Mike Smith, Author at MediaMikes

Film Review: “Manchester by the Sea”

Starring: Casey Affleck, Lucas Hedges and Michelle Williams
Directed by: Kenneth Lonergan
Rated: R
Running time: 2 hrs 17 mins
Amazon Studios

Our Score: 5 out of 5 Stars

Lee Chandler (Affleck) is the kind of man who just likes to go about his business. The maintenance man for a group of apartment buildings, his days are spent shoveling snow, fixing leaks and helping tenants unclog their toilets. He doesn’t say much, taking in the world with sad eyes. But when his brother suddenly dies, Lee is forced to not only deal with the fallout from that tragedy but another one from his past as well.

Featuring award-worthy performances from its three leads, “Manchester by the Sea,” is the perfect drama to off-set a multiplex full of Bad Santas and Dwayne Johnson. Lee’s brother, Joe (Kyle Chandler) has died and Lee must return to his old hometown to attend to things. While there he visits his nephew (Hedges) at his ice hockey practice. Several of the players gossip about Uncle Lee, though one maintains that “it never happened.” As the film progresses, we see Lee dealing with being charged with raising his nephew at the same time having to relive some of his past.

The story is told seamlessly by writer/director Lonergan, with modern day easily blending into the past, slowly building up to why everyone in this small town appears to know of Lee. Affleck has steadily grown from the young tag along in “Good Will Hunting” to an actor of great range. His eyes often saying what he won’t with his mouth, Lee’s simple life is anything but simple. As Lee’s former wife, Michelle Williams bares her emotions in a performance sure to break your heart. As the young nephew suddenly left father-less, Hedges equally impresses. All three actors are sure to draw some serious consideration come awards season, as will the film itself. Easily one of the years best!

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Filed Under: Film Reviews, Movies Tagged With: casey affleck, kenneth lonergan, lucas hedges, manchester by the sea, michelle williams

Film Review: “Moana”

Starring the voices of: Dwayne Johnson, Auli’i Cravalho and Rachel House
Directed by: Ron Clements, John Musker – co-directed by Don Hall and Chris Williams
Rated: PG
Running time: 1 hr 43 mins
Walt Disney Company

Our Score: 5 out of 5 Stars

Say hello to Maui. As voiced by Dwayne Johnson, Maui is a demi-god of great strength, humor and a beautiful singing voice! When her family is in need of help, it falls on the young Moana (Cravalho) to seek out Maui before it becomes too late.

Both brilliant and breathtaking, “Moana” is sure to be the next Disney classic. The characters are beautifully established and the actors behind them are pitch perfect. While much will be made of young Ms. Cravalho – who celebrated her 16th birthday on November 22 – the star here is the man formerly known as “the Rock.” Johnson established his skills for comedy in such films as “Be Cool” and “Pain and Gain,” his performance here is truly award worthy. And what a singing voice! Too bad the film is animated, as I wouldn’t be surprised if he can dance as well.

Like previous Disney animated features, the animation is outstanding. 95% of the film takes place in/on water, and the images on screen – I saw the film in 3D but it’s not necessary to enjoy it – flow by beautifully. Also like previous Disney animated films, there are some cute and funny animal characters that will steal your heart, among them a dimwitted chicken and the cutest piglet you’ve ever seen. Yes, cuter than the REAL Piglet! Other voice talents include Rachel House as Moana’s grandmother and Jermaine Clement as the crab Tamatoa. The songs are all Oscar worthy, with many them written by “Hamilton” scribe Lin Manuel Miranda. When all is said and done, it’s certainly the best way to spend 90 minutes this holiday!

Film Review: “Loving”

Starring: Joel Edgerton, Ruth Negga and Nick Kroll
Directed by: Jeff Nichols
Rated: PG-13
Running time: 2 hrs 3 mins
Focus Features

Our Score: 3 out of 5 Stars

In April 1967, the United States Supreme Court heard the case of Loving v. Virginia. Years earlier, Richard (Edgerton) and Mildred (Negga) Loving had been arrested, tried and found guilty in the state of Virginia. Their crime? Falling in love.

