Mike Smith, Author at MediaMikes

Film Review “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug”

Starring: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen and Orlando Bloom
Directed by: Peter Jackson
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 2 hrs 41 mins
New Line

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

When we last saw Bilbo Baggins (Freeman) and his dwarf friends they were winding their way through the Misty Mountains on a quest. A quest for treasure, honor and redemption. And the only thing standing in their way was….a dragon!

Picking up where the first film of the trilogy, “An Unexpected Journey,” ended, “The Desolation of Smaug” follows the group, led by Thorin (Richard Armitage), as they head towards a showdown with the fierce beast that now controls what once was their kingdom. Along the way they encounter a band of elves, led by a familiar face from the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, Legolas (Bloom). They have parted company with the wizard Gandalf (McKellen) and are left to their best devices. After dealing with over-size spiders and murderous Orcs they come upon a village where they persuade the townspeople to support them in their cause. This leads to a showdown between “burglar” Bilbo and the fire breathing monster.

What a treat it has been the past two Decembers to sit in the darkness of a movie theatre and take a Peter Jackson-designed journey. He brings to the “Hobbit” films the same care and craftsmanship he brought to the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. Abandoning the 48 frames-per-second process he used for “An Unexpected Journey” (a process that gave the film an amazing clarity but was very distracting), Jackson and his crew have fashioned a two and a half hour thrill ride that takes audiences into Middle Earth and the secrets enclosed inside.

The cast have grown into a strong ensemble and each character gets a chance to shine. For a portion of the film Bilbo is more of a secondary character, the story focusing more on the dwarves and their leader. Freeman brings a quiet honor to Bilbo, making him much more bolder and braver in this chapter. Armitage is strong as Thorin while McKellen once again holds the screen as the great Gandalf the Gray. His single-handed battle with the Orcs is one of the main set pieces of the film and it does not disappoint. Even though I understand the character of Legolas is not in any of JRR Tolkein’s “Hobbit” books, it was like seeing an old friend when he came on screen. He is also joined by a new character, Taurien, played by Evangeline Lily. Finally, there is the great Smaug, menacingly voiced by Bennedict Cumberbatch with a mixture of menace and humor. Smaug is truly one of the greatest screen creatures ever portrayed on film. With his silky-smooth voice and fire breath he truly is terrifying.

As I, and millions of fans, wait for next December to bring about the third chapter, I highly recommend taking in “The Desolation of Smaug” and losing yourself in the adventure.

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: desolation, film, hobbit, review, smaug

Film Review “Out of the Furnace”

Starring: Christian Bale, Casey Affleck and Woody Harrelson
Directed by: Scott Cooper
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 56 mins
Relativity Media

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Take a group of talented actors, add an unbelievable script and a sophomore director and what do you get?

In a blue collar town located somewhere in Pennsylvania, the Baze brothers go about their business. Older brother Russell (Bale) works at the local steel mill, trying to make a good life for himself and his girlfriend (Zoe Saldana). He also works a lot of overtime to help pay the debts of his troubled younger brother, Rodney (Affleck). A victim of the U.S. Army’s “stop-loss” policy, Rodney is about to head back to Iraq for his fourth tour. An unfortunate accident lands Russell in prison. When he comes home he finds his girlfriend has moved on, his father has died and that Rodney has been trying to earn money by engaging in underground bare knuckle fights. When Rodney disappears one night, Russell takes it upon himself to find him.

I just summarized the film in nine sentences. Sadly, to get to the main points of the story director Cooper and his co-writer, Brad Ingelsby, have created so many unnecessary and incredulous scenes that, despite a top notch cast, you really don’t care what happens to any of them. Woody Harrelson is a bad ass. How do we know that? Because when we meet him he’s forcing a hot dog down a woman’s throat at the drive in. Why is Russell in jail? Because after having ONE DRINK he is involved in an auto accident with a car that backed into the street with no lights on, killing a young boy who was neither buckled in or in a safety seat. Yet it’s his fault? But if you don’t put Russell in prison you can’t see that he’s also a bad ass, kicking the butts of two cons that hassle him one day, apparently for no other reason than to see that Russell is tough. There is no exposition or explanation of time. One day Rodney is in his fatigues, the next he has a full beard.

If I haven’t scared you off yet, let me take this time to praise a cast that does an admirable job considering the material they were given. Bale continues to grow and change as an actor, leaving Bruce Wayne behind to take some incredibly interesting supporting roles. Affleck is very good as a young man whose many tours on the battlefield are starting to affect him. As the drug selling, fight fixing Harlan DeGroat, Harrelson is positively frightening. Add to the mix such talents as Sam Sheppard, Forrest Whitaker and Willem Dafoe, and you’ll realize that every actor I’ve mentioned in this paragraph are Oscar nominees who deserve better than an under-cooked screenplay. They should throw this one back into the furnace!

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

“Rise of the Fellowship” Now on DVD

As JRR Tolkien fans the world over await the upcoming release of “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” Phase 4 films has released the highly anticipated love letter to Tolkien, the new comedy “Rise of the Fellowship.”

Starring Justin Moe, Emma Earnest, Alyssa Jacobsen and Cole Matson, the film follows a group of “The Lord of the Rings” fans on an amazing and amusing journey. Similar in tone to the popular “Star Wars” themed “Fan Boys,” the film was written with online gamers and Tolkien fans in mind.

The DVD is now available at Amazon.com and Walmart via Vudu and can also be obtained via iTunes.

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Filed Under: Film Headlines Tagged With: dvd, fellowship, rise

Rila Fukushima and Tao Okamoto talks about working with Hugh Jackman in “The Wolverine”

Rila Fukushima and Tao Okamoto have a couple things in common. Both are very successful models. And both made their future film debut this past year opposite Hugh Jackman in the highly popular film, “The Wolverine.”

