tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63744764447407836042024-03-08T02:32:55.103-08:00Karen's Viewskarenbenardellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00975466545508158905noreply@blogger.comBlogger736125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374476444740783604.post-57256367912920208682013-01-26T08:59:00.001-08:002013-01-26T08:59:36.912-08:00Interview: Jason Mewes Talks NoobzInterview: Jason Mewes Talks Noobz, Written by: Karen Benardello<br />
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Filming a low-budget film that focuses on a specific topic like video games may detract its appeal to some viewers who aren't familiar with the gaming sub-culture, or don't easily connect with the lifestyle specific nature of independent movies. But the new gaming comedy 'Noobz,' which is now playing in select theaters and is set to be released on VOD and DVD on January 29, doesn't solely focus on the competitive nature of gaming; it also chronicles the building and destruction of romantic relationships and the bonding of friends who embark on a journey together. Actor Jason Mewes, who stars as gamer Andy in writer-director Blake Freeman's new film, is a gamer in real life, and showcases how the sub-culture both advertently and unintentionally influences society in general.<br />
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'Noobz,' which was written and directed by Blake Freeman, follows four friends as they decide to hit the road to compete in the Cyberbowl Video Game Championship in Los Angeles. The idea for the trip comes after Cody (played by Freeman) loses his job and his wife leaves him because he can't stop gaming. His friend, game store clerk Andy (portrayed by Jason Mewes), convinces him to get their Reign Clan together, including the sexually confused Oliver (played Matt Shively) and asthmatic teen "Hollywood" (portrayed by Moises Arias). The team becomes determined to win the prize money and meet Andy's online gamer-girl crush Rickie (played by Zelda Williams).Nothing, not even a Mom armed with mace, Greg Lipstein (portrayed by Jon Gries), an arcade game champion stuck in the '80s or even Casper Van Dien will stop the unlikely team from trying to win the competition.<br />
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Mewes generously took the time to speak about 'Noobz' over the phone recently. Among other things, the actor discussed how being a gamer in real life influenced him to take on the role of Andy; how he enjoys working on independent and studio movies; and how his close working relationships with his co-stars, including Freeman, who allowed him to improv while filming, helped improve the comedy.<br />
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<b>Question (Q): You play Andy, who convinces his friends to travel to LA to compete in the Cyberbowl Video Game Championship, in the new comedy 'Noobz.' What was it about the script and the character that convinced you to take on the role?</b><br />
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Jason Mewes (JM): Well, for one thing, it was definitely the whole idea of video games. I'm into playing online games, usually first person shooters. I play 'Gears of War' and 'Call of Duty' and such. So it definitely seemed like it would be fun in itself right there.<br />
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Also, the script follows these four guys who don't like the jobs they have. My character works retail, at a store, which is like how I started out. I worked at a Quik Stop when I was 17 and 18. They have a dream to go win this tournament to change their lives. There's the big reward money, and then they could get the sponsorships. So it was the fun in the road trip with the four guys, who have a dream that can change their lives. All that wrapped up in one story was good for me.<br />
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<b>Q: Director Blake Freeman has said he had you in mind for the role of Andy when he was penning the script. How did you become involved with the film-did Blake offer you the role, or did you have to audition for it?</b><br />
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JM: Blake called my agent, and told him he was going to be shooting. He wanted to see if I was available on the dates of filming, and he sent me the script, and I read it. There wasn't an audition. They made me an offer, because he said he had me in mind when he wrote the character. So he contacted me, and I read the script and accepted the role.<br />
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To continue reading this interview, please visit <a href="http://voices.yahoo.com/interview-jason-mewes-talks-noobz-11987991.html?cat=40">Yahoo! Voices</a>.karenbenardellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00975466545508158905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374476444740783604.post-9328637542379317682013-01-25T13:56:00.002-08:002013-01-25T13:56:25.130-08:00Interview: Milo Ventimiglia Talks ChosenInterview: Milo Ventimiglia Talks 'Chosen,' Written by: Karen Benardello<br />
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Creating a heart-pounding thriller with explosive stunts and emotional portrayals by the actors in terrifying, stimulating situations has often been reserved for high budget studio films. But the latest intriguing action story surprisingly can be seen in the new mini-web series 'Chosen,' which was written and directed by Ben Ketai. The series, which features six 30 minute episodes that are all currently playing on Crackle, follows a working father intent on fixing his family. His life is unexpectedly put in danger when he's forced to kill a man he doesn't know.<br />
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'Chosen' follows Ian Mitchell (played by Milo Ventimiglia), a husband, father and lawyer, who discover a mysterious box on his doorstep containing a loaded gun. The box also includes a photo of a stranger he must kill within the next three days. Ian quickly learns that if he doesn't kill the man-dentist Daniel Easton (portrayed by Diedrich Bader)-he may be killed himself along with his daughter, who is being held hostage. Confused and desperate, Ian turns into an unwilling assassin, who must risk everything to protect his family.<br />
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Ventimiglia generously took the time recently to discuss 'Chosen' during a press conference call. Among other things, the actor and executive producer discussed how Ian starting off as a normal member of society and subsequently getting thrown into a life or death situation drew him to the series; how he supports the reach and potential 'Chosen' has to reach the entire world online; and his close working relationships with his co-stars, including Nicky Wheland, who plays Ian's wife Laura, and Caitlin Carmichael, who portrays their daughter, Ellie.<br />
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<b>Question (Q): The preview says that Ian won't be the same after the box arrives. Can you talk about the type of guy he becomes, as compared to who he was?</b><br />
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Milo Ventimiglia (MV): You know, Ian's kind of a mild mannered a guy who works in a law office. He wears a tie and kind of has these little struggles-a struggle of words with him ex-wife, as his marriage is falling apart.<br />
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He's a guy who's just kind of dealing with like some everyday problems. Then this box arrives and he is now hunted and has to hunt and is kind of put into this game that is, as the trailer says, not fun.<br />
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He has to adapt as a human being for the sense of survival. So, it gives you some sort of understanding of what he does or how he has to change and manage to survive, not only for himself, but for his daughter, for his family. That's kind of where he goes.<br />
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<b>Q: What do you love about the viability in potential shows on the internet like 'Chosen?'</b><br />
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MV: I'm just so excited about digital because of the reach. Sometimes some countries don't get movies. Sometimes, you know, they're in and out of theaters, and when they arrive on TV, maybe you don't have the channel, maybe you don't have pay cable. Maybe you live in a remote part of the world that just doesn't have what the network is showing or studio is putting out.<br />
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Digital I feel like anybody can access it, anybody can get to it. Being a part of projects like 'Chosen' and working with Crackle, is great for a guy who's been in the digital space for a long time now.<br />
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Crackle just seemed like a place that they're looking for projects like 'Chosen.' I developed with them before, a Web series that I would like and watch. That was what attracted me to them.<br />
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I've known the guys over there for some time now. They're saying, "Hey. We've got money to do projects like this and we want to continue doing more and branch out from hopefully the successes that 'Chosen' has had."<br />
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I hope to be a part of it. As a viewer, I'm stoked to see somebody doing it. There's a ton of those digital houses out there that have the reach. But I love the idea that Crackle's backed by Sony ,and it's just another avenue to get creative out there.<br />
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I know it's something that I'm going to continue to do the profile builds. People should understand that you're going to get the same quality on digital as you can in a movie theater. So I love digital, I'm into digital.<br />
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To continue reading this interview, please visit <a href="http://voices.yahoo.com/interview-milo-ventimiglia-talks-chosen-11983824.html?cat=49">Yahoo! Voices</a>.karenbenardellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00975466545508158905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374476444740783604.post-80263980208982420032013-01-20T09:11:00.001-08:002013-01-20T09:11:48.233-08:00Interview: Casper Van Dien Talks NoobzInterview: Casper Van Dien Talks Noobz, Written by: Karen Benardello<br />
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Playing yourself in a film can be difficult process for an actor, as they have to figure out how to realistically translate their personality into a fictional story created by another person. But Casper Van Dien easily made the transition for the new comedy 'Noobz,' which is set to be released in theaters on January 25, and on VOD and DVD on January 29. While the 'Starship Troopers' actor didn't have a large knowledge about gaming culture before he signed on to portray himself in the movie, which is the first comedy to capture gamer culture from the inside, his comfort with his co-stars and the gamers on the set helped make his role memorable.<br />
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'Noobz,' which was written and directed by Blake Freeman, follows four friends as they decide to hit the road to compete in the Cyberbowl Video Game Championship in Los Angeles. The idea for the trip comes after Cody (played by Freeman) loses his job and his wife leaves him because he can't stop gaming. His friend, game store clerk Andy (portrayed by Jason Mewes), convinces him to get their Reign Clan together, including the sexually confused Oliver (played Matt Shively) and asthmatic teen "Hollywood" (portrayed by Moises Arias). The team becomes determined to win the prize money and meet Andy's online gamer-girl crush Rickie (played by Zelda Williams).Nothing, not even a Mom armed with mace, Greg Lipstein (portrayed by Jon Gries), an arcade game champion stuck in the '80s or even Casper Van Dien will stop the unlikely team from trying to win the competition.<br />
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Van Dien generously took the time to speak about 'Noobz' over the phone recently. Among other things, the actor discussed how he became involved with the film; how he admires Freeman's commitment to directing, writing and staring in 'Noobz;' and how he would like to follow in the filmmaker's footsteps and eventually direct his own movie.<br />
