A Friend Remembers Ray Harryhausen

Many of you are familiar with the name Bruce Crawford because Media Mikes helps promote his benefit classic film screenings. Bruce was blessed to have been able to call the great Ray Harryhausen a friend. Here is a brief tribute he composed for him:

I am still dealing with the fact that I will not hear his booming baritone voice again, and his puckish sense of humor.

I know it isn’t common at all for someone to have been a childhood fan of such an artist, and then become such close friends. Even Ray would comment on that. When I would stay at his house in Kensington I would get the mail for them at the front door and, my God, there would be letters for him from around the world. And this for a special effects filmmaker, not Tom Cruise!

We would walk to the grocery store and pick up brook trout that his wife would prepare and was it ever good! I have dozens of stories I could share, but he was so much more than a great and legendary filmmaker to me. We had so much fun together. He would jokingly call me his illegitimate son! At my “King Kong” event, he addressed me as “Sid” Crawford, after the greatest showman in Hollywood history, Sid Grauman. Praise from Caesar.

We went on a dinosaur dig in Canada with paleontologists… how amazing is that? Digging dinosaur bones with Ray! And he taped it on his hand held video recorder. I still have that tape today. Only a handful of people in the entire world had the kind of relationship I had with Ray and his wife and daughter and I knew it at the time. It seemed so normal and actually expected…like I always knew, even as a kid, that this would happen the way it did.

One of the most influential filmmakers in history…an artist, genius and for me someone who has been a part of my life…. all of my life…. and will always be so.

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Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: friend, harryhausen, ray, remembers

Visual Effects Legend Ray Harryhausen Dead at 92

James Cameron. Steven Spielberg. John Lasseter. Rick Baker. Peter Jackson. No, the category isn’t Oscar winners. It’s a list of people whose careers were influenced by one of films true legends: Ray Harryhausen. Harryhausen, whose career spanned six decades, died today in London. He was 92.

Beginning with 1942’s “Tulips Shall Grow” and ending with his best known film, 1981’s “Clash of the Titans,” Harryhausen inspired moviegoers throughout the world.

Born in Los Angeles on June 29, 1920, Harryhausen’s life changed when, in 1933, he saw the original “King Kong.” Interested in filmmaking, and experimenting in animation, a friend introduced him to Willis O’Brien, who had created Kong. He showed O’Brien some of his work and was soon taking classes in sculpture and graphic arts. In 1939 he and an author friend joined a local Science Fiction League which was presided over by Forrest J. Ackerman. The author was Ray Bradbury and the three remained friends up until their deaths. One of my most cherished autographs!

After securing a job working on George Pal’s “Puppetoons” he was drafted into the United States Army, where he was placed in the Special Services Division under the command of Colonel Frank Capra. He was a jack-of-all-trades for Capra, filling in wherever a hand was needed on his film crew. After his discharge Harryhausen went to work on his first big film, 1947’s “Mighty Joe Young,” which allowed him the chance to work with his idol, O’Brien, who went on to win that years Academy Award for Best Special Effects. He went on to produce the visual effects for such films as “The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms,” “Earth vs the Flying Saucers,” “The 7th Voyage of Sinbad” and it’s sequels, “One Million Years B.C.” and “The Valley Gwangi.”

I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Harryhausen on a couple of occasions and a nicer man with a genuine affection for his fans you will never find.

In 1992 he received the Gordon E. Sawyer award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. But perhaps a greater honor came in PIXAR’s hit film “Monsters, Inc., where Mike Wozowski takes his dinner date to the best place in town. It’s name: Harryhausens.

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Filed Under: Film Headlines Tagged With: 92, dead, effects, harryhausen, legend, ray, ...

2013 Summer Movie Preview

It’s becoming a Media Mikes tradition. Ever since the start of this site our Summer Movie Preview has started off with a Marvel Comic-based film; “Iron Man 2,” “Thor” and “The Avengers” have been previewed. This year, with “Iron Man 3” already in theatres, we’re changing it up. But not to worry – “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” is only a year away! Here is a look at many of the films heading to a multiplex near you between now and Labor Day. An (*) after the title denotes a film that the Mike’s are most anticipating.

Thanks again to the Internet Movie Data Base for certain synopsis information and remember, as always, the opening date noted is subject to change at the whims of the studios.

MAY 10

AFTERSHOCK

Starring: Eli Roth and Selena Gomez Directed by: Nicolas Lopez

While vacationing in Chile a group of travelers decide to party at an underground nightclub. After a massive earthquake hits they must tunnel their way out unaware of what waits for them.

THE GREAT GATSBY*

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan and Tobey Maguire Directed by: Baz Luhrmann

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel is brought to the screen for the third time, this time in 3D. Leo is Jay Gatsby, Mulligan is his beloved Daisy and Maguire is neighbor Nick. In the hands of Lurhmann it should be incredible in 3D.

NO ONE LIVES

Starring: Luke Evans and Derek Magyar Directed by: Ruyhei Kitamura

A gang of ruthless highway killers kidnap a wealthy couple traveling cross country only to shockingly discover that things are not what they seem.

PEEPLES

Starring: Craig Robinson and Kerry Washington Directed by: Tina Gordon Chism

Commoner (Robinson) crashes his girlfriends family’s swanky reunion in the Hamptons to ask for her hand in marriage.

MAY 17

BLACK ROCK

Starring: Kate Bosworth and Lake Bell

Directed by: Katie Aselton

Three childhood friends reunite for a girls weekend on an island off the coast of Maine where a mistake leaves all three fighting for their lives. Written by Mark Duplass.

POPULAIRE

Starring: Berenice Bejo Directed by: Regis Roinsard

Working girl Rose is a terrible secretary but an incredible typist. Her boss sets out to establish her as the fastest in the world. Bejo co-starred in the Oscar winning “The Artist.”

STAR TREK: INTO DARKNESS*

Starring: Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto Directed by: J.J. Abrams

The crew of the Enterprise are called into battle when a member of Star Fleet becomes a one man weapon of mass destruction. Can anyone say “KHAN!!!!!!” (Maybe)

 

MAY 24

BEFORE MIDNIGHT

Starring: Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy Directed by: Richard Linklater

The third film in the almost two decades old “Before” series finds Jessie and Celine in Greece nine years after we last saw them. Hawke, Delpy and Linklater wrote the script.

EPIC

Starring the voices of: Jason Sudeikis, Christoph Waltz and Chris O’Dowd Directed by: Chris Wedge

A teenager finds herself transported to a deep forest setting where a battle between the forces of good and evil is taking place. She bands together with a rag-tag group of characters in order to save their world — and ours. Director Wedge created the first “Ice Age” film and is the voice of Scrat!

