Interview: Chris Scott Talks So You Think You Can Dance, The LXD and Step Up Series

Interview: Chris Scott Talks So You Think You Can Dance, The LXD and Step Up Series, Written by: Karen Benardello Some people find a hobby they’re so good at and talented in growing up that their gift is easily transferred into a thriving, award-worthy career. Such is the case with choreographer and actor Chris Scott, who found his calling for dance after signing up for tap lessons while attending the famed Hollywood High School. The dancer, who has found success choreographing routines for television shows, films and an Internet web series, effortlessly showcases his talent in his memorable recent projects. The multi-faceted choreographer and dancer just received his first Emmy nomination for Outstanding Choreography for his work on the ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ routines ‘Misty Blue’ and ‘Velocity.’ Besides being a resident choreographer on Fox’s hit dancing competition, Scott is also a choreographer and founder of the acclaimed web series, ‘The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers’ (also known as ‘The LXD’). The series follows two groups of rival dancers who use their superpowers to battle each other. Scott also served as a fully credited choreographer on this summer’s dance romance drama, ‘Step Up: Revolution.’ Scott generously took the time recently to talk about his choreography and charity projects over the phone. Among other things, he discussed how he became a choreographer on ‘So You Think You Can Dance,’ ‘The LXD’ and ‘Step Up: Revolution;’ his working relationships with fellow choreographers Jon Chu, Adam Shankman, Jamal Sims, Travis Wall and Chuck Maldonado; and how his dancing benefits the charities he works with, including Invisible Children, Inc. ShockYa (SY): You’re serving as a resident choreographer for Fox’s current ninth season of its hit dance competition, ‘So You Think You Can Dance.’ Why did you want to work for the show, and was it a dream of yours to choreograph dancers on the competition? Chris Scott (CS): Yeah, it kind of came up out of nowhere. I choreographed for an innovative web series, called ‘The LXD,’ or ‘The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers.’ ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ found us on YouTube. The web series was created by Jon M. Chu, who directed ‘Step Up 2: The Streets,’ which is how I met him and started working with The LXD. After ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ found ‘The LXD’ on YouTube, they called us to do a number. So we went on the show, and did a dance to a song by Coldplay. It went over really well, and was well-received. It was a big, beautiful dance with freestylers, crunkers and a bunch of different styles. From doing that piece on the show, they asked me to come in and do the season finale of season 6. I didn’t actually plan on choreographing the show. I didn’t know it was possible for me. Then they took me in, and asked me to do a big number on the finale, which was big for me. That’s a big honor, and a lot of people could have done that piece, but they asked me. To continue reading this interview, please visit Shockya.

End of Watch Movie Review

'End of Watch' Movie Review, Written by: Karen Benardello Shooting a film in the found-footage style has often worked in the horror genre in recent years, as it allows viewers to witness the scares as the victim would over the course of the plot. But the idea of using the style in a crime drama, like with the new movie ‘End of Watch,’ seemed questionable, as the success of the genre has previously relied on the unpredictable behavior of its characters who are involved in a mystery. But the film, which was shot through the prospective of two police partners, intriguingly helped build the suspense of the dangers they were unpredictably met with while on the job. ‘End of Watch’ follows two Los Angeles police officers, partners Brian Taylor (played by Jake Gyllenhaal) and Mike Zavala (portrayed by Michael Pena), as they’re sent to patrol a new dangerous zone in South Central after being cleared for a lawful shooting. Brian, who is going back to school for pre-law, is videotaping their arrests and other daily duties for a filmmaking class he’s taking as an elective. Through hand-held equipment and dash cameras in their cruiser, the two officers capture the illegal happenings on the city’s toughest corners. Brian and Mike’s lives as they know them are severely altered after they confiscate money and firearms from the members of a notorious cartel during a routine traffic stop. The officers know they’ve unintentionally encountered a dangerous case, but don’t realize how much danger their lives are truly in when the cartel plots its revenge. The two are too busy enjoy their friendship and personal lives, including Brian’s new serious relationship with Janet (played by Anna Kendrick) and Mike’s new child with his wife, Gabby (portrayed by Natalie Martinez), to realize the harm the gang sets out to put them in. Gyllenhaal and Pena were both well cast in their respective roles as the two seemingly tough police officers, whose close professional bond with each other and raw emotions made them respectable. The two actors naturally portrayed their characters in ‘End of Watch’ as not letting the tribulations of their job hinder their relationship, even as they debated how to pursue the all-important cartel case they accidentally uncovered. But even though the two take their jobs seriously, and are determined to help the innocent people they’ve sworn to protect, Brian and Mike are also relatable because of the funny personal friendship they have with each other. To continue reading this review, please visit Shockya.