Based on the true story of the couple whose case made it legal for people of different races to marry each other, “Loving” is propelled by the performances of the two leads. Even though their small group of family and friends seems to accept this odd couple of a white man and a black woman, there are still boundaries. While shopping in a black-owned shop with the pregnant Mildred, Richard gently rubs her stomach. What should be a beautiful moment is meant with a stern gaze from the shopkeeper. One night the police barge into the Loving’s house, catching the couple in bed sleeping. Despite their marriage license, they are taken to jail where Richard is allowed to make bail. He is told that not only can he not bail his wife out but she must wait for the judge to come by in a few days. A deal is made in which the judge, who tells them they are breaking God’s law, agrees not to send them to prison if they leave the state of Virginia. How high is the price of love?

While the film strikes many emotional chords, I was left with more questions than answers. When we first meet Richard and Mildred their relationship has already been established. But what about their early days? How did they meet? How in the hell did they date? Were the nice people we see around them always so supportive? Sure we care about the Lovings and support their fight. But it would have been nice to be there when the battle began.

Film Review “Bleed for This”

Starring: Miles Teller, Aaron Eckhart and Katey Sagal
Directed by: Ben Younger
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hr 56 mins
Open Road
Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

You have to really have followed boxing in the late 1980s – early 1990s to remember Vinny Pazienza. Billed as “the Pazmanian Devil,” he was a hard fighter who could take a punch and almost always got up off of the mat. “Bleed for This” tells the story of Vinny’s ultimate comeback.

1988. We meet Vinny Pazienza (Teller, in excellent form – and shape) trying hard to make weight. Eventually he makes it to the required 140 lbs but his body is no match for the beating he endures. After losing he collapses from dehydration. Unable to get a decent fight offer, Vinny goes to train with Kevin Rooney (Eckhart), who at one time trained Mike Tyson. However, since Tyson left him for Don King, Rooney has been struggling. He and Vinny connect and, after Rooney suggests that Vinny fight at a weight he is more comfortable with, things begin to roll. But as he reaches the top of the mountain Vinny soon finds himself flat on his back one more time.

Well-paced and well-acted, “Bleed for This” could have gone the way of most sport biographies, which is to introduce the protagonist, watch him win a little than put some horrible event in front of him. Following his greatest victory to date, Vinny suffers a broken neck in a car accident, an injury that pretty much insures that he may never fight again, let alone walk. But fate has different ideas.

This is another in a list of fine performances by Miles Teller, who was so good in last year’s “Whiplash.” Here he captures the ego of Pazienza perfectly, making a man whose boasting should make him unlikable actually become someone to care about. Eckhart, his hairline shaved back, is also strong as Mooney, with both Sagal and Ciarin Hinds excelling as Vinny’s mom and dad. If you’re a fan of a great comeback story, I highly recommend you give “Bleed for This” a try.

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Filed Under: Film Headlines, Film Reviews Tagged With: aaron eckhart, ben younger, bleed for this, ciaran hinds, film review, katey sagal, ...

FREE PASSES TO THE KANSAS CITY PREMIERE OF “THE SPACE BETWEEN US”

MediaMikes has teamed with STX Entertainment to give (150) readers and their guests the chance to be among the first to see the new film “The Space Between Us.”

The film, starring Asa Butterfield, Britt Robertson and Gary Oldman, will be shown at the B&B Overland Park 16 on Wednesday, November 16th and will begin at 7:00 p.m.

All you have to do is go to http://stxtickets.com/bJYQC98176 and enter the following code: bJYQC98176.
The first (150) to do this will receive a pass for two to the screening.

Good Luck!

The Space Between Us opens theatrically December 16th, view the trailer here.

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Filed Under: Giveaways, Kansas City, Screenings Tagged With: advance screening, asa butterfield, gary oldman, giveaways, The space between us

Film Review: “Christine”

Starring: Rebecca Hall, Tracy Letts and Michael C. Hall
Directed by: Antonio Campos
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hr 55 mins
The Orchard

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 Stars

There is a saying in the television news business that goes, “If it bleeds – it leads.” Definition – people are drawn to seeing other people suffer. Have you ever watched the news and the anchor looks into the camera and says, with a serious voice, “the video we are about to show you may be disturbing?” And if so, have you ever turned away? So imagine now that you’re watching television on July 15, 1974 and you hear the pretty broadcaster say, “In keeping with Channel 40’s policy of bringing you the latest in ‘blood and guts’, and in living color, you are going to see another first—attempted suicide.” Would you turn away?

