2011 - Page 17 of 69

Interview with Bill Johnson

Bill Johnson played the charismatic and almost loveable Bubba in Tobe Hooper’s “Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2”. Bill took time out of his busy schedule to talk with Movie Mikes about his work in the film as well as some of his other upcoming projects.

Adam Lawton: Can you tell us how you got involved with “Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2”?
Bill Johnson: Early summer of 1986, I got a call from my agent telling me that I was going to go and audition for Tobe Hooper. I had not seen the original “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” prior to that phone call however I saw it immediately afterwards. I went into the audition and read for the casting director. From there I got a call back to read with the casting director and the writer this time. Then I got another call back, this time to read with Tobe and Caroline Williams. It was mostly improvisational and they liked Caroline and I together…so they cast me.

AL: Can you tell us what it was like working with Bill Mosley and Dennis Hopper?
BJ: Dennis was a pretty amazing guy. He was doing pre-production for his film “Colors” at the same time as filming for “Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2” was going on. Dennis would only be on set the days he was shooting. Dennis really had this enormous energy and when you were with him you really got that sense about him. Dennis had a great sense of humor and was always joking around. Working with Bill was also a lot of fun and he was really ready to play that role. He and I played cards quite a bit while I was cooped up in my trailer in full costume. (Laughs)

AL: Any great behind the scene stories you can tell us from that shoot?
BJ: The place we were shooting in one night almost burnt down, which was pretty interesting. We were shooting on the set of the underground building and for that set the design department had searched all the second hand and goodwill stores within a 50 mile radius for any lamps they could find. After they got them all put up in there they actually clocked the temperature at 125 degrees. The idea for all the lights came because production had fallen behind and they lit the entire building to save time on set up. The University of Texas art department did the props and art work which was really great. From what I was told some of the wiring may not have been up to code and a spark or something set off the fire. Someone from the crew threw a ladder up and pulled down the stuff that had caught on fire. They really saved the bacon.

AL: Can you tell us about your role in the film “Jon”?
BJ: “Jon” is a film about a fledgling serial killer. Billy Instone produced, wrote and directed that film on a budget of just $5,000. I think he ended up with a really nice film! The main character has an imaginary friend to speak that convinces Jon to do harmful things. I have four scenes in the film and play the role of a priest who Jon visits with to talk about the things he has done. The film has a really great ending that I think people are going to enjoy. Billy is just such a great artist and the director of cinematography Dave Griffin did a really great job as well on the film. I hope to have some of the DVD’s at a few of my upcoming convention appearances for people to check out.

AL: You also have done some voice work for a few video games. Can you tell us how you got involved with that?
BJ: I have a degree in performance and have done a lot of stage and screen work and voice over has been a part of that. I got a call one day from a guy by the name of Raymond Benson, who I had gone to school with. He tells me they are going to try something that has never been done before with computer role playing games in that they are going to use digitized voice. I went in the first day to record and it was pretty much a janitors closet with some foam walls and a dat recorder which I guess had been smuggled in from Germany.(Laughs) We recorded everything for that first project in that closet. I find doing the voice over work to be a lot of fun.

AL: Can you tell us about your upcoming project?
BJ: I have a role in a film called “Boneboys”. Kim Henkel who has been the co-writer on most of the “Texas Chainsaw” movies wrote this script and it is wicked! I play this really bad perverted baker that tries to lure in teens. There is some really cool stuff in this film and I think people are going to like it. The film is wacky and very intense. It’s quite edgy. I have a cameo role in a film called “Supernatural Exorcism” which was directed by Derek Lee Nixon, who is also in “Boneboys”. A few more that I have been a part of recently one being “Naked Horror” by Carlo Rodriguez another titled “Creatures from Hell” and I also did an old fashion comedy called “Camp Kickatoo”.

