Author(s): Alex / Daniel
Location: Washington State / Ohio
“Assassins"
Directed by Milos Forman
Adapted to the screen by John Logan
Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Principal Cast:
Hank Azaria (The Proprietor)
Neil Patrick Harris (The Balladeer)
Michael Cerveris (John Wilkes Booth)
Paul Giamatti (Charles Guiteau)
Bebe Neuwirth (Sara Jane Moore)
Toni Collette (Lynnette "Squeaky" Fromme)
Jack Black (John Hinckley, Jr.)
Patrick Wilson (Leon Czolgosz)
Robert Downey Jr. (Samuel Byck)
Antonio Bandaras (Giuseppe Zangara)
Alan Cumming (Lee Harvey Oswald)
Tagline: “Everybody's Got the Right”
Synopsis: "Assassins" opens in a classic American fairground shooting gallery. The Proprietor of the shooting gallery sings "Everybody's Got the Right" as the assassins enter one by one. The assassins are John Wilkes Booth, Charles Guiteau, Sara Jane Moore, Lynnette "Squeaky" Fromme, John Hinckley, Jr., Leon Czolgosz, Samuel Byck, and Giuseppe Zangara. The Proprietor says that all of their problems will disappear by killing a president. The Proprietor hands out guns to each one as they walk up to the gallery. John Wilkes Booth enters last, but then leaves abruptly as he crys "Sic Semper Tyrannis!" and shoots President Abraham Lincoln.
The Balladeer, the omniscient musical narrator, reads from Booth's diary and explains that Booth only wanted to become a legend and that is why he shot the president. Later, the male assassins are in a bar as Byck enters to ask if anyone has seen President Richard Nixon. At the bar, Zangara exclaims that he wants to become the US Ambassador to France. Czolgosz and Hinckley are about to start a fight until Booth stops them. Meanwhile, Fromme and Moore are smoking joints in a park as Fromme tells Moore of her love for Charles Manson. Moore tells Fromme that she is an FBI informant and suffers from amnesia, although this is not true. They practice with their guns by shooting at a Kentucky Fried Chicken bucket. Fromme hits the bucket while Moore doesn't even come close. The next day, Fromme and Hinckley are in Hinckley's college dorm talking about their love interests: Manson and Jodie Foster. Fromme makes fun of Hinckley for loving a woman he has never met and he throws her out. During that same day, Guiteau meets Moore as he attempts to teach her how to shoot a gun correctly and he also attempts to flirt with her. The two find Czolgosz as they sing about a gun's impact on the world. Byck sits on a park bench and is writing a letter to Leonard Bernstein. While writing, he discovers that he is ignored by the world. Byck wants to be noticed and make a difference, so he decides to assassinate President Richard Nixon. Fromme and Moore meet once again and this time talk of assassinating President Gerald Ford.
The Balladeer and The Proprietor narrate the following attempts through song with the assassins joining in. One day after being at the bar, Zangara had attempted to assassinate President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Zangara is put into the electric chair and executed. After devising his plan, Byck heads to the airport to hijack a plane. On the radio, we hear that his attempt on Nixon's life was a failure and in a twist of irony, he didn't even delay Nixon's schedule. Booth hangs himself so he does not fall in the hands of the police. Czolgosz goes to the World Fair to shake hands with President McKinley. Once it is his turn to shake hands with the president, he pulls out his gun. After being denied a kiss by Moore, Guiteau goes to the train station to ask President James Garfield if he can be the US Ambassador to France. After Garfield says no, Guiteau pulls out his gun. Guiteau gladly walks to the gallows where he is hanged. Fromme and Moore go to find Ford. Dressed as a nun, Fromme gets her chance first. Her gun doesn't go off. Moore's turn was next, but she dropped her bullets everywhere. Oblivious to what was going on around him, President Ford tried to help Moore pick up her bullets. Moore resulted to throwing her bullets at Ford which was, of course, a failure. Lastly, Hinckley attempts to assassinate President Ronald Reagan, but does not succeed. Out of the eight assassins, four fail and four succeed. The Balladeer and The Proprietor now tell all the assassins, living or dead, that their actions didn't solve any problems and that if they want to solve their problems, they must follow the American Dream. The assassins refused this idea because assassinating the president was their American Dream. Now, all of the assassins assemble on the sixth floor of a building in Texas. They see a young man named Lee Harvey Oswald about to commit suicide. Booth tells him that if he really wants to solve his problems, that he should kill the president. Oswald looks out of the window and see President John Fitzgerald Kennedy driving by. Booth hands him a gun.
Back at the fairground where the film started, the assassins and now Oswald restate their motto, "Everybody's Got the Right" and fire their guns at the camera to close the film.
What the press would say:
After the wave of movie musicals lately, I figured that Milos Forman's new film "Assassins" wouldn't stand out and would fall in the category that "Rent" and "The Producers" ended up in. I was completely wrong. Based on Stephen Sondheim's hit musical, "Assassins" follows the infamous assassins (and would-be assassins) of American History. This isn't your typical story line. The film shows all of the assassins interact with each other (no matter what the time period) and then shows all of assassinations, or attempted assassinations. Some of the musical is fiction but there still is lots of history in the film. The Balladeer and The Proprietor are played by Neil Patrick Harris (reprising his Broadway role) and Hank Azaria, respectively. The Balladeer acts as a narrator. The Proprietor is the instigator. Harris plays The Balladeer as the angel on your left shoulder and Azaria plays The Proprietor as the devil on your right. They are both magnificent as Harris sings his heart out and Azaria plays evil while pretending to be good. If I were to pick one that was better, it would have to be Hank Azaria. Azaria's great voice and his conniving character make him a key player in this year's Best Actor race. Michael Cerveris returns to his Tony Award-winning role as John Wilkes Booth. Cerveris starts the fun of "Assassins" as he shouts out "Sic Semper Tyrannus!" at the end of the first number and the show's signature number: "Everybody's Got the Right". Cerveris is top notch and after winning the Broadcast Film Critics Award for Best Supporting Actor, he starts this awards season off with a bang (no pun intended). However, Cerveris was not the only winner of the BFCA this year. He tied with his costar Paul Giamatti who plays Charles Guiteau, the assassin of President James Garfield. Giamatti is great, but it is one major scene that has put him on the awards circuit this year. In the number "The Ballad of Guiteau", Guiteau is walking up the steps to the gallows to be hanged. But that doesn't phase him at all of being a bad thing. He sings about heaven and the goodness of God. You truly believe Giamatti as he sings (who knew he could sing?) his way to a Best Supporting Actor nomination. The two women of the cast, Bebe Neuwirth and Toni Collette, are so much fun to watch. Neuwirth plays Sara Jane Moore, the would-be assassin of President Gerald Ford. Her part is the main comic relief of the film. Whether it be attempting to shoot a gun at a bucket of chicken or when she tells Toni Collette's character about herself (what she tells her is completely false), Neuwirth is amazing to watch. But not only does Neuwirth display comedy, but she also plays drama when she drops her bullets all over the groud when she was about to assassinate Ford. This is a comical scene, but you actually feel sorry for Moore as she scrambles on the ground to pick up her bullets. I guess the reason why Moore was my favorite character is because Neuwirth just makes it incredible. Toni Collette plays Charles Manson's muse Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme, the other woman accused of attempting to assassinate Gerald Ford. Fromme, or "Squeaky" as she is referred to, is also a great role and Collette plays her to perfection. Collette is so much fun to watch as a pot-smoking, crazy, and devoted maniac. "Assassins" is a joy to watch and the musical numbers are very impressive. The singing is amazing, the acting is phenomenal, and the direction is outstanding. "Assassins" is the best movie musical in the last ten years. To say that this film has a good chance of taking the Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild, and the Academy Awards by storm is not true. Expect a cyclone.
Best Picture
Best Director: Milos Forman
Best Actor Hank Azaria
Best Actor: Neil Patrick Harris (Golden Globes only)
Best Supporting Actor: Michael Cerveris
Best Supporting Actor: Paul Giamatti
Best Supporting Actress: Bebe Neuwirth
Best Supporting Actress: Toni Collette
Best Adapted Screenplay: John Logan
Best Costume Design
Best Cinematography
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Barely Standing
Author(s): George
Location: Atlanta
“Barely Standing"
Directed by: Steven Soderbergh
Written by: Terry George
Music by: Philip Glass
Principal Cast:
Malcolm David Kelly as Tom
Alex Pettyfer as Michael
Minka Kelly as Anne
Phyllis Somerville as Ms. Washington
Jake Gyllenhaal as Mr. Arnold
Daniel Radcliffe as Mark
Tagline: "Nobody Sees Me... Nobody Cares"
Synopsis: Tom is a regular kid, in a regular high school, in a regular town, in a regular world. He is not the most popular kid at school and doesn't even have a cell phone or iPod. He is a quiet freshman and speaks only to his one friend, Michael. Michael is very popular and is only hanging around Tom to make Tom feel better which only brings Tom into a deeper depression. His life in school is based on three rules before he speaks or does anything. What will they think? What will they say? What will they do?
He is on the tennis team to his father's deep disappointment and is fairly good, but not amazing. He even has a crush on a beautiful senior, Anne. He is to afraid to say anything because he doesn't know what people will say about him. His real passion is movies. He absolutely loves them. He love musicals even more. One of his favorites is MOULIN ROUGE, which he knows every song and sings them to himself. He really has a good singing voice, but is to scared about what people will think to try out for school plays. He also doesn't talk about how much movie trivia he knows to people, fearing they will not like him.
In school he is pretty smart, but his parents want him to do all the "smart" classes to get ahead. He just can't seem to keep up though, and is always having to do extra work to stay in the class. Once he catches up, he's bogged down by the textbooks and he is always tired. There is only one problem. He wants to let go. To say what he wants without fear of what they will think. To be the one who is able to keep up, not fall behind. He is to angry to keep silent. To angry to keep running like this and to sad to do anything about it.
Once his teacher, Mr. Arnold sees this, he sends him to counseling lessons with Ms. Washington who is always trying to get answers out of Tom. His counselor is patient, but Tom is not. Why should this woman suddenly be able to look into my life, he wonders. Why should I care what she says? What makes her so special so that she can look into my life and give me analysis on my behavior! His counseling room starts to look like a prison and Tom can't bear it any longer. He wants to scream, to break something, to yell at the world. But he still has the nagging question in the back of his mind. What will they think? So he just stays.
That day at tennis practice, the team starts to talk about their favorite movies. Mark, the oldest senior and an enemy of Tom's, brings up MOULIN ROUGE. They say they love it and start trying to sing the songs. Tom looks up and sees them. This is his chance, he says. This his shot to break. To not care what people will think of him. He's tired. He's tired of the textbooks bringing him down, his parents bringing him down, his teachers bringing him down, everyone ignoring him, and he's barely standing. Barely able to keep up. He wants so badly to sing the last part of "Come What May" from the film and he is still thinking about what will people say. Then, finally, with all his courage, he booms out with his beautiful voice: "Come What May, I Will Love You 'Till My Dying Day!"
He's beaming at the sky, and is happy for the first time in a long time. He doesn't care about what people will say, or what they will think. Because now he's happy. Because now, he's standing tall...
What the press would say:
Steven Soderbergh is not known for teen drams, but it should go on to his resume. Barely Standing is a true look into the life of an average high schooler. It is not the glossed over version of it, like in High School Musical, but a place where not everyone comes out on top. Malcolm David Kelly proves he can act remarkably, and is truly amazing as the depression-stricken Tom. He really is the only character in the film with development but other people like Pettyfer and especially Somervill provide good performances. The whole film takes place at the school, and Tom's feeling about his parents are expressed to Pettyfer and thoughts of screaming and what people will think are echoed in his head. The screenplay is the driving force of the film, making heart-breakingly original and true. George provides a script with so much depth, that you would swear this was actually happening. Maybe it is. Maybe there is a kid in high school just like Tom. I bet there is somewhere. Barely Standing is strikingly original, and what could have been a documentary study on the way teenagers think, comes out as an amazing portrait of one adolescent kid trying to find himself...
Nominations:
Best Picture
Best Actor (Kelly)
Best Supporting Actress (Somerville)
Best Director (Soderbergh)
Best Screenplay (George)
Best Score
Location: Atlanta
“Barely Standing"
Directed by: Steven Soderbergh
Written by: Terry George
Music by: Philip Glass
Principal Cast:
Malcolm David Kelly as Tom
Alex Pettyfer as Michael
Minka Kelly as Anne
Phyllis Somerville as Ms. Washington
Jake Gyllenhaal as Mr. Arnold
Daniel Radcliffe as Mark
Tagline: "Nobody Sees Me... Nobody Cares"
Synopsis: Tom is a regular kid, in a regular high school, in a regular town, in a regular world. He is not the most popular kid at school and doesn't even have a cell phone or iPod. He is a quiet freshman and speaks only to his one friend, Michael. Michael is very popular and is only hanging around Tom to make Tom feel better which only brings Tom into a deeper depression. His life in school is based on three rules before he speaks or does anything. What will they think? What will they say? What will they do?
He is on the tennis team to his father's deep disappointment and is fairly good, but not amazing. He even has a crush on a beautiful senior, Anne. He is to afraid to say anything because he doesn't know what people will say about him. His real passion is movies. He absolutely loves them. He love musicals even more. One of his favorites is MOULIN ROUGE, which he knows every song and sings them to himself. He really has a good singing voice, but is to scared about what people will think to try out for school plays. He also doesn't talk about how much movie trivia he knows to people, fearing they will not like him.
In school he is pretty smart, but his parents want him to do all the "smart" classes to get ahead. He just can't seem to keep up though, and is always having to do extra work to stay in the class. Once he catches up, he's bogged down by the textbooks and he is always tired. There is only one problem. He wants to let go. To say what he wants without fear of what they will think. To be the one who is able to keep up, not fall behind. He is to angry to keep silent. To angry to keep running like this and to sad to do anything about it.
Once his teacher, Mr. Arnold sees this, he sends him to counseling lessons with Ms. Washington who is always trying to get answers out of Tom. His counselor is patient, but Tom is not. Why should this woman suddenly be able to look into my life, he wonders. Why should I care what she says? What makes her so special so that she can look into my life and give me analysis on my behavior! His counseling room starts to look like a prison and Tom can't bear it any longer. He wants to scream, to break something, to yell at the world. But he still has the nagging question in the back of his mind. What will they think? So he just stays.
That day at tennis practice, the team starts to talk about their favorite movies. Mark, the oldest senior and an enemy of Tom's, brings up MOULIN ROUGE. They say they love it and start trying to sing the songs. Tom looks up and sees them. This is his chance, he says. This his shot to break. To not care what people will think of him. He's tired. He's tired of the textbooks bringing him down, his parents bringing him down, his teachers bringing him down, everyone ignoring him, and he's barely standing. Barely able to keep up. He wants so badly to sing the last part of "Come What May" from the film and he is still thinking about what will people say. Then, finally, with all his courage, he booms out with his beautiful voice: "Come What May, I Will Love You 'Till My Dying Day!"
He's beaming at the sky, and is happy for the first time in a long time. He doesn't care about what people will say, or what they will think. Because now he's happy. Because now, he's standing tall...
What the press would say:
Steven Soderbergh is not known for teen drams, but it should go on to his resume. Barely Standing is a true look into the life of an average high schooler. It is not the glossed over version of it, like in High School Musical, but a place where not everyone comes out on top. Malcolm David Kelly proves he can act remarkably, and is truly amazing as the depression-stricken Tom. He really is the only character in the film with development but other people like Pettyfer and especially Somervill provide good performances. The whole film takes place at the school, and Tom's feeling about his parents are expressed to Pettyfer and thoughts of screaming and what people will think are echoed in his head. The screenplay is the driving force of the film, making heart-breakingly original and true. George provides a script with so much depth, that you would swear this was actually happening. Maybe it is. Maybe there is a kid in high school just like Tom. I bet there is somewhere. Barely Standing is strikingly original, and what could have been a documentary study on the way teenagers think, comes out as an amazing portrait of one adolescent kid trying to find himself...
Nominations:
Best Picture
Best Actor (Kelly)
Best Supporting Actress (Somerville)
Best Director (Soderbergh)
Best Screenplay (George)
Best Score
Beeville, Texas
Author(s): Jamie Madden
Location: Melbourne, Australia
“Beeville, Texas"
Directed by Alexander Payne
Written by Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor
Produced by Paul Thomas Anderson
Original Score by Rolfe Kent
Principal Cast:
John Cusack as Jeremy Middleton
Annette Bening as Prudence Heart
Jennifer Tilly as Ariana Feelgood
Joan Cusack as Victoria R. Wiltman
Tagline: "Hypocrisy, insolence, absurdity and capitalism = sex ed in Beeville, Texas"
Synopsis: Jeremy Middleton is an unsuccessful documentary filmmaker, who is sent on a final attempt to revive his already lackluster career. His assignment takes him into Beeville, Texas, where he meets with two rival sexual education programs. The first group is ironically named SACKS (The Sexually Abstinent Catholic Kids Sanctum.) SACKS (founded by devout evangelist and NRA spokesperson Prudence Heart) provides a sanctuary for those teenagers who wish to live in harmony in their society without exploiting their bodies through premature ungodly acts of sexuality. The second and much more controversial group is SLUTT (The Sexually Liberated and United Teachers of Texas) founded by Ariana Feelgood. The SLUTT program aims to educate teens and pre-teens on the joys and pleasures of unselfish acts of sexual liberation, in a dream of a utopian open-minded god loving society.
When Principal of Beeville High, Victoria R. Wiltman is suddenly beheaded in a freak archery accident, vice-principal Prudence Heart, receives the promotion of principal, where upon some immediate changes are noticed. All junk food is banned from the cafeteria, a daily prayer is spoken during the daily assembly and the schools funding of sexual education triples, thus creating a surplus of sex ed classes and a totalitarian regime, similar to Hitler’s Nazi Germany.
Jeremy’s documentary then switches focus to Ariana and SLUTT’s fight to emancipate and expel the power crazy, gun touting Prudence and SACK, for deplorable actions of treachery and corrupting the innocent minds of the impressionable pubescent youth of Beeville, Texas.
What the press would say:
Alexander Payne returns to high school in this humorously, witty and amusingly original creation of feuding sexual education programs. Payne’s “Beeville, Texas” is not only a story of hilarious proportions, but also features a strong social commentary, ranging from issues of religion, sex, authority, politics and rivalry. Annette Bening and Jennifer Tilly are a flawless match made in heaven, providing unbelievable chemistry, rarely seen on screen. John Cusack offers some sly witty banter, as well as Joan Cusack as the Principal. Rolfe Kent supplies a brilliantly comical score that deserves a long deserved win, as well as for Bening’s performance. However, it is Payne and Jim Taylor’s script that is the heart and soul of the film, highlighted by the Oscar worthy performances. All together a astonishing portray of school sexual education.
FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION (Comedy/Musical categories for GG)
Best Picture
Best Director
Best Original Screenplay
Best Original Score
Best Actress (Bening, Tilly)
Best Actor (Cusack)
Best Supporting Actress (Cusack)
Best Costume Design
Location: Melbourne, Australia
“Beeville, Texas"
Directed by Alexander Payne
Written by Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor
Produced by Paul Thomas Anderson
Original Score by Rolfe Kent
Principal Cast:
John Cusack as Jeremy Middleton
Annette Bening as Prudence Heart
Jennifer Tilly as Ariana Feelgood
Joan Cusack as Victoria R. Wiltman
Tagline: "Hypocrisy, insolence, absurdity and capitalism = sex ed in Beeville, Texas"
Synopsis: Jeremy Middleton is an unsuccessful documentary filmmaker, who is sent on a final attempt to revive his already lackluster career. His assignment takes him into Beeville, Texas, where he meets with two rival sexual education programs. The first group is ironically named SACKS (The Sexually Abstinent Catholic Kids Sanctum.) SACKS (founded by devout evangelist and NRA spokesperson Prudence Heart) provides a sanctuary for those teenagers who wish to live in harmony in their society without exploiting their bodies through premature ungodly acts of sexuality. The second and much more controversial group is SLUTT (The Sexually Liberated and United Teachers of Texas) founded by Ariana Feelgood. The SLUTT program aims to educate teens and pre-teens on the joys and pleasures of unselfish acts of sexual liberation, in a dream of a utopian open-minded god loving society.
When Principal of Beeville High, Victoria R. Wiltman is suddenly beheaded in a freak archery accident, vice-principal Prudence Heart, receives the promotion of principal, where upon some immediate changes are noticed. All junk food is banned from the cafeteria, a daily prayer is spoken during the daily assembly and the schools funding of sexual education triples, thus creating a surplus of sex ed classes and a totalitarian regime, similar to Hitler’s Nazi Germany.
Jeremy’s documentary then switches focus to Ariana and SLUTT’s fight to emancipate and expel the power crazy, gun touting Prudence and SACK, for deplorable actions of treachery and corrupting the innocent minds of the impressionable pubescent youth of Beeville, Texas.