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<b>Question (Q): You appear as yourself in the new gaming comedy 'Noobz.' What was it about the script that convinced you to take on the role? How closely does the role reflect your true personality?</b><br />
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Casper Van Dien (CVD): Well, I was really nervous about playing myself. So I went to my acting coach, to see if we could really get it together. They decided to keep what I did, and didn't recast the role with someone else to play me. So I guess I was pretty close.<br />
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<b>Q: Since you portray yourself in the film, how did you become involved with 'Noobz?' Did the film's director, Blake Freeman, approach you with the idea that you would play yourself, and did you have to audition at all?<br />
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CVD: That would have been fantastic if I had to audition for myself. I know the director; I met him for something else. It was interesting for me to see the way he sees me. Then I did another film with him. Blake said, "I don't want you to act. Just be yourself, Casper." He kept telling me to be myself, so he must have really liked me.<br />
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To continue reading this interview, please visit <a href="http://voices.yahoo.com/interview-casper-van-dien-talks-noobz-11980088.html?cat=40">Yahoo! Voices</a>.karenbenardellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00975466545508158905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374476444740783604.post-43428171365679217552013-01-19T10:09:00.001-08:002013-01-19T10:09:32.400-08:00Interview: Toks Olagundoye Talks The NeighborsInterview: Toks Olagundoye Talks 'The Neighbors,' Written by: Karen Benardello<br />
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Most coming of age stories chronicle the difficulties teenagers often experience during their adolescence to fit in with their peers, and the lengths they go to as they seek acceptance from those around them. However, the idea of teens learning how to adjust to the social human norms isn't the main motivating idea in ABC's new comedy show 'The Neighbors,' which airs on Wednesdays at 8:30pm. Instead, the series uniquely chronicles how aliens try to assimilate into American life, but continuously have difficulties trying to adapt to a new society.<br />
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The series, set in New Jersey, revolves around Marty Weaver, played by Lenny Venito, and his family, who has relocated to a gated townhouse community called Hidden Hills. Upon their arrival, they discover that the entire community is populated by residents from the planet Zabvron, including First Lady Jackie Joyner-Kersee, portrayed by Toks Olagundoye, who's married to Supreme Leader Larry Bird, played by Simon Templeman.<br />
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The aliens receive nourishment through their eyes and mind by reading books rather than eating, and cry green goo from their ears. Since the aliens have assumed human form, they can also revert to their original appearances by clapping their hands above their heads. They have been stuck on Earth for 10 years, and are still waiting for instructions to return home.<br />
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Olagundoye generously took the time recently to discuss filming 'The Neighbors' over the phone. Among other things, the actress spoke about what attracted her to the role of Jackie; what her working relationship with Templeman is like on the set; and how the series is a family show, but is also high concept for adults.<br />
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<b>Question (Q): You play Jackie Joyner-Kersee, the First Lady of the alien race, on the new ABC comedy 'The Neighbors.' What was it about the character and the initial scripts you received for the series that convinced you to take on the role?</b><br />
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Toks Olagundoye (TO): Well, to be completely honest, it was a job, so of course I was interested. (laughs) I think Jackie's lovely, and I have a lot of fun playing her. I liked the quirkiness of her, and the fact that she's trying her best to be as perfect as she can, but she has flaws. She tries her best to make everyone else happy. I think she's a lovely, goofy, interesting lady.<br />
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<b>Q: How do you prepare for your role of Jackie for each new episode? Were there any particular sci-fi inspired movies or television shows that you watched for inspiration?</b><br />
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TO: No, no. She is completely my own thing. I read the script, and it's my own take on it. I like to do my own quirky thing. Not that I haven't been inspired by things, I'm sure, throughout my life. But when it comes to Jackie, I have a lot of fun playing her, as far as what the script is calling for her that week.<br />
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To continue reading this interview, please visit <a href="http://voices.yahoo.com/interview-toks-olagundoye-discusses-neighbors-11975355.html?cat=49">Yahoo! Voices</a>.karenbenardellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00975466545508158905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374476444740783604.post-2095913537173733992013-01-18T12:45:00.003-08:002013-01-18T12:45:58.193-08:00Broken City Movie Review'Broken City' Movie Review, Written by: Karen Benardello<br />
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Action films are typically known for featuring continuous fast-paced stunts, and as a result, often forgo an intelligible or well-developed plot-line that gives audiences ideas to contemplate. But director Allen Hughes welcomely changed the standards of the action crime drama genre with his new film, ‘Broken City.’ Led by a versatile cast, including Mark Wahlberg and Russell Crowe, who naturally changed their respective characters’ motives, feelings and beliefs as they encountered life-changing obstacles, the film truly delved into the question of how far people would go in order to protect their lives.<br />
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‘Broken City’ starts off with a literal bang, chronicling New York City Detective Billy Taggart (Wahlberg) as he shoots a former suspect who was freed from murder charges. While the city is questioning whether or not the police officer was justified in the shooting, Mayor Nicolas Hosteler (Crowe) hides evidence in the case, so that it won’t go to trial. The story then jumps seven years, as Billy’s now working as a private detective.<br />
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Barely able to make ends meet for himself and his girlfriend, Natalie Barrow (Natalie Martinez), Billy accepts a job from the mayor, who’s campaigning for reelection. With the promise of a $50,000 payment, Billy takes a job following Nicolas’ wife, Cathleen (Catherine Zeta-Jones), who the mayor thinks is having an affair. With the help of his office manager, Katy Bradshaw (Alona Tal), Billy soon realizes that he has taken on more than he can bargain for with the investigation. After speaking with the police commissioner, Carl Fairbanks (Jeffrey Wright), and Nicolas’ opponent in the race, Councilman Jack Valliant (Barry Pepper), who both don’t agree with the mayor’s ways, Billy discovers the man who kept him out of jail is keeping deadly, dangerous secrets from him.<br />
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To continue reading this review, please visit <a href="http://www.shockya.com/news/2013/01/18/broken-city-movie-review-2/">Shockya</a>.karenbenardellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00975466545508158905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374476444740783604.post-80724027148863455072013-01-13T12:33:00.001-08:002013-01-13T12:33:23.406-08:00Jack and Diane DVD review"Jack and Diane" DVD review, written by: Karen Benardello<br />
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Creating enthralling, unique coming-of-age romance films involving teenagers experimenting with new found emotions can pose a challenge to many writer-directors. The romance drama “Jack and Diane,” which is now available on DVD at New York Walmart locations, after having its world premiere at last year’s Tribeca Film Festival in New York, not only aims to showcase the startling, emerging feelings between the two title characters, but also aspires to incorporate unexpected elements of horror. While the two well-cast main actresses in the movie emotionally show the struggles of their characters, the inclusion of the horror subplot unfortunately takes away from the otherwise intriguing story.<br />
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“Jack and Diane” follows tomboy Jack (played by Riley Keough) and the outgoing Diane (portrayed by Juno Temple), as they meet and fall in love over the summer in New York City. But Jack's tough personality and Diane's reserved innocence and hesitance over starting a romantic relationship with another girl doesn't prepare either one for the ever growing feelings the two are developing for each other. When Diane finally reveals to Jack that her Aunt Linda (played by Cara Seymour) is sending her to Paris at the end of the summer for a school program, Jack begins to push her away. As Diane struggles to maintain their growing relationship, despite her aunt's objections over their romance, Diane tries to conceal from Jack the dark and violent visions she's been having of transforming into a werewolf.<br />
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The “Jack and Diane” DVD offers a limited insight into the making of the horror romance drama, with a select few bonus features, including a Behind the Scenes look at the making of the film and the AXS TV: A Look at Jack & Diane featurette. The DVD bonus features also include the movie’s Theatrical Trailer.<br />
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To continue reading this review, please visit <a href="http://www.examiner.com/review/jack-and-diane-dvd-review">Examiner</a>.karenbenardellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00975466545508158905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374476444740783604.post-79476907861431246702013-01-11T13:45:00.001-08:002013-01-11T13:45:14.901-08:00Interview: Jamie Johnston Talks Love MeInterview: Jamie Johnston Talks Love Me, Written by: Karen Benardello<br />
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Creating a stimulating, suspenseful thriller that equally and expertly balances its time between its coming-of-age love story with exhilarating anticipation of its murder mystery can be a challenging task. The new film ‘Love Me,’ which was directed by Rick Bota and is set to be released on Blu-ray and DVD on Tuesday, is the latest thriller to do just that. The movie chronicles the tribulations of discovering new teenage love, set against the backdrop of a town struggling to find the truth about a missing classmate. Actors Jamie Johnston and Lindsey Shaw, two of the main stars of the movie, quickly formed a close bond on set that authentically helped develop not only their characters’ growing romance, but also the speculation of how they fit into their classmate’s disappearance.<br />
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‘Love Me’ follows 16-year-old Melissa Kennedy, who has been missing for almost three months, leaving the town of Ridgedale unhinged. Meanwhile, Sylvia Potter, played by Shaw, is desperate to be in love, when the quiet, rich Lucas Green, portrayed by Johnston, transfers to Hampton Prep. Sparks fly between the two, despite the warnings of almost all of her friends. However, their love takes a major twist when the police begin an investigation into Lucas’ involvement in Melissa’s case.<br />
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Johnston generously took the time recently to talk about filming ‘Love Me’ over the phone. Among other things, the actor discussed what attracted him to the character of Lucas, and how he was cast in the role; how he formed a friendship with Shaw while they were shooting the film, which helped develop their characters’ bond; and how he collaborated with Bota before they began shooting to develop his role.<br />
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<b>ShockYa (SY): You play the quiet, rich Lucas Green, who transfers to Hampton Prep and is the main suspect in the disappearance of student Melissa Kennedy. What was it about the character and the script overall that convinced you to take on the role?</b><br />
