Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Armie Hammer and Judi Dench
Directed by: Clint Eastwood
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 50 mins
Warner Brothers

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

For the past two decades, Hollywood has been on the Clint Eastwood bandwagon. After he won an Oscar for directing “Unforgiven,” (the film also won Best Picture), Eastwood was finally accepted as a filmmaker of the highest order. Never mind that Warner Brothers dumped “Unforgiven” in theatres in the first week of August. To the studio it was just another one of “Clint’s projects”…in exchange for Eastwood doing an action film or a variation on Dirty Harry, the studio would finance a more personal film. Films like “Honkytonk Man,” “Bronco Billy” and “White Hunter, Black Heart” emerged from that deal. Well made films that showed a side of Eastwood that surprised many. Since “Unforgiven,” Eastwood has directed some of the best films of the past 20 years, among them “Mystic River,” “Million Dollar Baby” (Oscars for directing and picture), “Flags of our Fathers” and “Gran Torino.” Now, as he approaches his 82nd birthday, Eastwood gives us “J. Edgar.”

The time is the 1960s. FBI director J. Edgar Hoover (DiCaprio) has decided to recount his story and that of the bureau. It begins in 1919, where we find J. Edgar still living at home with his mother and sister and traveling via bicycle. He is gung ho about his career in the justice department. So much so, that his idea of a date includes taking his girl to the crime library to show off the card-catalog system he designed. In 1924 the 29-year old Hoover is named acting director of the Bureau of Investigation (renamed in 1935 as the Federal Bureau of Investigation). At the time of his appointment, Hoover’s agents had no police powers. They could not arrest, nor were they issued firearms. When a group of agents gathers for a raid, Hoover produces a suitcase full of pistols, telling the men they are a gift from him. After the kidnapping of Charles Lindbergh’s (Josh Lucas) son, the bureau gets noticed because of the various ideas (finger printing, studying varying woods) Hoover promotes that helps solve the case (another story altogether). As the years progress, Hoover orders his personal secretary Helen Gandy (Naomi Watts), the former library date, to begin storing his “confidential” files. These contain the dirt he has dug up on various politicians and businessmen. “Information is power,” he tells her. He also interviews and hires a young man named Clyde Tolson (Hammer). Hoover is piqued by the note in Tolson’s background report that states he’s never seen in the company of women. Hmmmmm.

Directed with a steady hand, “J. Edgar” is a film with much more flash then substance. A straight-forward biography, the film moves along evenly. But with no emotional high or low point, there is nothing that makes you sit up and take notice. The fault lies in the script by “Milk” Oscar winner Dustin Lance Black. The story is compelling, but with little color to draw you into it. The cast, however, is first rate. DiCaprio, his blue-green eyes hidden behind brown contacts, immerses himself in the role of Hoover, giving one of the best performances of his career. Hammer, so good as the Winklevoss twins in “Social Network,” gives Tolson a quietness that lets the audience into his thoughts. Dench is strong as Ma Hoover. She’s all too aware of Edgar’s peccadilloes, and none too happy. “I’d rather have a son be dead instead of a daffodil,” she tells Edgar one night, using the slang of the period. But daffodil or not, the film belongs to DiCaprio, who even in makeup commands the screen.

Created by: Neil Gaiman, Lenny Henry
Starring: Gary Bakewell, Laura Fraser, Hywel Bennett, Clive Russell, Paterson Joseph,
Trevor Peacock, Elizabeth Marmur, Tanya Moodie, Peter Capaldi
Distributed by: BBC
Episodes: 6
Running Time: 180 minutes

Overall Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Neil Gaiman definitely has a very unique eye for storytelling. One of my favorites of his work is “Coraline” and its stop action animation movie. This BBC miniseries celebrating it’s 15th anniversary definitely shows its age in its production. This is the first time in fact I am viewing this series and it doesn’t have the same visual feel that I loved from “Coraline”. I did catch a little feeling of “Alice in Wonderland” throughout but the magic just wasn’t there. I know this series had issues with production and suffers due to that but I think this would have served better as a feature then miniseries. One thing I did enjoy quite a bit is the music from Brian Eno, he is one of my favorites.

The special features on this 15th anniversary edition are worth the upgrade though especially if you are a fan of Gaiman. It includes a new audio commentary with Neil Gaiman, Lenny Henry and Clive Brill. It is a great retrospective looking back on the series. It goes into decent depth on the production. There is also an introduction to the 15th anniversary edition, which is a fun tribute. I think the coolest thing about this release is there is a huge pull out map of “Neverwhere”. There is also recycled bonus features from the last release includes an interview and audio commentary with Neil Gaiman. I enjoyed the new commentary better. I would have liked to see a new interview with Gaiman as well. Lastly there is the photo gallery and character descriptions included.

