“Sailcloth” starring Oscar® nominee John Hurt, selected for 2012 Academy Short Film Award considerationSAILCLOTH – starring world-renowned actor John Hurt – is a heartfelt story of an elderly gentleman who disappears from a nursing home. The 18-minute non-dialogue film, written and directed by Elfar Adalsteins, is already an award winning film having picked up the Grand Jury Prize for Best Short Film at the Rhode Island International Film Festival to a standing ovation. Subsequently, the film has gone on to get a recommendation for the 2012 Academy Short Film Awards.

Sailcloth shares the poignant story of an elderly widower, played by Hurt, as he sets in motion a series of events to hide his disappearance from a nursing home. After gathering necessities he heads to the local pier where a beloved companion awaits him – ready to take their last great journey.

John Hurt, one of the UK’s most legendary actors, stars in this emotional film portraying the widower with a natural ease that effortlessly pulls you into. Hurt, a two time Academy® Award Nominee, has won countless accolades during his extensive career, including three BAFTA’s and a Golden Globe.

This Oscar worthy film is written and directed by Elfar Adalsteins (www.elfaradalsteins.com) and produced by his company Berserk Films. Elfar’s began his career as a producer, working on feature films such as ‘Country Wedding’, the Oscar® longlisted ‘Mamma Gógó’ and ‘Black Rabbit Summer’ he developed in collaboration with Ruby Films. Elfar’s directorial feature film debut is currently in the final stages of development and is scheduled to move into production in 2012.

With John’s wonderful portrayal of the widower and Elfar’s expertly realized vision, it is no wonder that this emotional story of love and courage is causing such an Oscar Buzz.

 

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Log onto Twitter for your chance to win tickets to the LA premiere of IN TIME, starring Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried!

Tweet #intimepremiere today and tomorrow to see a virtual map with the location of the ticket giveaways. There will be five people secretly located around Los Angeles with pairs of premiere tickets to give to fans. As the amount of tweets increase,the closer you’ll be to discovering the secret giveaway locations… until time runs out.

Each time fans reach a tweet goal, the virtual map will zoom closer to reveal the location. Be one of the first on the scene and say the passphrase “Every second counts” to claim  your tickets to the LA premiere on Thursday, October 20th.

Visit www.intimemovie.com to begin the race!

IN TIME
Thriller
Release: October 28, 2011
Written and directed by: Andrew Niccol
Producers:  Eric Newman, Marc Abraham
Cast: Justin Timberlake, Amanda Seyfried, Cillian Murphy, Vincent Kartheiser, Alex Pettyfer, Johnny Galecki
Synopsis: In a future where time is literally money,  and aging stops at 25, the only way to stay alive is to earn, steal, or inherit more time.  Will Salas lives life a minute at a time, until a windfall of time gives him access to the world of the wealthy, where he teams up with a beautiful young heiress to destroy the corrupt system.

Directed by: Rob Marshall
Starring: Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz, Geoffrey Rush, Ian McShane, Kevin McNally
Distributed by Walt Disney Pictures
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Running time: 136 minutes

Overall Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I know that most are not big fans of “At World’s End” but I am a fan of it for sure. This film is definitely ranks better though and does not disappoint. I really enjoyed the 3D version of the film since it is not over baring effects. I felt that it is very subtle and very vibrant use of the beautiful landscapes. The “Pirates” series succeeds due to Johnny Depp’s portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow. He doesn’t do much different from his last go as the Captain but he could honestly just stand in place the whole film and people will flock. All in all this is a great release and a must buy for fans of the series.

This time Captain Jack Sparrow sets his sights on the fountain of youth. Standing in his way is his lost love Angelica, played by Penélope Cruz and his latest enemy Blackbeard, played by Ian McShane, who is the most feared pirate. Geoffrey Rush also returns and shines in the film as his changes sides and also seeks the fountain of youth.

The picture on this Blu-ray is fantastic and very clear. The landscapes were the film was shot were so vibrant and colorful. The film was actually shot in 3D and it plays off all that very well and is such a sight to watch. Disney’s 3D releases have yet to disappoint and I am sure they will only get better and better with each release.  The sounds like most if not all Disney Blu-rays impresses with 7.1 sound and really captures the score and effects really well.