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Jamie Johnston (JJ): Well, the character has a pretty full arc. There are scenes where he’s relaxed and happy, and there are times when he’s very lonely, and gets screaming mad and sad. So there were a lot of different emotions to play. Any actor would love a part like that.<br />
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SY: When Lucas transfers to Hampton Prep, he begins a romantic relationship with Sylvia Potter, played by Lindsey Shaw, despite the warnings of her friends. What was your working relationship with Lindsey like on the set?<br />
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JJ: It was great. We became friends pretty quickly. We were living in the same hotel-she was a couple doors down. So we’d hang out for dinner. So we became good friends, and shared the same tastes. It has nice to have a friend who I spent so much time with.<br />
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<b>SY: Like with many films focused on teenagers, Sylvia doesn’t listen to her friends’ advice, and insists on dating Lucas. Do you think that ‘Love Me’ acts as a coming-of-age story for Sylvia, and shows that people don’t learn important life lessons until they’ve made their own mistakes?</b><br />
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JJ: Yeah, I think it’s a good point of the film. You have to take things people say with a grain of salt. You have to make your own decisions, and can’t judge a book by its cover.<br />
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To continue reading this interview, please visit <a href="http://www.shockya.com/news/2013/01/11/interview-jamie-johnston-talks-love-me/">Shockya</a>.karenbenardellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00975466545508158905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374476444740783604.post-87878628954762031502013-01-08T16:03:00.004-08:002013-01-08T16:03:58.857-08:00Movie Review: The Baytown MurdersMovie Review: The Baytown Murders, Written by: Karen Benardello<br />
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Creating a black comedy full of vivid characters, extreme action and surprising plot twists on a low budget can be a difficult task for a first-time feature film scribe and director. But Barry Battles, who both helmed and co-wrote the new action crime comedy ‘The Baytown Outlaws,’ humorously and realistically mixed diverse characters on a search for redemption, with distinct sets and satirical humor. While the filmmaker succeeded in creating the thrill ride with a heart that he was hoping for, the short comings in the underdeveloped plot unfortunately failed to capture the true self-improvement the characters were looking for.<br />
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‘The Baytown Outlaws’ follows three infamously ruthless Alabama brothers who find themselves on the wrong side of crooked cops, relentless Feds and mad mobsters. After the determined Celeste (Eva Longoria) has a falling out with her immoral mobster ex-husband, Carlos (Billy Bob Thornton), and knowing he can be a maniacal psychopath, she turns to the most lawless hitmen in Alabama, the Oodie brothers-ringleader Brick (Clayne Crawford), mute wrestler Lincoln (Daniel Cudmore) and the youngest, G.I. McQueen (Travis Fimmel). Celeste is determined to take her disabled godson, Rob (Thomas Brodie Sangster), back from Carlos, even though it means putting her own life in danger. She knows her ex-husband is only caring for Rob so that he can take her godson’s inheritance, so she hires the three brothers to kidnap Rob back.<br />
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But what’s supposed to be an easy job for the Oodies ends up putting their lives in danger, as their hometown Sheriff Henry Millard (Andre Braugher) refuses to protect them anymore. The lawman fears for his job and his family when DEA Agent Reese (Paul Wesley) begins suspecting the three brothers of various crimes, which also puts their freedom in danger. While the brothers begin to care about Rob and aren’t solely focused on making money anymore, they realize the grave danger everyone is in on the seemingly easy job.<br />
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Battles created a cartoon caricature of violence and gangsters’ disregard of human regard in ‘The Baytown Outlaws,’ often interlacing the high-powered action and fighting sequences with satirical animation. From the Oodie brothers nonchalantly killing a houseful of people to Carlos facing his rightful fate for kidnapping Rob, the director aptly featured vivid black humor, mimicking the outlaws seemingly disinterest in the value of human life. The abstract art depicting the characters and the illegal activities they embark on immediately puts the audience at ease, signaling the film focuses more on the characters questioning why they turned to a life of violence, instead of the actual murders themselves.<br />
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To continue reading this review, please visit <a href="http://www.shockya.com/news/2013/01/08/the-baytown-outlaws-movie-review/">Shockya</a>.karenbenardellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00975466545508158905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374476444740783604.post-88566231747985129582013-01-02T12:07:00.000-08:002013-01-02T12:07:30.718-08:00Interview: Bow Wow Talks AllegianceInterview: Bow Wow Talks 'Allegiance,' Written by: Karen Benardello<br />
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Showcasing the emotions and true motivating factors that inspire soldiers to make the difficult choices needed in order to survive the challenging demands of their jobs is rarely included in military films. But in the new thriller 'Allegiance,' which marks the feature film writing and directorial debut of Michael Connors, an American veteran, bravely focused on the inspirations driving the lead characters, and how they deal with their personal guilt. The soldiers in the film, which is now available on VOD and currently has a limited theatrical engagement in New York, and will expand to theaters in LA and Austin this week, strive to do what's best for their country, while also contending with feelings of doubt of what they're doing is morally right.<br />
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'Allegiance' follows the effect the increasing violence the Iraq War is having on thousands of American National Guard soldiers, who have been called to active service with orders to deploy during the fall of 2004. Lieutenant Danny Sefton (played by Seth Gabel), a Wall Street trader, works part-time as an Army officer in the New York National Guard. When his unit is organized to report to duty to one of the most dangerous cities in Iraq, Sefton uses his father's influence to receive a questionable transfer that will keep him safely stationed at home. He voluntarily stays on the base to help his unit get ready for their deployment, bearing the brunt of their resentment for not deploying with them in the process.<br />
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Specialist Reyes (portrayed by Bow Wow), meanwhile, who is the unit's best medic, is denied a compassionate reassignment to stay home with his wife and their terminally ill son. He asks Sefton, the unit's executive officer, to find a way to help him stay home as well. Feeling the guilt of not deploying with his unit, Sefton puts his own future at risk by coming up with a plan to help Reyes escape the base and reunite with his son. In the process, Sefton must make the difficult decision between his loyalties to Reyes, his unit and his fiancée, Leela (played by Reshma Shetty), as he ends up entangled in the dangerous last minute escape attempt, in defiance of Lieutenant Colonel Owens (portrayed by Aidan Quinn).<br />
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Bow Wow generously took the time to discuss 'Allegiance' over the phone from New York City recently, and what attracted him to the role of Specialist Chris Reyes in the military thriller. Among other things, the actor also spoke about what it was like collaborating with Connors and the many producers on the set of the film who are military veterans; how having a small budget on the thriller helped create a military atmosphere; and what it was like co-starring with Quinn in several challenging scenes.<br />
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<b>Question (Q): You play Specialist Chris Reyes in the new thriller 'Allegiance.' What was it about the script and the character that convinced you to take on the role?</b><br />
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Bow Wow (BW): Just the fact that he was different. I've never played a character like him before in a film. I knew it was going to be a challenge. It was different-a lot of my movies are usually very light, funny and entertaining. This one was entertaining, but it was a drama. I've never done anything like this before. As soon as I read the script, I knew this was the role for me.<br />
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Q: How did you hear about the film and the role of Chris, and what was the casting process like before you officially accepted the role?<br />
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BW: It was actually quite simple. Michael Connors, the director, called my people and sent them a copy of the script. They wanted me to give them an answer, and I gave them an answer. Then I was in New York City filming. That's how the whole process went. I want to say they looked at some people, but once they found me, I came in and did what I had to do.<br />
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<b>Q: What was the preparation process like, in order to get into the mindset of Chris, before you began shooting? Did you do any research for the role?</b><br />
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BW: No, no research was needed, because a lot of the extras and everyone who was a part of this film had experience in the military, so that made it easy for us. We had, I wouldn't call it a boot camp, but they taught us how to march and move. So when people watch the movie, it's very authentic, and they won't be saying that was right and that was wrong. We didn't have to prepare that much, because we had a lot of people with experience around us.<br />
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To continue reading this interview, please visit <a href="http://voices.yahoo.com/interview-bow-wow-talks-allegiance-11955896.html?cat=40">Yahoo! Voices</a>.karenbenardellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00975466545508158905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374476444740783604.post-20443760958260409342013-01-01T12:37:00.002-08:002013-01-01T12:37:47.772-08:00Interview: Aidan Quinn and Michael Connors Talk AllegianceInterview: Aidan Quinn and Michael Connors Talk 'Allegiance,' Written by: Karen Benardello<br />
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The most successful military thrillers often thrive on incorporating stunning visual effects, aided by a large budget, that make up for the lack of developed characters and heartfelt, personal plotlines. But the new military thriller 'Allegiance,' which marks the feature film writing and directorial debut of Michael Connors, an American veteran, emotionally focused instead on the motivations of the lead characters, and how they're driven by their own personal guilt. The soldiers in the film, which is now available on VOD and currently has a limited theatrical engagement in New York, and will expand to theaters in LA and Austin this week, strive to do what's best for their country, while also contending with feelings of doubt of what they're doing is morally right.<br />
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'Allegiance' follows the effect the increasing violence the Iraq War is having on thousands of American National Guard soldiers, who have been called to active service with orders to deploy during the fall of 2004. Lieutenant Danny Sefton (played by Seth Gabel), a Wall Street trader, works part-time as an Army officer in the New York National Guard. When his unit is organized to report to duty to one of the most dangerous cities in Iraq, Sefton uses his father's influence to receive a questionable transfer that will keep him safely stationed at home. He voluntarily stays on the base to help his unit get ready for their deployment, bearing the brunt of their resentment for not deploying with them in the process.<br />
