Starring: Guy Pearce, Katie Holmes and Bailee Madison
Directed by: Troy Nixey
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 39 mins
Miramax

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Filmmaker Guillermo del Toro describes the 1973 “made for television” film “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” as the scariest movie ever made for that medium. While my first choice would actually be “Trilogy of Terror,” it was pretty scary to my 13-year old mind. del Toro is the producer behind the new version of the Kim Darby/Jim Hutton (Tim’s dad) scare-fest and, while it has a few good moments, it’s another unnecessary new film based on an old film.

In a quiet part of Rhode Island, little Sally (Madison) has been sent by her mother to live with her dad, Alex (Pearce) and his girlfriend Kim (Holmes). Unhappy with the move, Sally is a brooding child. When she spies a broach that Kim is wearing Kim tells her, “my mother gave it to me.” “My mom gave ME to my dad,” Sally replies. She is also unhappy about the house, an old mansion that we’re introduced to in a prologue that makes the “is it safe?” scene in “Marathon Man” look like fun. While exploring the grounds Sally discovers a hidden basement. What she finds inside will make you think twice before you look for a quarter under your pillow.

With one seventeen-minute short film on his resume’, Troy Nixey certainly seems like an odd choice to direct a feature horror film. The film moves well but it’s obvious that Nixey (as well as screenwriters del Toro and Matthew Robbins) have been influenced by what they’ve seen before, including “Poltergeist,” “Gremlins,” “The Amityville Horror” and del Toro’s own “Pan’s Labyrinth.” Though there is some blood and violence, the majority of the scares depend on how they are set up. I can put a camera over someone’s shoulder, play the music loud and, when I feel like it, throw a cat up on screen to make everybody jump. There are no flying cats, thank goodness, but a lot of the scares are basically Horror Movie 101. I would LOVE to have seen what del Toro would do with it.

The cast tries it’s best to convey the terror. As little Sally, Madison appears to be in full “Damien” mode at first. Quiet and brooding, she begins to try to make friends with the creatures that live in the basement and want her to be their friend. Holmes is strong as the young woman not prepared to be a mother, even in a temporary roll. Pearce, looking creepily like a young Mark Wahlberg or Scott Glenn, circa “Urban Cowboy,” is also strong as his Alex must first battle with Sally’s mood then the eventual creatures that she encourages with her action. The visual effects, by effects maestros Greg Nicotero and Howard Berger, are a little jumpy, with the creatures resembling Salacious Crumb, the little guy that sat on Jabba the Hutts’ lap in “Return of the Jedi.”

“That place is unsafe for children,” a local handyman repeatedly tells Alex and Kim about the basement. Unsafe? I guess so. But, with the exception of a few scares, there’s really no reason to be afraid of the dark. I wasn’t.

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ABC BANS COMMERCIAL SPOT FOR The weinstein company’s comedy OUR IDIOT BROTHER

Network Refuses To Air Spot, Prompting Studio To Cut New Red Band Trailer For Film In Advance Of August 26 Opening

New York, NY, August 25, 2011 – The Weinstein Company (TWC) announced today that ABC has refused to broadcast the commercial spot for its new comedy OUR IDIOT BROTHER,  unless TWC makes specified cuts.  The ad is already airing in its current form on other broadcast and cable networks.  The action has prompted to TWC to cut a new red band trailer for the film.

Commented TWC Co-Chairman Harvey Weinstein, “We’d like to dedicate our new red band trailer for OUR IDIOT BROTHER to censorship everywhere.  Enjoy!!”

An ensemble comedy about three sisters and an incurably optimistic sibling, OUR IDIOT BROTHER was a breakout hit at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival.  It is directed by Jesse Peretz and stars Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Banks, Zooey Deschanel, Emily Mortimer, Steve Coogan, Hugh Dancy, Kathryn Hahn, Rashida Jones, Shirley Knight, T.J. Miller and Adam Scott.  The screenplay is by Evgenia Peretz and David Schisgall.

The banned television spot can be viewed below and also at:

OUR IDIOT BROTHER opens nationwide on Friday, August 26^th.

Christine Quinn is playing the role of Jess in “Shark Night 3D”.  Her role in the film is reminiscent of Susan Backlinie’s character in “Jaws”.  Christine is also in the upcoming film “Humans vs. Zombies” and is currently filming “The Ghost of Goodnight Lane” with Billy Zane, Danielle Harris and Lacey Chabert.  Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Christine about “Shark Night 3D” and her upcoming movies.