The story of television personality Christine Chubbuck, who actually spoke the above words, “Christine” is an in-depth look into a problem that was either misdiagnosed or just ignored: depression. We meet Christine (Rebecca Hall in an award-worthy performance) sitting in front of a camera and “rehearsing” an interview she’d love to have with the disgraced President Richard Nixon. She uses these tapes to study her on-camera “language.” She also uses a pair of hand puppets to express many of the things she’s afraid to voice. Once an important part of Boston news, Christine now finds herself at a little station in Sarasota, Florida, where she went to relieve the stress in her life. Even though she has a crush on the stations anchorman (Michael C. Hall), she doesn’t date and, at age 29, is still a virgin. Her depression is obvious to us, the viewers, but to those around her she just seems put-offish. But with the opportunity to go to Baltimore being dangled in front of her, she begins to change.

I have to admit that I barely remember the incident that made Christine Chubbuck infamous. Television often blurs its reality. That’s why, in the film, Christine continually rails against the set decorator who insists on using artificial flowers. She strives for reality in all things. Ms. Hall gives a thorough and nuanced performance, making Christine both sympathetic and almost unlikable. The supporting cast also acquits itself well, with special mention going to Mr. Hall and the great Broadway star John Cullum as the owner of the news station.

With the success today of so many female television reporters, including Diane Sawyer, Martha Radditz and Katie Couric, it’s hard to remember how tough women had it in the workplace 40 years ago. The fact that one of the characters watches “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” is all we, as the audience, need to see. See you on the news.

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Filed Under: Film Reviews, Movies Tagged With: antonio campos, christine, christine chubbuck, michael c. hall, rebecca hall, tracy letts, ...

Film Review: “Hacksaw Ridge”

Starring: Andrew Garfield, Teresa Palmer and Vince Vaughn
Directed by: Mel Gibson
Rated: R
Running time: 2 hrs 11 mins
Summit Entertainment

Our Score: 5 out of 5 Stars

In the summer of 1979 I joined the U.S. Army and took Basic Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. I’d like to think we were tough then…running in the Carolina heat – we were the last training cycle to have to run in boots – running the obstacle course and complaining loudly that, when we got the chance to see a movie on post, we got stuck with “Beyond the Poseidon Adventure!” I mention this because, 37 years before I arrived, another young man took Basic at Fort Jackson. His name was Desmond Doss.

We meet young Desmond (Darcy Bryce) and his brother, Hal (Roman Guerriero) as they run through the beautiful countryside of their Virginia home. Like most boys do, they begin to rough-house, which quickly turns to punches. Egged on by their father, the boys begin to throw haymakers. Sensing he’s going to lose, Desmond picks up a brick and lands it against the side of Hal’s head. We have a winner. Of course this does not sit well with his parents, who warn the young boy that he could have easily killed his brother. Religion is important in the Doss household and the commandments are stressed. To break the one that reads, “Thou shall not kill,” according to Desmond’s mother (Rachel Griffiths), is the worse sin of all. Which seems like an easy rule to remember until Pearl Harbor, when the passive Desmond joins the Army. In doing so he learns he’ll have to fight to the bitter end for his beliefs and his life…against his fellow soldiers.

Based on the life of the only Conscientious Objector – these are people that refuse military service on the grounds of personal or religious beliefs – to win the Medal of Honor during WWII, the film relies on strong performances and brilliant storytelling to tell the story without being heavy-handed. Wanting to serve his country, Desmond (Garfield) joins the Army, having been assured that his CO status will not hinder his basic training experience. Sadly, that is not the case. His fellow soldiers, his drill instructor (an amazing Vaughn) and his unit commander are not pleased with his decision. In their eyes, a soldier who won’t pick up a weapon is a coward…someone they certainly can’t count on in battle. As he is given terrible tasks to perform, as well as almost nightly beatings, Doss continues to push on. He scarcely avoids a courts martial and, after much debate, is allowed to travel to Okinawa with his fellow soldiers. It is there that he shows all that will listen what a true hero is.