The special features are a little light for Disney standard and especially for such a large scale film but still are worth a watch. First off we have audio commentary from executive producer John DeLuca and director Rob Marshall. It is not most entertaining commentary but it is worth a listen to hear about some production insights. The next feature “Legends of On Stranger Tides” features producer Jerry Bruckheimer, writer Terry Rossio, Johnny Depp, Rob Marshall and more about they chat about the behind the scenes of the fourth installment. “In Search of the Fountain” chats about the Fountain of Youth and the legends behind it. “Last Sail, First Voyage” focuses on our villain Blackbeard. “Under the Scene: Bringing Mermaids to Life” is a really cool feature as we delve into the film’s visual effects. There are five deleted and extended scenes; “Old Bill,” “Smart Now,” “Tonight,” “Tango” and “Voodoo Doll”, definitely worth the watch. “Johnny Vs. Geoffrey” is self-explanatory from its title putting Captain Jack with Captain Barbosa. There are few scenes from “LEGO: Pirates of the Caribbean”, which I would love to see as a feature. Lastly there is bloopers, which are very funny. One cool feature that called “Disney Second Screen”, which allows you to sync with your computer or iPad and enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes content and more.

Directed by: Mel Stuart
Starring: Gene Wilder, Jack Albertson, Peter Ostrum, Julie Dawn Cole, Paris Themmen, Denise Nickerson & Michael Bollner
Distributed by: Warner Bros.
MPAA Rating: PG
Running time: 100 minutes

Ultimate Collector’s Edition: 5 out of 5 stars

I have seen “Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory” an uncountable amount of times. I have also interview most of the cast/crew, check it out here. It is for sure in my top 5 films of all time, no question. So obviously, I will not need to say more about the film…and plus who hasn’t seen “Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory” at least once. When this film came to Blu-ray, I think I smiled for a complete 24 hours straight. The film is meant for this format. The colors are so vibrant, rich and brought to life on this release. The sound and music are perfect and really makes singing along very easy…come on, you all know the words. Now with the Ultimate Collector’s Edition, we get the perfect beautiful Blu-ray release and SOOOOO much more…

Besides the Blu-ray and DVD disc, the set some with a 144-page paperback book, “Pure Imagination: The Making of Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory” from director Mel Stuart talking about the production from behind the scenes. Next is a replica production correspondence in a heavy paper envelope and it contains 14 letters.  A reprint of the cast list, a letter from producer Stan Margulies to Pia Arnold, a handwritten letter from Gene Wilder to Mel Stuart, a note from producer David L. Wolper to Mel Stuart and some of the letter included. There is a Wonka Bar tin container which holds four multi-colored scratch-n-sniff pencils and a scented chocolate eraser. There is also a replica of a Wonka golden ticket with an online code for a new prize giveaway. I mean if all that isn’t worth the purchase alone then you obviously aren’t a fan of this film.

The special features are a little light and not in HD but there has never been real extras on any of the releases in the past so it is not a shock. Being a fan of this film for almost 30 years, the audio commentary is worth the price of the set alone which included all five Wonka kids, Peter Ostrum (Charlie Bucket), Julie Dawn Cole (Veruca Salt), Paris Themmen (Mike Teevee), Michael Bollner (Augustus Gloop) and Denise Nickerson (Violet Beauregarde). It is fun and very entertaining. The first extra is called “Pure Imagination: The Story of Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory”, which runs about 30 minutes and pretty much is a verbal coverage from Mel Stuart behind the scenes book. There are four karaoke-style sing-along videos for “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket,” “Pure Imagination,” “I Want It Now” and “Oompa-Loompa-Doompa-De-Do.” Come all though…we all know the words! There is a really cool vintage featurette from 1971, which is really interesting and of course disc 1 wrap with the 1971 theatrical trailer. The second disc only has two special features first with “Mel Stuart’s Wonkavision” which is a new featurette that has Mel Stuart reminiscing about the film. Lastly, “A World of Pure Imagination” is a newly found vintage featurette with the interview with author Roald Dahl.

Synopsis: A poor little boy wins a ticket to visit the inside of a mysterious and magical chocolate factory. When he experiences the wonders inside the factory, the boy discovers that the entire visit is a test of his character. Special Features: Scrumptious Documentary, Pure Imagination: The Story of Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory, Mouth Watering Commentary With The Wonka Kids, 4 Sing-Along Songs, Vintage 1971 Featurette, Stills Gallery & Theatrical Trailer.

