Director: Alexia Anastasio
Starring: Bill Plympton, Terry Gilliam, Moby, Tom Sito, Ed Begley Jr., “Weird Al’ Yankovic
I Believe Productions
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 84 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

In the opening of the film, actor Ed Begley Jr., jokingly thinking he is doing an interview with Bill Clinton, ask why they are doing an documentary on Bill Plympton? Well that answer is explained very thoroughly in this documentary. Bill Plympton is an Oscar nominated animator and does not get the respect he deserves.  He creates movies faster than they can be released and he does it all independent. This documentary is really funny and gives great insight into the career to date of Bill Plympton. The film is also  edited really well to tie everything together, kudos to Alexia Anastasio and Kevin Sean Michaels. The interviews are mixed with clips from Bill’s work, which takes us perfectly into the depths of his mind.

There are dozens of interviews included including some really big names like Terry Gilliam, Moby and “Weird Al’ Yankovic. Each person tells really fun and interesting stories about their relationship with Bill. There are also interviews with Bill’s friends and family about his career. I have seen many documentary interviews and these seem very fresh and interesting. I even liked the directors (Anastasio) approach to get opinions from critics of Bill…some who like his work, some who don’t.

You can tell that this film is really a passion piece for Alexia Anastasio (click here to read our interview with her) and a lot of time went into this project. She really seems to have an eye for capturing the documentary subject. I will look forward to her upcoming projects. This film is currently on tour in the film festival circuit, so keep an eye out for me.  Bill Plympton deserves some major attention for his amazing work and hopefully this documentary will assist in that doing so.  Tell your friends and don’t miss a chance to see this fun documentary.

Director: Matt O’Casey
Starring: Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, John Deacon
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Eagle Rock Entertainment
Run Time: 221 minutes

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

“Days Of Our Lives” is a two hours documentary on the legacy of the band Queen. It is split over two episodes, part 1 covers 1970-80 and part 2 covers 1980–present. This is one of the most in-depth portrayals of the band that I have ever seen. It goes into great details on how the band released 26 albums, sold over 300 million records worldwide and how they have stayed relevant of the last 40 years. There are new great interviews from surviving band members Brian May and Roger Taylor. John Deacon is alive but has no connection to the band anymore. There is also really great footage of Freddie Mercury behind the scenes and performing. This is a must for Queen fans and music fans overall.

What makes this different than any other band retrospectives is that it is really told through the perspective of the band through interviews and live performances all over the world. The release also includes rare video of the bands first ever TV performance. Throughout telling the bands story, it is not only very informative but also touching and very funny. It really keeps your interest from the moment it begins. The Blu-ray presentation is also 5/5 stars. The video is fantastic and even with the archive footage. The music in the film sounds great, especially playing over the surround sound.

If the film isn’t enough, the special features are jam packed full. There are over 90 minutes of additional videos and footage. There are new unseen promos, performances, and outtakes from the following tracks: “Seven Seas of Rhye”, “Killer Queen”, “Somebody to Love”, “We Are The Champions”, “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”, “Under Pressure”, “Radio Ga Ga”. Additional footage from the film includes rare interviews and archival footage about the following topics “Queen: The Beginning”, “Queen On Tour: 1974-75”, making of “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “Flash Gordon” soundtrack and much more. Lastly there are a ton of bonus interviews with Brian May, Roger Taylor, and Jim Beach.
Some of footage includes talks about Brian’s Health Scare in 1974, Freddie’s Outfits, Song Writing Balance Changes during the 80’s and much more. All-in-all superb extras for a another superb release from Eagle Rock Entertainment.