Tribeca Film Aquires American Rights to How to Make Money Selling Drugs

Tribeca Film has announced it acquired the American rights to the upcoming Bert Marcus Productions’ documentary ‘How to Make Money Selling Drugs.’ Through authentic reportage and pop culture references, the film offers an in-depth look at the high-stakes world of drug dealing and drug enforcement. ‘How to Make Money Selling Drugs’ offers a glimpse into the lives of those on both sides of the war on drugs. The film includes diverse perspectives on the controversial subject through interviews with such celebrities as 50 Cent, ‘The Wire’ producer David Simon, Arianna Huffington, Woody Harrelson, Eminem and Susan Sarandon. The documentary also presents a shockingly candid examination of how a street dealer can become a cartel lord with relative ease, and how public policy and government drug enforcement have struggled to effectively deter Americans from dealing drugs. Top‐ranking government officials, from such organizations as the U.S. Drug Czar and the Drug Enforcement Agency, also provided unique and honest viewpoints on the global topic. Filmmaker Matthew Cooke helmed ‘How to Make Money Selling Drugs,’ which marks his film directorial debut. The documentary, which had its world premiere at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival, reunites the team that created the breakout hit ‘Teenage Paparazzo,’ producers Bert Marcus of Bert Marcus Productions and Adrian Grenier Tribeca Film will theatrically release ‘How to Make Money Selling Drugs’ in 2013, and is also planning on a VOD distribution through a variety of video-on-demand offerings. The independent film distribution label will also release the documentary o iTunes, Amazon Watch Instantly, VUDU and Xbox. Of Tribeca Film acquiring the rights to ‘How to Make Money Selling Drugs,’ Cooke said it’s a dream come true. He added the timing couldn’t be better. “Today America consumes a majority of the marijuana and 40% of the world’s cocaine while simultaneously incarcerating more of its citizens than any country in the history of the world. We hope to encourage a national conversation on one of the worst public policy failures of the last 50 years. And do so in a way that’s engaging, entertaining and inspiring,” he said. Marcus, the Chief Executive Officer of Bert Marcus Productions, said his independent film company is thrilled to be working with Tribeca Film. “Given the history of Tribeca Film as an industry pioneer with an esteemed track record of connecting audiences to unique, thought-provoking work, we cannot think of a better home for our documentary that seeks to enlighten and entertain audiences about the complexities of the ‘war on drugs,’” he added.