Interview with Eduardo Sanchez

Mike Gencarelli: Since working on ìThe Blair Witch Projectî how can you reflect on viral marketing for films today?
Eduardo Sanchez: What we did on ìThe Blair Witch Projectî was out of necessity. It was the only venue or way we had to get our movie out there. Luckily I knew how to build some websites. From there stuff just really caught on and when Artisan bought the movie the market people there were smart enough to continue with what we started. Right now I think whatís going on with viral marketing is that everyone is or wants to be doing it. ìBlair Witchî was the perfect story for viral marketing and the internet was in a good spot at the time. It was kind of like the Wild West. There are so many people on the internet and posting things now that itís a lot harder to break through the clutter. I am working on a film right now that I think has a great Tranís media campaign as the story works really well for that type of exploitation. I think to a certain extent the same rules apply now as they did back then in the fact that certain forms of promotion/marketing works well for certain projects. Lately stuff is very processed and has I think a different effect than when we did it.

MG: Can you give us some background on your newest film ìThe Possessionî?
ES: I wrote the script, directed and edited the film. Itís kind of a weird movie as itís not your typical possession type movie. Itís about this woman named Molly and her and her husband move into the house where she grew up. Molly had grown up with relatives after her parents died and after moving back to her parentís home they realize the house holds a lot of dark secrets. Molly starts seeing things she shouldnít be seeing and things go from there. Itís kind of an exorcist movie without the exorcist. We shot the film here in Maryland by my house on a small budget. Itís looking good and we hope to have it at some festivals.

MG: What are your feelings on the ìParanormal Activityî franchise and found footage type films?
ES: I didnít see the second movie. I liked the first one and thought it was executed pretty well. It was a good use of first person footage. It was great that it blew up like ìBlair Witchî and they used the same type of things we did.

MG: Do you think there will be another ìBlair Witchî film?
ES: Itís definitely a possibility. We have talked to Lionsgate about it and they are interested so itís really just a matter of me and Dan coming up with something that we both feel passionate about and that Lionsgate will want to back. Dan and I are very busy on other things so there are priorities. We just have to get the right idea that clicks with everyone.

MG: How did you get involved with doing an interview for ìThe Shark is Still Workingî?
ES: I was contacted by James while I was working on a film in Orlando titled ìAlteredî and he asked me if I would like to be a part of the documentary. I loved the film so I said sure. I was really happy to be a part of it. The film is probably the best ìJawsî documentary I have seen in my life. It covers all the aspects of the film and it is really well done. I was proud to share the screen with a lot of people I admire.

MG: Any idea of release plans for ìThe Possessionî?
ES: We donít have a distributor yet so itís a matter of selling it first. I am hoping next year maybe. Itís amazing how much lead time distributors want on these movies.

MG: What can you tell us about your upcoming Big Foot trilogy?
ES: Itís actually slated to be four films. The first film will have to make money before there are others so we will see. I have been wanting to make a Big Foot movie for a long time and it seems like all the right elements have come together. We have a lot of great people working on the suit and we are going to be shooting in Austin this fall. I am mostly looking for unknown actors to be in this one and we want to do Big Foot right as it hasnít been done in a while.

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Interview with Dennis Farina

Dennis Farina is known best for his roles of the tough guy in films like “Get Shorty” and “Snatch”. This year Dennis is starring in one of his notable role called “The Last Rights of Joe May”. He is also co-starring along side Dustin Hoffman in HBO’s upcoming show “Luck”. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Dennis about this new film and about his fantastic performance.

Mike Gencarelli: How did you become attached to “The Last Rights of Joe May”?
Dennis Farina: The script was sent over to us by a friend of an employee who works at our film office. I read the script and liked it immediately. I started talking with our writer and director Joe Maggio about the script and I asked him if he would be willing to change the location in the story from New York to Chicago, which he did. We worked on the script a little bit more and it was really fun. It was great to be involved with something written so beautifully. Shooting in my home town was especially nice as well.

MG: What did you like most about playing the character of Joe May?
DF: He is a fish out of water whose time has come and gone. The thing is he doesn’t know it yet. Joe is just hanging on and he really believes he has one good score left in him. Of course everyone knows it’s not going to happen but he clings to that dream. That’s what I like most about the character. Joe May is very truthful and what you see is what you get.

MG: Did you do anything special to prepare for the role?
DF: [laughs] No. I didn’t do anything in particular training wise. It was really cold during shooting so running and climbing was fun. We made a lot of jokes about that.

