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.

Director: Stephen Fung
Starring: Jayden Yuan, Angelababy, Eddie Peng, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Peter Stormare, Daniel Wu
Distributed by: Well-Go Entertainment
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 100 minutes

Our Score: 1.5 out of 5 stars

When I read about a kung-fu movie that infused both martial arts with steampunk, I was very interested.  Then I saw the film “Tai Chi Zero” and was not really blown away but not disappointed either.  “Tai Chi Hero” is the second film in a trilogy from the creators of “Ip Man” and “Detective Dee”, which are two of my favorites. This film is a real disappointment and an all around waste of time. I honestly do not think that I have ever been this bored watching a martial arts film. It was shot back-to-back with the film film and I think that they really gave all the attention to the first child in the series and forgot about the second one.  There is little to no action in the film and the story is not interesting at all.  The first one wasn’t amazing but this film makes it shine.

Official Premise: Lu Chan (Jayden Yuan) is still trying to find his place in Chen Village, the legendary town where everyone is a martial arts master…and Chen-style Tai Chi is forbidden to outsiders. But since he helped save the town from a frightening steam-powered machine, Yuniang (Angelababy), beautiful daughter of Grandmaster Chen (Tony Leung Ka-Fai), agrees to marry Lu Chan and bring him into the family. It’s only a formality, though – she is the teacher, and he is the student – and that suits Lu Chan just fine, as the mutant horn on his head gives him incredible kung-fu power, but leaves him dumber each time, and closer to death. Chen Village still stands in the shadow of danger. A prodigal brother returns, Lu Chan’s presence invokes a curse on the town, and Yuniang’s scorned fiancée has an appetite for revenge, as well as some new partners in crime.

The best thing about this film is that it features its martial arts are directed by Sammo Hung.  He is such a legend when it comes to martial arts.  But with this film, the charm just isn’t there. His work is matched with beauty and a certain zen feel but neither is present here. The first film had some amazing martial arts and visual effects with this film they just seemed like they blew their whole budget on the first film and struggled to piece this one together.  Also it has a strange appearance from American actor Peter Stormare (“Fargo”). Lastly the film like “Tai Chi Zero” was shot in 3D, but is not being released in 3D here in the U.S.  There is not much in this film anyway, besides added depth, that would have benefited from this but the plane scenes cool have been cool. So unless you absolutely love the first film and need to see this sequel, then I would suggest passing for sure.

Starring: Neil Hopkins, Brea Grant
Director: William Dickerson
Distributed by: Level 1 Entertainment
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time : 87 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“Detour” is a little indie film which could have easily slipped through my radar. But thanks to the power of the internet, over the last month, I have seen this film pop up all over. I am glad that paid attention to the hype since this film is freaking fantastic. 95% of the film takes place inside a car when our lead Jackson (Neil Hopkins) is trapped by a mudslide in the hills of California. I can’t help but relate this film to others like “127 Hours” or “Buried”, since it deals with the same issues of being isolation in a confined space and the struggle to survive. Those were good films but I have to say I was absolutely blown away with “Detour”. I will be spreading the word like a wildfire since this is a film that people need to see.

Let’s get to the cast, actually in fact the cast is one person since “Detour” is the Neil Hopkins show. He runs the whole show and boy, does he nail this out of the park. He is best known for his role of Liam on “Lost”. This performance better get him some mega recognition because he really deserves it. It is very hard to carry a film for almost 90 minutes on your own but he makes it look easy. His character, Jackson, is a commercial actor who must struggle for survival and find a way to make it out of alive. Luckily, he is a also a very resourceful guy with a car full of everyday items that he uses to assist with this fight. This films keep you on your toes and will studying how to be as crafty as he is in the film.

Director William Dickerson co-wrote this film with his partner Dwight Moody and even though it is not the most original idea for a film it still works for me.  In fact, I read that they have had the idea in the works since 2007. “Detour” deals with issues of claustrophobia and asphyxiation to say the least and as an audience you feel like you are battling those right also alongside our brave actor. I have to find out how this film was shot because it really had me convinced that this guy was stuck in a real mudslide. This film is currently released in select theaters and also available on various video-on-demand formats like Amazon, iTunes and major cable providers.  I would highly suggest paying the few bucks to check this out. You will thank me later!