Available on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD, On Demand and for Download 10/18! http://bit.ly/oSDajR

The dark comic gem RARE EXPORTS: A CHRISTMAS TALE will be released on DVD and Blu Ray on October 25th. Based on the award winning shorts from director Jalmari Helander that have already acquired a cult reputation on the internet, this re-imagining of the most classic of all childhood fantasies features a Santa that you won’t want coming to town. This Christmas everyone will believe in Santa Claus. Own the film that is soon to be required perennial holiday viewing just in time for Halloween.

SYNOPSIS:
It’s the eve of Christmas in northern Finland , and an ‘archeological’ dig has just unearthed the real Santa Claus. But this particular Santa isn’t the one you want coming to town. When the local children begin mysteriously disappearing, young Pietari and his father Rauno, a reindeer hunter by trade, capture the mythological being and attempt to sell Santa to the misguided leader of the multinational corporation sponsoring the dig. Santa’s elves, however, will stop at nothing to free their fearless leader from captivity. What ensues is a wildly humorous nightmare – a fantastically bizarre polemic on modern day morality.

RARE EXPORTS: A CHRISTMAS TALE is a re-imagining of the most classic of all childhood fantasies, and is a darkly comic gem soon to be required perennial holiday viewing.

SPECIAL FEATURES:
– The two original short films in which the Christmas tale was born, Rare Exports Inc. (2003) and Rare Exports – The Official Safety Instructions (2005)
– The Making of Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale
– “Blood in the snow” – a look at the concept art
– Animatics & computer effects video comparison
– Behind the scenes production stills photo gallery
– Original theatrical trailer from Finland

Official Site: http://www.oscilloscope.net/films/film/41/Rare-Exports-A-Christmas-Tale
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RareExportsMovie

CHICKENFOOT DEBUTS MUSIC VIDEO FOR “THREE AND A HALF LETTERS (I NEED A JOB)”
GROUP TEAMS WITH FEEDING AMERICA TO MOTIVATE FANS TO HELP THE NEARLY 49 MILLION AMERICANS FACING HUNGER

LOS ANGELES, CA—October 18, 2011—Chickenfoot, the supergroup featuring guitarist Joe Satriani, drummer Chad Smith, and former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony and frontman Sammy Hagar, debuts their music video for the song “Three and a Half Letters (I Need a Job)” today.  The song, from their recent release, Chickenfoot III ( eOne Music/Edel/EarMusic), is  motivated by the dismal economy, which has led to problems such as hunger and job loss, and features letters that were sent to Hagar as pleas for help.  Chickenfoot is partnering with Feeding America, the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity, to encourage fans to help alleviate some of the effects of the economy.  The band will perform “Three and a Half Letters” on Jimmy Kimmel Live on the evening of November 3rd.

“I received a lot of letters from people over the years who were looking for help or work and recently I received one from an Afghan War Veteran that ended with ‘Can you help? I need a job.’  That really hit me and the song came together,” said Hagar.  “We really want to encourage people to help where they can, and I think one of the easiest ways is by making contributions to a local food bank. I hope we get this message across in this video and while we are on tour.”

“I Need a Job,” directed by Arthur Rosato (Springsteen, Bonnaroo), features the real life letters received by Hagar and closes with a call to action from the band and Feeding America.  Beginning today, the band is inviting fans to post their own letters and stories to their website in hopes it will help them find employment and continue to shed light on the critical condition in America.  The band is also planning on additional outreach to bring more awareness to the issue in each city on their upcoming “Road Test Tour.”  While those who are better off may not be able to offer actual jobs, Chickenfoot believes that contributions to food banks in their hometowns is one simple way, among many others, that fans can help those struggling on a local level. To find your Feeding America member food bank, visit http://feedingamerica.org/foodbank.

The band is set to embark on the recently announced “2011 Road Test Tour,” beginning November 1st at the Warfield Theatre, San Francisco.  The tour will take the band (Satriani, Anthony, Hagar and touring drummer Kenny Aronoff) through five US and five European cities in support of their most recent release Chickenfoot III, which debuted on the Billboard album chart at #9.   Chickenfoot III, has continued to receive critical acclaim:

“It’s a rare case of a group that’s equal to – or perhaps even greater than – the sum of its parts…this is an album that really wins hearts with its granite thump’n’roll.”  – Gary Graff, Billboard

Chickenfoot III features 10 tracks with so many moments of epiphany that one can barely take them all in on first listen.  Colossal, stadium-shaking riffs abound on earth-movers such as “Alright, Alright,” “Last Temptation” and “Lighten Up.” Tradition meets innovation on the Nashville pop-tinged “Different Devil,” the Delta-blues flavored “Something Going Wrong” and the aching rock ballad “Come Closer.”  Chickenfoot III follows the band’s 2009 debut album, which debuted at #3 on the Billboard Top 100 and was certified gold for sales of over 500,000 units by the Recording Industry Association of America.