Mike Gencarelli: Tell us about your character Jess in “Shark Night 3D”?
Christine Quinn: It is cool because I am in the opening scene of the movie.  They did it like “Jaws” style and everyone remembers the girl from the opening scene.  Basically my boyfriend and I go the lake for the weekend.  We decide it is a good idea to drink and swim around the lake.  He goes to make a sandwich and I get attacked by the shark.  So he comes out and finds me dead…[laughs] So yeah that’s the quick version.

MG: How does it feel to be the poster girl for the film and also a prominent sell for the trailer?
CQ: My family came to me also and said “Oh my God, you are on the poster”.  It is really cool thing.  I guess they kind of dubbed it all together.  I never thought from such a little part it would have so much publicity.  Everyone loves sharks and they have Shark Week last month so everyone is excited.

MG: How was it working in the water?
CQ: We filmed it in September last year and it was so cold, the water was freezing.  The stunt guys were wearing full-on wet suits.  I am in a bikini and I was freezing [laughs].  The technicalities of the stunts were so amazing.  You see movies and you see what goes in them but you wonder how they actually do that.  It was cool to get to see the behind the scenes of how they pull it all together.  For example, I was attached to a harness on my body.  I have like six stunt guys underwater at different times pulling me in different directions.  I had to be in super good shape because otherwise it would have been hard to pull off.  When we did the breakaway ladder shots, if the stunt guy pulled me down and I moved the wrong way I could hit my head.  All these little technicalities go into this movie.  The scene is only like three minutes long but it took three days to shoot.

MG: Tell us about working with David Ellis?
CQ: David is coolest director I have ever worked with.  He just let’s you do your thing.  He tells us to just feel the lines and do what we think is right.  He puts all of his trust in the actors.  He knows who he hired and he hired them for a reason.  So basically my co-star Damon Lipari and I, we have the only kiss in the entire movie.  It was totally improved because David said to do whatever we want.  He thought it was so perfect.  I have never had a director that praises the actors so often.  It makes you feel so good and makes you just want to work with him and I hope I can work with him again.

MG: From sharks to zombies, tell us about the film “Humans vs. Zombies”?
CQ: That was a super fun shoot to do.  I am in the trailer but you would not recognize me because I look so scary.  I was so zombied out [laughs].  I love horror films and having an opportunity to work on them.  I could have not been any more thrilled.  The cool thing about that movie is that my boyfriend and I AGAIN [laughs] are at the lake and we are playing around.  This guy comes up to us and he is all zombied out and ends up bitting me.  I am on the one that brings the virus back to the city.  It was fun movie.  All the special effects in the film are so cool.

MG: I love you in the GameStop commercial for the “Mortal Kombat”, was that fun to shoot?
CQ: [laughs] Yeah that was so much fun.  I went to the audition and I didn’t know my lines at all.  The director asked me if I knew the lines and I said “No”, so he told me just to improv.  I don’t know much about games but I just did a bunch of improv and he loved it.  So he then booked me the role.  During the shoot, rvery take that we did he was like “No, no, no you are too smart for me…I need you to be dumber” [laughs].  We finally got it and it turned out really funny.

MG: What else do you have planned next?
CQ: I am in Dallas right now and  I am working on a movie with Billy Zane, Danielle Harris and Lacey Chabert called “The Ghost of Goodnight Lane”.  I am really about this film since I am the lead in next to Billy Zane.  It is going to be really amazing.  I want to continue in the horror film genre, since it has been really good to me. Also the same month that “Shark Night” comes out, I am going to be in Playboy, not naked or anything.  Playboy found out about “Shark Night” and they asked me to be in their article called “Up and Coming”.  It features athlete and movie stars etc.  So that is really exciting also.  So I will be purchasing my first Playboy next month [laughs].

Directed by: Bears Fonte
Starring: Sara E.R. Fletcher
Sure Crossing Films
Rated: N/A
Runtime: 103 min.

Our Score: 3 out of 5

“iCrime” is a technology based thriller directed by Bears Fonte. The film follows its lead character Carrie Kevin (Sara E.R. Fletcher) a small town girl new to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood as she attempts to uncover the truth behind a missing online star. As the story progresses Carrie starts to find that things in Hollywood are not always what they appear to be.

