Film Review “The Lego Movie”

Starring the voices of: Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks and Chris Pratt
Directed by: Phil Lord and Christopher Miller
Rated: PG
Running time: 1 hour 40 mins
Warner Brothers

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“Everything is Awesome!” Or so goes the very catchy song that plays constantly on the radios of the citizens of Bricksburg, personally approved by President Business. An appropriate song, as it fit’s the movie it’s featured in perfectly.

An amazing film on so many levels, the creators of “The Lego Movie” have taken a simple plaything – seriously, it’s a block of plastic – and turned it into a fun, action packed adventure for the whole family. The story begins when Lord Vitruvius (voiced by the great Morgan Freeman) informs his followers that one day a “master builder” will show him/her self and find the missing piece to save their world. Eight and a half years later we’re introduced to Emmet (Pratt), an ordinary citizen with an ordinary job who happily sings along with the above mentioned song, watches the land’s number one television show (“Where Are My Pants?”) and lives his life by the instructions provided. One day he stumbles onto a work site where he interrupts Wyldstyle (Banks) in mid-search for the legendary missing piece. Soon he is drafted into a rebel group that includes many of the familiar pop culture characters of the past 50 years, from Batman (Will Arnett) to Lando Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams). Pursued by Bad Cop (Liam Neeson), the group manages to stay one step ahead of being captured. They discover a plot to destroy their world, courtesy of a weapon known as KRAGLE. Can our heroes save the day? Come on…Lando Calrissian.

I must admit that I never really played with LEGOs as a kid. The fact that I couldn’t even build a square probably had something to do with that. But I’ve always admired the people that can take a box and build the Death Star from “Star Wars.” That admiration grows 10 fold for the makers of this film. Everything you see on screen – from the characters, their homes…even the clouds in the sky and the water in the ocean…is a LEGO. And if you can, catch this in 3D – it’s pretty incredible. The action on screen is accompanied by some great voice actors obviously having fun. As Batman, Arnett steals the film, so much so that you can only hope for a stand-alone Batman/LEGO film one day. Others dropping by to lend their talents include Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Dave Franco and Nick Offerman. Even Shaquile O’Neal drops by. Morgan Freeman and Shaq – you’re not going to see these two guys together on screen very often. That’s awesome!

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Film Review “The Monuments Men”

Starring: George Clooney, Matt Damon and Bill Murray
Directed by: George Clooney
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hour 58 mins
Columbia

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

In a review written about George Clooney’s directorial debut, “Confessions of a Dangerous Mind,” the critic noted that Clooney’s work behind the camera signaled the introduction of a major filmmaking talent. Nine Academy Award nominations and two Oscar wins later, that critic proved to be right. And though I don’t like blowing my own horn I should point out here that the critic was me. A decade later, Clooney continues to impress me with his latest film, the World War II drama “Monuments Men.”

Ghent, Belgium. Despite the protests of the protective clergy, a group of Nazis is in the process of stealing the historically valuable Ghent Altarpiece. Twelve painted panels with a value to Christians that can’t be measured in money. Unfortunately, all over Europe, wherever the Nazis have gained a foothold, this story is repeated thousands and thousands of times. From large galleries to the collections from the private sector, Hitler has decreed that any and all valuable art be confiscated. His plan is to open a museum in his hometown where he can display these items. Enter Frank Stokes (Clooney), an art historian who has pressured President Roosevelt into allowing him to form a band of likeminded men in the hopes of saving history. “We need to know if the Statue of David is still standing…if the Mona Lisa is still smiling.”

Based on a true story, “The Monuments Men” tells the story of Stokes’ team and the missions they underwent to ensure that past civilizations, long gone but still remembered because of their artifacts, would not be destroyed. Though the team is made up of fellow art historians and curators, they first must endure military basic training because they must travel as part of the military. The group includes James Granger (Damon), curator of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, his English counterpart, Donald Jeffries (Hugh Bonneville) and French historian Jean Claude Clermont (“The Artist” Oscar winner Jean Dujardin). They are joined by three American scholars, played by John Goodman, Bob Balaban and Bill Murray. The three provide some comic relief but also some of the film’s most dramatic scenes. All are perfectly cast as is Cate Blanchett, who plays a French art curator who stands accused of helping the Nazi’s steal that country’s artifacts. As the war begins to wind down the men learn that the Russian army, in an attempt to recoup some of its monetary losses, is also looking for the stolen art with the intentions of keeping it.

Credit Clooney, the director for surrounding Clooney, the actor, with a top rate cast. Each actor is a perfect complement to the others, with no one overshadowing the other. Damon is solid, as are the rest of the actors. If I had to single out a group it would be the three scholars. All have done incredible supporting work in the past and they continue that trait here. They know why they’ve been chosen and they know what is at stake. All three bring a touch of realism to the moments depicted, with Murray making himself an early name to consider for next year’s Oscars. Technically the film is well made, with great affection and attention to detail while composer Alexandre Desplat’s score sets the perfect mood.