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Starring: Rob Schneider, Tim Curry and Alan Cumming
Director: Kyungho Lee
Distributed by: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: April 30, 2013
Rating: PG
Run Time: 86 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

If you are not familiar with “Koala Kid”, that may be cause it was made in South Korea and was released outside of the U.S. under the title “The Outback”. This DVD is available exclusively from Walmart & Walmart.com. I have to say I actually highly recommend it for kids. It is very cute and colorful. It is packs a fantastic voice cast, which includes Rob Schneider, Alan Cumming and Tim Curry. It also stars but doesn’t showcase one of my favorites, Brett McKenzie. I assume that kids wouldn’t know who he is but he is the man behind the music in 2011’s “The Muppets” and also won an Oscar for Best Song. Kids are going to love this song, especially the musical number “Down Under”, this film is a hit.

Official Premise: Journey down under and meet a whole new breed of hero in this laugh-filled, action-packed animated adventure with an all-star voice cast, including Rob Schneider, Tim Curry and Alan Cumming. Johnny (Schneider) is a rare white koala bear who just wants to fit in and make friends. But when a twist of fate mistakenly transforms him into a fearless protector of animals, called “Koala Kid,” Johnny finds himself in over his head on a thrilling trek across the outback. With help from his hilarious new sidekicks, including a crafty Tasmanian devil, a lovable lizard and a boomerang-flinging female koala, Johnny may just outwit a villainous crocodile named Bog (Cumming) and become a true hero after all.

Like many of the recent CGI animated films to come from outside the U.S., “Koala Kid” was made and released in 3D. This film was fun but it was really made to be watched in 3D and really takes advantage of that format. I would have loved to seen a 3D Blu-ray for this film, which is only available in Germany right now. The DVD still looks sharp but a Blu-ray would have been better. The special features included might not be much for an adult but it is sure to keep kids busy for a while. There is a “Koala Kid Adventure Map” for them to explore and play with. There is a also a fun sing-along for the some “Down Under”. Your kids will be up on their feet and dancing around with this track for sure.

Actors: Matt Bomer, Stana Katic, Molly C. Quinn, Alexander Gould
Directors: James Tucker
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: May 7, 2013
Running Time: 75 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4 out of 5 stars

“Superman: Unbound” is the latest in the line of DCU Animated Original Movies. This film is based on Geoff Johns/Gary Frank’s kick ass graphic novel “Superman: Brainiac” from 2008. This film includes the fantastic voice talents of Matt Bomer (“White Collar”) as Superman and John Noble (“Fringe”) as the villainous Brainiac. I am also a HUGE fan of ABC’s hit series “Castle” and we get a nice little reunion here with Stana Katic as Lois Lane and Molly Quinn as Supergirl. The action is epic and the story is well done thanks to a stellar script form Bob Goodman (“Batman: The Dark Knight Returns). Brainiac is one hell of a kick ass villain and he really gets his day to shine here. My only complaint is that I wished it was longer than 75 minutes. Be sure to stay through the first half of the credits 😉 But still another fine fine installment from Warner’s DCU Animated division for sure. Next up for them is “Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox”, which drops on July 30th. If you are a Superman fan and counting down the days (like myself) till “Man of Steel” next month, this is a great way to get your fix. Can’t wait!

Official Premise: Based on the Geoff Johns/Gary Frank 2008 release “Superman: Brainiac,” Superman: Unbound” finds the Man of Steel aptly handling day-to-day crime while helping acclimate Supergirl to Earth’s customs and managing Lois Lane’s expectations for their relationship. Personal issues take a back seat when the horrific force responsible for the destruction of Krypton – Brainiac – begins his descent upon Earth. Brainiac has crossed the universe, collecting cities from interesting planets – including Supergirl’s home city of Kandor – and now the all-knowing, ever-improving android has his sights fixed on Metropolis. Superman must summon all of his physical and intellectual resources to protect his city, the love of his life and his newly-arrived cousin.

Warner delivered a very impressive Blu-ray/DVD/UltraViolet Combo Pack. They covered all the options like they usually do. I already see a repeat viewing of this film in the coming weeks, most likely with the UltraViolet digital streaming copy. The 1080p transfer is flawless and the animation really shines alongside it. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track also delivers the action very well and compliments this fine voice cast. The special features are ace and include over four and half hours of content. There are two great featurettes included. The first, “Kandor: History of the Bottle City”, which gives nice background on the shrunken city. Next is “Brainiac: Technology and Terror”, which looks into the villain and his story. There is an audio commentary with Mike Carlin, Bob Goodman and James Tucker, which is worth a listen for hardcore DC fans. There is a short digital comic excerpt from the original graphic novel “Superman: Brainiac” by Geoff Johns and Gary Frank. I would have loved to this complete. Lastly and my favorite is four bonus episodes from “Superman: The Animated Series” including “The Last Son of Krypton, Part 1”; “New Kids in Town”; and “Little Girl Lost, Parts 1 & 2”, which were all picked by producer Alan Burnett.