10 Years Movie Review

10 Years Movie Review, Written by: Karen Benardello Teenagers often times want to rush their high school experiences so they can embrace the freedom that they often associate with adulthood. Little do they realize that the time they spend with their friends and peers during their youth often influence and shape their adult lives, and they’ll often spend their time after graduation trying to rectify the problems created in school. This emotional dilemma is daringly and comically featured and debated in the new ensemble film ‘10 Years,’ which opens in select New York theaters tomorrow. The movie respectably refuses to present the insecurities people carry into adulthood from school as trivial, and isn’t afraid to show the lengths people will go to in order to improve their self-worth and confidence. ‘10 Years’ follows a group of high school friends who reconnect on the night of their 10-year reunion, and discover that a decade after graduating, no one’s fully grown up. The group is led by Jake (played by Channing Tatum), who is deeply in love with his girlfriend, Jess (portrayed by Jenna Dewan-Tatum), and id ready to propose to her. He quickly doubts his decision when he runs into his high school flame, Mary (played by Rosario Dawson), for the first time since college. But when he discovers she’s married to Paul (portrayed by Ron Livingston), Jake learns to value his relationship with Jess. Meanwhile, Jake’s friend Cully (played by Chris Pratt) is married to former cheerleader Sam (portrayed by Ari Graynor), and makes it his mission to finally apologize to all the classmates he bullied in high school. However, after having a few drinks, the once popular jock relapses back to his old harassing ways. At the same time, longtime rivals, the notorious bachelor Marty (played by Justin Long) and the married A.J (portrayed by Max Minghella), envy each other’s lifestyles. They try to make themselves feel better by spending their time at the reunion resorting to their high school ways, vying to impress the hottest girl in class, Anna (played by Lynn Collins). The other members of the group include the once-shy Reeves (portrayed by Oscar Isaac), who is now a rock star. He’s still too afraid to talk to his high school crush, Elise (played Kate Mara), however, and tries to muster up the courage to win her over. Meanwhile, Scott (portrayed by Scott Porter) has finally found peace living in Toyko with his girlfriend, and realizes the happiness he had in high school belongs in the past. Screenwriter-helmer Jamie Linden, who made his feature film directorial debut with ‘10 Years,’ perfectly captured the conflicting feelings many people feel as they reflect on their high school experiences with friends they lost regular contact with. Jake and his friends represent everyone who is still holding onto their sentiments, emotions, grudges and dreams from their high school careers. To continue reading this review, please visit Examiner.

Interview: Richard Jenkins Talks Liberal Arts

Interview: Richard Jenkins Talks Liberal Arts, Written by: Karen Benardello As people grow older and start reflecting on their school experiences and career, they often feel a sense of nostalgia for their youth and the carefree days they once had. They initially have conflicting feelings over wanting to relive what they have always perceived to be the best times of their lives and anticipating the next phase in their lives, such as retirement. But they come to realize they have to move forward in their lives, and the things they did when they were younger weren’t always the best option. This is certainly the case with the character of English professor Peter Hoburg, played by Richard Jenkins, in the new comedy drama ‘Liberal Arts,’ which was written and directed by Josh Radnor. ‘Liberal Arts,’ which will be released theatrically and on VOD tomorrow, follows newly single Jesse Fisher (played by Radnor), a university admission counselor in his mid-thirties living in New York City. He returns to his Ohio alma mater for a retirement dinner for Peter. While back on campus, Jesse has a chance meeting with 19-year-old Zibby (played by Elizabeth Olsen), a precocious undergrad who loves classical music, improv and the ‘Twilight’ books. Meeting Zibby awakens long-dormant feelings of possibility and connection in Jesse, as the duo strikes up a long-distance romance. Although Zibby is mature behind her years, the large age difference between the two heavily weighs on Jesse’s conscience. As he debates starting a relationship with Libby, Jesse becomes torn between moving forward in life and holding on to the memories of his own unforgettable undergraduate career. His life is also put into prospective after he meets upbeat party animal Nat (portrayed by Zac Efron); depressed student Dean (played by John Magaro) and his former, feisty Romantics professor, Judith Fairfield (portrayed by Allison Janney). Jenkins generously took the time to sit down and discuss what it was like filming ‘Liberal Arts’ during a recent roundtable interview at New York City’s Crosby Hotel. Among other things, Jenkins discussed what it was like working with Radnor in the directorial, writing and acting senses; how his experiences acting and directing in the theater during the beginning of his career have shaped his film work today; and what he learns, and how he benefits, from reading the reviews of his movies. Question (Q): Had you meet Josh Radnor while you were filming ‘Six Feet Under?’ He did a guest starring role on the show, which you had a recurring role on. Richard Jenkins (RJ): No, we hadn’t met on the show. We have the same agent, and I did a half-day for (Radnor’s feature film directorial and writing debut) ‘Happythankyoumoreplease,’ and met him then. Then I met him at a couple film festivals, and we talked a few times. I’ve always liked him, he’s smart and funny. Q: Josh wrote this role for you, right? RJ: Yes. I can’t say no, right? (laughs) Q: Did you identity with the character? RJ: I did, I did. I identified with the whole film, because I went to a small, private school in the Midwest, in Illinois, and loved every minute of it. I love going back. Every time I do go back, I think, why can’t I just be in college again? I understand wanting to be 19 all the time. Isn’t it true? Q: How old do you feel? RJ: About 16. (laughs) It varies on the day. I love going back, I just went back to my high school’s 45th reunion. Somebody said, I don’t like going back. But I haven’t seen some of these guys for 45 years, and it was fantastic. My wife and I both went to the same college, so we try to go back as much as we can. It was a great time. To continue reading this interview, please visit Shockya.

