Read Shockya's exclusive interview with Stephen Bishop, who plays former Major League Baseball outfielder David Justice in the upcoming biographical comedy-drama ‘Moneyball,’ which is based on the true story of Billy Beane, the general manager of the Oakland Athletics. The film, which is based on the novel “Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game” by Michael Lewis and is set to be released on September 23, 2011, also stars Brad Pitt as Beane. Bishop discusses with us, among other things, how being friends with Justice prepared him for his portrayal, and how well his working relationship with Pitt was.
Shockya (SY): You portray former Major League Baseball outfielder David Justice in the upcoming film ‘Moneyball,’ Did being a player in the Pioneer Minor Baseball League yourself in the 1990s influence your decision to portray David, who played for the Athletics in 2002, in the film?
Stephen Bishop (SB): No, it didn’t influence the decision, but it definitely helped give me a bit of perspective. Having an idea, at least on some level, of what professional baseball players go through and the emotions they experience was a huge advantage when attempting to accurately portray David.
SY: What was your audition process like for the movie? Did you have to go through any try-out periods to prove your playing skills for director Bennett Miller and the producers?
SB: I had four auditions. One was a tryout where I had to show my skills, but the other three were strictly acting auditions.
SY: How did you prepare for the role? Did you meet David and/or do research into his life and career before you began filming?
SB: I actually already knew David from my playing days with the Braves. He and I are friends, and have been since then, so it wasn’t too hard to prepare. I idolized him as a kid and so I knew his mannerisms, etc., so that made it quite easy to transform physically. I called him and asked him some questions about his mindset during that time in his career and his relationship with Billy Beane. He was very helpful and generous with his insights.
To continue reading this post, please click here.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Sunday, August 14, 2011
'The Help' Movie Review
'The Help' Movie Review, Written by: Karen Benardello
Directed by: Tate Taylor
Starring: Emma Stone, Bryce Dallas Howard, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer (TV’s ‘Ugly Betty’), Allison Janney, Jessica Chastain (‘The Tree of Life’)
Making a memorable movie that primarily focuses on controversial issues, is based on a successful novel or is directed and written by a newer filmmaker is often hard to accomplish. But making a film that features all three, much like the new comedy-drama ‘The Help,’ is very unusual. The movie, which primarily focuses on the struggles African-Americans faced in the south during the 1960s, is a rare exception. Helmed and scripted by relative newcomer Tate Taylor, who adapted Kathryn Stockett’s hit 2009 novel of the same name, ‘The Help’ certainly leaves viewers wanting to stand up for what’s right.
‘The Help’ chronicles the unlikely interaction between two African-American maids, Aibileen Clark (played by Viola Davis) and Minny Jackson (portrayed by Octavia Spencer), and a young, upper-class white woman, Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan (played by Emma Stone), in early-1960s Mississippi. Skeeter returns to her hometown of Jackson after graduating from the University of Mississippi, determined to make a name for herself in the literary world. Upset by how her peers, including Hilly Holbrook (portrayed by Bruce Dallas Howard) and Elizabeth Leefolt (played by Ahna O’Reilly), treat Minny, Aibileen and the rest of the maids, Skeeter secretly writes a book about life from the prospective of “the help.”
DreamWorks Pictures made a wise decision in hiring Taylor to write and direct the film. Taylor was able to effectively capture Stockett’s important theme that Skeeter stood for her beliefs; she didn’t give in to Hilly, Elizabeth and even her mother Charlotte’s (portrayed by Allison Janney) insistence that their maids weren’t worthy of the same rights they received. ‘The Help’ also proves that people don’t have to come from the same background to stand up for what’s right. Skeeter was perfectly happy to give up her place in white society, if it meant she could expose the injustices the African-American community was experiencing.
Stone, who has become known for her comedic roles in such films as ‘Easy A,’ ‘Zombieland’ and ‘Crazy, Stupid, Love,’ gave a memorable performance as Skeeter in ‘The Help.’ She proved her versatility as an actress in the film’s dramatic scenes, showing she was truly sympathetic to the maids’ struggle for equality. Stone didn’t just use the material Taylor provided for her in the script; she drew on her own willpower to prove Skeeter wanted to stand up for what’s right.