The cast, led by Garfield, proves to be up to the task of taking the audience into the middle of a war. All of the young men are able to get across the message of helplessness of having to keep your wits about you when everyone else is unable to do so. Garfield does a fine job, as does Ms. Palmer, who plays Desmond’s soon to be wife, Dorothy. But it is Vince Vaughn, as the company NCO in charge that delivers the most powerful performance. Gone is the snarky smart guy, replaced by a character that is perfectly fleshed out. Think of him as a cross between R. Lee Ermey in “Full Metal Jackson” and Tom Sizemore in “Saving Private Ryan.”

Like the latter Spielberg film, the depiction of war is, indeed, hell. Gibson pulls no punches as he moves his camera among the casualties, filling our eyes with missing limbs and our ears with screams. Gibson has always had a great eye behind the camera and this film only adds to that reputation.

“In peacetime, sons bury fathers,” one man notes in the film, noting that “in times of war, fathers bury their sons.” Such is the price of war. I thank God every day that in my six years in the Army I never had to pick up a weapon in anger. I didn’t have to make that choice. Desmond Doss did. And his choices made him a hero.

Film Review: “Inferno”

Starring: Tom Hanks, Felicity Jones and Ben Foster
Directed by: Ron Howard
Rated: R
Running time: 2 hrs 1 mins
Sony Pictures

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 Stars

It’s funny that I saw this film the same night the World Series started. The film opens with Bertrand Zobrist (Foster) being chased through some classic Italian streets only to jump to his death from one of the grand towers. Is Bertrand’s story exciting or would I have been better off watching Chicago Cub player Ben Zobrist getting three hits in game one. I’ll let you know in a second.

Based on the latest best-selling novel by Dan Brown, and once again starring Tom Hanks as renown symbologist Robert Langdon, the tale finds Dr. Langdon waking up in a hospital believing that he is in Boston. Imagine his surprise when he discovers that he is in Florence, Italy and has been in the hospital due to having been grazed in the head by a bullet. His wallet and watch are gone but he does find something called a Faraday Pointer which, when activated, produces a map to Dante’s various levels of hell. Intrigued yet?

While I very much enjoyed both “The DaVinci Code” (I gave it 3 ½ stars out of 4 on a website I wrote for long ago) and “Angels and Demons” (3 out of 4 – same site), those films had a lot more action in them. I found “Inferno” quite boring at times, wishing I had paid my money to have someone read the book to me, which would have been more exciting than what was happening on screen. But I don’t blame the cast or the crew. This is the third time Hanks has played Langdon and it’s obvious that he is comfortable in the role. The supporting cast also does well, with Foster’s Bertrand Zobrist popping up through flashbacks to try to keep the story moving. And director Howard, one of my personal favorites, has no trouble keeping the action interesting. When there is action. Unfortunately there are also huge chunks where people just ramble on and on about Dante, hell and where they should be heading to next. Wherever it is, the cast waits and waits on Hanks to divulge the next destination, then gives him a resounding “Of Course!”

If you’re a fan of the series you might enjoy this more than I did. If not, spend your time with BEN Zobrist. Go Cubs!

NYC Metrograph to Host Paul Schrader Retrospect

Here’s some trivia for you. What writer/director, whose scripts include “Taxi Driver,” “Blue Collar,” “Hardcore,” “Raging Bull” and so many others didn’t even SEE a movie until after he turned 18? If you guessed Paul Schrader, give yourself a hand.

To honor a career that has spanned more than four decades, The Metrograph in New York City will be hosting a retrospect beginning this week, with screenings of five of his best known films and highlighted by a screening of his latest film, “Dog Eat Dog,” starring Nicolas Cage and Willem Dafoe. A Q&A with Mr. Schrader will be held immediately after this screening.

The other films chosen for this tribute include “Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters,” “American Gigolo,” “Patty Hearst” and “Affliction.” The retrospect runs from Saturday, October 29 through Tuesday, November 1.