Directed by: Nicolas Winding Refn
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston, Christina Hendricks, Ron Perlman, Oscar Isaac, Albert Brooks
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
MPAA Rating: R
Run Time: 100 minutes

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

This film is one of those films that are split among most people. You either love it or hate. This film was originally set to be a big budget film but instead took the independent route. Luckily it did because the film plays so well playing it cool and low key. The acting in the film is really superb. Ryan Gosling delivers a fantastic performance (not shocking…he’s always great). Though I have to give the best actor award to Albert Brooks, who returns to the big screen is brought with a  fierce presence. Also notable is Ron Perlman, who plays bad-ass tough guy so well. If you missed this film in theaters like most did, be sure to catch it on DVD or Blu-ray. It is one fun ride (get it?).

Ryan Gosling plays the unnamed “driver”, who is a Hollywood stunt driver but also is a getaway driver for hire. when he meets his beautiful neighbor Irene (Carey Mulligan) and can’t help falling for her. He finds himself going up against ruthless criminals (Albert Brooks and Ron Perlman) in order to save his new love. The driver finds out that he might be in over his head and needs to make a plan to outsmart his new enemies.

The special features on the disc are very production heavy but unfortunately there is no audio commentary present. The first feature “I Drive” focuses on the story and character profiles. “Under the Hood” picks up where the last left off and features in-depth look into the film’s characters and it’s cast. “Driver and Irene” focuses on the film’s subtle love story. “Cut to the Chase” focuses on the driving stunts. Lastly, “Drive Without a Driver: Entretien Avec Nicolas Winding Refn” is the longest feature and focuses on the director and his opinions of the production and the film itself. Overall the features are great despite the lack of commentary track.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alexia Anastasio is co-starring in the new independent film “Supernaturalz”.  She is also currently working on a documentary on Bill Plympton called “Adventures in Plymptoons!”  Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Alexia about her new film as well as her upcoming projects.

Mike Gencarelli: Tell us about your role of Red Herring in “Supernaturalz”?
Alexia Anastasio: My role is one of the main gang girls in the campy horror film that is “Supernaturalz”. Red is kind of the little sister of the bunch and pretty naive yet she is a fighter which is probably to her benefit but I don’t want to give away why. You’ll have to see the film to figure that out.

MG: How did you start meet and start working with director Kevin Sean Michaels?
AA: I met Kevin Sean Michaels at a sci-fi convention called I-CON. We first collaborated on his first feature documentary project, “Vampira: The Movie” about horror host, Maila Nurmi.

MG: Tell us about the “Supernaturalz” production; what were the biggest challenges?
AA: Probably getting through a couple of scenes where a lot of blood was used. I am pretty squeamish and have a pretty vivid imagination. It kinda goes wild sometimes and by sometimes I mean all the time. When we were filming one scene I almost threw up because I was so grossed out and another scene I almost fainted… the blood was just
so real.

MG: What made you want to get into the film business and what is your inspiration?
AA: I knew I wanted to be an actor when I was 11 when my Mom enrolled me in acting classes because I was shy. When I was 16 I realized I wanted to do film. Having fun is my priority in the life. Being on set always had a very family feeling of teamwork to me. So I embraced the industry and now am in the thick of it.

MG: We interviewed Bill Plympton last year, tell us about your documentary “Adventures in Plymptoons!”
AA: “Adventures in Plymptoons!” is my first feature documentary on Oscar nominated animator, Bill Plympton. I spent 2 and half years working on the project which I put all my time, energy and resources into making. It really was a labour of love. It is now playing at about a zillion film festivals including some coming up at Spokane Intl. Film Festival, Boulder Intl. Film Festival, Big Sky Documentary Film Festival and Savannah Intl. Animation Film Festival. I am very proud of the film and I hope that it inspires as many people as possible to make their art no matter what.

MG: Tell us about the other film you are producing “Beyond the Noise: My Transcendental Meditation Journey”?
AA: I was very lucky to mentor young filmmaker, Dana Farley and co-produce a feature film, “Beyond the Noise” which just played its World Premiere at the Marbella Intl. Film Festival in Spain. It is about Dana’s journey learning meditation and how it helped her with David Lynch by her side to ask questions to. I have found that Transcendental Meditation has really helped me through the stresses of making and marketing a film and day to day life. I don’t think I could have finished 5 projects in 3 years without it.

