Director: Xiaosong Gao
Starring: Chun Wu, Geng Han, Barbie Hsu
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by: New Video
Run Time: 97 minutes

Film: 2 out of 5 stars
Extras: N/A

The box art for this film claims to have its action scenes choreographed by Sammo Hung (“IP Man 2”) and to me, that sets my expectations high. I am not sure that Sammo actually did work on this film because the fight scenes were lame and do not entertain at all. I found to film to be slow moving, very incohesive and basically a love story with a very few action sequences that take place during an opera. Sound entertaining to you?…doubtful.

The film deals with issues of honor, love and revenge set in Shanghai in the 1920’s. We follow two brothers who set out to seek revenge for their master’s honor. After years spent in martial arts training, the two brothers establish themselves in the Shanghai opera scene in order to get vengeance. They meet a beautiful actress and the three of them get tangled in a complex web of love, lust, deceit and betrayal.

Overall Wu Chun known for “14 Blades” and Han Geng known for the recent “Beginning of the Great Revival” don’t really feel like action heroes. They don’t seem to be like guys who can kick some ass, especially when they are performing in operas. Lastly, the film contains no special features besides the Mandarin Chinese audio track. Skip this film and checking the “IP Man” series if you haven’t already.

John Rosengrant is co-owner of Legacy Effects (formerly known as Stan Winston Studios). He had worked with Stan Winston since 1983. He recently created the animatronics robots in the film “Real Steel”. In 2012, Legacy Effects has a bunch of major films in the works including, “The Hunger Games”, “The Amazing Spider-Man”, “Total Recall” and “The Avengers”. Media Mikes had a chance to ask John some questions about his work on the film “Real Steel”.

Mike Gencarelli: How did you end up working into the movies and in your particular field?
John Rosengrant: Ever since I was five years old, I wanted to make monsters. I was an art major in college but I really wanted to do this type of special effects. I moved out to California to pursue that dream and Stan Winston hired me on the first Terminator and gave me that opportunity. I worked for Stan for 25 years until his untimely passing. With my three other partners that ran Stan’s shop, we formed Legacy Effects in his honor and to carry on his legacy.

MG: What are the challenges of mixing CGI and animatronics?
JR: I think the challenges are you want to make it seamless. Shawn Levy, the Producers, and the team over at Digital Domain lead by Erik Nash, we all went into this with a team mentality that we are going to help each other and really make it believable, even in shots where it wasn’t going to be practical and was going to be CG. The practical robot gave it great lighting and size reference. In the shots that it was practical, it also helped the performance all around by giving the actors something to react to.

MG: How long does it take to make and prepare animatronics as the ones you see in this movie?
JR: The process took five months. Six weeks of it was designing and sculpting the robots digitally and breaking down all the pieces to be rapid prototypes. Each hero robot consisted of about 300 parts. The remaining time was the actual building of the robots.

MG: Was there any technology you had to force into existence to make the movements work?
JR: As far as new technology, we used what is called our stealth control system. We developed a special hydraulic pump that was very portable and light weight and, coupled with an intuitive control system, enabled us to set the robots up for shooting in about ten minutes.

MG: How different is to work with animatronics than to work with actors?
JR: The challenge with animatronics is to get a believable performance from something that is a machine. And our background, besides being artists and engineers, is that we’re puppeteers and performers too. So we sort of channel that energy to bring the characters to life.

MG: Which was the most complex sequence you had to face while making the movie?
JR: As with many special effects movies there are many. But one that jumps to mind is when they first power-up Atom when he is pulled from the junk yard. We had to cover the hero robot in mud, and make him sit up. There wasn’t as much prep time as one would like to have had but I think the scene turned out terrific. And I’m very proud of it.

MG: Can you explain your job as an Animatronic Supervisor?
JR: It’s building of the animatronic robots by sculpting, molding, engineering, selecting paint finishes, developing control systems and managing the overall performance of them on set.

MG: What are the robots made of?
JR: The panels and shells are made of fiberglass and custom blend of urethane. The mechanical structure inside is a combination of steel and aluminum and there are several of the robots that are machined aluminum parts. The Heroes are a combination of hydraulically powered and rod puppeted.