Synopsis: Neil Gaiman’s (The Sandman, Coraline) first TV miniseries, co-created with Lenny Henry (The Lenny Henry Show, Chef!), brings viewers to an ambitious exploration of a London with two worlds. When office drone Richard Mayhew (Gary Bakewell) rescues a mysterious girl named Door (Laura Fraser, He Knew He Was Right), he unwittingly finds himself part of her quest to learn why her parents have been killed. The next thing he knows, Mayhew?s life changes forever as he’s pulled into the fantastical world of London Below, far from his mundane life in London Above. Pursued by the murderous Messrs. Croup and Vandemar, Door and Richard, with the help of Hunter and the Marquis de Carabas, attempt to find the Angel Islington, who knows the secret behind the murder of Door’s family, and possibly a way for Richard to go home.

Check out the official site: www.bbcamericashop.com

Official Shop Link: http://bit.ly/DBBCNWB

David Dastmalchian is playing Nelson in the upcoming film “Sushi Girl”.  David appeared in “The Dark Knight” opposite Heath Ledger as part of his team. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with David about his role in “Sushi Girl” and also what he has planned next.

Mike Gencarelli: Tell us about how you got involved with “Sushi Girl” and the role of Nelson?
David Dastmalchian: Well I came across the breakdown for the film when I first got to LA and was really intrigued. I ended up tracing it back to Destin Pfaff on Facebook of all places. I reached out to him about meeting up and talking about the film on a professional level. It turned out that he’d recently seen me in something and the next day we were having lunch. I met with him and Kern Saxton and the other producers and we just sat around and chatted for hours about the film. I was really excited. So from there I got the role of Nelson. He is the driver of the group. He is trying to fit in with the gang and be a part of the team, not just the driver. No one really gives Nelson the respect that he deserves, so he’s going to find a way to get it. It is a really cool part.

MG: How was it working with such an amazing variety of talent?
DD: It was amazing. Everyone involved is so legendary and well known. You are going to get to see a whole other side of Mark Hamill, he is really fantastic in this film. I have just been blessed to work with so many great people. I came down to LA over a year ago after coming from Chicago and New York and I really have had some wonderful opportunities.

MG: Have you had a chance to see the film yet and if so what was your reaction?
DD: Yes, I saw a rough cut and I was blown away. The ensemble is a blast, the look of the film is gorgeous. It is just like nothing I have ever seen before. It does everything that I want to see in a movie like this. It’s fun, scary, disturbing and I can’t wait to see it again.

MG: Compare working on a film like “The Dark Knight” to “Sushi Girl”?
DD: That is a good question. Believe it or not they are not too much different. “The Dark Knight” had a very large budget and mammoth crew but when I was doing my couple of scenes, it felt like an indie that just happened to have a great deal of support. The atmosphere that they created was very conducive to making discoveries and being able to play. Same with ‘Sushi Girl’. And even though “Sushi Girl” didn’t have that kind of money, it’s so well planned and thought through that it feels like it does. When films like these have a strong idea behind them and a team of people who really care, who think outside the standard box in creating it, it shows on the screen. When you go on set and the people making the film are so ready to go then it doesn’t really feel much more different to me. I am working on a film with friends called “Say When”, it’s a micro budget but there are incredible things happening because the director can use the obstacles of budget restraint as a way to come up with some imaginative solutions. The creative process, if approached the right way, can really thrive under restrictions. So I guess I keep learning that some amazing work can get done when the creative team has strong ideas and talent and vision to execute those ideas – whether it’s five thousand, a million or a hundred million dollars behind a film.

MG: What do you have in the works next?
DD: Oh man, trying to keep busy. I just finished a film called “Brutal” in New York with Kamal Ahmed (a former “Jerky Boy” who now makes indie films). That was really great and challenging. I also did a film called “Death Method” with Malcolm McDowell, written and directed by Frank Merle. Getting to throw down with Malcolm was definitely one of the highlights of my life as an actor thus far. Richard Day’s hilarious, insane sequel to his cult hit, ‘Girls Will be Girls’. The last year and a half, I’ve been working with my friend, Greg Fitzsimmons (‘Miss Ohio’) on his next feature, ‘Say When’. I can’t even describe this film right now. It costars several close friends, including Grace Rex (Contagion, The Dilemma) and we had to go to some pretty dark places. I am so fortunate to work with close friends who happen to be brilliant, as well. Grace and I are getting ready to launch our new comedy series for the web, “Premature”, which shoots in NYC. I’ve got an upcoming collaboration with Hugh Schulze in Detroit in which I play a painter who is really struggling and forms a strange bond with an unlikely friend. I can’t say much about it yet, but my long-time collaborator and friend, Jimmy McDermott and I have something pretty insane in the works. It’s been very cool getting to do the film festival circuit with Jimmy with our short film, KEEN.

Director: Victor Fleming
Starring: Jean Harlow, William Powell, Franchot Tone, May Robson, Ted Healy, Nat Pendleton, Robert Light, Rosalind Russell, Henry Stephenson
Distributed by: Warner Archive
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Run Time: 97 minutes

Overall Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

This the film first time that this 1935 classic has been released on DVD. It has been newly remastered by Warner Brothers. They definitely did a decent job for sure, there are some small issues but what do you expect from a film that is over 75 years old. The film was never one of my favorites and I feel that the story is very jumpy and unfocused. The story really only gets started in the third act and doesn’t leave enough time to develop.