FAST AND FURIOUS 6

Starring: Vin Diesel and Paul Walker Directed by: Justin Lin

I’m not even going to look this one up: Dominic Toretto and Brian O’Conner team up with others, including Dwayne Johnson, to drive really cool cars really fast. The fact that I know Diesel and Walker’s characters names actually scares me.

THE HANGOVER PART III

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis Directed by: Todd Phillips

After Alan’s father passes away the Wolfpack take him to Vegas. But things go wrong when Doug actually IS kidnapped by a gangster looking to settle a score with Mr. Chow.

MAY 31

THE EAST

Starring: Ellen Page and Alexander Skarsgard Directed by: Zal Batmanglij

An operative for an elite private intelligence firm finds her priorities irrevocably changed after she is tasked with infiltrating an anarchist group known for executing covert attacks upon major corporations. How cool to actually have a last name that begins with “Batman”

THE KINGS OF SUMMER

Starring: Nick Robinson and Nick Offerman Directed by: Jordan Vogt-Roberts

Three friends decide to spend their summer building a house in the woods and living off the land.

NOW YOU SEE ME

Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Isla Fisher and Mark Ruffalo Directed by: Louis Leterrier

An FBI agent and an Interpol detective track a team of illusionists who pull off bank heists during their performances and reward their audiences with the money.

THE PURGE

Starring: Ethan Hawke and Lena Heady Directed by: James DeMonaco

If on one night every year, you could commit any crime without facing consequences, what would you do? Over the course of a single night, a family will be tested to see how far they will go to protect themselves when the vicious outside world breaks into their home. Summer movie number two for Hawke!

 

JUNE 7

AFTER EARTH

Starring: Will Smith and Jaden Smith Directed by: M. Night Shyamalan

A boy and his injured father crash land on Earth 1,000 years after events forced the evacuation of the planet.

THE INTERNSHIP

Starring: Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson Directed by: Shawn Levy

Two former salesmen find their way into a coveted internship at Google, where they must compete with a group of young, tech-savvy geniuses for a shot at employment. Vaughn co-wrote the screenplay.

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING*

Starring: Nathan Fillion and Clark Gregg Directed by: Joss Whedon

How else do you follow up “The Avengers?” A modern take on Shakespeare’s classic tale.

WISH YOU WERE HERE

Starring: Joel Edgerton and Felicity Price Directed by: Kieran Darcy-Smith

Four friends decide to take an exciting South-East Asian vacation. Only three come back.

JUNE 12

THE IS THE END

Starring: Seth Rogen, James Franco and Danny McBride Directed by: Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg

A party at James Franco’s house turns crazy when the apocalypse hits. The stars (and others, including Michael Cera and Jonah Hill) play over the top versions of themselves. If the “R” rated trailer is any indication this could be this years “TED.”

JUNE 14

THE BLING RING

Starring: Emma Watson and Leslie Mann Directed by: Sofia Coppola

Inspired by actual events, a group of fame-obsessed teenagers use the internet to track celebrities’ whereabouts in order to rob their homes.

MAN OF STEEL*

Starring: Henry Cavill, Amy Adams and Michael Shannon Directed by: Zack Snyder

Seven years after Superman returned he does again, this time in a retelling of the tale by fanboy favorite Zack Snyder. The addition of “Dark Knight” writer/director Christopher Nolan as producer makes “Man of Steel” this summer’s “Avengers” in way of anticipation.

STUCK IN LOVE

Starring: Greg Kinnear and Jennifer Connely Directed by: Josh Boone

An acclaimed writer, his ex-wife, and their teen-aged children come to terms with the complexities of love in all its forms over the course of one tumultuous year.

JUNE 21

MANIAC

Starring: Elijah Wood Directed by: Franck Khalfoun

Just when the streets seemed safe, a serial killer with a fetish for scalps is back and on the hunt.

MONSTERS UNIVERSITY*

Starring the voices of: Billy Crystal, John Goodman and Steve Buscemi Directed by: Dan Scanlon

In this prequel to “Monsters Inc,” Mike Wazowski (Crystal) and James Sullivan (Goodman) meet in college where they learn they have nothing in common.

UNFINISHED SONG

Starring: Terence Stamp and Vanessa Redgrave Directed by: Paul Andrew Williams

Grumpy pensioner Arthur honors his recently deceased wife’s passion for performing by joining the unconventional local choir to which she used to belong.

WORLD WAR Z*

Starring: Brad Pitt and Matthew Fox Directed by: Marc Forster

A United Nations employee traverses the globe in a race against time to stop the Zombie pandemic that is toppling armies and governments; threatening to decimate humanity itself.

JUNE 28

COPPERHEAD

Starring: Peter Fonda and Billy Campbell Directed by: Ronald F. Maxwell

A family is torn apart during the American Civil War. This is director Maxwell’s third film covering the Civil War after 1993’s “Gettysburg” and 2003’s “Gods and Generals.”

THE HEAT

Starring: Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy Directed by: Paul Feig

An uptight FBI special agent is paired with a testy Boston cop in order to take down a ruthless drug lord. The hitch: neither woman has ever had a partner – or a friend for that matter.

WHITE HOUSE DOWN

Starring: Jamie Foxx and Channing Tatum Directed by: Roland Emmerich

Emmerich had so much fun destroying the White House in “Independence Day” that he’s back to do it again. In this original story terrorists attempt to take over the presidential mansion and it’s up to a wanna be Secret Service agent to save the day, which sounds nothing like this past springs “Olympus Has Fallen.”

JULY 3

DESPICABLE ME 2*

Starring the voices of: Steve Carell, Benjamin Bratt and Kristen Wigg Directed by: Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud

Gru is asked to join an Anti-Villains League to help combat a new bad guy named Eduardo, formerly voiced by Al Pacino but now played by Bratt.

THE LONE RANGER

Starring: Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer Directed by: Gore Verbinski

Native American warrior Tonto recounts the untold tales that transformed John Reid, a man of the law, into a legend of justice. Things go well until Reid discovers what the word “Kimosabe” really means!

JULY 5

THE WAY, WAY BACK

Starring: Sam Rockwell, Toni Collette and Steve Carrell Directed by: Nat Faxon and Jim Rash

Over the course of his summer break a young man gets a job at a local amusement park, where he comes into his own thanks in part to the friendship he strikes up with one of the park’s managers. Two Steve Carrell films in (2) days – his fans will have an overdose.

JULY 12

CRYSTAL FAIRY

Starring: Michael Cera and Gaby Hoffman Directed by: Sebastian Silva

A boorish, insensitive American twenty-something travels to Chile, managing to create chaos at every turn.

GROWN UPS 2*

Starring: Adam Sandler and Kevin James Directed by: Dennis Dugan

Lenny (Sandler) moves his family back to his old hometown to rekindle the hijinx with his childhood buddies. Remarkably Rob Schneider is NOT in this film, which means whatever debt Sandler owed God has now been repaid. Sadly he now apparently owes another because Nick Swardson is in it.