MG: Which robot was your favorite?
JR: They are all your babies. You put just as much time and energy into all of them. But I think Atom in this case displayed a lot of heart and soul for a robot. So I guess I lean towards Atom.

MG: What was the most challenging character to make?
JR: It was Atom. There are a lot more parts to him than others and more complicated scenes to do with him.

MG: How many people are involved in Atom`s creation?
JR: There was a couple from my team that were really imperative to brining Atom to life. Jason Matthews was the key artist in charge of Atom. Ian Joyner was the key digital sculptor that translated Tom Meyer’s production design artwork into 3D. Of course, there was a team here at Legacy of engineers, mechanics and model makers led by Dave Merritt. Mold makers, artists and painters were also involved in the total execution of Atom.

MG: Who got to keep the robots after the movie?
JR: We keep the robots at Legacy Effects.

MG: In your opinion, what did Stan Winston bring to the business and the art of cinema? What is the essence of his… legacy?
JR: The essence of Stan’s legacy is that he taught me what our job is to create characters. It’s not so much special effects but more so to create a memorable character. Stan was a makeup artist and a fine artist but he originally came to Hollywood to get into acting so I think he really stressed the performance aspect. Whether it was the queen alien or the Terminator, or the dinosaurs in Jurassic Park, they always had an attitude and always seemed to be alive.

MG: In what way did your work change since “The Terminator”?
JR: On this movie, we built real robots and on the first Terminator we were pretending to build real robots. Also, the state of the art technology that has allowed us to sculpt robots and their parts digitally and rapid prototype them into the real world has allowed us to do things that were never possible back then

MG: For a person who dreams of wanting to get into your line of work, what advice would you give them?
JR: You have to be artistically rounded. Nowadays that includes knowing digital art programs as well as practical, and art techniques. If you’re coming at this more so from a mechanical side, you need machining skills, welding, and a sense of robots and computer control systems.

MG: What do you think is the future of animation and animatronics?
JR: It has a place because we figured out on “Real Steel” that it provides a fantastic reference for the CG robots and gave the actors something to really play off of and react to. Good acting comes from reacting. By having something real there, the actors can connect to something.

MG: On the Blu-ray, in the feature “Building the Bots,” director Shawn Levy talks about how Steven Spielberg emphasized that the use of practical effects was important to the film’s success. Do you feel as if filmmakers with that sort of insight into practical effects are a dying breed? Also, has Legacy Effects been approached to go back to robots for Spielberg’s upcoming “Robopocalypse”?
JR: Animatronic effects still have a very important place in this type of filmmaking. Some of the young filmmakers don’t have any experience with practical side of visual effects, but once they see what it can bring to their film, I think they embrace it. Spielberg’s “Roboapocalypse”, would be an amazing project to be part of.

MG: What’s a specific example of something you do that’s actually much harder than most people realize?
JR: In this movie we created 27, 8 foot tall robots. Some hero, stunt and background. But there were literally thousands of parts that had to all fit together and look like real metal and had to perform like a real robot. Noisyboy for example, had nearly 2,000 LED lights alone that were programmed with random sayings in Japanese which appeared on his forearm. That’s an example of one small complicated thing that may go unnoticed when you watch the film.

MG: John, any final thoughts on “Real Steel” before we close?
JR: It was a real pleasure to work on this film as it felt like a harmonious team effort from the start. Everybody understood their role, and everyone that is part of the film was treated with great importance. Shawn Levy, the Director, had a great energy that he brought to the film. The producers were very effects savvy. I’ve had a great history working with Producer Josh McLaglen who has worked on epic effects films from Titanic to Avatar and effects producer, Ron Ames was integral in bringing us together and organizing all of the visual effects on the film. My colleagues that I’ve been nominated with were outstanding in their contributions. My team here at Legacy worked tirelessly in creating the robots. I’d like to give a special nod to my right-hand man Jason Matthews who became Atom. Last but not least, thanks to my great mentor, Stan Winston, who gave me a great opportunity in this business.

MediaMikes is proud to announce a partnership with the Kansas City based ReelSmart Trivia group. Starting Sunday, January 29, a weekly competition consisting of movie trivia will be held at the Screenland Armour Theatre, 408 Armour Road in North Kansas City. The game begins promptly at 6:00 p.m.