Since the film is from 1935, I am very happy to see that special features included on this release. The first extra is a radio promo called “Leo is on the Air”, definitely worth a listen to. The other extra is a production session pre-recording from on the MGM stage. This one is very cool to watch and to see the whole film behind the scenes. Overall if you are a fan of Jean Harlow and William Powell, you might want to pick this up to see this classic remaster

Synopsis:
By 1935, every movie fan in the world knew Jean Harlow as both a blonde bombshell and a delightful comedienne. To expand her range, the studio gave her a dramatic role in Reckless – and Harlow was a hit. She plays musical star Mona Leslie, the bride of a champagne-stewed blueblood. When he blows his brains out, Mona is suspected of his murder, igniting media frenzy. The film is also notable for its Jerome Kern-Oscar Hammerstein title tune (Harlow, whose considerable skills didn’t extend beyond acting, was dubbed and body doubled in the musical numbers), plus a cast that includes Franchot Tone, Rosalind Russell, and as a hotshot promoter, William Powell, who would become the last love of Harlow’s tragically short life.

Directed by: Evan Glodell
Starring: Evan Glodell, Jessie Wiseman, Tyler Dawson, Rebekah Brandes
Distributed by: Oscilloscope Laboratories
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running time: 103 minutes

Overall Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

This film is really Evan Glodell’s baby. He not only directed but he also co-produced, wrote the screenplay, edited and of course starred in the film. The film also shows-off Evan’s real life obsession with building a flamethrower and he even built a custom camera. The film definitely has a unique approach when it comes to the cinematography, which is notable handled by Joel Hodge. The acting in the film is also very deep and really intense. You can tell the actors really cared about their roles and really dove deep into character. The story starts off slow but it finishes really strong.

The film tells the story of two friends who only goal in life is to build a “Max Max”-inspired flamethrower in order to fight in case the apocalypse comes. They also are in an imaginary gang called Mother Medusa. Sounds interesting right? Woodrow (Evan Glodell) meets Milly (Jessie Wiseman) and everything changes, as they fall in love. The film is love story at heart but definitely is much more deeper than that. There is something very dark about this film and that part really keeps you interested throughout.

This is release is another great one from Oscilloscope. There cases are 100% recyclable and come with both a Blu-ray and a DVD of the film. It also comes with amazing artwork from the film (remember that…artwork…not the usual empty case). The extras on the Blu-ray are also very notable. There is a very informative behind the scenes packed with great cast/crew interviews, set footage and more. The next extra is something I really wanted to see from the film, it is called “Medusa Rundown”. It is a look into the custom car that was built for the film, very cool feature. There are outtakes from the film as well, nothing special. Lastly original theatrical trailer wraps up a great release for one very interesting film.

Director: Chris Chow
Starring: Scarlett Alice Johnson, Jack Gordon, Elen Rhys and Michael Jibson
Distributed by: Cine-Britannia
Cert: 18
Running Time: 92 minutes

Overall Score: 2 out of 5 stars

These days, who isn’t involved with social networking. Your friends, parents and even grandparents are all involved. It has become the norm in today’s society. This film aims to show the consequences of living on social network websites. The film tries to deliver a suspense horror film but ends up wasting to much time and fails to entertain. The story feels very drawn out and claustrophobic, especially taking place 99% of the film in a airplane. This could have been interesting but fails, even the twist is weak and very predictable.

The story four lucky (or unlucky in this case) winners of a trip to New York from a social networking site called ‘All2gethr’. The group is set to play a game to win a grand prize but their deep dark secrets are reveals and challenged. they very quickly also find out that the people behind this trip have a different agenda for them. The film doesn’t fall into horror genre and leans more toward dramatic thriller at best.

The extras included on this release includes a gallery of trailers and teasers. Not sure where a gag reel fits in with this film but this has one. There is two short deleted scenes and also an outtake scene called “Jack Loses It”. They are all not very special. There is a featurette on the making of the film, which talks about the films background but overall the production is not very exciting. Lastly there is a gallery of images. Take a pass on this one.

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Destin Pfaff is the writer and producer of the new film “Sushi Girl”.  Destin is also the COO of the Millionaire’s Club and co-star of “The Millionaire Matchmaker”.  Media Mikes had  a chance to chat with Destin about his new film and what we can expect next.

