Directed: Nicholas Goldbart
Starring: Daniel Hendler, Federico Luppi, Jazmiin Stuart, Yayo Abian Vainstein, Carlos Bermejo, Sun Kim Chang, Patricia Guitierrez
Distributed by: Vivendi Entertainment
MPAA Rating: R
Running Time: 95 minutes
Overall Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars
The idea an epidemic is at no shortage in film in the recent days with films like “Contagion” and “[REC]”. This film isn’t focusing on the scares of films like “[REC]” series and has a little more comedy. The film is setup in the beginning to be pretty interested but it falls short a little in the middle. This film was picked up by Bloody Disgusting Selects who has picked up fellow foreign imports like “Rammbock: Berlin Undead” and “Coldfish”. If you are looking for a film about building under quarantine I would watch “[REC]” over this.
The story focuses around Coco (Daniel Hendler) and his pregnant wife Pipi (Jazmin Stuart), who become quarantined in there apartment complex when an epidemic hits Argentina. They soon find that some of their neighbors are hunting and accusing each other. Coco gets involved with his neighbor who is trying to help him but things get out of control when one of the other neighbor starts going on a killing spree.
The film is very low-key and doesn’t really go much into the epidemic. There are no zombies or infected people attacking anyone. The most action in the film takes place towards the end when the neighbors go out on a shoot out but besides that nothing much else happens. The extras only really include deleted scenes, which doesn’t add much more. I watched film in English dub and I thought it was pretty decent unlike most subbed films. Overall the film doesn’t deliver past the first thirty minutes or so and leave you wanting more.
JT Hodges is a new up-and-coming country music singer. He recently signed with Show Dog-Universal Music and released his debut single “Hunt You Down”, which has been blowing up on the country radio. JT is currently touring with Toby Keith and Eric Church throughout the country. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with JT about his music and about touring.
Mike Gencarelli: Tell us the story behind how the song “Hunt You Down” came to be and now hitting high on the charts? JT Hodges: I guess the story of the song is I got a opportunity for a private tour of Graceland about 14 months ago. I had family in Memphis and went back and forth from Ft. Worth, TX to Memphis all the time when I was a kid…but I never got to go to Graceland. I got to go and I spent about six hours there. I stayed up till about 3am in the morning on Beale street celebrating and just soaking all of Memphis in. I had a writing session back in Nashville the next day with Rivers Rutherford. I walked in a little red eyed, I’ll never forget, he asked where I was and I told him about the night and my experience. He told me he was born and raised in Memphis, which I didn’t know. I had a riff and 45 minutes later we grabbed it out of the air. The music Gods blessed us that day…it was cool.
MG: I love that video too with you walking down Beale street. JTH: Yeah man, we went back to Memphis to shoot it. It had to be shot down on Beale street! It was a good time.
MG: You know you are going to be responsible for bringing back whistling right? JTH: Well man, there is a funny story behind the whistling though. It was a little early in the morning and I was a little under the weather. It was too high for me to be singing the melody…so I was whistled the melody. Once we wrote the song, the whistling came back and it works. It was fun.
MG: Who has been your musical inspiration in your life? JTH: I grew up in a studio. It was in cow town, so country music was prominent. I love George Strait. I was really into the group Blackhawk. A lot of the 90’s country stuff really, I had it in for. There was also this audio library ranging from John Melloncamp to The Eagles to Elvis Presley to Buddy Holly. There are so many great artists out there. I am also inspired by great songs.
MG: Give us a few highlights touring with Toby Keith and Eric Church on the Locked & Loaded tour? JTH: Every show has really been a highlight personally for me and the band, since we are getting better and better. Really it is great just getting to have one-on-one time with Toby and Eric, talking music and just hanging out. It has been a very relaxed tour. We leave it all out on the stage.
MG: What is going to be your next single and when can we expect album? JTH: The album is looking like it is going to be towards the beginning of the year. The same with the second single. We got about three or four songs that we are considering. It is a good problem to have that we have a lot of songs that we like. The thing I tell everyone about this record is that just because you hear “Hunt You Down”, don’t expect the whole record to center around that song. It is going to be a very diverse record. I do everything in a frame but it is not just one thing I do. I am looking forward to people seeing and hearing that.
