Media Mikes rave about “The Avengers”

Get ready for Earth’s Mightiest Heroes to assemble on the big screen for the very first time in “Marvel’s The Avengers,” only in theaters May 4th!

“The Avengers” will bring together the super hero team of Marvel Comics characters for the first time ever, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, the Hulk and more, as they are forced to band together to battle the biggest foe they’ve ever faced.

When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster.

Click here for Mike Gencarelli’s review

Click here for Mike Smith’s review

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: avengers, media, mikes, raves

Eve to Adam’s Taki Sassaris talks music with Media Mikes

Taki Sassaris is the lead singer for the rock group Eve to Adam. The New York based group released the album “Banquet for a Starving Dog” in September of 2011. Media Mikes had a chance to talk with Taki about the album and what it’s like playing in a band with a family member.

Adam Lawton: Can you tell us about the bands most recent album?
Taki Sassaris: This album I think is our most mature as a group. The songs were written about experiences we all have endured as a band. I think there is a lot of reflection in the songs that are put on display. This album is a testament to the fact that we are one of the very few bands that are making our way through the modern rock world that have been together over a decade. We are very proud of this album.

AL: What is the band’s writing process like?
 TS: The process it’s self varies. It often will depend on who brings in what idea and where everyone is at during that time. Some songs come from the jam process and are shaped over time by everyone in the group. Other times I will start a song on my own and then bring it to the group to finish. Every song has its own identity depending on how it came about. A lot of the harder more up tempo songs come out of the rehearsal situation. I personally find that setting to be the most fun to create in. I am really able to realize the song in the moment while trying to decode what the message and the emotional content is. As a writer I find this to be the most adventurous and exciting. I think a bands best worth is when they are working together as a band to come up with the best material possible.

AL: Were there any different approaches taken in the studio for this album?
TS: During the actual recording process we concentrated more on getting full live takes. We wanted the takes to have the band playing together for a majority of the album. There were a couple tracks on the album that were recorded in just one take. One thing that has evaded us in previous recording efforts was capturing that live feel from the shows. We consciously made an effort to capture a live flow with this album. I think we did that and it is a more accurate representation of the band.

AL: Does being in a band with your brother ever makes things difficult?
TS: It’s a complete blessing probably 97% of the time. The 3% percent where things go array get pretty hairy. He and I know how to push each other’s buttons very well. We are either one another’s protector or destroyer. When him and I argue or fight it can get ugly quick. We try to step away from that but you never know when you wake up if that’s going to be one of the things you are going to have to work through. We have a very strong working relationship and we balance each other. We don’t have too many black eyes or scars to show for it.

AL: What can you tell us about the bands current tour with Creed?
TS: We are both represented by the Agency group. We have been out supporting the new album since July with various groups. We had a really good run opening for Hinder that got us put up for the Creed tour. We were lucky enough to get it and it’s been an honor. This tour is the largest situation we have ever been involved in. The level of show production and crowd volume has been amazing. Creed is a band that defined our genre for more than a decade. It’s been a great challenge to us getting to warm that crowd up every night and showing people that Eve to Adam deserves to be in the conversation. The run is very intense but its fun.

AL: What is next for the band?
TS: We will be touring all through the summer and have been booked for quite a few festivals. Some things haven’t been announced yet as it is still a little too early. Our label and management have estimated to us that the band will finish 2012 out on the road. Hopefully after that we will get right back in the studio and make another album. We have a lot of ideas that we are dying to work on. We are very busy and very happy.

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Filed Under: Interviews, Music Interviews Tagged With: adams, eve, media, mikes, music, sassaris, ...

Major Giveaway: Celebrate Earth Day with BBC & Media Mikes! [ENDED]

THANK YOU FOR ENTERING, THE CONTEST HAS ENDED. WINNERS HAVE BEEN CHOSEN AND NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL. PLEASE CHECK BACK EVERY WEEK FOR NEW GIVEAWAYS!

Celebrate Earth Day with Media Mikes and BBC, as we would like to giveaway some amazing prizes. If you would like to win one of these great prizes below, all you have to do is “LIKE” our Facebook page and then post “BBC” and the name of your favorite nature program i.e. “Frozen Planet” or “Planet Earth” etc or leave us a comment below if you don’t use Facebook. This giveaway will be open until Sunday April 29th at Noon, Eastern Time and is only open to residents of the United States. Only one entry per person, per household; all other entries will be considered invalid. Once the giveaway ends, Media Mikes will randomly pick out winners and alert the winners via email.

