Assembly Line and Level Up Productions are responsible for the new film “Sushi Girl”.  The film stars Tony Todd, James Duval, Noah Hathaway, Andy Mackenzie and Mark Hamill. The men behind the film are Destin Pfaff, Kern Saxton, Neal Fischer, Suren Seron.  Destin is known for his work on “The Millionaire Matchmaker” TV series.  Kern Saxton is the director of the film but wears many other hats on this film (read more about that below).  Neal is a producer of the film, as well as Suren.  Media Mikes has been covering this film extensively with interviews from many of the cast and crew and had a chance to chat with the guys to find out some cool behind the scene stories about making the film “Sushi Girl”.

Mike Gencarelli: You all produced the film “Sushi Girl”, how did you divide up the tasks? Anyone the leader of the group?
Neal Fischer: I don’t think that we really had discussed about a leader during the film. I think we each brought the characters to life. For me, I really didn’t want to make this as a smaller movie. So I brought in the financing to make the movie the way it should be made. But also at the same time we wanted to make a movie that would be respected and for us to be proud of. It just got better and better along the way.
Destin Pfaff: On the topic of leadership, the amazing thing that Kern (Saxton) did was bringing the four of us together. I like to think of us like Voltron. We are these four individual robotic tigers that come together to form this giant. We had this wonderful magical synergy working together, like brothers. I think we would be happy if we only make movies with each other for the rest of our lives.

MG: Kern, you not only had your directorial debut, you also took the role of Editor, Producer, Co-Writer, was it hard to juggle?
Kern Saxton: They all grew out of necessity. I wanted to do a project like this. Destin and I had this crazy idea and we were actually working on another screenplay. A couple of years later…here we are. I knew that budget-wise, I was going to have to take on many different roles in order to make it happen. I think that being the Co-Writer, Director, Producer and Editor, it is not out of some place where I creatively have to do those jobs. Editing is easier for me for projects that I have directed. It is just quicker at the end of the day. We had to do every stage of production very quickly in order to save money and time. It was decided by the group that I would take on the editing. That is the whole game we are playing with this film is to get the biggest impact with the least amount of resources.

MG: What was your biggest challenge to overcome in the process of shooting?
KS: For me it is getting the project funded. I knew once we got a budget we could do some damage. I have worked with Destin on a bunch of short films. It was apparent to us that we were doing very ambitious things with no money. Once we got in the right direction…we were off!
DP: I think think the biggest challenge for me was working with an ego-maniacal director like Kern Saxton that we had on the film…I am kidding [laughs]. I think every hurdle that the four of us faced was handled in such an amazing way.

MG: Destin, during filming having co-wrote the script, where you able to assist with each scene?
DP: Kern and I luckily share a single brain as for what something is suppose to look or feel like in a particular scene. Even if I wasn’t on set, I knew that whatever Kern was doing would be exactly what I would do. I’ll give kudos to Kern.

MG: Tell us about how to got Noah Hathaway to return to acting?
Suren Seron: We had a couple of interesting stories from how we got a few people in this film. Noah is a good one and Mark (Hamill) is also a good one. We had an actor on board who previously was set to play the role of Fish. At the last minute we decided to go another direction and I said out loud “How about Noah Hathaway from ‘The Neverending Story'” . I just happened to be Facebook friends with him, since someone suggested I friend him since I was such a big fan. He accepted and we actually talked. He was living in Amsterdam and working as a tattoo artist. I sent him a random message outlining the cast we already had on board and to see if he would be interested. I ended the conversation saying that we were working with “so and so and oh…Sonny Chiba”. He wrote back “Sonny Chiba…I love Sonny Chiba.” I sent him the script and a day later he wanted to do this. We did the audition over the internet from Amsterdam. We were really excited to get him on board. So he got a plane, came down to California and that was the end of his life in Amsterdam.

MG: During post production, who was the most involved?
NF: Yeah that would be Kern!
KS: If it comes to editing, color corrections, sound design, music…yeah I think I had a hand in it [laughs].
DP: We have successfully destroyed Kern Saxton’s life during the post-production process. He has become this completely nocturnal creature that can’t even look straight anymore.
KS: Due to scheduling with the studio, we had to write music from 2am to 10am. I became completely nocturnal.

MG: Neal, this was your first go as producer, what do you have planned next?
NF: Well for me, it was a really interesting experience. I work for a larger company. I had access to all these tools from working on films like “Resident Evil” and “Silent Hill”. I had this experience but it was all for a company and with big producers and so they weren’t mine. For me making “Sushi Girl” was a way to not only get to use these tools that I have been learning but also show what I can do. I used to live in Japan and I had some experiences with the Japanese mafia.  That led me to write a couple of scripts from those, so that is one of my top priorities and definitely in my future.

MG: After “Sushi Girl”, what do you guys have planned next?
SS: “Calaytic” is hoping to be one of our next projects with Tony Todd. Tony told us about two scripts he wanted to get going on. We definitely wanted to do it and he always wanted to direct. We are most excited about getting that started and work with Tony Todd again.