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Specialist Reyes (portrayed by Bow Wow), meanwhile, who is the unit's best medic, is denied a compassionate reassignment to stay home with his wife and their terminally ill son. He asks Sefton, the unit's executive officer, to find a way to help him stay home as well. Feeling the guilt of not deploying with his unit, Sefton puts his own future at risk by coming up with a plan to help Reyes escape the base and reunite with his son. In the process, Sefton must make the difficult decision between his loyalties to Reyes, his unit and his fiancée, Leela (played by Reshma Shetty), as he ends up entangled in the dangerous last minute escape attempt, in defiance of Lieutenant Colonel Owens (portrayed by Aidan Quinn).<br />
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Connors and Quinn generously took the time recently to discuss over the phone what it was like filming the independent military thriller together on a small budget. Among other things, the two spoke about the movie's realistic portrayal of the everyday difficulties soldiers face, and military life overall; the positive reactions they have been receiving from audiences, particularly soldiers, at screenings of the film; and the close, work-oriented working relationship they developed before and during the shooting of 'Allegiance.'<br />
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<b>Question (Q): Aidan, you play Lieutenant Colonel Owens in 'Allegiance.' What was it about the script and the character that convinced you to take on the role?<br />
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Aidan Quinn (AQ): I loved the script and the character and the questions it brings up. I liked the taunt thriller aspect to it. I thought there were wonderful roles and actors in it.<br />
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<b>Q: 'Allegiance' is being described as a very personal story that Michael wrote about his own experiences in the Army. Do you think the film shows a realistic view of the military life overall?</b><br />
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AQ: Yes, it shows the moral struggles. It shows the honorable thing to do when a young man has a situation where his young boy is dying, and he's expecting a compassionate leave. But there are intense pressures to send back men and women who had completed tours; the amount of people we have engaged in those countries is dwindling, and it's a tough decision for the commanders and unit.<br />
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Q: 'Allegiance' was mainly produced and financed almost entirely by veterans. Did you both speak to the producers about their experiences in the military while you were filming?</b><br />
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AQ: Yes, I was there for a very, very long day of shooting. Some of the producers were there, but there wasn't a long amount of time to chit-chat.<br />
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<b>Q: Have you screened 'Allegiance' to American veterans yet, and if so, what types of reactions have you been receiving?</b><br />
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Michael Connors (MC): Well, when we premiered in Seattle (at the 2012 Seattle International Film Festival), we had a number of friends and ex-military come see it, as well as when we screened it in Austin (at the 2012 Austin Film Festival). I had a couple of friends who I served with who came out. The interesting thing is, I screened it for a number of guys who I served with of different persuasions-guys who supported the war, and guys who didn't support the war. Everyone has been engaged in the movie, and have really responded well, in terms of this is the way it really goes.<br />
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One of the most interesting things I think about the film is that it's not about Special Forces and young guys who are highly trained and motivated; these are regular weekend guys, who are put in an almost impossible situation. It makes for a much more dramatic scenario than what we see in most military movies.<br />
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Some people who have seen it, including a couple investors who knew my Dad, who are Vietnam vets, aren't the most liberal guys in the world. But they really enjoyed this movie and appreciated it. Then I had a couple of film school professors at Columbia who aren't the most conservative guys see it, and they also appreciated it. This movie is about the complexities and sacrifices about going to war.<br />
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To continue reading this interview, please visit <a href="http://voices.yahoo.com/interview-aidan-quinn-michael-connors-talk-allegiance-11955111.html?image=2562219&cat=40">Yahoo! Voices</a>.karenbenardellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00975466545508158905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374476444740783604.post-4851631341799521112012-12-28T14:33:00.000-08:002012-12-28T14:33:02.684-08:00Interview: Eric Kripke Talks the Essential Supernatural: On the Road with Sam and Dean Winchester'Interview: Eric Kripke Talks the Essential Supernatural: On the Road with Sam and Dean Winchester,' Written by: Karen Benardello<br />
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The long awaited book 'The Essential Supernatural: On The Road with Sam and Dean Winchester' has finally been released by Insight Editions to serve as the ultimate visual guide for the critically acclaimed series. The coffee-table-book offers a comprehensive look into the previous seven seasons of the fantasy horror drama show, which stars Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles. The guide also offers a glimpse into the second half of the current eight season, which returns on January 16, 2013, with the episode 'Torn and Frayed.'<br />
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'The Essential Supernatural: On The Road with Sam and Dean Winchester,' which was written by Nicolas Knight, also features extensive cast and crew interviews, candid behind-the-scenes photos, revelatory production art and collectible pullout elements, including postcards, stickers, photos, and a map that details the cross-country adventures of brothers Sam and Dean Winchester.<br />
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Eric Kripke, the award-winning writer, director, producer and creator of 'Supernatural,' which premiered in 2005, wrote the foreword for the book. He generously took the time recently to discuss 'The Essential Supernatural: On The Road with Sam and Dean Winchester' and the series over the phone. Among other things, he spoke about he became involved with the book, how working on the guide brought back memories from previous seasons and how the crew keeps track of the mythology listed in the book.<br />
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<b>Question (Q): How did this all come about, and how did you get involved with it? Was it your idea being that you did the foreword to the book?</b><br />
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Eric Kripke (EK): I wish it was my idea, but it was not. We have been publishing a lot of 'Supernatural' guides over the years, and it is something really for the fans. It is to really give them a behind-the-scenes look of how the show is made. The writer has been great with doing those over the years.<br />
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It has been nice to have a real guide and history of the show for the fans and, frankly, for the people who are making it. It helps to remind us what the hell we been doing over the years. (laughs) 'The Essential Supernatural Guide' is the next step up from what we been doing at this point. It really makes an all-inclusive collection of everything 'Supernatural,' and it's done with a tender loving care for the graphics and production design. It's a really stunning guide of what 'Supernatural' has been. We are all really excited about it.<br />
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So when they ask you to do the foreword--of course I immediately signed on. 'Supernatural' will always be my first child, and I am just incredibly proud of it. It is a job that everyone has worked so hard on over the years.<br />
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To continue reading this interview, please visit <a href="http://voices.yahoo.com/interview-eric-kripke-talks-essential-supernatural-11949431.html?cat=38">Yahoo! Voices</a>.karenbenardellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00975466545508158905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374476444740783604.post-64738901210283520612012-12-28T14:25:00.001-08:002012-12-28T14:25:26.361-08:00NCM Fathom Events and Relativity Media Offering Sneak Peak into Safe Haven'NCM Fathom Events and Relativity Media Offering Sneak Peak into Safe Haven,' Written by: Karen Benardello<br />
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A sneak peek into one of the most anticipated film adaptations of 2013 is being offered by NCM Fathom Events and Relativity Media, as they jointly present "A Night with Nicholas Sparks' Safe Haven: Filmmakers, Author and Stars Bring the Book to Life." The event will be broadcast live to select cinemas nationwide on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013 at 8:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. CT and tape delayed at 7:00 p.m. MT / 8:00 p.m. PT/Alaska and Hawaii. The one-night event will be broadcast live from LA Castle Studios in Burbank, California.<br />
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Sparks will participate in a live discussion and Q&A session with fans about the cinematic adaptation of his best-selling novel, 'Safe Haven.' The event will be moderated by 'Extra' TV host Maria Menounos, and will feature appearances from the film's lead stars, Josh Duhamel and Julianne Hough.<br />
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To continue reading this article, please visit <a href="http://voices.yahoo.com/ncm-fathom-events-relativity-media-offering-sneak-11947540.html?cat=40">Yahoo! Voices</a>.karenbenardellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00975466545508158905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374476444740783604.post-55273031045880364222012-12-28T14:23:00.000-08:002012-12-28T14:23:03.790-08:00Interview: Bree Michael Warner Talks Officer DownInterview: Bree Michael Warner Talks 'Officer Down,' Written by: Karen Benardello<br />
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While people may initially be surprised by the helpfulness of strangers, who seemingly commit random acts of kindness that save their lives, they may be motivated by an ulterior motive and need for their own help that they will later come back to collect on. That's seemingly the case in the upcoming independent crime drama 'Officer Down,' in which a former bad cop will continuously have to pay for his past wrongdoings to a stranger driven by his own need for revenge. While the officer now wants to do what's right, he has to question if his desire to change was built on a lie.<br />
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'Officer Down' is set to have an exclusive theatrical engagement on January 18, 2013, with a Blu-ray and DVD release to follow on January 22. Directed by Brian A. Miller and written by John Chase, the drama stars Stephen Dorff, Bree Michael Warner, James Woods, Stephen Lang, Dominic Purcell, AnnaLynne McCord, Walton Goggins, David Boreanaz and rap star Soulja Boy in his feature film acting debut.<br />
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'Officer Down' follows dirty cop Detective Callahan (played by Dorff), who one year ago was shot in a drug bust gone wrong and was saved by a stranger. He was then given a second chance to fix his life after the accident. But when the stranger finally comes forward, seeking revenge against the men responsible for a string of assaults on young women at a local strip club, Callahan must go rogue.<br />
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The detective must find the attacker in an effort to hide how his own past played a part in the crimes. Callahan's desperation to find the attacker and cover his past mistakes takes him down a road of deception and fraud. He must find a way to play the good cop and track down the assailant, while keeping his reputation clean.<br />