MG: What do think makes this film worth checking out?
DF: I hope it does what films are supposed to do which is to provide entertainment. A film allows you to escape for a couple hours and be entertained. I don’t know that there is any great message in the film but it’s a character study of a world that most people don’t get to see.

MG: Was there anything interesting that happened during production?
DF: Nothing really out of the ordinary other than it was just so cold. A lot of the scenes there was no acting going on as it was cold! Joe Maggio said to me that the weather is a character in the movie. If the film was shot in spring or summer it’s an entirely different film. Shooting in the winter allowed us to add the weather as another obstacle Joe has to overcome.

MG: What do you normally look for in a character when you approach a project?
DF: Where a person comes from or what they make a living doing doesn’t really matter to me. I am more interested in how the person does specific things. The way a person does things is I think what makes a character interesting for me.

MG: What can you tell us about your upcoming role on “Luck”?
DF: “Luck” was created by co-executive producers Michael Mann and David Milch. We are very fortunate to be a part of such a great cast which includes Nick Nolte, Dustin Hoffman, Jason Gedrick and a bunch of other great people. It really is a great group to be around. The show revolves around the behind the scenes workings of a race track. Everything from managers to jockeys to how the horses are treated makes up the base of this series.

MG: What can you tell us about your character on the show?
DF: I play Dustin Hoffman’s right hand man. Our characters have known each other for a long time and whatever Dustin’s character needs done or found out I am the guy who does it.

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Filed Under: Film Interviews, Interviews Tagged With: dennis, farina, interview

Film Review “Puss in Boots”

Starring the voices of: Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek and Zach Galifianakis
Directed by: Chris Miller
Rated: PG
Running time: 1 hour 30 mins
Dreamworks

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Ah, Shrek. You are truly the Ogre who keeps giving. After four films featuring you and your pals you’ve stepped aside and given us “Puss in Boots,” a film that is simply, along with your studio-mate “Kung Fu Panda 2,” one of the best animated films of the year. Or any year.

Having graced previous “Shrek” sequels, the film finds our sad eyed feline hero reminiscing about his childhood as he plots his most daring deed. It seems that Puss (Banderas) wants to get his paws on the fabled magic beans in the hopes of nabbing the goose that lays golden eggs. This has been a lifelong dream of Puss, who as a young orphan became best pals with another famous nursery rhyme figure, the oblong (and very fragile) Humpty Dumpty (Galifianakis). Currently the beans are in the possession of the hideous Jack (Billy Bob Thornton) and his equally ugly wife Jill (Amy Sedaris). But, with the help of a new femme feline fatale named Kitty Softpaws (Hayek), Puss is sure he is the right cat for the job.

Playing like a film by Robert Rodriguez or Sergio Leone, “Puss in Boots” is many films in one. It’s an old fashioned spaghetti western. It’s a comedy. It’s a buddy film. And it’s in 3D! The film is anchored by the vocal talents of its cast. Banderas is smooth as silk as Puss, a tough talking el gato who will duel you one minute and then sweetly lap up a glass of leche’ the next. Hayek brings life to Kitty, infusing her with a toughness that belies her appearance. As Humpty Dumpty, Galifianakis shines. Beneath his beige exterior Humpty is truly a bad egg, and Galifianakis hits just the right notes.

The film also excels visually. There are several great set pieces throughout the movie, with a highlight being an initial duel between Puss and Kitty. That the battle is a dance off only makes the action more exciting. Like “Kung Fu Panda 2” before it, Dreamworks proves again that when it comes to animation and the 3D process, they are the tops. Director Miller, who also directed “Shrek the Third,” keeps the film moving ahead with a steady stream of visual delights. Dare I say, in honor of Humpty, that the film is “egg”ceptional?

Film Review “The Rum Diary”

Starring: Johnny Depp, Aaron Eckhart and Giovanni Ribisi
Directed by: Bruce Robinson
Rated: R
Running time: 2 hours
GK Films

Our Score: 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.

In 1960, writer Hunter S. Thompson went to Puerto Rico to cover sports for a local newspaper. While there he made friends with several writers of the major paper on the island, the San Juan Star. When the sports paper folded, Thompson returned to the states, where he became one of the most popular authors of his generation. Among his novels, written while he was in his 20s but not published until he was 60: “The Rum Diary.”