Founded by self-confessed trivia addicts Kris Siriwangchai and Dan McFarland, ReelSmart Trivia will be a multi-media experience, with movie clips, audio samples, and picture categories playing an integral part to the game.

Players can win cash prizes (there is a $5.00 per player entry fee), movie passes and some great swag.

For further information contact [email protected]

The Sundance Next Film Selection From Aurora Guerrero Gets Rep’d

Los Angeles, CA – Maya International, a leading independent sales and distribution company based in Los Angeles, has worldwide rights to the Sundance selected film “Mosquita Y Mari” written and directed by Aurora Guerrero. The film, a co-production with Chad Burris’s Indion Entertainment, will be represented by Maya International for foreign, with The Film Collaborative handling domestic sales at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.

In this character-driven coming of age story about two 15 year old Latinas who struggle to recognize the sexual undercurrent in their friendship while growing up in an urban immigrant community within the U.S. On the surface, “Mosquita Y Mari” is a story of best friends struggling with life’s universal questions, including finding one’s place in society. But sub-textually, “Mosquita Y Mari” takes a critical look at the less obvious pressures that society insidiously imposes on its citizens, like the assumption that love only exists between the opposite sexes.

The film, which was also accepted into the Sundance Selects at Berlin, is the second film that Producer Chad Burris and Maya International have worked together on; “Ass Backwards”, which Burris exec produced, and Maya Int. holds international rights to the film, was the first.

“We are thrilled to once again work with Chad and Indion. Aurora Guerrero is a talented emerging director, we are proud to represent “Mosquita y Mari” at this year’s Sundance Film Festival,” states Elias Axume, President of International Distribution for Maya International. “We are pleased to have our films in the hands of Elias and Maya International. We feel Elias and Maya bring a work ethic and understanding of the films that will translate into success,” Chad Burris, Producer and President of Indion Entertainment.

Maya International will be handling sales at Sundance Film Festival and at EFM 2012.

ABOUT MAYA INTERNATIONAL – www.Maya-Entertainment.com/International
Maya International Distribution, headed by Elias Axume, sells rights to its entertainment properties worldwide and has a presence at key markets including Berlin Film Festival/European Film Market, Hong Kong FILMART, Cannes Film Festival, MIP-TV, Toronto International Film Festival, MIPCOM and AFM. Currently, Maya International is selling rights to Ass Backwards, starring Alicia Silverstone; It’s a Disaster, starring Julia Stiles and America Ferrara, Café, starring Jennifer Love Hewitt and Jamie Kennedy; Without Men starring Eva Longoria Parker, Christian Slater and Oscar Nunez; Across the Line, starring Aidan Quinn and Mario van Peebles; A Bag of hammers Starring Rebecca Hall and Jason Ritter and The Last Rites of Joe May, starring Dennis Farina, among others.

MediaMikes.com is proud to be working with HBO on this contest for their new TV series “Luck”. The contest is called “LUCK $50K CHALLENGE”. Check out below on how you can get involved with this contest and for the chance to win $50K. Good luck, thanks for visiting and don’t forget to spread the word on this great contest.

The App
To celebrate the premiere of the new original series, LUCK, HBO is launching the LUCK $50K CHALLENGE on Facebook. This innovative horseracing app offers Facebook users a chance to win $50,000 by submitting their picks for the winning horses in a series of six REAL thoroughbred horse races.

The Races
The six races – known collectively as THE HBO LUCK PICK SIX – will be run at Santa Anita Park (Los Angeles) and Gulfstream Park (Miami) on Saturday, January 28th. Post time for the first race of THE HBO LUCK PICK SIX is tentatively scheduled for 4pm EST.

The Challenge
The LUCK $50K CHALLENGE on Facebook was designed for everyone – from first-time betters to hard core handicappers – and is easy to enter. Go to facebook.com/LUCKHBO today, “like” the page, and reserve your “betting ticket.”

Visitors to the HBO LUCK Facebook page can try their LUCK on three practice races to familiarize themselves with the Challenge. Official entries can be made starting on Monday, January 23rd at 6pm EST until one hour before the start of THE HBO LUCK PICK SIX at 3pm on Saturday, January 28th.