Arbitrage Movie Review

Arbitrage Movie Review, Written by: Karen Benardello Director: Nicholas Jarecki (‘The Outsider’) Starring: Richard Gere, Susan Sarandon, Nate Parker (‘Red Tails’), Tim Roth (‘Pulp Fiction’) and Brit Marling (‘Another Earth’) Many people who come from humble beginnings have the drive to do whatever it takes to financially succeed in life, no matter what it takes to get there. Such is the case with the main character of the new drama thriller ‘Arbitrage,’ Robert Miller, a charming, self-made billionaire, who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. While Robert is a respectable businessman who will do whatever it takes to provide for his family, he becomes an unfortunate product and victim of the 2008 stock market crash. He’s led to commit unimaginable, illegal and unmoral acts in order to protect his loved ones and save his cherished company. ‘Arbitrage’ follows Robert (played by Richard Gere), a New York hedge-fund magnate, who seems to be the very portrait of success with his business and family as he nears his 60th birthday. But Robert is secretly in over his head at work, as he desperately tries to complete the sale of his trading empire to a major bank before his fraud is revealed. He struggles to keep his deception from his loyal wife of 30 years, Ellen (portrayed by Susan Sarandon), and heir-apparent daughter Brooke (played by Brit Marling). While trying to sell his business, Robert is also secretly balancing his affair with French art-dealer Julie Cote (played by Laetitia Casta) and an unexpected personal tragedy, with the aid of Jimmy Grant (portrayed by Nate Parker), a person from his past. The involvement of the economically depressed Jimmy, who is currently on parole, ignites the suspicions of NYPD Detective Michael Bryer (played by Tim Roth), who will stop at nothing to arrest and convict both Jimmy and Robert. Living on borrowed time, Robert is forced to confront the limits of his own moral and legal betrayals and wrongs. Nicholas Jarecki, who made his feature film directorial and writing debut with ‘Arbitrage,’ created an exciting crime thriller that continuously ponders the moral and legal dilemmas powerful businessmen like Robert become entangled in. The movie also provides non-stop action and questions of whether the full extent of Robert and Jimmy’s unexpected conspiracy together will come to the attention of the police and their families. At the same time, ‘Arbitrage’ also offers viewers an entertaining look into a higher-class crime-driven world that hasn’t been realistically and thoroughly filmed before. With Robert, Jimmy and the seemingly innocent bystanders the two encounter during the course of the film, Jarecki conveyed the true personalities and characteristics of the people who truly make up the financial world. To continue reading this review, please visit Shockya.