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Oscar Winner Philip Seymour Hoffman dead at 46

Philip Seymour Hoffman, who in the span of two decades became one of the most admired and acclaimed actors of his generation, died earlier today from an apparent drug overdose.  He was 46.

The four-time Academy Award nominated actor, who won the Best Actor Oscar in 2006 for his work in the film “Capote,” was found in his Greenwich Village apartment today.  Police reports state that he was found with a hypodermic needle in his arm and two small bags, containing a substance thought to be heroin, near his body.

Born in Fairport, New York on July 23, 1967, Hoffman became interested in acting as a young boy after attending a local theater performance of Arthur Miller’s “All My Sons.”  After many high school productions he attended New York University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Drama.

He began his acting career in 1991 with an appearance during the first season of the long running television show “Law and Order.”  The next year he appeared in two feature films:  “Leap of Faith,” with Steve Martin, and the Oscar-winning “Scent of a Woman,” opposite Al Pacino and Chris O’Donnell.  The next couple of years found him in supporting roles in films like “My Boyfriend’s Back,” “The Getaway” and “Nobody’s Fool.”  In 1996 he began his long association with director Paul Thomas Anderson with an appearance in the film “Hard Eight.”  Other notable Anderson-directed films include “Boogie Nights,” “Magnolia,” “Punch Drunk Love” and “The Master.”  He spent the next decade doing outstanding work in such diverse films as “The Big Lebowski,” “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” “Almost Famous” and “Cold Mountain.”  In 2005 he brilliantly portrayed author Truman Capote in the biographical drama “Capote.”  For his performance he received his first Academy Award nomination and, in fact, he took home the Oscar for Best Actor.  He later received Best Supporting Actor nominations for “Charlie Wilson’s War,” “Doubt” and “The Master.”  

Later films include “Mission Impossible 3,” “Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead,” “The Ides of March,’ “Moneyball” and “Jack Goes Boating,” which he also directed.  He recently appeared in “Catching Fire,” the second film in “The Hunger Games” series and had recently finished filming “Mockingjay – Part 1” and was currently filming “Part 2.”  

On stage, he was a member of the LAByrinth Theater Company since 1995, where he directed and starred in several productions.  On Broadway he earned three Tony Award nominations:  for Best Actor in a Play for “True West,” Best Featured Actor for “Long Day’s Journey Into Night” and again for Best Actor in “Death of a Salesman.”  At age 44, he was the youngest actor ever to play Willy Loman since Lee J. Cobb originated the role in 1949.  Other actors to take on the iconic role on Broadway include George C. Scott, Dustin Hoffman and Brian Dennehy.   For “True West,” he and co-star John C. Reilly would alternate the lead roles and, in fact, lobbied to receive one Tony Nomination between them.  Reilly was also nominated for his work in the play.

Hoffman dealt with his substance abuse issues after graduating from NYU and was 23 years sober when he relapsed in May 2013.  He checked himself into a detox facility shortly afterwards.  He leaves behind three children with long time partner Mimi O’Donnell; a son and two daughters.

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Film Review “Labor Day”

Starring: Kate Winslet and Josh Brolin
Directed by: Jason Reitman
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hour 51 mins
Paramount

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Thirteen year old Henry (Gattlin Griffith) is heading back to school. Summer is over and it’s time to do some shopping. Henry lives with his mother, Adele (Winslet) in a small New England town. Actually it’s the other way around. Since her husband divorced her and remarried Adele has withdrawn from the world. So much so that she only leaves the house once a month, when she drives Henry to the bank to cash a check then takes him around on a shopping run. Today she managed to actually get out of the car and join Henry as he shops for clothes. A pretty uneventful start for a holiday weekend.

Well intentioned but lacking in credibility, “Labor Day” is a bump in the so-far smooth cinematic road of director Jason Reitman. The director of such Oscar-nominated films as “Juno” and “Up in the Air,” Reitman has adapted Joyce Maynard’s novel into what can best be described as “Nicholas Sparks lite.” The story takes off when Henry is approached in the store by Frank (a never better Brolin), who has just escaped from the nearby prison. Injured, Frank strikes up a conversation with Henry and then “insists” that he and Adele give him a ride. Hoping to hide out until dark, Frank forces Adele to drive to her home, where he will be safe. He ties Adele up and warns Henry of the consequences of telling anyone what’s up. Then he makes dinner. Seriously. Digging through cupboards and the fridge he concocts what can only be described as the world’s best bowl of chilli. As Adele is still bound, he feeds it to her. Somewhere between “open up” and “thank you,” a connection is made. We know that because of the way Adele seductively blows on each spoonful to cool it off. When a neighbor comes by with a bucket of peaches Frank teaches the other two how to make a pie. I’ll assume the sight of all three of them putting their hands in the mixing bowl to squeeze the ripe peaches was supposed to evoke the pottery table scene in “Ghost,” but all I could think of was “is that really sanitary?” Of course, Frank doesn’t leave that night. He must really like pie!