MG: You are co-writing 9 out of the 11 songs on the album, how was it been writing your own songs? JTH: Oh man, it has just been so great. Nashville has the best songwriters in the world. Just in the last year and a half, I have learned so much. I am ten times a better writer than I was. It has been a great process and I look forward to doing it more…and more.
MG: What are you plans after this tour ends? JTH: I tell everyone I have been taking this whole thing one day at a time. Not trying to look too far ahead and definitely not trying to look too far behind me. There are some stuff lined up, I am getting to play the Opry at the Ryamn for the first time on November 4th. I am looking forward to that opportunity. There are some more shows lined up. There are also some tour packages with some artists that we are trying to work on now but I am not giving that away just yet [laughs].
Director: Mary McGuckian
Starring: Donald Sutherland, Larry Mullen Jr. and Paula Boudreau
Distributed: Tribeca Films
MPAA Rating: Not Rating
Running Time: 100 minutes
Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars
“Man on the Train” is a remake of the French Patrice LeConte classic, ‘L’Homme du Train”. It is written, produced and directed by Mary McGuckian. This is a film that is very driven by its character development. It is slow paced and focuses and a lot of on dialogue its two characters. The acting in the film is very unique and make this film worth watching just for it alone. I am definitely curious now to see the original film to see how it compares.
This film focuses when a mysterious criminal comes in to a small town and meets a retired poetry professor. The professor invites him into his house and they form this bonds even though the two are complete opposites. The two men are looking for something in their lives and with meeting each other it turns out to be faith. The criminal is conflicted in robbing the local bank and the professor having difficulty with heath issues. These two people talk each other through very difficult decision in their lives.
I loved Donald Sutherland in the role. I thought he was very quiet but adventurous at the same time. He played the role so well. I was also blown away by Larry Mullen Jr, founder and drummer of U2. His character was very dark and deep. Overall the two guys played off each other really well. The acting easily made this film worth the watch.
Rachel Federoff is known best for working with Patti Stanger at her The Millionaire Club and the reality series “The Millionaire Matchmaker”. Rachel is married to Destin Pfaff, who is the COO of The Millionaire Club and also writer and producer of upcoming film “Sushi Girl”. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Rachel about working with Patti Stanger and also what else she has planned.
Mike Gencarelli Did you have a role in helping your husband, Destin Pfaff on his upcoming film “Sushi Girl” Rachel Federoff: I did a little bit. I was originally going to do a lot of the make-up on it but I didn’t get to do that much because our son was really sick. I was at home taking care of the little guy. I did write some fun little extras that I am hoping will be put on the DVD. It will be my writing debut because I am also a writer. Destin and I are like the Jack and Jill of all trades. What do we not do? We do everything [laughs]. That was my little addition to the film but my biggest part though of “Sushi Girl” is just being a supporter for them. I will be helping in any way I can. It is an AMAZING movie. It is awesome and no words can describe it.
MG: Tell us how you became involved with Patti Stanger, The Millionaire Club and “The Millionaire Matchmaker”? RF: Well at the time I was dating Destin Pfaff, who was already working for with Patti at The Millionaire Club. I was really interested in matching couples and when I finally met Patti, she said I should come on board. At first Destin thought it was a terrible idea but it would be great as did Patti.I had already been doing some matching on the side with my friends, so it was something I really enjoyed. She gave me a board and I learned how to match for the club and eventually I became the VP of Matching. I really love it.
MG: What is the hardest part on your job as the VP of Matching? RF: The hardest part is probably taking care of the girls that cause trouble. Sometimes we are left with girls who needs us to play mommy for them. We have strict rules in our club and all we ask is that people follow them. Some people just do not follow the rules and need to be taken care of. Patti is great though she just tells it like it is. We are not trying to be mean to some girls. We are honestly trying to help them and
MG: What is one of the biggest perks getting to work on “The Millionaire Matchmaker” RF: The best for me is the end result and the success stories. I love when we have couples come back saying that they decided to take it to the next level and/or continue dating. That is really why I enjoy doing this. The show does show some of that but reality TV works better when you have more drama then happy endings. But we do get quite a few of the success stories and that is my favorite part.