THE 2011 ROAD TEST TOUR DATES:
November 1                       Warfield Theatre              San Francisco, CA
November 2                       Avalon Hollywood           Los Angeles, CA
November 4                       The Pageant                       St. Louis, MO
November 5                       Metro                                   Chicago, IL
November 8                       Webster Hall                      New York, NY

**European dates available at www.chickenfoot.us

For the “Three and a Half Letters (I Need a Job)” music video, more information about Chickenfoot, please visit the band’s webpage www.chickenfoot.us, as well as their podcast http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/chickenfoot-podcast/id306051384, YouTube http://www.youtube.com/ichickenfoot, Facebook www.facebook.com/chickenfoot and Google+ pages.  

About Feeding America
Feeding America provides low-income individuals and families with the fuel to survive and even thrive. As the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity, our network members supply food to more than 37 million Americans each year, including 14 million children and 3 million seniors. Serving the entire United States, more than 200 member food banks support 61,000 agencies that address hunger in all of its forms. For more information on how you can fight hunger in your community and across the country, visit www.feedingamerica.org. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/FeedingAmerica or follow our news on Twitter at twitter.com/FeedingAmerica.

Director: Miguel Heded Abraham
Starring: Alberto Villoldo
Distributed: Koch Entertainment
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Run Time: 70 minutes

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

When I read the title for the film which included “Healing with Sacred Planet”, I have to admit I did roll my eyes a little. This documentary follows the study of the healing practices of the Amazon. It is filmed in high definition and takes up through beautiful areas of the jungle as it reveals the secrets of the sacred plants and the healers who administer them. Although it runs only 70 minutes the content is a little short and could have been easily cut down to an hour special.

The film showcases the work of the master shamans of Peru’s Madre de Dios River. Dr. Alberto Villoldo provides insight into the process and theory of the powerful brew made by the shamans known as Ayahuasca. Testimonial interviews are also giving from various people all over the world who are discovering the powerful medicinal properties of Ayahuasca. For some reason the people reminded me of those who would join a cult and were very free spirited. I enjoy the whole spiritual journey to healing but overall it is a little bit too trippy for me.

 

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Directed by: Martin Campbell
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Mark Strong
Angela Bassett, Tim Robbins
Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Running time: 123 minutes (Extended Cut)

Extended Cut: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I am probably one of the few people that really enjoyed this movie.  I thought that it was very entertaining and even though it was a little short it still delivers a good punch.  In this Blu-ray the film is presented in two formats, the theatrical extended cuts which adds almost 10 minutes to the film.  I felt like the extended cut added a little more to the film but not much.  Honestly I also felt the same way with another Warner Bros. release “Sucker Punch”.  I thought the extended cut was good but didn’t do much extra to “wow” me.  I have to add that this film is much better viewed in 3D, especially since a good portion of the film takes place on an alien planet.

Ryan Reynolds did a good job with this character and hopefully sets it up to get a little more breathing room if they decided to do a sequel.  I think that audiences this summer where just superhero-ed out by the time this was released.  The video on the Blu-ray presentation is very clear and crisp.  Even though the sound is not 7.1, it is still extraordinary using DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1.  Fans of this film who own a 3D player, make sure to get this film in 3D if you have choice.  If you haven”t seen this film and are interested in giving it a chance, do not hesitate this release is will not leave you unsatisfied and it is personally my favorite superhero movie of the year.