Starring: Jack Reynor, Roisin Murphy, Sam Keeley and Lars Mikkelson
Directed by: Lenny Abrahamson
Rated: Not Rated
Running time: 1 hr 27 mins

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Eighteen-year-old Richard is the leader of his local rugby club in Dublin who’s enjoying an idyllic summer of beach house parties with his teammates and their friends. Charming and well-liked by most everyone around him, Richard easily catches the eye of Lara (Roisin Murphy), the would-be girlfriend teammate Connor (Sam Keeley). One drunken night out, tensions run especially high between the two boys causing Richard to lash out with tragic consequences. What follows is an impressive, slow-burning morality tale that I find myself continuing to think about days afterwards.

Typically being the “alpha-male” in a teen film is cause enough for an audience to condemn someone like Richard, nevermind the act upon which the title hinges, and yet Reynor manages to win us over. The interactions amongst his crew early in the film are by turns humorous, immature, and occasionally insulting (as teen boys can get) but above all things, they feel genuine. These are basically likable teens for whom things are going well. We meet Richard’s parents (Lorraine Pilkington and a brilliant Lars Mikkelsen) who are also likable and proud of their son but for the most part are hands off. This too is to the films benefit. When Richard’s underlying rashness gets the better of him, it is to his mates and girlfriend that he turns to first in dealing with the guilt. Abrahamson relies on nothing but ambient sound and hushed conversation to increase the pressure felt by all.

Watching Reynor go through all the stages of his guilt, including a stunning loss of control in Richard’s family’s beach house, is fascinating. That he manages to do it while maintaining a degree of the audience’s sympathy in an objectively awful situation is the real triumph of What Richard Did. It’s a tricky film without any easy answers.

Starring: Cheech Marin,Tommy Chong
Directors: Branden and Eric D. Chambers
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: April 23, 2013
Run Time: 84 minutes

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

It has been a while since Cheech & Chong released a movie together, in fact it was “Cheech & Chong’s The Corsican Brothers” back in 1984.  I am not sure if you can consider this really a new film from the legendary stoners, since it is really just new animation behind the duo classic skits from their records like “Let’s Make a Dope Deal”, “Sister Mary Elephant” and “Dave’s not here”. I enjoyed seeing some visual behind these skits but it this is not really a movie. It is just separate animated skits put together in a movie form. I don’t blame them for trying since the skits are already there and the animation is very cheaply done. I am sure that there are a lot of stoners out there though will enjoy this but I feel that until you are on a high, this film is a major drag, man. I am down if the duo does an “Up in Smoke 2” finally though!

Official Premise: You’re not hallucinating. It’s the legendary toker jokers Cheech & Chong as you’ve never seen them before — in their very first Animated Movie. Catch the buzz as their most outrageous routines and laugh-out-loud lines from their Grammy Award-winning albums come to life. With help from a , bud-lovin’ body crab named Buster, Cheech & Chong deliver the ultimate comedy high and give you the munchies for more.

The 1080p transfer for this Blu-ray looks clear but the animation really doesn’t deliver the good.  This type of low-budget animation is becoming quite popular but I am really not a fan. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 audio track works for the jokes and the few songs but nothing amazing either. The best part of this release is the special features.  There are three commentary tracks. The first includes both Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong, which is a blast and a must listen. The next is with the directors Branden Chambers and Eric D. Chambers and producer Lou Adler. It doesn’t flow as good as the duo but worth checking out. The last one is with Tommy Chong and Paris Chong, which is def for fans. The rest of the extras are an “Low Maintenance Listening Mode”, stoners will appreciate.  “Medical Marijuana Blues” Blind Mellon’s Recording Session is a riot and lastly there is a Cheech and Chong Gallery.

“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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GODIGITAL ACQUIRES COMING OF AGE COMEDY “AGE OF SUMMERHOOD”

The Feature Will Be Available on Digital and Cable Video-On-Demand This Summer

LOS ANGELES, April 22, 2013- GoDigital announced today the acquisition of digital and cable video-on-demand distribution rights to AGE OF SUMMERHOOD, a youthful, lighthearted comedy following four riotous boys at what they perceive to be the pivotal stage of their development – summer camp. Written and directed by Jacob Medjuck and narrated by John Cusack, AGE OF SUMMERHOOD will see a digital release via GoDigital in summer 2013.