PACIFIC RIM*

Starring: Charlie Hunnam and Idris Elba Directed by: Guillermo del Toro

When an alien attack threatens the Earth’s existence, giant robots piloted by humans are deployed to fight off the menace.

JULY 17

TURBO

Starring the voices of: Ryan Reynolds and Paul Giamatti Directed by: David Soren

A freak accident might just help an everyday garden snail achieve his biggest dream: winning the Indy 500. I’m assuming it makes him 6 feet tall and gives him feet so he can drive a car?

JULY 19

THE CONJURING

Starring: Patrick Wilson and Lili Taylor Directed by: James Wan

A husband and wife team of Paranormal investigators work to help a family terrorized by a dark presence in their farmhouse. Forced to confront a powerful entity, the couple find themselves caught in the most terrifying case of their lives. Director Wan helmed the original “Saw.”

GIRL MOST LIKELY

Starring: Kristen Wiig and Annette Bening Directed by: Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini

A failed New York playwright awkwardly navigates the transition from Next Big Thing to Last Year’s News. “Glee” fans who hate Darren Criss and/or his character, Blaine (guilty), will be sad to see that he’s also in this.

ONLY GOD FORGIVES

Starring: Ryan Gosling and Kristin Scott Thomas Directed by: Nicolas Winding Refn

A drug-smuggler thriving in Bangkok’s criminal underworld sees his life get even more complicated when his mother compels him to find and kill whoever is responsible for his brother’s recent death.

RED 2

Starring: Bruce Willis and Helen Mirren Directed by: Dean Parisot

Retired black-ops CIA agent Frank Moses (Willis) reunites his unlikely team of elite operatives for a global quest to track down a missing portable nuclear device. Anthony Hopkins joins the cast of oldsters.

R.I.P.D.*

Starring: Jeff Bridges and Ryan Reynolds Directed by: Robert Schwentke

Based on a popular graphic novel, a recently slain cop joins a team of undead police officers working for the Rest in Peace Department and tries to find the man who murdered him.

JULY 26

BLUE JASMINE

Starring: Alec Baldwin and Cate Blanchett Directed by: Woody Allen

All I know about this film is what was sent to me in a press release by Sony Classic Pictures: “the film tells the story of the final stages of an acute crisis and a life of a fashionable New York housewife” It also co-stars Louis C.K., Sally Hawkins and Andrew Dice Clay.

FRUITVALE STATION

Starring: Michael B. Jordan and Octavia Spencer Directed by: Ryan Coogler

The true story of Oscar, a 22-year-old Bay Area resident, who crosses paths with friends, enemies, family, and strangers on the last day of 2008. If my memory serves me, Oscar is the young man who was arrested at a local Oakland-area transit station and then, as horrified onlookers watched, was shot in the back by a policeman who later claimed he thought he was tasing him.

THE WOLVERINE

Starring: Hugh Jackman and Will Yun Lee Directed by: James Mangold

Wolverine makes a voyage to modern-day Japan, where he encounters an enemy from his past that will impact on his future. Mangold is the director of films like “Walk the Line” and “CopLand.” I’m anxious to see his take on an action-based film.

JULY 31

THE SMURFS 2

Starring: Neil Patrick Harris and Hank Azaria Directed by: Raja Gosnell

The Smurfs team up with their human friends to rescue Smurfette, who has been kidnapped by Gargamel, since she knows a secret spell that can turn the evil sorcerer’s newest creation – creatures called the Naughties – into real Smurfs.

AUGUST 2

2 GUNS

Starring: Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg Directed by: Baltasar Kormakur

A DEA agent and an undercover Naval Intelligence officer who have been tasked with investigating one another find they have been set up by the mob — the very organization the two men believe they have been stealing money from.

300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE

Starring: Eva Green and Sullivan Stapleton Directed by: Noam Murro

The Greek general Themistocles battles an invading army of Persians under the mortal-turned-god, Xerxes.

THE SPECTACULAR NOW

Starring: Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley Directed by: James Ponsoldt

A hard-partying high school senior’s philosophy on life changes when he meets the not-so-typical “nice girl.”

AUGUST 7

PERCY JACKSON: SEA OF MONSTERS

Starring: Logan Lerman and Sean Bean Directed by: Thor Freudenthal

In order to restore their dying safe haven, the son of Poseidon and his friends embark on a quest to the Sea of Monsters to find the mythical Golden Fleece and to stop an ancient evil from rising.

AUGUST 9

ELYSIUM

Starring: Matt Damon and Jodie Foster Directed by: Neill Blomkamp

In the year 2154 the very wealthy live on a man-made space station while the rest of the population resides on a ruined Earth.

LOVELACE

Starring: Amanda Seyfried and Peter Sarsgaard Directed by: Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman

The story of Linda Lovelace and her controlling husband/manager Chuck Traynor. Also featuring James Franco as Hugh Hefner.

PLANES*

Starring the voices of: Dane Cook and Val Kilmer Directed by: Klay Hall

Like “Cars” but with airplanes. Dusty is a cropdusting plane who dreams of competing in a famous aerial race. The problem? He is hopelessly afraid of heights. With the support of his mentor Skipper and a host of new friends, Dusty sets off to make his dreams come true. Wow! I should have said “Exactly like ‘Cars’.”

WE’RE THE MILLERS

Starring: Jason Sudeikis and Jennifer Anniston Directed by: Rawson Marshall Thurber

A veteran pot dealer creates a fake family as part of his plan to move a huge shipment of weed into the U.S. from Mexico.

AUGUST 16

AUSTENLAND

Starring: Keri Russell and JJ Field Directed by: Jerusha Hess

Obsessed with the BBC production of “Pride and Prejudice”, a woman travels to a Jane Austen theme park in search for her perfect gentleman.

KICK-ASS 2*

Starring: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Chloe Grace Moretz and Jim Carrey Directed by: Jeff Wadlow

Costumed high-school hero Kick-Ass joins with a group of normal citizens who have been inspired to fight crime in costume. Meanwhile, the Red Mist plots an act of revenge that will affect everyone Kick-Ass knows.

AUGUST 17

AIN’T THEM BODIES SAINTS

Starring: Rooney Mara and Casey Affleck Directed by: David Lowery

An outlaw escapes from prison and sets off to find his wife and introduce himself to the daughter he’s never met.

THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS: CITIES OF BONES

Starring: Lily Colins and Jamie Campbell Bower Directed by: Harald Zwart

Based on a popular novel, when a woman is attacked and taken from her home in New York City by a demon, a seemingly ordinary teenage girl finds out truths about her past and bloodline on her quest to get her back.

THE WORLD’S END*

Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and Martin Freeman Directed by: Edgar Wright

Five friends who reunite in an attempt to top their epic pub crawl from 20 years earlier unwittingly become humankind’s only hope for survival. From the same team that brought you “Shaun of the Dead” and “Hot Fuzz.”