As the film makes its debut this week on DVD and Blu-ray, they both spoke with me about their new success, not being intimidated and what a nice person that guy Logan really is.

Mike Smith: You both are very successful fashion models. Before the opportunity to appear in “The Wolverine” came along had either of you aspired to being an actress?
Rila Fukushima: To be honest I never wanted to become an actress but when I was approached I decided to do it because I was going to be Hugh Jackman’s love interest! (laughs).
Tao Okamoto: I’ve always had an interest in getting into acting but I’d never done any feature films. Doing “The Wolverine” was a magical experience.

MS: Were there any nerves, considering the popularity of the “Wolverine” films, on making this film your debut project?
TO: “The Wolverine” is all about fear (laughs) I was very lucky to get the role.
RF: Luckily I didn’t have a lot of time to realize it was a big deal. The audition process took about four months and before I knew it we were shooting. I’m glad I didn’t have the time to realize it was such a big movie. When I finally saw the finished film it hit me that this was a pretty big deal. (laughs).

MS: Being new to the business was Hugh Jackman supportive of you on set?
RF: Absolutely. I think he still remembers his first experiences on a big movie so he could understand how hard it was. He also taught me the “language”…I had no idea what “on camera” was or what “off camera” was. He was very, very supportive.
TO: Everyone was very supportive. From James Mangold, our director, to Hugh. They both gave me a lot of information about my character. And Hugh is so funny! He’s a superstar but he’s also a really, really nice person. He would be on the set when he was supposed to be sleeping. He would film eleven hours a day and spend three hours before he was supposed to shoot working out. He would spend time with his family and take care of his children. I think he really only slept three hours a day! (laughs) But then again, he’s Wolverine…he doesn’t have to sleep.

MS: You both have some pretty intense action scenes in the film. Did either of you have any prior martial arts experience or training?
TO: A little bit. For the movie I took about three weeks of training in sword fighting. I love to exercise and had been taking taekwondo for about two years before I was cast.
RF: We trained for about a month before we started shooting. I learned Karate, how to throw a knife and self defense.

MS: What do you have coming up?
RF: I’m working on a new project but I can’t tell you until its finished (laughs).
TO: I’m shooting a drama for Japanese television right now and hopefully I can return to an American film in the near future.

Antonio Fargas talks about new Christmas film “Silver Bells”

Antonio Fargas is probably best known for his work on the popular 70’s television series “Starsky and Hutch.” As “businessman” Huggy Bear, his character had his ear to the street and often assisted the title characters in solving their cases. But Huggy Bear is only the tip of an iceberg that’s been forming for over five decades.

From episodic television to film to the stage, Fargas has carved out an impressive career by any standards. This coming Sunday, December 1, he appears alongside Bruce Boxleitner on the Up TV presentation of the holiday film, “Silver Bells.” While promoting the film Mr. Fargas took time out to discuss his new film, his musical career and a father’s pride.

Mike Smith: Can you give our readers a quick introduction to your upcoming film, “Silver Bells?”
Antonio Fargas: (laughs) Certainly. Well, after working for 53 years I finally find myself in a Christmas story. “Silver Bells” will remind you a lot of “A Christmas Carol,” where a man with some anger management issues can’t appreciate the benefits of what Christmas is about. Through his anger management classes and his having to do community service with the Salvation Army, he has an encounter with me. I take him on a journey, like the ghosts took Scrooge, through the process of softening his heart and opening him up to the spirit of Christmas. It’s a wonderful, feel good story.

MS: What attracted you to the project?
AF: That I was asked (laughs). No, I loved the challenge of the character. Being a character actor I got to do the dirty work when I was younger. But now, being older, I get to do characters like grandfathers, which is another acting opportunity. I feel that I can put my craft to work and tell the story. You’ve got myself and Bruce Boxleitner…two veterans who were cast to take a journey. It just seemed like the right time.

MS: You mentioned you’ve been working for 53 years…you’ve been successful in both television and film. Do you have a preference?
AF: I think there are two pure mediums. There’s theater, the well where it all started for me. I’ve had many great opportunities to work in the theater. And then there’s…well I used to say thirty-five millimeter film…but now it’s just movies. And television is really somewhere in between, though now they’re both treated as movies, what with shooting in digital and trying to get high definition. I love the craft of acting as it applies to theater but there is also television acting and film acting, where you have to employ a whole new set of techniques. I love segueing between the two. I love theater…that’s number one in my life…but I certainly appreciate the magic of film…the different departments that it takes to put a film together. I call it a “marriage” when a film is started and, at the end, it’s almost like a divorce or a death. Really, I love being an artist and being able to create. It’s like the painter with his canvas, or the man who spins the pizza dough and throws it up in the air. It’s all about being part of the creation.

MS: You’ve sung on film in the past and even played Cab Calloway on stage. Did you ever consider pursuing a musical career?
AF: I’m actually involved in a project called The New Jump Blues, which you can catch on YouTube. I’m doing a lot of Cab Calloway-type of performing. Music has always been a part of my life. But I’ve always had a fear of singing in public. I’m great in the shower, like everybody else (laughs). I’m thinking of teaching an acting class for singers because each song is really an acting experience. (You can check out Mr. Fargas and the New Jump Blues here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bb6Q0Pf8Ezg)

MS: Prouder moment: winning an award for your work or watching Justin score a touchdown? (NOTE: Mr Fargas’ son, Justin, was a star college running back and played several years for the Oakland Raiders)
AF: (laughs) Oh boy! You know, just being on the stage of life is very rewarding. Watching Justin…he was a warrior, like me. He went out there and gave his all. And before every game he would run down to the end zone and get on his knees and pray. That’s one of the things they rarely show on television. After games, when the teams have spent the game beating their brains in, players from both teams would kneel down together and pray. Seeing that was the most rewarding thing for me. I’m very proud of him. Thank you for asking.