“I went to camp for 11 years – there were so many experiences worth noting,” said writer and director Jacob Medjuck. “Years later, these are the backbone of a film that I’m incredibly proud of, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to work with GoDigital to share it.”

Distributing partner GoDigital shares this sentiment: “The subject of this film is inherently relatable for virtually any audience,” explained CEO Logan Mulvey. “From the taglines to the actors, new and returning, the entire experience is utterly and undeniably enjoyable and we couldn’t be more eager to introduce it to the public.”

About GoDigital:
Launched in 2008, GoDigital has built one of the industry’s premier digital distribution networks and has distributed over 400 films through their output arrangement with Lionsgate and direct deals with iTunes, Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Playstation, Vudu, Fandor, DISH, and Avail-TVN. In 2012, GoDigital acquired Might Entertainment, creating a full-service digital distribution company with dedicated acquisitions, sales, marketing and technical operations teams with a library of over 1,000 catalog films. Following a highly lucrative capital infusion from Preferred Ventures, GoDigital also recentlypartnered with 108 Media, a Toronto-based sales company, to handle all distribution for the Canadian company. GoDigital’s latest titles include the Josh Gad and Hilary Duff comedy “She Wants Me”, horror-comedy “The Selling”, as well as a range of topical documentaries including Javier Bardem’s “Sons of the Clouds: The Last Colony”, the oil spill expose “The Big Fix”, and the popular CNBC-featured documentary, “Unraveled

Clark Gregg is known the world over for acting as bad ass Agent Phil Coulson in the Marvel cinematic universe, however five years ago the actor added directing to his resumé with his wonderful first feature, Choke, based on the Chuck Palahniuk novel. This week he returns to directing as well as writing and starring in Trust Me. Described as a Hollywood Neo-noir, the movie follows Gregg as Howard Holloway, a onetime-child-actor-turned-Hollywood-agent, who allies himself with a talented rising star, Lydia (played by Saxon Sharbino). Sharbino and Gregg are joined in the cast by Felicity Huffman as a fierce producer and Paul Sparks as Lydia’s drunken father. They premiered the film at the Tribeca Film Festival on Saturday night to an audience that included Michael J Fox and Gregg’s wife, actress Jennifer Grey.

Director Gregg finished the film extremely close to the start of the festival. “Nobody’s seen the film,” he said of the impending screening, “Nobody’s seen the film and you kind of, you hope it works! And this is a lot of people in a very public way to see it. You know it’s like you’re going to the edge of the high dive, you’re kind of praying some water’s down there.” As for taking on multiple roles in the film making process, Gregg doesn’t have a preference. “No, it’s funny I love them as a whole, I don’t see them really as different. I see them parts of different jobs on the same ship. And to me there’s something about making a film that’s my voice, that I wrote using actors that I love and am comfortable with–there’s just nothing better.” Comparing acting in last summer’s mega-blockbuster Avengers to helming Trust Me, he added “You have a lot less responsibility. It feels like a lot more channeled and focused. I knew what I had to do on The Avengers and I was very glad I wasn’t Joss! And in this case, this was something that, I don’t know, I just had a deep personal connection to the script that I wrote.”

..

For actors Paul Sparks and Felicity Huffman, that script was a major factor  in attracting them to their parts.

Paul Sparks: “I really like the script. I’m like a script person. I was fascinated by the tone of the movie because it’s very funny. It’s funny and then it kind of really turns at one point and I think that’s really brave.”

Felicity Huffman: “What attracts me is good writing and good storytelling what you want to be saying, at least what I want to be saying when you read the script is ‘oh my god, what happens next?’ And that’s indeed what I was saying while I was reading this and so I loved this story. It was compelling and unique. I don’t think this story has been told.”

Relative newcomer Saxon Sharbino wasn’t familiar first with Clark Gregg as a writer-director. “I watched him in The Avengers but I didn’t really like know him really…it was really cool meeting him” she told us. As for working with all of these veteran actors–the cast also includes Allison Janney, Sam Rockwell and William H Macy–Sharbino said she learned “just to stay grounded and know who you are.”