Paul Kemp (Depp) is a novelist looking for a job that pays him to write. So he answers an ad and soon finds himself doing horoscopes for the largest English language newspaper in Puerto Rico. At the paper he is introduced to some bizarre co-workers, including Lotterman (Richard Jenkins), the paper’s editor, and photographer Sala (Michael Rispoli). Like Sala, Kemp has a weakness for alcohol. Paul notes that his drinking level is “just a big high of social.” Which would explain why his hotel bill on average charges him for 93 bottles from the mini bar per week. “Am I to assume those are NOT complimentary,” Kemp asks when confronted with the cost. When Paul finds himself being recruited to help promote an upcoming real estate project, he must choose his words, and deeds, very carefully.

Skillfully acted but lacking in plot points, there’s a reason “The Rum Diary” wasn’t published for 30 years. The film has no less than three stories to follow and each one kind of peters out at the end, without a proper payoff to send the audience home satisfied. Depp, who was a long time friend of Thompson and portrayed him in “Fear and Loathing in Los Vegas,” manages to get under the skin of the great Gonzo journalist and give the audience a brief look at what made him tick. As Sala, Rispoli (who was funny as Bernie Mac’s former teammate in “Mr. 3000”) has a great physical comedy side that makes the performance. Sala loves his rum and Puerto Rico has plenty of it. Jenkins is his usual steady self while Ribisi gives a brave performance as the papers religion writer Moburg. A cross between Truman Capote and “Midnight Cowboy’s” Ratso Rizzo, Moburg is the kind of young man that attracts attention no matter what he’s doing. But if you get past his penchant for drinking 420 proof rum and his enjoyment for the recorded collection of the speech’s of Adolph Hitler, he proves to be someone to have around.

The film moves smoothly under Robinson’s direction, though, for what is being billed as a “crime drama,” there aren’t a lot of surprises. However, the inside look at Puerto Rico as JFK took office is pretty interesting. The cinematography is beautiful and I can see more than one movie goer saving his pennies for a trip to the island. Palm trees and blue waters will surely tempt viewers.

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: diary, film, review, rum

DVD Review “Happiness is Peanuts: Snow Days”

Created by: Charles M. Schulz
Starring: Bill Melendez, Jeremy Schoenberg, Brad Kesten, Angela Lee, Victoria Vargas, Jeremy Miller, Brett Johnson, Heather Stoneman, Gini Holtzman
MPAA Rated: Unrated
Studio: Warner Home Video
Run Time: 47 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

The “Happiness is Peanuts” series of DVDs each contain specials along with “The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show” episodes. “Snow Days” is the second in the series after “Snoopy’s Adventures” and will be followed by “Friends Forever”, which will be released December 27, 2011. This DVD was cute but didn’t totally get me in the the season mood. The idea of the disc is that is plays as holiday specials but really it is barely themed as so. Overall though I would say that they are worth a watch to revisit the old “The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show” feel but not real re-watchable.

“She’s a Good Skate, Charlie Brown” follows Peppermint Patty as she pursue her ice-skating dream. This is the primary episode of the disc. It is cute but I could see it working a lot better as a short. I did in fact enjoy the three short stories the 1985 “The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show” series. “The Play,” follows Charlie Brown as he reminisces about “the most interesting Christmas ever” for a school assignment. It was cute and really the only thing Christmas related on this disc. The next short, I was literally laughing so hard I cried called “Sweet Babboo”. It focuses on Valentine’s Day and the group worries about getting card. Very funny!!! The last short is called “Snoopy’s Story” which features Peppermint Patty (again) as his writes an very ‘tall tale’ essay about Snoopy. It is also cute. Honestly I might go as far as to say that this set is worth it just for the “Sweet Babboo” short.

Synopsis: Everyone’s favorite Peanuts gang is at it again in Happiness is Peanuts: Snow Days. Follow Snoopy and gang in an episode from The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show and the newly remastered classic She?s a Good Skate, Charlie Brown TV special all on one DVD!