To Enter:
– Visit the LUCK $50K CHALLENGE app on Facebook.com/LUCKHBO starting on Monday, January 23rd
– Select one horse per race in each race of THE HBO LUCK PICK SIX
– Horses who place in the top 3 spots (Win, Place and Show) will earn points based on their odds and actual payouts at the track
– The bigger the underdog, the more points you will earn if the horse finishes in the top 3

THE HBO LUCK PICK SIX races will be broadcast LIVE on the HBO LUCK Facebook page on Saturday, January 28th at 4PM EST. Be sure to tune-in to the premiere of LUCK on Sunday, January 29th at 9pm only on HBO.

About LUCK
From acclaimed director, Michael Mann and the creator of Deadwood®, David Milch, ‘Luck’ is a provocative behind-the-track look at the world of horse racing and gambling’s denizens – the owners, jockeys and gamblers – starring two-time Academy-Award winning actor, Dustin Hoffman. To build buzz for the series, HBO is developing an innovative branded racing and gaming-themed promotion designed to engage and excite horseracing enthusiasts, hardcore handicappers, casual gamblers and the broader consumer audience and give them an opportunity to experience a little bit of “Luck”. The show premiers January 29th at 9pm EST.

JawsFest: The Tribute, the second official “Jaws” celebration scheduled for this August on Martha’s Vineyard, announced it’s first list of celebrity attendees.  Scheduled to appear at the celebration:

Brenda Siemer Scheider, widow of “Jaws” star Roy Scheider (Chief Martin Brody)

Virginia Shaw and the Shaw Family, widow and children of “Jaws” star Robert Shaw (Quint)

Carl Gottlieb, co-star and co-screenwriter of the film.  Mr. Gottlieb is also the author of the popular book, “The “Jaws” Log”

Susan Backlinie, who played Chrissie Watkins, the sharks first victim.

Greg Skomal, Marine Biologist best known as the “Shark Guy” on the Discovery Channel

Greg Nicotero, award winning Hollywood make up and special effects artist.

Edith Blake, local journalist/photographer and author of “On Location on Martha’s Vineyard: The Making of the Movie ‘Jaws'”

Susan and Lynn Murphy, whose work behind the scenes during the filming of “Jaws” was invaluable.

MediaMikes writers Mike Smith and Dave Picton will be covering the event from beginning to end with up to date reports and exclusive interviews with those in attendance.

Also this week Universal Studios announced that, in conjunction with the studios 100th Anniversary, they will be restoring thirteen classic films for possible theatrical re-release, including “Jaws.”  Other films scheduled for restoration include “All Quiet on The Western Front,” “The Sting,” “Out of Africa,” “Frankenstein,” and “Schindler’s List.”  The studio announced late last year that “Jaws” would be released on Blu-Ray this coming August, hopefully to coincide with JawsFest.”

JawsFest: The Tribute will be held on Martha’s Vineyard from August 9-12, 2012. For more information go to www.jawstribute.com.

“The Descendants” narrowly defeated “Drive” to win the top prize as the Kansas City Film Critics Circle held their annual end of year vote Sunday evening. The Alexander Payne directed film also took home the Best Actor award for star George Clooney. Best Actress went to Kirsten Dunst in Lars von Trier’s “Melancholia. Reclusive filmmaker Terrence Malick was named Best Director for “The Tree of Life.” Here is a complete list of winners:

Best Film: “The Descendants”
Robert Altman Award for Direction: Terrence Malick – “The Tree of Life”
Best Actor: George Clooney – “The Descendants”
Best Actress: Kirsten Dunst – “Melancholia”
Best Supporting Actor: Christopher Plummer – “Beginners”
Best Supporting Actress: Jessica Chastain – “The Tree of Life”
Best Animated Feature: “Rango”
Best Foreign Film: “A Separation” (Iran)
Best Documentary: “Cave of Forgotten Dreams” (Werner Herzog – Director)
Best Original Screenplay: “Beginners” (Mike Mills)
Best Adapted Screenplay: “Moneyball” (Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin)
Vince Koehler Award for Best Science Fiction, Fantasy or Horror Film: “Hugo”

This was the 45th annual vote by the organization, which was founded by Dr. James Loutzenhiser in 1966. The KCFCC is the second oldest critics group in the nation.