AUGUST 28

YOU’RE NEXT

Starring: Eric Bana and Rebecca Hall Directed by: John Crowley

Bana and Hall are lawyers — and ex-lovers — who find themselves put at risk after they join the defense team for an international terrorist’s trial.

AUGUST 30

GET AWAY

Starring: Ethan Hawke and Selena Gomez Directed by: Courtney Solomon and Yaron Levy

Hawke stars as Brent Magna, a man who must get behind the wheel and follow the orders of a mysterious man to save his kidnapped wife. Movie number three this summer for Hawke.

ONE DIRECTION: THIS IS US

Starring: One Direction Directed by: Morgan Spurlock

A documentary featuring the goings on of One Direction in concert. Documentarian Spurlock is an odd choice as director, unless the band plans to eat at McDonalds a lot.

DON JOHN

Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Scarlett Johansson Directed by: Joseph Gordon-Levitt

JGL plays a man who is addicted to online pornography and must work to find intimacy with his potential true love. Gordon-Levitt also wrote the screenplay.

PRINCE AVALANCHE

Starring: Paul Rudd and Emile Hirsch Directed by: David Gordon Green

In the summer of 1988 two highway road workers decide to leave their city lives behind. The isolated landscape becomes a place of misadventure as the men find themselves at odds with each other and the women they left behind.

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Filed Under: Featured, Film Headlines Tagged With: 2013, movie, preview, summer

Film Review “Iron Man 3”

Starring: Robert Downey, Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow and Don Cheadle
Directed by: Shane Black
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 2 hours 10 mins
Paramount

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Bern, Switzerland. December 31, 1999. As the clock prepares to chime midnight to welcome in the new century Tony Stark is trying his best to occupy the time of a fellow scientist. A beautiful fellow scientist. As they make their way towards an elevator they are met by a quiet, disheveled man who introduces himself as Aldrich Killian. He extends his business card but the one-track minded Stark tells him to meet him on the roof in five minutes. Needless to say, he watches the Y2K fireworks alone.

Present day. While Stark spends his days in his workshop building new versions of his “Iron Man” suit (he’s currently on number 42), his former assistant/now love interest Pepper Potts is running things at Stark Industries. She is assisted by an overzealous Happy (Jon Favreau), Starks one-time bodyguard since promoted to head of security. Happy has an eye on a suspicious character loitering in the lobby (James Badge Dale). The gentleman is accompanying the tall, handsome stranger now talking with Pepper. Aldrich Killian.

Has it only been five years since “Iron Man” took flight and launched one of the most popular, both financially and critically, series of films ever made? In this version we find a Tony Stark who isn’t as cool and confidant as he was in the past. Due to the events featured in last summer’s “The Avengers” Stark is having the occasional nightmare. And panic attacks. And at a most inopportune time. It seems our government has drawn the raft of a terrorist who calls himself the Mandarin (Ben Kingsley in what should be an Oscar nominated performance). With Iron Man on hiatus, it’s up to Colonel James Rhodes to put on his War Machine suit in order to protect the President (William Sadler), though in a new patriotic spirit War Machine is now known as the Iron Patriot. When a series of executions and bombings begin to threaten the country Stark decides he needs to get back in the battle.

Packed with virtually non-stop action from start to finish, “Iron Man 3” is the best film in the “Iron Man” series and among the best Marvel-inspired films ever, thanks to a top-notch cast, an almost flawless script and one of the most surprising directing jobs I’ve ever seen. With the exception of a previous working relationship with Downey, who he directed in his debut film “Kiss Bang,” I could not understand how Shane Black was hired to direct this film. Black, creator of the “Lethal Weapon” series as well as such testosterone-fueled films as “The Last Boyscout” and “The Long Kiss Goodnight,” takes the reins from previous director (and now co-star) Favreau and gallops away with a film that excites and still packs a punch emotionally.

Downey, who pretty much invented the present day loveable smart ass, gives the film it’s emotional weight. As the Mandarin’s attacks get closer and closer to he and those he loves, Stark must react as only he can. As Pepper, Paltrow is much more than a minor character here and she runs with the new importance her character is afforded. Pearce is also strong in a role 180 degrees from anything he’s ever done before. Even though it’s been 30 years since Kingsley won an Oscar (for “Gandhi”) he continues to turn in outstanding work at a time in his career when others in his position are playing kindly grandfathers. As he approaches 70 Kingsley shows he’s got a few more surprises up his sleeve. The supporting cast (Sadler, Cheadle) really don’t have enough to do (the majority of Cheadle’s screen time is with his face obscured in the Iron Patriot suit) but that’s not the fault of either actor. The action sequences are entertaining as hell, with Black pulling off one of the greatest action sequences ever put on film, one that had the audience cheering when it was over. With the Boston Marathon bombing only a few weeks behind us, there is a chilling feel to the film, especially after one unaccompanied bomb kills everyone within a few yards of it. And, like the majority of the Marvel universe films, sit back and wait until the film ends to catch a little extra goodie or two after the credits.

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: 3, film, iron, man, review

Win Free Movie Tickets for the Summer to Your Local Alamo Drafthouse [ENDED]

With over 100 new films set to open this summer you’re probably going over your list and checking it twice because you know there’s no way you can afford to see them all. Well if you live in Austin, Houston, San Antonio, Kansas City, Denver or Northern Virginia you may have just hit the jackpot.

Alamo Drafthouse has announced the arrival of it’s annual SUMMER MOVIE PASS GIVEAWAY, which will give (5) lucky winners from each Alamo location a chance for free admission for two at their local Alamo Drafthouse all summer long!

The contest has started and runs through May 30, 2013. Five winners will be chosen from each market to receive a Summer Movie Pass good for two tickets to any show valuing $13.00 or less at their local Alamo Drafthouse. The SUMMER MOVIE PASS GIVEAWAY is hosted through the following Alamo Drafthouse Facebook pages:

Austin, TX – facebook.com/AlamoAustin
Houston, TX – facebook.com/AlamoHouston
San Antonio, TX – facebook.com/SAdrafthouse
Kansas City, MO – facebook.com/AlamoKansasCity
Ashburn, VA – facebook.com/AlamoDC
Winchester, VA – facebook.com/AlamoVA
Littleton, CO – facebook.com/AlamoDenver

Entry into the contest is easy. All you have to do is:
“Like” your local Alamo Drafthouse Facebook Page.
Click the “Free Movies!” tab.
Enter your name and email address to sign up for the Alamo Drafthouse email newsletter.
Good luck!

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Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: alamo, drafthouse, free, local, movie, summer, ...

Shirley Jones to Finally Appear in Nebraska! (Omaha to Be Exact)

After an Oscar-winning film career that has taken her to Iowa (“The Music Man”), Maine (“Carousel”) and, of course, “Oklahoma,” Shirley Jones will be appearing later this month at a benefit screening of “Carousel” to be held in Omaha on Friday, May 24th.