Available on DVD 10/18 at http://bit.ly/mW6xTY
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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: days, dvd, happiness, peanuts, review, snow, ...

DVD Review “Young Justice: Season One, Volume Two”

Created by: Greg Weisman, Brandon Vietti
Voices of: Bruce Greenwood, Crispin Freeman, Stephanie Lemelin, Jesse McCartney
Danica McKellar, Nolan North, Khary Payton, Jason Spisak
4 episodes
Running Time: 90 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Anything with anything related to Batman or Superman, or DC comics in general…count me in. I loved “Teen Titans” and this show reminds me so much of it. It is a little less slapstick and instead packs some great action. This DVD comes packed with four episodes from the first season. The DVD lands in the series between from episode 5 through 8. Overall this series is really fun and exciting. Since watching these four episodes, I have setup a season pass for the rest of season one, which is currently airing on Cartoon Network.

The episodes includes are “Schooled”, “Infiltrator”, “Denial”, “Downtime”. “Schooled” is centered around Super Boy and his relationship with Superman. He goes off on his own. The team faces Professor Ivo’s Amazo. In “Infiltrator” focuses on Artemis as she prove herself to the team while protecting Dr. Roquette from the League of Shadows. “Denial” is when the team is sent by Red Tornado to the Tower of Fate to prevent the helmet of Doctor Fate from getting in the wrong hands. “Downtime” focuses on Aqualad and his travels home to Atlantis after he gets blamed for letting the rest of Young Justice get taken down in battle.

Synopsis: Animated DC Universe cartoon series for a new generation starring ROBIN, AQUALAD, KID FLASH, SUPERBOY, MISS MARTIAN and ARTEMIS . Combined these six teenage heroes are YOUNG JUSTICE the JUSTICE LEAGUE?s secret weapon against the forces of evil. Based out of THE CAVE, the teen heroes will take on under-the-radar missions that would be impossible for the League proper (with its incandescent star-power) to handle covertly. In addition, these kids are in constant training to take their place alongside the great heroes. RED TORNADO will be their supervisor; BLACK CANARY will be in charge of their training, and BATMAN will hand out their assignments. And of course, Young Justice will push their missions, often turning a simple assignment from Batman into something much larger, often discovering that what they?ve been tasked to do is just the tip of the iceberg.

Now available on DVD at http://bit.ly/oWEcyF
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Film Review “Anonymous”

Starring: Rhys Ifans, Vanessa Redgrave and Sebastian Armesto
Directed by: Roland Emmerich
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 2 hours 10 mins
Columbia Pictures

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

I must admit I scratched my head when I saw that Roland Emmerich was directing “Anonymous.” The man who gave us “Independence Day,” “Godzilla” and “2012” was now going to tackle 17th Century England. And with no aliens or monsters in sight.

17th Century England (like I said). It’s a hard time to be a writer. Especially a playwright. Hit the wrong nerve or upset the wrong nobleman and you’ll find yourself thrown into prison for sedition in a heartbeat. We are introduced to a few of the struggling authors, including Ben Jonson (Sebastian Armesto) and Christopher Marlowe (Trystan Gravelle). Thankfully the writers have a fan in the Earl of Oxford, Edward De Vere (Ifans). But the Earl has a selfish reason for attending plays. He’s a closeted writer himself. What with poetry and the like being referred to as “the devil’s work,” Eddie can’t just put on a show whenever he wants. He decides to entrust his work to Johnson. The Earl wants Johnson to put his name on his writing. In a quandary and unsure of what he should do, Johnson confides in an acting pal of his. When the first mysterious play is greeted with applause, and Johnson waffles on whether to claim authorship, the actor decides to take credit. Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce Mr. William Shakespeare (Rafe Spall).