Mike Gencarelli: How did you come up with the idea for the film, “Sushi Girl”?
Destin Pfaff: Alcohol [laughs].  As much good idea usually come from alcohol.  Kern Saxton, my writing partner and also director of “Sushi Girl”, just came off a thriller project.  It was this rock n’ roll good time but when we were about four or five days into production, we had to shutdown.  The crew walked out of the set and the producer pretty much said “Hey guys I am out of money you should just go home” and that was it.  We wanted to do something that would be more contained and we could just do ourselves and not have to depend on anyone.  I have been lucky enough to option some script but nothing every gets made.  You don’t have a career if nobody knows about it.  So we decided to create this intimate little movie that we could fund and make ourselves.  We both like sushi, we both like naked girls and we both like bad guys.  All three of those put together and out pops “Sushi Girl”.  It just kind of got bigger and bigger…I bugged Tony Todd to the point where he had to do the film and he made it even bigger.

MG: How did you get such a great cast including, Noah Hathaway, Sonny Chiba, Mark Hamill, and Tony Todd in “Sushi Girl”?
DH: I loved our cast.  Not only did we have so many genre heavy and very cool people that I grew up watching, but I am honored and blessed to be four or five months past principal and they are all still my friends.  I was at Mark’s house for a BBQ and hanging out with Noah this week and Tony literally just called me before this interview.  This never happens on a film set and it just blows me away.  They are just good people.  Noah is back full force from being retired for like two decades.  He was tattoo artist in Amsterdam when we brought him back.  Mark Hamill said no to the project a few times until his daughter harassed him into doing the movie.  He was an amazing professional and he really got his hands dirty.  Jeff Fahey came on board for a couple of day from out of nowhere.  He said he wanted to be in the movie, so we went it and expanded a role.  He turned this little thing that I wrote into this amazing and memorable character piece.  Everyone will remember Jeff Fahey from this movie.  Andy McKenzie and Jimmy Duval were great..love them.  Tony Todd deserves an award for his performance in this film.  He is a really brilliant actor.

MG: Tell us about juggling the role of writer, producer and actor in the film?
DH: My first passion is writing.  Anything that is pulpy, juicy, delicious and fun…writing is an event.  It is where you can put all those nasty dirty ideas in your head on to paper.  That is my therapy.  Producing was kinda of cool but nobody likes to crunch numbers and be responsible to force things to happen.  We were able to problem solve and actually work with other people that we trust.  We always made sure we had a clear path and democracy…and it works.  Producing doesn’t have to be madness. On this film producing was more of a breeze than a headache.  I love acting also.  In my opinion you cannot be a good writer, director or producer…unless you can act.  I love it all man…life is too short to just do one thing.

MG: Tell us a little bit about the production of the film?
DH: We were lucky enough to shoot at Universal Studios. We shot for just over three weeks.  The special effects company, V.G.P., they came out they did shit for us that was so beyond what our little movie was anticipating to get.  They would come on days when they didn’t have to be there…show up and just make sure everything went smooth.  We had car crashes and it was really amazing.  We got to do some really cool stuff.  I mean they let us play with fire.  The whole thing was just so much fun. We are hoping for a release in early 2012.

MG: How do you go from COO of the Millionaire’s Club and co-star of “The Millionaire Matchmaker” to working on a film like this?
DH: I have been writing for close to twelve years now and producing shorts.  I have been around the game enough to know that making movies is a blessing.  No matter how big your film is it is just a blessed to get it made.  Everyone has to have a day job and in this industry.  I started helping out helping Patti Stanger with the company and then there was a pilot for the reality series.  It was this whole kind of entity.  It has been a good time and also good exposure.  It is a lot of work to run that company plus it is a lot of work to do the TV we do. In the end, we are very tired but it is all worth it.

MG: Tell us about your script “RIPP” and what is happening with the feature?
DH: “RIPP” is on the back burner right now by choice.  We are working on a top secret script right now.  “RIPP” would also involve Tony Todd, as I am his biggest fan.  It something that he wants to do and I want to do but maybe next year we will revisit that one again.

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Starring:Jim Lindberg, Fat Mike, Flea
Director: Andrea Blaugrund Nevins
Oscilloscope Laboratories
Runtime: 98 minutes

Film Review: 5 out 5 stars

“The Other F Word” was directed by Andrea Blaugrund Nevins and was Executive Produced by Jeremy Chilnick and Morgan Spurlock. “The Other F Word” centers on Pennywise vocalist Jim Lindberg and several other prominent punk rock artists as they struggle to balance their lives as parents while still staying true to their bands original messages. “The Other F Word” does more than just scratch the service of parenting and musicianship as it takes a fresh and at times emotional look at a genre that has often been discredited and tossed to the side.

The second I heard about this film I couldn’t wait to see it. Here were all the guys in the bands I grew up listening to talking about what I myself will soon be…A father. It was really great to see guys like Fat Mike of Nofx and Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers in a completely different environment than that of the one we as the general public normally see them in. The film was more than just about being a father in a punk rock band. The interviews with those involved in this were filled with in depth, and at times emotional stories of what it was like growing up and how they were treated by their families. This film also features some great archival footage coupled with new footage that really compliments the film as a whole. Great footage an awesome sound track and some really great messages is what you will find in “The Other F Word”. Even if you are not a fan of punk rock or never heard of any of the people in this film I recommend you still go see it as this is more than just another music themed documentary.

