Directors: Yoichi Nishiyama
Actors: Keiko Saito, Yuko Kurosawa, Yukari Fukui, Nozomi Ando, Yoko Mitsuya
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Synapse Films
Run Time: 84 minutes

Our Score: 2 out of 5 stars

Synapse Films releases have been very impressive in the last few months, but this one is the weak one in the batch. This foreign import from 2005, tries to steal parts from films like “Scream” and “The Ring” but fails in its execution. There is zero suspense, the acting is terrible and to top it off the story is very bland and doesn’t make much sense. The best thing this film has is its score, which reminded me of “One Missed Call” but besides that this film is a total pass.

The film follows a group of teenage girls who visit an house in the middle of nowhere to rehearse and perform a play. The group soon discovers a videotape with that shows person wearing a Japanese deigan mask killing people in that exact house . Before they know it things start going array and the girls start going missing.  Is there a mysterious killer stalking them or is one of the group members not who they say they are?

The bonus features include a featurette about “Making of Gurozuka” and original trailer. The featurette is nothing special but watchable. Overall if you are looking for good horror from Synapse Films, check out the recently released “Intruder” & “The Exterminator” Blu-ray releases.

Directed: Albert Maysles, Bradley Kaplan
Starring: Paul McCartney
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Eagle Rock Entertainment
Run Time: 90 minutes

Our Score: 2 out of 5 stars

I expected a lot from “The Love We Make” especially since it was directed by Albert Maysles, who did “Gimme Shelter” along with Bradley Kaplan. I felt that it was very slow moving and dragged out. Even though I could listen to Paul McCartney talk all day, it just doesn’t feel focuses in its message. The best part of the film is when Paul’s friends cameo like David Bowie, Eric Clapton, Billy Joel, James Taylor and Jim Carey. Honestly you are probably better off just watching the DVD of “The Concert For New York City”, since this is not much more revealing.

The film follows Paul McCartney as he travels through New York City the days following the World Trade Center events in 2001. The main purpose of the film documents the planning and execution of “The Concert For New York City”. The second half of the film primarily features clips from the benefit concert and some exclusive backstage moments with the talent involved.

The sounds is DTS-HD Master Audio but it really didn’t jump out at me as being extraordinary. Since the film was also show in 16mm black and white with color clips from the concerts, the Blu-ray video is grainy and is not a good fit. Lastly, there are no bonus features on the disc either which could have been a redeeming factor.

Starring: Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara and Christopher Plummer
Directed by: David Fincher
Rated: R
Running time: 2 hours 38 minutes
Sony Pictures

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Swedish magazine publisher Mikael Blomkvist (Craig) is having a bad day. He’s just been found guilty of libel after publishing a very damning article about one of the country’s largest businessmen. Four hours away a phone conversation is being held. “No note,” is heard before the phone is hung up. Thus begins a tale to rival “The Silence of the Lambs.”

Based on the popular series of novels by Stieg Larsson (three books, over 27 million copies sold), “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” has already been made into a well received film (as have the other two novels). But this is not a remake. This is director Fincher’s vision of the story. And, as Fincher has shown in films like “Se7en” and “Zodiac,” that vision is often unflinching. The film is really best described as a play. In Act One we meet, separately, both Mikael as well as computer hacker extraordinaire Lisbeth Salander (Mara). Hoping to put the libel case behind him, Mikael accepts an offer from business tycoon Henrik Vanger (Plummer) to help him write his autobiography. But the offer is really a front. Vanger is the man whose telephone conversation we overheard. His granddaughter disappeared forty years ago under mysterious circumstances and he wants Mikael to solve the mystery. In coming to the decision to hire Mikael, Vanger’s attorney, Frode (played perfectly by Steven Berkoff) hired the best to investigate Mikael’s background. The best was Lisbeth. When Mikael asks for permission to hire an assistant he is introduced to Lisbeth. After a brief conversation, Mikael describes the task. “I want you to help me catch a killer of women.”