Told against the backdrop of a battle for the throne, “Anonymous” is an amusing story that runs much longer then it should. It’s actually two stories in one. One follows young Edward (Jamie Campbell Bower) being sent to live with the family of the young queen Elizabeth I. The other follows Edward as he silently watches his words being immortalized on stage in play after play, silently acknowledging to himself the accolades his position prevents him from receiving. The cast seems game for the time period jumps but the film sometimes slows down and it becomes unclear what period you’re watching. And what a cast it is. Acting royalty Redgrave is strong as the elder Elizabeth, with her daughter, Joely Richardson, playing her as a younger woman. Another second generation actor is Spall, whose father, Timothy, is probably best known as Wormtail in the “Harry Potter” films. Heck, even the great Derek Jacobi shows up to bookend the film. And I have to give special mention to actor Edward Hogg, who apparently thought he was playing Count Rugen in “The Princess Bride.” His appearance, his manner…even his costume…make him a dead ringer for Christopher Guest in that film. Though I’m pretty sure Hogg only has five fingers on his right hand.

The script, by “A Mighty Heart” scribe John Orloff, is full of little bits of trivia that even the most pedestrian fans of the Bard will pick up. It also includes some great lines. “All artists have something to say,” De Vere tells Jonson. Otherwise they’d all make shoes.” The story is entertaining but it drags on to a very undramatic ending. Hello King James I of Scotland, you big poof!

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: anonymous, film, review

Interview with Russell Hornsby

Russell Hornsby is co-starring in NBC’s new series “Grimm”. Russell is playing David Giuntoli’s partner in the show. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Russell about the new show and what we can expect from his character this season.

Mike Gencarelli: Can you give us some background on how you got involved with “Grimm”?
Russell Hornsby: I auditioned for the role during pilot season. There were about twenty scripts that I auditioned for during that time. There were about five of those roles that I really wanted and “Grimm” happened to be one of them. I loved the concept of the show as well as the characters. I also felt there was a lot of room for my character to grow. I felt the idea of the show was something the fans could really take to.

MG: How has it been working alongside David Giuntoli?
RH: I am the guy who is in the real world. David and I are just partners working together to solve crimes. For my character it’s a real procedural world. I look at David’s character and realize he is special but I have no idea of the powers he has.

MG: Are we going to see your character Hank get involved with the supernatural side?
RH: I think possibly indirectly. I feel for the show to be believable we have to believe Hank is really entrenched in his job and has no clue about what David’s character is going through. I also think that’s the hard part for the writers. The questions is: “How do you create that and keep both of our characters on separate sides of the line?”

MG: What can we expect from season 1?
RH: I think we can expect seeing that this world has criminals obviously. However they have this alter ego. It’s kind of like the arcade video game “Altered Beast”. These people can change into all these different creatures but what it is at its core is it’s the human condition. We are both good and bad. David’s character is able to see people for who they really are.

MG: How has the production process been for you so far?
RH: It’s been difficult. There have been a lot of long hours. We are sometimes shooting 14-15 hrs a day. But the reality of it is don’t get into the game if you don’t want to play. We are here to work and put the best product on the screen. The most important thing is that we got what is needed and it looks good.

MG: Do you have a favorite episode that you have shot so far?
RH: They all are special. I think we are delving into a world and genre that people haven’t seen. The show is going to be suspenseful. I think each show gets better and better.

MG: How many episodes have you shot thus far?
RH: We have shot seven episodes so far and I go in tonight to shoot our 8^th.

NBC’s “Grimm” Interview Series

“Grimm” is a new drama series inspired by the classic Grimm’s Fairy Tales.Portland homicide Detective Nick Burkhardt (David Giuntoli, “Turn The Beat Around”) discovers he is descended from an elite line of criminal profilers known as “Grimms,” charged with keeping balance between humanity and the mythological creatures of the world.

As he tries to hide the dangers of his new found calling from his fiancé, Juliette Silverton, (Bitsie Tulloch, “quarterlife”), and his partner, Hank Griffin (Russell Hornsby, “Lincoln Heights”), he becomes ever more entrenched in the ancient rivalries and alliances of the Grimm world.

With help from his confidant, Monroe (Silas Weir Mitchell, “Prison Break”), a reformed Grimm creature himself, Nick must navigate through the forces of a larger-than-life mythology, facing off with Hexenbiests, Blutbads and all manner of ancient evils, including royal lines dating back to the original profilers themselves, The Grimm Brothers. Reggie Lee (“Persons Unknown”) and Sasha Roiz (“Caprica”) also star.