  • 1 Limited Edition Planet Earth Globe (Blu-ray)
  • 1 Frozen Planet Blu-ray and Theatrical Poster
  • 1 BBC Natural History Collection (Blu-ray)

“Frozen Planet” Synopsis:
You’ll be filled with awe and amazement every time you watch this stunning BBC series about our planet’s best-loved, wildest and most elusive creatures, captured on breathtaking, high-definition film in the Earth’s most extreme habitats. Shot entirely in high-definition film, with revolutionary new aerial photography. From the team behind Blue Planet, including the esteemed and beloved Sir David Attenborough.

Also be sure to enter “ULTIMATE POLAR BEAR ADVENTURE SWEEPSTAKES” courtesy of BBC Home Entertainment and Tauck. You can have a chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe these magnificent, endangered polar bears up close as well as discover the rich human and natural history of Manitoba, Canada. To Enter, Visit: www.frozenplanetdvd.com. Only persons residing in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, United States and Yukon who are at least 21 years of age can enter. NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY.

 

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Mike’s Behind the Screen: Remembering John Belushi


READERS: The following is an expanded version of a “Behind the Screen” I did last year on the late John Belushi. March 5, 2012 marks the 30th Anniversary of his passing. I have included my list of Belushi’s best performances as well as an excerpt from my interview with Tim Kazurinsky, who was a close friend of Belushi and his wife, Judy.

I was very fortunate to have been around when Belushi’s star began to rise and very unfortunate to hear the news when it finally burnt out. As I do every March 5 I began thinking about what might have been and I came up with the following thoughts:

1. He was truly one of a kind.
In 1978 John Belushi starred on the number one show on television (“Saturday Night Live”), had a number one movie at the box office (“National Lampoon’s Animal House”) and added an album that also went to number one (The Blues Brothers “Briefcase Full of Blues”). I can’t think of any performer, past or present, who has been able to achieve that feat. Belushi was at the very top of the entertainment world before he was 30.

2. He was growing.
After his breakout role as Bluto in “Animal House” I’m sure Belushi could
have had a full career of playing slobs. But instead he pursued other roles. A small supporting role in “Goin’ South” opposite Jack Nicholson. A hilarious cameo as “Wild” Bill Kelso in Steven Spielberg’s underrated comedy “1941.” When he and “Blues Brothers” partner Dan Aykroyd were cast in the film “Neighbors” they switched their original roles, with Aykroyd now playing the crazy neighbor who moves in next to Belushi’s suburban house owner. His final complete role was as a Chicago reporter in “Continental Divide.” It is here that Belushi gave us a look at the future. His performance was spot on and fully developed.

3. What we missed.
Belushi’s last filmed performance was planned for use during the opening of
an episode of “Police Squad.” As Belushi died before the episode ran the footage was removed and replaced. In later years, when looking for extras
to put on the series DVD, the footage was no where to be found. Aykroyd had written at least two roles for his friend, parts that would be taken by other “SNL” alum. The first role was of Emmit Fitz-hume in “Spies Like Us,” a role that later went to Chevy Chase. The second was that of Dr. Peter Venkman in “Ghostbusters,” played in the film by Bill Murray. Rumors also have him turning down the title role in “Arthur” and the part of Billy Blazejowski in “Night Shift.” Billy Blaze made Michael Keaton a star. I’m convinced that Belushi could have gone on to have a career similar to Robin Williams, who coincidentally was with Belushi the night he died. In a bit of irony, Belushi starred in a short film on “SNL” called “Don’t Look Back in Anger.” In the film he mourns the fact that he is the last living survivor of the original “Saturday Night Live” cast. Sadly, he was the first to go. Belushi was scheduled to present the Best Visual Effects Oscar with Aykroyd at the 54th Annual Academy Awards but died three weeks before the ceremony. As he stood alone at the podium, Aykroyd honored his friend by saying, “My partner would have loved to have been here tonight to present this award,
since he was a bit of a Visual Effect himself.”