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Walker generously took the time recently to answer some questions about the independent crime drama. Among other things, the actress discussed what attracted her to the character of Brogan, and how she prepared for the role; what it was like working with Dorff and the rest of the cast; and what it was like working with Miller, who has previously written and directed such crime dramas as 'House of the Rising Sun' and 'Caught in the Crossfire.'<br />
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Question (Q): You play Brogan in the upcoming crime drama 'Officer Down.' What was it about the character and the storyline overall that convinced you to take on the role?</b><br />
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Bree Michael Warner (BMW): I think as a woman in the business you're always searching for those strong female roles that allow us to be respected as intelligent, savvy and strong mined individuals. Emotionality and vulnerability are wonderful traits, but it's a woman's ability to balance the feminine and masculine that makes for much more interesting characters. Brogan is a woman who plays successfully in an otherwise men's game.<br />
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To continue reading this interview, please visit <a href="http://voices.yahoo.com/interview-bree-michael-warner-disscusses-officer-down-11951383.html?image=2561175&cat=40">Yahoo! Voices</a>.karenbenardellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00975466545508158905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374476444740783604.post-43924327664435452552012-12-18T14:19:00.002-08:002012-12-18T14:19:39.946-08:00Interview: Lee Child Talks Jack ReacherInterview: Lee Child Talks 'Jack Reacher,' Written by: Karen Benardello<br />
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Adapting a popular book featuring a lead character who’s determined to obtain justice into a visually stunning film is not always an easy task. But the new action crime drama ‘Jack Reacher,’ which is based on ‘One Shot,’ the ninth novel in best-selling British author Lee Child’s ‘Jack Reacher’ book series, naturally embodies the multi-dimensional and iconic nature of the title character. Written and directed by Christopher McQuarrie, the film features the vigilante’s moral viewpoints and captivating stunt work.<br />
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‘Jack Reacher’ follows an ex-military, trained assassin who randomly shoots five people dead as they go about their everyday lives in Pittsburgh. When the police, led by Emerson (David Oyelowo), quickly apprehend the sniper, he only asks for Jack Reacher (portrayed by Tom Cruise), an ex-Army military investigator, who prefers to avoid other people. When Jack first arrives in Pittsburgh to help the sniper’s attorney, Helen (played by Rosamund Pike), the daughter of the District Attorney prosecuting the case, Rodin (portrayed by Richard Jenkins), he’s convinced of the suspect’s guilt. But despite his belief and his past connection with the believed killer, Jack proceeds with the case.<br />
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Easily self-sufficient and hyper-observant, Jack is determined to help Helen win the case, as he’s driven by a keen sense of justice. During the investigation, he finds an unlikely enemy, and uses his bias for violence and strategy to expose the entire truth.<br />
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Child, who has written 17 novels in his famous ‘Jack Reacher’ series since its debut in 1997, generously took the time to exclusively talk about the film adaptation of his 2005 book, ‘One Shot,’ in New York City. Among other things, the writer discussed what it was like collaborating with both Cruise and McQuarrie; how Cruise’s acting landed him the role of the title role, even though he doesn’t fit the book’s physical description of the lead character; and how he was impressed with Cruise’s stunt work in the film.<br />
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<b>ShockYa (SY): Christopher McQuarrie directed and wrote ‘Jack Reacher.’ How did the process of adapting the book come about-did the studio approach you with the idea to make the film, or were you interested in making a movie based on the Jack Reacher character?</b><br />
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Lee Child (LC): I love the movies. Obviously, as an author, there’s no automatic way to make your book into a movie, but you have the possibility of doing that. So, initially someone comes along and says, do you want to do a deal? The answer is either yes or no, and I said yes, because I hoped it would happen, and eventually it did happen. I’m pleased about it.<br />
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SY: ‘Jack Reacher’ was shot on location in Pittsburgh, and had an industrial feel to it. Do you think the cinematography helped enhance the story and the character of Jack Reacher overall?</b><br />
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LC: Yeah. I think that even though the fictional city in the book was not Pittsburgh, it had the same feeling, with the river, the wet streets and the brick buildings. I think it captured the mood of the book very well. The mood and the tone of the book are very largely created by the environment they’re set in.<br />
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I think not only (Chris) McQuarrie, but Caleb Deschanel, the DP (Director of Photographer), and all the designers really got that. They dressed the film well, and it looks like the book to me.<br />
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To continue reading this interview, please visit <a href="http://www.shockya.com/news/2012/12/18/interview-lee-child-talks-jack-reacher/">Shockya</a>.karenbenardellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00975466545508158905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374476444740783604.post-85377169416974959962012-12-18T14:16:00.003-08:002012-12-18T14:16:49.324-08:0010 Years DVD Review10 Years DVD Review, Written by: Karen Benardello<br />
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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 ensemble film ‘10 Years,’ which New Yorkers can now buy on Amazon. 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.<br />
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‘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.<br />
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To continue reading this review, please visit <a href="http://www.examiner.com/review/10-years-dvd-review">Examiner</a>.karenbenardellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00975466545508158905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374476444740783604.post-31921044589933005032012-12-17T15:08:00.001-08:002012-12-17T15:08:40.725-08:00Interview: Walter Salles Talks On the RoadInterview: Walter Salles Talks 'On the Road,' Written by: Karen Benardello<br />
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Immediately following difficult periods in history, people often turn to liberation movements in order to fix society. That determination is emotionally shown in the upcoming adventure drama ‘On the Road,’ directed by ‘The Motorcycle Diaries’ helmer Walter Salles. Based on the best-selling classic 1957 novel of the same name by Jack Kerouac, the film, which was written by Jose Rivera, shows the historical context and the motivations of Americans living in the late 1940s. Led by a talented young cast, the movie gives a clear understanding of the characters’ relationships and their struggles to overcome their internal struggles.<br />
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‘On the Road’ follows young New York City writer Sal Paradise (played by Sam Riley), whose life is ultimately redefined by the arrival of Dean Moriarty (portrayed by Garett Hedlund), a free-spirited, fearless Westerner. Dean and his girlfriend, Marylou (played by Kristen Stewart), are living a carefree style, and urge Sam to join them on a personal quest for freedom from the conformity and conservatism surrounding them. They travel across the country in search of themselves, through the use of drugs, jazz and poetry in the aftermath of World War II.<br />
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Along the way, the trio’s pursuit of the pure essence of experience is continuously shaped by their interactions with the people they meet along the way, including Camille (portrayed by Kirsten Dunst). Dean ultimately marries and has children with Camille, feeling that he should settle down, but still continues to live his care-free lifestyle with Marylou and Sal.<br />
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Salles generously took the time to sit down during a roundtable interview in New York City recently to discuss filming ‘On the Road.’ Among other things, the director spoke about the research he did into the Beat Generation, how the music of that generation influenced the film’s story and the casting of the lead actors in the adventure drama.<br />
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<b>Question (Q): You cast the film in 2004, and it took a long time to get it made. Would you still have cast Kristen Stewart after the ‘Twilight’ phenomenon?</b><br />
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Walter Salles (WS): We did (cast Stewart in the beginning of the ‘Twilight’ series). Alejandro Gonzales Inarritu, the director of ‘Babel’ and ’21 Grams,’ is a friend of mine, and he had just seen a rough cut of Sean Penn’s ‘Into the Wild.’ We had dinner that night. He said, “Sean’s movie is so beautiful, and there’s this incredible young actress who you should consider for Marylou in ‘On the Road.’ There’s something very impactful about the film. She appears int he last third of the film, but there’s an echo of her presence that’s long lasting, you should meet her.”<br />
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I saw Sean Penn’s film, which I also loved. I met Kristen, and she was so knowledgeable about the book, and knew so much about the character. So I invited her to do the film, if it was going to be made. That was a big question, also. It hadn’t been made for so long, that we never knew if it was going to be a reality.<br />
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Then, of course, it took us five years to get the financing, which came from independent producers in Europe. All those years, she remained tied to the project, and to do it, says a lot about her, I think.<br />
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<b>Q: What kind of research did you do into the gender relationships?</b><br />
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WS: We did very extensive research that took us six years, between 2004 and 2010. I shot a film in Brazil with non-actors between ‘The Motorcycle Diaries’ and this. But in doing the research, the characters of the book were still alive. Or we met with the families of the characters, who are not with us anymore. Meeting, for instance, Carolyn Cassady was very helpful to inform the Camille role of Kirsten Dunst.<br />
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Carolyn’s a woman of great knowledge and sensitivity. I wanted her to be played by an actress who would not only be extremely talented, but would also have the same degree of intelligence, so I forwarded the invitation to Kirsten. Kirsten was the first actress who signed on for ‘On the Road.’ That was very early on, in 2005, I think. Then Garrett and Kristen and Sam, a little bit later. Everyone was very passionate about this book.<br />
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To continue reading this interview, please visit <a href="http://www.shockya.com/news/2012/12/17/interview-walter-salles-talks-about-directing-on-the-road/">Shockya</a>.karenbenardellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00975466545508158905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374476444740783604.post-26418646894682351992012-12-12T12:43:00.003-08:002012-12-12T12:43:45.626-08:00 AskMen Reveals the 99 Most Desirable Women of 2013'AskMen Reveals the 99 Most Desirable Women of 2013,' Written by: Karen Benardello<br />