Developer: Frozenbyte
Publisher: Atlus
Platform: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: December 21, 2011

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Trine 2? is a platform style fantasy game where you navigate physics based puzzles while utilizing the special skills of all three characters, called “Hero’s”. The first thing that turned me on to this game was its absolute beauty. I love games with a lot of color and detail, especially fantasy games, and this game definitely meets and exceeds expectations in that area. The graphics are skillfully detailed with brilliant colors without going overboard. Characters are simple yet elegant, and nearly everything is interactive. The background and foreground blend so well that I often found myself trying to interact with an object that was only in the background.

The music is very beautiful, changing smoothly and often so as not to become too monotonous, but it also doesn’t overpower the game play. The music segway is perfect when game play changes from puzzle exploration into combat with an enemy without distracting you. Overall the soundtrack is not very notable, however I think it is a terrific compliment to “Trine 2?. The game controls and learning how to navigate was at first a little bit of an effort, but once you get the hang of it you can move smoothly through the game. Other than a very slight lag in the controls when jumping around, you can easily overcome it with a little practice. “Trine 2? controls remain basic throughout the game, keeping it simple enough that should you go an extended period of time without playing you should be able to pick it up again with ease and jump right into game play.

The story line keeps to the basics as well, giving you little more than the necessarily information needed while loading the next level. While it does have a warning about “fantasy blood and violence” when you first load, I don’t see any reason why it wouldn’t be perfectly fine for children 7 and up to play since what blood there is during battles is very subtle and the violence is very minimal.

The main characters are Amadeus the Wizard, with the power to conjure boxes and planks, and to move objects and enemies; Pontius the Knight that fights off enemies with a sword and shield, and a hammer that he can also smash some objects and obstacles; and Zoya the Thief with a grappling hook for easier navigation through areas by swinging from wood objects.

To be honest I had never heard of this game or it’s predecessor before but for the low price, amazing graphics and details, smooth game play and puzzles, I think it is definitely worth it. The puzzles do tend to get a little frustrating at times but with persistence you can often find multiple solutions to move on. I played both the full version on XBOX and the demo version on the PC and I would have to say I proffered it on the XBOX; navigation seemed easier, but then that could be because I personally favor console games to PC anyway.

I give this game 3.5 out of 5 stars; I would give it a higher rating but the slight delay in controls was frustrating, adding a bit to the difficulty I had with some of the puzzles. For anyone who likes puzzle games I would definitely recommend “Trine 2?, the puzzles are intricate and detailed, leaving several solutions available to the player.

Director: Mateo Gil
Starring: Sam Shepard, Eduardo Noriega, Stephen Rea
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Magnolia Home Entertainment
Run Time: 102 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

What happened to Butch Cassidy when he got old…well if you care this is the movie to watch. Nut if you expect another “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” film you will be sadly disappointed. This film is not it at all. It does not have any charm that the other films have had. This film is slow moving and only saved by a great performance from Sam Shepard. If you are feeling nostalgic and a big fan, you might want to check out but keep expectations low.

Under the name of James Blackthorn, Cassidy sets out of exile from a secluded Bolivian village and heads back into the U.S. with hoping to see his family again before he dies. Once he sets out his plans change when it comes in meeting with another criminal (Eduardo Noriega). He forced to set out to one last adventure.

There special features are decent including a few deleted scenes. There is a brief “Making of Blackthorn”, which is interesting but not very detailed. Not related to “Blackthorn” but the director Mateo Gil has a few short films included as well. Finally there is the typical Magnolia Home Entertainment features, “HDNet: A Look at Blackthorn” and of course trailer.

Ryan Pinkston is co-starring in a new film “Infected” with Vinnie Jones, Danny Glover, Beverley Mitchell and Margo Harshman.  Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Ryan about his role in the movie and also what else he has planned.