With a multitude of successful benefit screenings under his belt, including “The Godfather,” “Jaws” and, most recently, “American Graffiti,” Bruce Crawford has chosen, for his 32nd Classic Film Event, one of the most beloved musicals of all time, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Carousel.”

Miss Jones will be on-hand for the screening as will Mandy MacRae Daley, daughter of the film’s co-star Gordon MacRae. Also in attendance will be world renowned pop artist Nicolosi, who will unveil an original art design he created for this event honoring the film’s stars (Jones and MacRae) and Rodgers and Hammerstein, which will be available as an official United States Postal Service commemorative envelope.

The event begins at 7:00 p.m. and will be held at the Joslyn Art Museum’s Witherspoon Hall, 2200 Dodge St. in Omaha.

Tickets are $20 at all Omaha-area Hy Vee food store customer service counters.
Proceeds benefit the Omaha Parks Foundation. For more information call: 402-926-8299

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Filed Under: Film Headlines Tagged With: exact, finally, jones, nebraska, omaha, shirley, ...

Film Review “The Big Wedding”

Starring: Robert DeNiro, Diane Keaton and Susan Sarandon
Directed by: Justin Zackham
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 30 mins
Lionsgate

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

You really can’t go wrong when your cast boasts (4) actors with a combined (20) Academy Award nominations (and (5) Oscars) between them. And after a few minutes “The Big Wedding” doesn’t disappoint.

It’s a big weekend for all involved. Alejandro (Ben Barnes) and Missy (Amanda Seyfried) are going to be married. Alejandro was a third world child adopted by Don (DeNiro) and Ellie (Keaton). Years ago the marriage broke up when Don cheated with Ellie’s best friend, Bebe (Sarandon). Don and Bebe are still together but not married. Don and Ellie also had two other children: daughter Lyla (Katherine Heigl), an attorney and son Jared (the always fun to watch Topher Grace), a doctor with a secret. Well, after a night out with friends from work not that much of a secret. It seems Jared is a virgin. At age 15 he decided to wait for true love. Sadly, fifteen years later, he hasn’t found it yet. The big news though is that Alejandro’s birth mother, Madonna (Patricia Rae), who has kept in touch with the boy over the years, will be attending the wedding. Knowing his mother is very devout he never told her that Don and Ellie split up. Now he has a favor to ask of everyone. Can Don and Ellie pretend to still be married for three days to keep the religious faith? Well, they can certainly try.

Flawlessly acted by a cast I would pay to see read the Yellow Pages, “The Big Wedding” is a fine ensemble piece that plays like a mix of “The Birdcage” and “Meet the Parents.” And not a coincidence since the cast includes both DeNiro and, as the priest enlisted to perform the service, Robin Williams. Everyone on screen, from the award winning veterans to the younger cast members, share a great chemistry together. Whether it’s a more serious situation (Heigl’s inability to get pregnant is destroying her marriage) or a comical one (accompanying Madonna is her stunningly beautiful daughter (Ana Ayora) who has a request for Jared: to please make love to her! It truly is a comedy of errors as one little deception begins to grow into a comedic brouhaha.

Director Zackman adapted his script from the French film “Mon frère se Marie.” He has a nice flow with the story telling, letting each small vignette lead into another in a seamless way. The emotional trip runs the gamut from tears to laughter and everything in between. But it is a trip I recommend you take.

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: big, film, review, wedding

“Withered World” – An End of the World Web-Series to Debut This Week

“Withered World,” a new web-series which tells about the last day on Earth through the eyes of a diverse group of filmmakers, debuts this week, Tuesday, April 23 at 7:00 p.m. It can be viewed at www.witheredworld.tv

The series, conceived by Bryce Young (who also wrote and directed the first episode), deals with the way the human race deals with their last day on Earth. Filmed entirely in Kansas City, using all Kansas City talent both behind and in front of the camera, the series kicks off with “A Man’s Tale.” In an interivew with Young, which will be posted later this week, he told Media Mikes that his fellow filmmakers were given no direction or plot points to follow. His only instructions were that their short films deal in some way with the human race and it’s last day on this planet. I found the first episode very intriguing and can’t wait to see what happens next week! Enjoy!

 

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Filed Under: Film Headlines Tagged With: debut, webseries, week, withered, world

Film Review “Oblivion”

Starring: Tom Cruise, Olga Kurylenko and Morgan Freeman
Directed by: Joseph Kosinski
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 2 hrs 6 mins
Universal

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

2077. Its been 60 years since the last Super Bowl was held. Earth is now a radioactive nightmare following an alien attack. After destroying the moon, and turning Earth into a topsy-turvy world of earthquakes and tsunamis, the aliens came down to the surface. Thanks to nuclear weapons we won the battle. But we lost the war, as the planet was no longer habitable. The remains of the human race now reside on Titan, the largest moon of Saturn, while what remains of Earth is patrolled by mechanical drones. They are there to hunt and destroy the few remaining aliens who remain. Of course where there are mechanical objects there must be a mechanic to fix them. Mechanic #49 is named Jack Harper (Cruise). He goes about his job daily, fixing drones and blasting the occasional alien. The daytime goes pretty well for Jack. But at night he’s haunted by a recurring dream featuring himself and a beautiful young woman (Kurylenko). It is a dream, isn’t it?

An ambitious film with a story that begins to slip into camp, “Oblivion” could have been a great addition to the science fiction genre’. Unfortunately, after a strong first half, we’re dealt with some plot points that defy credibility. Jack is living the sweet life with Victoria (Andrea Riseborough), who serves many functions. Technically she is Jack’s air traffic controller. It’s her job to assign his work and then direct him where he needs to go. She’s also his eyes when he’s on the planet’s surface, always on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary. The two are also a romantic couple, spending their off hours swimming in their rooftop pool and counting the days until they are relieved of their post and allowed to join the rest of the world on Titan. Each morning Victoria gets her orders from Sally (Melissa Leo), who ends each daily exchange with the same question: “Are You An Effective Team?”

Despite a strong performance by Cruise, as well as a fine supporting turn by Morgan Freeman, “Oblivion” begins to lose steam when Jack tracks a returning spaceship to the planet, discovering several occupied life pods. Trained to kill any humans not cleared in their systems, the drones kill all but one of the ship’s crew. Before they can kill the last one Jack intervenes and the drone stands down. When he opens the pod he is stunned to see the same woman who has been filling his dreams. He takes her to Victoria, but she is not pleased to see her. She begins to feel that she and Jack are no longer an Effective Team! But her love for Jack keeps her from notifying Sally that there may be a problem with the mission, though she’s not sure what.