Directed by: Mike Flanagan
Starring: Katie Parker, Courtney Bell, Dave Levine, Doug Jones
Distributed by: Phase 4 Films
MPAA Rating: R
Running Time: 91 minutes

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

Phase 4 Films definitely has a hit on their hands with this little gem. I honestly have never heard of this film, despite being a horror buff. The film has won over 20 awards at various film festival. What makes this interesting is that it has a unique story, it has some great scares and also surprising twists throughout the film. It is rare that a horror film really stands out among the many, many others but this one does it and deserve some attention. Horror fans will also be delighted to that Doug Jones (“Pan’s Layrinth” and “Hellboy” series) co-stars in the film. I am looking forward to see what Mike Flanagan does next as now he is officially on my radar.

The film follow two sisters Tricia (Parker) and Callie (Bell). Callie comes to stay with Tricia, who’s husband Daniel (Levine) has been missing for seven years. Tricia is planning on officially reporting her husband as dead, when she starts to have visions of him. Callie finds herself drawn to a creepy tunnel that she’s meets a homeless man (Jones) who is mysteriously shocked that she can see him. Callie finds that the man has been reported missing years ago also like Tricia’s husband. Strange things continue to occur to the sisters until Daniel, out of the blue, shows up at the house after seven years missing and no account of the time. Callie believes that strange supernatural forces might be at work here and tries to investigate the mysterious tunnel and the weird happenings. The sisters might have gotten too deep into this whole situation as the mystery draws them in.

The special features are very impressive and come stocked. First of all there are two commentary tracks. The first is a producer commentary with Morgan Peter Brown, Mike Flanagan, Joe Wicker and Justin Gordon, which focuses on the film’s production and the goal of making a horror film on a low budget. Next up is a really fun jam packed commentary track with director/producer Mike Flanagan and the film’s stars Katie Parker, Courntey Bell, Dave Levine and Doug Jones. Next up, there is a very extensive behind the scenes documentary “Absentia: A Retrospective”, which runs just over 30 minutes. There are about five minutes of deleted scenes, worth checking out but nothing special. There is a “Camera Test Teaser”, which was shot to evaluate the effectiveness of shooting in Canon 5d. Lastly there is also the film’s trailer included.

Directed by: Brett Ratner
Starring: Ben Stiller, Mathew Broderick, Eddie Murphy, Alan Alda, Casey Affleck
Distributed by: Universal Pictures
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Release Date: February 21, 2012
Running Time: 104 minutes

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

At first view of this film, I really had no interest in seeing it at all. My wife on the other hand nudged me into seeing it. I actually happened to enjoy it quite a bit. I mean with a cast like Ben Stiller, Mathew Broderick, Eddie Murphy, Alan Alda and Casey Affleck…it would have to be good. Each actors really shines and delivers a great performance. Well the film has some faults but definitely packs the comedy as well as the action. Especially the film gets started, which takes about a solid 40 minutes, that’s when it really shines. When I was watching I couldn’t help but compare this to “Ocean’s Eleven” but in a apartment complex. Although not as good as that film, it still deliver a very entertaining experience.

The follows Josh Kovacs (Stiller) who is the manager of “The Tower”, which is a high-profile apartment location in Manhattan. His job is to make sure that the tower’s residents are perfectly accommodated, including financier Arthur Shaw (Alan Alda). Though Shaw gets arrested by the FBI for investing fraud. Kovacs realizes that his staff’s pensions are gone since he asked Shaw to manage them. He confronts Shaw and ends up loosing his job. Kovas devises a plan to help his staff by planning to rob Shaw’s hidden money of $20 million dollars. In order to do that he recruits a motley crew group (including Matthew Broderick, Casey Affleck, Michael Peña, Gabourey Sidibe, and Eddie Murphy). Of course things go array on the groups plans and issues arise.

The Blu-ray presentation and package are great. The color are very sharp and really detailed. The audio is also very impressive with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track especially during the heist scenes. Includes in this release besides the Blu-ray, is a DVD copy of the film as well. There is also an Ultraviolet streaming digital copy of the film. Some more great features on this Blu-ray include the “U-Control Experience” which includes a Picture-in-Picture experience and a “Music of Tower Heist” feature. Also if you have an iPad/tablet, PC or Mac you can take advantage of the “Second Screen Interactive Experience”.

The special features are quite impressive for this release. There is a funny yet very informative audio commentary with director Brett Ratner, editor Mark Helfrich and co-writers Ted Griffin and Jeff Nathanson. “Brett Ratner’s Video Diary” is a very in-depth look inside the production with the director, pretty cool footage included also. “Plotting Tower Heist” is a six part behind-the-scenes documentary, which runs about 45 minutes. The parts are split up into the following: “The Ratner/Grazer Connection, Parts One, Two and Three,” “The Conspirators,” “Set Pieces” and “The Car.” There are a bunch of additional footage including two alternate endings, the first called “15 Months Later” and second called “Lester’s Bar,” which should have made the final cut for sure! There are nine deleted/alternate scenes, which run just over 5 minutes are a hit or miss. Lastly there is a funny gag reel included to top off the great features.