 Of course, audiences can next expect to see Gregg back at it as Agent Coulson on ABC’s “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” despite his death last summer at the hands of Avengers villain Loki (Tom Hiddleston). At a recent Tribeca press day, he referred to the God of Mischief as the “Asgardian bastard” who ran him through. When I brought this up on the red carpet, Gregg was quick to reply “I don’t think I’m stepping out on a limb when I say that. I feel like a billion people saw it!” So how would a resurrected Coulson react to being reunited with his murderer? “Oh…if Coulson actually turns out to be alive in this new show, I think he and Loki have some business to settle.” And apparently not with Coulson’s trademark dry humor, “I think we’ve gone beyond snarky comments–the impaling thing kind of takes it to a new level of rancor.”

By Popular demand, Trust Me has added additional screenings at Tribeca. For further info, you can check out the TFF Film Guide’s page. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is expected to debut on ABC this fall.

Having played in the UK,  the phenomenal Irish drama, What Richard Did, received its United States premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on Monday April 21st. Actor Jack Reynor, who plays the titular Richard, joined director Lenny Abrahamson to talk about the film on the red carpet.

The director summed up the story of the film: “It’s based on a book called Bad Day in Blackrock by an Irish writer called Kevin Power which is a book set in the world of privileged South Dublin teenagers. In Ireland they’re a well-known group, they’re very you know, urban, very well-heeled, attractive and this film focuses kind of on the boy at the center of this group. Kind of Alpha Male, beloved by his fellow team mates but also by all the girls. Liked by the parents and teachers as well, so it’s about that kid. And one of the reasons I was interested in making it is that films about teenagers tend to focus on the kid on the outside of the group. I mean that’s who most of us identify with  and therefore often the ones in center are often pretty caricatures so I was interested in taking a character at the center of the group. The one who appears to have the least complex life, the most blessed life, and look at what it’s like to be inside that person. And what it’s like particularly for what it’s like for a character who’s not used to failure or self-criticism to deal with both. You know most of us have a lifetime to come to terms with…our own failings, the things we don’t like about ourselves and the ambitions that we didn’t achieve. But with Richard we took him and we made him face, to deal with a lifetime’s worth of disappointment in the course of like a couple of weeks. ”

What’s it liked to be picked up by Tribeca Film Fest?

Abrahamson: It’s great! I mean…it’s brilliant to have distribution in the States and especially with Tribeca and for Imagine because it’s such a name that people understand and they associate with really interesting cinema so for me it’s really great. I’m delighted that it’s up in the festival and particularly the way it’s going to go on release.

Jack Reynor: “Oh my god, it’s just amazing to be here, it’s great. I mean to get recognition from the festival

and for them to host our film here it’s amazing. I mean it’s Tribeca!”

What was the most difficult scene for you?

Reynor: “Probably I think the most difficult and the most rewarding scene at the same time is the scene outside on the bench where Richard and his father were having that conversation on the bench. We

changed the entire film that day. We made some very critical decisions while we were on set that day and it actually shaped the movie. But that was by far the most difficult to do in a truthful way because that’s where you get your performance.

How did you develop your on screen relationship with Roisin Murphy as Lara?

Reynor: “We spent a lot of time together, we workshopped, we were great friends–still are. And yea, we just invested a lot of time. And we spoke–Roison and I knew eachother before the film, we knew each other from school actually so yea, I mean in that sense it was kind of natural enough.”

Both men were happy to talk about their exciting upcoming projects as well.

You’re in the next Transformers movie?

Reynor: That’s right!

Can you tell us anything about it?

Reynors: It’s gonna be awesome.

Can you say anything about your next film, Frank?

Abrahamson: “Yea, Frank is a comedy about a band lead by a very strange band leader called Frank–the name of the film–played by Michael Fassbender.

He’s in a giant mask, was that difficult to direct through?

Abrahamson: “It was, I mean never mind directing, tough to act in! But he’s you know, you need an actor with real character, with real charisma to play through that limitation and he does that really well. So, hope to have that finished by the end of the year.”

What Richard Did has remaining Tribeca screenings listed on the TFF film guide with a limited NY engagement set for May 10th. Also be sure to check out our review here!

Aleksander Nordaas is the writer/director of the film “Thale”.  The film is based off the Norwegian folklore myth, huldra. The film is being released on Blu-ray and DVD on April 23rd. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Aleksander about the film and what we can expect next.

Mike Gencarelli: What made you want to make a film about the folklore myth, huldra?
Aleksander Nordaas: As a Norwegian film maker, I’ve always wanted to do a film based in our rich folklore. And my favorite being amongst all the weird creatures that make up our folklore has always been the huldra. She’s the most diverse being of them all as she’s close in appearance and behavior to humans, which means there are a lot of strings to play on developing her as a character. So the idea basically started with this particular creature, which I then put into my own, modern folklore story.

