attended.
I did not post the parts of the Q&A which contained spoilers.
This is Part 1. More to follow!
Posted by phileysmiley at 12:57 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
On Sunday, April 29, I attended the World Premiere of The Air I Breathe at the Tribeca Film Festival. The event took place at the Tribeca PAC (Performing Arts Center), located at BMCC (Borough of Manhattan Community College).
A Q&A session followed the screening. Brendan Fraser, Andy Garcia, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Kevin Bacon, co-writer Bob DeRosa, and director Jieho Lee were present.
I did not post the parts of the Q&A which contained spoilers. It opens with Sarah Michelle Gellar talking about why she took the role. Kevin Bacon, Andy Garcia, and Brendan Fraser also answer the question. Director Jieho Lee does most of the talking.
The sound is low so you'll need to crank it up. Headphones work well.
Posted by phileysmiley at 01:23 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Powered by Movable Type 3.2. Valid XHTML too, and we got an RSS Feed.
PROnetworks Blog is a fully owned subsidiary of the Hawaiian Style Organization LLC