Photo by laura burke photography

Cortney Palm is part of the ensemble cast of the new film “Sushi Girl”. She is playing the title role along with a great genre cast of Mark Hamill, Tony Todd, James Duval and Noah Hathaway. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Cortney about the role and working with an all male cast.

Mike Gencarelli: How did you get involved with “Sushi Girl”?
Cortney Palm: I had gotten called to audition by Zora DeHorter who was doing the casting for the film. I went in to read and I really liked the writing however I didn’t think my audition went that well. I ended up getting a call back and thought of that as a way to redeem myself. I went to the call back and they told me I had done really well. I sent a follow up email to Zora after the audition as a thank you and she replied saying that they were very interested in me. I had a third call back and I had figured it was between me and someone else. The third audition basically was to see if I was comfortable with being nude, as I had already gotten the part. It was really exciting!

MG: How was it working with such a great male led cast?
CP: Those guys were all so funny! Mark Hamill is funny as can be and James Duval has these stories that he was always wanting to tell everyone [laughs]. I was always laughing and they had to yell at me to stop moving the sushi. I am the only female in the film but it’s invigorating and I love being an empowered female. The film is very powerful and all the guys were really great.

MG: Can you tell us any interesting stories from the set?
CP: There were a lot. The first day I was fairly nervous as I was going to be surrounded by some real iconic actors. To lighten the mood Mark Hamill walks in and asks me if I was wearing a body stocking. It made me feel really good. I figured the lights must have made me look really good because I wasn’t wearing one. Another time James Duval was telling us about a piano bar he goes to and how he is always being recognized from “Independence Day”. It was fun just talking about being actors in everyday life.

MG: How would you describe the film?
CP: Kern Saxton and Destin Pfaff are just excellent writers. Within their writing you can find such great characters with really good dialogue. Each character is so distinct in their motive or action that it really brings to life every piece of the puzzle. The film keeps you on the edge of your seat and wondering what’s going on with each character. I think Kern Saxton is going to be a break out director!

MG: If you could choose one person to work with whom would it be and why?
CP:I want to work with James Cameron, he’s inspired me since I watched “Titanic” 13 times in the theater and Clint Eastwood who said I was stunning while working as a background performer on the set of one of his recent films. I love Emily Blunt and Julia Roberts and I would feel honored to share the screen with them as well as Tom Hanks and Zach Efron. Just to name a few.

MG: Do you have any other upcoming projects?
CP: I just wrapped a short film that was shot by Trisha Gum. The film is called “Losing Ferguson” and it’s going to be hitting the festival circuit soon. The story is about a girl who has been living in this imaginary world do to a past trauma. The girl begins to grow up and suddenly loses her imaginary friend. It’s a really good story.

Starring: Thomas Mann, Oliver Cooper and Jonathan Daniel Brown
Directed by: Nima Nourizadeh
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 28 mins
Warner Brothers

Our Score: 4 out 5 stars

We’ve all done it. For some unexplained reason your parents decide to go out of town and think you’re responsible enough to stay home alone. Of course, there are always three big rules to obey:

1. Don’t use the car
2. Don’t go into our room/office/other off limits place.
And of course, the biggest of them all:
3. NO PARTIES!

Thomas (Mann) is a kid that we all knew in high school. Not really cool, not really NOT cool…you know him but you don’t KNOW him. Costa (Cooper) is another kid we all knew. He’s just like Thomas only you DO know him. And he’s really annoying. When Thomas’ parents decide to take a trip without Thomas on his birthday Costa invites a few people over for a small celebration. 1500 people later, it’s the party of the century!

A funny combination of “Risky Business” and “Superbad,” “Project X” is a fond look at high school parties and the people that attend them. Shot almost documentary style (Costa has hired one of the kids from the AV team to follow Thomas around all weekend), the film takes a familiar theme and gives it an original twist. Besides Thomas and Costa, there is their friend JB (Brown), a portly boy whose only apparent goal in life is to hook up with a girl. We also meet Kirby, a cute blonde who has been Thomas’ friend since childhood. It’s obvious there could be more between them but neither is brave enough to pursue it. There’s Alexis (Alexis Knapp), Thomas’ dream girl. And about 1497 other people. Which, by definition, is a party!

Written by Matt Drake and Michael Bacall, “Project X” takes the best of the two films I mentioned above, throws in a little “Dazed and Confused” and then adds enough original humor to make it consistently funny. From “Dazed” you get the old guy who is much too old to be hanging out with high schoolers. “Superbad” contributes the chubby guy looking to score. And “Risky Business” donates everything from the young man looking for excitement to a crazed drug dealer, apparently a homage to Joe Pantoliano’s “Guido, the Killer Pimp.” Throw in an angry neighbor, eighth grade security guards and plenty of nudity and you’ve got the perfect “adult comedy” for the college set. I also noticed that apparently 18 year olds hold their alcohol much better than my generation did. I should also note that when I was in high school 18 WAS the legal drinking age, though I may have imbibed at an earlier age! This is director Nourizadeh’s first feature, and he keeps the film moving. Sometimes the faux documentary style can slow a film down but the story and, more importantly, the humor flow smoothly.

In March 1979 I threw what is still referred to today as “The Greatest Toga Party in the History of Tampa!” Like I said…we’ve all done it.