Though “iCrime” is somewhat of a slow starter the film wasn’t half bad. “iCrime” is your typical small town girl moves to Hollywood to become famous type story however with a slight twist that involves a kidnapped internet star. “iCrime” has no shortages of good looking actresses which in my opinion made up for the films quirky approach which at times seemed to be a blend of half after school special and half late night cable flick. I enjoyed the use of different recognizable locations around the Pasadena area such as South Pasadena High School which was also featured in John Carpenter’s horror classic “Halloween”. If you are looking for a fun movie to watch with friends or on your own give “iCrime” a shot.

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Director: Daron Ker
Starring: Joe Cook, Phil Beaudoin and Mike Griffin
Water Buffalo Pictures
Runtime: 74 minutes

Our score: 3.5 out 5 stars

“Rice Field of Dreams” written and directed by Daron Ker is a documentary about Joe Cook and a team of 22 Cambodian Baseball players brought together as one team to play and compete as the first ever Cambodian National Baseball team. With the help of Major League baseball and several coaches from North America the team prepares for its first attempt at bringing baseball glory home to Cambodia. The bottom line is take 74 minutes out of your schedule and check out this film.

“Rice Field of Dreams” was a great film that not only showcased the triumphs and struggles of the first ever Cambodian National Baseball team but it also showed some of the past struggles for people who lived in Cambodia. Director Daron Ker a native of Cambodia really made a great film which as he puts it in the start of the film is not a typical “feel good” story instead the film is a straight forward documentary which shows the positives and the negatives of those in the film. Throughout the film you get to hear both players and coaches reactions to certain events and what they hope to get out of the experience. Though the film is centered on the baseball team you don’t have to be a fan or have an understanding of the game to appreciate this film.

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Director: Mike Schneider
Neoflux Productions
Runtime: 101 minutes

Our score 3.5 out 5 stars

“Night of the Living Dead: Reanimated” directed by Mike Schneider is an animated film version of the 1968 George Romero film. The film features work by various artists, animators and filmmakers from around the world who together created an animated revision of the horror classic “Night of the Living Dead”. Through various mediums such as animation, clay-mation and puppetry the joint group of artist tell the classic story of Barbara and her unlikely encounter with the undead while adding a fresh comedic twist to the films original story.

This revision of George Romero’s horror staple was spot on. It also had some added laughs which were provided by some really great animation and clay-mation additions. “Night of the Living Dead: Reanimated” was filmed entirely in black and white which kept it true to the 1968 original.

About 2 minutes into the film I really stopped paying attention to the story and focused all my attention on the different artist interpretations of the scenes depicted in the film. Various types of sketches ranging from stick figures to extremely detailed drawings made this film really fun to watch. My personal favorite would have to be the clay-mation scenes which were very reminiscent of Sunday morning “David and Goliath” episodes. This film yielded a fun and enjoyable film to watch alone or with friends. Get your hands on a copy of this film, kickback and, prepare for a good time.

Director: Doug Block
Copacetic Pictures and Hard Working Movies
Runtime: 92 minutes

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

“The Kids Grow Up” is a documentary written and directed by Doug Block. The film shows the relationship between Doug and his daughter as she prepares to leave home for the first time to attend college.

“The Kids Grow Up” does a great job showcasing the feelings and worries that I am sure all parents have when their child or children leave home for the first time. Block shares not only his feeling about the upcoming changes in his life but also takes time to re-examine the relationship between him and his own parents and how that affected his parenting style. Block’s daughter Lucy at times shows frustration with the camera which she states has been on her for as long as she can remember. It seems as though she too has some uneasy feelings about leaving home. “The Kids Grow Up” is an interesting look at one families parenting style and their ability to cope with everyday life struggles. This film may not appeal to the teen or younger audience however I think parents will really enjoy the film.

The special features portion of “The Kids Grow Up” has just over 50 minutes of bonus material. In this section you can also find a bio on the director the original trailer for this film and several other films that are being distributed by Docurama films. The bonus material had some great clips that further solidified the bond between father and daughter that is so prevalent in this film. The extra material was almost too much at times but it was an enjoyable watch.

Directed by: Faye Jackson
Starring: Constantin Barbulescu, Camelia Maxim, Catalin Paraschiv
Distributed by: Breaking Glass Pictures
Rated N/A
Running Time: 105 minutes

Our Score: 2 out of 5 stars

After seeing the promo poster for “Strigoi” I was somewhat excited to sit down and watch the film. However I guess I shouldn’t have gotten my hopes up as “Strigoi” was nothing but a dull drawn out attempt at a dark comedy/horror/vampire film. The films basic concept was nothing new as it was your typical story of a town turning on two of its residents and killing them. The two then return from the grave as extremely hungry vampires hell bent on carry out their revenge on the towns people responsible for their deaths. “Stigoi” was in my opinion just really hard to figure out what type of film I was watching and how I should take the characters. At times there were touches of comedy but then the film would take an extremely dark serious turn leaving the previous scene in question as to whether or not it was in the right film.