For more info on the film go to www.theotherfword.com

Directed by: Xiaogang Feng
Starring: Daoming Chen, Chen Li, Yi Lu
Distributed by: China Lion
Rated: N/A
Runtime: 2 hr. 15 min.

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

“Aftershock” is a film based around one family’s actions during the Tangshan earthquake of 1976. During the earth quake a mother is forced to choose which of her two children she is going to save. After the mother makes her choice we find out that both children in fact end up surviving this horrific event. 32 years after the earth quake the siblings are unexpectedly reunited and learn of the drama each has endured during their time apart.

“Aftershock” is a very real and heartfelt film. Being a foreign film I was unfamiliar with the cast however all those involved put on stellar performances. The earth quake scenes at the beginning of the film were very well done and featured some great special effects. “Aftershock” also featured some really nice wide shots which were filled with what looks like thousands of extras. These big scenes really showed just how many people were affected by this natural disaster. Though the film was quite dark making some of the scenes difficult to watch “Aftershock” was still an enjoyable film.

Director Xiaogang Feng and his cast did a great job telling the story of these two siblings and their chance meeting some 32 years later after another devastating earth quake takes place. Even if you are not a fan of foreign cinema “Aftershock is worth checking out as the film is more than just your standard drama.

Welcome to the 12 Days of Arthur Christmas!

Between November 12 and running for 12 days, Arthur Christmas will be touring throughout Orlando on his way to the theaters when ARTHUR CHRISTMAS opens on Wednesday, November 23.

All of the events are open to the public. Some events may require a ticket.

Complete Schedule:

11/12 ARTHUR CHRISTMAS is Coming to Town
Central Florida Zoo
10:00AM-3:00PM
It’s a winter wonderland at the Central Florida Zoo! Don’t forget your cameras and get ready to participate in some fun activities with the chance to win prizes!

11/13 Sugar and Spice and Science Time Nice
Orlando Science Museum
12:00PM-4:00PM
Come to the Orlando Science Museum for some science time fun! Kids get in free with a regular priced paid adult during Arthur Christmas promotion on Sun, (limit 1 kid per 1 paying adult). The promotional code is AC2011.

11/14 Deck the Lanes with Boughs of Holly
World Bowling Center
4:00PM-6:00PM
Head on over to World of Bowling for some bowling fun and free pizza! The first fifty kids receive an afternoon of free bowling.

11/15 Holly Jolly Dance Party
Arthur Murray Ballrooms in Winter Park
5:00PM-7:00PM
Put on your dancing shoes and come out to the Arthur Murray ballrooms in Winter Park for some jingle bell rock and some milk and cookies!

11/16 Arthur’s Holiday Bonanza
UPS Store on 3208 E Colonial Drive
4:00PM-6:00PM
Come by the UPS store at 3208 E Colonial Drive in Orlando to donate money and write letters to the kids of the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and ship your gifts to loved ones from 4-6 pm!

11/17 Operation Elf
Fashion Square Mall
4:00PM-7:00PM
Prove that you can be one of Santa’s helpers! Become a certified Junior Christmas Expert at the Fashion Square Mall.

11/18 A Berry Merry Christmas
Menchies in Winter Park
3:00PM-7:00PM
Come out to Menchies in Winter Park for some frozen yogurt fun and ARTHUR CHRISTMAS prizes!

11/19 Grand Santa’s GRAND Screening!
Premiere Fashion Square
10:30AM
Grab your pajamas and grandparents, because it’s time for Grand Santa’s GRAND Screening! Attend a very special breakfast and screening of ARTHUR CHRISTMAS! Visit www.gofobo.com/rsvp and enter the code: TBD to download passes while supplies last!

11/20 Operation North Pole Post
Sony Style Store in the Mall at Millenia
1:00PM-4:00PM
Drop off your letter to Santa at the Sony Style store at the Aventura Mall and receive a 5% discount on your purchase as well as some prizes!

11/21 Santa’s Workshop
Fashion Square Mall
4:00PM-7:00PM
Make memories and come create Christmas cards and holiday ornaments.

11/22 Arthur’s CANdemonium
Food drive at Little Fish Huge Pond in Sanford
4:30PM-6:00PM
Experience the holiday season by dropping off a can of food to Little Fish Huge Pond in Sanford. While you’re here decorate an ornament and receive ARTHUR CHRISTMAS prizes!

11/23 It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
Opening day of ARTHUR CHRISTMAS
THEATER: TBD
TIME: TBD
ARTHUR CHRISTMAS is finally here and we are celebrating with carolers, cookies, and more!

==========

STUDIO
Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation Inc., Aardman Animations Limited

GENRE
Animated Family Comedy

RELEASE DATE
In Theaters November 23, 2011

RATING DETAILS
This film has been rated PG by the MPAA for SOME MILD RUDE HUMOR.