If you can get past the plot (what there is of one) you’ll discover Winslet and Brolin at the top of their game. In scenes with Henry it is obvious that Adele has been hurt terribly by her divorce. She is a romantic and that romance has been taken from her. Which makes her take notice when Frank enters the picture. We’re told that Frank is a murderer but as the film progresses we learn things that go beyond black and white. Both actors give their all here and deserved a much better script. Young Griffith is equally good, giving a performance that belies his youth. Supporting turns by James Van der Beek as a local patrolman and Clark Gregg as Henry’s father keep the film interesting. But time and again, the story takes a weird turn that makes you say “huh?” I’m not an expert, but if I’d just escaped from prison and was hiding out in a small town with the law looking for me I wouldn’t be out in the driveway, fixing Adele’s car. Or fixing the porch. Or out in the yard having a catch with Henry. Of course, maybe that’s just me.

 

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Author of “Labor Day”, Joyce Maynard talks about the new film

If you recognize the name Joyce Maynard then you obviously have a knowledge of literature. Casual readers may know her as the young impressionable writer who, at age 18, began a 10 month relationship with the reclusive author J.D. Salinger, 35 years her senior. More learned readers know her as the author of such diverse books as “To Die For,” “At Home in the World” and “Labor Day.” “To Die For,” adapted by Buck Henry, was made into a film by Gus Van Sant.

This week, the film version of “Labor Day,” adapted and directed by Jason Reitman and starring Josh Brolin and Kate Winslet, hits theatres. After a recent screening, Ms. Maynard sat down with me to talk about the film, teenage boys and the great state of New Hampshire.

Mike Smith: One thing that stood out to me was, even though there are very adult themes in the film, there was really no crude language. Was this deliberate on your part?
Joyce Maynard: I didn’t see the need. I’m not saying that I would never put “adult” language in a book…some people talk like that. And I’m certainly not an advocate of censorship. Some people don’t talk the way we’d like our children to talk. These are adults but nobody takes off their apron (laughs)…no one takes off their dress. I wanted the reader to “feel” the chemistry and the passion. I was raised by two people who loved language. And it’s way too easy to just have a character say “oh, shit!” It’s like pushing a button. I’d rather have the audience rediscover language.

MS: There were some things in the book, mostly dealing with Henry’s coming of age, that were left out of the film.
JM: (laughs) Well, there are some things that we can read in a book that maybe wouldn’t be good to see on a movie screen. Because the film is shot through his eyes we do see him gazing at a girls’ bra strap…see him at the store looking at magazines. You can feel what it’s like to be a thirteen year old boy. I’m the mother of sons. I grew up in a house where a lot was never discussed. I would never be on the side of silence or denial of the issues of a thirteen year old boy but that being said, it doesn’t really need to be spelled out. It’s not just about body parts and physical stuff…it’s about feelings. There’s a scene where Henry and his mother are laying in a hammock and she wants to have a talk about sex. But she’s not interested in talking about the physical activity…the secretions and what have you…she wants to talk about the feelings, which is what nobody ever talks about. I think we do a great disservice to young people when we assume that all they care about is physical acts. They’re also very concerned with feelings.

MS: What did telling the story through the eyes of the son, rather than the mother, allow you to explore in your storytelling?
JM: Well, it obviously would have been a lot more explicit . We would have been IN the bedroom instead of on the other side of the wall, imagining. I’ve been a single mother. I’ve been a person who has had to figure out what to do with her romantic yearnings and dreams at a moment when a lot of losses have been incurred. But I’ll tell you, with a former teenage boy sitting here, I think teenage boys are hugely romantic. In the book the girl he meets (Mandy) offers to have sex with him and he says “no.” Because he’s not in love.

MS: As someone whose job is to write, when you option a property for another medium do you inquire as to who is going to adapt your work?
JM: Totally! There have been people that have wanted to make films of books of mine that I’ve had to say “no” to. On “Labor Day,” Jason Reitman called me up very soon after the book was published and said he loved it and wanted to make this movie. I was a fan of his films so I said “yes.” Now, once you’ve entrusted it to the writer and director your control is over…you’ve let it go hopefully into good hands. Jason showed me his adaptation and told me why he may have changed some things from the book. I made a few suggestions. Not a lot (laughs). But I understand…I wouldn’t want someone looking over my shoulder…giving me suggestions. I wasn’t on the set a lot. I was actually there the first day and the last day. But I knew I had to let the book go.