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Jennifer Lawrence has been ranked as the most desirable woman on AskMen's 12th Annual "Top 99 Most Desirable Women" list. The honor comes after the actress, who was most remembered this year for playing heroine Katniss Everdeen in the highly anticipated film adaptation of 'The Hunger Games,' was named "the most talented young actress in America" by Rolling Stone.<br />
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More than 2.4 million votes were cast by the lifestyle website for men's readers, who voted for women with edge and unconventional beauty.<br />
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To continue reading this post, please visit <a href="http://voices.yahoo.com/askmen-reveals-99-most-desirable-women-2013-11932067.html?cat=40">Yahoo! Voices</a>.karenbenardellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00975466545508158905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374476444740783604.post-76079536882476116492012-12-05T11:18:00.000-08:002012-12-05T11:18:03.625-08:00In Our Nature Movie Review'In Our Nature' Movie Review, Written by: Karen Benardello<br />
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Filming a low-budget, independent film with a first-time feature writer and director can be taunting for many actors, but filmmaker Brian Savelson effortlessly found the perfect cast to create a realistic, emotional, character-driven movie with his new drama, ‘In Our Nature.’ With a talented quartet of well-known actors, including Jena Malone, Gabrielle Union, John Slattery and Zack Gilford, Savelson rightfully forgoed featuring any other characters and set the story in an isolated home to truly focus on the tension and strained relationships between the four. Between an obviously strained father and son bond, which drives the story’s central conflict forward, to the subtle differences in opinion of all four characters that affect the two romantic relationships, ‘In Our Nature’ genuinely looks at the petty differences that can unnecessarily drive people apart.<br />
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‘In Our Nature’ follows Brooklynite Seth (played by Gilford) as his brings his girlfriend of two years, Andie (portrayed by Malone), to his family’s weekend house in upstate New York for a romantic getaway. While the two think they’ll have the house to themselves for the weekend, they’re unexpectedly joined by his estranged father, Gil (played by Slattery), and his much-younger new girlfriend, Vicky (portrayed by Union).<br />
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When Gil and Vicky first arrive, he and Seth are hesitant to spend time together again. But Vicky and Andie, who Gil didn’t know was dating his son, push the two men to share the house for the first time since the summer vacations of Seth’s childhood. The unexpected family reunion is filled with new and old tensions, as Seth and Gil would rather start new families than deal with their lingering problems and separation from each other. But spending time together makes them realize the bonds of family are stronger than expected.<br />
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‘In Our Nature’ is an emotional, character-focused drama that’s driven by the four actors’ realistic portrayals of overcoming pain, and learning to trust each other again. Savelson truly created an isolated house in the middle of the woods that held both welcoming and painful memories for Seth and Gil, that also brought the actors out of their comfort zone. Each actor was well-cast in roles they’ve never explored in previous films, and all responded to the distinct moments of their characters pondering if they should, and could, maintain their difficult relationships with each other.<br />
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To continue reading this review, please visit <a href="http://www.shockya.com/news/2012/12/05/in-our-nature-movie-review/">Shockya</a>.karenbenardellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00975466545508158905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374476444740783604.post-65318916235931039062012-12-05T07:47:00.000-08:002012-12-05T07:47:18.105-08:00Interview: Judd Nelson Talks Bad Kids Go to HellInterview: Judd Nelson Talks 'Bad Kids Go to Hell,' Written by: Karen Benardello<br />
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The children of rich, powerful and influential leaders in the community, particularly those dealing the emotionally confusing time of adolescence, can often feel like they deserve to get everything they want, and they don’t have to suffer the consequences of their actions. But in the new independent, low-budget comedy mystery thriller ‘Bad Kids Go to Hell,’ which is based on the popular 2010 graphic novel of the same name, the spoiled students are forced to finally contend with their conflicts on their own. Described as a mix between ‘The Grudge’ and ‘The Breakfast Club,’ ‘Bad Kids Go to Hell’ shows how ill-prepared the teens are to cope with the ghosts of their past.<br />
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‘Bad Kids Go to Hell’ follows six students, including Tricia Wilkes (played by Ali Faulkner) and Matt Clark (portrayed by Cameron Deane Stewart), from the prestigious private high school, Crestview, as they’re placed in detention on a stormy Saturday afternoon by Headmaster Nash (played by Judd Nelson). While Matt must contend with not letting his parole officer find out he’s in detention, he must also deal with the other five students fighting over a shared secret. However, during the eight-hour incarceration, each of the students fall victim to a horrible accident, until one one remains. They try to figure out if one of their classmates is secretly evening the school’s social playing field, or if one of Crestview’s ghosts if finally coming to punish them.<br />
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Nelson generously took the time to speak with us over the phone recently about filming ‘Bad Kids Go to Hell.’ Among other things, the actors discussed why he wanted to play the role of Headmaster Nash in the comedy mystery thriller; what it was like working with first-time feature film writer-director Matthew Spradlin, who co-wrote the graphic novels, and his younger castmates; the experience of shooting a movie based on a graphic novel and what it was like promoting the movie at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con.<br />
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<b>ShockYa (SY): You play Headmaster Nash, who gives six students, the spoiled offspring of society’s elite, from his prep school Crestview Academy Saturday detention, in ‘Bad Kids Go to Hell.’ What was it about the character and the script overall that convinced you to take on the role?</b><br />
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Judd Nelson (JN): Well, I read the graphic novel, and I thought it was a lot of fun. I thought, it doesn’t take itself too seriously. These are horrible kids, and they get the justice they deserve. It seemed like a fun thing to be a part of, and it was.<br />
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<b>SY: Speaking of the graphic novel, were you familiar with the novel at all before you signed onto appear in the film? Did you reference the novel at all when you were preparing to shoot the movie?</b><br />
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JN: I was familiar with it. But you don’t necessarily reference it, because on a certain level, a graphic novel has to answer to a different higher power. I was worried that we were going to do the graphic novel a disservice by making the film live action. But they kept it very true to the graphic novel.<br />
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We don’t necessarily look like the artwork, because we couldn’t match it exactly. But it’s pretty close to the story. The bad kids get punished for what they do. There’s nothing funnier than that.<br />
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<b>SY: While ‘Bad Kids Go to Hell’ is a comedy, it also has horror and thriller elements in the story. Were there any horror or thriller films that you like, or referenced, while preparing for this movie?</b><br />
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JN: Well, I didn’t watch any to prepare for this. But I love scary movies. When I was a kid, I would love to scare the crap out of myself. To this day, I still think ‘Jaws’ is the scariest movie. I don’t think I’m alone when I go in that water, I’m hearing that music. (imitates ‘Jaws’ theme music)<br />
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I really like scary movies and zombie movies and gory movies and suspenseful movies. I’ll tell you, I was very impressed when I saw the first ‘Saw.’ I was like, wow, that’s a great film. ‘The Exorcist’ is also incredible. It’s a horror film, but also quite a drama.<br />
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To continue reading this interview, please visit <a href="http://www.shockya.com/news/2012/12/04/interview-judd-nelson-talks-bad-kids-go-to-hell/">Shockya</a>.karenbenardellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00975466545508158905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374476444740783604.post-20692883591167037082012-12-03T17:09:00.002-08:002012-12-03T17:09:18.181-08:00Interview: Edward Burns Talks The Fitzgerald Family ChristmasInterview: Edward Burns Talks 'The Fitzgerald Family Christmas,' Written by: Karen Benardello<br />
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Many large, tight-knit families have come to appreciate the bonds they have developed with their siblings and parents, and the diverse dynamics of their relationships have served as the realistic motivating factor of many genuine films. But when they come together to celebrate an important holiday, such as Christmas, they become surprised to learn that everyone had extremely contrasting memories, points-of-view and opinions that have driven the way they have lived their lives. This realization is an important motivating factor for the characters in scribe-helmer-actor Edward Burns’ latest writing and directorial effort, the new drama ‘The Fitzgerald Family Christmas.’ The movie is a homage to the filmmaker’s first two films, ‘The Brothers McMullen’ and ‘She’s the One,’ and marks his return to his working-class, Irish-American Catholic roots after a 16-year absence.<br />
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‘The Fitzgerald Family Christmas’ follows the seven New York working-class, Irish-American adult Fitzgerald siblings, led by Gerry (played by Burns), as they’re dealing with the desire of their estranged father, Jim (portrayed by Ed Lauter), to return home for Christmas for the first time since walking out on them 20 years ago. Family rifts emerge, and like with any family, the holiday brings about mixed emotions and dynamics, with Gerry leading the cause for their father to reunite with the family. When his younger siblings and mother, Rosie (played by Anita Gillette), object to Jim returning home, after remembering the pain he caused them, alliances form. But when Jim reveals a secret about himself, the possibility for a new hope and forgiveness emerges. With Gerry feeling conflicted over the growing rift in his family, he forms a connection with Nora (portrayed by Connie Britton), a nurse for one of his mother’s friends, who helps give him clarity on how to cope with his family’s arguments.<br />
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Burns generously took the time to sit down in New York City recently to discuss writing, directing and acting in ‘The Fitzgerald Family Christmas,’ and his return to his working-class, Irish-American roots that he featured in his successful first two films. Among other things, the writer-director-actor discussed how his own family influenced the characters and the script; why he decided to re-cast several actors he directed in his earlier films, and what his working relationships with them, particularly Britton, are like; and why he thinks audiences are relating to the movie’s theme of forgiveness and rebuilding family relationships.<br />
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<b>ShockYa (SY): ‘The Fitzgerald Family Christmas’ focuses on a large Irish-American family with seven adult children, who all contend with their estranged father, who wants to return home for Christmas after 20 years. Why did you decide to return to the Irish Catholic working class themes that you explored in your first two films, ‘The Brothers McMullen’ and ‘She’s The One?’</b><br />