It’s almost hard to describe a film that features Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song” during its opening credits and then ends the film with Enya’s “Sail Away.” I’ll start with brilliant. Following the blueprint created by Larsson and adapted by Oscar winning screenwriter Steven Zaillian (“Schindler’s List”), the film follows both Mikael and Lisbeth and captures them at their most vulnerable. Lisbeth, a slight woman who lives on junk food and McDonalds (she explains that due to her metabolism she can’t put on weight) is a ward of the state. After several unsuccessful placements she seemed to have found a kind guardian. But when he takes ill she is taken advantage of by the attorney who oversees her finances. Mikael, a skilled journalist, is like a fish out of water as he tries to solve a forty year mystery under the guise of literature. As he begins to interview Vangers family members the subject of the missing girl is always brought up. And just as often, it’s dismissed by those who are tired of living in the past. But with Lisbeth’s help the mystery begins to unravel, as piece by piece the puzzle begins to come together.

Though the film is certainly Fincher’s vision, that vision is maintained thanks to a brilliant cast. Craig is solid as Mikael. With an easy tone in his voice he is able to ingratiate himself to anyone he speaks with, gaining their trust and encouraging them to disclose secrets long held. Plummer and Berkoff are equally strong, as is Stellan Skarsgard, who plays Henrik’s brother, Martin. They are brilliantly matched by Mara, who underwent an incredible physical transformation (including having several places on her body pierced) to play the waifish Lisbeth. Her eyes ringed in black and her voice low and deliberate, Lisbeth is only looking for someone to trust. To those who violate that trust, the consequences are severe!

Technically the film is just as powerful. Cinematographer Jeff Cronenweth’s cameras capture both the beauty and isolation of the Swedish countryside while the musical score created by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross helps paint the on-screen pictures. Both musicians worked with Fincher on “The Social Network” (as did Mara, who portrayed the girl who upset Mark Zuckerberg at the beginning of the film) and again they manage to capture the director in their music. The film is not for the faint of heart. Fans of the book know there are some pretty shocking moments and Fincher and cast have not shied away from them. The recently released “Shame” received an NC 17 rating with material not as rough as portrayed here.

This summer, the battle for Earth begins at sea.

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

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

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

Starring: Gary Oldman, John Hurt and Colin Firth
Directed by: Tomas Alfredson
Rated: R
Running time: 2 hours 7 minutes
Focus Features

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

1973. During the height of the Cold War, an attempt to capture a Russian mole inside Britain’s MI6 organization. When the operation goes horribly wrong, the head of MI6, known as “C” (Hurt) announces his retirement. “What about Smiley,” he’s asked. “Smiley is leaving with me,” is the reply.

Based on the best selling novel by John le Carre’, “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” is a very faithful adaptation of the story. Filmed previously as a seven part mini-series that starred the great Alec Guiness as Smiley, the new version gives Oldman, one of film’s greatest chameleons, a rare starring role. And he certainly makes the most of it. Oldman has played a variety of characters from a rasta-style pimp to Lee Harvey Oswald and he has always managed to get inside the character and make them believable. The same here with George Smiley. His face almost hidden by oversized glasses, Smiley is the anti-James Bond. He is quiet and intellectual in his pursuits. The action here is spare. This is a thriller that you have to pay attention to. You will be rewarded for your efforts.

Director Alfredson, who created the original horror hit “Let the Right One In” proves that he doesn’t need vampires and blood to keep the audience on the edge of its seats. He keeps the story flowing smoothly, aided in part by an incredible supporting cast. Hurt. Firth. Toby Jones, Ciaran Hinds. Every actor down to the smallest part has been properly cast. Special mention is due Mark Strong, who resembles a cross between fellow actors Stanley Tucci and Elias Koteas .

Directed by: Craig Gillespie
Starring: Anton Yelchin, Colin Farrell, David Tennant, Imogen Poots, Toni Collette, Christopher Mintz-Plasse
Distributed by Touchstone Pictures
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 106 minutes

Overall Score: 4 out of 5 stars

This remake of the classic 80’s film was very under appreciated at the box office. I feel that this film is going to be a real cult classic down the line just like the first film. The 3D in the film was really well used and in fact the 3D Blu-ray experience actually improved from the theatrical. The film was shot in 3D unlike most recent converts…and it shows in quality. The video on the disc is just extremely clear and sharp, or else the 3D wouldn’t look as good as it does. The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 is great, especially in the action scenes…which there are quite a few. If you are willing to give this film a chance, it is easily one of the better films released this year.