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Starring: Talking Heads
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Eagle Rock Entertainment
Run Time: 109 minutes

Our Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

“We want to make our mark on music history.”
~ Tina Weymouth, Talking Heads bassist, 1979

For Tina to have expressed this wish within the context of an interview is not really all that surprising given the success that Talking Heads had already achieved in the four short years following their inception in 1975. But what IS surprising is where the interview took place – not in the basement bowels of NYC’s legendary CBGB’s or a “new wave” club, but on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand.

“Talking Heads: Chronology” allows the viewer to see this clip of bizarrely juxtaposed elements as well as 17 others, most of which are previously unreleased. These excepts range from their early beginnings as a CBGB’s-based trio all the way up to a 1983 clip from Saturday Night Live as well as a spot-on performance of “Life During Wartime” from the 2002 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Overall, “Chronology” is an amazing compilation of archival footage that allows us to see the development of a band that was clearly making its mark on music history from square one.

What’s even better about the disc is the optional commentary track that features all four Heads – David Byrne, Chris Frantz, Tina Weymouth and Jerry Harrison. It’s a joy to hear each of them reacting to their younger selves, reflecting on the group’s musical journey and sharing amusing behind-the-scenes stories and bits of trivia. The only minor issue with the track is that each band member’s comments were recorded separately, so it lacks what undoubtedly would have been great banter between the long-estranged band mates had they been in the same room. Regardless, this secondary track adds a level of depth to the collection of clips and helps to make “Chronology” markedly more substantial than most music video DVD compilations.

The disc also includes a 35-minute segment from 1979 that is culled from the London-based “South Bank Show”. This – almost more than the 18 music clips – is essential viewing. The interviews with the band members provide tremendous insight into what made Talking Heads a truly great band and the rehearsal footage shows the unique dynamic of a group that could instantly lock into their own groovy vibe and let the strange and wonderful wizardry happen. It’s also full of truly endearing moments such as Jerry Harrison’s creative solution to forgetting a rhythm guitar line: pulling out a copy of the studio album that the track appeared on, dropping the needle into the vinyl and playing along with it. The entire South Bank segment is quite riveting and really should have been integrated into and prefaced the main content of the DVD. Unfortunately, it’s been relegated to merely being a bonus feature that most viewers are likely to skip over and never see. The other bonus feature, a David Byrne interview from 1978, doesn’t really offer up anything that isn’t covered in the South Bank segment – save for proving that Byrne can handle the noxious haze generated by a chain-smoking interviewer without coughing or decking him.

As one could reasonably expect, the DVD’s overall image quality is variable as a result of the source material and is presented in 4:3 aspect ratio.  The archival clips, however, sound amazingly good: the disc’s Dolby Digital 2.0 audio is quite dynamic and punchy (only the two CBGB’s clips from 1975 are a bit distorted and thin).  The DVD is available in two editions: a standard-issue disc and a deluxe edition that adds a 48-page hardcover book featuring an essay by Lester Bangs.

“Chronology” is a wonderfully-crafted gem that shines not only as a vital supplement to any established Heads fan’s collection but as a great introduction for generations that may have completely missed out on the band’s musical magic. It’s clear that the creators of this DVD very much love the group that the project chronicles and aren’t just out to make a quick buck from nostalgia seekers. But, more so, they know and truly appreciate the fact that truly amazing artists like Talking Heads only come around once in a lifetime.

Directed by: Mark Pellington
Starring: Thomas Jane, Jeremy Piven, Rob Lowe, Christian McKay, Carla Gugino, Arielle Kebbel
Distributed by Magnolia Pictures
MPAA Rating: R
Running Time: 129 minutes

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“I Melt for You” is a complete rip-off of “The Hangover” but a lot darker and more grim. The film starts off real well but then after 45 minutes nothing really happens until the end where it feels really rushed. I feel there was little direction for the story and it caused the film to drag in the second act. The film literally can be trimmed at least 30 minutes, 129 minutes is just too long..  The film does get some great performances from the cast but it is not enough to save this indie.

The film follows four former college buddies (Jeremy Piven, Rob Lowe, Thomas Jane, Christian McKay) who reunite for a weekend of drugs and partying. After coming down from their high, the group start to realize that they are not the same people that they were in college. It turns out that each man has dark secrets that once revealed will change the mood of the weekend and the rest of their lives.

The only thing this film has going for it is it fantastic cast. Jeremy Piven, Rob Lowe, Thomas Jane and Christian McKay, who all give really intense dramatic performances. The Blu-ray presentation is a not super impressive. Even though it is an indie film, the video is not really up to Blu-ray standard, not terrible but just not impressive. The sound packs a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track which works well with the film’s music soundtrack.

Until the film itself, the special features are actually quite impressive. There are two commentary tracks included on this Blu-ray. The first features Mark Pellington, Rob Lowe and Jeremy Piven and is quite entertaining. The second commentary track features Mark Pellington (again), screenwriter Glenn Porter, and cinematographer Eric Schmidt. It takes a more technical turn into the film’s production. There almost 20 minutes of deleted scenes included, some worth watching. There is a decent length behind-the-scenes featurette, which runs just short of a half and hour. Like all Magnolia releases there an HDNet feature “A Look at I Melt with You”, nothing special just an extended promo.