MG: After co-starring in the show, do you actually watch the show when it airs? RF: Oh yeah, we watch it all the time. Destin and I also blog about it on the Bravo website. We watch them and blog and also have been doing live tweeting during episode which has been really awesome. It is almost like a chat room. People can do to our twitters which is @RachelFederoff and watch the show with us. We talk smack on the show, the characters and ourselves. We answer peoples questions and it is really a lot of fun.
MG: Tell us about the PSA you recently did for mylifemypower.org and SFK (Success For Kids)? RF: Being a mom now and a child and a victim of bullying pretty much my entire life, it is really crazy intense and horrible bullying has become. It went from me being followed home and threatened and now people are being beat up until they are dying or in the hospital. It is really horrible. It goes back to me being a people person. I am such an advocate for the gay and lesbian community and anti-bullying. I am a big supporter for the organization that help fight cancer for kids and illnesses. I have a child and God forbid something happens to him, I wouldn’t know what I would do. I think it is really important to help kids and let kids know that you are not alone especially with the bullying. I think it is a big deal. I think it is awesome that I can use my celebrity status to really promote it. It is a really important thing for me.
MG: Tell us about your role in “Deader Living Through Chemistry”? RF: Well I was in it when we did the short for George Romero’s film “Diary of the Dead”. We are looking into making the short into the feature. Besides being on a reality show and a matchmaker…acting has always been a huge passion of mine. Ever since I was little I was always a ham and putting on shows. “Deader Living” was my first taste and getting my feet wet. I was in that short before even “The Millionaire Matchmaker”. I love making movies and I love being in them. I love all the aspects from zombies to comedies to whatever. The short was fun. George Romero had the contest…we entered and won first place. So it is on the DVD for the film. We want to make it into a full length because it is such a cool idea.
DeeDee Bigelow is appearing in two new upcoming films “Alien Armageddon” and “Showgirls 2: Penny’s from Heaven”. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with DeeDee about her films and also her plans to direct.
Mike Gencarelli: Everyone is talking about “Alien Armageddon”, what can you tell us about the film and working on it? DeeDee Bigelow: The amazing fact about “Alien Armageddon” is that director Neil Johnson took the film from concept to post in five months for $27,000. I’m not sure many can say they have accomplished this in this industry. Pretty amazing to me and working on it was great! I showed up, having no clue what I was going to do and was told I would be shooting aliens. I was really thrilled…until the director said…”and you blow up”. LOL, it was great!
MG: What can you tell us about “Showgirls 2: Penny’s from Heaven” and do you feel that the sequel has the edge of the first film? DDB: I cannot say much about “Showgirls 2”. Rena Riffel (who played Penny in “Showgirls”) wrote and directed this sequel. It also has Glenn Plummer in it from the original. Guess you will have to watch it in 2012 and see…
MG: We interviewed Mayim Bialik and Thomas Ian Nicholas from “The Chicago 8”, tell us about your experience? DDB: Ah, “The Chicago 8”. I played a juror in this film and it was an incredible experience. This film has a talented cast and it was an honor to work with them. It is such a sad real-life story and the cast definitely brought this to life. I felt like I was there in Chicago as this was happening. Although I have not seen the final movie yet, I’ve heard it is pretty amazing!
MG: You are writer/producer on the film “The Deceit”, what can you tell us about that project? DDB: Unfortunately my movie “The Deceit” has been put on the back burner for the moment. I’m writing/ producing a short film (with my co-producer Robert Shannon) about a true story in ancient Rome. We plan to shoot this later this year, and it has taken precedence over “The Deceit”. We are truly excited to shoot this short film though, then I’ll come back to “The Deceit”!