For more information click HERE

“Dog Eat Dog” opens in NYC and LA on November 4 and expands its run on November 11

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Filed Under: Film Headlines, Movies Tagged With: american gigolo, blue collar, hardcore, patty hearst, paul schrader, raging bull, ...

Film Review: “The Accountant”

Starring: Ben Affleck, Anna Kendrick and J.K. Simmons
Directed by: Gavin O’Connor
Rated: R
Running time: 2 hrs 8 mins
Warner Bros

Our Score: 4 out of 5 Stars

Christian Wolff seems like a normal child. Until you spend time with him. Currently he is sitting at a table, feverishly putting a puzzle together. Suddenly he panics – he only has 999 of the 1000 pieces. When the missing piece is found Chris completes the puzzle. As he inserts the final piece we see that he has completed the puzzle upside down – the image is face-down. All we see is the blank cardboard back. “Is this normal,” Chris’ father asks the man Chris has been brought to meet. His reply: “Define normal.”

A well-crafted thriller, “The Accountant” picks up 20-years after the puzzle incident with young Christian Wolff (Affleck) now a successful C.P.A. With his dented thermos, brought-from-home sandwich and pocket protector, he could be the nerdy guy next door. Except Christian has a secret. One that Ray King (Simmons), head of the US Treasury Department’s Crime Enforcement Division has been trying to solve for years. King enlists the help of Marybeth Medina (Cynthia Addai-Robinson) to discover why Wolff seems to be involved with some very high profile (read: non-law abiding) customers. Meanwhile, Wolff has been also asked to solve a problem. When a corporate accountant for a major robotics company suspects that someone is stealing from the company she asks Christian to take a look at the books, which may or may not have been cooked for years.

Smartly directed, with a nice twist in the story, “The Accountant” rests squarely on the shoulders of Ben Affleck. I love the fact that he is a mathematical savant, giving the audience a chance to wonder what could have happened to Will Hunting had he not followed Skylar to California. Affleck gives Wolff a quiet coolness, never raising his voice or getting agitated. Kendrick’s role is really secondary. She is here to attract Christian to the main plot line of the film, the going-ons at the robotics company. Affleck is aided by several great character actors, including John Lithgow, Jon Bernthal and Jeffrey Tambor. Director O’Connor, who helmed the underrated MMA film “Warrior,” keeps the film moving with strong pacing that never misses a beat.

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Filed Under: Film Reviews, Movies Tagged With: anna kendrick, Ben Affleck, gavin o'connor, j.k. simmons, jeffrey tambor, john lithgow, ...

Concert Review: Elvis Costello w/Larkin Poe

“Elvis Costello Detour Tour”

Elvis Costello w/Larkin Poe
Friday October 7th, 2016
Yardley Hall at Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, KS

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 Stars

Concert Review by J.R. Deeter

I have to admit I haven’t really listened to Elvis Costello in a long while so when I heard he was having a show at a local “small” venue, I thought it would be cool to check it out, enjoy the hits and see what was new with the man who first caught my attention when I was a radio DJ in the 80’s. Back then “Everyday I Write the Book” and “Allison” were staples of my Top 40 airplay.

The setting for this “Detour Tour” was both simplistic and engaging. Centered around a giant TV screen on which still photos and occasional videos played out moments of time in the life of Costello (including a performance of his fathers 1960’s version of “If I Had A Hammer”) were an easy chair, a few guitars and a borrowed piano from his wife, jazz artist Diana Krall.

Opening act Larkin Poe was an unexpected pleasure. The duo from Atlanta are often described as Southern roots rockers and they do deliver with their bluesy, guitar driven sound. The vocals of Rebecca Lovell and lap steel guitar of sister Megan combined to entertain and for me, the highlight of their set was a smokin’ cover of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs.” Larkin Poe also serve as backing musicians for Costello for a good portion of his show.

Costello’s performance rolled through several waves, moving at times from guitar to piano and back to guitar. In between, anecdotes and reminiscences were delivered, along with the occasional Trump jab, to an appreciative audience. Many in the audience were surprised to learn that Costello had written several songs for a planned stage musical based on the film “A Face In the Crowd.” Upon divulging this, Costello performed “Blood & Hot Sauce” and “Burn the Paper Down to Ash” featuring vocals by Larkin Poe’s Rebecca Lovell. Top moments for me included the off mike, into the audience version of “Alison” and the rousing, crowd pleasing “Peace, Love and Understanding.” On the downside, no “Veronica” or “Radio Radio.”