Interview: Ashley Hinsaw Talks About Cherry

Interview: Ashley Hinsaw Talks About Cherry, Written by: Karen Benardello Sometimes it takes an unexpected, life-altering experience for a person to realize that their existence is falling apart, and they need to overcome whatever obstacles are in their way in order to find their true purpose in life. That’s certainly the case with the title character in the new drama ‘About Cherry,’ which is now available on VOD and digital platforms and opens in a limited theatrical release on September 21. Angelina, a teenager who takes on the name Cherry when she’s lured into working in the porn industry, must over her internal struggles when she realizes her life is spiraling out of her control. ‘About Cherry’ follows Angelina (played by Ashley Hinshaw) as she is on the verge of finishing high school. Rushing to escape her broken family life, she reluctantly takes nude photos, at the urging of her boyfriend (portrayed by Jonny Weston). She soon takes the money she earned and leaves town with her best friend, Andrew (played by Dev Patel), and they end up in San Francisco. Angelina gets a job as a cocktail waitress in a strip club in order to make ends meet. While working, she meets Frances (portrayed by James Franco), an affluent lawyer who introduces her to a high-class world beyond her wildest dreams. At the same time, Angelina begins exploring the porn industry in San Francisco, using the moniker Cherry. While she’s taken under the wing of a former performer turned adult film director, Margaret (played by Heather Graham). But her new-found lifestyle soon falls apart at the seams, challenging the assumptions she had about sexuality and pornography, while also addressing the struggle of finding her role in life. Hinsaw generously took the time to speak with us over the phone recently about the challenges and liberation of taking on a role like Angelina in ‘About Cherry.’ Among other things, the model-turned-actress discussed what drew her to the role of Angelina and the film overall; what it was like working with first-time feature film writer and director, Stephen Elliott, a novel author who has experience in the adult film industry; and what it was like working with some of her more experienced co-stars, including Franco and Graham. ShockYa (SY): You play Angelina, an 18-year-old who moves to San Francisco and becomes involved in the porn industry, in order to escape her broken family life. What was it about the character and the script that convinced you to take on the role? Ashley Hinshaw (AH): I think more so than anything else, I was intrigued by the fact that it was a story that seemed very different than the stories I was looking at as an actor, and the scripts that I had been reading. I always wanted to take on someone who was very different than me, as far as the character goes. I’m not like Angelina, that’s definitely for sure. So I was really able to spend the time and the work trying to transform myself into another character, which, as an actor, is a really exciting venture. It’s a bit of a scary venture, but it was exciting. That industry, the adult industry, is something I knew absolutely nothing about when I went into ‘About Cherry.’ More so than anything else, what I was attempting to do with ‘About Cherry’ was tell one specific person’s story about getting into that industry, and not tackle the issue in general of the adult porn industry. I wanted to tell one specific story, and have it be more about this girl and what she went through, more so than telling a story about porn. I think that even though one of the attractions is that that industry is so prevalent in the film, I think when people see the movie, they’ll be surprised. It’s much more about this girl coming of age and discovering herself as she’s growing up than it is about the porn business. To continue reading this interview, please visit Shockya.

Interview: Josh Radnor and Elizabeth Olsen Talk Liberal Arts

Interview: osh Radnor and Elizabeth Olsen Talk Liberal Arts, Written by: Karen Benardello College is a fulfilling experience for many young adults, as it offers students one last chance to debate new intellectual ideas before they enter the real world and become mature adults. It also allows them to explore romantic relationships with people happy to debate these ideas, and defend those they agree with and question those they oppose. Once these students graduate from college, they often struggle with their strong feelings of nostalgia for their education and youth, even though they couldn’t wait to grow up when they were younger. This is certainly the case with the main characters in the upcoming comedy drama ‘Liberal Arts,’ which was written and directed by actor Josh Radnor. ‘Liberal Arts,’ which will be released theatrically and on VOD on Friday, follows newly single Jesse Fisher (played by Radnor), a university admission counselor in his mid-thirties living in New York City. He returns to his Ohio alma mater for a retirement dinner for his favorite English professor, Peter Hoburg (portrayed by Richard Jenkins). While back on campus, Jesse has a chance meeting with 19-year-old Zibby (played by Elizabeth Olsen), a precocious undergrad who loves classical music, improv and the ‘Twilight’ books. Meeting Zibby awakens long-dormant feelings of possibility and connection in Jesse, as the duo strikes up a long-distance romance. Although Zibby is mature behind her years, the large age difference between the two heavily weighs on Jesse’s conscience. As he debates starting a relationship with Libby, Jesse becomes torn between moving forward in life and holding on to the memories of his own unforgettable undergraduate career. His life is also put into prospective after he meets upbeat party animal Nat (portrayed by Zac Efron); depressed student Dean (played by John Magaro) and his former, feisty Romantics professor, Judith Fairfield (portrayed by Allison Janney). Radnor and Olsen generously took the time to sit down and discuss what it was like filming ‘Liberal Arts’ together during a recent roundtable interview at New York City’s Crosby Hotel. Among other things, the two actors discussed the chemistry they quickly developed together on set, how closely they stuck to Radnor’s script while filming and which books have influenced their lives. Question (Q): The two of you had some really great moments together, and the chemistry seemed really natural. Was that something that did come naturally between you two, or did you have to work at it? Elizabeth Olsen (EO): I don’t think we worked much at it. You know what, the first time I auditioned, and we read through every single scene in the script together, it was naturally fun. We worked well together. Josh Radnor (JR): Yeah. That’s what you’re looking for when you’re trying to cast a movie. EO: That was our first time meeting each other. JR: Yeah. Chemistry’s not something you want to point out if it’s there. You just want it to be there. If a script’s well written, truthfully written, and the right person shows up on both sides to play the scene, there will be chemistry there. Even if the characters are fighting, there’s going to be the right chemistry, because everyone’s appropriately inhabiting the part. I think that’s what was going on with us. Lizzy’s so perfect for the role that people think I must have written it for her. They even share a name, Elizabeth. EO: No one calls me that! (laughs) To continue reading this interview, please visit Shockya.