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Edward Burns (EB): It came from when I was working with Tyler Perry on the film, ‘Alex Cross,’ and he had just re-watched ‘Brothers McMullen.’ He asked me, ‘McMullen’ and ‘She’s The One’ were so successful, and in 15 years, how come you’ve never gone back to revisit that world, that Irish-American working class family theme?<br />
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He said, “you have to take a look at what I’m doing. You have to think about super-serving your niche. I guarantee you, if you were to make a film back in that space, the audience that loved those first two movies would thank you for it.”<br />
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The minute he said it, I knew that he was right. I think I had been hesitant to go back there, because I think I felt like my life is so different now. I thought, can I write about that world with any authenticity?<br />
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I opened up my laptop, and I just started to write. Usually it takes me about six months to write a screenplay, and this took me six weeks. I was happy to discover that yes, I could still write about the world, because I knew it very well.<br />
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Sitting on these characters for 15 years, they were dying to get out of me. I didn’t have to give any thought to who they were, how they sounded, how they dressed, where they went to school, where they drank and what are they afraid of. It was all right there, and I think that’s why they just poured out of me.<br />
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<b>SY: When you were filming ‘Alex Cross,’ did Tyler offer you any advice on how to re-approach this genre?</b><br />
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EB: No, not really. It was just sort of that initial conversation. We were talking when I got toward the end of the screenplay, about the big theme of the movie, which is forgiveness, and the importance of family. I told him were I was, and kept telling him where the story was progressing, and the question of whether Rosie forgives Jim or not. <b>**SPOILER ALERT**</b> He felt very strongly that she should. I kind of know that she should <b>**END SPOILER ALERT**</b>, and that was sort of the one big conversation that we had.<br />
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To continue reading this interview, please visit <a href="http://www.shockya.com/news/2012/12/02/interview-edward-burns-talks-the-fitzgerald-family-christmas/">Shockya</a>.karenbenardellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00975466545508158905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374476444740783604.post-15747540148963136672012-11-27T07:41:00.001-08:002012-11-27T07:41:35.841-08:00Ex-Girlfriends Movie ReviewEx-Girlfriends Movie Review, Written by: Karen Benardello<br />
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Facing the uncertainties of trying to transition in adulthood, especially when figuring out what career to pursue and how to keep romantic relationships alive, is a challenge for many young adults. The struggles of trying to get through to the next stage in adulthood is ambitiously and realistically showcased in the new independent romance comedy-drama ‘Ex-Girlfriends.’ Set to be released on VOD and iTunes tomorrow and in select theaters on Wednesday, the feature film directorial debut from writer-director Alexander Poe is a memorable take on what young adults will do when their professional and personal lives are not going according to plan.<br />
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‘Ex-Girlfriends’ follows Graham (played by Poe), a writer who is disheartened by his latest break-up, and his attempts to rekindle the spark with one of his ex-girlfriends, Laura (portrayed by Kristen Connolly). While reconnecting with Laura and trying to win her back, Graham discovers that she’s dating Tom (played by Noah Bean), who’s also in a relationship with another one of his ex-girlfriends, Kate (portrayed by Jennifer Carpenter). Graham and Kate, who are still friends, team up to split Laura and Tom up, and end up discovering aspects about themselves along the way.<br />
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Being a first-time feature film writer-director who was looking to make his movie debut right away after graduating from from Columbia University‘s Graduate Film program, Poe expertly embraced the challenges of having an ultra-low budget. Instead of waiting several years to raise more money and sacrifice his vision of showing the characters’ uncertainly of fully embracing new work ventures and relationships in their 20′s, the filmmaker used his Columbia and New York City contacts to his advantage. From filming key scenes of Graham trying to overcome his latest relationship and him plotting with Kate to win Laura and Tom back in Poe’s actual fifth-floor walk-up apartment to shooting an emotional scene between Graham and Kate in Grand Central station, all without permits, the director bravely showed the authentic feeling of trying to move past relationships, even if its emotionally hard to do.<br />
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To continue reading this review, please visit <a href="http://www.shockya.com/news/2012/11/26/ex-girlfriends-movie-review/">Shockya</a>.karenbenardellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00975466545508158905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374476444740783604.post-14292161062977785162012-11-22T06:09:00.001-08:002012-11-22T06:09:48.069-08:00Interview: Tripp Vinson Talks Red DawnInterview: Tripp Vinson Talks 'Red Dawn,' Written by: Karen Benardello<br />
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Modernizing a cult classic film from the 1980s that launched the careers of several respected actors with impressive stunts interlaced with emotionally developed characters is a challenge for many directors, particularly for a first-time director. But helmer Dan Bradley, who served as a stunt coordinator on such action series as the ‘Bourne’ franchise and Sam Raimi’s ‘Spider-Man’ trilogy, and was a second unit director on such films as ‘Quantum of Solace’ and ‘Mission: Impossible-Ghost Protocol,’ easily sustained reality in the new remake of ‘Red Dawn,’ which marked his feature film directorial debut. Being able to create completely unique action sequences and the disillusion of the family structure in the film on a limited budget was something producer Tripp Vinson looked for while searching for a director for the film, which helped solidified Bradley’s hiring.<br />
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‘Red Dawn’ follows Jed Eckert (played by Chris Hemsworth) upon returning home to Spokane, Washington on a leave from the Marines, as he reunites with his younger brother, Matt (portrayed by Josh Peck), and their father, Tom (played by Brett Cullen). Since Matt would rather spend time with his girlfriend, Erica (portrayed by Isabel Lucas), then with Jed, as he still blames his older brother for leaving him after their mother died, Jed reunites with an old childhood friend, Toni (played by Adrianne Palicki). But the group quickly learns to bonds when the U.S. is invaded by North Korea. Without warning, the city finds itself prisoner under enemy occupation.<br />
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Jed then takes on the leadership role with Matt, Erica, Toni and several of their other friends, including tech geek Robert (portrayed by Josh Hutcherson); Daryl (played by Connor Cruise), the son of Spokane’s Mayor and Robert’s best friend; and Danny (portrayed by Edwin Hodge), Matt’s best friend and the star receiver of the high school football team. Taking inspiration from their high school mascot, the group calls themselves the Wolverines, and band together to protect each other, liberate their town from its captors and take back their freedom. Along the way, the Wolverines are helped by Col. Andy Tanner (played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan) and his men, who are just as determined to save America.<br />
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Vinson sat down during a roundtable interview in New York City’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel recently to discuss the filming of ‘Red Dawn.’ Among other things, Vinson discussed what the casting process for the main characters was like; what he and the other producers had to do in order to distribute the film after its production company, MGM, went into bankruptcy in 2010; and why the filmmakers chose to change the country that invaded America from China to North Korea during post-production.<br />
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<b>Question (Q): You have an impressive resume. Why do you choose to produce action films-what’s the attraction? Is it for the money?</b><br />
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Tripp Vinson (TV): Well, it’s not about the money. Doing an action movie, in my opinion, is the most complex movie to make. There are so many different elements that go into making one, and making it well.<br />
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It’s also my taste, the things I respond to as a movie fan are usually in the action genre. It’s just a personal taste. But I love the challenge of making these movies.<br />
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<b>Q: Why did you decide to feature North Korea as the enemy? They’re not the most belligerent country in the world to other countries.</b><br />
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TV: They’re not the most belligerent? I’m not sure South Korea and Japan would agree with that.<br />
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There were some changes that were made to the movie. We looked at who could ultimately invade the United States, and it’s a tough thing to come across these days. We’re not in the Cold War era.<br />
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So what we ultimately decided to do was create a fictional timeline of things that haven’t happened, but could. Some of those things did end up happening-Kim Jong-il died, and that’s in the opening sequence credits of this movie. There are other things that we allude to that set the world in a pretty dark and scary place. These things help set the stage and gets the audience ready for something like an invasion of the United States. At the end of the day, though, the movie has to be taken as a bit of a fantasy.<br />
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To continue reading this interview, please visit <a href="http://www.shockya.com/news/2012/11/22/interview-tripp-vinson-talks-about-producing-red-dawn/">Shockya</a>.karenbenardellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00975466545508158905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374476444740783604.post-29071355912876983742012-11-21T18:15:00.002-08:002012-11-21T18:15:40.086-08:00Interview: Josh Peck Talks About His Role in Red DawnInterview: Josh Peck Talks About His Role in 'Red Dawn,' Written by: Karen Benardello<br />
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Recreating a cult classic action film that was the launching pad for several esteemed actors is difficult task for any director, particularly a helmer making his feature film directorial debut. But respected stunt coordinator Dan Bradley, who has coordinated stunts for the ‘Bourne’ series and Sam Raimi’s ‘Spider-Man’ trilogy, effortlessly took over the reins for director John Milius, who helmed the original movie. Actor Josh Peck, who stars as one of the main characters in the new ‘Red Dawn,’ Matt Eckert, is one such person who respects Bradley’s mixture of fight sequences and the disillusion of family structure, in the remake.<br />
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‘Red Dawn’ follows Jed Eckert (played by Chris Hemsworth) upon returning home to Spokane, Washington on a leave from the Marines, as he reunites with his younger brother, Matt (portrayed by Peck), and their father, Tom (played by Brett Cullen). Since Matt would rather spend time with his girlfriend, Erica (portrayed by Isabel Lucas), then with Jed, as he still blames his older brother for leaving him after their mother died, Jed reunites with an old childhood friend, Toni (played by Adrianne Palicki). But the group quickly learns to bonds when the U.S. is invaded by North Korea. Without warning, the city finds itself prisoner under enemy occupation.<br />