MG: Tell us about how you got involved with portraying Diana Diablo in “Ginger Stein” comic? DDB: Well…I saw Dennis Willman’s artwork, and hired him to do my movie poster. We became friends, and when the comic book came up, of course I said I would love to be “Diana Diablo” in Ginger Stein! He is developing 2 more comics, and I will be in both of them as well!
MG: I think “Dahmer vs Gacy 2: In Space” will make a fun movie, any idea if this will be made? DDB: Yes! Writer/director Ford Austin will definitely make this sequel, and I’m honored to be a part of it!!!
Directors: Charles Band
Actors: Tim Thomerson, Helen Hunt, Michael Stefani
Number of discs: 5
Rated: Unrated
Studio: New Video Group
Run Time: 392 minutes
Overall Score: 4 out of 5 stars
I have always been a big fan of Charles Band/Full Moon and their films. The “Trancers” series has always had a special place, no matter how “bad” they are. Included in this Ultimate Deth Collection is “Trancers”, “Trancers II: The Return of Jack Deth” (both directed by Charles Band), “Trancers III, “Trancers 4: Jack of Swords” and “Trancers 5: Sudden Deth”.
The franchise focuses on cop Jack Deth who starts in the future and is sent back in time to 1985 to whip out the Trancers. Basically he spends the whole franchise chasing these Trancers. The series contains appearances from great talent like Helen Hunt, Art La Fleur, Jeffrey Combs, Richard Lynch and Andrew Robinson. Tim Thomerson is such campy fan dream to watch in this films. As the series progresses he reminds me a little bit of Bruce Campbell from “Army of Darkness”.
The extras on the disc are not packed but do include the making of each film, which is definitely a good addition to this great set. Fans of Tim Thomerson, this character Jack Deth and Full Moon should definitely pick up this series for sure. The DVD is not the best presentation and probably could use some cleaning up but I guess that is also what ads the charm for these films.
Director: Fernando Barreda Luna
Starring: Rafael Amaya, Jose Masegosa, Chus Pereiro, Cristian Valencia
Studio: The Collective
MPAA Rating: R
Run Time: 74 minutes
Overall Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Sure, every films wants to be like “Paranormal Activity”, this one isn’t but doesn’t disappoint either. Bloody Disgusting Selects picks up this Spanish shakey cam film and they should be proud with their decision. This film is creepy and very suspense. It doesn’t show much and leaves you want more but that is what adds to the suspense. It runs a very short 70 minutes put I feel it works well and doesn’t overstay it welcome.
The story is about about a family who is spending the holiday at their summerhouse. Cristian and July Quintanilla, brother and sister, start investigating a local urban legend in a wood maze close by. It turns out that the legend might be real and the kids are in for more than they expected.
The first half of the movie sets up and introduces us to the characters. The last half hour grabs you and doesn’t let you go. The ending is not expected and really awesome. Even though the film is supernatural it is believable and scary. The only extras on the disc is a short 15 minute making of feature hosted by director Fernando Barreda Luna. He talk about the the production, casting, shooting and locations. Even though it is short it definitely informative and enjoyable.
Starring: Queensrÿche
Studio: Eagle Rock Entertainment
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Recorded: October 13, 14, & 15, 2006 – Seattle, WA
Running Time: 179 minutes
Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars
I have seen Queensrÿche live twice and they sure can put on a pretty intense show. These guys are known for pretty much ruling the progressive metal for almost 30 years. In fact I will be seeing them again in November 2011 for their 30th anniversary tour. I came into this band later in their game but I think I am still able to appreciate their music. This concert showcases one of their well known albums “Operation Mindcrime Part I” and its 2006 follow up “Operation Mindcrime Part II”. Both which are great albums for sure.
One problem I have with this release is…why 1080i??? I have no idea why most concert films are released in 1080i. If we can get kids shows like “Thomas The Tank” on Blu-ray in 1080p, why not concerts. Despite my complaining the video looks amazing though and is really a fantastic production. The sound is the best part of this release and total rocks its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. The music does not overpower Geoff Tate’s singing, as it is very crisp and clear. I was just at a Bush concert and I had a bitch of time hearing the words beyond the over-amped guitars. This release manages to get that perfectly right!