The extras on the disc include a great feature called “Maximum Movie Mode: Green Lantern’s Light”.  It runs about three hours and has Green Lantern comicbook writer Geoff Johns taking us on an extensive behind-the-scenes look at the film.  It focuses on the development, special effects,  character designs and much more and does it while showing the film. There are a few production featurettes including “The Art of Green Lantern,” “Weapons Hot: The U.C.A.V. Dog Fight,” “Reinventing the Superhero Costume,” “Ring Slinging 101,” “We Are the Corps,” “Acting Under 10 Pounds of Silicone,” “Guardians Revealed” and “When Parallax Attacks.”  They total about 50 minutes in length and are definitely worth a watch for sure! The next feature is called “The Universe According to Green Lantern”, which is a trip into the fandom behind the comic book with interviews from the DC Comics artists, writers and executives, as well as filmmakers and fans.  The feature “Ryan Reynolds Becomes the Green Lantern” shows the transformation for Ryan Reynolds into the Green Lantern with CGI.  There are  five deleted scenes that are worth a watch but nothing fantastic.  The first issue of “Justice League” from “The New 52” DC Comics relaunch is also included on the disc as a digital comic.  There is a preview of the new TV series, “Green Lantern: The Animated Series” and has a col besides the scenes look…it has me hooked for sure.  The last feature is not related to “Green Lantern” but if you are fan of “Batman: Arkham City” you are going to love the  PS3 code to suit up as Sinestro Corps Batman.  Also included is the new UltraViolet Digital Copy, the new service is really cool and allows streaming or downloading to a variety of devices.

Synopsis: In a universe as vast as it is mysterious, an elite, powerful force has existed for centuries. Protectors of peace and justice, they are called the Green Lantern Corps. When a new enemy called Parallax threatens to destroy the balance of power in the Universe, their fate and the fate of Earth lie in the hands of their newest recruit, the first human ever selected: Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds). Hal is a gifted and cocky test pilot, but the Green Lanterns have little respect for humans, who have never harnessed the infinite powers of the ring before. But Hal’s humanity is one weapon no member of the Corps has ever had, and if–with willpower, determination and the encouragement of fellow pilot and childhood sweetheart Carol Ferris (Blake Lively)–Hal can quickly master his new powers and find the courage to overcome his fears, he will save the Earth and all of mankind from certain destruction

Buy It 10/14 on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack with UltraViolet Digital Copy or Download to Own http://bit.ly/qw00KD

Directed by: Mike Barker
Starring: William Hurt, Ethan Hawke, Donald Sutherland, Gillian Anderson
Charlie Cox, Raoul Trujillo, Billy Boyd, Eddie Marsan
Production company: RHI Entertainment
Original channel: Encore
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running time: 180 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick has been adapted for film many many times over the years. This adaption is not just a movie though, it is a 3 hour mini-series event. The story itself is a re-imagination and backed up by a huge budget of $25 million dollars. The mini-series also boasts a great cast which only continued to help out the film. I wasn’t sure how this was going to translate into a mini-series but it kept my attention the whole time through good special effects and character development.

We all know the general idea of “Moby Dick”, in this adaptation we are led by Captain Ahab, who is obsessed with revenge against the white whale, Moby Dick. He takes him crew mates on an epic journey of adventure, vengeance and obsession. The special effects for the whale are good enough for me, they are a little bit better than Syfy quality. I was impressed with the it overall and production wise overall, I thought it was very entertaining. No extras on the DVD though which is a little bit disappointing.

My only probably with this high profile cast is that Donald Sutherland and Gillian Anderson are only in the opening of the film and then never seen again once our crew hits the waters. Ethan Hawke is great in the role of Starbuck. Charlie Cox was believable in the role of Ishmael but gotta give some props to Raoul Trujillo in the role of Queequeg. He was funny and really likeable as a character. The best of them all and most intense performance has to, of course, go to William Hurt who nails his role of Captain Ahab. He very dark and deep and really commits to the role.

Ace Marrero is co-starring in the new film “Madison County”, directed by Eric England. Ace has worked with Eric on three projects now and no sight of slowing down. “Madison County” is premiering at this year’s Screamfest and is going to a real breakout film. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Ace about the new film and what we can expect next.

Mike Gencarelli: How did you become involved with both acting and producing the film?
Ace Marrero: I had worked with Eric England on his college thesis film. I also worked with him on “Hostile Encounter”. Eric had been trying to get “Madison County” made and had a few different groups of investors involved at various times. After getting fed up with the way things were going Eric decided to take matters into his own hands. Eric wrote “Hostile Encounter” with me in mind to be in the film. It was done on a micro budget that was even smaller than what was budgeted for “Madison County”. We shot in Arkansas for a few days and then we did some shooting in Los Angeles as well. The DP on “Hostile Encounter” was really impressed with what Eric had done. He mentioned that he might be able to get some money together to do another film. Eric mentioned “Madison County” and after reading through the script Eric’s friend loved it and wanted to produce the film. He had one stipulation though and that was that I had to be in the film. I had also wanted to get into more of the producing side of things, so I just started helping out. I was setting up meetings and doing some other as well. Before I knew it I was a producer on the film.