MS: Was there one thing in the book you regretted losing. Like, if you had an “if only “ wish, Is there anything you wish had made it in the translation?
JM: The state. “If Only” they could have filmed In the state. I’m from New Hampshire. And I have a feeling that a few people here have a loyalty to Kansas City the way I do about New Hampshire. I love my state. My state is very beautiful and I really wanted to let the viewer know the film takes place in New Hampshire. To you, maybe if you see it you think, “ok…that’s Massachusetts or New Hampshire or Vermont.” Only people from New Hampshire can tell you when you’re looking at New Hampshire. To be fair, it wasn’t Jason’s fault. New Hampshire doesn’t give tax incentives to film there. So they spent all of this money making Massachusetts look like New Hampshire!

 

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William Shockley reflects on roles in “Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman” and “Showgirls”

William Shockley (born September 17, 1963) is an actor and musician. Shockley was born in Lawrence, Kansas. He graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in political science. Shockley has appeared in many movies and TV shows including Welcome to Paradise, In Justice, Showgirls, The Joyriders, and most notably Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman in which he played Hank Lawson. He also appeared in the 2007 film Treasure Raiders.

Mike Smith: You led a rather nomadic lifestyle as a young man. Did that experience help prepare you for the different roles you’ve played as an actor?
William Shockley: Moving around all the time during my childhood actually proved to be a huge plus. I can pretty much travel anywhere and feel comfortable with my surroundings. I was forced to learn how to acclimate and get along with strangers. I’m sure that living in different parts of America and living abroad in Europe gave me insight and perspectives that I have woven into various characters.

MS: You’ve done a lot of episodic television, most notably “Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman.” Is there a comfort as an actor when you’re adding to the same character each week as opposed to a one-shot film character?
WS: Being a series regular on a television show like “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman” was a true gift. I loved the privilege of developing a character over a 6-year run. I became very attached to the role of “Hank Lawson”. He was a complex character… lots of layers, which is wonderful. He was one guy on the surface, and a totally different person in his heart. The great writing on “Dr. Quinn” was a huge bonus. I’ve done many films as well, and I seem to always want to do a sequel to a film when I have a character that I connect with and enjoy portraying. I feel this way about “Born Wild”, a film coming out this summer, where I co-star with Barry Corbin, Kix Brooks (of “Brooks & Dunn”), Tanya Clarke, Joe Lando and Justin Deeley. The role in “Born Wild” is “CJ Jennings”… a guy with a wayward, troubled past, who goes back home to reconcile his future. “CJ” has so many issues and so much baggage, yet at the end of the day, he finds redemption. I also got to reunite with Joe Lando, from “Dr. Quinn”, on this film. Joe is a dear friend and it was great to be back on a set with him.

MS: You’re upcoming film, “Reaper,” teams you up with “Starship Troopers'” Jake Busey. Did the two of you get to trade any Paul Verhoeven stories?
WS: I actually didn’t have any scenes with Jake. I worked with Danny Trejo and Vinnie Jones, both great actors and a lot of fun to be around.

MS: In the almost 20 years since it’s release, “Showgirls” has blossomed into a cult hit, with midnight showings ala “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Did you have any idea when you were making the film that it would still resonate all of these years later?
WS: I don’t ever have a preconceived idea of how a film will resonate with the audience. As an actor, all I can do is prepare to the best of my ability, show up on the set, and deliver the goods. The rest is up to the director and producers and other actors in the film. You can only control yourself in this type of setting, and then, anticipate the best.

MS: What do you have coming up next?
WS: I actually have several films coming out in 2014. “Ambush at Dark Canyon”, a western that Team Two Entertainment produced (my production company) starring Kix Brooks and Ernie Hudson, was released January 14 and is available on DVD at Walmart. This summer I’m in two films, “Born Wild” and “Dug Up”, a redneck-stoner-zombie-comedy. Later in the year “Reaper” will come out, followed by “Finding Harmony” with Billy Zane and Allison Eastwood, and a western, “Hot Bath ‘An A Stiff Drink”, with Ronnie Blevins and Grainger Hines. My partners in Team Two Entertainment are Kix Brooks, Dustin Rikert and Eric Brooks. We have a big announcement being made this Spring. There’s a really awesome deal being set up that I’m very excited about. Stay tuned for those details.

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Alfonso Cuaron Takes Home the DGA Prize for “Gravity”

Alfonso Cuaron moved one step closer to a directing Oscar when he was named the winner of the 66th Annual Director’s Guild Award. Cuaron took home the Best Feature Film prize for his work on the film, “Gravity.”