What the press would say:
Alexander Payne returns to high school in this humorously, witty and amusingly original creation of feuding sexual education programs. Payne’s “Beeville, Texas” is not only a story of hilarious proportions, but also features a strong social commentary, ranging from issues of religion, sex, authority, politics and rivalry. Annette Bening and Jennifer Tilly are a flawless match made in heaven, providing unbelievable chemistry, rarely seen on screen. John Cusack offers some sly witty banter, as well as Joan Cusack as the Principal. Rolfe Kent supplies a brilliantly comical score that deserves a long deserved win, as well as for Bening’s performance. However, it is Payne and Jim Taylor’s script that is the heart and soul of the film, highlighted by the Oscar worthy performances. All together a astonishing portray of school sexual education.
FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION (Comedy/Musical categories for GG)
Best Picture
Best Director
Best Original Screenplay
Best Original Score
Best Actress (Bening, Tilly)
Best Actor (Cusack)
Best Supporting Actress (Cusack)
Best Costume Design
Bright Lights, Sinly City
Author(s): Josh P.
Location: Chicago, IL
“Bright Lights, Sinly City"
Directed by Brian De Palma
Screenplay by Quentin Tarantino
Story by Brian De Palma and Quentin Tarantino
Produced by Lawrence Bender and Brian De Palma
Executive Producers: Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez, Barry Mendel
Cinematography by Robert Richardson
Edited by Sally Menke
Original Music by Alexandre Desplat
Principal Cast:
Matthew Goode (William Levin)
William Hurt (Charles Levin)
Geena Davis (Barbara Levin)
Michelle Williams (Anna Darsky)
David Morse (Detective John Patley)
Quentin Tarantino (James Beckins)
Michael Biehn (Michael Simmons)
Lukas Haas (Bobby Hendricks)
Christina Ricci (Estelle Marries)
Tagline: "Taking a gamble always has high stakes"
Synopsis: Las Vegas provides an entertaining hot spot where powerful men and women gather in the most notorious spot in the country. Here, on the outskirts of the city, is another one of the many casinos: Sinly City. Every day, hundreds of people come here to spend their money and the casino head Charles Levin (Hurt) is a witness to it all. Also a witness is his son William (Goode). Charles wants a bright future for his son and his fianceé (Williams) away from the deadly attraction of Las Vegas. He wants them to travel out west where his brother, William’s uncle, has a stable job for him in California. William is intruiged by this but isn’t quite taken. Ever since he was young, he wanted to learn more about the casino business that his father helped build, but his father has kept him out of the major loop while his curiosity has continued to grow.
One night, William takes a late night cruise on the notorious streets to fill a sexual need that he has managed to keep quite from his family. While riding along in a rented car, he stumbles upon a pequliar site. On a street corner, he witnesses the head police detective his father employes at the casino (Morse) talking to a strange man (Tarantino). He has noticed this strange man at the casino for many years but never took it upon himself to find out more. He then sees the two men get into a vehicle and drive away. Intrigued, he follows them.
What he finds is that he is led to a secret meeting place in a rundown bar. When he enters, he finds something surprising. Inside are the detective, the mysterious man now named James Beckins and Michael Simmons (Biehn), one of the most notorious drug runners in the city who has built up the reputation of being unmercifully cruel and untouched by police. It is quite a shock to William for him to find out that Simmons and his father have had an unofficial relationship ever since the beginning of his casino days: Simmons uses part of his money from drug running to fund the operations of the casino and his father uses his influence to keep the police off of his trail, aided by having one of the most influential police detectives on the payroll.
However, Will is not turned off by this; he is excited. He wants to now help Simmons because he sees that something exciting has now come out of his father’s business. Simmons agrees and uses him, Beckins and another runner (Haas) to help increase the profits. Will even starts to find a new love interest in one of Simmons’s throw away junkie girls (Ricci). Still, Will does not do the best job of concealing his double life. He disappears for days at a time, starts using the drugs more and more, and when word gets back to his father that something might be going on, Charles starts to act. Disgusted with the way everything has gone, he takes the ultimate risk and turns on Simmons and Pately. Both men are arrested with information provided by an annonomyous tip, and Will is sent to rehab. However the legions still loyal to Simmons have one last card to play. One of them ends up assassinating Charles on the casino floor. At his funeral, Will is reminded of the terrible events that have unfolded and how the bright lights did not cover the deadly sins.
What the press would say:
When one thinks of “Oscar material”, the name Brian De Palma might not immediately jump to mind, but here he certainly delivers an impressive turn. The high fashion life of Las Vegas goes perfectly with De Palma’s sensibilities, as he masterfully creates a highly stylized world drenched in a dark overtone of drugs and death. This is the perfect genre for him to work in and his use of the quick edits, swooping cinematography and fast pace make for just the right note for this film. Quentin Tarantino, a long time fan of De Palma’s work, also provides a fast, intelligent screenplay that plays both to the usual talk heavy dialouge as well as exploring deeper aspects of a high stakes world. Matthew Goode breaks out as a serious leading man in this role. He has proven supporting status in films like The Lookout and Match Point but here he truly shows the fascination this character has from the discovery of a new side of living wild to the ultimate crash he feels at the film’s tragic end. While many people in the ensemble excel, it is Michael Biehn and William Hurt who are standouts. Hurt masters the concerned father who is looking out for the misguided son and Biehn absolutely nails as the cruel villian who is both entertaining to watch and so lovely to hate. Quick-paced editing from Sally Menke, glorious and sweeping cinematography from Robert Richardson, and the quirky original score from Alexandre Desplat (mixed with some oldies from Tarantino’s collection) only add to the sheer enjoyment of this piece. The campaign consideration:
Best Picture
Best Director: Brian De Palma
Best Actor: Matthew Goode
Best Supporting Actor: Michael Biehn
Best Supporting Actor: William Hurt
Best Original Screenplay: Quentin Tarantino (screenplay/story), Brian De Palama (story)
Best Art Direction
Best Cinematography
Best Film Editing
Location: Chicago, IL
“Bright Lights, Sinly City"
Directed by Brian De Palma
Screenplay by Quentin Tarantino
Story by Brian De Palma and Quentin Tarantino
Produced by Lawrence Bender and Brian De Palma
Executive Producers: Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez, Barry Mendel
Cinematography by Robert Richardson
Edited by Sally Menke
Original Music by Alexandre Desplat
Principal Cast:
Matthew Goode (William Levin)
William Hurt (Charles Levin)
Geena Davis (Barbara Levin)
Michelle Williams (Anna Darsky)
David Morse (Detective John Patley)
Quentin Tarantino (James Beckins)
Michael Biehn (Michael Simmons)
Lukas Haas (Bobby Hendricks)
Christina Ricci (Estelle Marries)
Tagline: "Taking a gamble always has high stakes"
Synopsis: Las Vegas provides an entertaining hot spot where powerful men and women gather in the most notorious spot in the country. Here, on the outskirts of the city, is another one of the many casinos: Sinly City. Every day, hundreds of people come here to spend their money and the casino head Charles Levin (Hurt) is a witness to it all. Also a witness is his son William (Goode). Charles wants a bright future for his son and his fianceé (Williams) away from the deadly attraction of Las Vegas. He wants them to travel out west where his brother, William’s uncle, has a stable job for him in California. William is intruiged by this but isn’t quite taken. Ever since he was young, he wanted to learn more about the casino business that his father helped build, but his father has kept him out of the major loop while his curiosity has continued to grow.
One night, William takes a late night cruise on the notorious streets to fill a sexual need that he has managed to keep quite from his family. While riding along in a rented car, he stumbles upon a pequliar site. On a street corner, he witnesses the head police detective his father employes at the casino (Morse) talking to a strange man (Tarantino). He has noticed this strange man at the casino for many years but never took it upon himself to find out more. He then sees the two men get into a vehicle and drive away. Intrigued, he follows them.
What he finds is that he is led to a secret meeting place in a rundown bar. When he enters, he finds something surprising. Inside are the detective, the mysterious man now named James Beckins and Michael Simmons (Biehn), one of the most notorious drug runners in the city who has built up the reputation of being unmercifully cruel and untouched by police. It is quite a shock to William for him to find out that Simmons and his father have had an unofficial relationship ever since the beginning of his casino days: Simmons uses part of his money from drug running to fund the operations of the casino and his father uses his influence to keep the police off of his trail, aided by having one of the most influential police detectives on the payroll.
However, Will is not turned off by this; he is excited. He wants to now help Simmons because he sees that something exciting has now come out of his father’s business. Simmons agrees and uses him, Beckins and another runner (Haas) to help increase the profits. Will even starts to find a new love interest in one of Simmons’s throw away junkie girls (Ricci). Still, Will does not do the best job of concealing his double life. He disappears for days at a time, starts using the drugs more and more, and when word gets back to his father that something might be going on, Charles starts to act. Disgusted with the way everything has gone, he takes the ultimate risk and turns on Simmons and Pately. Both men are arrested with information provided by an annonomyous tip, and Will is sent to rehab. However the legions still loyal to Simmons have one last card to play. One of them ends up assassinating Charles on the casino floor. At his funeral, Will is reminded of the terrible events that have unfolded and how the bright lights did not cover the deadly sins.
What the press would say:
When one thinks of “Oscar material”, the name Brian De Palma might not immediately jump to mind, but here he certainly delivers an impressive turn. The high fashion life of Las Vegas goes perfectly with De Palma’s sensibilities, as he masterfully creates a highly stylized world drenched in a dark overtone of drugs and death. This is the perfect genre for him to work in and his use of the quick edits, swooping cinematography and fast pace make for just the right note for this film. Quentin Tarantino, a long time fan of De Palma’s work, also provides a fast, intelligent screenplay that plays both to the usual talk heavy dialouge as well as exploring deeper aspects of a high stakes world. Matthew Goode breaks out as a serious leading man in this role. He has proven supporting status in films like The Lookout and Match Point but here he truly shows the fascination this character has from the discovery of a new side of living wild to the ultimate crash he feels at the film’s tragic end. While many people in the ensemble excel, it is Michael Biehn and William Hurt who are standouts. Hurt masters the concerned father who is looking out for the misguided son and Biehn absolutely nails as the cruel villian who is both entertaining to watch and so lovely to hate. Quick-paced editing from Sally Menke, glorious and sweeping cinematography from Robert Richardson, and the quirky original score from Alexandre Desplat (mixed with some oldies from Tarantino’s collection) only add to the sheer enjoyment of this piece. The campaign consideration:
Best Picture
Best Director: Brian De Palma
Best Actor: Matthew Goode
Best Supporting Actor: Michael Biehn
Best Supporting Actor: William Hurt
Best Original Screenplay: Quentin Tarantino (screenplay/story), Brian De Palama (story)
Best Art Direction
Best Cinematography
Best Film Editing
Clue
Author(s): Michael
Location: Oklahoma
“Clue"
Directed by Christopher Guest
Written by Christopher Guest, Eugene Levy, and B.J. Novak
Principal Cast:
Christopher Guest- Wadsworth
Catherine O’Hara- Mrs. Peacock
Rachael Harris- Mrs. White
Ed Begley Jr. - Mr. Green
Parker Posey- Miss Scarlett
Eugene Levy- Colonel Mustard
Harry Shearer- Professor Plum
Jennifer Coolidge- Yvette (The Maid)
Michael Hitchcock- Mr. Boddy
Christopher Moynihan- The Motorist
Fred Willard- The Chief/ Evangelist
John Michael Higgins- The Cop
Carrie Aizley- The Singing Telegram Girl
Jane Lynch- The Cook
Tagline: "Communism is just a red herring!"
Comedy
Synopsis: We all know the game and everyone has their favorite character. We all know our favorite weapon, and we all know our favorite room. But, what most of us don’t know is the real story of these 6 individuals and that night at the Boddy mansion…
It’s 1950 and a certain Mr. Boddy has called together of all of the people he is blackmailing for a new “arrangement.” This brings together the wife of a senator (Mrs. Peacock), the runner of a call girl service (Miss Scarlett), and even a closeted homosexual working with the state department (Mr. Green). Some are suspected of killing their husbands (Mrs. White), selling radio parts during World War II (Colonel Mustard), and having taken advantage of their lady patients (Professor Plum). Upon arriving each guest is greeted by Wadsworth (The Butler) and taken to the library to have champagne. Once they have all arrived they are taken to the Dining Room to dine of course, and during that time they slowly get acquainted with one another. Soon they find out that some way or another they are linked through Washington D.C. and assume that that is why they are all there. Then, the doorbell rings and Mr. Boddy arrives at what is supposed to be his mansion. He sits down to the table and seems to be very friendly with the maid, Yvette. Disgusted at his relations with the maid and wondering what they are really doing there, all of the guests decide to adjourn to the Study for coffee and brandy.
Once in the study and all settled in, Wadsworth unveils that all of the guests are being blackmailed. Following that statement, he goes around the room and unveils the dirty secrets for which each of the guests, except Mr. Boddy, is being blackmailed for. All in confusion now, they then want to know why Mr. Boddy was left out. Wadsworth then informs them that he was the one blackmailing them. It is then that Mr. Boddy notifies the group that he has presents for all of them. The presents happen to be, a revolver, a lead pipe, a candlestick, a wrench, a rope, and a knife. Then, Mr. Boddy tells then that they should kill Wadsworth in order to get the key, unlock the front door, leave, and pretend it never happened. However, when Mr. Boddy turns off the lights so that whoever wants to can kill Wadsworth, a thud is heard, the gun is fired, and suddenly Mrs. Peacock turns the light back on to find, that Mr. Boddy is dead.
From that point on there will be 5 more murders at the Boddy Mansion that will occur during, hilarity, suspense, chaos, and the next 45 minutes until the police arrive. The problem is all 6 murders have to be solved before the police come.
What the press would say:
Nowadays in Hollywood, filmmakers are remaking films left and right simply because there is a lack of originality. So when I heard the news that the 1985 cult classic “Clue” was being remade, I was immediately disgruntled even after hearing that Christopher Guest and his usual crew would be making the film. However I came away from the film extremely happy that it was as good as it was. Christopher Guest shied away from the way he normally directs his movies, by actually giving the actors a script to work with. The film is still improvised a great deal, but you can’t really tell because the dialogue flows so well and is so witty. The film is very much in the spirit of the original film, but it really works because the ensemble does extremely well, but Guest’s directing still shines through. In many ways this film is very different from his other films because it has a lot darker of a tone especially with the Mr. Boddy scenes, but I really liked it because even then, that distinct Guest feeling still shined through. I hate to really claim that one performance was better than another because it truly is an ensemble piece of work that is cast perfectly. Catherine O’Hara is fantastic as Mrs. Peacock and gives an excellent comedic performance. Rachael Harris, who is extremely underrated, rises to the spotlight in this movie and really is the star. She has a great deadpan kind of humor in the film that is hilarious, if anyone in the cast deserves any sort of recognition it is her. Rachael does a unbelievable job and is just hilarious. Harry Shearer offers a lot of good zingers as well, and is really really good. Ed Begley Jr. does a great job and he may seem a bit old for the role, but he a truly great job. Parker Posey gives another juicy performance that is side-splitting humor, and Eugene Levy gave a fine performance as well. Christopher Guest really rose to the occasion and took over a role that was perfectly performed by Tim Curry and does a great job and made the character his own.
Overall, this film really is something to see, and should not be overlooked in any category in any kind of awards show. Hopefully, this incredible movie will reach a broader audience than the 1985 version. A truly great film that everyone needs to go see!
For Your Consideration:
Best Picture
Best Director- Christopher Guest
Best Supporting Actor- Eugene Levy
Best Supporting Actor- Ed Begley Jr.
Best Supporting Actor- Harry Shearer
Best Supporting Actor- Christopher Guest
Best Supporting Actress- Rachael Harris
Best Supporting Actress- Catherine O’Hara
Best Supporting Actress- Parker Posey
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Editing
Best Art Direction
Best Costume Design
Location: Oklahoma
“Clue"
Directed by Christopher Guest
Written by Christopher Guest, Eugene Levy, and B.J. Novak
Principal Cast:
Christopher Guest- Wadsworth
Catherine O’Hara- Mrs. Peacock
Rachael Harris- Mrs. White
Ed Begley Jr. - Mr. Green
Parker Posey- Miss Scarlett
Eugene Levy- Colonel Mustard
Harry Shearer- Professor Plum
Jennifer Coolidge- Yvette (The Maid)
Michael Hitchcock- Mr. Boddy
Christopher Moynihan- The Motorist
Fred Willard- The Chief/ Evangelist
John Michael Higgins- The Cop
Carrie Aizley- The Singing Telegram Girl
Jane Lynch- The Cook
Tagline: "Communism is just a red herring!"
Comedy
Synopsis: We all know the game and everyone has their favorite character. We all know our favorite weapon, and we all know our favorite room. But, what most of us don’t know is the real story of these 6 individuals and that night at the Boddy mansion…
It’s 1950 and a certain Mr. Boddy has called together of all of the people he is blackmailing for a new “arrangement.” This brings together the wife of a senator (Mrs. Peacock), the runner of a call girl service (Miss Scarlett), and even a closeted homosexual working with the state department (Mr. Green). Some are suspected of killing their husbands (Mrs. White), selling radio parts during World War II (Colonel Mustard), and having taken advantage of their lady patients (Professor Plum). Upon arriving each guest is greeted by Wadsworth (The Butler) and taken to the library to have champagne. Once they have all arrived they are taken to the Dining Room to dine of course, and during that time they slowly get acquainted with one another. Soon they find out that some way or another they are linked through Washington D.C. and assume that that is why they are all there. Then, the doorbell rings and Mr. Boddy arrives at what is supposed to be his mansion. He sits down to the table and seems to be very friendly with the maid, Yvette. Disgusted at his relations with the maid and wondering what they are really doing there, all of the guests decide to adjourn to the Study for coffee and brandy.
Once in the study and all settled in, Wadsworth unveils that all of the guests are being blackmailed. Following that statement, he goes around the room and unveils the dirty secrets for which each of the guests, except Mr. Boddy, is being blackmailed for. All in confusion now, they then want to know why Mr. Boddy was left out. Wadsworth then informs them that he was the one blackmailing them. It is then that Mr. Boddy notifies the group that he has presents for all of them. The presents happen to be, a revolver, a lead pipe, a candlestick, a wrench, a rope, and a knife. Then, Mr. Boddy tells then that they should kill Wadsworth in order to get the key, unlock the front door, leave, and pretend it never happened. However, when Mr. Boddy turns off the lights so that whoever wants to can kill Wadsworth, a thud is heard, the gun is fired, and suddenly Mrs. Peacock turns the light back on to find, that Mr. Boddy is dead.
From that point on there will be 5 more murders at the Boddy Mansion that will occur during, hilarity, suspense, chaos, and the next 45 minutes until the police arrive. The problem is all 6 murders have to be solved before the police come.
What the press would say:
Nowadays in Hollywood, filmmakers are remaking films left and right simply because there is a lack of originality. So when I heard the news that the 1985 cult classic “Clue” was being remade, I was immediately disgruntled even after hearing that Christopher Guest and his usual crew would be making the film. However I came away from the film extremely happy that it was as good as it was. Christopher Guest shied away from the way he normally directs his movies, by actually giving the actors a script to work with. The film is still improvised a great deal, but you can’t really tell because the dialogue flows so well and is so witty. The film is very much in the spirit of the original film, but it really works because the ensemble does extremely well, but Guest’s directing still shines through. In many ways this film is very different from his other films because it has a lot darker of a tone especially with the Mr. Boddy scenes, but I really liked it because even then, that distinct Guest feeling still shined through. I hate to really claim that one performance was better than another because it truly is an ensemble piece of work that is cast perfectly. Catherine O’Hara is fantastic as Mrs. Peacock and gives an excellent comedic performance. Rachael Harris, who is extremely underrated, rises to the spotlight in this movie and really is the star. She has a great deadpan kind of humor in the film that is hilarious, if anyone in the cast deserves any sort of recognition it is her. Rachael does a unbelievable job and is just hilarious. Harry Shearer offers a lot of good zingers as well, and is really really good. Ed Begley Jr. does a great job and he may seem a bit old for the role, but he a truly great job. Parker Posey gives another juicy performance that is side-splitting humor, and Eugene Levy gave a fine performance as well. Christopher Guest really rose to the occasion and took over a role that was perfectly performed by Tim Curry and does a great job and made the character his own.
Overall, this film really is something to see, and should not be overlooked in any category in any kind of awards show. Hopefully, this incredible movie will reach a broader audience than the 1985 version. A truly great film that everyone needs to go see!
For Your Consideration:
Best Picture
Best Director- Christopher Guest
Best Supporting Actor- Eugene Levy
Best Supporting Actor- Ed Begley Jr.