MS: What do you have planned after “Silver Bells” premieres?
AF: I have no idea (laughs). I live in Las Vegas and, in my community, I’m directing two plays with two different theater groups. That’s where my focus is at the moment. But I’m sure that, after a 53 year career, something else is coming!

Tamas Harangi talks about new film “The Advocate”

Enthralled with films as a young boy in Hungary, where he made his own Super 8 movies, Tamas Harangi came to America at the age of 19 to study filmmaking. Since then he’s held pretty much every position you can find on a movie set. His first feature film, “The Advocate,” which he both wrote and directed, was a film festival favorite and was recently released on DVD. Tamas sat down with me to talk about his new film and what we can expect next.

Mike Smith: Can you give us a little info on “The Advocate?”
Tamas Harangi: “The Advocate” is a thriller about a defense attorney who has never lost a case in his life. He takes on a case defending a woman accused of murdering her husband and begins to get a bad feeling. He begins to investigate as to whether his client is guilty or not and gets wrapped up in the mystery of it all. He encounters a lot of twists and turns up to the very end.

MS: You also wrote the script. Was it inspired by a real-life event or just something that came to you?
TH: I’ve always liked films that dealt with crime and the legal system. I had an idea for a story and began discussing it with my producing partner, who’s actually an attorney. I picked his brain about the legal system. I started writing the script and would go over certain aspects of the story with him.

MS: You grew up in Hungary. Is that where you first developed an interest in making movies?
TH: Yes. I actually made several short films while I was in high school. I won a couple of awards at various festivals and several of my films were shown on Hungarian National Television. I came out to California to try and break into Hollywood and that’s where I’m living.

MS: Were you exposed to a lot of Western filmmaking as a youngster?
TH: We did get a fair amount of American films, only we wouldn’t get them until a few years had passed. But I grew up on “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones” like everyone else (laughs). Only we got them a couple or three years after they’d been released. We’d see advertising for these movies in magazines and have to wait years to see them. I watched a lot of those as well as a lot of French movies…great French comedies. Those were my main influences.

MS: Did you have a favorite filmmaker that you wanted to emulate?
TH: Sure. At the time I was, of course, inspired by Steven Spielberg and George Lucas and what they were doing at the time. As I began studying film and learning about the craft of it I was greatly inspired by Alfred Hitchcock. He is what inspired “The Advocate.” A “Hitchcockian” tone is what I was going for. But really, all of the greats…Billy Wilder, Woody Allen…I grew up on their movies and they’re influential as well.

MS: What are you working on next?
TH: I’ve been busy finishing up “The Advocate” and getting it into festivals. I’ve been busy writing as well. I have a new thriller that I’m almost finished with…the first draft is almost complete. I also have a couple other ideas that I’m working on and developing.

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Filed Under: Film Interviews, Interviews Tagged With: advocate, film, harangi, talks, tamas

2013 Holiday Movie Preview

As the holiday season approaches you can smell it on the air. No, not turkey and pumpkin pie! I’m talking popcorn and Junior Mints. Because with the holidays comes an opportunity to sample the best (sometimes) of what Hollywood has to offer. From sure Oscar contenders to “might as well get it off the shelf” films, here is a list of some goodies that are on the menu between now and the end of the year.

As always, thanks to our friends at the Internet Movie Data Base for some synopsis information. And remember, opening dates published are subject to change at the whim of the studios. Enjoy!

NOVEMBER 27

BLACK NATIVITY

Starring: Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassett and Jennifer Hudson

Directed by: Kasi Lemmons

Based on an early 1961 stage musical by Langston Hughes, the film tells the story of a single mother in Harlem sending her teenage son to visit her parents in Baltimore for the holidays.

OSCAR CHANCES: Whitaker and Hudson already have one and Bassett earned a nomination for her incredible portrayal of Tina Turner in “What’s Love Got to Do With It.” Writer/director Lemmons, probably best known for her work as an actress (she was Jodie Foster’s roommate/partner in “Silence of the Lambs”) previously helmed “Eve’s Bayou” and “Talk to Me.” That all being said, the possibilities are there!

FROZEN

Starring the voices of: Idina Menzel and Kristen Bell

Directed by: Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee

When Princess Elsa accidentally uses her magic to cover her kingdom in ice it is up to her younger sister, Anne, to warm things up.

OSCAR CHANCES: A possible nomination for Best Animated Feature but I think “Despicable Me 2” has that award sewn up.

HOMEFRONT

Starring: Jason Statham and James Franco

Directed by: Gary Fleder

A former DEA agent moves his family to a quiet town, where he soon tangles with a local meth drug lord. Based on the novel by Chuck Logan, the film’s script writer is none other than Sylvester Stallone.

OSCAR CHANCES: Sly did nab a Best Original Screenplay nod back in 1976 for “Rocky” but I’m not to optimistic.

OLD BOY

Starring: Josh Brolin
Directed by: Spike Lee

A remake of the 2003 South Korean action film, Brolin stars as a man placed in solitary confinement for 20 years with no idea why or by who. When he’s finally released he makes it his mission to answer those questions in a most bloody manner.

OSCAR CHANCES: Could tie with “Machete’ Kills” for most blood used in a single film. (oh if only that was a category).

NOVEMBER 29

MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM (Moved to December 25th)

Starring: Idris Elba and Naomie Harris

Directed by: Justin Chadwick

Based on the autobiography of the great South African leader Nelson Mandela, the film follows his life from his early days as a student to his imprisonment through his rise as President of his country.

OSCAR CHANCES: The Academy loves biographical stories and Elba is said to deliver a brilliant performance.

DECEMBER 6

INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS

Starring: Oscar Issac, Carey Mulligan and Justin Timberlake

Directed by: Joel and Ethan Coen

The brothers Coen take a look at the early days of the folk music scene in New York City.