Other winners include Vince Gilligan, for the final episode of “Breaking Bad” for television drama; Steven Soderbergh for HBO’s “Behind the Candelabra” for movie/mini-series for television and Beth McCarthy-Miller for television comedy for the “Hogcock!/Last Lunch” episode of “30 Rock.”

Jehane Noujaim won the prize for best documentary feature for “The Square.”

Cuaron’s win puts makes him the odds on favorite to win the Academy Award for Directing on March 2.

Only seven times in the past has the DGA winner not gone on to win the Oscar:

YEAR                  DGA WINNER                                                                    ACADEMY AWARD WINNER
1968                    Anthony Harvey – “The Lion in Winter                     Carol Reed – “Oliver”
1972                    Francis Ford Coppola – “The Godfather”                 Bob Fosse – “Cabaret”
1985                    Steven Spielberg – “The Color Purple”           Sydney Pollock – “Out of Africa”
1995                    Ron Howard – “Apollo 13”                                              Mel Gibson – “Braveheart”
2001                   Ang Lee – “Crouching Tiger/Hidden Dragon”   Steven Soderbergh – “Traffic”
2003                   Rob Marshall – “Chicago”                                            Roman Polanski – “The Pianist”
2012                    Ben Affleck – “Argo”                                                         Ang Lee – “Life of Pi”
Incredibly, in the year they won the DGA award, Spielberg, Howard and Affleck were not nominated for the Oscar.

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Film Review “Philomena”

Starring: Judi Dench and Steve Coogan
Directed by: Stephen Frears
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hour 38 mins
The Weinstein Company

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Philomena Lee (Dench) is celebrating an important birthday today. Not her own, mind you. 50 years ago the young Philomena met a handsome young man at the local carnival and ended up with a prize she didn’t expect. Sent to the local Abbey to have the baby she finds herself indentured to the nuns, working to not only pay for the care of her child but to “atone for her sins.” When her young son is put up for adoption she is devastated, never forgetting the little boy she loves.

Equal parts affecting yet exhilarating, “Philomena” is that rare congress of a talented triangle of acting, writing and directing. Dench is brilliant as the adult Philomena (she recently received her seventh Academy Award nomination for her work here). In spite of her generally outgoing appearance there is a sadness behind her eyes born of five decades of heartbreak. Coogan, who also co-wrote the film with British-television writer Jeff Pope, is equally effective in a rare dramatic turn. Best known for his work in comedies like “Tropic Thunder” and “Hamlet 2,” he excels here as former BBC journalist Martin Sixsmith, on his own journey of redemption after being caught in a political scandal. Special credit must also be given to Sophie Kennedy Clark, whose performance as the younger Philomena matches Dench’s note for note.

Coogan, Pope and director Frears have managed to make religion the centerpiece of the film without you really knowing they have. Whatever your beliefs, you will silently begin to question them as the film progresses. This is done subtlety…there is no giant hammer hitting you over the head. As the film progresses, from Ireland to America and back, you are constantly mulling over who, and what, was right or wrong. Martin convinces his editor that this will be a “human interest story” but it truly is much, much more.

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Is Warner Brothers Trying to Sneak the “Justice League” Past Us?

Is Warner Brothers secretly planning the greatest Fanboy surprise of all time? If you believe television’s “Arrow” star Stephen Amell, the answer could be…maybe?

In a rush of excitement earlier this morning, popular sites like Fandango quoted Amell as saying “All we have to do for something like that to happen, or even be a possibility, is continue to take care of business with our show and then we put ourselves in a position – but the important thing is our show. I have had discussions, but I think the gestation process for this project is a lot slower than most people think. I mean, they haven’t even shot the next one. They haven’t even shot a frame of the movie before the movie everyone thinks is the Justice League movie!”

Later in the day, on his Facebook page, Amell downplayed his comments, stating “… I’m not the smartest dude in the world. (After all… I picked a career in acting.) But would I really just casually subvert a process cloaked in secrecy? A process – by the way – being run by the company who currently employs me. C’MON!”

Confused? Don’t be. The powers that be at Warner Brothers have been sitting in silence since 2008 when “Iron Man” hit theatres, becoming the first salvo in a box office battle that would culminate in “The Avengers” four years later. Even with the success of the Christopher Nolan-directed “Dark Knight” trilogy, Warner Brothers could not find a suitable DC Comics character to combine with Batman. Or, rather, a suitable film to inspire such a combination. Though he seemed perfect for the role (and actually did a good job), Ryan Reynolds left some fans cold in “Green Lantern.” 2006’s “Superman Returns,” despite grossing almost $400 million, was judged a failure by both the studio and fans. Enter last summer’s “Man of Steel.” As filming progressed the rumor spread that, at the end of the film, Joseph Gordon Levitt was to show up after the credits as Batman. Didn’t happen. Then came word that Ben Affleck (once an unsuccessful Marvel movie character himself – Daredevil) would take the cowl from Christian Bale and join Henry Cavill in “Batman vs Superman.” As the year ended we were informed that Israeli actress Gal Gadot would appear in the new film as Wonder Woman.