MG: How did you end up casting Silje Reinamo as Thale?
Growing up in the same city (Mosjøen), I’ve known Silje since childhood. But it wasn’t until 2008 that we first worked together, on a short film titled “In Chambers” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9j8zhTiBIhQ). Concerning “Thale”, the role as Thale was actually written for Silje, as I already knew she had the talent, skills and looks for the role – but maybe more important, she had the guts to do it. As I guess everyone can imagine, it wasn’t the easiest role to play, relying solely on body language to portray this character, and in addition; nude while doing so. But me and Silje went through the film shot by shot, to make sure the nudity wouldn’t take focus away from what we wanted to tell – we wanted to use it as a tool for character build-up, not anything else.

MG: Tell us about the many hats that you handled on the film and what was the most challenging?
AN: The most challenging aspect was without doubt that there was never a guarantee that the film was going to get completed. We started off shooting without any funding in place – only a couple of plane tickets. Basically, we built the film brick by brick whenever we had time to get together, so the whole process, production and post, went on for nearly three years. And this uncertainty was constantly in the back of our heads throughout the whole production – what if this is all for nothing? As we decided to do this film the way we did, I knew I’d have the work cut out for me. With being responsible for everything from directing to building the sets, the workload took its toll from time to time, but at the same time I had 100% creative freedom. And that’s priceless, especially as this was my first international feature. I got to learn from every hat I put on, which undoubtedly is going to be useful going into my next productions, understanding the different functions and aspects a whole lot better.

MG: Was it difficult to blend the fantasy and horror genre for the film?
AN: I consider story development to be more of a gut feeling on my part, rather than following a specific genre, defined suspension curve and so on. I tend to write where the story takes me – to add what I feel fits together one way or the other. So I guess the blend came kind of natural, but yes – there was absolutely more than one draft of the script.

MG: The film is very well-shot and packs some sharp visual effects; talk to us about that aspect?
AN: First of all, thanks you so much! Even though the film was made this way, I didn’t want it to look like it was. So I put as much time and effort as I possibly could into the visuals, everything from a making thorough shotlists, to hours at the dump site looking for cool props, to extensive tests with different light bulbs. But CGI and effects proved the biggest challenge – as I hadn’t done much of it before. But with great help from Storm Studios, we got there eventually!

MG: What do you have planned next?
AN: Gladly, “Thale” has opened several doors for me, Bendik (producer) and for our production company Yesbox Productions, so we’re in a pretty different situation now than for only a couple of years ago. This means that the projects we’ve been juggling around suddenly now have caught fire. So with a handful of projects burning at the same time, I’m currently not sure which one – or two – will surface first. But if anyone would like to stay updated on my projects, I’m posting news as soon as I can on my site (www.aleksandernordaas.com) and facebook (www.facebook.com/aleksander.l.nordaas).

Uwe Boll is the director of films like “House of the Dead”, “Postal, “In the Name of the King” series and “Bloodrayne” series. Uwe is releasing his most personal and impressive film to date called “Assault on Wall Street”. The film stars Dominic Purcell, known best for TV role in “Prison Break”. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Uwe again about his upcoming films and what we can expect.

Mike Gencarelli: Tell us about how you got attached to “Assault on Wall Street” aka “Bailout: The Age of Greed”?
Uwe Boll: I developed it also as a producer. I was basically very pissed with the bailouts that the banks got away with. The movies that were made about the financial crisis where not showing the other side of the story. None of them were focusing on the people that actually lost everything. I wanted to also turn it into more of a revenge thriller, sort of a mix of “Falling Down” and “Death Wish”. Everything came together and I felt that it ended up being a very strong movie.

MG: Did you face any issues shooting an anti-Wall Street film in NYC?
UB: The problem was that when I went into casting a lot of the actor’s agents I asked had problems with the role. They were concerned with the fact if someone then actually went out and shoot up bankers for real then I would have been setting their character as a role model. I told them that it was only a movie and you have to take risks in your life otherwise you will never do anything. I thought it was a story that was worth telling. I have to say though we ended up with the perfect guy, Dominic Purcell. This is his best movie. He carried the movie very well as the lead actor.

MG: The film is one of your most mature and focused film; how does it compare for you to your past films?
UB: I do compare it to one of my other recent films “Rampage”, for example. A lot of my other movies are cold and this one sticks out since I spent a lot of time with the drama. The main character and his wife in the film have a great relationship. [SPOLIER ALERT] I don’t know one person who has watched the movie that wasn’t almost crying when she commits suicide. I think this is the first movie I did where the emotion part actually exists in a way. My video game based movies are more genre films. The other movies are more violent at times and let’s say more clinical. This one is more touching and emotional.