Best Supporting Actor- Harry Shearer
Best Supporting Actor- Christopher Guest
Best Supporting Actress- Rachael Harris
Best Supporting Actress- Catherine O’Hara
Best Supporting Actress- Parker Posey
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Editing
Best Art Direction
Best Costume Design
Cold Welcome
Author(s): Al
Location: New York
“Cold Welcome"
Directed by David Fincher
Written by Daniel Futterman
Principal Cast:
Sam Aronson: Jake Gyllenhaal
Anne Aronson: Faye Dunaway
Lisa Mendel: Zooey Deschanel
Benny: John C. Reilly
Walter Finch: Chris Cooper
Allan Holt: Stanley Tucci
Michael Woodworth: Kurt Russell
Nora Mendel: Sally Field
Cara Feldman: Rashida Jones
and
Frank Aronson: Gene Hackman
Tagline: "What happens when you're forced to return to a life you thought you'd left behind?"
Synopsis: Sam Aronson is finally happy with his life. He's got a successful career as a P.I. in New York City, a funny and cute girlfriend Cara, and a good apartment. But one day he gets a fateful call; his mother, telling him that his father Frank, who he had always been on bad terms with, has been murdered. Sam will now have to return to the life he wanted so desperately to leave behind: the sleepy small town in Michigan were he grew up-and always wanted to escape from.
The inept police, headed up by Walter Finch, determines that Frank's probable murderer was Benny, one of Frank's mentally unstable underlings at the store he owned. But Sam suspects otherwise. He decides to return home to try and solve his father's murder. When he returns, he finds his usually calm and understanding mother in a state of dementia and denial. He also comes across his high school sweetheart, Lisa, who stayed in Michigan to care for her sick mother, but occasionally longs for something more. She reluctantly agrees to help him with the case.
While researching his death, Sam finds out more about his father than he ever knew. An obnoxious representative for a big-box store, Allan Holt, had been fighting with Frank for years over trying to buy his land. He also comes across an old college friend of Frank's, Michael Woodworth, who had been financially supporting the family for years but had become irate and constantly threatening Frank to repay him. Sam has suspicions about these two men, and decides to investigate them further. Meanwhile, Sam is reconnecting with his mother and helping her out of her depression.
As he spends more and more time in his sleepy hometown, he discovers things about his family that he never knew, and rekindles his relationship with Lisa. But when he is anonymously threatened over the phone, he wonders if he should stay on the case and avenge the father he barely knew… or return to New York and spend the rest of his live thinking of what could have been.
What the press would say:
At first glance, "Cold Welcome" seems like just another small-town/murder film. It seems formulaic, maybe downright boring. But look beyond its surface and the film isn't about a murder being solved: it's about rediscovering youth, facing a troubled past, and relationships both familial and adversarial. Masterfully directed by David Fincher, who made "Zodiac" dark and interesting, "Cold Welcome" tells the story of a yuppie who returns to his small hometown to solve his father's murder. While the movie does have dark overtones and a melancholy premise, it's really a character drama-about the conflicted Sam and the people who surround him. Fincher directs the film with an almost sepia-tinged feel, weaving an intimate setting around his characters. We never learn anything before Sam does-it's almost as if the film is all through his eyes. As Sam pieces together Frank's murder, we do too. Dan Futterman's script is witty and clever, but the real high point of the film is the acting. Jake Gyllenhaal, the lead, shows depth and range as Sam, a brooding yuppie who does not want to return to the life he left behind. He's showing real capacity here. Faye Dunaway, in a remarkable comeback, works wonders as Sam's earnest mother, shaken by her husband's death. Her eyes convey so many emotions at once, it's almost hard to keep up. Zooey Deschanel, a good actress who doesn't get many good roles, shines as Sam's counterpart. She is visibly hurt by his abandonment and is almost depressing, but she shows glimpses of light beneath her tough exterior that show us Lisa's true colors. Gene Hackman, seen only through flashbacks, does a lot with a limited role. Admittedly, as Sam's dead father, he IS the heart and soul of the movie. Stanley Tucci, Kurt Russell, and Chris Cooper also give great performances in villainous, yet somehow sympathetic roles. John C. Reilly, as the mentally unstable prime suspect, is amazing. He exhibits method acting at its best: completely inhabiting the character and laying himself bare for the camera, Reilly makes every word powerful, every syllable quake, every face filled with meaning. Playing the mentally disabled is hard, but he pulls it off brilliantly.
"Cold Welcome" won't change your life. And it's not the greatest anything. But it's an inherently human, well made picture. And that's all it has to be. Well written and directed, I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes a bit of conscious thought in their moviegoing experience.
Best Picture-AMPAS
Best Picture (Drama)-HFPA
Best Ensemble-SAG
Best Director-David Fincher
Best Original Screenplay-Dan Futterman
Best Actor-Jake Gyllenhaal
Best Supporting Actor-Gene Hackman
Best Supporting Actor-John C. Reilly
Best Supporting Actor-Stanley Tucci
Best Supporting Actress-Faye Dunaway
Best Supporting Actress-Zooey Deschanel
Location: New York
“Cold Welcome"
Directed by David Fincher
Written by Daniel Futterman
Principal Cast:
Sam Aronson: Jake Gyllenhaal
Anne Aronson: Faye Dunaway
Lisa Mendel: Zooey Deschanel
Benny: John C. Reilly
Walter Finch: Chris Cooper
Allan Holt: Stanley Tucci
Michael Woodworth: Kurt Russell
Nora Mendel: Sally Field
Cara Feldman: Rashida Jones
and
Frank Aronson: Gene Hackman
Tagline: "What happens when you're forced to return to a life you thought you'd left behind?"
Synopsis: Sam Aronson is finally happy with his life. He's got a successful career as a P.I. in New York City, a funny and cute girlfriend Cara, and a good apartment. But one day he gets a fateful call; his mother, telling him that his father Frank, who he had always been on bad terms with, has been murdered. Sam will now have to return to the life he wanted so desperately to leave behind: the sleepy small town in Michigan were he grew up-and always wanted to escape from.
The inept police, headed up by Walter Finch, determines that Frank's probable murderer was Benny, one of Frank's mentally unstable underlings at the store he owned. But Sam suspects otherwise. He decides to return home to try and solve his father's murder. When he returns, he finds his usually calm and understanding mother in a state of dementia and denial. He also comes across his high school sweetheart, Lisa, who stayed in Michigan to care for her sick mother, but occasionally longs for something more. She reluctantly agrees to help him with the case.
While researching his death, Sam finds out more about his father than he ever knew. An obnoxious representative for a big-box store, Allan Holt, had been fighting with Frank for years over trying to buy his land. He also comes across an old college friend of Frank's, Michael Woodworth, who had been financially supporting the family for years but had become irate and constantly threatening Frank to repay him. Sam has suspicions about these two men, and decides to investigate them further. Meanwhile, Sam is reconnecting with his mother and helping her out of her depression.
As he spends more and more time in his sleepy hometown, he discovers things about his family that he never knew, and rekindles his relationship with Lisa. But when he is anonymously threatened over the phone, he wonders if he should stay on the case and avenge the father he barely knew… or return to New York and spend the rest of his live thinking of what could have been.
What the press would say:
At first glance, "Cold Welcome" seems like just another small-town/murder film. It seems formulaic, maybe downright boring. But look beyond its surface and the film isn't about a murder being solved: it's about rediscovering youth, facing a troubled past, and relationships both familial and adversarial. Masterfully directed by David Fincher, who made "Zodiac" dark and interesting, "Cold Welcome" tells the story of a yuppie who returns to his small hometown to solve his father's murder. While the movie does have dark overtones and a melancholy premise, it's really a character drama-about the conflicted Sam and the people who surround him. Fincher directs the film with an almost sepia-tinged feel, weaving an intimate setting around his characters. We never learn anything before Sam does-it's almost as if the film is all through his eyes. As Sam pieces together Frank's murder, we do too. Dan Futterman's script is witty and clever, but the real high point of the film is the acting. Jake Gyllenhaal, the lead, shows depth and range as Sam, a brooding yuppie who does not want to return to the life he left behind. He's showing real capacity here. Faye Dunaway, in a remarkable comeback, works wonders as Sam's earnest mother, shaken by her husband's death. Her eyes convey so many emotions at once, it's almost hard to keep up. Zooey Deschanel, a good actress who doesn't get many good roles, shines as Sam's counterpart. She is visibly hurt by his abandonment and is almost depressing, but she shows glimpses of light beneath her tough exterior that show us Lisa's true colors. Gene Hackman, seen only through flashbacks, does a lot with a limited role. Admittedly, as Sam's dead father, he IS the heart and soul of the movie. Stanley Tucci, Kurt Russell, and Chris Cooper also give great performances in villainous, yet somehow sympathetic roles. John C. Reilly, as the mentally unstable prime suspect, is amazing. He exhibits method acting at its best: completely inhabiting the character and laying himself bare for the camera, Reilly makes every word powerful, every syllable quake, every face filled with meaning. Playing the mentally disabled is hard, but he pulls it off brilliantly.
"Cold Welcome" won't change your life. And it's not the greatest anything. But it's an inherently human, well made picture. And that's all it has to be. Well written and directed, I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes a bit of conscious thought in their moviegoing experience.
Best Picture-AMPAS
Best Picture (Drama)-HFPA
Best Ensemble-SAG
Best Director-David Fincher
Best Original Screenplay-Dan Futterman
Best Actor-Jake Gyllenhaal
Best Supporting Actor-Gene Hackman
Best Supporting Actor-John C. Reilly
Best Supporting Actor-Stanley Tucci
Best Supporting Actress-Faye Dunaway
Best Supporting Actress-Zooey Deschanel
Diary of a Sociopath
Author(s): Sergio
Location: Spain
“Diary of a Sociopath"
Written and Directed by Alexander Payne
David T. Friendly, Peter Saraf and Marc Turtletaub, Producers
Music by Rolfe Kent
Principal Cast:
Paul Giamatti (Henry Gray)
Jon Heder (Gus)
Evan Rachel Wood (Morgana)
Tony Collette (Deborah)
Harry Dean Stanton (Deborah’s Husband)
Frances Conroy (Ms. Rose)
Maura Tierney (Mary Jane)
Stanley Tucci (Lawyer)
Tagline: “My name is Henry and I am a sociopath.”
Synopsis: Henry Gray hates everybody in a pathological way. He lives in NY and the only physical person he talks with is his owner Ms Rose. He hates his job as a civil servant and, of course, he hates his colleagues too. He considers this world sucks and he can’t find sense in anything. His only illusion in life is a blog he’s created, in which he writes about how he feels day after day, expressing all his frustration. His dedication to the blog turns an obsession and he cannot wait to be at home, so he dedicates the working hours in the office to write on it and to read the comments. His boss finds out by a spiteful worker and Henry is moved to a department with no internet access.
Henry has to drive to Jacksonville because his sister Deborah is going to get married for the third time and he will be the godfather. Deborah works in an elders’ residence, she is pregnant of twins and asks him for a big favour. Her son Gus is studying his first year in Columbia University and she asks him for bringing Gus with him to the wedding. Henry had avoided seeing his nephew in all this year and he doesn’t like the idea at all, but he has no chance. So he buys a portable computer with Wifi and he picks up his almost unknown nephew.
During the trip, Henry shows himself as a silent and antisocial person meanwhile Gus doesn’t stop talking about everything and that make sick to his uncle. Gus has been a freak all his life but, since he is in the University, he wants to experiment all he can because his hormones are over-excited. To pass the night Henry looks for a motel with internet connection but he doesn’t find any. Henry forces his nephew to have the portable computer switched on to find a wifi zone. Gus thinks his uncle is a pervert. Finally they stay in a motel with no internet and with just one bed for both. Henry decides to sleep in the car after the sounds recital and sample of piercings and tattoos of his nephew.
Henry passes the following day with a great anxiety and neck pain. Gus convinces his uncle to drive and, when Henry gets slept, Gus crashes the car against a van. The van is led by Morgana, a learner driver, and after a great discussion with Henry she takes them to a mechanical workshop. Unexpectedly they have to stay in the village until they arrange the car, so they have to stay in a motel. The wedding is the following day and Deborah warns his brother that they have to be there in time or she will kill them. Gus gets a date with Morgana and hours later Henry receives a call from Gus asking for help. They were having sex in Morgana's car and they get hooked by their genital piercings. Henry can’t believe his own eyes and takes them to the hospital. While the operation, Henry sees the opportunity to get into an administration office where there is a computer with internet. A nurse sees him and calls security. Henry passes the night in prison. In the morning Morgana pays the bail, in gratefulness for his help. The car is not arranged yet and they have to get to the wedding before midday. Gus confesses to his uncle that he and Morgana have married in the hospital’s chapel because they have understood the incident as a sign. Morgana offers her car and the three come rightly in time for the wedding.
During the wedding Henry meets with his first secret love, Mary Jane. He thinks he has the strength to finally say something to her, but now she is married and Henry feels frustrated. Henry hears a conversation in which Mary Jane talks with some friends about a ridiculous blog called "Diary of a Sociopath" she found once by chance. They all laugh about some of the stories she tells. Henry finds a silent support in his sister Deborah, the only one able to understand him. Suddenly Henry receives a call from a lawyer in NY. Ms Rose is dead and she has left all her fortune to him, her money, her building. Henry gets shocked and gets it as a big irony, and like the perfect way to end an unsubstantial cycle in his life.
Henry is in Ms Rose’s burial. She had been like a mother for him and he feels a great unexpected emptiness inside. Gus and Morgana are beside him, they seem happy together. Henry realizes he has to begin his real life for once.
What the press would say:
Henry Gray is one of these persons that we would cross in our life and whom we would do the most minimal case. He is a person who passes unnoticed in life and from whom we would move away because of his antipathy. Alexander Payne wrote this script with Paul Giamatti in mind. Payne was not conceiving the film without him. Paul Giamatti plays this role in a magisterial way, providing it of a great realism because initially we hate him and then we go understanding his acts and getting closer. Henry Gray becomes real by Giamatti's wonderful work. But the history doesn’t make sense without the contraposition of his extrovert and crazy nephew Jon Heder and this awkward and absent-minded young woman, with hippy parents, that believes in the signs Evan Rachel Wood. They both play their roles in a passionate and touching way. Tony Collette is perfect, like always, and plays a funny and full of shades character, who is employed at an elders' residence and who always falls in love with very old men.
This is a very entertaining movie and, in occasions, reflexive as well. Flood, satirical, with black humour, irony and sarcasm. With big doses of social critique and without false morality. An atypical movie, praised by the public and the critics. A story, simple in appearance, which turns out to be a thesis about how we relate to the others. You will leave the theatre completely overloaded, full of energy, wanting to live and to fill your life with lots of experiences, no matter how they will be.
FYC:
Best Picture
Best Director: Alexander Payne
Best Original Screenplay: Alexander Payne
Best Leading Actor: Paul Giamatti
Best Supporting Actor: Jon Heder
Best Supporting Actress: Evan Rachel Wood
Best Supporting Actress: Tony Collette
Location: Spain
“Diary of a Sociopath"
Written and Directed by Alexander Payne
David T. Friendly, Peter Saraf and Marc Turtletaub, Producers
Music by Rolfe Kent
Principal Cast:
Paul Giamatti (Henry Gray)
Jon Heder (Gus)
Evan Rachel Wood (Morgana)
Tony Collette (Deborah)
Harry Dean Stanton (Deborah’s Husband)
Frances Conroy (Ms. Rose)
Maura Tierney (Mary Jane)
Stanley Tucci (Lawyer)
Tagline: “My name is Henry and I am a sociopath.”
Synopsis: Henry Gray hates everybody in a pathological way. He lives in NY and the only physical person he talks with is his owner Ms Rose. He hates his job as a civil servant and, of course, he hates his colleagues too. He considers this world sucks and he can’t find sense in anything. His only illusion in life is a blog he’s created, in which he writes about how he feels day after day, expressing all his frustration. His dedication to the blog turns an obsession and he cannot wait to be at home, so he dedicates the working hours in the office to write on it and to read the comments. His boss finds out by a spiteful worker and Henry is moved to a department with no internet access.
Henry has to drive to Jacksonville because his sister Deborah is going to get married for the third time and he will be the godfather. Deborah works in an elders’ residence, she is pregnant of twins and asks him for a big favour. Her son Gus is studying his first year in Columbia University and she asks him for bringing Gus with him to the wedding. Henry had avoided seeing his nephew in all this year and he doesn’t like the idea at all, but he has no chance. So he buys a portable computer with Wifi and he picks up his almost unknown nephew.
During the trip, Henry shows himself as a silent and antisocial person meanwhile Gus doesn’t stop talking about everything and that make sick to his uncle. Gus has been a freak all his life but, since he is in the University, he wants to experiment all he can because his hormones are over-excited. To pass the night Henry looks for a motel with internet connection but he doesn’t find any. Henry forces his nephew to have the portable computer switched on to find a wifi zone. Gus thinks his uncle is a pervert. Finally they stay in a motel with no internet and with just one bed for both. Henry decides to sleep in the car after the sounds recital and sample of piercings and tattoos of his nephew.
Henry passes the following day with a great anxiety and neck pain. Gus convinces his uncle to drive and, when Henry gets slept, Gus crashes the car against a van. The van is led by Morgana, a learner driver, and after a great discussion with Henry she takes them to a mechanical workshop. Unexpectedly they have to stay in the village until they arrange the car, so they have to stay in a motel. The wedding is the following day and Deborah warns his brother that they have to be there in time or she will kill them. Gus gets a date with Morgana and hours later Henry receives a call from Gus asking for help. They were having sex in Morgana's car and they get hooked by their genital piercings. Henry can’t believe his own eyes and takes them to the hospital. While the operation, Henry sees the opportunity to get into an administration office where there is a computer with internet. A nurse sees him and calls security. Henry passes the night in prison. In the morning Morgana pays the bail, in gratefulness for his help. The car is not arranged yet and they have to get to the wedding before midday. Gus confesses to his uncle that he and Morgana have married in the hospital’s chapel because they have understood the incident as a sign. Morgana offers her car and the three come rightly in time for the wedding.
During the wedding Henry meets with his first secret love, Mary Jane. He thinks he has the strength to finally say something to her, but now she is married and Henry feels frustrated. Henry hears a conversation in which Mary Jane talks with some friends about a ridiculous blog called "Diary of a Sociopath" she found once by chance. They all laugh about some of the stories she tells. Henry finds a silent support in his sister Deborah, the only one able to understand him. Suddenly Henry receives a call from a lawyer in NY. Ms Rose is dead and she has left all her fortune to him, her money, her building. Henry gets shocked and gets it as a big irony, and like the perfect way to end an unsubstantial cycle in his life.
Henry is in Ms Rose’s burial. She had been like a mother for him and he feels a great unexpected emptiness inside. Gus and Morgana are beside him, they seem happy together. Henry realizes he has to begin his real life for once.
What the press would say:
Henry Gray is one of these persons that we would cross in our life and whom we would do the most minimal case. He is a person who passes unnoticed in life and from whom we would move away because of his antipathy. Alexander Payne wrote this script with Paul Giamatti in mind. Payne was not conceiving the film without him. Paul Giamatti plays this role in a magisterial way, providing it of a great realism because initially we hate him and then we go understanding his acts and getting closer. Henry Gray becomes real by Giamatti's wonderful work. But the history doesn’t make sense without the contraposition of his extrovert and crazy nephew Jon Heder and this awkward and absent-minded young woman, with hippy parents, that believes in the signs Evan Rachel Wood. They both play their roles in a passionate and touching way. Tony Collette is perfect, like always, and plays a funny and full of shades character, who is employed at an elders' residence and who always falls in love with very old men.
This is a very entertaining movie and, in occasions, reflexive as well. Flood, satirical, with black humour, irony and sarcasm. With big doses of social critique and without false morality. An atypical movie, praised by the public and the critics. A story, simple in appearance, which turns out to be a thesis about how we relate to the others. You will leave the theatre completely overloaded, full of energy, wanting to live and to fill your life with lots of experiences, no matter how they will be.
FYC:
Best Picture
Best Director: Alexander Payne
Best Original Screenplay: Alexander Payne
Best Leading Actor: Paul Giamatti
Best Supporting Actor: Jon Heder
Best Supporting Actress: Evan Rachel Wood
Best Supporting Actress: Tony Collette
Dominion
Author(s): Tony
Location: Pittsburgh
“Dominion"
Written and Directed by M. Night Shyamalan
Principal Cast:
Jeremy Renner as Andy Denton
Bruce Willis as Kevin Denton
Wes Bentley as Richard Curtin
Liev Schreiber as Mr. Born
Melanie Griffith as Loretta Curtin
Danny Aiello as Dr. Gordon
Tagline: “Go to sleep, Andy. Wake up, Andy. Kill, Andy, kill”
Synopsis: A quiet diner in the small town of Hudson Wyoming is where Andy Denton placed one hand over the other onto his cold table, focusing on the outline of his fingers, desperately trying to puzzle together the missing pieces of the one thing he could never solve, his life. Years had gone by since Andy could remember any recollection of his days as a child and young adult. With the help from his concerned father Kevin, Andy is in search for his mysterious, missing time frame. Home movies, photographs, none of it made sense to Andy. The only thing Andy knew was the untimely coincidences that have been going on, and his recent problem dealing with his state of mind.