Earlier this week Warner Brothers announced that they had pushed back the opening of “Batman vs Superman” from July 17,2015 to May 6, 2016. Speculation is that the studio wants nothing to do with the arrival of Disney’s “Star Wars: Episode VII,” also due in theatres in 2015. But what if there’s more? If I had an official press invite (email being sent) I would gladly drive 5 hours east to Cape Girardeau, Missouri where Ben Affleck is currently filming “Gone Girl” and ask the new Bruce Wayne to his face. But in lieu of that, I can hope. And do my own casting. Sticking with the original Justice League of America members I’m casting Jon Hamm as the Flash, Faran Tahir as the Martian Manhunter and I’m giving Ryan Reynolds a second chance as Green Lantern. After all, even Josh Whedon finally got Marvels’ green hero (the Hulk) right. As for Aquaman….I think I’ll just let “Entourage’s” Vincent Chase carry that mantle in his upcoming James Cameron-directed version!

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Oscar Nominated, Composer of “Gravity”, Steven Price Thanks Media Mikes Readers for Honoring Him

Steven Price, whose original score for the film “Gravity” was voted the Best of 2013 by the staff and readers of Media Mikes.com wanted to share these comments with his fans:

“Thank you so much for this honour! I’m thrilled, especially as it comes from this site. I had such fun talking to your colleague earlier in the year, and am an avid reader of the site. Thank you so much for supporting the film, and my score. It’s truly appreciated.”

Next stop for Steven Price…the Oscars on March 2nd!

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“Star Wars Episode VII” Casting Rumors Continue…


It all started with a short draft, dated May 1973. In it, writer George Lucas told of a tale of a young man named Luke Starkiller (later Skywalker) who would one day team up with a princess and a mercenary and save the galaxy. That story became “Star Wars.” Or, because of its enormous success, “Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope.” Two films followed (“Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back” in 1980 and “Episode VI: Return of the Jedi” in 1983). And then nothing. Fans clamored for more stories, noting that Lucas’ original treatment laid the ground work for nine stories. As the fourth story was the only one with a legitimate beginning and end, that was the one Lucas chose to film first. In 1993, Lucas informed Variety that he had begun writing a prequel story, one that would eventually envelop three films. “Episode I: The Phantom Menace,” released in 1999, introduced fans to young Anakin Skywalker, Qui-Gon Jinn, Padme Amidala and Mace Windu as well as serving up early versions of familiar and beloved characters, including Yoda and the popular droids, C3PO and R2D2. Though some fans loved it (and others didn’t) the film became the highest grossing film of 1999. Followed by “Episode II: Attack of the Clones” in 2002 and “Episode III: Revenge of the Sith” in 2005, fans were pleased that they were able to see the backstory of some of their favorite characters and how they evolved. But they still wanted more.

Enter director JJ Abrams, whose success with the popular rebooting of the “Star Trek” film series earned him the biggest prize of all – the chance to expand the “Star Wars” universe. Without noting which characters would be included in “Episode VII,” Abrams confirmed that he would be co-writing the screenplay with Academy Award winning screenwriter Michael Arndt. Fans were unsure if the writer of “Little Miss Sunshine” and “Toy Story 3” was the right choice and apparently Abrams agreed, recently discharging Arndt and bringing on board Lawrence Kasdan, who had helped pen the screenplays for “Episode V,” “Episode VI,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and wrote the story for the “Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire” video game. Kasdan’s hiring seems to boost the speculation that Abrams had wanted to center “Episode VII” around the familiar main characters of Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Princess Leia. All three principal actors (Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher) have expressed an interest in resuming their roles, rather a surprise since Ford had lobbied for Han Solo to be killed off in “Jedi.” Thankfully he’s finally been able to embrace the rogue character that helped make him the star he is, even taking time on occasion to continue an on-going battle with his former pal, Chewbacca, whenever he appears on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”

As the story begins to take shape, casting rumors are abounding. It would be no surprise to see Anthony Daniels (C3PO) and Kenny Baker (R2D2) back, as the droids were the only characters that made appearances in all nine of Lucas’ original stories. Master Yoda is now on the “other” side but that didn’t stop him from showing up at the end of “Episode VI,” so look for Frank Oz to return. Recently, several websites, including Latino Review, have reported that former “Friday Night Lights” and “Breaking Bad” actor Jesse Plemons is a sure bet to be cast as Ben Skywalker, Luke’s son. It’s presumed that he would then be the focal character of later Episodes.