Even though those features above are good my favorites are the following extras. There are one-on-one interviews with Mark Pellington and Jeremy Piven. Pellington’s interview runs almost 40 minutes and is very extensive. “Jeremy Piven Mood Piece” is an interesting collection of clips narrated by Piven. “Thomas Jane Teaser” is an elaborate monologue, which just secures what a character Jane really is. I can honestly watch/listen to Thomas Jane all day long. Lastly there is a whole punch of photo galleries and trailers from the film, rounding up great extras.

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Directed by: Chris Renaud, Kyle Balda
Starring: Danny DeVito, Zac Efron, Taylor Swift, Ed Helms, Rob Riggle, Betty White, Jenny Slate
Distributed by: Universal Pictures
MPAA Rating: PG
Running time: 95 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Dr. Seuss has had a bumpy road on the big screen over the years. I really enjoyed “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” with Jim Carrey. Though Mike Myers’ turn as “The Cat in the Hat” was barely watchable. Similar to this film, “Horton Hears a Who” was full CGI and was decent but nothing special. “The Lorax” on the other hand is very enjoyable and perfect for kids to enjoy. I screened the film in 3D and I really did enjoy that experience. It wasn’t overbearing but did add a lot of depth to the film. It is also one “pretty” film, very colorful and vibrant. Overall great family fun and impressive 3D.

The plot definitely aims to deliver a real environmental message but still makes it fun to watch. We follow Ted (Efron), a 12-year-old young boy, who sets out try and win the love of Audrey (Swift) by fulfilling her wish to see a real tree. The city they live in is called “Thneed-Ville”, which does not have any real trees and only artificial. While trying to find a tree for Audrey, Ted meets Once-ler (Helms) who tells him the story of the Lorax. Through the stories we find out what happened to the trees and if there is still hope for this city.

The voice cast is also very impressive. Danny DeVito seems absolutely perfect for the role of The Lorax and easily nails it. Zac Efron and Taylor Swift will both be a big draw to the film with the tweens. Ed Helms is basically the main character besides The Lorax or at least for the first half and he is fun but also easily unlikable. Rob Riggle plays a great baddie and get a lot of laughs.

My main issue with the film is that it has quite a down period where its tone get a little dark.  I understand its purpose due to the film’s message.  Otherwise, it is fun and entertaining throughout. Illumination Entertainment is really showing their muscles and off to a decent start. “Despicable Me” was one of the best films of 2010 and even though “Hop” was a terror to watch, it made money. I am really looking forward to their next film “Despicable Me 2” next summer.

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First appearing on the scene at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival, newly launched MouseTrap Films has been rapidly snapping up films for distribution via its FILM FESTIVAL FLIX monthly theatrical series and ancillaries. Acquisitions include “Face to Face,” “The Calling,” “The Holy Land of Tyrol,” and “Rancid.” MouseTrap President / CEO, Benjamin Oberman, has teamed up with VP of Theatrical Distribution, Jill Gray Savarese, to roll out the films theatrically.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) February 29, 2012
First appearing on the scene at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival, newly launched MouseTrap Films has been rapidly snapping up films for distribution via its FILM FESTIVAL FLIX monthly theatrical series and ancillaries. MouseTrap President / CEO, Benjamin Oberman, has teamed up with VP of Theatrical Distribution, Jill Gray Savarese, to roll out the films theatrically.

Early acquisitions include Michael Rymer’s (QUEEN OF THE DAMNED, BATTLESTAR GALLACTICA) “Face to Face” which won the Panavision Spirit Award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, and Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Actress at the Newport Beach International Film Festival. The film, which is based upon a play by Australian Playwright, David Williamson, is frequently compared to “12 Angry Men.” Awarded Best of Fest at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, Jan Dunn’s “The Calling” stars Oscar®-nominated actress Brenda Blethyn and was the last film of Oscar®-nominee Susannah York. “The Holy Land of Tyrol” (aka “Mountain Blood”) is a visually stunning German foreign language film by director, Philipp J. Pamer. Alastair Orr’s “Rancid” is a highly-anticipated sci/fi horror film. An additional 10 films are in negotiations and expected to close soon.

Oberman, who founded MouseTrap says, “MouseTrap Films was started to find the film festival gems that regularly fall through the cracks. The FILM FESTIVAL FLIX platform was created as a solution to the traditional challenge of marketing and branding a great film that lacks star power or other elements associated with a traditional campaign. We present great films and the film festival experience, monthly in your community, and make the films available to independent film enthusiasts on multiple platforms.”

The FILM FESTIVAL FLIX series will host actors and filmmakers for Q&A in 25 theaters nationwide, while simulcasting the events in up to 200 more. In an unprecedented move, filmmakers and actors may earn the right to screen their 5- minute short films theatrically before the features. Rewarding one local artist who coordinates the event-screening in their community, MouseTrap will screen their short film in that venue. The winner of the monthly online nationwide contest will be screened in all FFF theaters and distributed online at http://www.FilmFestivalFlix.com.