The extras on the disc are not amazing and only in standard definition. The first feature is tour documentary which includes footage with fans of Queensryche, behind the scenes at the concerts and additional footage with Ronnie James Dio, bassist Rudi Sarzo, the Seahawks’ Drum Line. There is an extra song “The Chase” performed with the late Ronnie James Dio. Lastly there is “Rock & Ride Charity Motorcycle Ride” which includes raw foot from the NYC event from September 20, 2006. Honestly though event though the special features of light, don’t forget this disc includes an amazing 3 hour concert which is worth the price of the set alone!
Operation Mindcrime Part I
1. I Remember Now
2. Anarchy-X
3. Revolution Calling
4. Operation: Mindcrime
5. Speak
6. Spreading The Disease
7. The Mission
8. Suite Sister Mary
9. The Needle Lies
10. Electric Requiem
11. Breaking The Silence
12. I Don’t Believe In Love
13. Waiting For 22
14. My Empty Room
15. Eyes Of A Stranger
Operation Mindcrime Part II
16. Freiheit Ouverture
17. Convict
18. I’m American
19. One Foot In Hell
20. Hostage
21. The Hands
22. Speed Of Light
23. Signs Say Go
24. Re-Arrange You
25. The Chase
26. Murderer?
27. Circles
28. If I Could Change It All
29. An Intentional Confrontation
30. A Junkie’s Blues
31. Fear City Slide
32. All The Promises
Directors: Andrew Rossi
Starring: David Carr, Carl Bernstein, Richard Perez-Pena, Tim Arango, Bill Keller, Brian Stelter
Studio: Magnolia Home Entertainment
MPAA Rating: R
Run Time: 92 minutes
Overall Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars
I guess this film interested me because I definitely am a believer that print newspaper is dead or if not dead dying. Don’t get me wrong The New York Times itself is not dead especially with social medias like Facebook, Twitter and now digital subscriptions. I was hoping for a real inside look into the New York Times and the end of the newspaper debate but what this film was about was more the David Carr story. David is a drug addict turned newspaper journalist. He is interesting at first being knowledgeable and such but grows old fast.
“Page One” gives an inside access to The New York Times newsroom and it’s Media Desk. Some of the issues that are presented are the growing internet, which is surpassing print as the public’s main news source. We get to see some debates and discussion about that issue but not enough. Basically we get an inside look at people complaining about what to print and how they are concerned for their jobs. I guess every documentary needs a star and a focus so for this one they chose David Carr. He is very well spoken but not an interesting choice for this documentary.
The extras on the are ok but not great. They include over twenty minutes of additional scenes, with some that are entertaining and worth a watch. There are also some extended interviews which work better edited in the film. The next feature “Journalists React to Page One,” is the impressions from media moguls as they leave a screening…nothing special. There is brief 15 minute edit of Q&A with the Cast and Filmmakers” from various festivals and screenings. There is a feature called “Tim Arango with Joao Silva in Iraq”, which goes into more detail from the film about Arango. I thought the storyline in the film didn’t fit well and seemed too short. This feature is decent. Of course a Magnolia Pictures release would be the same without a bunch of sneak peaks.
Starring: Zane Lamprey, Steve McKenna
No. of episodes: 24
Original channel: HDNet
Overall Score: 3 out of 5 stars
This show is about comedian Zane Lamprey explores the United States and the local drinking culture of their various cities. The format of the show is not too complex as he drinks pretty much anything. The show isn’t just drinking though as his friend Steve McKenna usually focus on eating challenges throughout this cities. After 24 episodes it gets a little bit repetitive but luckily each city has different options to offer. The show is entertaining overall but I still prefer the show “Three Sheets” which is currently airing on Spike.