The acting in the film is great in fact and Colin Farrell really nails the role of Jerry the Vampire. He is funny, cool and yet still scary. David Tennant is really a gem in this film. He is extremely funny and a highlight to the film. Anton Yelchin plays the role of the kick-ass savior pretty well along with Imogen Poots who can definitely stand up on her own. Christopher Mintz-Plasse role is limited like in the first film but he definitely has our attention, especially after his great role in “Kick-Ass”.

The special features are found all on the 2D disc as the 3D only is bare. The overall the features are ok but not stunning…also they are missing any cast/crew commentaries. The first feature is called “The Official “How to Make a Funny Vampire Movie” Guide” and it is a short but fun feature about the making of the film. Next there are five deleted/extended sequences, honestly nothing special except the one about Ed being missing which could have been added into the film. “Peter Vincent: Come Swim in my Blood” is the next feature, also short but I loved Tennant in character. “Squid Man: Extended & Uncut” is pretty intense and totally worth watching. There is a bunch of unrated bloopers in the gag reel and really is some great clips. Lastly, there is an uncensored music video of the song “No One Believes Me” by Kid Cudi.

Starring: Katie Leclerc, Vanessa Marano, Constance Marie, D. W. Moffett, Lea Thompson
Number of discs: 2
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: ABC Studios
Episodes: 1-10
Run Time: 430 minutes

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

I have seen the promos for this show and overall I am of fan of ABC Family’s TV programming. The show is enjoyable with some funny and dramatic elements but overall seems lacking a major purpose. This set consists of the first ten episodes from the show’s freshman season. Overall the show might cater more to the female gender or teenagers but not to me personally. There are also no special features on this releases as well, which is a little disappointing.

The series doesn’t beat around the bush when it comes to revealing the whole switching at birth, as it happens in the first episode. Once they get it out the way the series really takes form having the two girls meet each others family and even moving in together. The show features the girls struggle with their own identities and prejudices against one another and while also facing everyday teenage drama like dating, friendships, and family.

I really had a problem with actress Vanessa Marano, it wasn’t so much her character but I just thought that she was really annoying. On the complete opposite, I really enjoyed watching Katie Leclerc and thought that she was really sweet. Watching great actresses like Lea Thompson and Constance Marie were highlights of the show. Lucas Grabeel known for his “High School Musical” fame sadly is only secondary character and really could have shined more.

Developed by: Spike Brandt, Tony Cervone
Voices of: Jeff Bergman, Bob Bergen, Fred Armisen, Jennifer Esposito, Maurice LaMarche, June Foray, Roz Ryan, Kristen Wiig
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributed by: Warner Brothers
Episodes: 4
Running Time: 89 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I have been a fan of “The Looney Tunes” ever since I was a kid, who wasn’t right?  This new show expanded the characters into a 30 minute format.  I think it really works and gives brings the “The Looney Tunes” into a new generation.  This is the first season of the new show and it only includes a few episodes but it definitely left me wanted more.  You would recognize a few of your favorite voices like Jeff Bergman, who voices Bugs and Daffy and also Porky Pig’s Bob Bergen.  You will also notice some new voices like Kristen Wiig voicing Lola Bunny.  Overall I look forward to watching the rest of the episodes as this series is definitely grown on me.

This volume includes episodes 5-8 from the first season. “Monster Talent” features Daffy as he tries to prepare Gossamer for a school talent show. Also includes is a CGI Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner short: “A Zipline in the Sand”. The episode “Reunion” follows Bugs as he helps Daffy try to better himself before his class reunion. There is also a Merrie Melodies: “Cock of The Walk” with Foghorn Leghorn and another CGI Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner short: “Fee Fi Fo Dumb”. “Casa de Calma” features Bugs and Daffy trying to impress a famous actress. Included all is a Merrie Melodies: “Queso Bandito” with Speedy Gonzales and a CGI Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner short: “Sail Fail”. The last episode included is “Devil Dog” where Bugs tries to turn the Tasmanian Devil into a pet. Also included is a CGI Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner short: “Unsafe at Any Speed”.

Premise: This half-hour animated comedy series starring Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck is no longer confined to 7-minute shorts. Bugs and Daffy are out of the woods and living in the suburbs among such colorful neighbors as Yosemite Sam, Granny, Tweety and Sylvester. In addition to each episode’s main story, The Looney Tunes Show also features “cartoons within a cartoon.” The Tasmanian Devil, Speedy Gonzales, Marvin the Martian and other classic characters sing original songs in two-minute music videos called Merrie Melodies . The legendary Looney Tunes cartoons are getting a 21st century relaunch and a CGI overhaul for a new generation.