OSCAR CHANCES: Three words: “the Coen brothers.” Academy Award nominations stick to their films like Mary Lou Retton sticking a dismount! (please tell me you know who Mary Lou Retton is)

THE LAST DAYS ON MARS

Starring: Liev Schreiber and Elias Koteas

Directed by: Ruairi Robinson

The title says it all. Schreiber leads a manned mission to the Red Planet where things don’t go as planned.

OSCAR CHANCES: No.

OUT OF THE FURNACE

Starring: Christian Bale, Casey Affleck and Woody Harrelson

Directed by: Scott Cooper

When his younger brother disappears, Russell Baze takes it upon himself to find out why and becomes entangled in the world of underground bare-knuckle fighting. Wow, it looked so cool when Clint Eastwood and Clyde were doing it.

OSCAR CHANCES: This is Cooper’s second film, his first being the Oscar winning “Crazy Heart.” Bale has an Oscar and little Affleck and Woody have nominations so nothing is ruled out here.

DECEMBER 13 (limited opening – Opens wide December 18th)

AMERICAN HUSTLE

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Christian Bale, Jennifer Lawrence and Amy Adams

Directed by: David O. Russell

A look back at the 1970s and the famous ABSCAM sting in New Jersey and Philadelphia.

OSCAR CHANCES: Director Russell has assembled the cast members of his previous two films (“The Fighter” and “Silver Linings Playbook”) for a very ambitious project. The main cast members either have Oscars or been nominated for one as has Russell so I’m giving this film a definite “yes.”

THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG

Starring: Martin Freeman, Orlando Bloom and the voice of Benedict Cumberbatch

Directed by: Peter Jackson

The second film in director Jackson’s planned HOBBIT trilogy follows Bilbo Baggins and his dwarf friends as they attempt to reclaim what’s rightly theirs from the dreaded dragon Smaug.

OSCAR CHANCES: Of course. Many fans of the books are upset that Bloom’s Legolas shows up but come on, “Pirates 5” has been postponed and Orlando Bloom has to eat. Thankfully I’m guessing most members of the academy ever read Tolkien so look for this to earn many technical nods.

SAVING MR. BANKS

Starring: Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson

Directed by: John Lee Hancock

The behind the scenes tale of the struggles Walt Disney had to undertake to turn P.L. Travers novel, “Mary Poppins,” into a film. I’ve known for years that she didn’t like Dick Van Dyke being cast so how incredibly insane must she have been?

OSCAR CHANCES: Several, starting with previous two-time winners Hanks and Thompson.

TYLER PERRY’S A MEDEA CHRISTMAS

Starring: Tyler Perry

Directed by: Tyler Perry

If you haven’t jumped down to the next film, you’re a better person than I. The title says it all.

OSCAR CHANCES: I actually stopped typing and slapped myself for including the words “Oscar Chances” within two sentences – top or bottom – of the name Tyler Perry.

DECEMBER 18

HER (limited opening – Opens wide January 10th)

Starring: Joaquin Phoenix and the voice of Scarlett Johansson

Directed by: Spike Jonze

As the world grows more reliant on technology a man begins to fall in love with the female voice of his computer operating system.

OSCAR CHANCES: Jonze’s “Being John Malkovich” scored a few nods so I’m not ruling anything out.

ANCHORMAN 2: THE LEGEND CONTINUES

Starring: Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd and Steve Carell

Directed by: Adam McKay

Ron Burgandy and the rest of his channel 4 news team are picked to help launch a 24-hour news channel.

OSCAR CHANCES: A great mustache and salon quality hair could equal Best Makeup.

DECEMBER 20
WALKING WITH DINOSAURS

Starring the voices of: John Leguizamo and Justin Long

Directed by: Barry Cook and Neil Nightingale

Three young Pachyrhinosauruses discover the ups and downs of the prehistoric world.

OSCAR CHANCES: Again, like “Frozen,” maybe an animated nod.

DECEMBER 25

47 RONIN

Starring: Keanu Reeves

Directed by: Carl Rinsch

A band of samurai set out to avenge the death and dishonor of their master at the hands of a ruthless shogun.

OSCAR CHANCES: This is the kind of film that pulls the costume award nomination.

AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY

Starring: Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts and Ewan McGregor

Directed by: John Wells

A screen adaptation of Tracy Letts’ Tony-award winning play about a family that gathers for the funeral of a relative and the internal battles that resurrect themselves.

OSCAR CHANCES: I had the good fortune of seeing this film a couple of months ago and I’m going to say there will be no less than three nominations here.

BELIEVE

Starring: Justin Bieber

Directed by: John M. Chu

When a deadly virus strikes Canada, it is discovered that it’s evil host is…….Damn, I’d like to BELIEVE that was the plot. Another concert film for those fans who apparently spent enough money on the first one to rate another.

OSCAR CHANCES: As much as Tyler Perry.

GRUDGE MATCH

Starring: Sylvester Stallone and Robert DeNiro

Directed by: Peter Segal

30 years since their last fight, boxers Henry “Razor” Sharp and Billy “the Kid” McDonnen, participate in a television special that rekindles old fires. Or as I like to think of it, Rocky Balboa vs Jake Lamotta!

OSCAR CHANCES: Probably not but this promises to be fun.

THE INVISIBLE WOMAN

Starring: Ralph Fiennes and Felicity Jones

Directed by: Ralph Fiennes

No, nothing spooky going on here. The film tells the story of famed English author Charles Dickens and his secret affair with a younger woman.

OSCAR CHANCES: Remember, it’s a bio-pic, so I’ll say maybe.

LABOR DAY

Starring: Kate Winslet and Josh Brolin

Directed by: Jason Reitman

A woman and her young son are made to shelter an escaped convict. The story gets interesting when she begins to fall for him. I was so worried this was going to be the third film in Garry Marshall’s “holiday” trilogy!