As I noted above, “Oblivion” could have been great. However, once the mystery woman appears the film begins to slip away. One major error kept screaming to me during the remainder of the film. Even though the mystery woman is in her underwear when found, and her ship is destroyed, she keeps showing up in various outfits that include her name. Where did they come from? Why do they fit so well? And why does the music get extra loud when I ask myself these questions?

On the positive side, the film features an amazing array of special effects, including such incredible set pieces like a deserted New York library or a former ocean, now a barren patch of land with moored battleships littered upon it. If only as much time was spent on the too-predictable story as was spent on the special effects.

 

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

KC Planet Comicon The Best Ever!

I’ll have to admit I was a little worried when promoter Chris Jackson moved the Kansas City Planet Comicon from it’s familiar Overland Park, Kansas location to the Kansas City Convention Center at Bartle Hall in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. I needn’t have worried. The convention, which was held April 6 and 7, was a major success, establishing Planet Comicon as not only the best annual convention in Kansas City but one of the best in the entire Midwest.

Fans from all over packed the building to meet some of their favorite actors. This was the convention’s best line up of talent ever, led by George Takei, Adam Baldwin, Wil Wheaton and Lindsay Wagner. “Star Wars” fans were greeted by Chewbacca himself, Peter Mayhew, as well as Ray Park, who was so memorable as Darth Maul in “Episode One.” They also had what was sadly one of the last opportunities to meet Richard LeParmentier (Admiral Motti) who passed away earlier this week. Even Corey Dee Williams, son of Billy “Lando Calrissian” Dee Williams, was on hand. The young man shared some great stories of being with his dad during the filming of “Return of the Jedi” and even had a cameo as Klaatu, who ended up in the Sarlac pit when Jabba’s barge was destroyed.

Returning fan favorites included Lee Meriwether, Lou Ferrigno and Adrienne Wilkinson as well as Media Mikes favorites Tom Kane and Blair Butler. The autograph lines moved quickly, though I must say that I never saw the line end at Ray Park’s table. It’s amazing how less than 10 minutes of screen time made such an indelible impact on the fans. If meeting celebs isn’t your thing, there were plenty of dealers selling the very best in comics, toys and paraphernalia. My wife is tickled pink with her talking TED key chain (very “R” rated).

Overall, the convention was a hit, with fans already talking about next year as they were leaving. So am I.

For more information about the Kansas City Planet Comicon: http://planetcomicon.wordpress.com/

Photo credit: Dan Lybarger

George Takei signs for a fan A 70s dream come true: One of the “Mikes” and Lindsay Wagner A chip off the old block: Corey Dee Williams Setting up an interview that would never take place. R.I.P. Richard LeParmentier Just like in years past, fans went all out with their costumes.

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Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: comicon, kc, planet

Win Passes to the Kansas City Screening of “Star Trek: the Next Generation – The Best of Both Worlds” [ENDED]

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED AND WINNER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL. PLEASE CHECK BACK EACH WEEK FOR NEW GIVEAWAYS!

 

Last November, Media Mikes provided passes to a special in-theatre presentation of a celebration of the second season of the groundbreaking television series “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” This weekend we’ve teamed up again with Fathom Events and CBS Home Entertainment to bring the third season episode, “The Best of Both Worlds,” to the big screen.

One lucky fan will receive (2) passes to the Kansas City screening at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 25, 2013, at one of six Kansas City area theatres (AMC Barrywoods, AMC Independence, AMC Studio, AMC Town Center, Cinemark Merriam, Kansas City 18). Also presented that night will be an exclusive “behind the scenes” look at the making of “The Best of Both Worlds,” as well as the entire third season of the popular series.

“The Best of Both Worlds,” in which Captain Jean Luc Picard is assimilated by the Borg, consisted of two episodes – the season three finale and the first show of season four. The show has been remastered for the big screen and is considered one of the best “ST:TNG” episodes EVER!

The contest is simple. All you have to do to be eligible to win these passes is let us know your favorite “Star Trek: The Next Generation” character. Is it the brave and strong Captain Picard? The fully functioning android Data? Or are you strangely attracted to the beautiful Counselor Deanna Troi?

One random selection will be chosen at 8:00 p.m. EST on Sunday, April 21st. The winner will be notified by email. Only one entry per person please. Good luck!

For more information on the event: http://www.fathomevents.com/#!star-trek-best-of-both-worlds

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Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: city, generation, kansas, passes, screening, star, ...

Jackie Robinson Returns to Kansas City – Hollywood Style!

KC Royals Hall of Famer George Brett

My first memory of Jackie Robinson is also one of my earliest baseball memories. Watching game 2 of the 1972 baseball World Series there was a ceremony held before the game, commemorating the 25th Anniversary of Robinson becoming the first black baseball player in the major leagues. Assuming that black players had always been around (heck, I was wearing a pair of Lou Brock model Converse sneakers that I had begged my parents for) I was surprised at the story my father told me about Robinson and his battle to play in the majors. Before signing a contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers of the National League Robinson was the shortstop for the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro Leagues. So it was only fitting that “42,” the motion picture that honors his life, premiere in Kansas City. The event, held at the AMC Barrywoods 24 theater, gave almost 1,400 fans the first opportunity to see the new film.

Linda Paige, daughter of Satchel Paige

The weather was as brisk as you would expect on an early April day. Dignitaries, including Kansas City mayor Sly James, mingled with past and current members of the Kansas City Royals, as well as other baseball greats from the past, including Hall of Famer Lou Brock! Also attending was Linda Paige, the daughter of Hall of Fame pitcher Satchel Paige as well as Jackie Robinson’s son, David. Bob Kendrick, the president of the Negro League Baseball Museum, which is also based in Kansas City, attended as did cast members from “42,” including Harrison Ford, Derek Phillips, Chadwick Boseman and Andre Holland.

Hall of Fame third baseman George Brett was amazed at the red carpet experience and the honoring of Jackie Robinson. “Being a baseball player also, people just assume that I know who Jackie was. But I don’t know all of the things he had to endure. It’s going to be an education for me tonight to watch this (film).” I asked Brett, who is a strong supporter of the Negro League Museum, what the benefit showing would do for the organization. “I hope it brings more awareness to it,” he said. Brett’s said his biggest regret was that Buck O’Neil, one of the best known former Negro League ballplayers, was no longer alive to enjoy this moment. Featured in the highly popular Ken Burns documentary “Baseball,” O’Neil was the first black coach in Major League baseball and a fan favorite. Brett also noted that if O’Neil were still alive tonight’s event would have been twice as big!

David Robinson, Jackie Robinson’s son

Best known for his work on television’s “Friday Night Lights,” Phillips talked about playing a different sport on screen. “I probably hadn’t played baseball since I was seventeen and to get the opportunity to do a film like this at thirty-five…to get out there and throw the ball around…was a great experience. We had a run-down scene that we shot in multiple angles…chasing the runner to third and back to second then back to third. It was 106 degrees in Atlanta and I got a little gassed, I’ve got to be honest.”

