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
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
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
Livestrong
Author(s): Ryne
Location: Portland
“Livestrong"
Directed by Sam Mendes
Written by Gregory Allen Howard
Cinematography by Oliver Wood
Make-up by Deena Adair
Art Direction by Richard L. Johnson
Principal Cast:
James Denton as Lance Armstrong
Vera Farmiga as Sheryl Crowe
Matt Dillon as Chris Carmichael
Barbara Streisand as Linda Armstrong Kelly
Ed Harris as Terry Armstrong
Jennifer Esposito as Kristen Richard Armstrong
Michael Douglas as Eddie Gunderson
Tagline: "Riding was his life. Survival is his legacy"
Synopsis: 7- time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong is a man of courage, devotion, and dedication. Livestrong tells the story of this extraordinary man and his ability to push through the troubles of life and come out of top.
Lance Armstrong (Denton) sits impassively in front of a podium outside his house in Texas. He is comforted by his wife, Kristen (Esposito), and his best friend and trainer, Chris Carmichael (Dillon), as he prepares to make his gloomy announcement. Lance’s mind drift to his youth when his father, Eddie Gunderson (Douglas), walked out on both him and his mother, Linda (Streisand). That moment compares nothing in contrast to what he about to face in the coming months. He comes back to reality and addresses the curious crowd. Tearfully, Lance admits he has testicular cancer that has metastasized to his brain and lungs and he has a 3% chance of survival. Lance has a long struggle fighting cancer, but with the help of Kristen, his mother and his stepfather, Terry (Harris), Lance is able to overcome the odds to beat cancer.
Years after first being diagnosed with cancer, Lance has returned to cycling with vengeance. He has to prove to himself that he deserves to still be alive. Because of the lack of a personal relationship and Lance’s time spent training, Kristen files divorce papers and her and Lance divorce six months later. During Lance’s spree of multiple Tour de France victories, he meets Sheryl Crowe (Farmiga) and falls in love with her. However, his newfound love is overshadowed by the suspicion of steroid use, and his sexuality. Lance is hounded with questions about these things every time he steps outside. In November 2005, Lance strains to cope with Sheryl’s diagnosis of breast cancer. It evokes memories of what he had to go through while fighting cancer. He finds comfort from his stepfather and his mother. In a emotional scene, Lance and Linda share recollections from their heartrending past and Lance’s plans for the future with Sheryl.
Livestrong concludes one year later at a cancer awareness benefit. Lance Armstrong tells his story of cancer and what he is doing to help find a cure. In the crowd, sit individuals from Lance’s past. Sheryl Crowe, who is now just a friend, sits at the front table with Chris Carmichael, Terry Armstrong, and Linda Armstrong. Lance smiles at them, but notices a stranger from the past standing by the door. This stranger has come to witness for himself what a courageous and wonderful man his son has become.
What the press would say:
Who is Lance Armstrong? Some might say just a bike rider, others might say a doper. They are wrong. Lance Armstrong is hope; hope for the future, hope for the human race. Sam Mendes’s Livestrong does the life story of Lance Armstrong perfect justice. Mendes somehow pulls this movie off perfectly despite its 150 minute running time. He could have easily made it too controversial or too boring, but he doesn’t overwhelm the audience nor does he dumb the movie down. Mendes asks the most out of all actors and each and every one of them respond to the challenge. James Denton gives a flawless performance as the heroic Lance Armstrong. He shows an array of emotions that even the most veteran of actors would have difficulty achieving. Denton gets inside Lance Armstrong’s skin and portrays him with picture-perfect precision. The Academy should go ahead and just inscribe Denton’s name into his Oscar. This performance is utterly stupendous to the point that it deserves not just one, but two Oscars. His performance might just go down as an all-time great. Outweighed by Denton’s powerhouse performance, are the supporting roles of Vera Farmiga, Matt Dillon, Michael Douglas and Barbara Streisand. Some might question the casting of Vera Farmiga as Sheryl Crowe, but they are wrong. Farmiga is perfect as the beautiful country singer. Her and Denton have such chemistry on the screen that you believe you are watching the real life Lance Armstrong and Sheryl Crowe. Farmiga’s performance ranks among the best of the year. She isn’t afraid to show us the side of Sheryl Crowe we never knew. Matt Dillon gives his best performance of his career as Lance Armstrong’s best friend and trainer. Chris is one of only two people to stick with Lance through all the hard times and Dillon does his character justice with this brilliant performance. His performance is one of his best and it might just be better than his role in Crash. Even with only fifteen minutes of screen time, Michael Douglas gives a great performance as Lance Armstrong’s biological father. The audience will both hate and love Eddie Gunderson. Hatred throughout the movie transformed into love and happiness come the closing moments. However, without a doubt the best supporting performance in this amazing ensemble goes to Barbara Streisand. She impeccably depicts Lance Armstrong warm-hearted mother. Some of the best scenes in Livestrong take place when Linda is alone grieving over either her ex-husband or Lance’s cancer. These scenes are indisputably to the credit of Streisand. She makes these scenes what they are. Her performance shouts “O-S-C-A-R” and I personally believe she will be rewarded with her second Oscar victory. Livestrong is one of the most powerful and meaningful biographical movie to come around in many decades and should be a frontrunner in many categories come award season.