Andy notices certain things that are repeating constantly. The album "The Wall" by Pink Floyd is always playing, seeing cds in which he doesn't remember buying. His random run-ins with his old math teacher Mr. Born. A blood stain that appears on Andys flannel shirt constantly, even after washing it out, it always reappears. At first Andy thought nothing of these occurrences, but this was just the start. Andy's life takes a gigantic shift when Kevin notices odd behaviors with his son. Strange posturing, inappropriate laughter, not blinking. Andy is aware of this, but will refuse to seek help. It was obvious Andy had the symptoms of schizophrenia.
The ultimate symptom would begin a few days later. Andy would begin to hear voices in his head, if he didn't obey the voices commands, a powerful chest pain would occur and Andy would be forced to obey. It finally took the last step, where Andy would be told to kill, he did not know who or how. The symptons get more fierce, the sounds of Pink Floyd, Mr. Born beginning to make house visits to his old student. Eventually leading to Andy beginning his random stages of black outs. When Andy would awake from his black out, a story on the news would indicate that a citizen of the small town had been murdered. This frightens the town knowing there's a killer on the loose.
Meanwhile, Richard Curtin has been experiencing problems of his own. We see Richard accompanied by his mother, Loretta, he sits down with a shrink, although there are no clues as to why he is talking with him. More murders appear and it is when Mr. Born is the latest victim on the news that Andy needs to confess. However, due to overwhelming evidence the police cannot place Andy at the scene of the crime, for any of them. Andy knows he needs to be locked away.
A flashback is shown of 6 years ago in Andys last black out of a time he doesn't remember, he sees himself walking on the side of a dirt road in the middle of the night. A car is creeping by, driving the car is Richard Curtin, intoxicated, and listening to Pink Floyds "The Wall". A blood stain on Richards shirt can be noticed caused from a bitten lip. He loses control and runs down Andy Denton, crushing his chest with the deadly vehicle, while a small cabin owned by Mr. Born can be seen down the road as Mr. Born was relaxing on his porch, witnessing the incident. Richard was Borns prized student at the time and couldn't let justice handle Richard. Andys maker would never be solved.
Andy made himself his own reality, it was apparent to Andy that he was the voice inside of Richard's head, while it was Richards life he was living. While creating such incidents such as his encounter with the police, his reality was inside of the mind of Richard Curtin, making him do wrong doings, seeking his revenge, causing Richard to be haunted by the incident and ultimately leading to Richards suicide.
What the press would say:
If you haven't already heard, M. Night is back, bringing you the prodigious feature we've been waiting for since The Sixth Sense. All is expected in this film from older M. Night films, and then some. We have the main character, confused, tormented, the normal guy with a unique story that we know of, or don't know of. You have the hidden messages, the small, overlooked scenes that uses noises in the background, haunting dialogue that brings out nothing but pure horror to the audience, but Shyamalan brings more to the table in his new masterpiece "Dominion". The way he blends in the tear jerking, beautiful, haunting sounds of Pink Floyd with the intensity of a scene is mind blowing, the music itself only intensifies the thrilling aspect of this film. Curve ball after curve ball is thrown into this deep script and we the audience love every minute of it, trying to solve what's going to happen next. Of course the lead man in this film, Jeremy Renner, can be accounted for giving us his masterful portrayal of a demented Andy Denton. In a scene where Andy breaks out, you can notice Renner is putting all his might into this performance, his facial expressions, body movement, he does everything for a reason, and that reason is to create a disturbing atmosphere for his character. A fair warning to those who haven't seen this film, do NOT look Andy Denton in the eyes, they'll stick with you, trust me. Bruce Willis reminds us again that he can be a subtle actor, as muted and mysterious as other great actors with similar roles. Willis and Renner (sounds like a TV show) easily click and you can watch the father/son relationship slowly disintegrate before our eyes. The pace never stops for "Dominion", your mind is wondering in 20 different places, the anticipation of the next scene causes your nerves to rise. Of course M. Night gives you time to relax and feeds in those quirky, comedic one-liners, but what will be remembered is the true shock value this film provides. You'll have to avoid talks of this film, avoid the friends at school if you want to be spared the authentic ending of "Dominion". This film has the potential to be the best of the year, one the Academy would be fools if they slept on.
FYC:
Best Picture - M. Night Shyamalan
Best Director - M. Night Shyamalan
Best Actor in Leading Role - Jeremy Renner
Best Actor in Supporting Role - Bruce Willis
Best Original Screenplay - M. Night Shyamalan
Best Original Score
Best Editing
Location: Pittsburgh
“Dominion"
Written and Directed by M. Night Shyamalan
Principal Cast:
Jeremy Renner as Andy Denton
Bruce Willis as Kevin Denton
Wes Bentley as Richard Curtin
Liev Schreiber as Mr. Born
Melanie Griffith as Loretta Curtin
Danny Aiello as Dr. Gordon
Tagline: “Go to sleep, Andy. Wake up, Andy. Kill, Andy, kill”
Synopsis: A quiet diner in the small town of Hudson Wyoming is where Andy Denton placed one hand over the other onto his cold table, focusing on the outline of his fingers, desperately trying to puzzle together the missing pieces of the one thing he could never solve, his life. Years had gone by since Andy could remember any recollection of his days as a child and young adult. With the help from his concerned father Kevin, Andy is in search for his mysterious, missing time frame. Home movies, photographs, none of it made sense to Andy. The only thing Andy knew was the untimely coincidences that have been going on, and his recent problem dealing with his state of mind.
Andy notices certain things that are repeating constantly. The album "The Wall" by Pink Floyd is always playing, seeing cds in which he doesn't remember buying. His random run-ins with his old math teacher Mr. Born. A blood stain that appears on Andys flannel shirt constantly, even after washing it out, it always reappears. At first Andy thought nothing of these occurrences, but this was just the start. Andy's life takes a gigantic shift when Kevin notices odd behaviors with his son. Strange posturing, inappropriate laughter, not blinking. Andy is aware of this, but will refuse to seek help. It was obvious Andy had the symptoms of schizophrenia.
The ultimate symptom would begin a few days later. Andy would begin to hear voices in his head, if he didn't obey the voices commands, a powerful chest pain would occur and Andy would be forced to obey. It finally took the last step, where Andy would be told to kill, he did not know who or how. The symptons get more fierce, the sounds of Pink Floyd, Mr. Born beginning to make house visits to his old student. Eventually leading to Andy beginning his random stages of black outs. When Andy would awake from his black out, a story on the news would indicate that a citizen of the small town had been murdered. This frightens the town knowing there's a killer on the loose.
Meanwhile, Richard Curtin has been experiencing problems of his own. We see Richard accompanied by his mother, Loretta, he sits down with a shrink, although there are no clues as to why he is talking with him. More murders appear and it is when Mr. Born is the latest victim on the news that Andy needs to confess. However, due to overwhelming evidence the police cannot place Andy at the scene of the crime, for any of them. Andy knows he needs to be locked away.
A flashback is shown of 6 years ago in Andys last black out of a time he doesn't remember, he sees himself walking on the side of a dirt road in the middle of the night. A car is creeping by, driving the car is Richard Curtin, intoxicated, and listening to Pink Floyds "The Wall". A blood stain on Richards shirt can be noticed caused from a bitten lip. He loses control and runs down Andy Denton, crushing his chest with the deadly vehicle, while a small cabin owned by Mr. Born can be seen down the road as Mr. Born was relaxing on his porch, witnessing the incident. Richard was Borns prized student at the time and couldn't let justice handle Richard. Andys maker would never be solved.
Andy made himself his own reality, it was apparent to Andy that he was the voice inside of Richard's head, while it was Richards life he was living. While creating such incidents such as his encounter with the police, his reality was inside of the mind of Richard Curtin, making him do wrong doings, seeking his revenge, causing Richard to be haunted by the incident and ultimately leading to Richards suicide.
What the press would say:
If you haven't already heard, M. Night is back, bringing you the prodigious feature we've been waiting for since The Sixth Sense. All is expected in this film from older M. Night films, and then some. We have the main character, confused, tormented, the normal guy with a unique story that we know of, or don't know of. You have the hidden messages, the small, overlooked scenes that uses noises in the background, haunting dialogue that brings out nothing but pure horror to the audience, but Shyamalan brings more to the table in his new masterpiece "Dominion". The way he blends in the tear jerking, beautiful, haunting sounds of Pink Floyd with the intensity of a scene is mind blowing, the music itself only intensifies the thrilling aspect of this film. Curve ball after curve ball is thrown into this deep script and we the audience love every minute of it, trying to solve what's going to happen next. Of course the lead man in this film, Jeremy Renner, can be accounted for giving us his masterful portrayal of a demented Andy Denton. In a scene where Andy breaks out, you can notice Renner is putting all his might into this performance, his facial expressions, body movement, he does everything for a reason, and that reason is to create a disturbing atmosphere for his character. A fair warning to those who haven't seen this film, do NOT look Andy Denton in the eyes, they'll stick with you, trust me. Bruce Willis reminds us again that he can be a subtle actor, as muted and mysterious as other great actors with similar roles. Willis and Renner (sounds like a TV show) easily click and you can watch the father/son relationship slowly disintegrate before our eyes. The pace never stops for "Dominion", your mind is wondering in 20 different places, the anticipation of the next scene causes your nerves to rise. Of course M. Night gives you time to relax and feeds in those quirky, comedic one-liners, but what will be remembered is the true shock value this film provides. You'll have to avoid talks of this film, avoid the friends at school if you want to be spared the authentic ending of "Dominion". This film has the potential to be the best of the year, one the Academy would be fools if they slept on.
FYC:
Best Picture - M. Night Shyamalan
Best Director - M. Night Shyamalan
Best Actor in Leading Role - Jeremy Renner
Best Actor in Supporting Role - Bruce Willis
Best Original Screenplay - M. Night Shyamalan
Best Original Score
Best Editing
Drag Queen
Author(s): Iñaki
Location: Spain
“Drag Queen"
Directed by Duncan Tucker
Written by Patrick Marber
Music by Gustavo Santaolalla
Costumes by Sharen Davis
Editing by Thelma Schoonmaker
Art direction by Rick Heinrichs
Make-up by Montse Ribé
Musical / Drama
Principal Cast:
Julia Roberts ("Linda" Johnson)
Keira Knightley (Diana Johnson)
Meryl streep (Tina McQueen)
Christian Bale (Adriano Ronconi)
Justin Kirk (Tim Mathews)
Gretchen Mol (Hannah Stuart)
Tagline: "When you are on the stage, you are another person"
Synopsis: In one of the largest casinos of Las Vegas, Linda Johnson is preparing her night show. Her bright green dress shines in front of the mirror where she puts on her false eyelashes. What se didn't expect is that Tina is going to give her a big surprise: her daughter is the corridor and she is looking for her.
Linda Johnson, played by Julia roberts, is a famous Drag Queen of Las Vegas. She has a spectacular show wher she signs her own songs with bright dresses and high heels. She is the most talented woman of Tim's casino. But her success is very different behind the stage.Linda is a man divorced from his wife, who lives in Seattle. They got divorced twenty years ago because Hannah (played by Gretchen Mol) discovered him in a club singing a song with a sequin dress and a blonde wig. Now, Len Johnson, is knowed as Linda Johnson has a different life full of financial troubles and addictions.
Her best friend, Tina, played by Meryl Streep, is a excentric woman in her fifties who has a better life. She has a main show in the casino which has a lot of audience. She usually leans Linda with her problems but sometimes it isn't enough. Tina is also involved in the drugs world and beacuse of her addiction, Linda is now a drug addict too.
Adriano Ronconi is the stylist of the women and he loves to talk with them. He always wears fashion clothes and when he talks he is always very satiric. He helped Linda to put an end to her drug adicction but Linda couldn't. He is gay and he fell in love with Justin Kirk, the manager of the casino. the problem is that he isn't gay. He is very strict and he doesn't like Linda and Tina but they atract many audience so he mantain the show.
The day of Linda's birthday, she was putting on her bright green dress with the feather boa when Tina entered nerviously in her dressing room. She said to Linda that a young woman was waiting for her in the corridor and she is supposed to be her daughter. Linda didn't understand anything but when she went out to the corridor, a beautiful young woman was waiting her sitted in a bench with a bunch of flowers. Linda knew that her life was going to change.
Diana is a young girl from Seattle who didn't like her mother's boyfriend and after an argument, she decided to find his father in Las Vegas. Linda and Diana, her daughter, played by Keira Knightley, started to talk about everything. Finally, the conversation was an argument about Diana's life. she used to live in Seattle with her mother and her boyfriend. She didn't like him and she finally decided to find her father who is supposed to be in Las Vegas. what she didn't know is that her father is a Drag Queen.
Linda is being helped by Adriano who tried to put and end to her addiction but it is very difficult and she is very weakness so she is finally affected by drugs. It procokes a cancer in her heart and when she went to the hospital, the doctor siad to her that it couldn't be treated.
Diana stayed at Linda's dressing room during the shows and one night she discovered Linda's diary hided under the blue pair of hight heels. In her diary, Linda writes everything about her life. Diana finally understand her father's situation and she tried to help him but it was very dffiicult because her father suffered a heart cancer which couldn't be treated. She feeled her life was getting worst and worst everyday. This caused her a great depression and she tried to comit a suicide but her father stopped her in the last moment. They talk about the reasons of her act and she explained her father everything, included the fact that she knew her illness. Linda said to he that she wanted to tell her the truth but she didn't know how.
Two months later, Linda's state was worse and when she was singing she feeled a great pain in her heart but what she wanted in that moment was finish her song and die gloriously under the night stars and the audience's aplausse.
What the press would say:
"Great, simply great"
The press loves this love story full of great songs singed by the cast.There are espectacular songs with great choreographies, specially the last song, "I would like to be a great star” inged by Julia Roberts whe she is going to die.
Press loves all performances. Julia Roberts fill the entire rol perfectly and she produces a great sensation when she sings. Her role is full of extress, addictions and troubles and they affect you when you see the film. The best part of her role is the last song where her voice create a sad environment which can affect to sensitive people.
Keira is great in this role. Her cruel argument with her father when she arrives Las Vegas is the best part of the film. Sadness and desperation are the feelings that you feel when you see Keira's role. Her song "My own problems" is one of the best parts of the film specially when we see her trying to cut her veins. Keira is a great actress and in this film she shows us her talent brighting in the big screen as any other young actress have nerver done.
Meryl Streep is gorgeous in this difficult role of a woman who has to face her problems with drugs. When she sings she is wonderful and she fill the stage. Her performance is one of the best of the year. Strenght and weakness are mixed in her role and you can see her as a brave woman after an scence where she was crying. she is one of the best actress of all times and she domonstrates it in this film.
And the last aclaimed performance is the stylist one, Christian Bale. His role is very complicated and he has never done anything similar but he is perfect in this role. It fits him. We see another person, you can´t think he could play this role but he really do it wonderfully. Christian Bale is a fantastic stylist and very funny. When he apperas, his accent, his walk, his clothes and his gestures makes you laugh and laugh.
This is one of the best films of all times and it has a wonderful cast with great performances. The director create a world of adicctions and shows which you can't understand until you see this film. Bright dresses, high heels and a lot of make-up transform the cast into other people. This is a film where emotions exploit in the fantastic dialogues of Patrick Marber (Notes on a Scandal) with Gustavo Santaolalla`s music as perfect background of this complicated film about a very difficult life, the life of success and failure.
The film is full of fantastic songs which help you to understand the film and they entertain you too. The cast sing all songs with their own voices and it sounds very special. we have to said that the dancers company which apperars in the film is great and they dance perfectly in each situation. And the work of the costumes and make-up department is great and you can see Julia Roberts as a Man and also as a Drag Queen and you think that she is a real man. In conclusion, all technical categories are filled with professinal people who create a real casino in a studio of Los Angeles.
Categories
Best Picture
Best Director: Duncan Tucker
Best Original Screenplay: Patrick Marber
Best Original Score: Gustavo Santaolalla
Best Actress: Julia Roberts
Best Supporting Actor: Christian Bale
Best Supporting Actress: Keira Knightley
Best Supporting Actress: Meryl Streep
Best song (“I would like to be a great star” – Julia roberts)
Best Make-up
Best Costumes
Best Art Direction
Best Sound
Best Cinematography
Best Film-Edititing
Best Score
These are the songs of the film (not in order):
"My own song" - Julia Roberts - the beginning of the film
"Welcome to Las Vegas" - Justin Kirk - he opens his casino on a saturday night
"Make Up, Make Up and gloss" - Christian Bale - He prepares the Drags for the show
"You and Me" - Julia and Keira - They argue about their future and... their past
"What are you waitin'" - Tina and Julia - They sing together under the disco ball
"My own problems" - Keira - Keira sings while she is trying to comit a suicide
"I would like to be a great star” – Julia roberts - Julia's last song
"This is my PUB!" - Kirk, Meryl and Julia - An argument between Kirk and Tina/Linda
"Mum and Dad" - Keira and Gretchen Mol - The argument between Keira and her mother
"My last days" - Meryl - She realises her situation of addiction
"Bye Mrs Johnson" - All cast except Julia - All cast sings when Julia dies.
"The dressing room" - Julia and Christian - Christian tries to convince her to put an end her addiction
Location: Spain
“Drag Queen"
Directed by Duncan Tucker
Written by Patrick Marber
Music by Gustavo Santaolalla
Costumes by Sharen Davis
Editing by Thelma Schoonmaker
Art direction by Rick Heinrichs
Make-up by Montse Ribé
Musical / Drama
Principal Cast:
Julia Roberts ("Linda" Johnson)
Keira Knightley (Diana Johnson)
Meryl streep (Tina McQueen)
Christian Bale (Adriano Ronconi)
Justin Kirk (Tim Mathews)
Gretchen Mol (Hannah Stuart)
Tagline: "When you are on the stage, you are another person"
Synopsis: In one of the largest casinos of Las Vegas, Linda Johnson is preparing her night show. Her bright green dress shines in front of the mirror where she puts on her false eyelashes. What se didn't expect is that Tina is going to give her a big surprise: her daughter is the corridor and she is looking for her.
Linda Johnson, played by Julia roberts, is a famous Drag Queen of Las Vegas. She has a spectacular show wher she signs her own songs with bright dresses and high heels. She is the most talented woman of Tim's casino. But her success is very different behind the stage.Linda is a man divorced from his wife, who lives in Seattle. They got divorced twenty years ago because Hannah (played by Gretchen Mol) discovered him in a club singing a song with a sequin dress and a blonde wig. Now, Len Johnson, is knowed as Linda Johnson has a different life full of financial troubles and addictions.
Her best friend, Tina, played by Meryl Streep, is a excentric woman in her fifties who has a better life. She has a main show in the casino which has a lot of audience. She usually leans Linda with her problems but sometimes it isn't enough. Tina is also involved in the drugs world and beacuse of her addiction, Linda is now a drug addict too.
Adriano Ronconi is the stylist of the women and he loves to talk with them. He always wears fashion clothes and when he talks he is always very satiric. He helped Linda to put an end to her drug adicction but Linda couldn't. He is gay and he fell in love with Justin Kirk, the manager of the casino. the problem is that he isn't gay. He is very strict and he doesn't like Linda and Tina but they atract many audience so he mantain the show.
The day of Linda's birthday, she was putting on her bright green dress with the feather boa when Tina entered nerviously in her dressing room. She said to Linda that a young woman was waiting for her in the corridor and she is supposed to be her daughter. Linda didn't understand anything but when she went out to the corridor, a beautiful young woman was waiting her sitted in a bench with a bunch of flowers. Linda knew that her life was going to change.
Diana is a young girl from Seattle who didn't like her mother's boyfriend and after an argument, she decided to find his father in Las Vegas. Linda and Diana, her daughter, played by Keira Knightley, started to talk about everything. Finally, the conversation was an argument about Diana's life. she used to live in Seattle with her mother and her boyfriend. She didn't like him and she finally decided to find her father who is supposed to be in Las Vegas. what she didn't know is that her father is a Drag Queen.
Linda is being helped by Adriano who tried to put and end to her addiction but it is very difficult and she is very weakness so she is finally affected by drugs. It procokes a cancer in her heart and when she went to the hospital, the doctor siad to her that it couldn't be treated.
Diana stayed at Linda's dressing room during the shows and one night she discovered Linda's diary hided under the blue pair of hight heels. In her diary, Linda writes everything about her life. Diana finally understand her father's situation and she tried to help him but it was very dffiicult because her father suffered a heart cancer which couldn't be treated. She feeled her life was getting worst and worst everyday. This caused her a great depression and she tried to comit a suicide but her father stopped her in the last moment. They talk about the reasons of her act and she explained her father everything, included the fact that she knew her illness. Linda said to he that she wanted to tell her the truth but she didn't know how.
Two months later, Linda's state was worse and when she was singing she feeled a great pain in her heart but what she wanted in that moment was finish her song and die gloriously under the night stars and the audience's aplausse.
What the press would say:
"Great, simply great"
The press loves this love story full of great songs singed by the cast.There are espectacular songs with great choreographies, specially the last song, "I would like to be a great star” inged by Julia Roberts whe she is going to die.