OSCAR CHANCES: Always a “yes” when director Reitman is in the mix.

THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY

Starring: Ben Stiller and Sean Penn

Directed by: Ben Stiller

Director/star Stiller attempts to update the classic 1947 film that featured the great Danny Kaye. Bored with his life, Walter Mitty imagines himself in various exciting situations.

OSCAR CHANCES: Maybe something technical.

THE WOLF OF WALL STREET

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill and Ethan Suplee

Directed by: Martin Scorsese

Based on the true story of Jordan Belfort; from his rise to a wealthy stockbroker living the high life to his fall involving crime, corruption and the federal government. This film was originally scheduled to open on November 15 and was pushed back at almost the last minute to finish post production.

OSCAR CHANCES: Marty and Leo equal yes!

LONE SURVIVOR (limited opening – Opens wide January 10th)

Starring: Mark Wahlberg and Ben Foster

Directed by: Peter Berg

The telling of a June 2005 military mission to capture a Talibad leader that went wrong.

OSCAR CHANCES: Oh yeah.

Film Review “Delivery Man”

Starring: Vince Vaughn, Chris Pratt and Colbie Smulders
Directed by: Ken Scott
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hour 43 mins
Touchstone

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Meet David Wozniak (Vaughn). A good guy with bad luck. He currently owes $80,000 to a local “lender” and is constantly looking over his shoulder. Imagine his fear when he comes home one evening to find a man in his apartment. But the man is no leg breaker. He’s a lawyer. And he’s got some interesting news for David.

Based on a true story that occurred in England, “Delivery Man” is a sweet and touching tale about a man who, two decades earlier, donated sperm to raise some money. 623 times! For reasons not fully explained, David learns that he has fathered an amazing 533 children and that 142 have filed paperwork in court to learn his identity. He turns to his friend Brett (Pratt), who informs him that, even though he and the parents who received his sperm signed confidentiality agreements, he may have to reveal himself. Of course, once word of the lawsuit hits the airwaves, it’s only a matter of time before the cat is out of the bag.

If you’re a fan of Vince Vaughn’s (count me in), you may be quite surprised at “Delivery Man.” This is not the wise-ass Vaughn we’re used to, but instead a fully developed and fleshed out character. As the court date approaches, David innocently begins to investigate a packet he’s given with current profiles of the 142 children. He draws out one and learns that he’s the father of a current New York Knick. As this goes on and he continues to learn about the kids in question he begins discreetly searching them out and observing their lives. These are the best parts of the film, when David finds ways to interact with them individually. He learns that a family is what you make it, even if you make it 533 times. Vaughn invests some real emotion in his performance. He also gets extra credit for wearing an “Amity Island Welcomes You” t-shirt! Pratt is funny as the lawyer who defends David’s privacy rights as is Smulders, an on-again/off-again love of David’s with her own news to tell.

Film Review “Dallas Buyers Club”

Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner and Jared Leto
Directed by: Jean-Marc Vallee
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 57 mins
Focus Features

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

July, 1985. While taking bets on a fellow bull rider at the rodeo Ron Woodruff (McConaughey) glances at the day’s newspaper. The headline notes that actor Rock Hudson has admitted to having the AIDS virus. Muttering an unprintable comment, Woodruff goes on about his business. Sadly, he will soon learn that AIDS is also his business.

Featuring two bravura performances, “Dallas Buyers Club” is a hard hitting drama that takes a look at the world in the early days of the AIDS epidemic. An accident at work causes Ron to go to the hospital, where his blood is tested. When Ron learns that he is HIV positive he goes into denial, claiming to anyone that will listen that he’s not gay. The news goes from bad to worse when he’s told he has 30 days to live. With time running out, Ron does some quick research and learns about the experimental drug AZT. When he discovers it’s not readily available because it hasn’t been approved by the FDA he reacts angrily. “Screw the FDA,” he says, “I’m going to be DOA!” He finds a contact at a local hospital that steals the drug for him in exchange for money but soon that avenue closes. With time running out, Ron learns that the drug is readily available in Mexico and is soon purchasing it from an American physician in the country. As Ron’s life is prolonged, so is his outlook on life and those suffering around him.

In the past couple of years Matthew McConaughey has transformed himself from the smiling guy with the Texas-twang in countless romantic comedies to an actor to be reckoned with. Dropping almost 40 pounds of weight for the role, his sunken eyed character bears almost no resemblance to the smiling, handsome star many fans are familiar with. In fact, if I didn’t know McConaughey was playing Ron Woodruff I may have been hard pressed to identify him. But it’s not just the physical changes that make this performance so good. A definite homophobe, Ron soon finds himself the subject of jokes and innuendo by his former friends when his condition is learned. He soon finds himself attending a support group where he meets Rayon (Jared Leto, in the films second brilliant performance), a cross dresser who is also HIV positive. Despite his prejudices, Ron learns the new rules life is teaching him and soon he’s supplying AZT to others in his situation. The battle to continue to keep himself alive is the story documented in the film.

A powerful film with two equally powerful performances, “Dallas Buyers Club” is a well made, adult change of pace for moviegoers this holiday season.

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: buyers, club, dallas, film, review

Film Review “Generation Iron”

Starring: Phil Heath Narrated by: Mickey Rourke
Directed by: Vlad Yudin
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hour 46 mins
American Media
Documentary

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

When you ask most people about the 1977 film “Pumping Iron,” if they remember it at all they tell you it’s about body building. Actually, it’s about so much more. In fact, the physical feat of lifting weights and working out take a back seat to the mental toughness also needed to win the title of Mr. Olympia. No one remembers any of the poses Arnold Schwarzenegger struck to win the contest, but they do remember the mind games he played with Lou Ferrigno, so much so that Lou was a loser before he even took the stage.