Mike Gencarelli: Give us a little background on the film, “Infected” and your role in the film?
Ryan Pinkston: “Infected” centers around a group of friends that get together and go on a trip to celebrate the return of their best friend, Dean, who had been in Iraq for the past couple of years. The group decide to go on a trip when their plans become postponed due to a family issue. Deans grandmother is being evicted because the State sees her home as an “unhealthy” place to live. So the group decides they will go there first and help around the house before the rest of their trip. To their surprise the house is in way worse of a condition then expected. they start to clean, when all of a sudden one the friends contracts a deadly virus that could be a threat to the rest of the group. Then a second friend contracts it. it’s complete hell! the remaining friends have to devise a plan to help the sick and get out safely. Meanwhile, there is a another party who is responsible for this virus that the group is unaware of. And Dean and the friends have to get to the bottom of it before they all get the virus and ultimately die.

MG: How did you become involved with the film?
RP: I had read the script a couple months back and really liked the idea, and had always wanted to be in a suspense/horror/thriller film. I had always done comedy (which I absolutely love), but thought it would be so much fun to be apart of a movie where there is constant energy and roller coaster of emotions. Then i met with our, amazingly talented director, Jason, and he exuded so much passion about the project that I really had no choice but to do it. Haha. A month later we were on set.

MG: You worked with both Beverley Mitchell and Margo Harshman on “Extreme Movie”, how was it reuniting?
RP: Well, first off, let me say how much I adore both of these ladies. I actually grew up with Margo and have been secretly in love with her since i was little. So working with her was a complete delight. And don’t worry she already knows this. Funny thing about extreme movie though is that because they were all a bunch of short films put together, I really didn’t work with either of them. But, I’m happy to say we’ve done another movie together. Two very talented ladies.

MG: You have worked on a lot of comedies in your career, so this film must have been different for you right?
RP: Yeah, it’s COMPLETELY different from anything I’ve ever worked on, which is why i was so excited to be apart of it. Never had to scream and cry so much… Well unless I’m watching my Lakers or Redskins lose. Can’t have that.

MG: Do you think we will be seeing a second season to “Tower Prep”?
RP: It’s up and down with “Tower” one day we’re back and the next we’re not sure. All I know is that i had such an amazing time working on the first season, and would love to be apart of a second if it came down to it. Love Cartoon Network, and Paul Dini and everyone who was apart of it. Best of all, I’m now actually real room mates with my “Tower Prep” room mate, Drew Van Acker. So at the very least I made a really good friend out of the experience, and I thank Cartoon Network for kindness and support they showed.

MG: What do you have planned next?
RP: Well next, literally speaking, I’m going home to visit my parents back East to have a little down time and enjoy my roots. So I’m really excited for that. other than that i just finished working with Don Cheadle and Kristen Bell on their new Showtime show entitled, “House of Lies” which premieres January of next year. Be sure to watch.

This summer, the battle for Earth begins at sea.

On behalf of Universal Pictures, we are excited to announce that iTunes Trailers has just premiered the epic *NEW* trailer, one-sheet and images for the highly anticipated action-adventure film BATTLESHIP! Watch the new trailer and embed on your site via the new iTunes embed code below!

Peter Berg (Hancock) produces and directs Battleship, the epic-scaled action-adventure that unfolds across the seas, in the skies and over land as our planet fights for survival against a superior force. Inspired by Hasbro’s classic naval combat game and starring Taylor Kitsch, Brooklyn Decker, Alexander Skarsgård, Rihanna, Asano Tadanobu, and Liam Neeson, Battleship hits theaters on May 18, 2012.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING, inspired by New York Times bestselling “bible of American pregnancy,” tells the hilarious and heartwarming stories of five couples who face the many challenges adjusting to pregnancy and parenthood.  The film features a star studded cast including Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Banks, and Chace Crawford!

DEMIÁN BICHIR RECEIVES NOMINATION

FOR 2012 FILM INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARD

Mexican Actor Up For Best Male Lead In “A Better Life”

LOS ANGELES, CA –   Mexican Actor Demián Bichir has been nominated for Best Male Lead for his role in “A Better Life” at the 2012 Film Independent Spirit Awards. This is the first nomination for a Spirit Award for the actor.

“A Better Life”,  from Oscar nominated director Chris Weitz (“About a Boy”), tells the story of an undocumented immigrant and hardworking single dad Carlos Galindo (Demián Bichir), who embarks on a physical and spiritual journey in order to reconnect with his teenage son and keep him from getting pulled into the local gang life.  “A Better Life” is a touching, poignant, multi-generational story that critics call “compelling”, “intelligent” and “heartfelt”.