Season one consists of Zane and his crew visiting the following cities Phoenix, Sante Fe, Austin, Dallas, New Orleans, Florida, Atlanta, Virginia, Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Louis, Kansas City, Denver, Salt Lake City, Boise, Portland, Napa, San Francisco, Las Vegas, San Diego and Los Angeles. Some of the highlight stops on the season come from New York, New Orleans, Florida and Vegas. The show also features Zane and Steve in a competition called “Six Six-Pack Challenge”, these were typical lame. Zane also tries to learn the history behind each location.
The special features on the disc great and jam packed. The first feature is almost an hour footage from the “Drinking Made Easy” Comedy Tour. If you are looking for deleted scenes you are in the right place as this has over an hour of deleted scenes. Unlike most deleted scenes they are worth watching. Lastly each episode has commentary from Zane and his crew, this is really funny stuff and adds a different aspect to the show.
Directed By: Joe Maggio
Starring: Dennis Farina
Distributed by: Tribeca Film
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 103 minutes
Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars
I was originally asked to review this film to prepare for a review with star Dennis Farina. So I had no idea what it was or what to expect and I was real happy I watched this film. It is quite the gem and Farina is a one man show that plays one of his best character roles to date. The film is yet another recent gem from Tribeca Film following recent films I’ve seen “The High Cost of Living” and “Janie Jones”.
Joe May (Dennis Farina) is a guy who gets out of the hospital finding that his life is turned upside down. His apartment is re-rented, his belongings are gone, his friends have forgotten him. Joe is an aging short money hustler, who has been looking for his big break around every corner. With his health fading and options running out it is Joe has one last chance to achieve greatness.
Dennis Farina is known for playing the tough guy…someone you don’t want to mess with but this role was made for Dennis Farina. Dennis is vulnerable but still tough and he still kick an ass. The roles I can recall for Dennis Farina have him in a supporting role and this one really gives him a chance to shine. The role was pretty physical as well and I give him a lot of credit in fact. Overall it is a very tight drama with a great story and notable performances.
Directed by: Tom Six
Starring: Laurence R. Harvey, Ashlynn Yennie
Distributed by IFC Midnight
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Running time: 87 minutes
Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars
I am not afraid of squeamish films and I am a big fan of the “The Human Centipede (First Sequence)”. I thought it was different, original and very disturbing. This film is also very different, original and very very disturbing. A sequel to this film could have just been a real cop-out but I feel that a lot of planning actually went into this. Tom Six is no doubt one fucked up guy but he definitely knows how to make a good film. If you are a fan of this first film, this is a must see and definitely worth a watch.
The sequel takes a very interesting turn and takes us into the “real world” where we have Martin Lomax, who is completely obsesses with the film “The Human Centipede (First Sequence)”. Martin has plans to complete the full twelve person centipede. He even goes as far as setting up a fake audition with the first films star Ashlynn Yennie, who returns as herself. I don’t want to say more to avoid spoilers. Just make sure not to eat prior to watch this film.
I have to give Laurence R. Harvey the highest praise since he plays the highly disturbed Martin Lomax. He does not speak a word throughout the film and that is what makes him even creepier. I might even say that he trumps Dieter Laser in terms of creepiness. He is really enjoying what he is doing and seems so detached from reality. I completely understand why this film threatened to be banned in the UK, it is extremely intense and makes the first film look like a kids film. I am serious it is that intense.
Director: Danny Buday
Starring: Cam Gigandet, Jena Malone, Julianna Guill, Will Yun Lee, Max Hartman
Distributed by: Breaking Glass Pictures
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 97 minutes
Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars
“You are going to have 5 star day”. Many people follow horoscopes daily and believe it paves the path for their day. I have never really followed nor even read them for myself. This film follows one person born on a specific day at a specific time at a specific place and his goal to complete his thesis comparison on horoscopes. This film This film is packed with comedy, drama and some really great performances.
Cam Gigandet plays Jake Gibson a down on his luck guy, who loses his job, his girlfriend and his car in one day, despite his vibrant horoscope. Cam sets out to complete his thesis project and disprove horoscopes. He tracks down three people who were born on the same day and at the same place as himself and find out how they spent their recent birthday. He wanted to see if the others followed their horoscopes or were similiar to Jake’s day. On his journey Jake meets Sarah Reynolds (Jena Malone), Yvette Montgomery (Brooklyn Sudano) and Wesley Henderson (Max Hartman). He ends up exploring how they spent their birthday but got a lot more than he expected on his trip.