Body building has changed in the past 60 years. In 1953 a young man from Scotland named Sean Connery placed 3rd in the Mr. Universe contest (the Mr. Olympia contest did not begin until 1965). Six decades later director Vlad Yudin has brought fans of the event into the future, following 2011 Mr. Olympia winner Phil Heath as he trains to defend his title in “Generation Iron.”

Narrated by Mickey Rourke, the film is an in-depth look at a year on the lives of Heath and the contestants who hope to unseat him. They come from all over the world, and have nick names that begin with “The” (the Dragon, the Beast…Heath is called “the Gift”). They train hard and with purpose. In an interview Schwarzenegger likens body building to being a sculptor. You can look at the body, see what needs to be done on a certain part and, with the help of specialized machines, mold that part much like an artist with a chisel. Heath’s main competitor here is Kai Green, a massive man with a single braided lock of hair that he wears like Samson. It is as much a part of his performance as his muscles.

Yudin gets into the psyches of his subjects. Their ups and downs, highs and lows. The need to do well in competitions not only for personal glory but for the sponsorships that feed their families and keep them in the gym. You begin to judge yourself as the film moves on to the main event, and the final showdown is a nail biter to the very end. Even if you haven’t been to the gym in years, make an appointment to check out “Generation Iron.”

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: bluray, generation, iron, review

Edward James Olmos talks about new film “Go For Sisters”

Edward James Olmos needs no introduction but I’ll give you one anyway. Born in Los Angeles as a young man he dreamed of being a professional baseball player. However, as he got older he discovered rock and roll and the Dodgers lost an outfielder! As his musical career progressed he was encouraged to give acting a try. He found work with small roles in both film and television. In 1979 he earned a Tony Award nomination for his performance as El Pachuco in Luis Valdez’ play “Zoot Suit,” and reprised the role in the 1981 film version. Roles in films like “Bladerunner” and television programs like “Hill Street Blues” introduced him to new fans and in 1984 he began a seven year fun as Lt. Martin Castillo in the trendsetting show “Miami Vice.” Twice nominated for an Emmy Award for his work, Olmos was the coolest guy on television with the mustache to back it up!

In 1988 he became only the 2nd Hispanic actor to be nominated for the Best Actor Academy Award when he was nominated for his role as real life educator Jaime Escalante in the film “Stand and Deliver.” He went on to star in such films as “Selena,” “Talent for the Game” (one of my favorites) and “American Me,” which he also directed. A second generation of fans embraced him as Commander Adama in the rebooted “Battlestar Galactica” mini-series, television series and films. Earlier this year he starred opposite Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg in the hit film “2 Guns.” He will next be featured as ex-cop Freddy Suarez in the new John Sayles drama “Go For Sisters.”

I had actually been scheduled to speak with Mr. Olmos last year during an appearance in Kansas City. When we met I referred to him as “El Pachuco,” which drew a hearty laugh. Unfortunately a change in his travel schedule put our talk on hold so I was thrilled to speak with him this week about “Go For Sisters,” telling a good story and playing baseball on screen.

Edward James Olmos: Hello Michael.
Mike Smith: Hello, El Pachuco! How are you, sir?
EJO: (laughs loudly) I’m doing pretty good. How are you?
MS: Just fine. I’ve been waiting over a year to talk to you.
EJO: Here we are finally on the telephone. I’m ready!

MS: Give us an introduction to Freddy Suarez and your new film “Go For Sisters.”
EJO: “Go For Sisters” is a film written and directed by John Sayles, and it’s probably one of his best films…it’s up there with “Lone Star” and “Passion Fish.” He has created a wonderful, complex character study about two women in need of help. That help comes in the form of a disgraced L.A. police detective who got caught up in the corruption around him and had to pay the price. He’s forced to retire without a pension. He’s also suffering from a tremendous case of macular degeneration, which is an eye disease. So he not only has to deal with his feelings of self-esteem and self-respect but he has to now deal with his physical inabilities. He’s now a shell of himself. A blind shell. But he takes on a last job in the hopes of gaining back some self-esteem. He’s also hoping to make enough money to pay his taxes so he doesn’t lose his house.

MS: What attracted you to the project?
EJO: (laughs) The story I just told you! It was so well written…I couldn’t believe it. John had actually called me and asked me to produce the film. I’ve known John for over thirty years but I’d never worked with him. I told him it would be my honor and asked him to send me the script. I read the script and I was like, “wow.” It was so original. He asked me if I liked Freddy Suarez and I told him I loved him. “Would you play him?” “Of course I would.” So that’s how the whole thing started.

MS: As a director yourself, when you’re on set with someone like John Sayles or Ridley Scott or Michael Mann, do you spend your time when you’re not performing studying their techniques…seeing how they run a set?
EJO: When I’m on a set, moment to moment, my first priority is to build my character to help tell the story…be it theater, a motion picture or television. It’s important to pay attention to the story. But we’re all story tellers. All of us. From the grips to the lighting people to the director…the producers…the actors…we’re all story tellers. We’re all there to tell a story. When I’m acting I’m there for one reason and one reason only. To tell a story. And the story of “Go For Sisters” is one of the most original pieces of work I’ve done in a long time.

MS: You were in the big budget film “2 Guns” earlier this year and now you’re in “Go For Sisters,” which is a much smaller independent project. Do you have a preference when you choose a film project?
EJO: Not really. Again, it begins with the story. If the story is worth telling then I’m interested.

MS: Since we both love baseball, here is one of the questions I’d hoped to ask you last year: In the film “Talent for the Game” you portray a former ball player who gets the chance to catch one more time in the big leagues. As someone that once dreamed of being a professional ball player was it a special moment being able to portray one on film?
EJO: (almost like a purr) Oh yeah. It was probably one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had in filmmaking. I love that movie. It’s just the most unusual little film that more people are seeing now then when it came out.