Last year I had the great fortune of interviewing Mr. Tim Kazurinsky. Where I could go on and on about John Belushi the performer Mr. Kazurinsky was able to talk about Belushi the person. Here is an excerpt from the interview:

Mike Smith: Speaking of talent taken way too soon, you worked with the late John Belushi in “Neighbors” and “Continental Divide,” which were both very different roles than Belushi fans were used to? What are your memories of working with him and how do you think his career would have played out had he lived? (NOTE: A visible sadness comes over Mr. Kazurinsky’s face and
his voice lowers)
Tim Kazurinsky: One of the great tragedies of my life was losing John. John got me hired at “SNL.” I never auditioned. He just told Dick Ebersol “ you should go to Chicago and see this guy. He should be the den mother of the next troupe.” That’s what got me hired. Ebersol came…saw the show…and hired me on the spot. I wasn’t even aware I had gotten hired for the cast. I thought I was being hired as a writer. He asked me for my AFTRA card (NOTE: the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists is the union for television actors and radio broadcasters). I asked him why and he said I needed an AFTRA card to be in the cast. I said, “What do you mean be in the cast. I thought you just hired me as a writer.” He looked at me and said, “You write?” I loved John dearly. He and his wife, Judy, were so kind to me when I got to New York. They looked after me. They were my guardian angels. (Mr. Kazurinsky’s voice gets even quieter). My birthday is March 3. The three of us were going to have dinner but Judy called me up and told me we’d have to cancel dinner on my birthday because John was still in Los Angeles. I could tell she was crying and I asked her what was going on. “I think he’s in trouble out there.” John had a bodyguard named Smokey, who had been a body guard for Elvis Presley. That week it was also his daughter’s birthday so Smokey went back to Tennessee. And of course a horrible confluence of things happened. (NOTE: On March 5, 1982, John Belushi died from an accidental drug overdose. He was 33.) And now, as of March 5th next year, John will have been dead 30 years. Where did it go? 30 years? He was such a totally misunderstood artist and man. That awful book by Bob Woodward did not serve him well. (NOTE: known for helping break the story that inspired his book “All the President’s Men,” in 1984 Woodward released the book “Wired.” The book, and the film later made of it, were critically slammed. In 1991, Judith Jacklin Belushi released the book “Samurai Widow,” a book that gave John Belushi the respect and honor he certainly earned). That book was nothing but character assassination. John felt he was being “labeled” as a performer. It’s like when the Rolling Stones, influenced by the Beatles’ “Magical Mystery Tour” and “Sgt Peppers,” did “Their Satanic Majesties Request” album. It was full of psychedelic music and their fans went, “No!” John felt his fans were thinking, “you can’t do Mike Royko in “Continental Divide”…you can’t do “Neighbors”…you’re Bluto with the mashed potatoes.” But John was really smart. He was a great improviser. And he kept asking “do I have to be THAT guy for the rest of my life?” I think it really depressed him. Billy Murray was having success with “Stripes” and…I don’t really know what was going on inside John’s head but I know he wasn’t happy. He was self medicating himself and…I look at that book “Wired” and I ask “where’ is the man I know…he’s not here.”

My Top 5 John Belushi Performances:
1. “Saturday Night Live” In four short years John Belushi introduced the world to some of the most memorable characters and impersonations ever featured on “SNL.” From Jake Blues of the Blues Brothers to Samurai Mutaba to Matt Cooper in the many “Jaws” parodies, Belushi made those characters come to life. His impersonations are almost too numerous to mention, but a few of the classics include Elizabeth Taylor, Marlon Brando, Beethoven, Henry Kissinger, William Shatner and Joe Cocker. To see him on stage next to Cocker is truly a classic moment:

2. “National Lampoon’s Animal House.” As Bluto, the hard drinking leader of Delta House that would go on to become a United States Senator, Belushi gave a performance worthy of an Oscar nomination.

3. “Neighbors.” As straight-laced suburban homeowner Earl Keese, Belushi played against type with his long time partner Dan Aykroyd. Here Aykroyd was the crazy guy while Belushi played it straight. His performance here and in the same year’s “Continental Divide” was just a glimpse of the career
he could have had in front of him

4. “1941.” Steven Spielberg’s outrageous comedy has it’s detractors but there is no argument that Belushi is the funniest part of the picture. Take a look at the teaser trailer featuring Belushi as Wild Wayne Kelso (later changed to Wild Bill Kelso in the finished film):

5. “Goin’ South.” As Deputy Hector, Belushi scored plenty of laughs in Jack Nicholson’s underrated comic western.

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Filed Under: Film Headlines Tagged With: belushi, john, mikes, remembering, screen

Media Mikes on the Radio 2/9/12 on “The Walt Bodine Show”

This Week on The Walt Bodine Show
Movie Critics: New Releases
Friday, February 10th, 2012
10:00 – 11:00 AM CST

Russ Simmons and the Movie Critics join Walt Bodine for a look at recent movie releases.