The Looney Tunes Show: Season 1, Volume 2: Available on DVD 12/6/11 at http://bit.ly/LOONTU2
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Directed by: Tate Taylor
Starring: Viola Davis, Emma Stone, Bryce Dallas Howard, Octavia Spencer
Jessica Chastain, Sissy Spacek, Mike Vogel, Allison Janney, Chris Lowell,
Mary Steenburgen
Distributed by: Touchstone Pictures
Running time: 146 minutes

Overall Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

I missed this film in its original theatrical run and I know now I made a big mistake. In this summer’s mostly lackluster films, this one is easily stands out as one of my favorites, if not of the whole year. The acting in the film is beyond amazing and award worthy. I have never read by novel Kathryn Stockett but I am sure it is amazing if not better than the film. I honestly thought the running time of almost 2 1/2 hours was going to get to me but I feel that it honestly flew by and was very entertaining. The Blu-ray presentation is fantastic and includes clear and crisp 1080p video and a sharp DTS-HD Ma audio track. The release also contains the a DVD of the film as well which is a great feature. Overall if you haven’t seen this film I would pick it up for sure and pick up one for your friends also.

The film is about a young white woman, Skeeter (Emma Stone) who forms a strong relationship with two black maids (Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer)  during the 1960’s. She decides to help these women and writes a book from the point of view of the maids in hopes to expose the racism they deal with working for white families. The performances in the film are just unbelievable. Viola Davis is more amazing than ever, she deserves an Oscar no question. Octavia Spencer is outstanding and also deserve props for her role. Bryce Dallas Howard plays a really wicked baddie and definitely earns the hate from the audience. She was simply fantastic. Lastly Emma Stone was also charming and shows that she has some great acting chops.

The special features on the disc are mostly exclusive to the Blu-ray. Firstly there are about ten minutes from five deleted scenes. They are decent and feature some more character and plot points and also an alternate ending, which is more a downer. There is a great featurette called “The Making of ‘The Help’: From Friendship to Film”, it covers the directors and author’s life-long relationship and also going in depth in the making of the film. Another featurette is including called “In Their Own Words: A Tribute to the Maids of Mississippi”, it is very moving and deals with personal accounts from Taylor’s family. Lastly there is a music video from the amazing song by Mary J. Blige called “The Living Proof”. It is a very strong song and packed by footage from the film.

Randal Malone is known best for playing the role of Gacey in “Dahmer vs. Gacey” and his role in “Frankenstein Rising”. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Randal about his films and also what he has planned next.

Mike Gencarelli: What do you enjoy most about working in the horror genre?
Randal Malone: I was very blessed to find my niche as an actor in horror films. Growing up I loved all the Hammer horror films as well as the Universal films. I knew I was going to be an actor but I never thought about doing so many horror films. I always loved watching the actors in those horror films. I never thought it would be an entire career for me. After I did the “Singled Out” a lot of these horror directors and studios approached me. Things were one right after the other over the years and it just became my thing. I was very lucky as an actor to have found my niche.

MG: Can you tell us about working on “Dahmer vs. Gacey”?
RM: I loved the idea from the beginning. I was very excited and lucky to be involved with the film. It was really fun to play the Gacey character. There were a lot of great costumes and makeup. It was just a lot of fun working on that film.

MG: How was it working with Ford Austin?
RM: I had worked with him on some other films. He had been my director on a film titled “The Curse of Lizzy Borden”. I had played opposite of him in a film titled “Evil Ever After”. We also worked together on “Blood Bath” and “Blood Legend”. We did this fantastic movie after “Dahmer vs. Gacey” called “Rat Scratch Fever”. Ford is really wonderful and a great director. He is a marvelous actor and a joy to work with. Ford is very gifted.

MG: What are the chances of the “Dahmer vs. Gacey: In Space” being made?
RM: I think it’s very likely. Ford was hurt recently in a car accident but he is doing much better. It’s going to take some time but, I think there will be a sequel and quite possibly a 3^rd film. Ford is very motivated.