According to Savarese, who will establish and head-up the theatrical division, “My belief is that we, as distributors, can strengthen the reach of independent films by giving merit-based opportunities to new filmmakers and actors and by supporting the small exhibitors. To that end, we will strive to make our films available to even the smallest venues (including those without digital conversion) and offer them cross-promotional and grassroots marketing support.”

Branching out into film distribution is a natural progression for Oberman after 7 years of producing films, documentaries, and commercials. Savarese, who was a child performer and had a long career as an actor and producer on stage and film is also at home here. A curiosity that some don’t know, however, is the “consultant” parallel between them. Oberman, a former professional pairs figure skater who performed in the 2002 Olympic Games Opening & Closing Ceremonies, was a Figure Skating Consultant on Paramount / Dreamworks’ “Blades of Glory.” Savarese, a political interpreter who interpreted for President Bill Clinton and Prime Minister Tony Blair, was the Sign Language Consultant on the Fox Searchlight film, “The East.”

About Mousetrap Films:
MouseTrap Films offers an alternative releasing strategy, with FILM FESTIVAL FLIX functioning as a powerful new platform to launch and distribute Independent films. MouseTrap, via FILM FESTIVAL FLIX, plans to release 3 films a month in theaters across the US with day and date VOD/DVD. The films will be available for DVD Purchase, Download to Own, and Streaming Rental through the soon-to-be launched website http://www.FilmFestivalFlix.com and through additional partnerships and platforms.

Go backstage and under the covers with the musical and pop culture icon, Madonna, as Lionsgate debuts Miramax’s Madonna: Truth or Dare on Blu-ray Disc April 3, 2012. See the Queen of Pop as never before – singer, dancer, sex goddess, businesswoman and den mother – in an up close and personal documentary chronicling Madonna’s 1990 “Blond Ambition Tour.” Presented for the first time with a stunning new 1080P High Definition transfer and 5.1 DTS Master Audio, Madonna: Truth or Dare premieres on Blu-ray Disc for the suggested retail price of $14.99, just as Madonna makes her way back into the spotlight. With a Super Bowl half-time performance, a new album, tour and the launch of her “Truth or Dare” lifestyle brand, 2012 is destined to be the year of Madge. Madonna: Truth or Dare will also be available on DVD for the suggested retail price of $9.98.

The top-selling female artist of all-time, Madonna has sold more than 300 million albums worldwide. Fresh off of her recent Golden Globe win for Best Original Song for her directorial feature film, W.E., Madonna has also previously won a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture (Comedy/Musical) for her role as Eva Peron in Evita (1997), been named one of TIME’s “25 Most Powerful Women in the Past Century” and garnered countless other accolades. Madonna: Truth or Dare explores the icon as an artist and a person, from her dressing room to her bedroom.

Tony Todd is a living legend in the film business.  He is known best for his role of Candyman in the horror series.  He has also working on high profile films like “Transformers: Rise of the Fallen” and “Final Destination” series.  Tony Todd is currently starring and executive producing a new film called “Sushi Girl”.  He believes it is his best work yet.  Media Mikes had a chance to sit down with Tony and chat with him about this new film and what we can expect.

Mike Gencarelli: Tell us about how you got involved with the film “Sushi Girl”?
Tony Todd: It was a Godsend actually. I got the script about two years ago now. We got together and had a table reading with about 60% of the final cast. We all new it was magic. We got taken off track because we lost financing but we all had faith since we knew the script and cast were strong. Then n the beginning of last year, I got more involved and started setting up some meetings in order to move it forward. We met Spark Entertainment and luckily then we got our financing that we needed.

MG: Is that how you took on the additional role of executive produce?
TT: I suppose so. That was more an act of generosity on their part. I didn’t request it. I wouldn’t say no, of course. In terms of that, one of the things being the leader of this group is that I always checked in with the actors. I wanted to make sure that they were happy and that everyone was going to give 100%. I found that you are all as good as your weakest link. We got very lucky to land this wonderful set on Universal’s lot. I mean it had to be a million dollar set on its own. We had such a wonderful crew. I have done over a hundred films and the energy on this set was easily in my top three films ever.

MG: What can you tell us about your character Duke?
TT: Without giving away too much, we are a motley group of criminal disguising as businessmen. My character Duke fancies himself a businessman that happens to be involved with criminal enterprises. The general plot is we all gather together after 6 years to celebrate Noah Hathaway’s character Fish’s release from prison and that sets up our evenings events.

MG: How did you prepare for the character?
TT: I did a lot of research on what makes a sociopath. I found some very disturbing things. For sociopaths, just like you and I are sitting here outside and chatting and at the spur a moment things can change, like a snap of the finger. He is a wonderful character. But I couldn’t be Duke, unless everyone did there roles as good as they did.

MG: You are a legend acting in the horror genre, tell us about your plans to direct on “Catalytic”?
TT: It is a script that is already written. I didn’t a horror film to be my first directorial debut. I have another project called “Eerie, PA”, that is much closer to my heart but same group from “Sushi Girl” convinced me that it a good horror film. I do not contain any stupidity in the horror characters. It is about real shit and is very cool.