SYNOPSIS
The 3D, CG-animated family comedy Arthur Christmas, an Aardman production for Sony Pictures Animation, at last reveals the incredible, never-before seen answer to every child’s question: ‘So how does Santa deliver all those presents in one night?’ The answer: Santa’s exhilarating, ultra-high-tech operation hidden beneath the North Pole. But at the heart of the film is a story with the ingredients of a Christmas classic – a family in a state of comic dysfunction and an unlikely hero, Arthur, with an urgent mission that must be completed before Christmas morning dawns.

CREDITS
Directed by :
Sarah Smith

Written by :
Peter Baynham & Sarah Smith

Produced by :
Peter Lord
David Sproxton
Carla Shelley
Steve Pegram

Co-Producer :
Chris Juen

Co-Executive Producer :
Peter Baynham

Co-Director :
Barry Cook

Cast :
James McAvoy
Hugh Laurie
Bill Nighy
Jim Broadbent
Imelda Staunton
Ashley Jensen

MAYA ENTERTAINMENT ACQUIRES DOMESTIC RIGHTS TO “LA HORA CERO” (Aka THE ZERO HOUR) FROM HSI FILMS

VOD and Home Video Release Slated for 2012

“La Hora Cero” Set Box Office Record As Highest Grossing Film In Venezuelan Film History

LOS ANGELES, CA – Maya Entertainment has acquired from Los Angeles based HSI Films the domestic rights to “La Hora Cero”, a non-stop action/thriller shot entirely on location in the streets of Venezuela.   The deal for domestic rights includes plans for a 2012 VOD on Maya’s Comcast and Time Warner branded folders, Blu-Ray/DVD, and iTunes and other digital platforms.

Quickly becoming the highest grossing local film in Venezuelan history, “La Hora Cero” (aka The Zero Hour) is a gritty, fast-paced heist film.  Set in Caracas during the 24 hours of a controversial medical strike, it follows Parca, a tattooed hit man as he takes a private hospital hostage in order to save his girlfriend.  What seemed like a perfect plan will end in a frenetic outcome, as Parca is forced to come to terms with his past, and as he discovers that his worst enemies are much closer than he ever imagined.  A love story told in the midst of chaos, “La Hora Cero” is a timely and universal story about the mythic rise to power and the inevitable fall from grace.

“Maya Entertainment is extremely proud to have acquired the in-your-face action picture “La Hora Cero”, and even more thrilled to be working with the talented writer/director Diego Velasco and writer/producer Carolina Paiz,” said David Rand, EVP of Home Entertainment for Maya Entertainment.

Hollywood Studios International (parent company to HSI Films) Chairman and CEO Steven Saxton said, “We’re extremely pleased to have found the perfect partner in Maya Entertainment for the US release of one of the most exciting and influential films to come out of Latin America this past year.”

“La Hora Cero” was produced by Open Studios and Factor +RH in association with Anonimo Studio and Centro Nacional Autonomo de Cinematografia (CNAC). The deal was negotiated by Tonantzin Esparza, Director of Acquisitions on behalf of Maya and Eric Christenson of HSI Films on behalf of Executive Producer Sergio Aguero and producers, Diego Velasco and Carolina Paiz.

MAYA ENTERTAINMENT | www.maya-entertainment.com

Based in Los Angeles, Maya Entertainment Group, Inc. is an independent multi-platform content and distribution company that has established itself as the leader of media product that appeals to the “new mainstream” of American Latino and Multi-cultural audiences.  Led by entertainment industry pioneers, Moctesuma Esparza (Selena, Gettysburg) and Jeff Valdez (Sí TV, QuePasa.com), Maya Entertainment produces, acquires and distributes entertainment programming and has established a library of over 100 titles, which are available at retail, for rental, and on VOD through Time Warner Cable, Comcast, iN DEMAND, and TVN.

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 La Mission, starring Benjamin Bratt; The Jesuit, starring Michelle Rodriguez and Willem Dafoe; 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; and The Last Rites of Joe May, starring Dennis Farina, among others.

Maya’s recent theatrical and home video releases include the Official 2010 Sundance selection The Dry Land, starring America Ferrera, Jason Ritter, and Wilmer Valderrama; the action-drama Across the Line starring Aidan Quinn, Mario Van Peebles, and Andy Garcia; and Sins of My Father (Pecados de mi Padre), the true story of Pablo Escobar, the infamous boss of Colombia’s Medellin drug cartel, as told through the eyes of his son; Sympathy for Delicious, directed by and starring Mark Ruffalo, Orlando Bloom, Laura Linney and Juliette Lewis; Without Men, starring Eva Longoria Parker, Christian Slater and Oscar Nunez; and Café, starring Jennifer Love Hewitt.