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Jed then takes on the leadership role with Matt, Erica, Toni and several of their other friends, including tech geek Robert (portrayed by Josh Hutcherson); Daryl (played by Connor Cruise), the son of Spokane’s Mayor and Robert’s best friend; and Danny (portrayed by Edwin Hodge), Matt’s best friend and the star receiver of the high school football team. Taking inspiration from their high school mascot, the group calls themselves the Wolverines, and band together to protect each other, liberate their town from its captors and take back their freedom. Along the way, the Wolverines are helped by Col. Andy Tanner (played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan) and his men, who are just as determined to save America.<br />
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Peck generously took the time to sit down and discuss the filming of ‘Red Dawn’ recently at New York City’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. Among other things, the actor spoke about his working relationship with Hemsworth, how he trained with Navy SEALS to prepare for the intense stunts featured in the movie and taking over the role that Charlie Sheen created in the original film.<br />
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<b>Question (Q): Did you see the original movie before you began shooting?</b><br />
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Josh Peck (JP): I hadn’t seen the original, but as soon as I read the script, it came into my life and entered my dialogue with my friends. I was immediately put on notice, like don’t mess with my movie. (laughs) We were on sacred ground here. I was apprehensive to watch it, because I knew there would be parts that I loved, and would try to imitate or mimic. So I took a fresh approach. As soon as the film was done, I watched it, and really understood quickly what everyone loved about it.<br />
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<b>Q: The original had an amazing cast. Were you a fan of its cast from other films the were in?</b><br />
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JP: (Patrick) Swayze from ‘Dirty Dancing’ and ‘Ghost,’ of course. I mean, Charlie Sheen and C. Thomas Howell and Lea Thompson, for sure.<br />
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To continue reading this interview, please visit <a href="http://www.shockya.com/news/2012/11/21/interview-josh-peck-talks-about-his-role-in-red-dawn/">Shockya</a>.karenbenardellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00975466545508158905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374476444740783604.post-89061040518507285772012-11-21T14:17:00.001-08:002012-11-21T14:17:13.321-08:00Interview: The Cast and Crew Talk About Silver Linings PlaybookInterview: The Cast and Crew Talk About Silver Linings Playbook, Written by: Karen Benardello<br />
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When adults struggling with mental illness are faced with conflicts that they have difficulty comprehending and moving past, their families often feel the straining effects on their own lives. The families often do whatever they can to try to protect and save the person trying to get over their fears and internal battles, but often times fail to understand what they’re truly going through. That’s the main motivating cause of conflict in the new comedy-drama ‘Silver Linings Playbook,’ which is based on the novel of the same name by Matthew Quick. Director David O. Russell, who made his feature film writing debut with the movie, created a memorable film offers a realistic, emotional look into the struggles families face after a member has an emotional break-down related to their mental illness.<br />
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‘Silver Linings Playbook‘ follows Pat Solatano (played by Bradley Cooper), who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and lost everything, including his house, his job as a teacher at the local high school and his wife, Nikki (portrayed by Brea Bee), after spending eight months in a state institution on a plea bargain. Pat’s mother, Dolores (played by Jacki Weaver), arranges for him to be released from the hospital and move with back in with her and his father, Pat Sr. (portrayed by Robert De Niro), who lost his job and has turned to gambling to make money. They want Pat to get back on his feet, and share the family obsession with the Philadelphia Eagles. But Pat is determined to rebuild his life on his own terms-his major goal is to reunite with Nikki, despite her restraining order against him and the challenging circumstances of their separation.<br />
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Pat’s road to recovery is deterred by Tiffany (played by Jennifer Lawrence), his widowed neighbor and the sister of one of his friends, Veronica (portrayed by Julia Stiles), who is still in contact with Nikki. Since Pat is determined to reconnect with Nikki, Tiffany offers to help him save his marriage, as long as he’ll be her partner in a dance competition she’s determined to enter. As their deal plays out, Pat and Tiffany form an unexpected bond with each other that they both have to learn to navigate. While Dolores and Pat Sr. are confused over where their son’s relationship with Tiffany is headed, one of Pat’s fellow patients from the hospital, Danny (played by Chris Tucker), encourages his friend to continue his new bond with the woman he has so easily connected with.<br />
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Russell, De Niro, Cooper, Tucker and Weaver all generously participated in a press conference recently at New York City’s Regency Hotel to discus ‘Silver Linings Playbook.’ Among other things, the cast reveals why they were interested in playing their respective characters; the filmmaker spoke about how he came about writing and directing the comedy-drama; and how everyone thought what a surprise it was to see De Niro become emotional on set.<br />
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<b>Question (Q): David, as the director and writer, can you tell us a little about how the material came to you?<br />
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David O. Russell (DOR</b>): Well, about five years ago, Sydney Pollack gave me the novel by Matthew Quick, which he owned the rights to with his partner, Anthony Mccalla and Harvey Weinstein. I would say if it weren’t for my son, who had some of these struggles with bipolarity, the book would not have grabbed me. But it did grab me, and I was very pleased to write it.<br />
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It was my first adaptation ever. The characters were fantastic and complicated, each one of them. They’re very powerful-two very powerful women, and two very powerful men. I then didn’t get to make it as expected at the time. I thought I was going to get to make it, and it didn’t work out at the time.<br />
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Then I made ‘The Fighter,’ which really turned to focus my energy on this kind of a world. I’ve come to really appreciate it as a filmmaker, and I try to do it the best as I can. I then re-wrote it for the people here.<br />
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<b>Q: When you said you re-wrote it for the people here, did you re-write it post-casting? As you were re-writing, were you thinking of the individuals who would play them?<br />
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DOR</b>: It’s a combination of the fact that as you approach who’s going to be in the movie, I had the privilege to get to know Mr. De Niro over a period of years. We were able to have a personal dialogue about members of our family who had various challenges that they faced. So that’s always nice to have that emotional gateway into material, it makes it specific and personal to you. You care about it, and understand it.<br />
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The fact that Bradley had gone through himself, when I met him and got to know him, I saw him as someone in ‘Wedding Crashers’ who was a very angry person to me. When I got to know him, he was only more interesting to me. (laughs) The guy was 30 pounds heavier, and was angrier at that time.<br />
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That, to me, was so interesting when I got to know him, for him to tell me that about himself, because that mirrored the journey of the character. The character was re-introducing himself to his community, and so I think is Bradley in the picture, as an actor. I don’t think people have seen that face of him in cinema.<br />
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Jacki, I absolutely loved ‘Animal Kingdom;’ she had such a strong, tense presence. She brought that anger energy to the film. I told her that she and Bob had a happy marriage, they were still close. They instantly got that chemistry, which is essential that you feel like you’re in a real home.<br />
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Chris Tucker was another great revolution for us. He’s a guy we haven’t seen enough of since ‘Rush Hour.’ That lends to the reality of a fellow who’s been in a hospital, and we haven’t seen him. He’s coming out, and he’s happy and trying to talk to people. You don’t know who he’s going to be. But that lends that energy to Bradley, with their friendship going back.<br />
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To continue reading this interview, please visit <a href="http://www.shockya.com/news/2012/11/21/the-cast-and-crew-talk-about-silver-linings-playbook/">Shockya</a>.<br />
karenbenardellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00975466545508158905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6374476444740783604.post-4555583188080154182012-11-20T08:07:00.000-08:002012-11-20T08:07:04.853-08:00The Expendables 2 DVD reviewThe Expendables 2 DVD review, Written by: Karen Benardello<br />
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Releasing a successful, thrilling action movie with popular action actors from the 1980s and '90s who are largely considered past their prime is difficult undertaking. But when the film surprising includes intense stunts and memorable performances, a sequel is undoubtedly immediately put into the works. When the follow-up film, like the action sequel 'The Expendables 2,' which is now available to rent on DVD at select Long Island Redbox locations, is just as stimulating as the original, the actors prove how talented and valuable they really are.<br />
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'The Expendables 2' follows Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone), the leader of the title mercenary group, leads his members, including his right-hand man, Lee Christmas (Jason Statham); Yin Yang (Jet Li); Gunner Jensen (Dolph Lundgren); Toll Road (Randy Couture) and Hale Caesar (Terry Crews); as they're enlisted by Mr. Church (Bruce Willis) to take on a seemingly simple job. The group, who is aided by two new recruits, Billy the Kid (Liam Hemsworth) and Maggie (Yu Nan), must seek revenge, however, when things go wrong and one of their own is killed.<br />
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In hostile territory where the odds are stacked against them, the Expendables must shut down an unexpected threat. Jean Vilane (Jean-Claude Van Damme), the leader of an opposing group of mercenaries that's responsible for the death of one of the Expendables, plans on using five tons of weapons-grade plutonium he recently discovered to change the balance of power in the world. Along with the help of fellow mercenaries Trench (Arnold Schwarzenegger) and Booker (Chuck Norris), the Expendables aim to stop Jean before he can use the plutonium to his advantage.<br />
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‘The Expendables 2’ DVD extras offer several glimpses into the camaraderie of the actors through several deleted scenes and a gag reel. Viewers can also see a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes and filming process of the action adventure thriller through several making-of features and an audio commentary by West.<br />
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To continue reading this review, please visit <a href="http://www.examiner.com/review/the-expendables-2-dvd-review">Examiner</a>.karenbenardellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00975466545508158905noreply@blogger.com0