MS: What do you have coming up next?
EJO: I’m working on a film now called “El Americano,” which is an animated film that should be out in March. It’s a co-production between the United States and Mexico and it stars the voices of Lisa Kudrow, Paul Rodriguez, Cheech Marin, Rico Rodriguez (Manny on “Modern Family)….myself. It’s a handful of great artists lending their voices. It’s an animated film for children but adults will enjoy it. It’s not like PIXAR, where the films are made for adults but children go to see them also. I’m really looking forward to it.

1984’s “Silent Night, Deadly Night” Returning to the Big Screen

Christmas is coming early this year for horror fans. Starting December 4th, Screenvision and Fangoria Presents will unwrap Charles E. Sallier, Jr’s cult horror classic “Silent Night, Deadly Night” in theatres all across the country.

The story of Billy Chapman, a young man who, at age five, witnessed the murder of his parents by a madman wearing a Santa Claus suit, the film was a hot bed of controversy upon it’s original release due to it’s story line, drawing the ire of parent associations and film critics, most notably Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert.

For a list of dates and theatres currently booked for this event go to www.fangoriaonscreen.com

Film Review “Enough Said”

Starring: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, James Gandolfini and Catherine Keener
Directed by: Nicole Holofcener
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hour 33 mins
Fox Searchlight

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I miss James Gandolfini. No matter what project he was a part of…be it film, television or on stage, every time I saw him I was impressed. I first saw him in the Spring of 1992 when he appeared on Broadway in the revival of “A Streetcar Named Desire.” In a cast that included Alec Baldwin, Jessica Lange and Amy Madigan he stood out as an actor to watch. Whether he was playing Tony Soprano or voicing the Carol the Monster in “Where the Wild Things Are,” (a brilliant performance in my opinion), he continued to surprise. And he does it again in “Enough Said.”

Eva (Louis-Dreyfus) and Albert (Gandolfini) have a lot in common. Both are divorced. Both have daughters heading off to college. And both have had lousy luck on the dating scene. In fact, when they meet at a party they discuss their lousy luck, each professing that there is no one at the party they are even remotely attracted to. That being said, a little later they go out and develop a real affection for each other. Eva is a masseuse by day and has just added a new client, Marianne (Keener), a poet who is also divorced. But while both Eva and Albert try not to talk too badly about their exes, Marianne lays it on thick. Can you guess who her ex-husband is?

Well crafted by director Holofcener, who also wrote the screenplay, “Enough Said” is a small film that deserves to be seen. More a romantic “dramadey” than a comedy, the film features two great performers at the top of their game. Is there a more underused talent in movies than Julia Louis-Dreyfus? She’s only been on the big screen twice in the last 15 years – first as Princess Atta in “A Bugs Life” and then as Rochelle, one of the characters in this past summer’s dismal “Planes.” You’d have to go back to 1997’s “Deconstructing Harry” to actually see her face on screen. Gandolfini shows a side that most fans may not expect, yet in hearing his friends speak about him after his death it is the side that most resembled him. His Albert is a thoughtful, caring man who is quick to drop everything in order to please those around him. The twist here is that, the more Marianne complains about something Albert used to do, no matter if she found it endearing Eva now finds the these things objectionable. How the two deal with this situation is the crux of the story and the reactions are quite real and believable.

Next spring will bring James Gandolfini’s last performance, the crime drama “Animal Rescue.” If you want to see an actor at the top of his craft then I beg you to give “Enough Said” a look. I’m sure, like me, you’ll start thinking the same thing…”I miss James Gandolfini.”

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: film, review

Justin Kirk talks about new film “Last Love” and TV show “The Blacklist”

The first time I saw Justin Kirk perform he was naked! Of course, to be fair, I should note that all of the performers were naked. It was 1995 and I saw Kirk and a stellar cast, including Nathan Lane, John Glover and Anthony Heald, in the Tony and Drama Desk Award winning play, “Love! Valour! Compassion!” One thing that stood out about Kirk (no pun intended) was his bio in the Playbill in which he noted, among his credits, that he was “Michelle Pfeiffer’s dead brother in WOLF.” If truth be told, it was actually a PICTURE of Kirk portraying Ms. Pfeiffer’s dead brother but still, to say your first film starred Jack Nicholson and Michelle Pfeiffer does look good on a resume.

Since then, Kirk has worked steadily, in both film and television. His real first feature was the film version of “Love! Valour! Compassion!” in which the entire cast, less Nathan Lane and Anthony Heald, recreated their roles. Lane was replaced by Jason Alexander while Stephen Spinella subbed for Heald. He has also appeared in popular television series like “Everwood” and had a recurring role in the Showtime series “Weeds.” He can also be found occasionally on the Emmy Award winning “Modern Family,” where he plays Mitchell’s boss, Charlie Bingham. He can also be seen in upcoming episode of the new show “Blacklist.”

On the big screen, Kirk has appeared in “Angels in America” (made for HBO), “Vamps” and can now be seen in the recently opened “Last Love.” Mr. Kirk took some time out of his schedule to sit down with me and talk about his new film, working with James Spader and how his photo got screentime.

Mike Smith: I’m not sure if the rep told you when I scheduled this interview but I had the great opportunity to catch you in New York in “Love! Valour! Compassion!” And if I didn’t say it then, let me say thank you for signing my Playbill.
Justin Kirk: Wow! That’s going back some. Talk about déjà vu…I just did an episode of the “The Blacklist” with…not one of the original cast but in the second string…an actor named Richard Beacon. I hadn’t seen him in 18 years. And I just got a text from Stephen Bogardus, who was in the original cast. I’ve managed to keep in touch with all of those guys over the years.