MG: Tell us about your other upcoming project “Ginger Girls”?
AA: My next project which I am currently working on entitled, “Ginger Girls” is about growing up as a girl with red hair. I am interviewing girls around the world to sum up a conclusion about their trails and tribulations of love, youth and successes and showcase how cool, talented they really are. I have been filming lots of video updates
which you can check out on Kickstarter.com and search Ginger Girls. Our campaign starts on my birthday, January 31st, 2012 and will go on for 60 days.

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

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

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

For further information contact ReelSmart@kctrivia.com

Created by: Kevin Shinick
Starring: Kevin Shinick, Hugh Davidson, Larry Dorf, Rachel Ramras, Gary Anthony Williams
Distributed by: Warner Home Video
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Episodes: 13
Running Time: 146 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

This DVD release included the second half of “Mad”, from episodes 14-26. I have to say that this show works best because it is only 11 minutes per episode. We all grew up reading the “Mad” magazine (or at least I did) but who actually reads magazines anymore. Since “Mad TV” ended a few years ago, Cartoon Network decided to make the decision to create an animated series. It uses all different types of animated style, which is actually interested instead of just one format. Some of the jokes are fun, nothing really laugh out loud but still funny.

There is no pop-culture safe from this TV series…music, movies, TV or sports. This show spoof everything on this episodes included “Pokemon”, “The A-Team”, “Smallville”, “The Big Bang Theory” (my favorite), they also spoof every Marvel character in their catalog and of course “Twilight”, obviously.  Another favorite of mine is mash-up of “Source Code” and “Star Wars”, titled …get ready…”Force Code”. There is also classic “Mad” spots like Spy vs. Spy, which are still relevant and gives a few laughs. Season two of this show has already be airing, so expect season two DVDs soon. If you like pop-culture spoof, then you will really enjoy this show.

“Mad: Season 1, Pt. 2” available on DVD 1/17 at http://bit.ly/zZ2bJM

Synopsis: Watch the second half of MAD season 1, the new animated sketch-comedy series from Warner Bros. Animation, is inspired by the iconic MAD magazine, a twisted mix of humor and animation styles pulls back the curtain and exposes the sordid truth behind movies, TV shows, games and ~ of course ~ curtains. This is not a typical animation show, MAD magazine comes to life in this satirical animated sketch show. Each episode is a collection of animated parodies of movies, games, TV shows, celebrities, and other media using various types of animation

Directors: Martin R. Smith
Starring: The Doors
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Eagle Rock Entertainment
Run Time: 94 minutes

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

“Mr Mojo Risin’” focuses on Jim Morrison’s last album “L.A. Woman” with The Doors. The special itself run about 60 minutes and feels a little short but still entertains. This goes into great depth on the band, how the album was made track by track and also about its recording. 2011 was actually the 40th anniversary of the album’s release and Morrison’s death, so it is definitely relevant. If you are fans of The Doors this definitely leave you satisfied.

Some of tracks included in the special are “The Changeling”, “Love Her Madly”, “Hyacinth House”, “Crawling King Snake”, “Riders On The Storm”, “Light My Fire”, “People Are Strange” and “Hello, I Love You”…plus many more. This film included new interviews with the three surviving members of the band included Ray Manzarek, Robbie Krieger and John Densmore. There are also new interviews from Jac Holzman (founder of their label Elektra Records), Bill Siddons (ex-manager), Bruce Botnick (co-producer of the album). I also enjoyed the archive footage of the Doors performing, as well as new musical performances from the remaining members.

The special features included about 30 minutes of additional interviews. Not sure why they were not cut back into the film, since I think it would have enhances the film. Some of the extra footage includes John Densmore talks further L.A. Woman, more on the making of “Riders On The Storm” and “Crawling King Snake”, live performance of “Thoughts On Performing” and The Doors Guide To LA. Overall the extras are impressive and worth checking out.