Elvis Costello Set List:
1.)New Amsterdam
2.)Poison Moon
3.)Accidents Will Happen
4.)They’re Not Laughing at Me Now
5.)All This Useless Beauty
6.)Everyday I Write the Book
7.)Shipbuilding
8.)Deep Dark Truthful Mirror
9.)No Man’s Woman
10.)Face in the Crowd
11.)Little White Lies
12.)American Without Tears
13.)Watching the Detectives
14.)Alison
Encore
15.)Blame It on Cain
16.)Clown Strike
17.)Burn the Paper Down to Ash
18.)Vitajex
19.)That’s Not the Part of Him You’re Leaving
20.)American Mirror
Encore 2
21.)(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes
22.)Jimmie Standing in the Rain
23.)Side By Side
24.)Blood & Hot Sauce
Encore 3
25.)Brilliant Mistake
26.)Down on the Bottom
27.)(What’s So Funny ’bout) Peace, Love and Understanding
28.)Good Year for the Roses

The tour continues through the month. Upcoming dates include:

October 11: Majestic Theater Dallas, Texas

October 13: Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater Austin, Texas

October 14: Revention Music Center Houston, Texas

October 15: Saenger Theater New Orleans, Louisiana

October 17: Ryman Auditorium Nashville, Tennessee

October 18: Cobb Energy Centre Atlanta, Georgia

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Filed Under: Concert Reviews, Music Tagged With: detour tour, elvis costello, larkin poe

DVD Review: “Wild Oats”

Starring: Shirley MacLaine, Jessica Lange and Howard Hesseman
Directed by: Andy Tennant
Rated: PG-13
Anchor Bay Entertainment
DVD Release Date: October 4, 2016
Run Time: 86 mins

Film: 3.5 out of 5 Stars
Extras: None

A fun romp with a great cast, “Wild Oats” tells the story of recently widowed Eva (MacLaine) and her best friend Maddie (Lange). After Eva’s husband dies she receives his life insurance payment. However, instead of the expected $50,000.00 the check is mistakenly made out for $5 million. What to do? Most people would return the check. Eva cashes it and she and Maddie embark on a vacation adventure that draws the attention of the media and, of course, the insurance company.

I always read that there aren’t any good roles written for older actresses, but Eva and Maddie are well written and well developed characters. It helps that they are played by two formidable former Oscar winners who exhibit more energy in their performances than actresses 50 years their junior. The supporting cast is equally strong, including Demi Moore as Eva’s daughter, Billy Connolly as Eva’s suitor, Rebecca Da Costa and Judd Hirsch. And Hesseman almost steals the film as the exasperated insurance company agent sent to retrieve their money. And an added bonus here for fans of the television show “Head of the Class,” a program in which Connolly replaced Hesseman.

A small film with big laughs, “Wild Oats” is one you should look for next time you’re at the video store.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews, Movies Tagged With: andy tennant, billy bonnolly, demi moore, howard hessemann, jessica lange, judd hirsch, ...

Film Review: “The Birth of a Nation”

Starring: Nate Parker, Armie Hammer and Jackie Earle Haley
Directed by: Nate Parker
Rated: R
Running time: 2 hrs
Fox Searchlight

Our Score: 5 out of 5 Stars

Haunting.

When people have asked me my opinion of “The Birth of a Nation,” that is the word I’ve used most. The story, the images, the history…

A young boy is surrounded by family and friends. His chest bears what is described as “the mark.” He is told that he is destined to be a prophet and to lead. Born into slavery, the boy is taught to read by the wife of the owner of the cotton plantation he lives on. As “white” books are off limits, he devours the only book he is allowed to hold, the Bible.