GUESTS:
Russ Simmons, co-host, KKFI, Fox 4 News
Mike Smith, MediaMikes.com

Call Walt’s LIVE Listener Line:
(816) 235-2888 or e-mail andrea@kcur.org

You can also listen online at http://www.kcur.org/programs/waltbodineshow

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Filed Under: Film Headlines Tagged With: 2912, bodine, media, mikes, radio, show, ...

Media Mikes Hosting Advance Screening for “Act of Valor” in Kansas City


Media Mikes is happy to be hosting an advance screening of Relativity Media’s upcoming film “Act of Valor,” starring Alex Veadov, Roselyn Sanchez and Nestor Serrano.

The screening will taking place on Wednesday, Feb 15, 2012 – 7:30pm — at the AMC Main Street Theatre in Kansas City. Follow the instructions below if you would like a chance to win tickets.
Instructions:
1. Tickets are available first come first serve to the first 25 people to leave a comment below or email us.
2. One code will be emailed to those people which will admit 1 person and 1 guest to the screening.
3. You will need to register at http://www.gofobo.com/rsvp to receive your tickets.

Passes are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Act of Valor” opens nationally on Friday, February 24, 2012

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Media Mikes’ Holiday Movie Preview

Once again it’s time to put the turkey in the oven, loosen our belts and plan our weekly trips to the multiplex. Its holiday time and the studios are pulling out some of the big guns to keep you entertained. Once again, MediaMikes is pleased to preview some of the films you can look forward to seeing in the next two months. As always, opening dates are subject to change at the studio’s whim.

THIS WEEK

A DANGEROUS METHOD
Starring: Michael Fassbender, Viggo Mortensen and Keira Knightley.
Directed by: David Cronenberg

It’s a battle of great minds when Sigmund Freud (Mortensen) and Carl Jung (Fassbender) duel over a disturbed patient (Knightley). Cronenberg and Mortensen have teamed up twice and produced some great films (“A History of Violence” and “Eastern Promises”). I’m expecting a hat trick here.
OSCAR CHANCES: Mortensen earned a Best Actor nod for “Eastern Promises” and Fassbender is coming off a career making performance in “X-men: First Class.”

ARTHUR CHRISTMAS
Starring the voices of: James McAvoy, Jim Broadbent and Bill Nighy
Directed by: Sarah Smith

When Santa Claus accidentally misses one child on his rounds his youngest son, Arthur, attempts to correct the problem.
OSCAR CHANCES: Don’t see it on the short list for Best Animated Feature.

THE ARTIST
Starring: Jean Dujardin, Berenice Bejo and John Goodman
Directed by: Michel Hazanavicius

In the 1920s an actor (Dujardin) falls for an upcoming actress (Bejo). This film is silent and was nominated for the Palme d’Or at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, where Dujardin was named Best Actor.

OSCAR CHANCES: The last silent film to win an Oscar was the first, “Wings.” Look for that to change soon.

HUGO
Starring: Asa Butterfield, Chloe Grace Mortez and Christopher Lee
Directed by: Martin Scorsese

In 1930’s Paris, a young boy who lives in the train station hopes to unravel a secret involving his late father and an automatron. Scorsese plus 3D? Can’t wait.

OSCAR CHANCES: With a director like Scorsese you can’t count this film out.

THE MUPPETS
Starring: Jason Segel, Amy Adams and Chris Cooper
Directed by: James Bobin

A fan of the felt covered group (Segel, who also wrote the screenplay) tries to reunite the Muppets in an attempt to stop a greedy oil tycoon (Cooper) from buying and demolishing their old theatre. Some of the original Muppet performers, including Frank Oz, declined to work on this film. But Segel has been a lifelong fan and I don’t think he’d do anything to harm the franchise. Director Tobin is making his feature film debut after having helmed many episodes of “Da Ali G Show” and “Flight of the Conchords.”

OSCAR CHANCES: To quote Johnny Carson while addressing Miss Piggy, the only Oscar award she’d ever win would be from Oscar Meyer.

MY WEEK WITH MARILYN
Starring: Michelle Williams, Kenneth Branagh and Eddie Redmayne
Directed by: Simon Curtis

A young man working on his first film is assigned to look after Marilyn Monroe.
Williams totally immerses herself in the role as does Branagh, who co-stars as Laurence Olivier.

OSCAR CHANCES: A possible nod to Williams for Best Actress.

DECEMBER 2

CORIOLANUS
Starring: Ralph Fiennes and Gerard Butler
Directed by: Ralph Fiennes

Fiennes makes his directorial debut with a modern-day retelling of the Shakespearean story of a Roman war hero who loses his power and must eam up with his enemy to lead an attack on those who betrayed him.