Press loves all performances. Julia Roberts fill the entire rol perfectly and she produces a great sensation when she sings. Her role is full of extress, addictions and troubles and they affect you when you see the film. The best part of her role is the last song where her voice create a sad environment which can affect to sensitive people.
Keira is great in this role. Her cruel argument with her father when she arrives Las Vegas is the best part of the film. Sadness and desperation are the feelings that you feel when you see Keira's role. Her song "My own problems" is one of the best parts of the film specially when we see her trying to cut her veins. Keira is a great actress and in this film she shows us her talent brighting in the big screen as any other young actress have nerver done.
Meryl Streep is gorgeous in this difficult role of a woman who has to face her problems with drugs. When she sings she is wonderful and she fill the stage. Her performance is one of the best of the year. Strenght and weakness are mixed in her role and you can see her as a brave woman after an scence where she was crying. she is one of the best actress of all times and she domonstrates it in this film.
And the last aclaimed performance is the stylist one, Christian Bale. His role is very complicated and he has never done anything similar but he is perfect in this role. It fits him. We see another person, you can´t think he could play this role but he really do it wonderfully. Christian Bale is a fantastic stylist and very funny. When he apperas, his accent, his walk, his clothes and his gestures makes you laugh and laugh.
This is one of the best films of all times and it has a wonderful cast with great performances. The director create a world of adicctions and shows which you can't understand until you see this film. Bright dresses, high heels and a lot of make-up transform the cast into other people. This is a film where emotions exploit in the fantastic dialogues of Patrick Marber (Notes on a Scandal) with Gustavo Santaolalla`s music as perfect background of this complicated film about a very difficult life, the life of success and failure.
The film is full of fantastic songs which help you to understand the film and they entertain you too. The cast sing all songs with their own voices and it sounds very special. we have to said that the dancers company which apperars in the film is great and they dance perfectly in each situation. And the work of the costumes and make-up department is great and you can see Julia Roberts as a Man and also as a Drag Queen and you think that she is a real man. In conclusion, all technical categories are filled with professinal people who create a real casino in a studio of Los Angeles.
Categories
Best Picture
Best Director: Duncan Tucker
Best Original Screenplay: Patrick Marber
Best Original Score: Gustavo Santaolalla
Best Actress: Julia Roberts
Best Supporting Actor: Christian Bale
Best Supporting Actress: Keira Knightley
Best Supporting Actress: Meryl Streep
Best song (“I would like to be a great star” – Julia roberts)
Best Make-up
Best Costumes
Best Art Direction
Best Sound
Best Cinematography
Best Film-Edititing
Best Score
These are the songs of the film (not in order):
"My own song" - Julia Roberts - the beginning of the film
"Welcome to Las Vegas" - Justin Kirk - he opens his casino on a saturday night
"Make Up, Make Up and gloss" - Christian Bale - He prepares the Drags for the show
"You and Me" - Julia and Keira - They argue about their future and... their past
"What are you waitin'" - Tina and Julia - They sing together under the disco ball
"My own problems" - Keira - Keira sings while she is trying to comit a suicide
"I would like to be a great star” – Julia roberts - Julia's last song
"This is my PUB!" - Kirk, Meryl and Julia - An argument between Kirk and Tina/Linda
"Mum and Dad" - Keira and Gretchen Mol - The argument between Keira and her mother
"My last days" - Meryl - She realises her situation of addiction
"Bye Mrs Johnson" - All cast except Julia - All cast sings when Julia dies.
"The dressing room" - Julia and Christian - Christian tries to convince her to put an end her addiction
Fatally Yours
Author(s): D.W. Dillon
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
“Fatally Yours"
Directed by Robert Towne
Written by Robert Towne and Rian Johnson
Cinematography by Caleb Deschanel
Edited by Thelma Schoonmaker
Art Direction by Leslie McDonald
Music by Elmer Bernstein
Produced by Martin Scorsese
Drama / Noir
Principal Cast:
Carey Elwes - Raymond Dash
Connie Nielsen - Claudine Ashfield
Anjelica Huston - Tessa Ashfield
Val Kilmer - Victor Ashfield
James Gandolfini - Mink Malloy
Philip Baker Hall - Lt. Cashman
David Strathairn - Mel J. Cobb
Rachel Griffiths - Felicia Lockhart
Tagline: "Two faced, two-fisted, red-handed, with shades of grey...everyone's a suspect"
Synopsis: Crime doesn't pay. Las Vegas private invistigator Raymond Dash (Carey Elwes) believes otherwise. That thick wad of bills, courtesy of the wealthy Tessa Ashfield (Anjelica Huston) is more than his slacks can handle, and proof-positive where there is a murder, there is a payoff. Apparently, her famous son, Victor Ashfield (Val Kilmer), former Olympic skier, former ladies man, husband to one, father to many, was murdered, cold-blooded in his own bedroom. Put down, like an old Labrador who bit one too many ankles. The fuzz is pushin' for a suicide rap. The vigilant mother wants justice, or at least someone to pay, and at the top of her list lies the widow of her dearly departed son, Claudine Ashfield (Connie Nielsen). A sultry failed actress who had subjected herself to singing for the lounge lizards, until she met Victor. Now reaping the benefits from his bank account, and mourning in grief at his Lake Tahoe mansion, Raymond Dash confronts the widow, their envious maid (Rachel Griffiths), and brute bodyguard Mink Malloy (James Gandolfini) on the events leading up to his death. Maybe Victor fooled around. Maybe he abused his wife. Maybe he put his friends before his family, coming home late every night like some drunken mooch looking for comfort after raising hell with the boys. Goldiggers are a dime a dozen, and she's got a motive that is as plain as day. But Claudine's innocent and romantic clutch might be too much for the lonesome Raymond Dash, as he tries to uncover the affairs amongst the hired help; "The maid and Victor? Claudine and Mink?", the will; "Two wills? One legal, one hand-written...", and the vendetta's; "She was hurt, hurt bad but her violent streak was as big as Victor's cold dead heart." Something's gotta give. Police Lieutenant Cashman (Philip Baker Hall), who just happens to be Claudine's overprotective dear old dad is giving Raymond the unnecessary run-around. And with nosey reporter Mel J. Cobb (David Strathairn) lookin' to write what isn't there, makes Raymond's job that much more difficult. Where there's mystery there is a shocking revelation. One that will sweep this resort town into a frenzy. Everyone has an angle, and Raymond Dash knows them all. It's only a matter of time before he cracks the case, or sink too deep and drown amidst the underbelly of high society and love.
Quotes:
Raymond Dash: "Your son seemed like a real peach."
Tessa Ashfield: "He was a good boy, and that tart couldn't bare his
fame!"
Mel J. Cobb: "What's the scoop, Dash? The dame plug the heartbreaker or what?"
Raymond Dash: "Try or what, maybe you'll catch some readers, ya sap."
Claudine Ashfield: "I've never met anyone like you, Mr. Dash. You've got a lovely ignorance about you."
Raymond Dash: "I think you mean arrogance, but I get that a lot."
Mink Malloy: "I work for me, no one else, especially Cashman! You're barking up the wrong tree, little puppy, so I suggest..."
Raymond Dash: "I'm not barkin' Mink, just sniffin'."
Felicia Lockhart: "He wanted to leave her. Her life, her kid...was cramping his style."
Raymond Dash: "Kinda like the bullet that cramped his aorta."
Raymond Dash: "Your baby girl's sittin' rich up on that mansion and I've got a backer."
Lt. Cashman: "Listen here, toy cop. You're no detective. You'd slit your wrists for a second grader's lunch money."
Raymond Dash: "Yeah, who's wrists would you slit for your daughter's
happiness?"
What the press would say:
Sharply directed by Robert Towne (Tequila Sunrise, Chinatown) who dips his skills once again into a genre that's been under appreciated with the stylishly crafted, "Fatally Yours". A film at it's zenith noir, with a dark sense of a place that is as corrupt as the night is long. Towne, with up-and-coming writer/director Rian Johnson (Brick) devise a story of such depth inside the world of a hard-boiled detective. With utter wit and a trendsetting look to burn a hole through your soul, Cary Elwes dishes the dialogue that would leave even the great Philip Marlowe speechless. His turn as the semi-hard drinkin' private investigator antagonizes the antagonists, belays the heat, and melts the ice queen. Accompanied by the sure fire performances of Rachel Griffiths and Anjelica Huston, to the sultry Connie Nielsen whose raspy-retro noir beauty shakes the trees and makes the tough guy cry. Val Kilmer as the vulnerable millionaire playboy without a clue in the flashback sequences, to Philip Baker Hall's contradicting police lieutenant, "Fatally Yours" fills the screen with memorable performances that'll puzzle your brain with intrigue. Snappy dialogue and uncomfortable confrontations lifts this film from the shadows and into the spotlight of Oscar's red carpet.
Best Picture
Best Director - Robert Towne
Best Actor - Carey Elwes
Best Actress - Connie Nielsen
Best Supporting Actor - Val Kilmer
Best Supporting Actor - Philip Baker Hall
Best Supporting Actress - Rachel Griffiths
Best Supporting Actress - Anjelica Huston
Best Original Screenplay - Robert Towne & Rian Johnson
Best Cinematography - Caleb Deschanel (The Passion of the Christ)
Best Editing - Thelma Schoonmaker (The Departed)
Best Art Direction - Leslie McDonald (The Hudsucker Proxy)
Best Score - Elmer Bernstein (The Grifters)
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
“Fatally Yours"
Directed by Robert Towne
Written by Robert Towne and Rian Johnson
Cinematography by Caleb Deschanel
Edited by Thelma Schoonmaker
Art Direction by Leslie McDonald
Music by Elmer Bernstein
Produced by Martin Scorsese
Drama / Noir
Principal Cast:
Carey Elwes - Raymond Dash
Connie Nielsen - Claudine Ashfield
Anjelica Huston - Tessa Ashfield
Val Kilmer - Victor Ashfield
James Gandolfini - Mink Malloy
Philip Baker Hall - Lt. Cashman
David Strathairn - Mel J. Cobb
Rachel Griffiths - Felicia Lockhart
Tagline: "Two faced, two-fisted, red-handed, with shades of grey...everyone's a suspect"
Synopsis: Crime doesn't pay. Las Vegas private invistigator Raymond Dash (Carey Elwes) believes otherwise. That thick wad of bills, courtesy of the wealthy Tessa Ashfield (Anjelica Huston) is more than his slacks can handle, and proof-positive where there is a murder, there is a payoff. Apparently, her famous son, Victor Ashfield (Val Kilmer), former Olympic skier, former ladies man, husband to one, father to many, was murdered, cold-blooded in his own bedroom. Put down, like an old Labrador who bit one too many ankles. The fuzz is pushin' for a suicide rap. The vigilant mother wants justice, or at least someone to pay, and at the top of her list lies the widow of her dearly departed son, Claudine Ashfield (Connie Nielsen). A sultry failed actress who had subjected herself to singing for the lounge lizards, until she met Victor. Now reaping the benefits from his bank account, and mourning in grief at his Lake Tahoe mansion, Raymond Dash confronts the widow, their envious maid (Rachel Griffiths), and brute bodyguard Mink Malloy (James Gandolfini) on the events leading up to his death. Maybe Victor fooled around. Maybe he abused his wife. Maybe he put his friends before his family, coming home late every night like some drunken mooch looking for comfort after raising hell with the boys. Goldiggers are a dime a dozen, and she's got a motive that is as plain as day. But Claudine's innocent and romantic clutch might be too much for the lonesome Raymond Dash, as he tries to uncover the affairs amongst the hired help; "The maid and Victor? Claudine and Mink?", the will; "Two wills? One legal, one hand-written...", and the vendetta's; "She was hurt, hurt bad but her violent streak was as big as Victor's cold dead heart." Something's gotta give. Police Lieutenant Cashman (Philip Baker Hall), who just happens to be Claudine's overprotective dear old dad is giving Raymond the unnecessary run-around. And with nosey reporter Mel J. Cobb (David Strathairn) lookin' to write what isn't there, makes Raymond's job that much more difficult. Where there's mystery there is a shocking revelation. One that will sweep this resort town into a frenzy. Everyone has an angle, and Raymond Dash knows them all. It's only a matter of time before he cracks the case, or sink too deep and drown amidst the underbelly of high society and love.
Quotes:
Raymond Dash: "Your son seemed like a real peach."
Tessa Ashfield: "He was a good boy, and that tart couldn't bare his
fame!"
Mel J. Cobb: "What's the scoop, Dash? The dame plug the heartbreaker or what?"
Raymond Dash: "Try or what, maybe you'll catch some readers, ya sap."
Claudine Ashfield: "I've never met anyone like you, Mr. Dash. You've got a lovely ignorance about you."
Raymond Dash: "I think you mean arrogance, but I get that a lot."
Mink Malloy: "I work for me, no one else, especially Cashman! You're barking up the wrong tree, little puppy, so I suggest..."
Raymond Dash: "I'm not barkin' Mink, just sniffin'."
Felicia Lockhart: "He wanted to leave her. Her life, her kid...was cramping his style."
Raymond Dash: "Kinda like the bullet that cramped his aorta."
Raymond Dash: "Your baby girl's sittin' rich up on that mansion and I've got a backer."
Lt. Cashman: "Listen here, toy cop. You're no detective. You'd slit your wrists for a second grader's lunch money."
Raymond Dash: "Yeah, who's wrists would you slit for your daughter's
happiness?"
What the press would say:
Sharply directed by Robert Towne (Tequila Sunrise, Chinatown) who dips his skills once again into a genre that's been under appreciated with the stylishly crafted, "Fatally Yours". A film at it's zenith noir, with a dark sense of a place that is as corrupt as the night is long. Towne, with up-and-coming writer/director Rian Johnson (Brick) devise a story of such depth inside the world of a hard-boiled detective. With utter wit and a trendsetting look to burn a hole through your soul, Cary Elwes dishes the dialogue that would leave even the great Philip Marlowe speechless. His turn as the semi-hard drinkin' private investigator antagonizes the antagonists, belays the heat, and melts the ice queen. Accompanied by the sure fire performances of Rachel Griffiths and Anjelica Huston, to the sultry Connie Nielsen whose raspy-retro noir beauty shakes the trees and makes the tough guy cry. Val Kilmer as the vulnerable millionaire playboy without a clue in the flashback sequences, to Philip Baker Hall's contradicting police lieutenant, "Fatally Yours" fills the screen with memorable performances that'll puzzle your brain with intrigue. Snappy dialogue and uncomfortable confrontations lifts this film from the shadows and into the spotlight of Oscar's red carpet.
Best Picture
Best Director - Robert Towne
Best Actor - Carey Elwes
Best Actress - Connie Nielsen
Best Supporting Actor - Val Kilmer
Best Supporting Actor - Philip Baker Hall
Best Supporting Actress - Rachel Griffiths
Best Supporting Actress - Anjelica Huston
Best Original Screenplay - Robert Towne & Rian Johnson
Best Cinematography - Caleb Deschanel (The Passion of the Christ)
Best Editing - Thelma Schoonmaker (The Departed)
Best Art Direction - Leslie McDonald (The Hudsucker Proxy)
Best Score - Elmer Bernstein (The Grifters)
From Here To There
Author(s): Pat
Location: New York
“From Here to There"
Directed By David O. Russell
Written By David Chase and David O. Russell
Based on a True Story
Produced By Paul Haggis, Brad Grey, David Chase
Principal Cast:
William Shatner (Bob Matas)
Florence Henderson (Betty Matas)
Luis Guzman (Douglas Guldeniz)
Naomi Watts (Alice Keats)
Mark Wahlberg (Tom Keats)
William Fitchner (Eddie Pomenville)
Tagline: "3 People. $3,000. 2,500 Miles. That’s all it takes to get from here to there.”
Synopsis: The director of “I Heart Huckabees” David O. Russell and “The Sopranos” creator David Chase come together to create a new on-the-road drama based on actual events. Bob (William Shatner) and Betty (Florence Henderson) Matas have decided that they wish to move away from New York City after being raised there into their mid-70s. They want out of the bustle of the metropolis and plan to make a new home in Arizona, but they come across a problem when neither owns a car and they can’t fly because Betty is afraid that her two cats would die during the travel. As a joke they ask a cabbie named Douglas (Luis Guzman) to drive them the entire 2,500 miles to their new home. Bob and Betty soon grow on the idea and officially request that Douglas take them across the country at a fee of $3,000. He agrees and the trio sets off on a cross-country mission to start a new life. But complications arise from a reporter (Naomi Watts) desperate for a good story and her heroin-addicted husband (Mark Wahlberg), as well as issues from Douglas’ boss (William Fitchner) who finds the endevour to be stupid and wants his driver back. Bob, Betty, and Douglas soon become good friends during the ride and begin to discover new things about their lives and the lives of people they meet along their journey. “From Here To There” is a heartwarming tale about a couple trying to live happily and how their desires affect the people around them.
What the press would say:
Acclaimed director David O. Russell takes a look at the value of relationships and growing old in his new film, “From Here to There”. The story is based upon a true story where a NYC couple in their twilight decide to move to Arizona after Bob, the husband, retires from his long-held career. Bob and Betty convince a cabbie named Douglas to drive them the distance in exchange for $3,000 and free room and board along the trip. Along the way the couple and Douglas learn things about themselves they never knew existed and the couple soon come to terms with growing old. Following them are a reporter and drug addict husband, played by Naomi Watts and Mark Wahlberg, on a mission to make an amazing documentary out of the subject. Wahlberg shines as a supportive but uncontrollable heroin lover who makes a mess of the trip with several run-ins with authorities. Watts also gives a good performance as a desperate woman trying to make a difference in the world. The two provide most of the comic relief for the story. Florence Henderson stars as Betty Matas, the woman in the cab who is obsessed with her cats and is somewhat against moving to Arizona. William Shatner shows a new side of his acting by giving a very quiet and restrained performance that also contains an enormous amount of power in his expressions. Luis Guzman is, by far, the best part of the film, as Douglas the cabbie, who has been look down upon by his boss because of his intelligence. Guzman offers little pearls of wisdom that at first glance seem to be stupid reflections on life but are actually well thought out but poorly phrased philosophical statements. Overall, “From Here to There” shows off the abilities of all its actors and causes the audience to contemplate on their remaining time on Earth.
FYC
Best Picture
Best Director-David O. Russell
Best Original Screenplay
Best Actor-Luis Guzman
Best Actor-William Shatner
Best Actress-Florence Henderson
Best Supporting Actor-Mark Wahlberg
Best Supporting Actress-Naomi Watts
Best Cinematography
Best Film Editing
Location: New York
“From Here to There"
Directed By David O. Russell
Written By David Chase and David O. Russell
Based on a True Story
Produced By Paul Haggis, Brad Grey, David Chase
Principal Cast:
William Shatner (Bob Matas)
Florence Henderson (Betty Matas)
Luis Guzman (Douglas Guldeniz)
Naomi Watts (Alice Keats)
Mark Wahlberg (Tom Keats)
William Fitchner (Eddie Pomenville)
Tagline: "3 People. $3,000. 2,500 Miles. That’s all it takes to get from here to there.”
Synopsis: The director of “I Heart Huckabees” David O. Russell and “The Sopranos” creator David Chase come together to create a new on-the-road drama based on actual events. Bob (William Shatner) and Betty (Florence Henderson) Matas have decided that they wish to move away from New York City after being raised there into their mid-70s. They want out of the bustle of the metropolis and plan to make a new home in Arizona, but they come across a problem when neither owns a car and they can’t fly because Betty is afraid that her two cats would die during the travel. As a joke they ask a cabbie named Douglas (Luis Guzman) to drive them the entire 2,500 miles to their new home. Bob and Betty soon grow on the idea and officially request that Douglas take them across the country at a fee of $3,000. He agrees and the trio sets off on a cross-country mission to start a new life. But complications arise from a reporter (Naomi Watts) desperate for a good story and her heroin-addicted husband (Mark Wahlberg), as well as issues from Douglas’ boss (William Fitchner) who finds the endevour to be stupid and wants his driver back. Bob, Betty, and Douglas soon become good friends during the ride and begin to discover new things about their lives and the lives of people they meet along their journey. “From Here To There” is a heartwarming tale about a couple trying to live happily and how their desires affect the people around them.
What the press would say:
Acclaimed director David O. Russell takes a look at the value of relationships and growing old in his new film, “From Here to There”. The story is based upon a true story where a NYC couple in their twilight decide to move to Arizona after Bob, the husband, retires from his long-held career. Bob and Betty convince a cabbie named Douglas to drive them the distance in exchange for $3,000 and free room and board along the trip. Along the way the couple and Douglas learn things about themselves they never knew existed and the couple soon come to terms with growing old. Following them are a reporter and drug addict husband, played by Naomi Watts and Mark Wahlberg, on a mission to make an amazing documentary out of the subject. Wahlberg shines as a supportive but uncontrollable heroin lover who makes a mess of the trip with several run-ins with authorities. Watts also gives a good performance as a desperate woman trying to make a difference in the world. The two provide most of the comic relief for the story. Florence Henderson stars as Betty Matas, the woman in the cab who is obsessed with her cats and is somewhat against moving to Arizona. William Shatner shows a new side of his acting by giving a very quiet and restrained performance that also contains an enormous amount of power in his expressions. Luis Guzman is, by far, the best part of the film, as Douglas the cabbie, who has been look down upon by his boss because of his intelligence. Guzman offers little pearls of wisdom that at first glance seem to be stupid reflections on life but are actually well thought out but poorly phrased philosophical statements. Overall, “From Here to There” shows off the abilities of all its actors and causes the audience to contemplate on their remaining time on Earth.