MG: You recently just appeared in “Final Destination 5”, how did the character come about?
TT: Well I had done “The X-Files” and James Wong and Glen Morgan were involved writing on that show. They remembered me and they had acquired “Final Destination”. It was original a proposal script for an “X-Files” episode by Jeffrey Reddick. They wanted me and I wanted it, so fortunately it worked out amd here we are five films later and going strong. I thought the fifth film was the best in the series.

ONLY ONE NAME DEFINES THE ULTIMATE HERO…

ONLY ONE FORMAT DELIVERS THE ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE…

FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, THE COMPLETE INDIANA JONES

FILM COLLECTION COMES TO BLU-RAY!

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (February 29, 2012) – The man with the hat is back – and looking better than ever! The world’s favorite globe-trotting archaeologist is, at long last, embarking on his greatest adventure – when The Complete Indiana Jones Blu-ray Collection comes to Blu-ray Disc from Lucasfilm Ltd. and Paramount Home Media Distribution. The Complete Indiana Jones Blu-ray Collection will be excavated in the fall of 2012 and will include all four of Indy’s thrilling adventures, using the highest possible high definition picture and audio presentation – along with a “best of” collection of documentaries, interviews, featurettes and a few new surprises.

We should be receiving cover art and further details on the collection shortly, so stay tuned and get ready for this amazing release!

About Paramount Home Media Distribution

Paramount Home Media Distribution (PHMD) is part of Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment.  PPC is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands.  The PHMD division oversees PPC’s home entertainment, digital and television distribution activities worldwide. The division is responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of home entertainment content on behalf of Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, CBS and PBS and for providing home entertainment fulfillment services for DreamWorks Animation Home Entertainment.  PHMD additionally manages global licensing of studio content and distribution across worldwide digital and television distribution platforms including online, mobile and portable devices and emerging technologies.

Lucasfilm, Indiana Jones™ and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. TM & © Lucasfilm Ltd.  All rights reserved.  All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.

Directed by: Jeff Kanew
Starring: Will Sasso, Ian Ziering, Kristanna Loken, Sophie Monk, Rip torn, Tony Cox
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by: Image Entertainment
Release Date: March 20, 2012
Running Time: 91 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1/2 out of 5 stars

Recently when I see that a film that is presented by National Lampoon, I would steer clear. It definitely doesn’t have the same reputation it did back in the “Animal House” and “Vacation” series days. This film is different though and delivers some really funny laughs.  Don’t get it wrong it is stupid as shit but for some reason I found it entertaining, probably few will agree.  It also packs a reallygreat cast including Will Sasso, Ian Ziering, Kristanna Loken, Sophie Monk, Rip Torn and Tony Cox. Will Sasso is just so over-the-top, it is great and makes me count down the days till “The Three Stooges”. Ian Ziering known best for his role in “Beverly Hills, 90210”, really branches out playing the mighty warrior Testiclees…yes that’s this name.

In case you are wondering about the director, Jeff Kanew, he is known best for directing the classic comedy film “Revenge of the Nerds”. In case the cover art doesn’t describe it enough this film is a spoof of films like “Gladiator”, “Troy”, “Alexander” and of course “300”. The film is very raunchy and most of the jokes really land on their feet. If you are a fan of Will Sasso, then there is no way you won’t like this film as he gets a chance to shine in the starring role.

The film follows Awesomest Maximus (Will Sasso) who is a general of Troy but is not the sharpest tool in the shed. Awesomest gets put on duty to accompany King Looney’s (Rip Torn) only son Orlando (Gary Lundy) on a mission to Greece. Orlando ends up stealing the wife of King Erotic (Khary Payton), Princess Ellen (Sophie Monk) to be his wife.  Get it Ellen of Troy? This of course does not go well and provokes a war between Troy and Greece.

The Blu-ray presentation is decent but nothing special. The video looks clear and sharp. Though the audio track is lacking and is basically the equivalent for DVD standards. The special features are non-existent with only the theatrical trailer included. There is also a the bonus trailer for the another spoof film “Division III: Football’s Finest”.  Disappointing since this is a really funny film.  Would have loved to see a gag reel or at least some behind the scenes featurettes.

Directed by: Ben Affleck
Starring: Ben Affleck, Rebecca Hall, Jon Hamm, Jeremy Renner, Blake Lively
MPAA Rating: R (Theatrical) / Not Rated (Extended)
Distributed by: Warner Home Video
DVD Release Date: March 6, 2012
Running Time: 125 minutes (Theatrical) / 153 minutes (Extended)

Overall Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Before reading this review, if you have never seen this film…stop reading and go out to the store and by this release. It is simple as that. This film was one of my favorite films of 2010. This Ultimate Collector’s Edition Blu-ray is the perfect set release for this amazing film. “The Town” is most definitely going to become a classic like other robbery films like “Dog Day Afternoon” and “The Italian Job”. Ben Affleck does a flawless job not only directing but also acting, easily the best work he has done to date.