ABOUT HSI FILMS

HSI Films is a worldwide theatrical motion picture financing, production and distribution division of Hollywood Studios International. The company handles all aspects of marketing and distribution for both its own internally developed motion pictures, as well as acquired films. HSI Films Distribution is led by Eric Christenson, who has licensed films that represent more than 50 Academy Award nominations, including: Academy Award “Best Picture” winners “The Hurt Locker” and “The Departed,” as well as “Traffic”, “The Aviator,” and “Gangs of New York”. HSI Films Production is overseen by Producer Paul Schiff. Schiff has an in-house first-look production deal with HSI. Some of the films produced by Schiff include “Young Guns I & II,” “My Cousin Vinny,“ “The Vanishing,” “Rushmore,” “Maid in Manhattan,” “Mona Lisa Smile,” and “Solitary Man.”

ABOUT HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS INTERNATIONAL

Hollywood Studios International is a media holding company focused on the intelligent deployment of capital in the entertainment industry. The company has developed a portfolio of fee-based businesses ranging from talent representation to international distribution.

Leonard Stone is known best for his role as Sam Beaurgarde in 1971’s “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”. Leonard has worked on over 100 TV shows. Movie Mikes had a chance to travel back to the 70’s with Leonard to discuss his role in “Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory”.

Click here to purchase “Willy Wonka” merchandise
Click here to view our “Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory” Interview Series

Mike Gencarelli: How did you originally get the role of Mr. Sam Beaurgarde in “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”?
Leonard Stone: Mel Stuart (the film’s director) called me in because I had worked with him before on another picture (1970s “I Love My Wife”) He knew me…knew my work and he said “if you want to do it we can do it.” It was that quick. I didn’t have to keep coming back. I did ask if I could bring my wife along (to Germany for the shoot) and he said “yes.” When we got there my wife found out there was a small part in the film for a woman to play my on-screen wife. Just one quick scene at the auto lot. She asked Mel if she could play it and he told her “No. You’re not right for the part!” (laughs) It’s now years later and Mel’s divorced and she and I have been together for over forty years.

Mike Gencarelli: What was your fondest memory working on “Willy Wonka” Most of the other cast members we’ve interviewed point to the unveiling of the main chocolate room.
Leonard Stone: Oh yes. It was very exciting. They didn’t allow us to see it until it was time to shoot it. So when we walk through the door and see the room for the first time, we really are seeing the room for the first time. The reactions they got on film were real….we were stunned it was so beautiful. Plus a lot of the things we did off set. We would go bowling on our off days. And the studio got us a tent at the Octoberfest which was a great time. And Gene (Wilder) my wife and I would often go out to dinner together. Gene was just getting into wines and he would “discover” one that he would loved and that is what we would have for dinner. Another thing that amused me so much was that Roald Dahl (author of the book the film is based on) didn’t like some of the things Mel was doing with the film. They were always butting heads. Now Dahl was nice and tall…very thin…he stands like the letter “S”. He’s got great British bone structure…a very handsome man, speaks with an impeccable English accent. And he would swear at Mel in that accent and it would break me up because it sounded so funny coming out of his mouth.

Mike Gencarelli: Do you still keep in touch with any of the cast or crew from the film?
Leonard Stone: No, not really. I know that Mike Teevee (Paris Themmen) left acting and became a cameraman. And I just saw Denise Nickerson at a photo signing in New Jersey. But I’m here in San Diego so if they want to they can find me. (laughs)

MG: How do you feel about the 2005 remake with Johnny Depp?
LS: I liked some of the film. And I think Johnny Depp is a wonderful actor. But I didn’t like some of his choices as Wonka. I personally think he gave a lot of the story away from the get go by the way he played it. I didn’t understand some of the changes. Like why Violet had a mother and not a father. Mike Teevee had a father and not a mother. I know Roald Dahl jumped on Mel a lot because he wanted the movie to be darker. I’m sure he would have liked the new one because it’s much darker than ours. When I heard about the new version I thought it would be great to have a walk on in it, just for the hell of it. So I contacted them. I even called the over in London and said I’d be happy to do it but they said they weren’t using anybody from the other one.

MG: Besides “Wonka”, you have worked in over 100 TV shows, any favorites?
LS: One of my favorite television roles was on “Lost in Space.” I played a con man in outer space by the name of Farnum. It’s one of my favorites because the director let me create the performance. One of the associate producers didn’t like it but the director, who I’d worked with many times before, knew it was the right way to go. And that episode is one of the highest rated shows in the series. It was so popular that the network told the producers to “write another show for this guy!” I’m just an old fashioned character actor. A lot of people don’t even know my name but they know my work.

MG: Are you working on anything now?
LS: I’m hoping to have a children’s book out soon. The publishers think it will be out by the end of the year. They’re aiming for that. I’ve got a great illustrator. Joe Sable is his name. He’s worked for Disney…Hanna-Barbara…a bunch of places. We got together and he loved my story. He says he’s having so much fun doing the illustrations. It’s called “Keepy: The Kangaroo That Never Grew” He’s a kangaroo that never grew who was raised by a mouse family and thinks he’s a mouse. It has a moral in it, as will any of the follow up stories. I’ve already written a couple of them. I wrote it because I’m tired of all of the violence that kids see. The young kids see so darn much of it. Everything has to be sharp and bloody and shoot-em-up. In fact, a few of the publishers I showed it to said it was “too soft” or “too old fashioned.” And I told them I intended it to be.