Liberal Arts Movie Review

Liberal Arts Movie Review, Written by: Karen Benardello Director: Josh Radnor Starring: Josh Radnor (TV’s ‘How I Met Your Mother’), Elizabeth Olsen (‘Martha Marcy May Marlene’), Richard Jenkins, Allison Janney and Zac Efron People often have memories of a particular time period in their lives that they often look back at with nostalgia, and remember them with an elevated admiration that they’re not worthy of receiving. That’s certainly the case amongst the main characters in the new comedy-drama ‘Liberal Arts,’ which is the directorial and writing follow up to actor Josh Radnor’s helming and script debut, the 2010 comedy-drama-romance ‘Happythankyoumoreplease.’ ‘Liberal Arts’ is a meaningful, thought-provoking look into how people of all ages continuously look for acceptance, the meaning of their life and how to re-live the most memorable and best days of their lives. ‘Liberal Art’s follows newly single Jesse Fisher (played by Radnor), a university admission counselor in his mid-thirties living in New York City. He returns to his Ohio alma mater for a retirement dinner for his favorite English professor, Peter Hoburg (portrayed by Richard Jenkins). While back on campus, Jesse has a chance meeting with 19-year-old Zibby (played by Elizabeth Olsen), a precocious undergrad who loves classical music, improv and the ‘Twilight’ books. Meeting Zibby awakens long-dormant feelings of possibility and connection in Jesse, as the duo strikes up a long-distance romance. Although Zibby is mature behind her years, the large age difference between the two heavily weighs on Jesse’s conscience. As he debates starting a relationship with Libby, Jesse becomes torn between moving forward in life and holding on to the memories of his own unforgettable undergraduate career. His life is also put into prospective after he meets upbeat party animal Nat (portrayed by Zac Efron); depressed student Dean (played by John Magaro) and his former, feisty Romantics professor, Judith Fairfield (portrayed by Allison Janney). Radnor scripted a heart-felt love letter to many people’s liberal arts college education with his second comedy-drama. He also created a relatable main character in Jesse, who takes over a decade to realize that being stuck in his academic ways is just holding him back. The 35-year-old Jesse undergoes an important, meaningful journey throughout the course of ‘Liberal Arts,’ leading him to realize that his mind is too over-developed and mature to remain in the college student lifestyle. His emotional journey also makes him realize that his nostalgic feelings and longing for a simpler time is holding him back from enjoying his adult life. To continue reading this review, please visit Shockya.