OSCAR CHANCES: Fiennes could be a double threat.

SHAME
Starring: Michael Fassbender, Carey Mulligan and James Badge Dale
Directed by: Steve McQueen

A sex addicted man (Fassbender) has to come to terms with who he is when his younger sister comes for a visit. The film has been rated NC-17 so you may be hard pressed finding it. Director McQueen is English and no relation to the late actor.

OSCAR CHANCES: NC-17 means not a lot of theatres will be playing it so unless everyone in Hollywood gets a screener it doesn’t appear likely.

DECEMBER 9

I MELT WITH YOU
Starring: Thomas Jane, Rob Lowe and Jeremy Piven
Directed by: Mark Pellington

When four friends from college have a reunion they are reminded of an old pact they once made with each other.

OSCAR CHANCES: Mmmmmmmmmm NO.

NEW YEAR’S EVE
Starring: Lea Michelle, Jon Bon Jovi and Halle Berry
Directed by: Garry Marshall

From the people that brought you “Valentine’s Day” comes another celebration day. Can “Cinco de Mayo: The Movie” be far behind?

OSCAR CHANCES: Nada.

THE SITTER
Starring: Jonah Hill, Ari Graynor and Sam Rockwell
Directed by: David Gordon Green

Hill stars as a college student on suspension who is coaxed into babysitting the kids next door. Foolishly, he takes the kiddies with him to New York City. For fans of Hill, this is the last “chubby” film you’ll be seeing him in. If you’ve seen his video game commercial or the trailer for “21 Jump Street” you’ll notice he’s dropped some serious poundage.

OSCAR CHANCES: Unless they give them for weight loss, no.

TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER, SPY
Starring: Gary Oldman, Tom Hardy and Colin Firth
Directed by: Tomas Alfredson

Retired from Britain’s MI6, George Smiley (Oldman) embarks on a mission to expose a mole in the organization. Oldman takes over the role played by Sir Alec Guinness in the 1979 film.

OSCAR CHANCES: Oldman is always worth watching.

W.E.
Starring: James D’Arcy and Abbie Cornish
Directed by: Madonna

Madonna directs this romantic drama focusing on the affair between King Edward VIII and American divorcée Wallis Simpson as well as a contemporary romance between a married woman and a Russian security guard. Madge also wrote the screenplay with her “Truth or Dare” collaborator Alex Keshishian.

OSCAR CHANCES: Judging from the early reviews I’d have to say no. However, there’s always the Golden Raspberry awards.

WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN
Starring: Tilda Swinton, John C. Reilly and Ezra Miller
Directed by: Lynne Ramsay

When her teenage son (Miller) goes on a killing spree at school, his mother (Swinton) must deal with her grief and her feelings of responsibility.

OSCAR CHANCES: Strong subject matter, which the Academy likes.

DECEMBER 14

LOOSIES
Starring: Peter Facinelli, Jaimie Alexander and Michael Madsen
Directed by: Michael Corrente

A New York City pickpocket learns he has a child from a long ago romance. Star Facinelli also wrote the screenplay.

OSCAR CHANCES: None

DECEMBER 16

ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: CHIPWRECKED
Starring: Alvin, Simon, Theodore
Directed by: Mike Mitchell

On a luxury cruise the boys and their Chipettes find themselves marooned on a not-so deserted island. Director Mitchell helmed the last “Shrek” film.

OSCAR CHANCES: Director Mitchell also helmed “Duece Bigalow: Male Gigolo.”

CARNAGE
Starring: Kate Winslet, Christoph Waltz, Jodie Foster and John C. Reilly
Directed by: Roman Polanski

The parents of two school boys, one family upscale the other middle class, meet to discuss their son’s schoolyard fights.

OSCAR CHANCES: Hell Yes! With the exception of Reilly, who was nominated for “Chicago,” everyone I’ve mentioned above has at least one Oscar on their mantle.

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – GHOST PROTOCOL
Starring: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner and Paula Patton
Directed by: Brad Bird

After the IMF has been disavowed by the government, Ethan Hunt (Cruise) leads a new group of agents to investigate a bombing of the Kremlin. Director Bird tries his hand with live action after having directed the animated masterpieces “The Iron Giant” and “The Incredibles.”

OSCAR CHANCES: Possibly in the technical areas.

SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS
Starring: Robert Downey, Jr., Jude Law and Jared Harris
Directed by: Guy Ritchie

Holmes does battle against his greatest nemesis, Professor Moriarty. Also stars the original “Girl in the Dragon Tattoo,” Noomi Rapace.

OSCAR CHANCES: Visual effects.

DECEMBER 21

THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN
Starring the voices of: Jamie Bell and Daniel Craig.
Directed by: Steven Spielberg

Master Spielberg tries his hand at motion-capture animation, throwing in a little 3D for good measure. There are over 20 “TinTin” classic comics so if this is a hit I’d expect more.

OSCAR CHANCES: Since the Academy ruled recently that motion capture films don’t qualify for the Animated award, unless John Williams’ score gets a nod I’d say no.

ALBERT NOBBS
Starring: Glenn Close, Mia Wasikowska and Aaron Johnson
Directed by: Rodrigo Garcia

In order to make a living in 19th century Ireland, a woman disguises herself as a man. Thirty years later she is still living a lie.

OSCAR CHANCES: Critics who have seen this film call it Close’s greatest performance.

THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO
Starring: Rooney Mara, Daniel Craig and Stellan Skarsgard
Directed by: David Fincher

The director of “The Social Network” and “Fight Club” takes on one of the most popular novel series in history. He’s also taking on the audiences pre-conceived ideas as to how the story will unfold.

OSCAR CHANCES: I haven’t read the books or seen the previous films. The trailer has had me excited for quite awhile. I’m saying at least two nominations. Do I hear three?

DECEMBER 23

IN THE LAND OF BLOOD AND HONEY
Starring: Zana Marjanovic and Goran Kostic
Directed by: Angelina Jolie

Two people fall in love during the 1990s civil war in Bosnia. Not only is Jolie making her directorial debut she also wrote the script.

OSCAR CHANCES: None to speak of.

WE BOUGHT A ZOO
Starring: Matt Damon, Scarlett Johannson and Thomas Haden Church
Directed by: Cameron Crowe

A widower decides to purchase a run-down zoo and move his family to run it. Good news: from the director of “Jerry Maguire” and “Almost Famous.” Bad news: from the director of “Elizabethtown.”

OSCAR CHANCES: Good pedigree but unusual subject.

DECEMBER 25

EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE
Starring: Tom Hanks and Thomas Horn
Directed by: Stephen Daldry

After his father is killed on 9/11 a young boy finds a mysterious key and must find out where it goes.

OSCAR CHANCES: NEVER bet against Tom Hanks or Stephen Daldry.

WAR HORSE
Starring: Jeremy Irvine, Emily Watson and David Thewlis
Directed by: Steven Spielberg

An adaptation of the children’s novel and the currently running Broadway show, the story revolves around a farm horse sent into battle during World War I and the young boy who tries to get him back.

OSCAR CHANCES: Across the board.

DECEMBER 28

PARIAH
Starring: Adepero Oduye and Kim Wayans
Directed by: Dee Rees

A Brooklyn teenager must deal with disappointing friends and family when she attempts to embrace her lesbian identity.

OSCAR CHANCES: This film has been raved about since it premiered at Sundance earlier this year. It could be this year’s “Precious.”

DECEMBER 30

ANGELS CREST
Starring: Thomas Dekker, Mira Sorvino and Lynn Collins
Directed by: Gaby Dellal

A small town father tries to care for his young son and alcoholic wife. Tragedy strikes when the young boy disappears in a snow storm.

OSCAR CHANCES: Maybe

THE IRON LADY
Starring: Meryl Streep, Jim Broadbent and Richard E. Grant
Directed by: Phyllida Lloyd

A look at Margaret Thatcher, the former English prime minister.

OSCAR CHANCES: Streep holds the record with 16 previous acting nominations (two Oscars). Can number 17 be far behind?

 

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Filed Under: Film Headlines Tagged With: holiday, media, mikes, movie, preview

"The Last Exorcism" Interviews Series

At Media Mikes, we are a big fan of horror movie genre. When I heard that “The Last Exorcism” was coming out, I knew I needed to get interviews from that cast. I set out to contact everyone that I could get a hold of and below we have some amazing interviews from the cast of the film.

I really hope everyone enjoys these interviews as much as I did doing them. These people in the film are so great. Each and every one of them has fantastic stories from the film and they were a pleasure to interview. I would hope that I could have the opportunity to talk with them again very soon.

Enjoy and please leave comments!

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Filed Under: Film Interviews, Interviews Tagged With: cast, exorcism, interviews, mikes, movie
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