Click here to purchase “Willy Wonka” merchandise
Click here to view our “Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory” Interview Series

Starring: John Cho, Kal Penn and Neil Patrick Harris
Directed by: Todd Strauss-Schulson
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 30 mins
Warner Brothers

Our Score: 4 out 5 stars

I’ve found out over the years that the best of the adult-humored raunchy comedies have one thing in common. The unquestionable bond of friendship. Dante’ and Randall in “Clerks.” Seth and Evan in “Superbad.” Now add to that list Harold and Kumar.

It’s been two years since we last saw the title characters. We find Harold (Cho) working on Wall Street, married and anticipating spending the holidays hosting his wives’ family. Kumar (Penn) has grown a beard, lost Vanessa and spends his time sampling the finest holiday themed marijuana his Santa Claus-playing dealer (Patton Oswald) can provide. When a package meant for Harold arrives at Kumar’s apartment, he decides to personally deliver it. And so begins the season of giving.

Funny to its core and filmed in gloriously rendered, over the top 3D, “A Very Harold and Kumar 3D Christmas” is full of the humor fans of the previous films have come to expect. And like the previous films, the story’s success revolves around it’s supporting cast. Danny Trejo plays Harold’s father-in-law, a rough and tough character who has a soft place in his heart for Christmas. He has brought along his own tree, which he has spent the last eight years growing just for the big holiday. Throw in a waffle-cooking robot, a crazed Russian gangster and the always funny Neil Patrick Harris and you’ve got a film that keeps you laughing from start to finish.

Unlike so many other films advertised in 3D, this one not only utilizes the process but takes it to its intended level. Eggs, traffic barrels, shattered glass…even a clay-mated rendering of an important body part hurl towards the audience with seemingly nothing to contain them. The jokes come fast and are definitely of the adult variety. And another extended musical cameo by “NPH” is a true highlight. The two leads have developed a genuine bond between them, one the audience can feel. For Harold and Kumar, Christmas without each other is…well, definitely not Christmas!

Starring: Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy and Alan Alda
Directed by: Brett Ratner
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hour 44 mins
Universal

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

To the current generation of filmgoers, Eddie Murphy is best known as the voice of Donkey in the “Shrek” films.

To another, he’s known for some horrible films, including “Imagine That,” “The Adventures of Pluto Nash,” “Norbit,” “Meet Dave”…the list goes on. With the exception of his Oscar nominated performance in “Dreamgirls” (and as much as I love Alan Arkin, I’ve got to say that Eddie was robbed on Oscar night), he hasn’t made a good live-action film in almost a decade.

To my generation, he is remembered as one of the brightest comedy stars to ever hit Hollywood. Beginning with “48 Hours” and then following up with such popular films as “Trading Places,” “Beverly Hills Cop” and “Coming to America,” Murphy was the standard that all other comedians were compared to. As he celebrates his 50th birthday it gives me great pleasure to say, “Welcome back, Eddie!”

Josh Kovacs (Stiller) is a busy man. As building manager of The Tower, a pricey condo building in New York City, he is constantly making sure his overly pampered tenants stay happy. Especially Arthur Shaw (Alda), who occupies the penthouse and spends his mornings in the rooftop pool. When Shaw is arrested by the FBI for fraud (think Bernie Madoff), Kovacs reveals to his staff that he had entrusted Shaw with their pension fund which, if the FBI is right, is now worthless. Angered and outraged, Josh hatches a plan with some of his co-workers to rob Shaw of the money he’s stolen and, presumably, hidden in a secret safe in his penthouse. Now he just has to find himself “someone who steals.”

Part heist film, part comedy, “Tower Heist” is an enjoyable ride that boasts no less than five Oscar nominees among the cast. Written by Ted Griffin (“Ocean’s Eleven”) and Jeff Nathanson (“Catch Me If You Can”), “Tower Heist” is a film that rides on the shoulders of its talented cast. Stiller is his usual solid self, while Casey Affleck plays a variation of his “Ocean’s Eleven” character. Alda chews the scenery as the architect of the Ponzi scheme that destroys not only a pension fund but the lives it was supposed to fuel. In his second humorous performance this year, following “30 Minutes or Less,” Michael Pena’ continues to surprise on screen. Matthew Broderick, Judd Hirsch and Tea Leoni fill out the main cast, all of them delivering solid work. But it is Murphy, seemingly channeling himself playing Billy Ray Valentine in “Trading Places,” that steals the show here. It’s so nice to see a funny Eddie Murphy on the big screen again. I welcome him back and hope he’s back to stay.

With the current Occupy Wall Street” movement happening in this country, “Tower Heist” is a very relevant film for these times. The script is full of sharp observances and some hilarious scenes, including one where a discussion of the movie “The Doberman Gang” evolves into “The Boys from Brazil” which in turn evolves into “Boys Don’t Cry.”