Cam Gigandet known best for his role in the first “Twilight” film, really gets to shine in this film. He is funny, charismatic and really strong character. Jena Malone has less of a role but is really packed with drama as single mother on the brink of losing her daughter. I really enjoyed the performance from Max Hartman. I thought he was very funny and his scenes were the highlight of the film. This film is definitely worth checking out.
Mallika Sherawat is a well known Bollywood actress who is crossing over into American cinema with her new film “Politics of Love”. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Mallika about the film and how was it working with her co-star Brian White.
Mike Gencarelli: Tell us what drew you to the film “Politics of Love”? Mallika Sherawat: I thought it was a great script. I thought it would be a great way to make my debut in America with such a great story. How many ethnic actors get an opportunity to play the main lead in a romantic comedy in Hollywood.
MG: What did you like most about playing Aretha Gupta? MS: What I liked about the character was there was no boundaries. She was not affected by her ethnicity. That is what I liked the most about her. She enjoyed being half Indian and half African American. There are no boundaries about race, ethnicity and religion.
MG: We recently interview Brian White and tell us how was it working with him and how was your chemistry on set? MS: The chemistry with Brian was great. He is a very giving kind of actor. He made me feel very comfortable. He was very warm and nice. I also learned a lot from him regarding American politics. I had to do a lot of homework. I learned a lot from him about Martin Luther King and his points of view. It was very educating.
MG: Prior to working on the film, tell us about the research you had to do? MS: Oh my God…yes! I am from Bollywood and I know a lot about Indian politics but not American. I had I to immerse myself in the difference between Democratic and Republicans. Then on top of that I spent a lot of time with Kamala Harris, the Attorney General of San Francisco. I really had to learn a lot.
MG: Switching gears totally, tell us about working on “Hisss”? MS: It is such a departure “Hisss” was a very eastern story based on mythology about the shape shifting snake. It is very popular story in the east. In “Hisss” I play a snake goddess and in “Politics of Love” I play Aretha Gupta, the girl next door [laughs]. What better for an actor to get out of their comfort zone and really experiment.
MG: How was it working with Robert Kurtzman on the full snake costume? MS: The costume was torture. I love Robert Kurtzman…but it was torture. It was all snake skin. I was sew into the costume and I couldn’t pee for 14 hours. I got dehydrated plus I covered in mud throughout the shoot. I also couldn’t walk because the snake had a tail, so I had to be carried on the set [laughs].
MG: What do you have planned next? MS: Right now, what I am really doing is reading a lot of material and deciding carefully what the next movie for me should be.
Preston Strother is currently appear in the Hallmark Channel film “Oliver’s Ghost”. He also recently voiced a character on “Batman: Brave and the Bold”. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Preston about his new film as well as what he has planned upcoming.
Mike Gencarelli: Can you give us some background on role as Tony in “Oliver’s Ghost”? Preston Strother: I play the bully who picks on Oliver. Oliver is a kid that moves into a haunted house near Halloween. I play the ghost who lives in the attic. At first I try to scare Oliver and his family away but we become friends and I end up helping him solve problems.
MG: What did you like most about working on the film? PS: It was a tone of fun. We shot it in California and I met a lot of good people. I filmed for a week and it was really great?
MG: When can we expect to see the film? PS: The film is going to be shown on the Hallmark channel on October 22nd.
MG: How did you get involved with the game show “Brain Surge”? PS: That was a show where they get a bunch of kids together and compete for a bunch of different prizes. I didn’t quite make it to the final round sadly.
MG: How did you enjoy doing voice work on “Batman: Brave and the Bold”? PS: That was one of the best times I have ever had filming. I play Aquaman’s son. Everyone there has the coolest voice. It was a blast!
MG: What are your other passions outside of acting? PS: I like to draw, play guitar and football.