The film was written by Eric Eason based on a story by Roger L. Simon.  Set in a Hispanic community and shot entirely in Los Angeles, the film features an almost entirely Hispanic cast and explores the culture and geography of Los Angeles.  “I feel honored to be a part of this movie, and to be nominated for this award. I am in debt to Chris Weitz, for having trusted me with this amazing character.  Nothing that is on the screen could have been done without Chris’s direction”, stated Demián Bichir.

Chris Weitz, also known for directing “Twilight: New Moon”, and “American Pie”, stated “Demián gave his heart and soul to give a voice to the voiceless, and I am delighted that the independent film community is recognizing his performance for this film.”

Winners will be announced at the Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, February 25, 2012.  The 27^th annual awards ceremony will be held as a daytime luncheon in a tent on the beach in Santa Monica, and the premiere broadcast will air later that evening at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on IMedia.

Ken Russell, the British filmmaker who successfully brought the Who’s rock opera “Tommy” to the big screen, died yesterday (November 27) in his sleep. At the time of his death he was beginning pre-production on a new film, a musical version of “Alice in Wonderland.”

Seen as both flamboyant and controversial, Russell dreamed as a child of being a ballet dancer. But after a stint in the Royal Air Force and the Merchant Navy, and unsuccessful attempts at dancing and photography, he got a job working in television. After many successful years creating documentaries for the BBC he directed his first feature film, a 1963 comedy called “French Dressing.” The film was a rousing failure and it wasn’t until 1967 that he was allowed a second feature. “Billion Dollar Brain,” featuring Michael Caine, was well received and led to the film that would be considered his breakthrough.

In 1969 Russell released “Women In Love,” an adaptation of the D.H. Lawrence novel. The film starred Glenda Jackson, Oliver Reed and Alan Bates. The film gained notoriety for a nude wrestling scene and was among the first films to show male genitalia on screen. The film was nominated for eleven BAFTA awards as well as four Academy Awards, including a nomination for Russell. This would be his only Oscar nomination for direction. Glenda Jackson won the Best Actress Academy Award for her performance in the film.

As the 1970s began, Russell found himself edited by the studios he worked for. His 1971 release “The Devils” was so upsetting that Warner Brothers refused to release it without some cuts. The film featured Oliver Reed (a Russell regular) as a priest who defies a corrupt church and state. Most of the brouhaha over the film came from the scenes featuring sexuality among nuns. Despite, or in spite of, the outrage the film led the British box office for eight straight weeks. In 1975 he released his vision of the Who’s “Tommy.” Featuring Ann Margaret, Jack Nicholson, Roger Daltrey and Elton John, the film earned Margaret an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. He teamed up with Daltrey for his next project, “Lisztomania,” He ended the 70’s with the biopic “Valentino.”

In 1980 Russell collaborated with writer Paddy Chayefsky for the film adaptation of Chayefsky’s novel, “Altered States.” Starring William Hurt, the film is better known for the many on-set arguments between director and writer. Blaming his many quarrels with Chayefsky for “blacklisting” him in Hollywood, Russell made one more film in America, the very kinky “Crimes of Passion” with Kathleen Turner and Anthony Perkins. Returning to England he directed such period films as “Gothic,” with Gabrielle Byrne and “The Lair of the White Worm.”

In 1990 Russell took a job in front of the camera, appearing in a pivotal role opposite Sean Connery, Michelle Pfeiffer and Roy Scheider in “The Russia House.” His last significant film as a director was the 1991 film “Whore,” which starred Theresa Russell (no relation). Slapped with an NC 17 rating, the film could not be advertised on television nor could posters be displayed. The studio re-titled the film, “If You Can’t Say It, Just See It.” Russell was vocally upset at the film’s rating, noting that the same year’s “Pretty Woman” was given an “R” rating, noting that his film dealt with the hardships of prostitution while the Julia Roberts film just glamorized the profession.

An accomplished author, Russell wrote six novels along with several books on filmmaking. In 1989 he released his autobiography.