I asked Mayor James how important it was that this event was being held in Kansas City. “It’s huge,” he replied. “And it’s the appropriate place to have it when you think about it. But for the Negro Leagues there wouldn’t be a Jackie Robinson. The Negro Leagues started here…the Monarchs were a great team and Jackie was a part of that team. He was the person that was selected. He not only broke the color barrier in baseball but he also broke the color barrier in society. He was a high-profile African-American…something that many people in this country hadn’t seen before. He forced people to reexamine their thoughts and beliefs. The fact that it all started in Kansas City makes this event very special.”

Actor Andre Holland

When I spoke to Negro League Museum president Kendrick I informed him of what Brett had said about mourning the absence of Buck O’Neil. I asked him how he thought Buck would enjoy this evening’s events. “He would be so excited,” he said, letting out a laugh. “He would own the red carpet. And he would be so proud. This is such a major accomplishment for the museum. And to be connected to a project of this magnitude…one that is shedding new light on one of the greatest American heroes ever as well as shedding light on the playing ground that allowed Jackie to play. The Negro Leagues. Because we don’t get Jackie if not for the Negro Leagues. I hope this film reminds people of just how special the Negro Leagues were and how much talent was there in the Negro Leagues.”

When I spoke to actor Andre Holland, who plays famed sportswriter Wendell Smith in the film, I noted that he was pretty much the only person in the movie that doesn’t get to throw a baseball. Did he ever just wander down to the field and start playing catch? “There were a couple of times, I will not lie to you,” he replied. “I played a lot of baseball growing up and sometimes when I was sitting in the stands…between takes I’d go down, grab a bat and take a swing or toss the ball around. It was hard to be in a baseball stadium and NOT be playing baseball.”

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Filed Under: Commentary, Featured Tagged With: city, hollywood, jackie, kansas, returns, robinson, ...

Film Review “42”

Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Andre Holland and Harrison Ford
Directed by: Brian Helgeland
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 2 hrs 8 mins
Warner Brothers

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

If you ask most people who Jackie Robinson was they can tell you he was a baseball player. Some may even know that he was the first African-American to play in the major leagues. But few really know the struggles he went through, both personally and professionally, to achieve his goals. On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson came to bat for the Brooklyn Dodgers for the first time. Six decades later his story is being told on the big screen in the uplifting film “42.”

1946. Branch Rickey (Ford) runs the Brooklyn Dodgers. He’s a man with two passions: fairness and business. He has toyed in the past with the idea of signing a black ball player but has always been discouraged by his fellow executives. With World War II over and more people than ever back home working Rickey also realizes that black baseball fans have a color in common with white ones: green. After considering several possible players he zeroes in on Jackie Robinson, currently playing shortstop for the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro Leagues. The two meet and things go well. But Rickey has one condition that Jackie must accept. No matter what people say or do in regards to his being on the field he must not retaliate. “You mean you want a player who doesn’t have the guts to fight back,” he asks Rickey. “No,” Rickey replies, “I want a player who has the guts NOT to fight back.” After thinking it over Jackie tells him, “you give me a uniform…a number on my back. I’ll give you the guts!”

Smartly written and directed by Oscar winner Brian Helgeland (“L.A. Confidential”), “42” is a story of quiet dignity and pride standing up in the face of adversity. The story is told through the eyes of black sportswriter Wendell Smith (Holland), who Rickey has assigned to cover Robinson as well as look out for him. As he sits along the third base line with his typewriter on his lap (blacks were not allowed in the press box at that time), Smith documents every accomplishment and setback Robinson undergoes. And it’s not an easy journey. Minor league baseball fans in Canada are just as vile as those in the deep American south (a caution to parents – the “N” word is thrown out on several occasions). But Robinson plays well and earns a spot on the major league roster the next year. This causes a rift among the Dodgers, many of whom send a petition to Rickey declaring they won’t play with Jackie. Only when Pee Wee Reese (Lucas Black), a good old boy from Kentucky, embraces Jackie (both figuratively and literally) do the players begin to come around. It all boils down to one thing…Jackie can play ball and that’s all that matters.

The performances down the line are outstanding. Boseman hits just the right notes as Robinson. He’s not a saint. He’s a man, with many of the same flaws all men have. He wears his emotions on his sleeve and he’s not afraid to show them. Holland is just as good, acting almost as a Greek chorus, carrying the story along with his words. As Rachel Robinson, Jackie’s wife, Nicole Beharie is strong and supportive while still independent enough to speak her mind. Christopher Meloni makes manager Leo Durocher bigger than life in a spirited performance. And on a personal note it’s a treat to see “Barney Miller” star Max Gail back on the big screen. As the manager hired to replace a suspended Durocher he brings a quiet and old fashioned charm to the role. But the acting standout here is Ford. So well known for his big budget adventure films, younger fans may not know that the man has shown some serious acting chops in the past (“Witness,” “Mosquito Coast”). Here he works his magic, making Rickey one part kindly grandfather and one part shrewd businessman in a performance that will hopefully be remembered come Oscar time.

The period settings are well done as are the baseball scenes. But baseball is really the secondary story here. The first is the story of a man who accepted the challenge given him and, because he did, changed the world.

Click here for our coverage of red carpet for new movie “42” with interviews from KC Royals Hall of Famer George Brett,  Linda Paige, daughter of Satchel Paige, David Robinson, Jackie Robinson’s son and Actor Andre Holland

 

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: 42, film, review

Film Review “The Place Beyond The Pines”

Starring: Ryan Gossling, Bradley Cooper and Eva Mendes
Directed by: Derek Cianfrance
Rated: R
Running time: 2 hrs 20 mins
Focus Features

Our Score: 2 out of 5 stars

There’s nothing like a good old fashioned carnival to use as the backdrop for a film. In “The Place Beyond the Pines” we are introduced to a trio of daredevil motorcycle riders, led by the very blonde Handsome Luke (Gossling). After his last death-defying feat of the evening he spots a woman watching him. “Do you remember me,” she asks.

Incredibly overlong with a plot twist you can spot from the back of the theatre, “The Place Beyond the Pines” wastes strong performances in a sea of cliché’s and coincidences. It seems Luke does remember the young lady (Mendes) from a brief tryst the last time he was in town. It seems, to paraphrase the Cher song Gypsy’s, Tramps and Thieves, “three months later she’s a gal in trouble and she hasn’t seen him for awhile!” Even though his baby mama is now living with another man in a serious relationship Luke wants to be a part of his newly found son’s life. He quits the carnival and goes to work for a local mechanic. Looking for a way to make some extra money he asks his boss. His reply? “Bank Robbery.” It seems many years ago the boss needed some money quick and robbed a few banks before hanging up his gun and mask. The boss figures out that, with his motorcycle skills, Luke would make a great robber. And he does. For a while. Enter rookie police office Avery Cross (Cooper), another man with a baby boy at home. When their paths meet things don’t go well for either man.