Recently, the following casting call was placed, noting only that the film was for a Walt Disney production being directed by JJ Abrams:

“[YOUNG MAN] Early 20s. Handsome, but not necessarily heroic. He is witty and smart. Physically fit. [MAN] Late 20s. Physically fit, handsome and confident.

[YOUNG WOMAN] Late teens. Physically fit, raw energy, independent and with a great sense of humor.”

Other actors that have been rumored to have auditioned include Alex Pettyfer, Rachel Hurd-Wood, Liam McIntyre and Ksenia Solo (with a last name like that, you’ve got to at least be considered). A name that is also appearing more and more is Bennedict Cumberbatch. His representatives recently released a statement saying he had not been signed to appear in “Episode VII,” but these are the same people that told us he wasn’t Khan so really, how much can we believe them?

Whichever actors are chosen, I have no doubt that, under the protective eye of JJ Abrams, they will keep the Force alive!

**1/21/13 – UPDATE!!!**

On Monday, January 20, JJ Abrams announced that the script for “Star Wars: Episode VII” had been finalized and that casting will now commence. He also confirmed that many actors previously mentioned, including Jesse Plemmons, have auditioned for the film but that no one has been signed. Plemmons was the only actor mentioned by name.

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Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: casting, continue, episode, rumors, star, vii, ...

Film Review “Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit”

Starring: Chris Pine, Keira Knightley and Kevin Costner
Directed by: Kenneth Branagh
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hour 45 mins
Paramount

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

When I lived in Baltimore I had season tickets to the Orioles at Memorial Stadium (and, later, Camden Yards). The seats behind me were owned by a very nice guy who sold insurance. We would talk between innings about all kinds of things. From football (he HATED the Washington Redskins) to where to get the best burnt ends (off Route 40 near the Golden Ring mall). The man also wrote a little. His name was Tom Clancy and one of the characters he created is the subject of the new film “Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit.”

When we meet Jack Ryan (Pine), he’s a college student in England. Then the events of September 11, 2001 take place and we meet him again on a military mission in Afghanistan as a member of the U.S. Marines. After his helicopter is attacked and crashes, his injured body is sent to Walter Reed Medical Center where he learns to walk again thanks to his beautiful doctor, Cathy (Knightley). Now working as a bank examiner, Jack hides from Cathy the fact that his job is a cover for his work as an analyst for the C.IA, where he was secretly recruited while in the hospital by Thomas Harper (Costner). Jacks latest assignment will take him to Moscow, where his dealings with crooked businessman Viktor Cherevin (Branagh) may make this lesson his last.

First things first, this film is not based on any of Tom Clancy’s books. The filmmakers have basically taken his most popular character and given him a new backstory. And, if you’re not a fan of the books, it works. While Ryan is much more of an action hero here (“you’re not just an analyst,” Harper tells him) Pine still manages to keep the character grounded in reality. Knightley gets a little more to do than in previous stories and Costner is an excellent choice to play Ryan’s mentor.

The action comes non-stop and credit director/co-star Branagh with making the film interesting, both with his performance and his guidance. The film moves quickly to a rather satisfying climax. This is not your father’s Jack Ryan and, when everything is taken into consideration, that’s really not a bad thing.

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Media Mikes to Co-Sponsor Kansas City Sneak Peek at Upcoming Film “Swan Song”

Media Mikes has teamed up with CinemaKC and The Kansas City Film Critics Circle to present a special test screening of “Swan Song,” the newest film by Academy Award nominated filmmaker John D. Hancock.

Hancock, a Kansas City native, is best known for such films as “Bang the Drum Slowly,” “Let’s Scare Jessica to Death,” “Weeds” and “Prancer.”

The screening will take place on Thursday, January 30, beginning at 7:00 pm, with a Q&A with Hancock and screenwriter/co-star Dorothy Tristan afterwards.

Synopsis: Julie is a 13-year-old girl who comes to La Porte County, Indiana to live with her grandmother, Karen. Karen, a former star of stage and screen, wants desperately to connect with her granddaughter in a meaningful way and share her history. But the two of them—each stubborn in her own way—butt heads at every turn. Soon, Karen makes a remarkable discovery: Julie’s powerful, unique singing voice. Will the sudden discovery of Julie’s talent be enough to bring the two together and allow Karen to pass on her legacy?

SCREENLAND CROWN CENTER THEATRE,
Kansas City, Missouri

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2014

PRE-SCREENING MIXER: 6PM

SCREENING: 7PM

ADMISSION: YOUR $10 DONATION SUPPORTS CINEMAKC

FOR TICKET INFORMATION CONTACT:
STEVEN FULLER 816-500-9498

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“American Hustle” and “Gravity” Lead This Yeas Academy Award Nominations

“Gravity,” Alfonso Cuaron’s space masterpiece and “American Hustle,” David O’ Russell’s look back at the ABSCAM scandal of the 1970s, led all films nominated today for the upcoming 86th Annual Academy Awards. Both films received a total of 10 nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director.