Media Mikes had a chance to interview the whole cast this new great show. This show is going to take the cop-procedural to a whole new level. “Grimm” premieres on Oct.28, 2011 and airs on Fridays 9pm ET on NBC.

GRIMM CAST INTERVIEWS:

Interview with David Giuntoli

David Giuntoli is the star of NBC’s new series “Grimm”. The show is described as “a cop drama—with a twist…a dark and fantastical project about a world in which characters inspired by Grimm’s Fairy Tales exist”. The show co-stars Russell Hornsby, Bitsie Tulloch, Silas Weir Mitchell, Sasha Roiz and Reggie Lee. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with David about his role in the show and also what he has planned next.

Mike Gencarelli: Can you give us some background on your new show “Grimm”?
David Guintoli: The show is a cool mix of genre and procedural. It’s “CSI” meets “X-Files”. There is crazy stuff going on but it’s based here in the real world. It’s about a regular guy trying to sort out some new rules he has learned about. The show has some action mixed with some horror. It’s really neat in those ways.

MG: What drew you to the character of “Nick”?
DG: Most roles in Hollywood you are playing are an attorney, cop or doctor. This role right of the bat is one of those gems where the lead character starts his quest immediately. In the pilot episode the main character has something happen to him and the following episodes will be how he is dealing with his new identity. This is one of those special parts that if you are lucky comes around maybe once or twice in a lifetime.

MG: How was it for you taking the lead in the show?
DG: I was completely nervous. On one end I was ready but at the same time it was the first time taking the lead. It was a big responsibility.

MG: What can you tell us about the episodes that have aired so far?
DG: My character Nick has come to terms with this new world where characters from the Grimm fairy tales are trying to kill him. Nick has very few resources to find out about what is going on. Nick does have his aunt (played by Kate Burton) and a small library where he goes to try and figure out his responsibilities. The character Eddie Monroe played by Silas Weir Mitchell also helps my character navigate this new world. You will see me learn how to decide who is good and who is bad. Each episode has a crazy crime going on.

MG: How do you feel this show differs from shows like “Supernatural” and “Fringe”?
DG: They are all quality shows. I think “Grimm” will push the gore factor a little more. The more of these types of shows the merrier since I believe Friday night is a perfect night for these shows.

MG: What can you tell us about your upcoming film “Caroline and Jackie” which also stars Bitsie Tulloch?
DG: We filmed that prior to us working together on “Grimm”. We played boyfriend and girlfriend and we had good chemistry. The film is kind of like a Woody Allen comedy, where an intervention goes completely awry.

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Filed Under: Featured, TV Headlines Tagged With: david, giuntoli, interview

Blu-ray Review “Frankenhooker”

Directed by: Frank Henenlotter
Starring: Patty Mullen, Louise Lasser, James Lorinz
Distributed by: Synapse Films
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running time: 85 minutes

Overall Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I am a huge fan of the film’s “Frankenstein” and “Re-Animator”. This movie steal from both of them and does a really good job of it. This was honestly my first time viewing this film and it was a great way to experience it for sure. This movie is both creepy and funny, more of the latter. I think why this film succeeds is that it has some decent special effects and a funny take on a classic story with an interesting twist.

The Blu-ray presentation of this film is outstanding especially since the film is over 20 years old and was not filmed in high definition. Synapse Films is really becoming one of my favorites and the leader in bringing classic horror films into the high definition world. The 1080p video is super clear and looks fantastic. The sound on the film kicks some major ass displaying a very impressive DTS-HD MA surround track.

The high definition release also includes some great special features another reason why Synapse Films is amazing. The first feature is a great and funny commentary from director Frank Henenlotter and make-up effects designer Gabe Bartalos. There is a great featurette on Patty Mullen called “A Salad That Was Once Named Elizabeth”. There is a very cool featurette on the make-up effects in the film, which are great, called “A Stitch in Time”, Jennifer Delora talks about “Frankenhooker” in the featurette called “Turning Tricks”. I really enjoyed the funny feature “Jennifer Delora’s Frankenhooker Scrapbook”. Lastly there is a theatrical trailer. Great features overall for a very impressive high definition release.