Debbie D is know as “The Ultimate Fantasy Queen”. She recently co-star in the independent film called “Supernaturalz”. Debbie D also has her own line of videos produced through New Faces Productions, which also produces her custom video work. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Debbie about the film and what she has planned for 2012.

Mike Gencarelli: Tell us about your role in “Supernaturalz”?
Debbie D: When I read the script to “Supernaturalz” I loved it!! We shot in and around an old mansion in Long Island and it seemed like it was made for this movie. One of my favorite movies to film so far!

MG: What drew you on to this project?
DD: I was drawn to the project because of the story and the people involved. Good talented people make good movies. I was right since it ended up being a lot of fun to make.

MG: Tell us about working with director Kevin Sean Michaels again, after “Vampira: The Movie”?
DD: Working with Sean Michael’s is always such a good place to be. He is very laid back which allows you to bring what you in vision to the character. His calm ways and bright smile makes everything seem like it’s carefree and the magic of movie making simply flows. The writer Ben Paris was also on the set. Very encouraging when that much creative energy is right there as this is all coming together.

MG: You are known for your work in the horror genre, what do you enjoy most working on these films?
DD: I have to say I got really lucky in this business of horror movie making. I was plucked out from a magazine I was a model in and have not stopped working yet. I would have to say I love the travel. The excitement to become each character I do. To transform. It’s one of the coolest jobs there is!!

MG: What would you say has been your most challenging role to date?
DD: I don’t think I have done the most challenging role yet. I was asked to sign a contract in Japan and they said they would help me with the language.  So I’m guessing this may be the most challenging role is yet to come.

MG: Tell us about you have planned upcoming?
DD: The calendar books up all year. I am most fortunate to love what I do and to be doing it!! My web site: www.DebbieD.com, I try to keep people posted there. I also do custom work for those who wish to see their short story’s come to life.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Directed by: Joshua Logan
Starring: Anthony Perkins, Jane Fonda, Murry Hamiliton
Distributed by: Warner Bros. Archive
Run Time: 91 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

This film is such a classic and thanks to WB Archive, you are able to own this gem on DVD. It stars a very young Anthony Perkins and Jane Fonda (in her first role ever). They are amazing together in the film and really give wonderful performances. Murry Hamilton (Mayor Vaughn from “Jaws”) also gives a funny performance. This film definitely packs the star power and is a real treat to watch.  The story of the film is just so simple and sweet…don’t forget to mention funny as well. If you are looking for a good trip back to 1960, this is a must to purchase for sure.

The restored film looks amazing on DVD and shines in its black and white picture. The film is presented in widescreen format 16×9 1.85:1. The sound is also superb restored as well. I really enjoy this classics being restored and I look forward to future releases from WB Archive. Like all release though know from WB Archive there are no special features but at least we finally get this film restored on DVD.

Click here to purchase “Tall Story” at the WB Shop.

Synopsis: Jane Fonda wants a man she can look up to: a basketball player. In her debut movie, Fonda plays a college coed with a clear-cut goal: convince all-American hoopster Anthony Perkins that a bachelor’s degree doesn’t mean unmarried! From the moment the future two-time Academy Award® winner* spins her bicycle across campus (and headlong into two professors) to the romantic fadeout, it’s clear she possesses that quality called starpower. Footlight legend and longtime Fonda family friend Joshua Logan directed this frisky farce. The polished supporting cast includes the always engaging Ray Walston, Anne Jackson and Pulitzer prize-winning playwright Marc Connelly (recreating his Tony®-nominated Broadway turn). Fonda has grown into an extraordinarily tall Hollywood legend. And it all started with her in Tall Story. * Best Actress for Klute (1971) and Coming Home (1978).