MG: Can you tell us about your character in the film?
AM: I play the role of Kyle who is the brother of Brooke played by Joanna Sotomura. I go out with the group to kind of protect my sister from her ex-boyfriend. I don’t really fit in with the group so I am the outsider/protagonist.

MG: What do you think was the most challenging part for you working on the film?
AM: I would probably say juggling my roles as an actor and producer. First and for most I am an actor. I wanted to make sure I was doing a good job while at the same time keeping everything else going and making sure things were set for the next day. My producer role kind of over shadowed my acting role in the film and it made me forget a little that I also have a role in the film.

MG: How was it working with the other cast members?
AM: Nick Principe was great and we were really happy to have him be involved with the film. Eric had wanted Nick from the start to be part of the film and to play the killer. Nick also did the stunts for the film. He was great. Joanna was great as well! I have always been impressed with her work. Her part in “Madison County”, I think is really going to get her a lot of attention.

MG: Can you tell us about another film you have been working on “Roadside”?
AM: This is my third film with Eric England in 17 months. He is just a really great, young director. I think he just turned 22 or 23. Eric is incredible! The script for this film is really great. Eric actually completed it in I think a week and a half. I think it’s one of the best scripts I have ever read. I play the lead in the film and it’s an amazing role for me. This film is the type of thing I love to do. I think we are all going to take off from these films. We knocked “Madison County” out of the park but “Roadside” I feel is out of the field!

Joanna Sotomura is starring in the new horror film “Madison County”. She also recently appeared on the TV series “Criminal Minds”. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Joanna about her new film and what she looks for in a role.

Mike Gencarelli: How did you get involved with “Madison County”?
Joanna Sotomura: I got an audition for the part of Jenna. I had seen that Ace Marrero was a producer on the film.  I have known Ace for quite some time. I went into my audition and Eric England felt I would be a better fit for the role of Brooke. I went back for a second audition this time for Brooke and, I fell in love with the character. I don’t think I had ever wanted a part that bad. We shot the whole month of September 2010 and it was a great experience.

MG: Can you give us some background on your film and character?
JS: The film was something the director Eric England had wanted to do for quite some time. It’s about a group of kids who go to Madison County, Arkansas to interview an author about a book he wrote. My character Brooke is the bubbly, social butterfly type that is kind of scared to go into the town but she thinks it will be a fun time. Brooke is sort of the tie that brings the group together.

MG: What do you think was the most challenging aspect of the production?
JS: Having to snap into a horrified moment for a second and then having to stop go back to normal and do it all over again. That jump was a bit challenging. In order to get to that place you really have to put yourself in that terrifying situation. Running for your life to laughing with your friends was a bit difficult.

MG: What was it like working with Nick Principe and the rest of the cast and crew?
JS: Nick came to shoot his scenes a few weeks after the rest of us. He was fantastic! We didn’t get to talk to Nick or see his mask prior to the scenes so there was an element of surprise. I remember one scene where he let out this yell and we were truly scared.

MG: Can you tell us about working on “Criminal Minds” and how does it compare working on film and television?
JS: I booked “Criminal Minds” a few weeks after I wrapped “Madison County”. It was night and day. We went from shooting this independent film in the woods to a beautiful set in Burbank. T was definitely a change. I got to work with Janeane Garofalo who was a childhood idol of mine.

MG: What other projects do you have coming up?
JS: We are gearing up for the premier of “Madison County” which is being held on Oct. 17^th. Besides that I am shopping around looking for some other great roles. I would love to work with Eric again.

MG: What do you look for when choosing a role?
JS: I like the character to have depth. I would have a hard time playing a one dimensional character. I like to do comedic things as well. I tend to fall more towards the bubbly girls.

Directed by: Matthijs van Heijningen, Jr.
Starring: Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Joel Edgerton and Ulrich Thomsen
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 43 mins
Universal

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Antarctica. 1982. As they track an unknown signal, a group of Norwegian scientists suddenly find themselves swallowed up by a sinkhole in the ice. They discover, buried far below the ice, what appears to be an alien craft. And a survivor.