“Strigoi” written and directed by Faye Jackson is the story of Vlad (Catalin Paraschiv) a fledgling med school student who returns to his grandfather’s village after a trip to Italy. Upon his return Vlad stumbles across an odd cast of characters that all seem to be hiding something. Determined to get to the bottom of the strange occurs in the small Romanian town Vlad quickly finds that he may be up against something other than just odd towns people. “Strigoi” had potential however I think the film would have been a bit more accessible if the director had focused on one genre and maybe have jumped on the whole vampire band wagon.

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Directed by: Rania Ajami
Starring: Pepper Binkley, Bill Dawes and Judith Hawking
Crowned Heart Pictures/Kinetic Arts Production
Rated: N/A
Runtime: 104 min.

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5

“Asylum Seekers” a dark comedy written and directed by Rania Ajami is the story of six people who have decided they can no longer deal with daily life. In an effort to get a hold on reality the six people attempt to check themselves into a lushly appointed asylum. What the six people don’t know is that there is only one room for which they must compete against each other to gain access.

“Asylum Seekers” seems like a psychedelic experiment gone bad! It’s as if the director crammed everything odd or awkward into this 104 minute spectacle. The acting in my opinion was sub-par at best however it was quickly overshadowed by the oddness of the film. “Asylum Seekers” has an interesting storyline and is full of interesting characters. If you’re in the mood for something off the wall then this movie will do the trick!

Directed by: Daron Ker
Distributed: Water Buffalo Pictures
Rated: N/A
Runtime: 82 min.

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars/strong>

“I Ride” directed by Daron Ker is a documentary about The Fryed Brothers Band which is a country rock band that formed in 1982. The band has been dubbed “The Most Dangerous Biker Band in the World” due to their affiliation with several outlaw motorcycle groups. “I Ride” documents the band from their beginnings as well focusing on their place within the motorcycle ranks.

“I Ride” is an interesting film on motorcycle culture. The film doesn’t solely look at the people who ride motorcycles but it focuses on a band that is followed by motorcyclist. Filming this way I think allowed Director Damon Ker to show an interesting perspective that until now has not been seen by anyone outside of the groups featured in the film. The Fryed Brothers Band has a great story and the film helps show that story. They were a great choice making Ker’s decision to focus the film around them a great one! If you have a chance check out “I Ride”.

Check out the newly released video for “Muppet Show Theme Song” by OK Go and The Muppets from Muppets: The Green Album below:

A full track listing for Muppets: The Green Album is available for preview & purchase here:http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/muppets-the-green-album/id452905746

“Like” THE MUPPETS on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/Muppets

Follow THE MUPPETS on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/MuppetsStudio

Muppets: The Green Album – Available now

THE MUPPETS – In Theaters November 23, 2011

Directed by: Brian Pimental
Starring, Alexander Gould, Patrick Stewart, Brendon Baerg, Nicky Jones, Andrea Bowen, Anthony Ghannam & Cree Summer
Distributed by: Buena Vista
MPAA Rating: G
Running time: 72 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Do not even try to compare “Bambi II” to “Bambi”, it is just not possible. This film is considered a midquel since it takes place in between in the middle of the original. Disney went through a phase a while ago when it would produce these midquel follow-ups to its classic films. Some of the films that were explored were “Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas”, “The Lion King 1½”, “Tarzan II”. and “The Fox and the Hound 2”. They are all sub-par for Disney and do not rank even close to their original films. “Bambi II” is a cute kids film that will introduce a new audience to “Bambi” who maybe weren’t aware of the original. Even though it enjoyable let’s just say I am happy that Disney cut it out making these direct to video films.