Directors: Billy Corben
Starring: Peter Gatien, Michael Alig, Ed Koch, Howard Safir
MPAA Rating: R
Studio: Magnolia Home Entertainment
Run Time: 102 minutes

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

I remember the night of my prom pulling up the cathedral doors of Limelight club. It was an experience unlike an other. The club was the known hotspot in the 90’s in NYC. Peter Gatien was the known as the king of the New York City club scene. He was not only the owner of Limelight though, he also owned legendary hotspots like Tunnel, Palladium, and Club USA. The film itself was interesting overall but felt like it could have worked better as a 60 minute special.

The film told the story of the eye-patch-wearing Ontario native, Peter Gatien, and how he ran his nightclubs in Manhattan starting in 1983. It showcases, the rise of the clubs during the years it was successful. It also focused years of legal battles and crackdown with drugs during the mid-90’s. Peter was definitely had his share of struggles during that time and seems to be given a bum-rep even being sent back to Canada only due to tax evasion charges. The film does have some interesting interviews from Gatien himself, as well has other his past employees and friends.

The special features on the DVD are decent overall. Though basically the only real feature is about 30 minutes of deleted scenes, they surely are worth watching if you enjoyed the film. Also included is a trailer for the film. If you are familiar with the NYC nightclub scene or not familiar and interested…you might want to consider checking this out.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Starring: Thomas Horn, Sandra Bullock and Tom Hanks
Directed by: Stephen Daldry
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 2 hours 9 mins
Warner Brothers

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Oskar Schell got out of school early that day. He went home and saw several messages on the family answering machine. Turning on the television he is puzzled by the images of the burning buildings on screen. It was Tuesday, September 11, 2001. To Oskar, it was “the worst day.”

Featuring the greatest performance by a young actor since Haley Joel Osment saw dead people in “The Sixth Sense,” “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” is the story of a boy whose love for his father continues to grow, even after he’s gone.

Thomas Schell (Hanks, mostly in flashbacks) is a dreamer. His father left the family when Thomas was a boy and, in spite of his dreams, Thomas became a jeweler to take care of his family. Married to Linda (Bullock), Thomas sees his dreams come true in the guise of his son, Oskar (Horn). The two have oxymoron battles (Jumbo Shrimp takes down Original Copies) and share adventures. Oskar is quiet and shy so Thomas devises what he calls “Reconnaissance Expeditions,” knowing they will get Oskar out of the house and talking to people. Currently Oskar is searching clues for the lost 6th Borough of New York, rumored to have floated away years ago. The search seems to end when Thomas dies. But when Thomas finds a mysterious key in his father’s belongings, a new search begins.

Director Daldry has made three feature films – “Billy Elliot,” “The Hours” and “The Reader.” For each of these films he has been nominated for an Academy Award. Not a bad record. His work here is truly deserving of nomination number four. The film is both exciting and heart breaking. Oskar embarks on his journeys wearing a pair of his dad’s shoes, clomping through New York City with determination. Fearing public transportation (and pretty much everything else in the world), Oskar walks the city, trying desperately to find the lock that the key opens. He explains that, were the sun to explode, those of us on earth wouldn’t know for eight minutes, because that’s how long it would take the light to travel. Oskar wants another eight minutes with Thomas and he’ll walk around the world to get them.

The film works totally thanks to the performance of young Horn, who at age 12 won $31,000 as the champion of “Kid Jeopardy.” The work is truly award worthy, though with this year’s crop of great acting performances I fear young Horn will get lost in the Oscar shuffle. Hanks and Bullock are both strong in what are really supporting roles, as are Broadway greats Viola Davis and Jeffrey Wright. Another stand out performance belongs to 82 year old Oscar winner Max Van Sydow, who plays a man known only as The Renter. Mute by choice, Van Sydow says more with his face then some actors say with their whole body, giving a wordless performance that rivals that of “The Artist’s” Jean Dujardin.