MG: How did you prepare for your role in “Frankenstein Rising”?
RM: I had always loved the Frankenstein genre as well as the story. I had always wanted to play the Frankenstein monster. There is a lot to portray and I thought it would be a wonderful thing. I knew and was good friends with Mae Clarke who was in the original 1931 film. She was an inspiration to my career. We had talked a lot about her making the movie as well as my wanting to play the monster. When the opportunity finally came to me I was very busy. I was working on two films as well as a television project. Something very rare in Hollywood then happened. They agreed to wait till I had time. I will never forget their kindness. It was an amazing experience! I got to work with Jerry Maren who played the munchkin that handed Judy Garland the lollipop in “The Wizard of Oz”. I also got to work with the great Margaret O’Brien and Anita Page. This film was actually Anita’s last film.

MG: When do you think the film will be released?
RM: It is done. We hope that it will be out soon. I think they are just waiting for the best offer.

MG: What other projects do you have in the works?
RM: There are a lot of things in the works. What I would really like to do is more Frankenstein work. It was a lot of fun but we will have to wait and see. There will probably be more horror films. Even if the script isn’t that great but the role/character is great then that is something that is always exciting for an actor.

Director: Fred Cavaye
Starring: Gilles Lellouche, Roschdy Zem, Gerard Lanvin
Distributed by: Magnolia Home Entertainment
MPAA Rating: R
Run Time: 84 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

There is something about the French and action films but they know how to do they right. This film does expectational well for kicking some ass. This is jam packed of action including amazing chase sequences and intense violence. I really enjoyed the 1080p video and its 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 is really clear and crisp and I highly recommend the French audio track. Magnolia Pictures always works hard to find these gems and hopefully they will find more like these.

The story follows a nurse, Samuel, who is just working his job one day and the next he is involved with dangerous criminals and is hunted by the cops and the baddies. His pregnant wife gets kidnapped and he sets out to save her teaming up with the criminal Sartet. It is a race of time and Samuel finds out that this situation is wrapped in a web of deceit and he doesn’t know who to trust.

The special features includes on the release are a little lacking. The saving grace is the really in depth “Behind-the-Scenes Documentary” which takes you through the making of the film. There are some great interviews and behind-the-scenes footage as well. Also included is the “Point Blank” trailer and more trailers from Magnolia Home Entertainment. Overall if you are fan of action films this is a must purchase.

Directed by: Raja Gosnell
Starring: Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays, Sofía Vergara, Hank Azaria
Distributed by: Columbia Pictures
Rating: PG
Running time: 102 minutes

Overall Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I have to start with “The Smurfs” was one the biggest surprises of the summer if not the whole year.  This film was funny and just down right fun.  I know most critics if not all definitely feel the complete opposite but regardless I enjoyed this film.  The performances in the film are over the top and fun which adds to the overall feel of the film. On this release it includes not only the 3D Blu-ray (which includes both 3D and 2D versions) but also DVD and digital copy. The 3D on this Blu-ray is phenomenal and really pops out of the screen. The color on video is crystal clear and really sharp.  The audio is also notable and really pops with the action and the film’s effects.  Besides the effects in the film, Hank Azaria is easily the second best part of the film playing the evil wizard Gargamel.

One of the coolest features, which needs to be recognized is called “Smurf-O-Vision: Second Screen Experience”.  It is an application available for download on the iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch.  It is a one-of-a-kind experiencing to have the Smurfs sing and dance along with the film.  You are also able to interact and engage with the Smurfs throughout the film.  This is a really cool feature and this also makes the experience of watching the film much more fun. Another feature that is brand new is the cloud streaming UltraViolet digital copy. This is catching very fast with studios and is going to be the new norm very soon. Recommend you checked this two features out ASAP.

The rest of the 3D Blu-ray special features great and this disc is jam packed. First since this is a kids movie, there is an interactive game called “The Smurfs Fantastic Adventure Game” played with the remote control. There is an audio commentary with the director Raja Gosnell. It is very informative and covers a lot of the behind the scenes from the film. There is another audio commentary from producer Jordan Kerner, VFX Supervisor Richard Hoover, and writers J. David Stem, David N. Weiss, Jay Scherick, and David Ronn. Some of this one gets covered in the first commentary but it is still worth a listen. There are about eight minutes of deleted and extended Scenes. They are worth checking out especially “Gargamel Enters FAO Schwarz”. “The Smurfs: Comic Book to the Big Screen” is short running about 8 minutes but information taking us from the beginning to today with the Smurfs.