Year later, the boy is now the man we know as Nat Turner (Parker). Soon he is leading his fellow slaves in worship. This occupation serves him, and his master’s (Hammer) well when he is hired by neighboring plantation owners to come and preach to their slaves to keep them in-line. Feeling uneasy, but wanting to help out the master who, for the most parts, has been good to him, he addresses the workers, quoting Bible verses that speak about serving your master and being obedient. However, after witnessing the horrific treatment of his brothers, Nat begins to get fiery in the pulpit. No longer does he preach about a God that demands obedience. Now he speaks of a God of love, who is also a God of wrath! A wrath that Nat Turner took upon himself to deliver.

Winner of both the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, “The Birth of a Nation” is easily one of the best, and most important, films of the year. Like “12 Years a Slave,” it introduces audiences to a part of history that few choose to remember and many choose to forget. And the credit goes to its star, director and co-writer, Nate Parker who, surrounded by an amazing cast, tells the story of a true American hero whose exploits are often glossed over because of the way they were achieved.

Parker, resembling a young Denzel Washington, is flawless as Turner, often expressing his emotions, be they joy or sadness, more with his eyes then his voice. And, like Washington, he holds the screen with his presence. Hammer also excels as the owner who, when everything boils over, is just as hateful as all the others. As a slave hunter with a penchant for violence, Jackie Earle Haley is pure evil. The supporting cast, including Aja Naomi King as Turner’s wife and Penelope Anne Miller as the mistress of the plantation, also give amazing performances.

Technically the film is beautifully photographed and the musical score by Henry Jackman carries the film along and matches the visuals note for note. But the message here IS the message here. As the film nears its climax a young man exclaims that, “They’re killing black people for no other reason than being black.” Words from 1831 that continue to reverberate in 2016.

Haunting.

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Filed Under: Film Reviews, Movies Tagged With: aja naomi king, armie hammer, gabrielle union, henry jackman, jackie earle haley, nate parker, ...

WIN PASSES TO THE KANSAS CITY PREMIERE OF “KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES

Media Mikes has teamed up with 20th Century Fox to give (50) readers and a guest the chance to be among the first to attend the advance screening of the new comedy “Keeping Up With the Joneses.”

The screening will be held on Thursday, October 13th at the B&B Overland Park 16 theatre in Overland Park, Kansas and will begin at 7:00 pm. All you have to do is click HERE and retrieve your pass for (2). This is a first come/first serve giveaway.

“Keeping Up With the Joneses,” starring Zach Galafianakis, Isla Fisher, Gal Gadot and Jon Hamm, opens nationwide on October 21st.

Win Passes to the Kansas City Premiere of “The Birth of the Nation”

Media Mikes has teamed up with Fox Searchlight Films to give (100) lucky readers and a guest the chance to be among the first to see one of the most anticipated films of the year, Nate Parker’s “The Birth of a Nation.” The story of Nat Turner, who led a rebellion of slaves and free black men in 1831, the film stars Nate Parker (who also directed and co-wrote the film), Gabrielle Union and Jackie Earle Haley.

The screening will be held at the AMC Barrywoods Theatre in Kansas City, Missouri on Monday, October 3 and will begin at 7:00 pm. To obtain your passes just click here. This is a first come/first served giveaway and passes are limited to the first 100. Good luck!

Winner of both the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival, “The Birth of a Nation” opens nationwide on Friday, October 7.

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Filed Under: Giveaways, Kansas City, Screenings Tagged With: amc, gabrielle union, jackie eearle haley, kansas city, nate parker, the birth of a nation, ...

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Page 38 of 88

Author: Mike Smith

Film Review: “Manchester by the Sea”

Film Review: “Moana”

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Film Review: “Loving”

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Film Review “Bleed for This”

FREE PASSES TO THE KANSAS CITY PREMIERE OF “THE SPACE BETWEEN US”

Film Review: “Christine”

Film Review: “Hacksaw Ridge”

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Film Review: “Inferno”

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NYC Metrograph to Host Paul Schrader Retrospect

Film Review: “The Accountant”

Concert Review: Elvis Costello w/Larkin Poe

DVD Review: “Wild Oats”

Film Review: “The Birth of a Nation”

WIN PASSES TO THE KANSAS CITY PREMIERE OF “KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES

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Win Passes to the Kansas City Premiere of “The Birth of the Nation”