FYC:
Best Picture
Best Director (Sam Mendes)
Best Actor (James Denton)
Best Supporting Actress (Vera Farmiga)
Best Supporting Actress (Barbara Streisand)
Best Supporting Actor (Matt Dillon)
Best Supporting Actor (Michael Douglas)
Best Adapted Screenplay (Gregory Allen Howard)
Best Cinematography (Oliver Wood)
Best Make-up (Deena Adair)
Best Art Direction (Richard L. Johnson)
Location: Portland
“Livestrong"
Directed by Sam Mendes
Written by Gregory Allen Howard
Cinematography by Oliver Wood
Make-up by Deena Adair
Art Direction by Richard L. Johnson
Principal Cast:
James Denton as Lance Armstrong
Vera Farmiga as Sheryl Crowe
Matt Dillon as Chris Carmichael
Barbara Streisand as Linda Armstrong Kelly
Ed Harris as Terry Armstrong
Jennifer Esposito as Kristen Richard Armstrong
Michael Douglas as Eddie Gunderson
Tagline: "Riding was his life. Survival is his legacy"
Synopsis: 7- time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong is a man of courage, devotion, and dedication. Livestrong tells the story of this extraordinary man and his ability to push through the troubles of life and come out of top.
Lance Armstrong (Denton) sits impassively in front of a podium outside his house in Texas. He is comforted by his wife, Kristen (Esposito), and his best friend and trainer, Chris Carmichael (Dillon), as he prepares to make his gloomy announcement. Lance’s mind drift to his youth when his father, Eddie Gunderson (Douglas), walked out on both him and his mother, Linda (Streisand). That moment compares nothing in contrast to what he about to face in the coming months. He comes back to reality and addresses the curious crowd. Tearfully, Lance admits he has testicular cancer that has metastasized to his brain and lungs and he has a 3% chance of survival. Lance has a long struggle fighting cancer, but with the help of Kristen, his mother and his stepfather, Terry (Harris), Lance is able to overcome the odds to beat cancer.
Years after first being diagnosed with cancer, Lance has returned to cycling with vengeance. He has to prove to himself that he deserves to still be alive. Because of the lack of a personal relationship and Lance’s time spent training, Kristen files divorce papers and her and Lance divorce six months later. During Lance’s spree of multiple Tour de France victories, he meets Sheryl Crowe (Farmiga) and falls in love with her. However, his newfound love is overshadowed by the suspicion of steroid use, and his sexuality. Lance is hounded with questions about these things every time he steps outside. In November 2005, Lance strains to cope with Sheryl’s diagnosis of breast cancer. It evokes memories of what he had to go through while fighting cancer. He finds comfort from his stepfather and his mother. In a emotional scene, Lance and Linda share recollections from their heartrending past and Lance’s plans for the future with Sheryl.
Livestrong concludes one year later at a cancer awareness benefit. Lance Armstrong tells his story of cancer and what he is doing to help find a cure. In the crowd, sit individuals from Lance’s past. Sheryl Crowe, who is now just a friend, sits at the front table with Chris Carmichael, Terry Armstrong, and Linda Armstrong. Lance smiles at them, but notices a stranger from the past standing by the door. This stranger has come to witness for himself what a courageous and wonderful man his son has become.
What the press would say:
Who is Lance Armstrong? Some might say just a bike rider, others might say a doper. They are wrong. Lance Armstrong is hope; hope for the future, hope for the human race. Sam Mendes’s Livestrong does the life story of Lance Armstrong perfect justice. Mendes somehow pulls this movie off perfectly despite its 150 minute running time. He could have easily made it too controversial or too boring, but he doesn’t overwhelm the audience nor does he dumb the movie down. Mendes asks the most out of all actors and each and every one of them respond to the challenge. James Denton gives a flawless performance as the heroic Lance Armstrong. He shows an array of emotions that even the most veteran of actors would have difficulty achieving. Denton gets inside Lance Armstrong’s skin and portrays him with picture-perfect precision. The Academy should go ahead and just inscribe Denton’s name into his Oscar. This performance is utterly stupendous to the point that it deserves not just one, but two Oscars. His performance might just go down as an all-time great. Outweighed by Denton’s powerhouse performance, are the supporting roles of Vera Farmiga, Matt Dillon, Michael Douglas and Barbara Streisand. Some might question the casting of Vera Farmiga as Sheryl Crowe, but they are wrong. Farmiga is perfect as the beautiful country singer. Her and Denton have such chemistry on the screen that you believe you are watching the real life Lance Armstrong and Sheryl Crowe. Farmiga’s performance ranks among the best of the year. She isn’t afraid to show us the side of Sheryl Crowe we never knew. Matt Dillon gives his best performance of his career as Lance Armstrong’s best friend and trainer. Chris is one of only two people to stick with Lance through all the hard times and Dillon does his character justice with this brilliant performance. His performance is one of his best and it might just be better than his role in Crash. Even with only fifteen minutes of screen time, Michael Douglas gives a great performance as Lance Armstrong’s biological father. The audience will both hate and love Eddie Gunderson. Hatred throughout the movie transformed into love and happiness come the closing moments. However, without a doubt the best supporting performance in this amazing ensemble goes to Barbara Streisand. She impeccably depicts Lance Armstrong warm-hearted mother. Some of the best scenes in Livestrong take place when Linda is alone grieving over either her ex-husband or Lance’s cancer. These scenes are indisputably to the credit of Streisand. She makes these scenes what they are. Her performance shouts “O-S-C-A-R” and I personally believe she will be rewarded with her second Oscar victory. Livestrong is one of the most powerful and meaningful biographical movie to come around in many decades and should be a frontrunner in many categories come award season.
FYC:
Best Picture
Best Director (Sam Mendes)
Best Actor (James Denton)
Best Supporting Actress (Vera Farmiga)
Best Supporting Actress (Barbara Streisand)
Best Supporting Actor (Matt Dillon)
Best Supporting Actor (Michael Douglas)
Best Adapted Screenplay (Gregory Allen Howard)
Best Cinematography (Oliver Wood)
Best Make-up (Deena Adair)
Best Art Direction (Richard L. Johnson)
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