A total of 9 films were nominated for Best Picture this year, and those films nominated earned the lion’s share of other nominations. Right on the trail of “Gravity” and “American Hustle” comes “12 Years a Slave,” which earned 9 nominations. Three other Best Picture nominees earned 6 nominations each: “Captain Phillips,” “Dallas Buyer’s Club” and “Nebraska.” Two very difrerent films, Martin Scorsese’s tale of excess, “The Wolf of Wall Street” and Spike Jonze’s technical romance “Her” each had 5 nominations. Bringing up the rear is surprise nominee “Philomena,” which takes home 4 nods. Surprisingly missing from the list is the box office and critical favorite from earlier last year, “Lee Daniels The Butler,” which was shut out of every category it was eligible for.

“American Hustle” becomes the 15th film in Oscar history to receive nominations in all four acting categories. Ironically, director Russell’s previous film, “Silver Lining Playbook,” also duplicated that feat. “Silver Lining Playbook” was the first film to achieve this record since Warren Beatty’s “Reds” did it in 1981. Two of the “American Hustle” actors – Best Supporting Actor nominee Bradley Cooper and Best Supporting Actress nominee Jennifer Lawrence – were nominated in the Best Actor and Best Actress categories last year, with Lawrence taking home the Oscar. They are joined this year by Best Actor and Best Actress nominees Christian Bale and Amy Adams.

“Gravity”‘s only other major nomination was for Sandra Bullock as Best Actress. The majority of the film’s nomination are for technical achievements, including film editing and production design.

Bullock is among four previous Oscar winners in the Best Actress category which includes Cate Blanchett (“Blue Jasmine”, Judi Dench (“Philomena) and three time winner Meryl Streep (“August: Osage County”). Only Amy Adams of “American Hustle” is currently Oscar-less.

Best Actor is a contest between both Hollywood veterans and newcomers. Former Best Supporting Actor winner Christian Bale is nominated for “American Hustle,” while Bruce Dern earns his first Academy Award nomination since 1979’s “Coming Home” for “Nebraska.” Leonardo DiCaprio earns his fourth nomination for his work in “The Wolf of Wall Street.” These three are joined by Oscar newcomers Matthew McConaughey (“Dallas Buyers Club” and Chiwetel Ejiofor (“12 Years a Slave”).

Best Supporting Actor nominees include newcomer Barkhad Abdi (“Captain Phillips”), Cooper, Michael Fassbender (“12 Years a Slave’), Jonah Hill (“The Wolf of Wall Street”) and Jared Leto (“Dallas Buyers Club”). Best Supporting Actress noms went to Sally Hawkins (“Blue Jasmine”), Lawrence, Lupita Nyong’o (“12 Years a Slave”), previous Best Actress winner Julia Roberts (“August: Osage County”) and June Squibb (“Nebraska’).

Joining Cuaron and Russell in the Best Director category are Alexander Payne (“Nebraska”), Steve McQueen (“12 Years a Slave”) and previous winner Martin Scorsese (“The Wolf of Wall Street”).

“Frozen” leads the nominees for Best Animated Feature, which also includes “The Croods,” “Despicable Me 2,” “Ernest and Celestine” and “The Wind Rises.”

The 86th Annual Academy Awards will be presented live on March 2, 2014 on ABC Television.

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MediaMikes.com Announce Winners of 2013 Movie Awards

Entertainment web site Media Mikes.com announced the winners of their annual movie awards for 2013 today.

“Gravity,” director Alfonso Cuaron’s space epic earned four awards, including Best Picture of 2013, after tabulating nominations submitted by the staff and readers of Media Mikes.com, one of the fastest growing entertainment web sites on the Internet. Readers were asked to send in their choices in the following categories: Picture, Director, Animated Feature, Actor, Actress, Supporting Actor and Supporting Actress. Votes could be submitted either on the site or via email. Awards were also given in the categories of Original Score, Original Screenplay, Adapted Screenplay and Documentary Feature. These were chosen by a vote among staff members of the web site. Starting next year, these categories will also be open to the readers.

The winners are:
BEST PICTURE 
Gravity
BEST DIRECTOR    
Alfonso Cuaron – Gravity

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE

Frozen
       BEST ACTOR           
Tom Hanks – Captain Phillips
 BEST ACTRESS    
Sandra Bullock – Gravity
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Jared Leto – Dallas Buyers Club
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Jennifer Lawrence – American Hustle
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
20 Feet From Stardom
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright – The World’s End
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Terence Winter – The Wolf of Wall Street
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
 Steven Price – Gravity

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Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: 2013, announces, awards, mediamikescom, movie, winners, ...
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