FYC
Best Picture
Best Director-David O. Russell
Best Original Screenplay
Best Actor-Luis Guzman
Best Actor-William Shatner
Best Actress-Florence Henderson
Best Supporting Actor-Mark Wahlberg
Best Supporting Actress-Naomi Watts
Best Cinematography
Best Film Editing
Ghost Recon
Author(s): Zgamer
Location: Eagle, ID
“Ghost Recon"
Distriuted by: Universal Studios
Produced by: Paul Sandberg, Frank Marshall and Tom Clancy
Directed by: Paul Greengrass
Written by: Paul Greengrass
Based on the game by Ubisoft Entertainment
Principal Cast:
Kiefer Sutherland as Captain Scott Mitchell (Ghost)
Milo Ventimiglia as Sergeant First Class Joe Ramirez (Ghost)
Chiwetel Ejiofor as Sergeant Marcus Brown (Ghost)
Evangeline Lilly as Sergeant Alicia Diaz (Ghost)
Tom Sizemore as Sergeant Richard Allen (Ghost)
Barry Pepper as Sergeant KC Kirkland (Ghost)
Michael Pena as General Carlos Ontiveros (Rebels)
Ed Harris as General Allen Martin (U.S.)
Louis Gossett Jr. as General Marshall Keating
Chris Cooper as President James Ballantine (U.S.)
Benico Del Toro as President Marcos Ruiz-Pena (Mexico)
Bruce Greenwood as Prime Minister Phillip Jacques (Canada)
Tagline: “The future of war is at our doorstep”
Synopsis: 11:00 PM August 17, 2013. U.S. President James Ballantine arrives at the Mexican Capital Building. He, along with Mexican President Marcos Ruiz-Pena and Canadian Prime Minister Phillip Jacques, are meeting to sign a historic document: The North American Joint Security Agreement. With this, the three countries would be able to unite and crack down against illegal drug trafficking, immigration and funding of terrorist activities in their continent. Though there are powerful figures on each side that are against the document, most notably Mexico’s head General Carlos Ontiveros, the summit commences nonetheless.
12:30 PM. A Black Hawk helicopter’s rotor echoes over the silent streets of Mexico City. Captain Scott Mitchell, one of the army’s most skilled operatives, wipes the sweat from his brow as he looks over the edge to see the city below. Soon, he and his elite “Ghost” team will reach their LZ to complete their new task. The day before, a U.S. Spy Plane carrying an experimental weapon known as “Guardrail IX” was shot down somewhere in Nicaragua. Just today, reports leaked that an unknown arms dealer had recovered the device and is preparing to deliver it to a Mexican rebel organization within the city. This is a serious problem to the U.S., because the device is capable of disrupting all wireless communications at any specified location, which could lead to surprise attacks. As the copter lands, the Ghosts pile out and maneuver nimbly through the city, with only the humming of their up-to-date gadgets and weaponry audible in the silence. This relieves Mitchell at first, since he has high hopes the operation will go smoothly.
12:45 PM. Bullets tear through layers of wall as the Ghosts fall back to an extraction point. They had almost prevented the exchange, but at that exact moment a building exploded on their position. Out of nowhere, heavily armed rebels poured out of the streets and attacked the team. With no other options, Mitchell ordered an immediate retreat. Barely making it to the helicopter, the team is informed on the situation. It turns out that General Ontiveros, exposed as the leader of the rebels, has initiated a coup d’etat against the Mexican government to prevent the new pact, recognizing that the loss of drug trade would harm his cause. In the ensuing battle at the capital building, the Canadian Prime Minister was killed and the U.S. and Mexican President have been captured. With the support of Mexican officials still loyal to their government, U.S. Generals Martin and Keating have ordered troops into Mexico City to stop the rebel threat from spreading.
1:00 PM Mitchell and his team are dropped off at the Mexican Capital Building. News has just broke out that President Ballantine’s bodyguards had brought “The Nuclear Football” with them during the summit. If the rebels have gotten a hold of it, it would mean that they would have control of the detonation codes for the U.S. nuclear arsenal. The rebels now have a war machine capable of causing an international crisis. Worried, Russia and China have warned the U.S. that they have armed their arsenals to retaliate if the worse is to come. General Martin has now put the burden on the Ghosts to enter deep into Mexico City, recover the hostages and weapons and stop Ontiveros. Though not prepared for such an ordeal, the Ghosts stoically enter the war torn city.
What the press would say:
Imagine this situation. A near future where the weapons of war are better, the enemies are numerous and the threat of nuclear destruction is more possible than ever. Now imagine that this danger was so close that it was just south of your country’s border. This is the setting for Ghost Recon, Paul Greengrass’s fantastic integration of gritty political thrillers with the tense action of video games. However, it is simply more than an adaptation of some popular video game. It is a movie with a distinct identity that brings forth an important message that we are not immune from the wars and conflicts of the world. They can occur right at our doorstep.
Who could be a better choice to tell the story of the Ghost’s 72-hour excursion into Mexico than the talented Greengrass? Hot off the acclaim of his compelling 9/11 drama United 93, he has decided to work on a more commercial commodity, yet still bring a brooding sense of political intrigue and tension into our cinemas. In order to put the audience in the middle of the action yet keep an international feel to the situation, Greengrass uses fluid handheld style of cinematography to ensure that you are never to distant or close to the combat. You are in the moment at all times. And what a place to be in the moment, as Greengrass brings the luscious scenery of war torn Mexico City to life through a beautifully gritty color palette. Combining all of this with smart pacing, an amazing sound design, tight editing and some incredibly realistic gunfights to boost, Greengrass creates an amazing portrait of modern warfare.
Though the film is mostly Greengrass’s baby, the actors all play their parts well. Sutherland is an ideal Capt. Mitchell, with a commanding voice and figure that perfectly embodies the soldier of the future. His team of Ghosts, fitted with actors with just enough star power to not overwhelm the feeling of realism, give us a new reason why we should cheer for our troops all over the world. Even Michael Pena as the rebellious General Ontiveros keeps our attention as a compelling yet sympathetic villain, who throughout the movie feels his actions are justified for the purpose of benefiting his country. All the performances are finely tuned to help give a face to the suspense and tension the film oozes.
Though the academy may feel reluctant to vote a video game adaptation for an Oscar, I argue that idea with the fact that this does not feel like a video game movie at all. There is no overproduction, bad acting and unbelievable situations here to critique. This is an honest to goodness Tom Clancy political war thriller, and it’s here to stay.
Award Possibilities
Best Picture (Paul Sandberg, Frank Marshall and Tom Clancy)
Best Director (Paul Greengrass)
Best Adapted Screenplay (Paul Greengrass)
Best Cinematography (Slawomir Idziak)
Best Art Direction
Best Editing (Richard Pearson and Christopher Rouse)
Best Sound Design
Best Sound Editing
Location: Eagle, ID
“Ghost Recon"
Distriuted by: Universal Studios
Produced by: Paul Sandberg, Frank Marshall and Tom Clancy
Directed by: Paul Greengrass
Written by: Paul Greengrass
Based on the game by Ubisoft Entertainment
Principal Cast:
Kiefer Sutherland as Captain Scott Mitchell (Ghost)
Milo Ventimiglia as Sergeant First Class Joe Ramirez (Ghost)
Chiwetel Ejiofor as Sergeant Marcus Brown (Ghost)
Evangeline Lilly as Sergeant Alicia Diaz (Ghost)
Tom Sizemore as Sergeant Richard Allen (Ghost)
Barry Pepper as Sergeant KC Kirkland (Ghost)
Michael Pena as General Carlos Ontiveros (Rebels)
Ed Harris as General Allen Martin (U.S.)
Louis Gossett Jr. as General Marshall Keating
Chris Cooper as President James Ballantine (U.S.)
Benico Del Toro as President Marcos Ruiz-Pena (Mexico)
Bruce Greenwood as Prime Minister Phillip Jacques (Canada)
Tagline: “The future of war is at our doorstep”
Synopsis: 11:00 PM August 17, 2013. U.S. President James Ballantine arrives at the Mexican Capital Building. He, along with Mexican President Marcos Ruiz-Pena and Canadian Prime Minister Phillip Jacques, are meeting to sign a historic document: The North American Joint Security Agreement. With this, the three countries would be able to unite and crack down against illegal drug trafficking, immigration and funding of terrorist activities in their continent. Though there are powerful figures on each side that are against the document, most notably Mexico’s head General Carlos Ontiveros, the summit commences nonetheless.
12:30 PM. A Black Hawk helicopter’s rotor echoes over the silent streets of Mexico City. Captain Scott Mitchell, one of the army’s most skilled operatives, wipes the sweat from his brow as he looks over the edge to see the city below. Soon, he and his elite “Ghost” team will reach their LZ to complete their new task. The day before, a U.S. Spy Plane carrying an experimental weapon known as “Guardrail IX” was shot down somewhere in Nicaragua. Just today, reports leaked that an unknown arms dealer had recovered the device and is preparing to deliver it to a Mexican rebel organization within the city. This is a serious problem to the U.S., because the device is capable of disrupting all wireless communications at any specified location, which could lead to surprise attacks. As the copter lands, the Ghosts pile out and maneuver nimbly through the city, with only the humming of their up-to-date gadgets and weaponry audible in the silence. This relieves Mitchell at first, since he has high hopes the operation will go smoothly.
12:45 PM. Bullets tear through layers of wall as the Ghosts fall back to an extraction point. They had almost prevented the exchange, but at that exact moment a building exploded on their position. Out of nowhere, heavily armed rebels poured out of the streets and attacked the team. With no other options, Mitchell ordered an immediate retreat. Barely making it to the helicopter, the team is informed on the situation. It turns out that General Ontiveros, exposed as the leader of the rebels, has initiated a coup d’etat against the Mexican government to prevent the new pact, recognizing that the loss of drug trade would harm his cause. In the ensuing battle at the capital building, the Canadian Prime Minister was killed and the U.S. and Mexican President have been captured. With the support of Mexican officials still loyal to their government, U.S. Generals Martin and Keating have ordered troops into Mexico City to stop the rebel threat from spreading.
1:00 PM Mitchell and his team are dropped off at the Mexican Capital Building. News has just broke out that President Ballantine’s bodyguards had brought “The Nuclear Football” with them during the summit. If the rebels have gotten a hold of it, it would mean that they would have control of the detonation codes for the U.S. nuclear arsenal. The rebels now have a war machine capable of causing an international crisis. Worried, Russia and China have warned the U.S. that they have armed their arsenals to retaliate if the worse is to come. General Martin has now put the burden on the Ghosts to enter deep into Mexico City, recover the hostages and weapons and stop Ontiveros. Though not prepared for such an ordeal, the Ghosts stoically enter the war torn city.
What the press would say:
Imagine this situation. A near future where the weapons of war are better, the enemies are numerous and the threat of nuclear destruction is more possible than ever. Now imagine that this danger was so close that it was just south of your country’s border. This is the setting for Ghost Recon, Paul Greengrass’s fantastic integration of gritty political thrillers with the tense action of video games. However, it is simply more than an adaptation of some popular video game. It is a movie with a distinct identity that brings forth an important message that we are not immune from the wars and conflicts of the world. They can occur right at our doorstep.
Who could be a better choice to tell the story of the Ghost’s 72-hour excursion into Mexico than the talented Greengrass? Hot off the acclaim of his compelling 9/11 drama United 93, he has decided to work on a more commercial commodity, yet still bring a brooding sense of political intrigue and tension into our cinemas. In order to put the audience in the middle of the action yet keep an international feel to the situation, Greengrass uses fluid handheld style of cinematography to ensure that you are never to distant or close to the combat. You are in the moment at all times. And what a place to be in the moment, as Greengrass brings the luscious scenery of war torn Mexico City to life through a beautifully gritty color palette. Combining all of this with smart pacing, an amazing sound design, tight editing and some incredibly realistic gunfights to boost, Greengrass creates an amazing portrait of modern warfare.
Though the film is mostly Greengrass’s baby, the actors all play their parts well. Sutherland is an ideal Capt. Mitchell, with a commanding voice and figure that perfectly embodies the soldier of the future. His team of Ghosts, fitted with actors with just enough star power to not overwhelm the feeling of realism, give us a new reason why we should cheer for our troops all over the world. Even Michael Pena as the rebellious General Ontiveros keeps our attention as a compelling yet sympathetic villain, who throughout the movie feels his actions are justified for the purpose of benefiting his country. All the performances are finely tuned to help give a face to the suspense and tension the film oozes.
Though the academy may feel reluctant to vote a video game adaptation for an Oscar, I argue that idea with the fact that this does not feel like a video game movie at all. There is no overproduction, bad acting and unbelievable situations here to critique. This is an honest to goodness Tom Clancy political war thriller, and it’s here to stay.
Award Possibilities
Best Picture (Paul Sandberg, Frank Marshall and Tom Clancy)
Best Director (Paul Greengrass)
Best Adapted Screenplay (Paul Greengrass)
Best Cinematography (Slawomir Idziak)
Best Art Direction
Best Editing (Richard Pearson and Christopher Rouse)
Best Sound Design
Best Sound Editing
Holy Cow 2!
Author(s): Ryan
Location: N/A
“Holy Cow 2!: The Penultimate Adventure: Loosely Based On a Movie Loosely Based On a Surprisingly (I Promise You) True Story”
Directed by Adam McKay
Written by Adam McKay, Tina Fey, Sarah Silverman, Sacha Baron Cohen & Will Ferrell
Music by Alex Wurman
Principal Cast:
Kal Penn (Safwat Mikadesh)
Will Ferrell (Judge Alex Owens)
Sarah Silverman (voice of: Haley Cow)
Aisha Tyler (Cammy Souling)
Diane Lane (Jane Saunders)
Paul Newman (as Himself)
Keenan Thompson (Zachary Dortch)
Jennifer Tilly (Anne Reddington)
Dane Cook (Bodyguard Tom)
Sanjaya Malakar (as Himself)
Tim Curry (Dan Yates)
Doris Roberts (Esther Horowitz)
Mel Brooks (Joseph Horowitz)
Eddie Murphy (Ruteger the IV of Kakawuit)
Cheryl Hines (Jenny Craiger)
Jamie Bell (Kyle Malldud)
Camilla Belle (Rita Worth)
Tommy Lee Jones (Peter Worth)
Vanessa Verlito (Shawnie Chatwin)
Ben Kingsley (Mahal Taj Mikadesh)
Wanda Sykes (voice of Allie Cow)
Rita Wilson (voice of Mallory Cow)
Tagline: “Every Year There is a Film That Will Offend Everyone. This is the second…, Code Name: The Cleaner was the first.”
Synopsis: Former Indian train conductor, Safwat Mikadesh (Kal Penn) gets the news his father, Mahal Taj Mikadesh (Ben Kingsley) has died so Safwat decides he must move on with his life. He becomes a captain of a luxury cruise ship known as, Poseidon’s-Titanic-Unsinkable-Ship-That-is-So-Unsinkable-There-Are-No-Life-Boats.
On the ship’s maiden voyage there is the band, interracial lovers Zachary Dortch (Keenan Thompson) and Anne Reddington (Jennifer Tilly) who want to bring racial awareness through song but seem to have racist lyrics, also SANJAY MALAKAR (Sanjaya Malakar), There is the former Mayor of New York/Firefighter/Police Office/Doctor Peter Worth (Tommy Lee Jones) and his daughter Rita (Camilla Belle) who is going to secretly marry her boyfriend Kyle Malldud (Jamie Bell) because she is secretly 8 months pregnant with his baby. There is also stowaway Shawnie Chatwin (Vanessa Verlito), health nut Jenny Craiger (Cheryl Hines), Ruteger the IV of Kakawuit (Eddie Murphy) who may be faking his presence to get a free ride, and his bodyguard Tom (Dane Cook). Also to round out this colorful bunch of characters, an elderly Jewish couple Esther and Joseph Horowitz (Doris Roberts and Mel Brooks), Pennsylvanian transvestite Dan Yates (Tim Curry), salad-dressing maker who is out to find a new flavor Paul Newman (Paul Newman), Judge Alex Owens (Will Ferrell) who is honeymooning with his wife ( ) that no one can see, and pornographic author Jane Saunders (Diane Lane) searching for muses to give her ideas, not to mention the temptress, Cammy Souling (Aisha Tyler).
When cruising at full speed Safwat sees a boat of cows, and who else is on it then Haley Cow (voiced by Sarah Silverman)! Paul Newman says he sold the cows to be made into hamburgers. Safwat now turns the boat around to save Haley and her entourage, Allie and Mallory Cow (voiced by Wanda Sykes and Rita Wilson). The cows jump on the ship and survive but accidentally the cruise ship crashes into the boat so the ship capsizes.
Now, the cows, Safwat and the passengers (well the surviving ones) must find a way to the top, or bottom, or, well you get the point….and use their variation of talents to survive. Also a killer shark nearby poses a threat to all of them, the crew wanting to kill it, but Safwat thinks the shark is his father’s reincarnation.
What the press would say:
“Two shameful thumbs up for the second time!”-Ebert & Roeper
“Made as a joke, but turns out as a superb one, again!”- People
“A+! Sure to be the most Controversial Sequel Oscar Winner EVER!”-Entertainment Weekly
“Racist, hilarious, and Oscar Worthy yet again.”-Rolling Stone Magazine
“Meh.”-Simon Cowell
With even more hilarious writers and cast Holy Cow 2! is terrific. It uses the same formula as Holy Cow! but with all new jokes, characters, and plot it seems new all over again. We see why we love the first one so much and after months of waiting we get more then we even hoped for. The cast is fantastic with memorable performances by everyone. This review is loosely based on a review loosely based on a movie loosely based on an (I promise you) true story.
Best Picture
Best Director: Adam McKay
Best Screenplay: Adam McKay, Tina Fey, Sacha Baron Cohen & Will Ferrell
Best Original Score: Alex Wurman
Best Actor: Kal Penn, Will Ferrell
Best Supporting Actor: Mel Brooks, Ben Kingsley, Tim Curry
Best Actress: Sarah Silverman, Aisha Tyler
Best Supporting Actress: Jennifer Tilly, Cheryl Hines, Doris Roberts
MEMORABLE QUOTE: “We are on the boat to schlep over Kreplach to our son Ari who is shfitzing over building a Kibbutz in Israel...what a mench!”-Doris Roberts as Esther Horowitz in Holy Cow 2!
Location: N/A
“Holy Cow 2!: The Penultimate Adventure: Loosely Based On a Movie Loosely Based On a Surprisingly (I Promise You) True Story”
Directed by Adam McKay
Written by Adam McKay, Tina Fey, Sarah Silverman, Sacha Baron Cohen & Will Ferrell
Music by Alex Wurman
Principal Cast:
Kal Penn (Safwat Mikadesh)
Will Ferrell (Judge Alex Owens)
Sarah Silverman (voice of: Haley Cow)
Aisha Tyler (Cammy Souling)
Diane Lane (Jane Saunders)
Paul Newman (as Himself)
Keenan Thompson (Zachary Dortch)
Jennifer Tilly (Anne Reddington)
Dane Cook (Bodyguard Tom)
Sanjaya Malakar (as Himself)
Tim Curry (Dan Yates)
Doris Roberts (Esther Horowitz)
Mel Brooks (Joseph Horowitz)
Eddie Murphy (Ruteger the IV of Kakawuit)
Cheryl Hines (Jenny Craiger)
Jamie Bell (Kyle Malldud)
Camilla Belle (Rita Worth)
Tommy Lee Jones (Peter Worth)
Vanessa Verlito (Shawnie Chatwin)
Ben Kingsley (Mahal Taj Mikadesh)
Wanda Sykes (voice of Allie Cow)
Rita Wilson (voice of Mallory Cow)
Tagline: “Every Year There is a Film That Will Offend Everyone. This is the second…, Code Name: The Cleaner was the first.”
Synopsis: Former Indian train conductor, Safwat Mikadesh (Kal Penn) gets the news his father, Mahal Taj Mikadesh (Ben Kingsley) has died so Safwat decides he must move on with his life. He becomes a captain of a luxury cruise ship known as, Poseidon’s-Titanic-Unsinkable-Ship-That-is-So-Unsinkable-There-Are-No-Life-Boats.