Austin Basis 'Beauty and the Beast' Interview

Austin Basis 'Beauty and the Beast' Shockya Interview, Written by: Karen Benardello Love can be found in the most unusual and unsuspecting places between two people who seemingly have little or nothing in common with each other. Such is the case between the title characters on the anticipated CW romance drama series ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ which premieres on Thursday, October 11 at 9pm after ‘The Vampire Diaries.’ The new, modernized take on the classic fairytale incorporates contemporary societal issues and crimes into the familiar love story of two people destined to be together, but are continuously pulled apart by their differing personalities. ‘Beauty and the Beast’ follows Catherine “Cat” Chandler (played by Kristin Kreuk), a smart homicide detective who is haunted by her tragic past. When she witnessed the murder of her mother as a teenager, she came to believe that someone, or something, rescued her from the two gunmen, although no one believes her. But as an adult, Tess has developed a strong relationship with her partner, Tess Vargas (portrayed by Nina Lisandrello), as they work to solve similar crimes. While working a case, Cat and Tess are lead to investigate a doctor, Vincent Keller (played by Jay Ryan), who was reportedly killed while serving in Afghanistan in 2002. After Cat finds Vincent, he admits that he went into hiding, with the help of his childhood friend JT Forbes (portrayed by Austin Basis), because when he becomes enraged, he turns into an enraged beast. He also reveals to Cat that he was the one who saved her on the night of her mother’s murder. Basis generously took the time to speak to us over the phone from Toronto, where he’s currently filming episodes for the first season of ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ Among other things, the versatile actor discussed what attracted him to the role of JT; what it’s like working with his co-stars, Ryan and Kreuk; and how the role of JT is similar to, and different from, one of his most well-known characters, Math Rogers, on another CW drama, ‘Life Unexpected.’ ShockYa (SY): You play JT Forbes on the CW’s anticipated romance series ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ What was it about the character that convinced you to take on the role? Austin Basis (AB): Well, I always relate to the every man and the humor about a character. So what I mean in this situation, with ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ is that I think he’ll be the most relatable character. He seems to be going in this situation where he’s way in over his head. So the supernatural aspect of it, the romantic aspect of it, the government agency chasing you aspect of it, is written really smartly and funny. JT’s probably the smartest character I’ve ever played, both on the page and in his character background. He was a biochemistry major, which is his profession now, and he’s a medical researcher. He’s really smart, and really has his stuff together. To continue reading this interview, please visit Shockya.

Darling Companion DVD Review

Darling Companion Examiner DVD Review, Written by: Karen Benardello People often don’t realize the value and meaning of companionship until their relationship is strained and they become emotionally or physically separated. This is certainly the case in the drama ‘Darling Companion,’ which Long Islanders can now rent at select Red Box locations. The drama focuses on what happens when a married couple starts to emotionally grown apart, and can no longer connect. When they finally find something to connect over, a dog in the case of the film’s main married couple, Beth and Joseph Winter, they’ll do anything they can to protect it. ‘Darling Companion’ follows Beth and Joseph (played by Diane Keaton and Kevin Kline) as they both learn to cope with their two daughters, Grace (portrayed by Elisabeth Moss) and Ellie (portrayed by Lindsay Sloane), living on their own. Beth views her successful surgeon husband as self-involved, so when she finds an abandoned dog at the side of the freeway, she decides to rescue and keep him. While Joseph is hesitant at first, he comes to care about the dog, who Beth has named Freeway. Watch the official trailer for the drama 'Darling Companion,' which is now available to rent at Red Box. After Grace marries the veterinarian who treated Freeway, Sam (played by Jay Ali), at the Winters’ country cabin, Beth and Joseph stay behind with his sister, Penny (portrayed by Dianne Wiest); her new boyfriend, Russell (played by Richard Jenkins), who everyone is wary of; Penny’s son Bryan (portrayed by Mark Duplass), who is also a surgeon; and the cabin’s caregiver, Carmen (played by Ayelet Zurer). When Joseph is walking Freeway in the woods, the dog becomes lost, setting off a days-long search of the area. Due to their love and devotion to Freeway, and their devotion to finding him, everyone begins to reevaluate their lifestyle choices and relationships with each other. The DVD extras for ‘Darling Companion’ contain two featurettes, including a look at the behind-the-scenes and Kasdan’s directorial work; a video on dogs and the casting of two dogs for the role of freeway; and interviews with the cast and crew at the New York premiere of the film. The most detailed and intimate look into the making of the drama is the feature-length audio commentary, featuring Kline, Kasdan and his wife, Meg, who helped write the script. The writing duo discusses how their real-life experience of rescuing, losing and finding their dog Mac inspired them to make ‘Darling Companion.’ The helmer also reflects on some of his directorial work, while Kline spoke about his experiences filming the movie. To continue reading this review, please visit Examiner.