MG: You also reunite with Dominic Purcell in “In the Name of the King III”, tell us about that production?
UB: We went and shot the movie in Bulgaria. We focused it again on time travel but taking place mostly in medieval times. I like working with him so much and I want to continue working with him. At first he wasn’t a big fan of the fantasy aspect of the film. Then when we shot it, we brought in a lot of dry humor and made it fun. I think you will really be surprised how well that it turned out. But it is not done yet though, we are currently working on the CGI phase of the film.

MG: Did you ever think that you would be making a third film, after the first?
UB: No, not at all. Like with “Bloodrayne”, we did three films and with “King” I think now after this it will be the end of it. I do not see a need to really precede with this series after this film. I think it is a good ending and brings the films together. For me I just love shooting movies. If I am able to shoot a film like “In the Name of the King” then I do it. I am not the kind of the director that waits three years for his passion project. I try to make a passion projects like “Assault on Wall Street” but in between I take advantage of other opportunities if I can get funding together.

MG: Speaking of sequels, are you done with the “Bloodrayne” series or can we expect a fourth film?
UB: We developed a fourth one taking place in the present time. But Majesco Games pulled the plug saying that they do not want anymore movies. I couldn’t believe it because the games were never as popular and I feel that our movies were much bigger. Before I got into a lawsuit with Majesco, I dropped the ball and decided to not make it. I would like to do another though to finish the “Bloodrayne” story. Maybe Majesco will change their minds in the future. A lot of the times video game companies change management and maybe we can reactivate our relationship one day.

MG: How did you get attached to produce “Legend of the Red Reaper”?
UB: With “Legend of the Red Reaper”, I am only working with the film during post-production. I wasn’t involved with the shoot. Tara Cardinal, the producer,  actress, director, she did everything on this film. I saw a rough cut of the movie, which was about two and half hours. Inside that cut, I saw a movie and said that we would have to cut it out of it. So now we are in the finishing process now.

MG: Tell us about what we can expect from the anthology film, “The Profane Exhibit”?
UB: The producer David Bond contacted me and showed me the first segment from the film, which was so violent. He asked me if I wanted to act as the sales company to assist in selling the film but also at the same time shoot a segment myself for the film. There are twelve segments from different directors. My segment was based on the Fritzl case, which happened in Austria a few years ago. Basically a guy was keeping his own daughter locked up in the basement for like 20 years. For my segment, I focused on one day in his life of that guy. It is very creepy. The movie should be finished in August/September and we already have invitations from over 25 film festivals around the world. People are really excited and want to see what we came up with this film.

MG: Next up you are directing “Suddenly” again reuniting with Ray Liotta, Dominic Purcell and Michael Paré; tell us about what we can expect?
UB: We shot this already. Yes, it is funny because I worked with Dominic Purcell and Ray Liotta again. I love working with the same actors because I know them already and we are able to get the job done quickly. This is a remake of the Frank Sinatra film of the same title from the 50’s. In the original, Sterling Hayden was the Sheriff and Frank Sinatra was the bad guy. In this film Dominic is the bad guy and Ray Liotta is the sheriff. It is about the assassination of the president and takes place in one day. We shot in Vancouver, Canada in the snow. I even hired an Obama double to play the President, so we almost get to shoot the real Obama [laughs]. It is is post-production now and is almost finished.

Actors: Mel Brooks
Directors: Robert Trachtenberg
MPAA Rated: Not Rated
Studio: Shout! Factory
DVD Release Date: May 21, 2013
Run Time: 90 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

Who doesn’t love Mel Brooks? He has delivers some of the best comedy in the business over the last 60 years.  Whether it is film, TV, music or Broadway.  The man has done it all.  This latest American Masters program takes a look at Mel Brooks’ career in “Make a Noise”.  I grew up watching his films from “History of the World, Part 1” to “Blazing Saddles” to The Producers” and “Young Frankenstein”. This type of comedy always hit home with me and still has as I have grown up. I look forward to sharing these wonderful films with my daughter now as she grows.  They are timeless and will remain that way through time. This program was a great look into Mel Brooks, whether you know everything about him or are just meeting him for the first time.  There is a little something for everyone.