On the ship’s maiden voyage there is the band, interracial lovers Zachary Dortch (Keenan Thompson) and Anne Reddington (Jennifer Tilly) who want to bring racial awareness through song but seem to have racist lyrics, also SANJAY MALAKAR (Sanjaya Malakar), There is the former Mayor of New York/Firefighter/Police Office/Doctor Peter Worth (Tommy Lee Jones) and his daughter Rita (Camilla Belle) who is going to secretly marry her boyfriend Kyle Malldud (Jamie Bell) because she is secretly 8 months pregnant with his baby. There is also stowaway Shawnie Chatwin (Vanessa Verlito), health nut Jenny Craiger (Cheryl Hines), Ruteger the IV of Kakawuit (Eddie Murphy) who may be faking his presence to get a free ride, and his bodyguard Tom (Dane Cook). Also to round out this colorful bunch of characters, an elderly Jewish couple Esther and Joseph Horowitz (Doris Roberts and Mel Brooks), Pennsylvanian transvestite Dan Yates (Tim Curry), salad-dressing maker who is out to find a new flavor Paul Newman (Paul Newman), Judge Alex Owens (Will Ferrell) who is honeymooning with his wife ( ) that no one can see, and pornographic author Jane Saunders (Diane Lane) searching for muses to give her ideas, not to mention the temptress, Cammy Souling (Aisha Tyler).
When cruising at full speed Safwat sees a boat of cows, and who else is on it then Haley Cow (voiced by Sarah Silverman)! Paul Newman says he sold the cows to be made into hamburgers. Safwat now turns the boat around to save Haley and her entourage, Allie and Mallory Cow (voiced by Wanda Sykes and Rita Wilson). The cows jump on the ship and survive but accidentally the cruise ship crashes into the boat so the ship capsizes.
Now, the cows, Safwat and the passengers (well the surviving ones) must find a way to the top, or bottom, or, well you get the point….and use their variation of talents to survive. Also a killer shark nearby poses a threat to all of them, the crew wanting to kill it, but Safwat thinks the shark is his father’s reincarnation.
What the press would say:
“Two shameful thumbs up for the second time!”-Ebert & Roeper
“Made as a joke, but turns out as a superb one, again!”- People
“A+! Sure to be the most Controversial Sequel Oscar Winner EVER!”-Entertainment Weekly
“Racist, hilarious, and Oscar Worthy yet again.”-Rolling Stone Magazine
“Meh.”-Simon Cowell
With even more hilarious writers and cast Holy Cow 2! is terrific. It uses the same formula as Holy Cow! but with all new jokes, characters, and plot it seems new all over again. We see why we love the first one so much and after months of waiting we get more then we even hoped for. The cast is fantastic with memorable performances by everyone. This review is loosely based on a review loosely based on a movie loosely based on an (I promise you) true story.
Best Picture
Best Director: Adam McKay
Best Screenplay: Adam McKay, Tina Fey, Sacha Baron Cohen & Will Ferrell
Best Original Score: Alex Wurman
Best Actor: Kal Penn, Will Ferrell
Best Supporting Actor: Mel Brooks, Ben Kingsley, Tim Curry
Best Actress: Sarah Silverman, Aisha Tyler
Best Supporting Actress: Jennifer Tilly, Cheryl Hines, Doris Roberts
MEMORABLE QUOTE: “We are on the boat to schlep over Kreplach to our son Ari who is shfitzing over building a Kibbutz in Israel...what a mench!”-Doris Roberts as Esther Horowitz in Holy Cow 2!
The Honest Liar
Author(s): Douglas Reese
Location: Ohio
“The Honest Liar"
Written and Directed by David Cronenberg
Produced by David Cronenberg
Opening and Closing Theme by Howard Shore
Film Editing by Henry Adamson
Cinematography by David Cronenberg
Principal Cast:
Jeremy Sumpter … Ace Hepprod
Evan Rachel Wood … Lavender Hepprod
Paul Newman … Officer Collins
Tagline: "I Love You Honey … I Didn’t Mean To Do It … Sorry For Beating Your Brains In"
Synopsis: “The Honest Liar” is a masterpiece film by critically-acclaimed director David Cronenberg, showing 103 minutes, all in one take, of the journey of a menacing teenager whose anger takes him beyond his own limits and leads him to the dark depths of his own madness. Ace (Sumpter) is nineteen and a party boy, deciding to take his wife of the same age, Lavender (Wood), to his fathers cabin deep in the woods, next to Warsaw Pond. Ace hopes to recuperate with Lavender after she caught him in an affair with a friend of hers a few days earlier. Lavender begins to believe Ace might not even care as strongly about her as she believed. But, Ace tells her he loves her. And after a small argument regarding Ace’s feelings, Ace pulls a pistol from his sleeping bag and shoots Lavender in the arm, neck, and head. “You stalking bitch!” he pathetically screams. He then takes the gun and begins to smash her face in, blood squirting on his face after he was finished with the bloody massacre.
But after the murder, Ace kneels next to her and begins to uncontrollably cry. He hugs her tight and seconds later, he stuffs her body, the pistol, and a few rocks into the sleeping bag and dumps her into the pond. Running back to the cabin, Ace cleans up the cabin and takes a shower, disturbingly masturbating while muttering the name “William” under his breath. After Ace is finished, he gets out of the shower and reaches for the folded towel. The pistol falls from the towel. Rattled, Ace takes the gun and goes back to the pond to toss it back in. On his way back to the cabin, Ace begins to talk to himself saying things like “mom you won’t listen to me” and “if I do it you promise you’ll give me ice cream”. One he gets back into the cabin, he begins to cook a microwave burrito. He sits down like he’s about to eat the burrito, but instead begins to viciously stab it with his fork while repeating, “I love you,” crying emotionally. All of a sudden, there’s a knock on the door. Looking out the window, Ace sees it’s a cop.
Ace welcomes the cop in, who states his name is Officer Collins (Newman) and for ten minutes, uncut, the officer talks to Ace like a normal human being about how a neighbor complained about a gunshot and how the weather is actually pretty nice. Officer Collins believes Ace when he tells him that there was no gunshot and a gullible but somewhat suspicious Collins walks slowly toward the police car. Ace watches nervously through the window as Collins gets on the side of the car and slowly bends over to pick up … the pistol. Ace is scared and he cries maniacally as he thinks hard about his wrongful actions and finally gets the courage to run out the door to Collins, screaming “I love you, will you do it to me again, make sure to give me ice cream afterward but I promise I will suck your wee-wee.” A cringing Collins arrests Ace after he screams, “I didn’t mean to kill you sweetie, I fucking love you! I love you honey! I just had sex with him once, only once”. Collins gets ready to stick Ace into the backseat of the car when Ace begins to manically and uncontrollably scream, “Help, help me mom, help!” Collins looks into the car noticing the dead body of a woman, her face pounded in. The film ends on a quietly discouraging final note as we fade to a quiet end credits.
What the press would say:
In the style of Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘Rope’, the one-take “The Honest Liar” is a visually stunning, brutally cold, and painfully tragic tale about the powers of guilt and the uncontrollable loss of your own sanity. Director Cronenberg delivers his haunting story with great depth, as the characters seem to do things a real person actually would. For instance, notice the sequence where Ace talks to Lavender about the affair. The way his eye twitches, his lips shake, and the way he speaks sounding honest and true when the audience, along with Lavender, know he’s not. It’s very cold and heartless and for that Sumpter’s performance comes out way more chilling and fantastic than the joyful one he did in ‘Peter Pan’. A scene that shows Sumpter’s true talent is the scene where he takes a shower. We do not cut away like the average American film; instead we linger in on his privacy of the character that, even though he just killed somebody, begins to bitterly masturbate. It seems all the more authentic thanks to Cronenberg’s striking cinematography purposely used on a cheap DV camera, making the movie all the more unsettling. We are in the grip of a sick character, one that is unapologetic and disturbingly awful. We never love him, but hate him. And we love to hate him. “Sumpter gives a great performance in a tragic, disturbing, and greatly effective journey into the twisted minds of the problems in this unforgivable madman. It’s one of the year’s best performances, and one of the year’s best films!” (Richard Roeper, Ebert and Roeper)
FYC
Picture
Director
O. Screenplay
Actor (Sumpter)
Supporting Actor (Newman)
Film Editing
Location: Ohio
“The Honest Liar"
Written and Directed by David Cronenberg
Produced by David Cronenberg
Opening and Closing Theme by Howard Shore
Film Editing by Henry Adamson
Cinematography by David Cronenberg
Principal Cast:
Jeremy Sumpter … Ace Hepprod
Evan Rachel Wood … Lavender Hepprod
Paul Newman … Officer Collins
Tagline: "I Love You Honey … I Didn’t Mean To Do It … Sorry For Beating Your Brains In"
Synopsis: “The Honest Liar” is a masterpiece film by critically-acclaimed director David Cronenberg, showing 103 minutes, all in one take, of the journey of a menacing teenager whose anger takes him beyond his own limits and leads him to the dark depths of his own madness. Ace (Sumpter) is nineteen and a party boy, deciding to take his wife of the same age, Lavender (Wood), to his fathers cabin deep in the woods, next to Warsaw Pond. Ace hopes to recuperate with Lavender after she caught him in an affair with a friend of hers a few days earlier. Lavender begins to believe Ace might not even care as strongly about her as she believed. But, Ace tells her he loves her. And after a small argument regarding Ace’s feelings, Ace pulls a pistol from his sleeping bag and shoots Lavender in the arm, neck, and head. “You stalking bitch!” he pathetically screams. He then takes the gun and begins to smash her face in, blood squirting on his face after he was finished with the bloody massacre.
But after the murder, Ace kneels next to her and begins to uncontrollably cry. He hugs her tight and seconds later, he stuffs her body, the pistol, and a few rocks into the sleeping bag and dumps her into the pond. Running back to the cabin, Ace cleans up the cabin and takes a shower, disturbingly masturbating while muttering the name “William” under his breath. After Ace is finished, he gets out of the shower and reaches for the folded towel. The pistol falls from the towel. Rattled, Ace takes the gun and goes back to the pond to toss it back in. On his way back to the cabin, Ace begins to talk to himself saying things like “mom you won’t listen to me” and “if I do it you promise you’ll give me ice cream”. One he gets back into the cabin, he begins to cook a microwave burrito. He sits down like he’s about to eat the burrito, but instead begins to viciously stab it with his fork while repeating, “I love you,” crying emotionally. All of a sudden, there’s a knock on the door. Looking out the window, Ace sees it’s a cop.
Ace welcomes the cop in, who states his name is Officer Collins (Newman) and for ten minutes, uncut, the officer talks to Ace like a normal human being about how a neighbor complained about a gunshot and how the weather is actually pretty nice. Officer Collins believes Ace when he tells him that there was no gunshot and a gullible but somewhat suspicious Collins walks slowly toward the police car. Ace watches nervously through the window as Collins gets on the side of the car and slowly bends over to pick up … the pistol. Ace is scared and he cries maniacally as he thinks hard about his wrongful actions and finally gets the courage to run out the door to Collins, screaming “I love you, will you do it to me again, make sure to give me ice cream afterward but I promise I will suck your wee-wee.” A cringing Collins arrests Ace after he screams, “I didn’t mean to kill you sweetie, I fucking love you! I love you honey! I just had sex with him once, only once”. Collins gets ready to stick Ace into the backseat of the car when Ace begins to manically and uncontrollably scream, “Help, help me mom, help!” Collins looks into the car noticing the dead body of a woman, her face pounded in. The film ends on a quietly discouraging final note as we fade to a quiet end credits.
What the press would say:
In the style of Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘Rope’, the one-take “The Honest Liar” is a visually stunning, brutally cold, and painfully tragic tale about the powers of guilt and the uncontrollable loss of your own sanity. Director Cronenberg delivers his haunting story with great depth, as the characters seem to do things a real person actually would. For instance, notice the sequence where Ace talks to Lavender about the affair. The way his eye twitches, his lips shake, and the way he speaks sounding honest and true when the audience, along with Lavender, know he’s not. It’s very cold and heartless and for that Sumpter’s performance comes out way more chilling and fantastic than the joyful one he did in ‘Peter Pan’. A scene that shows Sumpter’s true talent is the scene where he takes a shower. We do not cut away like the average American film; instead we linger in on his privacy of the character that, even though he just killed somebody, begins to bitterly masturbate. It seems all the more authentic thanks to Cronenberg’s striking cinematography purposely used on a cheap DV camera, making the movie all the more unsettling. We are in the grip of a sick character, one that is unapologetic and disturbingly awful. We never love him, but hate him. And we love to hate him. “Sumpter gives a great performance in a tragic, disturbing, and greatly effective journey into the twisted minds of the problems in this unforgivable madman. It’s one of the year’s best performances, and one of the year’s best films!” (Richard Roeper, Ebert and Roeper)
FYC
Picture
Director
O. Screenplay
Actor (Sumpter)
Supporting Actor (Newman)
Film Editing
The Human Hole
Author(s): Ryan D.
Location: MA
“The Human Hole"
Directed by: Karen Moncrieff
Written by: Karen Moncrieff
Principal Cast:
Evan Rachel Wood-Natasha Corey
Kim Basinger- Nicole Corey
Kerry Washington-Christa Micheals
Felicity Huffman- Whitney Stansky
Matthew Broderick- John Stansky
Dakota Fanning- Leah Stansky
Beth Grant- Deirdre Stansky
Alison Lohman- Sharon Stevens
Natasha Richardson- Sarah Stevens
Dennis Quad- Connor Stevens
Whitney Goldberg- Nurse Blake
Tagline: “You can never try to love and fill the whole, you must wait”
Synopsis: This is 3 stories connected through the pain of its main characters.
The first story is of Natasha (Wood). A rebellious young teen who’s mother Nicole (Basinger) is fed up with Natasha. Natasha is kicked out, with no money she asks her best friend Christa (Kerry) how to get money. Christa is the one who got her into doing bad things. Christa tells Natasha to sleep with men for a little cash. Natasha who is easy to persuade finds it ridiculous at first, but after 2 days with barely any food, she becomes a prostitute. She meets man after man, and they all are sleazy besides for one who tells her she is too young and should go back home. Natasha doesn’t know why but follows his advice. Her mother at first happy to see her, sees drugs and 150 dollars in Natashas stuff and kicks her out again.
The second story is of a woman Whitney (Huffman) who has the perfect life, she is a rape specialist at her hospital, and has the perfect husband and child. This perfect life bores her. She married at such a young age and was forced to grow up, so she starts living like a teen. Whitney gets into drugs, and does drugs after work. Her sister Deirdre (Grant) knows this and constantly tells her to get off of it. Whitney spirals out of control and is starting to scare husband John (Broderick) and daughter Leah (Dakota).
The final story is of Sharon, a depressed lonely teen. She has a well off family, but her parents Sarah (Richardson) and Connor (Quad) are never home. Sharon has no friends at school and sees her parents as her only friends, though they are never there. Sarah and Connor get in a fatal car accident and die. Sharon put in foster care won’t believe her parents are dead. She believes they are still alive but they just don’t notice her. She goes mentally insane, and wont tell herself she’s alone.
The End: These stories all intertwine at the end when a series of events happening in the last 10 minutes. Natasha, after being kicked out, confides in a man. This man rapes her. Whitney quits her job and goes into a rehab center to get her life in order. Sharon finally yells for her parents when she “sees” them but they walk away, and she realizes she is alone, and they are dead. When Natasha passes out in the hospital no doctors can treat her in time because the specialist (Whitney’s character) just quit her job. Natasha dies alone.
What the press would say:
This story is a moving and dark film. This story shows the loneliness of 3 woman, and the pain in their heart that they try can’t mend. An example of the human hole is Natasha’s character, trying to fill her heart by sleeping with men. Evan Rachel Wood shines as the prostitute kicked out of her home. She shows youth, and vulnerability in a character that tries to come off as strong. Felicity Huffman is moving in her portrayal of Whitney the drug addicted housewife. Though her role is pretty small Beth Grant is amazing as the over protective sister. The true shining star in this production is Alison Lohman, with probably the most heartfelt performance in this production. You care for her, worry for her, and her last scene is something everyone will remember. Writer of The Dead Girl Karen Moncrieff again wows us with her beautiful writing, and directing. She has written a masterpiece. She was able to grab a star studded cast of excellent actors who give their all in The Human Hole
Best Picture
Best Director- Karen Moncrieff
Best O. Screenplay- Karen Moncrieff
Best Actress- Evan Rachel Wood
Best Actress- Felicity Huffman
Best Supporting Actress- Alison Lohman
Best Supporting Actress- Beth Grant
Best Supporting Actor- Matthew Broderick
Best Supporting Actress- Kerry Washington
Location: MA
“The Human Hole"
Directed by: Karen Moncrieff
Written by: Karen Moncrieff
Principal Cast:
Evan Rachel Wood-Natasha Corey
Kim Basinger- Nicole Corey
Kerry Washington-Christa Micheals
Felicity Huffman- Whitney Stansky
Matthew Broderick- John Stansky
Dakota Fanning- Leah Stansky
Beth Grant- Deirdre Stansky
Alison Lohman- Sharon Stevens
Natasha Richardson- Sarah Stevens
Dennis Quad- Connor Stevens
Whitney Goldberg- Nurse Blake
Tagline: “You can never try to love and fill the whole, you must wait”
Synopsis: This is 3 stories connected through the pain of its main characters.
The first story is of Natasha (Wood). A rebellious young teen who’s mother Nicole (Basinger) is fed up with Natasha. Natasha is kicked out, with no money she asks her best friend Christa (Kerry) how to get money. Christa is the one who got her into doing bad things. Christa tells Natasha to sleep with men for a little cash. Natasha who is easy to persuade finds it ridiculous at first, but after 2 days with barely any food, she becomes a prostitute. She meets man after man, and they all are sleazy besides for one who tells her she is too young and should go back home. Natasha doesn’t know why but follows his advice. Her mother at first happy to see her, sees drugs and 150 dollars in Natashas stuff and kicks her out again.
The second story is of a woman Whitney (Huffman) who has the perfect life, she is a rape specialist at her hospital, and has the perfect husband and child. This perfect life bores her. She married at such a young age and was forced to grow up, so she starts living like a teen. Whitney gets into drugs, and does drugs after work. Her sister Deirdre (Grant) knows this and constantly tells her to get off of it. Whitney spirals out of control and is starting to scare husband John (Broderick) and daughter Leah (Dakota).
The final story is of Sharon, a depressed lonely teen. She has a well off family, but her parents Sarah (Richardson) and Connor (Quad) are never home. Sharon has no friends at school and sees her parents as her only friends, though they are never there. Sarah and Connor get in a fatal car accident and die. Sharon put in foster care won’t believe her parents are dead. She believes they are still alive but they just don’t notice her. She goes mentally insane, and wont tell herself she’s alone.
The End: These stories all intertwine at the end when a series of events happening in the last 10 minutes. Natasha, after being kicked out, confides in a man. This man rapes her. Whitney quits her job and goes into a rehab center to get her life in order. Sharon finally yells for her parents when she “sees” them but they walk away, and she realizes she is alone, and they are dead. When Natasha passes out in the hospital no doctors can treat her in time because the specialist (Whitney’s character) just quit her job. Natasha dies alone.
What the press would say:
This story is a moving and dark film. This story shows the loneliness of 3 woman, and the pain in their heart that they try can’t mend. An example of the human hole is Natasha’s character, trying to fill her heart by sleeping with men. Evan Rachel Wood shines as the prostitute kicked out of her home. She shows youth, and vulnerability in a character that tries to come off as strong. Felicity Huffman is moving in her portrayal of Whitney the drug addicted housewife. Though her role is pretty small Beth Grant is amazing as the over protective sister. The true shining star in this production is Alison Lohman, with probably the most heartfelt performance in this production. You care for her, worry for her, and her last scene is something everyone will remember. Writer of The Dead Girl Karen Moncrieff again wows us with her beautiful writing, and directing. She has written a masterpiece. She was able to grab a star studded cast of excellent actors who give their all in The Human Hole
Best Picture
Best Director- Karen Moncrieff
Best O. Screenplay- Karen Moncrieff
Best Actress- Evan Rachel Wood
Best Actress- Felicity Huffman
Best Supporting Actress- Alison Lohman
Best Supporting Actress- Beth Grant
Best Supporting Actor- Matthew Broderick
Best Supporting Actress- Kerry Washington
Late Night
Author(s): Connor Campbell
Location: Texas
“Late Night"
Written & Directed by Paul Haggis
Principal Cast:
Jim Carrey- Colin Doherty
Edward Norton- Devin Hall
Julie Bowen- Sarah Doherty
Jennifer Aniston- Melinda Forrester
Zooey Deschanel- Kelly Forrester
Terrence Howard- Michael Wayne
Lauren Graham- Holly George
Jared Leto- Ryan Westin
Ron Livingston- Steven Morgan
Neve Campbell- Marie Morgan
Regina King- Andrea Parks
Sook Yin Lee- Lana Kim
Mena Suvari- Mama Bunny
Featuring
Billy Crudup- John
Anna Faris- Rianna
Tagline: "The Laughter, the Murder"
Synopsis: Colin Doherty was a well known late night talk show host. His wife Sarah was 6 months pregnant and he had just been told he was moving to a better timeslot of 11:35/10:35c. On his talk show “Late Laughs with Colin Doherty”, he had a particularly good line up that night. Acclaimed director Michael Wayne, eccentric television actress Holly George and talented guitarist Ryan Westin would be the last guests he would ever have.