This new 3-disc (2 Blu-ray, 1 DVD) release feature a a new cut of the film including an alternate ending with audio commentary available as well. It is actually the third cut of the film and is even different from the recent extended cut. There is also an amazing 30 minute documentary called “Director’s Journey”. If that is not enough this release comes with amazing packaging and really cool goodies. There is a 48-page book filled with high quality photos. There is a letter from director Ben Affleck.  There is a huge poster-size map of Charlestown with notes from the film.  Wait…there is still more…including a confidential folder packed with a fifteen-page FBI report, four mugshot cards, a Vericom employee file and a sheet of rub-on tattoos. I think they went above and beyond with these extras.  It is very impressive and a great collectable for fans.

The video quality of the Blu-ray are just perfect and so clear.  I think they really put a lot into this film and it shows for sure.   The audio also comes packed with a fantastic DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track.  You literally feel like you are being caught in the gun fire throughout the film.  Really top notch.  Here is a break down of the discs included in this release. The first Blu-ray comes with the new extended cut with alternate ending on its own Blu-ray. The second Blu-ray has the other extended up and the theatrical cut. There is also a DVD included as well.  Also included is a streaming Ultraviolet digital copy, which will be added to my Flixster account immediately.

Let’s get to some of the special features now.  This release has no shortage of commentary tracks, in fact, it comes with three.  The first is for the theatrical cut of the film and Ben Affleck does a wonderful job of complementing the film in a very entertaining commentary.  The next is the extended cut audio commentary is similar to the theatrical cut but gets into the meat of the extra footage.  Like I mentioned above, this release also features a new commentary for the extended cut with alternate ending.  It is an extension of the extended commentary track.  Too much commentary for you? I do not think so.  Definitely at least give a listen to the commentary for the alternate ending for some great info about the changes.

“The Town: A Director’s Journey” is a new documentary for this release and it runs about 30 minutes.  It dives a lot into the film’s production and you get a lot of Ben Affleck but if you love the film then you would love this.  “Ben’s Boston” Focus Points run about 30 minutes spread out among six behind-the-scenes featurette. They are able to be played during watching the film.  The featurettes  include “Pulling Off the Perfect Heist,” “The Town,” “Nuns with Guns: Filming in the North End,” “The Real People of the Town,” “Ben Affleck: Director & Actor” and “The Cathedral of Boston.” The next feature is so simple but I really like it, which is an “Extended Cut Scene Indicator”.  It features an icon on the screen when there is new footage from the theatrical version of the film.  Lastly there is a theatrical trailer also included. Amazing features + Amazing movie = Amazing release.

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Synopsis: Ben Affleck follows his acclaimed Gone Baby Gone directorial debut by directing, co-writing and starring in a taut thriller about robbers and cops, friendship and betrayal, love and hope and escaping a past that has no future. He plays Doug MacRay, leader of a Boston bank robber gang but not cut from the same cloth as his fellow thieves. When Doug falls into a passionate romance with the bank manager (Rebecca Hall) briefly taken hostage in their last heist, he wants out of this life and out of the town. As the Feds close in and the crew questions his loyalty, he has one of two choices: betray his friends or lose the woman he loves. Jon Hamm, Jeremy Renner, Blake Lively, Titus Welliver, Pete Postlethwaite and Chris Cooper also star.

Directors: Nick Willing
Actors: Rhys Ifans, Charlie Rowe, Anna Friel, Bob Hoskins and Keira Knightley
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by: Vivendi Entertainment
DVD Release Date: March 13, 2012
Run Time: 169 minutes

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

This film has a lot of positive traits right from the start.  It has one of the best casts in Syfy mini-series including Rhys Ifans (“Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 1”, “The Amazing Spider-Man”), Anna Friel (“Pushing Daisies”), Bob Hoskins (“Snow White And The Huntsman”, “Hook”), Keira Knightley “Pride & Prejudice”, “Pirates Of The Caribbean” series). and Charlie Rowe (“Never Let Me Go”, “Pirate Radio”).  Secondly it is directed by Nick Willing, who’s recent work includes the fantastic mini-series “Alice” and “Tin Man”.  Lastly it is a never-before-told origin story based on J.M. Barrie’s beloved classic fairytale “Peter Pan”. This film delivers and takes you on a wonderful fantasy adventure for the whole family.

“Neverland” follows a young pickpocket named Peter (Rowe), his group of “lost boys”, and their leader Jimmy Hook (Ifans). The group is transported to a magical place called “Neverland” when they encounter a strange orb while on a hit. They meet the leader pirate, Elizabeth Bonny (Friel), who has ruled the seas of Neverland for nearly two centuries, who also wants her hands on the orb. Hook is enchanted by her ways and joins her team. Peter and his group are left to fight for what is right and ends up in a war Bonny and his friend Hook.

The Blu-ray presentation is very impressive and works well with the film’s special effects. The audio track is also great packing a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track.  The special features are decent and start with a great commentary track from Nick Willing. “The Story Behind The Story” features a bunch of interviews Rhys Ifans, Anna Friel, Charlie Rowe, Raoul Trujillo, Bob Hoskins and director Nick Willing, “Green, Screen to Scene: Journey Into ‘Neverland” shows the films journey through production. “Art Gallery” includes various storyboards from the film. Lastly “Neverland: Access All Areas” takes us behind the scenes on this production.