Official Premise: After 60 years in show business, Mel Brooks has earned more major awards than any other living entertainer; he is one of 14 EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony) winners. Yet, the comedy giant has energetically avoided a documentary profile from being made, even issuing an informal gag order on his friends – until now. Brooks has agreed to throw himself into a new documentary about his storied career, giving American Masters exclusive interviews and complete access to his film archives.

In the film we get taken through Mel’s life starting from his childhood growing up in Brooklyn to his start in the buisness to his marriage of Anne Bancroft to his Broadway career. There are new interviews with Mel Brooks, Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane, Cloris Leachman, Carl Reiner and Joan Rivers. These are people who know Mel and that have worked wiht him. They give wonderful insight into his career and who the real “Mel Brooks” is.  The program runs 90 minutes but I could have watch for at least 3 hours without becoming boring or repetitive.  The guy has done so much there is no way to sum it up in just 90 minutes.  The bonus feature included on this DVD is over 15 minutes of deleted segments.

Actors: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver, Anupam Kher, Chris Tucker
Directors: David O. Russell
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Starz / Anchor Bay
Release Date: April 30, 2013
Run Time: 117 minutes

Film: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I am not a fan of sports films at all. When I first heard about this film, I thought that’s what it was but was I wrong. David O. Russell’s last film was “The Fighter” with Christian Bale and Mark Wahlberg, which I was not a fan of at all despite Bale’s amazing performance. So I was very hesitant seeing this film at first. I have to say after watch it one…twice…three times…it easily became one of my favorite films of last year. The performances in the film are absolutely stunning. I do not think I even spoke a word during my first viewing because I was blown away. When I think about Bradley Cooper, I do not think that he has this kind of a role in him but he was so amazing. Also before this film I was not a fan at all of Jennifer Lawrence, especially after the horrid “The Hunger Games” but she is now on my fav list. She was stunning in this film and really deserves the Academy Award that she won.

Besides the main two, the supporting cast is also amazing. Robert De Niro really gives one of his best performances in recent years. Probably one of the biggest surprises was from Chris Tucker, that’s right the say guy from “Rush Hour” series. He only had a small appearance but was very effective and memorable. David O. Russell does another wonderful job directing this film and adapting the script from the novel by Matthew Quick. He has this fantastic vision and really delivers it well to the screen. This film might seem like a light romantic comedy but it deals with some very heavy issues and at the drop of the hat just like the bipolar disorder it switches from genre to genre. That is why I absolutely loved this film it is very unpredictable and keeps you on your toes. If you haven’t seen this…don’t miss it.

Official Premise: Life doesn’t always go according to plan. Pat Solatano (Bradley Cooper) has lost everything — his house, his job, and his wife. He now finds himself living back with his mother (Jacki Weaver) and father (Robert DeNiro) after spending eight months is a state institution on a plea bargain. Pat is determined to rebuild his life, remain positive and reunite with his wife, despite the challenging circumstances of their separation. All Pat’s parents want is for him to get back on his feet-and to share their family’s obsession with the Philadelphia Eagles football team. When Pat meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), a mysterious girl with problems of her own, things get complicated. Tiffany offers to help Pat reconnect with his wife, but only if he’ll do something very important for her in return. As their deal plays out, an unexpected bond begins to form between them, and silver linings appear in both of their lives.

Starz / Anchor Bay delivered a very impressive combo pack release. We get both a Blu-ray and DVD disc copy of the film. There are also two digital copies including Ultraviolet and iTunes. I always prefer Ultraviolet, since it doesn’t take up space on your handheld devices and can be accessed anytime. The 1080p transfer is beautifully presented with an aspect ratio of 2.40:1. The cinematography in the film is so well-done including the handheld camera work, which I am usually not a fan of. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 works very well with the snappy dialogue and the music, especially the big dance scene.

The special features are quite impressive on this Blu-ray release. There are nearly 30 minutes of deleted scenes included, which are quite impressive and a must watch for any fans of the film. “Silver Linings Playbook: The Film that Became a Movement” is a great feature on the production with interviews from cast and crew. “Q&A Highlights” are complied of various sessions with Russell, De Niro, Cooper, Lawrence and more. “Learn to Dance Like Pat and Tiffany” is a great ‘learn how’ feature with choreographer Mandy Moore on the moves seen in the film. The last two features are short but still fun. “Dance Rehearsal” has the duo showing us a few of their moves but runs under two minutes. Lastly, “Going Steadicam with Bradley Cooper” is a joke feature with Cooper taking the camera for less than a minute. Overall great extras, except the only let down is that there are no commentary tracks. I would have love to seen cast and crew giving their insight on the production.

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