Like I said this disc is packed with features, some more include
“Smurf Speak: Meet the Cast” is a decent chances to meet the voices from the film. I like when this is showcased in an animated film. One of my favorite features is “Going Gargamel” which really goes into Hank Azaria portrayal of this character. I am very upset with the gag real or “Blue-Pers” as it is called as it runs less than 30 seconds. “Happy Music Montage” is just a montage with music and scenes from the film. There are four “Progression Reels” that cover the lighting, CG Smurf work and the effects. Lastly since this is a 3D film, we have some great 3D trailer for “Arthur Christmas”, “The Pirates! Band of Misfits”, and “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs”.

Related Content

• DVD Review “The Smurfs: The Legend of Smurfy Hollow”
• DVD Review “The Smurfs: A Magical Smurf Adventure”
• 3D Blu-ray Review “Arthur Christmas 3D”
• DVD Review “The Smurf’s Holiday Celebration”
• Blu-ray Review “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh”

DEMIÁN BICHIR RECEIVES NOMINATION

FOR 2012 FILM INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARD

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

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

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

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

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

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

America Olivio is known for your roles in recent films like the remake of “Friday the 13th” and “Bitch Slap”. She also has recent work on Broadway’s “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark” and is starring in the upcoming film “No One Lives”. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with America about her work and what is coming up next.

MG: How did you get involved with the “Friday The 13^th” remake?
AO: I got involved last minute which seems to be the case a lot of the time. Someone had been fired off the production and I received the call while I was working on “Bitch Slap”. There was still some work to be done on “Bitch Slap” and I was exhausted. I wasn’t really interested in being in “Friday the 13^th Part 25” (Laughs) I was told no this was completely different and it was a fresh start for the franchise. I was just so tired but I said ok. As I read the script I really enjoyed it. I was wrapped early on “Bitch Slap” and then was immediately off to shoot in Aspen.

MG: Can you tell us about your role in “Bitch Slap”?
AO: That film took two years off my life for sure! I had the crap beat out of me. I am very proud of that film. It was definitely one of the hardest things I have done but also the most rewarding. We all were having fun but it was very difficult to pull off. Everyone involved in the project was there for the love of the project not the money. We shot in the middle of the Mojave Desert which was super cold in the morning and extremely hot during the day. I feel stronger from a lot of the stuff I learned on that shoot.

MG: Do you enjoy playing the “kick ass” female roles?
AO: Of course! No one wants to play the girlfriend/mom role. Strong women roles are not easy to come by. It was nice to get the opportunity that I got working on “Bitch Slap”.

MG: You do some of your own stunts correct?
AO: I do some of the stunts on normal films. (Laughs)  The real hardcore stuff I like to leave up to the pros. I don’t profess to be a stunt person as I haven’t had that training but I do try and do as much as I can. You really have to tip your hat to the pros

MG: Do you prefer working in one genre more than another?
AO: I like to work in the good genre. I like good projects. Not everything you read on a page turns out the way you envisioned it. I strive for projects that meet mine and the other people working on the project’s vision. I don’t really care what genre a project falls in as long as it’s something that is challenging to me and the people behind it have good intentions.

MG: What can you tell us about working on “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark” on Broadway?
AO: That was another learning experience. I got to do a lot of wire work. Scott Rogers designed my rig. I was one of the first few people that got to try this harness that was specifically design for this production. The only way I can describe it is it was like riding in the front of Space Mountain but while singing. I was there for nine months and it was really great.

Mike Gencarelli: What can you tell us about your film “No One Lives”?
America Olivio: We shot that in Louisiana and it stars Luke Evans, Adelaide Clemens and Derek Magyar. It was directed by Ryuhel Kitamura who also directed “Midnight Meat Train”. He was amazing to work with. He has just a great eye for horror graphics. It’s an intense film about a group of thieves who have a kidnapping go wrong. The film is very different and the kills featured in the film are very unique. It was a lot of fun.

MG: What are you currently working on and or have coming out?
AO: “No One Lives” of course will be coming out as well as a film I did titled “Conception”. Both will be coming out sometime in 2012. I also will be appearing on “NCIS: Los Angeles”.