Basically a two act play, “The Place Beyond the Pines” attempts to be a clever puzzle but by the time the pieces are put into place you just want to sweep the whole thing off the table. In Act One we learn that after Cross takes down Handsome Luke his star begins to rise. The son of a state chief justice, Cross has a law degree but feels he can make a bigger difference on the street. He’s a politician at heart, using his new found popularity to advance his career. Act two takes place fifteen years later, with Luke and Avery’s sons meeting in high school. They have two things in common – a love for weed and the fact that both boys look to be about 30 years old. If you can guess where the film is heading (like I did 90 minutes in) congratulations. If not, you’ve only got another hour to go!

 

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

Kavan Smith talks his role on new DirecTV Original Series “Rogue”

Photo Trevor Brady

Canadian born, Kavan Smith took to athletics as a young man, excelling in football and martial arts. As a teenager he and a friend began writing skits and performing them everywhere, from the city bus to the neighborhood shopping mall. After high school he began working on an Economics degree but left school after a year and a half. He later enrolled in the Performing Arts Program at Mount Royal University. After graduating he landed a lead role in the Canadian television series “Destiny Ridge” and hasn’t looked back.

Sci-fi/fantasy fans will recognize him from roles on such shows as “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Smallville,” “The Twilight Zone” and two different “Stargate” series. He also appeared opposite Tim Robbins and Gary Sinese in Brian de Palma’s “Mission to Mars.”

Premiering this week, you can catch Smith with co-star Thandie Newton in DirecTV’s new original series “Rogue,” While relaxing at home in the Great White North, Smith took time out to speak with Media Mikes about the new show, dancing to Dick Clark and what his next project might be.

Mike Smith: Give us a quick introduction to “Rogue” and your character, Tom Travis.
Kavan Smith: “Rogue” is a visceral, raw, sexy kind of gangster cop show. Thandie Newton plays the lead…the show takes a female perspective of a usually male dominated role. I play her husband. She gets her family into trouble…there are some consequences to her actions…and she has to go out and seek justice. Her husband, Travis…my character…spends the bulk of the series trying to hold their family together. It’s a very complicated endeavor because she is doing a lot of things that he is unaware of. He has no idea of the consequences or the stakes. He doesn’t understand why she’s not “stepping up” at home. It’s very emotional. For me it’s a very redemptive character. As an actor…it’s all I’ve ever done…all I’ve ever wanted to do…I’ve had to take some jobs that maybe I didn’t want to take. So for me this role is very redemptive. It’s a great character to play.

MS: What drew you to the project?
KS: There’s a scene in the third episode….he doesn’t understand why she can’t meet him halfway on…
SPOILER ALERT
…Dealing with the death of their son…I’m not giving anything away, it happens in the first episode…and they have a really massive blow-out, ending in a three page monologue for my character. That was the audition piece and when I saw it…it was the meatiest thing I had seen in a long time. You could be as melodramatic as you wanted to but it played so well understated. When I read it…I have kids of my own and the idea of losing one is unimaginably painful. My kids are still young and ever since I had them the idea of anything happening…it’s so raw for me that I can channel that. So I saw this piece and I knew immediately that I could do this. Of course I had no idea at all if I would be what they wanted. When they did the call back audition it was basically a screen test. Thandie had a lot of input over who would be chosen and we were on fire! We went places with that scene that I had no idea we were going to go. When I walked out of that room I knew I wanted that job desperately.

MS: You’ve been on shows like “Blade,” “Battlestar Galactica,” “Stargate,” “Outer Limits.” A lot of very genre-specific roles. Was that something you intended or just the luck of the draw?
KS: I think it’s really just the luck of the draw. Most of the work I’ve done in the states…I spend a lot of time here in Canada. My wife is Canadian. My kids were both born here. So I’ve tried to stay up here as best I can while continuing to read for roles and it just so happens that in Canada in the past…in the 1990s and early 2000s, they really catered to a sci-fi type of genre. I’ve enjoyed all the jobs that I’ve had but it really wasn’t by choice. My resume’ is a little “sci-fi heavy,” but I think that’s more about where I live then my own personal taste.

MS: In one of your early roles you played the young Dick Clark in the Annette Funicello television bio “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes.” Did you have the opportunity to meet Dick Clark and, if so, did he give you any advice? (NOTE: Clark, known as “America’s Oldest Teenager,” passed away almost a year ago, April 18, 2012).
KS: Wow! That’s going way back…I’m so surprised you picked that one out of the hat! (laughs). No, I didn’t get the chance to meet him but the role was a lot of fun. When I was a kid my parents were really into “American Bandstand.” My brother and I would watch it with them and, even though we had no musical training whatsoever we were convinced that we were dancers. So I certainly danced a lot to Dick Clark.

MS: Your bio states that while in college you developed a love for writing. Have you written any scripts that you’d like to produce some day?
KS: Yes, as a matter of fact. I’ve taken several steps at writing a novel. When I was a kid I got caught in that loop where you think you’re a lot smarter then you are. I wanted to write a ground breaking novel and I made several attempts at it, but they were ALL less than I expected. Screenwriting is less of an art form but I thought I would get familiar with it. I’ve always read like crazy but I never took Literature when I was at University. I started writing screenplays for myself. I’ve gotten really fantastic at writing the first 80% of a great story…and then the ending falls. Because I’m committed to “Rogue” and they own my contract and have the right to keep me on hold for quite a while, over the past year I’ve written a series. I’ve already got ten episodes done that I want to try and pitch. I’m taking my time with it. I’ve got the first five episodes completely finished and the following five basically laid out. So in the meantime while I’m waiting to hear what’s happening with “Rogue” I’m toiling away on those stories. I think there’s nothing quite like it out there right now and I’m hoping I can garner some interest. Maybe “Rogue” will open a few doors for me. So keep your fingers crossed.

Photo Trevor Brady

MS: Last question, though you may have just answered it. Besides “Rogue” do you have anything else in the fire?
KS: Unfortunately I don’t. Contractually I can’t take anything that would establish me on another series. There were a couple of feature films scheduled to be made here that I was the first choice for but one moved production to Australia and I didn’t want to be away from my kids. The other went to Europe so same thing. I let both of those go. I’ve narrated some documentaries when I’ve had time. But in the mean time I’m waiting to hear from “Rogue” and playing Mr. Mom – which is the greatest role ever…as cheesy as that sounds. And I hope to finish up this series of my own and see if I can garner any interest in that. Being on hold buys my the freedom of time, which is very rare in this business. I’m really hoping the show gets picked up so I can afford to do this again next year. (laughs)

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Filed Under: Interviews, TV Interviews Tagged With: kavan, show, smith, talks
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