True in tone to John Carpenter’s version, which was actually a retelling of the 1951 film “The Thing From Another World,” “The Thing” is a suspenseful story that benefits from some outstanding visual effects. The story is familiar. A group of scientists and assistants find themselves among a creature that has the ability to replicate living tissue. It’s not long before fingers are pointed by and at each other as the Thing infiltrates the base camp. Among the inhabitants, no one is safe. Not even the dogs.

A little gorier and not as fun as the 1982 version, “The Thing” is a visual effects fans dream. Once it is established that “something” is trying to eat everyone, the film jumps into overdrive, with the special effects crew outdoing themselves. Where the Carpenter version featured effects by the great Rob Bottin, here the crew gives us the nastiest of alien creatures in all of their bloody glory.

The cast, mostly Norwegian, is led by Winstead’s Kate Lloyd, a paleontologist who is whisked off by Dr. Halvorson (Ulrich Thomsen) to investigate and autopsy the ice- enclosed survivor. They are flown to the continent by Carter (“Warrior” co-star Joel Edgerton), who soon finds things, and people, aren’t what they seem. First time feature director Heijningen sets up some good scares and the special effects crew go above and beyond the call of duty, introducing a new generation of “Thing” fans to some really gruesome sights.

Starring: Kenny Wormald, Julianne Hough and Dennis Quaid
Directed by: Craig Brewer
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hour 53 mins
Paramount

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I have two very vivid memories of the original “Footloose,” released in 1984:
1. I got busted trying to sneak a Dr. Pepper into the theatre. Six months later I was not only running the theatre but I dated the employee who caught me for almost five years.
2. I thought it odd that, for a town where dancing was forbidden, all of the kids danced a hell of a lot better than Kevin Bacon.

It’s 2011 and things are a lot different. First, I successfully snuck a DIET Dr. Pepper into the theatre. Second, Kenny Wormald can dance his ass off!

A pretty faithful remake, “Footloose” is best appreciated when not compared to the film that inspired it. As the film opens, we find ourselves among a group of kids dancing up a storm (to Kenny Loggins’ “Footloose,” of course). One of the cluster of kids leaves the dance and pile into a car driven by Bobby Moore (Blair Jasin). In a severe case of un-attention, Bobby takes his eyes off the road, causing a crash that kills all five people in the car. Stunned with grief, the small town of Bomont, Georgia, led by Bobby’s preacher father (Quaid), pass a series of laws intended to protect the young people of the town. Among them: no playing of amplified music and, with the exception of a yearly church gathering, no public display of dancing.

Enter Ren MacCormack (Wormald). Following the death of his mother, Ren has been sent to Bomont to live with his uncle and his family. He soon finds himself pulled over by the local police, having blasted Quiet Riot a little too loudly in his Volkswagon. Ren also possesses what is referred to as “Yankee sarcasm,” which doesn’t endear him right away to the locals. In church he is introduced to Reverend Moore’s daughter, Ariel (Hough), who has done her best to avoid being the proper “preacher’s daughter.” She and Ren have nothing in common, except for a desire to dance. Anytime. Anyplace.

I have to give director and co-writer (he shares credit with original “Footloose” scribe Dean Pitchford) Brewer credit. He has managed to update the story well while still keeping the familiar. Ren’s VW bug. His “angry” dance at the mill. Even that awful maroon tuxedo jacket. But he also gives the film an energy the first film didn’t have. And this is thanks to the cast. A former backup dancer for Justin Timberlake, Wormald shines, both on the dance floor and off, as Ren. “Dancing With The Stars” veteran Hough, resembling Jennifer Anniston’s little sister, makes the most of her screen time as Ariel. She has some of the films more dramatic moments and she pulls them off admirably. Quaid is his usual strong self as Rev. Moore. But the breakout performer here is Miles Teller, who plays Willard, the cowboy with two left feet. Played so winningly by the late Chris Penn in 1984, Teller gives Willard a sweetness Penn only hinted at. The only false note in the cast is Patrick John Flueger, who plays Ariel’s car racing boyfriend, Chuck. Not only is he about 20 years too old for Ariel, his character is strictly “bad boyfriend 101.” Fans of the original film (and soundtrack) will enjoy new versions of some old hits, including a rendition of “Let’s Hear It For The Boy” that’s as sweet as it is catchy.