DVD Review “Fire on Conscience”

Directed by: Dante Lam
Starring: Leon Lai, Richie Jen, Wang Baoqiang, Vivian Hsu, Liu Kai-chi, Michelle Ye, Wilfred Lau
Distributed by: Vivendi Entertainment
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 105 minutes

Overall Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

This is packed with some really great no-holds barred action. I love me a good action film and director Dante Lam really delivers a good one. The fighting scenes in this film is very explosive…literally. Leon Lai known best for his film “Bodyguards and Assassins” really kick ass and takes names. The story was strong with only a small dip in the middle and a wicked strong ending. If you are a fan of John Woo-like action, this is a must for you.

The story follows Captain Manfred (Leon Lai) who is a crossroads in his life when he is assigned to the case of a lethal car accident and the death of a prostitute. He is assigned to work with Inspector Lee, in which they are complete opposites. They have to work together to get to the bottom of this case as they get swept up into the world of crime. The unlikely team finds that they have themselves dug very deep in it and need to find a way out…alive.

The special features include five great behind the scenes featurettes, which take us into the making of the action packed film. They are very interesting and totally worth watching, especially if you like the behind the scenes for an action film. There is also an international trailer included. What I like most about Vivendi Entertainment’s films is that they really support the QR scanning codes and they provide additional mobile features by scanning the code. It is really a neat feature that a lot of people are not doing yet.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: conscience, dvd, fire, review

Short Film Review “Sailcloth”

Directed by: Elfar Adalsteins
Starring: John Hurt
Disturbed by: Berserk Films
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 17 minutes

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

This a beautiful wordless short film with wonderful acting. John Hurt is such an amazing actor, which he has proved over his career. He further proves this by starring in this amazing short and without speaking a single word. That is something that very few people can do well. He simply nails it. The film is lead by an amazing score, which takes us on this beautiful visual journey.

The story follows an elderly man (John Hurt) who sneaks out of an assisted living home to head to the sea. He sets out on a sailboat with his self-made sail and sets out on a mission. Once he gets on board, he reveals a picture of a woman (probably his past on wife or lover) and there is a dance scene with the two, which is so well depicted behind this sailcloth. He then begins to set the boat on fire and send himself overboard attached to an anchor bringing down himself and the boat. It is the story of a man has lead a good life and is lost without his love. It is very touching and well done.

It is very smartly written and directed by Elfar Adalsteins. He tells this amazing story so well in such a short period of time. It has some really beautiful cinematography courtesy of Karl Oskarsson. I have to say though since this film is wordless besides the acting, the credit needs to be go Richard Cottle for creating the original music that drives this short. Overall such a beautiful and touching film. Must see! John Hurt better win many awards for this film.

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Filed Under: Film Headlines Tagged With: film, review, sailcloth, short

Short Film Review “The Sea Is All I Know”

Director: Jordan Bayne
Starring: Melissa Leo, Peter Gerety and Kelly Hutchinson
Blue Eyed Cherokee Films
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 30 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Right off the bat, I had to watch this film twice back-to-back since it was so intense and emotional to absorb in just one viewing. Even though the film is short doesn’t mean it is not mega packed with features some deep issues. Melissa Leo is fantastic, as usual, she delivers a fantastic performance and shines. I am not a big watcher of short films and I think that this film will open many doors for me as a critic. It is amazing so you are able to tell such a meaningful and intense story is such a short period of time. This film is wound so tight and so powerful that the you find that you were holding your breath throughout.

The story is amazing a girl (Kelly Hutchinson) who is terminally sick at home with her mother (Melissa Leo). She is suffering very much and asks for her family to assist in her death to relieve the pain. Her fisherman deadbeat father comes into picture and comforts both her and her mother. They deal with the issue at hand and have to make a very hard and moral pressing decision.

All is all great performances by all. The short is very smartly and sharply directed by Jordan Bayne. I am looking forwarding to see further work of hers. If you have a chance to catch this make sure you do it pass it up since it is surely not to be missed. I wish it a feature because I couldn’t help but want more but for what it was great.

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Filed Under: Film Headlines Tagged With: film, review, sea, short

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Page 17 of 69

Year: 2011

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