The film begins after Bambi’s mother is killed by hunters and he has to follow in the footsteps of his father, the Great Prince of the Forest. This story features Bambi’s best friends Thumper, Flower and Faline. Bambi has to prove to his father that he can become the leader of the forest. In the quest to find and rescue his dad, he has to lead and also protect his friends. It includes some life-learning for kids and overall they will enjoy it. This Blu-ray release includes a beautiful colorful video which really shines and also includes an impressive DTS-HD Master Audio track. This worth the purchase alone if you are a fan of Disney animation films

The extras on this are ok but not spectacular, especially not for Disney. The first feature is called “The Legacy Continues” it runs less than 10 minutes and features the cast and crew discussing the original film’s legacy, the development of the story and characters and the film’s production. There is a deleted song called “Sing the Day”. There are four interactive games and activities including “Friend Owl’s Forest Fun”, new to Blu-ray and “Thumper’s Hurry and Scurry”, which was included on the DVD. There is a feature called “Disney Sketch Pad”, which showcases animator Andreas Deja giving tips about getting started in animation. Lastly there is a pop-up trivia track, called “Bambi’s Trivia Tracks” aimed for kids.

Directors: Andre Ovredal
Starring: Otto Jespersen, Robert Stoltenberg, Knut Naerum, Glenn Erland Tosterud, Johanna Maerck
Studio: Magnolia Home Entertainment
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 103 minutes

Film: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4.5 out of 5 stars

If you haven’t heard about this movie buy now just trust me and purchase this Blu-ray. It is available for only 14.99 on Amazon.com, you will not disappointed. “Trollhunter” is very unique film and takes a well used format and puts a new spin on it. I have seen this film a few times now and it seems to get better each time. It follows in the path films like “The Blair Witch Project” and “Paranormal Activity” and is filmed as found footage. It is packed with comedy, a few good scares and also great special effects. The Blu-ray comes with an English dub but I would steer clear and go with the original audio track. Overall this is a must for genre fans.

The film follows a group of students so are making a film about trolls. They meet what they believe is a troll hunter and follow him around. While they are not expecting to find anything, they are shocked with what they encounter on this trip. The film is obvious low budget but they do not make the trolls look that way. I would say this looks like a multi-million dollar project. I have watched numerous (and I mean numerous) SyFy original movies and I know low-budget SFX. The Blu-ray presentation of this film only adds to the beauty of this film. Now understand the film is meant to be shot on handheld video so it is not “Avatar” but it looks really clear. Any imperfections were purposefully done during the filming process. The sound is definitely notable especially when the trolls start…well…trolling around.

The special features are jam packed. The deleted scenes include five scenes which run about 4 minutes and include one called “Troll Hairball”, can only imagine. Since the film is cast with Norwegian comedies you could expect improv and bloopers. There are two short improv scenes and also a quick blooper reel, definitely funny stuff. The extended scenes are about 8 minutes long and focus on three longer scenes from the film. There is a feature called on the visual effects of the film, which drew me immediately and it featured a breakdowns of several of the CGI shots and also focused on the different kinds of trolls. The behind the scenes, which ran almost 25 minutes, is a collection of clips from the shoot showing the cast and crew goofing off, prepping shots. This must have been a fun film to work on. Photo Galleries includes troll sketches and of troll habitats. Lastly HDNet: A Look at The Troll Hunter is promo featuring some clips, and a some sound-bite interviews. Jam-packed like I said huh?

Scott Schiaffo is known best for his role as the The Chewlies Gum Guy in Kevin Smith’s first film “Clerks”.  Since then Scott has worked on various films including “Vulgar” and also besides acting also works as a composer and editor.  Scott can be seen upcoming the following projects “Shoe String Serenade”, Tom Zanca’s “Echoes & Voices” and Michael P. Russin’s new short, “Don’t Shoot”.  Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Scott about his career to date and also what he currently has in the works.

Mike Gencarelli: How did you originally get involved with working on “Clerks”?
Scott Schiaffo: I auditioned after seeing a casting call in a New Jersey newspaper. Usually I’d get audition notices in papers like Backstage but this was in with the classifieds and it struck me. The wording was something like, “View Askew projects a new cinema topic “Clerks” etc…I am paraphrasing, of course, but it was a very interesting ad. I had saved the original audition notice clipping. I scanned it recently and posted it up on my Facebook.

MG: Tell us about the shoot for your scene?
SS: The Chewlies Gum Guy stuff was shot all in one day from what I remember. The second half of the Gum Guy’s diatribe was shot in one long shot from start to finish. No edits. I believe we had at least three full takes of that second rant. It was great filming that scene in that way because it’s like a little piece of theater. We’d film straight through that entire second rant and really get the momentum going. We did that at least three times and by the end of it I was really drained from all the yelling and histrionics! In the original Miramax theatrical release, a good chunk of the Gum Guy’s rant was edited down, but in the director’s cut and the uncut original the scene is intact in its entirety. I remember getting light-headed after the last take because of the way the scene was written and executed you had to get it up to a fever pitch.