MS: Can you give us a brief introduction to your new film, “Last Love”?
JK: Sure. Well, an introduction from my perspective is that Michael Caine and I are an angsty father and son. It’s a movie about some lonely people trying to reach out to each other.

MS: What attracted you to the project?
JK: Well, right off the bat you’ve got Michael Caine…that’s a tough one to turn away. (laughs) I enjoyed the writer/director’s (Sandra Nettlebeck) first movie, “Mostly Martha.” I was a big fan of it. It was a great script. It all just came together and I decided I’d better haul my ass to Europe for a couple of months.

MS: You’ve done a lot of film and television work. Do you have a preference? And do you have to prepare for a role differently for film vs television?
JK: Not really. I think in this day and age the lines between the two are blurring. A lot of people will probably see “Last Love” on the same box they watched “Weeds” on. The difference pretty much is that in television there’s a different script every week…you don’t necessarily have your characters beginning, middle and end when you sign on to do the job. You don’t know what it’s going to be. Other than that it’s pretty much the same. They turn on the camera, look at the other actors and try to remember who the person is that you’re playing…what they do…and start talking.

MS: Do you know yet if you’re going to be back on “Modern Family” this year?
JK: Wow! Thanks for asking (laughs). I did two episodes for this year. The first has already aired where I hit on Haley. That was a lot of fun. And then there’s one more that hasn’t aired yet. That’s been a good one over the years. They usually have me back at least once a season or so. It’s not a bad show to be a part of.

MS: One of the things I remember most about you and “Love! Valour! Compassion!” was that in the Playbill you’re claim to fame was that you were Michelle Pfeiffer’s dead brother in “Wolf.” You’re actually just a PHOTO of Michelle Pfeiffer’s dead brother. How did that come about?
JK: (laughs) Someone actually sent me a shot of that scene and I was shocked at how young I was in the picture. That came about because I was doing a play on Broadway and the costume designer for the show, Ann Roth, is also Mike Nichol’s costume designer (NOTE: Oscar-winner Roth has designed the costumes for all of Mike Nichol’s films since “Silkwood”). I had never met him. One day she told me that she and I were going to take a ride about 45 minutes out of town and take some pictures. And later on, there it was in the movie. It pops up on the screen and Jack Nicholson says, “Nice face.” I rode that one for awhile! And then years later I worked with Mike Nichols on “Angels in America” and I continually had to remind him that I had worked with him before. He was fairly unaware of that. (laughs). But you know, you never know where things like that will lead.

MS: That’s like Bruce Willis trying to convince Paul Newman on the set of “Nobody’s Fool” that they had worked together before because Willis was one of the galley members during the courtroom scenes in “The Verdict.”
JK: Really? I didn’t know that. That’s a good piece of trivia.

MS: What else do you have coming up?
JK: I just did a pilot for FX called “Tyrants.” We’ll see what the life of that one turns out to be but it was a pretty crazy experience in Morocco. I just got home yesterday from doing an episode of “The Blacklist,” which is a hot new show with James Spader. That was a lot of fun, being a bad guy. And that should air fairly soon…they have a fast turnaround there because the show is doing very well so they have to make them quickly.

MS: I think it’s because of the characters he plays but I’ve always imagined James Spader would be the worse person you could ever want to spend time with. But having just said that I’m guessing James Spader is pretty cool.
JK: He’s super cool. I’ve been a fan of his since I was a teenager in Minneapolis and went and saw “Sex, Lies and Videotape” at the local art house. He’s been for me, and a lot of my generation of actors, much like Michael Caine. When the opportunity came to work with James I was like, “I’ve got to go act with Spader for a second!”

MS: That’s really all I had. Thanks again for signing my Playbill. Everybody at the stage door was mobbing Nathan Lane when you came out so I don’t know if I got to say thank you.
JK: (laughs) That’s great. I’m glad. Maybe we’ll get the chance to do it again in the future.

Film Review “Thor: The Dark World”

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman and Tom Hiddleston
Directed by: Alan Taylor
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hour 52 mins
Marvel Entertainment

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Meet the Dark Elves, a race of beings intent on ruling the world thanks to a weapon they possess call the Aether. Defeated by warriors from Asgard, including Thor (Hemsworth), the Elves’ leader, Malekith (Christopher Eccleston), escapes, intent on striking again. Thinking they are doing the right thing, the warriors try to bury the Aether deep and out of site. Sadly, they buried most of the fun in this film with them.

Oddly paced and slow to start, “Thor: The Dark World” is an overall good film, yet it pales in comparison to the Marvel films that have come before it. Though this film retains the first film’s humor it takes itself too seriously at times. Part of the reason is that the first half of the film is more concerned with Jane (Portman). Underused in the first film it’s as if the producers wanted to get their money’s worth this time out. Along with Jane we get her friend, Darcy (Kat Dennings). This is a good thing. The scenes with Dennings are among the best in the film. She keeps the story moving along. The other plus is Hiddleston as Thor’s older brother, Loki. Bitter at having been overlooked for the throne, Loki is a snake in Norse clothing. Hemsworth is a fine balance of strength and humor and, once the action starts, takes the film over.

If there is a major flaw in the film it is the direction of Alan Taylor, who honed his craft on many HBO series over the years. He only has three feature films to his credit in 18 years, the most recent released a decade ago. Three movies in that time is fine if you’re Terrence Malick. Taylor isn’t. What’s odd is that there is really nothing in his past credits that would warrant him getting this assignment. “The Sopranos?” “Nurse Jackie?” “Mad Men?” Good dramas all, but nothing there suggests the ability to helm a major special effects movie. The fact he is slated to direct the new “Terminator” film is pretty disconcerting.

Pacing aside, the film does deliver some thrills once the action begins. And thrills are what you’re paying your money to see.

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: dark, film, review, thor, world

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Author: Mike Smith

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