After the show, Colin returned to his mansion which was next door to acclaimed actresses and sisters, Melinda and Kelly Forrester. He thought they were probably out at L.A.’s fabulous club scene being stalked by the paparazzi, but they were really in their living room watching their favorite TV show Grey’s Anatomy on Tivo. Steven and Marie Morgan were returning from dinner to their home when they stopped at a stop sign where they saw Andrea Parks walking her dog. Meanwhile, Lana Parks, a prostitute was talking with her Madam, Momma Bunny about her biggest regular client, Colin Doherty and where to fit him in her schedule.
He entered the gates to his home and walked to the door. As he opened the door, he was shot point blank in the back of the head, dying instantly. The last thing he saw was Sarah’s lifeless body sprawled out on the floor.
Devin Hall was put on the case of “The Jubilee Rd. Killings” as the media had labeled it. The case was so puzzling, it had consumed his whole life, causing him to neglect his life partner John, who was secretly Colin Doherty’s drug dealer to feel neglected and seek companionship in Rianna, who just happened to be in the audience of the last episode of “Late Laughs”.
At the wake, Melinda comforted Kelly, who was having her first experience with death while Andrea Parks remembered the chilling conversation she had with Sarah the day she died talking about a prostitute named Lana who had performed with Colin and how she was going to meet with Mama Bunny. Michael Wayne, Holly George & Ryan Westin who were all friends with the victims reminisced about old times while the Morgan’s were being questioned by Devin.
Rianna snuck into the wake, moving around quietly, following Devin with her eyes, furious. Rianna was a schizophrenic, and wanted Devin dead.
While the whole world found out about Colin’s drug abuse and sexual appetite, Devin and John broke up and John was arrested. Andrea had told Devin while being questioned about her encounter with Mama Bunny and traveled to question her and Lana, closely fallowed by Rianna.
Mama Bunny and Lana were burning their bloody clothes and discarding of their weapons to erase any evidence that they were ever at the Doherty residence that fateful night. Colin had not been paying them and they were getting mad. When Sarah met with them asking them to assist in Colin’s murder, they were quick to agree, but when they got to Doherty’s residence, Sarah didn’t want to go through with it, so they killed her and her unborn child and waited for Colin to return home. They had taken every precaution to ensure that they would never be caught.
When Devin found Mama Bunny and Lana at Mama’s small apartment, they ran to the stairs where Rianna was waiting with a loaded gun in her hands. She shot at them, not realizing who they were. She felt horrible that she had killed “innocent” people, but that would not stop her from killing Devin and turning the gun on herself.
The only people who knew what happened were dead. The case would remain unsolved and the whole world would be left to wonder who committed Hollywood’s most notorious murder, and biggest mystery.
What the press would say:
Paul Haggis’s new ensemble drama “Late Night” works on so many different levels, without trying too hard to copy “Crash”. The story of a popular late night talk show host (Carrey) who is murdered along with his wife and unborn child (Bowen). Jim Carrey plays the troubled talk show host. Although the majority of his appearances are in flashbacks, his scenes with his talk show, particularly with his final guests, Terrence Howard, Lauren Graham who accents on her true “Gilmore” talent and Jared Leto are what amazes me, not only his performance, but the guests and they way the interact. Thanks to Paul Haggis’s genius direction, you feel as though you’re suddenly watching Conan or Leno. Julie Bowen, a relatively under the radar actress from “Boston Legal” performs beautifully as Sarah, the suspecting wife who ends up paying the ultimate price. Jennifer Aniston and Zooey Deschanel work together perfectly as famous sister actresses in the way of the Hilton sisters but mature, and without that cartoonish feel. Jennifer Aniston gives an amazing performance, though limited that puts her one step further from “Rachel”, and Zooey Deschanel is amazing as one of the best developed characters in the film, close behind Colin, Devin (Norton & Rianna (Faris). This film could put her on the level that has so eluded her. Edward Norton is great as Devin Hall, the detective put on the case. I love the way how Haggis worked in his homosexuality in such a casual way that doesn’t make it a “gay” film, but not to where it makes no sense for him to be homosexual in the first place. He gives his best performance since “American History X” and could realistically see his 2nd Academy Award ® nomination. Ron Livingston and Neve Campbell work greatly together as we saw in the unsuccessful “Relative Strangers” but here, they are brilliant and remind me of Terrence Howard and Thandie Newton in Crash, but not as prevalent. Regina King gives a great performance as Sarah’s best friend who ends up becoming the key to solving the murder. Although limited, her performance stays with you long after the credits stop and you can’t help but applaud her. Sook Yin Lee and Mena Suvari work beautifully together as a prostitute and her Madam. Sook Yin Lee does beautiful work and Mena Suvari could not be better, giving her best performance since “American Beauty”. Anna Faris is remarkable as the schizophrenic Rianna who sets out to kill Devin in a bout of jealousy since she became romantically involved with his drug dealer boyfriend John (Crudup) and results in his arrest. Crudup also gives a good performance, but it is so limited, I doubt it will do anything. Paul Haggis has made yet another masterpiece with his ingenious writing and directing. Overall, “Late Night” is the best film of the year so far. ****
FYC
FYC
Best Picture
Best Director- Paul Haggis
Best Actor- Jim Carrey
Best Actor- Edward Norton
Best Actress- Julie Bowen
Best Supporting Actor- Terrence Howard
Best Supporting Actor- Jared Leto
Best Supporting Actor- Ron Livingston
Best Supporting Actor- Billy Crudup
Best Supporting Actress- Jennifer Aniston
Best Supporting Actress- Zooey Deschanel
Best Supporting Actress- Lauren Graham
Best Supporting Actress- Neve Campbell
Best Supporting Actress- Sook Yin Lee
Best Supporting Actress- Mena Suvari
Best Supporting Actress- Anna Faris
Best Original Screenplay- Paul Haggis
Best Editing- Tariq Anwar
Best Cinematography- Emmanuel Lubezki
Best Original Score- Thomas Newman
Location: Texas
“Late Night"
Written & Directed by Paul Haggis
Principal Cast:
Jim Carrey- Colin Doherty
Edward Norton- Devin Hall
Julie Bowen- Sarah Doherty
Jennifer Aniston- Melinda Forrester
Zooey Deschanel- Kelly Forrester
Terrence Howard- Michael Wayne
Lauren Graham- Holly George
Jared Leto- Ryan Westin
Ron Livingston- Steven Morgan
Neve Campbell- Marie Morgan
Regina King- Andrea Parks
Sook Yin Lee- Lana Kim
Mena Suvari- Mama Bunny
Featuring
Billy Crudup- John
Anna Faris- Rianna
Tagline: "The Laughter, the Murder"
Synopsis: Colin Doherty was a well known late night talk show host. His wife Sarah was 6 months pregnant and he had just been told he was moving to a better timeslot of 11:35/10:35c. On his talk show “Late Laughs with Colin Doherty”, he had a particularly good line up that night. Acclaimed director Michael Wayne, eccentric television actress Holly George and talented guitarist Ryan Westin would be the last guests he would ever have.
After the show, Colin returned to his mansion which was next door to acclaimed actresses and sisters, Melinda and Kelly Forrester. He thought they were probably out at L.A.’s fabulous club scene being stalked by the paparazzi, but they were really in their living room watching their favorite TV show Grey’s Anatomy on Tivo. Steven and Marie Morgan were returning from dinner to their home when they stopped at a stop sign where they saw Andrea Parks walking her dog. Meanwhile, Lana Parks, a prostitute was talking with her Madam, Momma Bunny about her biggest regular client, Colin Doherty and where to fit him in her schedule.
He entered the gates to his home and walked to the door. As he opened the door, he was shot point blank in the back of the head, dying instantly. The last thing he saw was Sarah’s lifeless body sprawled out on the floor.
Devin Hall was put on the case of “The Jubilee Rd. Killings” as the media had labeled it. The case was so puzzling, it had consumed his whole life, causing him to neglect his life partner John, who was secretly Colin Doherty’s drug dealer to feel neglected and seek companionship in Rianna, who just happened to be in the audience of the last episode of “Late Laughs”.
At the wake, Melinda comforted Kelly, who was having her first experience with death while Andrea Parks remembered the chilling conversation she had with Sarah the day she died talking about a prostitute named Lana who had performed with Colin and how she was going to meet with Mama Bunny. Michael Wayne, Holly George & Ryan Westin who were all friends with the victims reminisced about old times while the Morgan’s were being questioned by Devin.
Rianna snuck into the wake, moving around quietly, following Devin with her eyes, furious. Rianna was a schizophrenic, and wanted Devin dead.
While the whole world found out about Colin’s drug abuse and sexual appetite, Devin and John broke up and John was arrested. Andrea had told Devin while being questioned about her encounter with Mama Bunny and traveled to question her and Lana, closely fallowed by Rianna.
Mama Bunny and Lana were burning their bloody clothes and discarding of their weapons to erase any evidence that they were ever at the Doherty residence that fateful night. Colin had not been paying them and they were getting mad. When Sarah met with them asking them to assist in Colin’s murder, they were quick to agree, but when they got to Doherty’s residence, Sarah didn’t want to go through with it, so they killed her and her unborn child and waited for Colin to return home. They had taken every precaution to ensure that they would never be caught.
When Devin found Mama Bunny and Lana at Mama’s small apartment, they ran to the stairs where Rianna was waiting with a loaded gun in her hands. She shot at them, not realizing who they were. She felt horrible that she had killed “innocent” people, but that would not stop her from killing Devin and turning the gun on herself.
The only people who knew what happened were dead. The case would remain unsolved and the whole world would be left to wonder who committed Hollywood’s most notorious murder, and biggest mystery.
What the press would say:
Paul Haggis’s new ensemble drama “Late Night” works on so many different levels, without trying too hard to copy “Crash”. The story of a popular late night talk show host (Carrey) who is murdered along with his wife and unborn child (Bowen). Jim Carrey plays the troubled talk show host. Although the majority of his appearances are in flashbacks, his scenes with his talk show, particularly with his final guests, Terrence Howard, Lauren Graham who accents on her true “Gilmore” talent and Jared Leto are what amazes me, not only his performance, but the guests and they way the interact. Thanks to Paul Haggis’s genius direction, you feel as though you’re suddenly watching Conan or Leno. Julie Bowen, a relatively under the radar actress from “Boston Legal” performs beautifully as Sarah, the suspecting wife who ends up paying the ultimate price. Jennifer Aniston and Zooey Deschanel work together perfectly as famous sister actresses in the way of the Hilton sisters but mature, and without that cartoonish feel. Jennifer Aniston gives an amazing performance, though limited that puts her one step further from “Rachel”, and Zooey Deschanel is amazing as one of the best developed characters in the film, close behind Colin, Devin (Norton & Rianna (Faris). This film could put her on the level that has so eluded her. Edward Norton is great as Devin Hall, the detective put on the case. I love the way how Haggis worked in his homosexuality in such a casual way that doesn’t make it a “gay” film, but not to where it makes no sense for him to be homosexual in the first place. He gives his best performance since “American History X” and could realistically see his 2nd Academy Award ® nomination. Ron Livingston and Neve Campbell work greatly together as we saw in the unsuccessful “Relative Strangers” but here, they are brilliant and remind me of Terrence Howard and Thandie Newton in Crash, but not as prevalent. Regina King gives a great performance as Sarah’s best friend who ends up becoming the key to solving the murder. Although limited, her performance stays with you long after the credits stop and you can’t help but applaud her. Sook Yin Lee and Mena Suvari work beautifully together as a prostitute and her Madam. Sook Yin Lee does beautiful work and Mena Suvari could not be better, giving her best performance since “American Beauty”. Anna Faris is remarkable as the schizophrenic Rianna who sets out to kill Devin in a bout of jealousy since she became romantically involved with his drug dealer boyfriend John (Crudup) and results in his arrest. Crudup also gives a good performance, but it is so limited, I doubt it will do anything. Paul Haggis has made yet another masterpiece with his ingenious writing and directing. Overall, “Late Night” is the best film of the year so far. ****
FYC
FYC
Best Picture
Best Director- Paul Haggis
Best Actor- Jim Carrey
Best Actor- Edward Norton
Best Actress- Julie Bowen
Best Supporting Actor- Terrence Howard
Best Supporting Actor- Jared Leto
Best Supporting Actor- Ron Livingston
Best Supporting Actor- Billy Crudup
Best Supporting Actress- Jennifer Aniston
Best Supporting Actress- Zooey Deschanel
Best Supporting Actress- Lauren Graham
Best Supporting Actress- Neve Campbell
Best Supporting Actress- Sook Yin Lee
Best Supporting Actress- Mena Suvari
Best Supporting Actress- Anna Faris
Best Original Screenplay- Paul Haggis
Best Editing- Tariq Anwar
Best Cinematography- Emmanuel Lubezki
Best Original Score- Thomas Newman
The Legend of Zelda: The Rise of the Dark Son
Author(s): James Somerton
Location: Canada
“The Legend of Zelda: The Rise of the Dark Son"
Directed By Robert Zemeckis
Written By Neil Gaiman
Principal Cast:
Alex Pettyfer as Link
Alison Lohman as Princess Zelda
Lawrence Makoare as Ganon
Jessica Pare as Navi
Albert Finney as Rauru
Tagline: “The Legend Comes To Life”
Synopsis: Spring has arrived to a tiny village in the realm of Hyrule, but something isn’t right. The leaves aren’t showing themselves and the hibernating animals aren’t waking up. Why is this, ponders a young boy named Link as he sits waiting for the sun to rise one morning.
The sun never rises.
With his entire village in darkness, Link takes it upon himself to leave his little village and enter the great realm of Hyrule. He’s going to go and see Princess Zelda, for surely she knows the cause of this darkness. When he arrives at the castle, he sees the drawbridge being lowered and a black horse galloping toward him. Upon it is Ganon, a dark wizard, and in his arms is the screaming princess.
At the request of the royal family, Link must now journey to the furthest edges of Hyrule, battle the most terrifying demons, and solve the most challenging puzzle of all time, in order to save Zelda and, hopefully, bring light back to Hyrule. At the end of his journey, Link finds himself in Ganon’s fortress, running up an endless flight of stairs. At the top is a door. When he enters, he finds himself somewhere he never expected it to take him. Ten years in the future. Ganon is king and no one has heard from Princess Zelda in a decade.
What the press would say:
Movies based on Video Games have gotten a bad rap. Terrible ones such as the second Mortal Kombat and the Mario Bros. Movie have placed a stigma on them that is hard to break. “The Legend of Zelda: The Rise of the Dark Son” attempts to relieve this stigma and comes close to single handedly doing so. The story of Link, a young mute boy from an Elfin village, is one of courage and triumphing over adversity. Link is the perfect protagonist; his disability with speech creates sympathy for him right from the beginning as other members of the village make it difficult for Link to adjust, even when they’re meaning well. Link is a loner; an orphan whose only real friend is a young girl who has a secret crush on him. When darkness falls over his little village he sets out to find Princess Zelda and everything goes down hill from there. We get to see some of the most famous characters from the games, such as the gorons, Zoras, and the terrifying Ganon. Played by Lawrence Makoare, Ganon manages to be one of the most intimidating villains in recent film history. He is seen only briefly in his abduction of the princess Zelda, but we get to hear a lot about him throughout the rest of the film from many of the people Link meets. The major climax of this film takes place when Link finally arrives at Ganon’s castle but is faced by Argorok, a massive flying dragon that Link sees in the dark sky several times throughout the film. It’s covered in black armor, which makes the battle even more fierce. It’s one of the most exhilerating action sequences ever in a movie. As they battle over Ganon’s mote of lava, Link has hack away at the dragon until all the armour is off, finally stabbing it in the back of the neck. The dragon plumets into the lava and Link barely escapes with his life. After this battle, we’re taken up an seemingly engless flight of stairs that, literally, leads us to the sequal.
The acting in “The Legend of Zelda: The Rise of the Dark Son” is surprisingly good, with Albert Finney standing out as the dying Rauru, the sage who design the Temple of Light and is now slowly dying because of the darkness. He’s only in one scene, really (other than a few of Link’s visions), but has an emotional impact unlike any other character in the film. His plees to Link to bring the light back to his land, so that he may see it one more time before his death, is heartbreaking. Alex Pettyfer is the perfect choice for Link. He’s able to express real emotion, even though he doesn’t speak at all. He also has quite a resemblance to the character in the video games.
”The Legend of Zelda: The Rise of the Dark Son” isn’t entirely faithful to the video games, but how could it be without copying the games exactly? But it does keep the spirit of the games alive in it’s characters, the settings, and the brilliant special effects. We’re left with the promise of a continuation that will draw heavily from the storyline of “Ocarina of Time”, and will introduce us to even more of the games classic characters. Robert Zemeckis has created a trully powerful adaptation of these classic games, borriwing from the originals and turning them into something great.
POSSIBLE NOMINATIONS
Best Picture
Best Director – Robert Zemeckis
Best Supporting Actor – Albert Finney
All Technical Categories
Location: Canada
“The Legend of Zelda: The Rise of the Dark Son"
Directed By Robert Zemeckis
Written By Neil Gaiman
Principal Cast:
Alex Pettyfer as Link
Alison Lohman as Princess Zelda
Lawrence Makoare as Ganon
Jessica Pare as Navi
Albert Finney as Rauru
Tagline: “The Legend Comes To Life”
Synopsis: Spring has arrived to a tiny village in the realm of Hyrule, but something isn’t right. The leaves aren’t showing themselves and the hibernating animals aren’t waking up. Why is this, ponders a young boy named Link as he sits waiting for the sun to rise one morning.
The sun never rises.
With his entire village in darkness, Link takes it upon himself to leave his little village and enter the great realm of Hyrule. He’s going to go and see Princess Zelda, for surely she knows the cause of this darkness. When he arrives at the castle, he sees the drawbridge being lowered and a black horse galloping toward him. Upon it is Ganon, a dark wizard, and in his arms is the screaming princess.
At the request of the royal family, Link must now journey to the furthest edges of Hyrule, battle the most terrifying demons, and solve the most challenging puzzle of all time, in order to save Zelda and, hopefully, bring light back to Hyrule. At the end of his journey, Link finds himself in Ganon’s fortress, running up an endless flight of stairs. At the top is a door. When he enters, he finds himself somewhere he never expected it to take him. Ten years in the future. Ganon is king and no one has heard from Princess Zelda in a decade.
What the press would say:
Movies based on Video Games have gotten a bad rap. Terrible ones such as the second Mortal Kombat and the Mario Bros. Movie have placed a stigma on them that is hard to break. “The Legend of Zelda: The Rise of the Dark Son” attempts to relieve this stigma and comes close to single handedly doing so. The story of Link, a young mute boy from an Elfin village, is one of courage and triumphing over adversity. Link is the perfect protagonist; his disability with speech creates sympathy for him right from the beginning as other members of the village make it difficult for Link to adjust, even when they’re meaning well. Link is a loner; an orphan whose only real friend is a young girl who has a secret crush on him. When darkness falls over his little village he sets out to find Princess Zelda and everything goes down hill from there. We get to see some of the most famous characters from the games, such as the gorons, Zoras, and the terrifying Ganon. Played by Lawrence Makoare, Ganon manages to be one of the most intimidating villains in recent film history. He is seen only briefly in his abduction of the princess Zelda, but we get to hear a lot about him throughout the rest of the film from many of the people Link meets. The major climax of this film takes place when Link finally arrives at Ganon’s castle but is faced by Argorok, a massive flying dragon that Link sees in the dark sky several times throughout the film. It’s covered in black armor, which makes the battle even more fierce. It’s one of the most exhilerating action sequences ever in a movie. As they battle over Ganon’s mote of lava, Link has hack away at the dragon until all the armour is off, finally stabbing it in the back of the neck. The dragon plumets into the lava and Link barely escapes with his life. After this battle, we’re taken up an seemingly engless flight of stairs that, literally, leads us to the sequal.
The acting in “The Legend of Zelda: The Rise of the Dark Son” is surprisingly good, with Albert Finney standing out as the dying Rauru, the sage who design the Temple of Light and is now slowly dying because of the darkness. He’s only in one scene, really (other than a few of Link’s visions), but has an emotional impact unlike any other character in the film. His plees to Link to bring the light back to his land, so that he may see it one more time before his death, is heartbreaking. Alex Pettyfer is the perfect choice for Link. He’s able to express real emotion, even though he doesn’t speak at all. He also has quite a resemblance to the character in the video games.
”The Legend of Zelda: The Rise of the Dark Son” isn’t entirely faithful to the video games, but how could it be without copying the games exactly? But it does keep the spirit of the games alive in it’s characters, the settings, and the brilliant special effects. We’re left with the promise of a continuation that will draw heavily from the storyline of “Ocarina of Time”, and will introduce us to even more of the games classic characters. Robert Zemeckis has created a trully powerful adaptation of these classic games, borriwing from the originals and turning them into something great.
POSSIBLE NOMINATIONS
Best Picture
Best Director – Robert Zemeckis
Best Supporting Actor – Albert Finney
All Technical Categories
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