MG: Did/Do you smoke cigarettes after watching that movie [laughs]?
SS: That’s funny I’ve been asked this a lot and the truth is I really do loathe cigarettes. I’ve been addicted to anything and everything out there in my lifetime but I never smoked cigarettes and have always hated them. So it really wasn’t a big stretch for me to rant about the evils of smoking! I think Kevin himself wasn’t a smoker before he played Silent Bob. He started to smoke to give that character more on screen “business” to do. It was basically like a prop for him, but he actually became a cigarette smoker for years after that. He may no longer smoke cigarettes for all I know; I hope for his sake he has quit. It is a nasty, expensive and deadly habit.

MG: How can you reflect on how the film and your character are still popular and highly quoted over 15 years later?
SS: That speaks volumes for the power of film. Clerks has gone from a cult status thing to an iconic film for a generation. I have always been a fan of indie and cult films and, as an actor, it was a dream of mine to appear in the cast of a film that would have that kind of cult-like following. So when I say being cast in Clerks was a dream come true scenario for me I’m not just being “dramatic”. And that’s the thing, too, you can never know when a film is going to generate that kind of success and following. It’s all a crazy twist of fate I believe. It never ceases to amaze me how deep and vast the Clerks fan base has become over the years. And what really blows my mind is how memorable the Chewlies Gum Guy is as a character. I always say that an actor would have had to have been in a coma not to shine and stand out in that role. It was written as a show piece and a bombastic scene. That scene sets the tone for the whole movie. Kevin and I had talked about this back when we were filming. He knew he had to have something big and a little over the top in the first five minutes of the film to set the audience up for the type of ride that they are going to be taking. As a character actor you cut your teeth on these types of roles. You may not be in the entire story, but your scenes are designed to be pivotal and memorable.

MG: You worked with the “Clerks” group again in “Vulgar”, tell us about working on that disturbing little film?
SS: I really love that film; it’s a personal fave of mine. I had been sent the script pretty early on. Bryan Johnson said we’re thinking of you for the Travis Lee role, check it out and see what you think. I knew I didn’t have to read it to say “Hell yeah, I’m in” because it was coming from the View Askew camp. For me it was a familial thing; of course I am down! When I read it I saw some parallels to the Gum Guy character. Two high-energy scenes and both opposite Brian O’Halloran to boot! Again I get to break Brian’s balls on film! Yeah a “man on man” clown rape movie is pretty twisted, but I felt if anyone could pull off a clown rape film it was Kevin and the View Askew clan! LOL. I say this all the time but that film has much more merit than it ever received. It has a wonderfully edgy and bold performance by Brian O’Halloran as Flappy the Clown/Will Carlson. And Kevin’s first post-Silent Bob role, I believe anyway, is flat out awesome. I remember thinking that he’s going to have a career as a character actor if he chose to entertain that route, and sure enough eventually he’d blow us all away with his performance in “Catch & Release” and then later in the last “Die Hard” sequel.

MG: Tell us about your work not only acting in films but also as Composer and Editor?
SS: Yes, music has been in my life from the time I was four or five years old. Music is everything to me, honestly. I have been playing guitar and keyboards since I was a child. I have had a recording studio for the last 15 to 20 years.
I have been very fortunate to have been hired to score and edit many of the films I’ve appeared in over the years! I can do this all in my digital project studio. I am actually working on putting a CD out on Amazon. It’s a collection of music from the past 10 years of film scores and music I’ve done. And I am trying something new with this release. It’s going to be a collection of music that is royalty free. So if another artist, film or TV director, film or TV producer wants to use a piece of this music in their production, they can and are free to do so. All I ask for is credit and the knowledge of what their project is and which track is to be used. So it’s a little different spin on releasing music. The CD is called “Shoe String Serenade.” Being in the cast in many of the films that I have also edited was very challenging. Sometimes it can be just brutal to watch yourself up there, but to hash through all of the takes and edit it all together, that’s really insane when you’re in the cast. I was able to be very objective about the process and I did eventually get used to it. I have a tendency to cut away from myself to give the other actors more face time.

MG: You recently worked on a few indie films recently, tell us about those and where/when can we find them?
SS: Yes, along with “Shoe String Serenade” — which should be up on Amazon by the fall — I have two new DVDs just released through Amazon. Tom Zanca’s “Echoes & Voices” and Michael P. Russin’s new short, “Don’t Shoot”. Both projects are very different in style and nature and I am very fortunate to have been involved in these productions.