To continue reading this review, please click here.
Directed by: Tate Taylor
Starring: Emma Stone, Bryce Dallas Howard, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer (TV’s ‘Ugly Betty’), Allison Janney, Jessica Chastain (‘The Tree of Life’)
Making a memorable movie that primarily focuses on controversial issues, is based on a successful novel or is directed and written by a newer filmmaker is often hard to accomplish. But making a film that features all three, much like the new comedy-drama ‘The Help,’ is very unusual. The movie, which primarily focuses on the struggles African-Americans faced in the south during the 1960s, is a rare exception. Helmed and scripted by relative newcomer Tate Taylor, who adapted Kathryn Stockett’s hit 2009 novel of the same name, ‘The Help’ certainly leaves viewers wanting to stand up for what’s right.
‘The Help’ chronicles the unlikely interaction between two African-American maids, Aibileen Clark (played by Viola Davis) and Minny Jackson (portrayed by Octavia Spencer), and a young, upper-class white woman, Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan (played by Emma Stone), in early-1960s Mississippi. Skeeter returns to her hometown of Jackson after graduating from the University of Mississippi, determined to make a name for herself in the literary world. Upset by how her peers, including Hilly Holbrook (portrayed by Bruce Dallas Howard) and Elizabeth Leefolt (played by Ahna O’Reilly), treat Minny, Aibileen and the rest of the maids, Skeeter secretly writes a book about life from the prospective of “the help.”
DreamWorks Pictures made a wise decision in hiring Taylor to write and direct the film. Taylor was able to effectively capture Stockett’s important theme that Skeeter stood for her beliefs; she didn’t give in to Hilly, Elizabeth and even her mother Charlotte’s (portrayed by Allison Janney) insistence that their maids weren’t worthy of the same rights they received. ‘The Help’ also proves that people don’t have to come from the same background to stand up for what’s right. Skeeter was perfectly happy to give up her place in white society, if it meant she could expose the injustices the African-American community was experiencing.
Stone, who has become known for her comedic roles in such films as ‘Easy A,’ ‘Zombieland’ and ‘Crazy, Stupid, Love,’ gave a memorable performance as Skeeter in ‘The Help.’ She proved her versatility as an actress in the film’s dramatic scenes, showing she was truly sympathetic to the maids’ struggle for equality. Stone didn’t just use the material Taylor provided for her in the script; she drew on her own willpower to prove Skeeter wanted to stand up for what’s right.
To continue reading this review, please click here.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
'Mars Needs Moms' DVD Review
'Mars Needs Moms' DVD Review, Written by: Karen Benardello
A children's story paired with computer animated sci-fi action in 3D seemed like it would be a perfect combination for Walt Disney Pictures when it first announced its movie 'Mars Needs Moms,' which is now available to rent at select Long Island Red Box locations. However, with its lack of creative graphics and a likeable protagonist, 'Mars Needs Moms' proves that even animated action movies need unique effects and relatable characters to be enjoyable.
'Mars Needs Moms' follows nine-year-old Milo (voiced by Seth Dusky), who claims his life would be better if his mom (voiced by New York native Joan Cusack) wasn't around to make him do chores anymore. That night, Martians kidnap his mom in order to take her maternal instinct and plant it in the robots that are used to raise their children. Realizing that he would really miss his mom if she was no longer around, Milo follows her onto the spaceship that takes her to Mars.
While on Mars, Milo must avoid capture from the Martians and their leader, the Supervisor (voiced by Mindy Sterling). in order to rescue his mom. However, a fellow human, Gribble (voiced by fellow New York native Dan Fogler), is determined to keep Milo on Mars so that he can have a friend. But a rebellious Martian girl, Ki (voiced by Elisabeth Harnois), is determined to help Milo and his mom, and bring love back to the Red Planet.
While director Simon Wells is trying to recapture the box office success he achieved with his last directorial effort, the 2002 Academy Award-nominated sci-fi movie 'The Time Machine,' with 'Mars Needs Moms,' he ultimately failed to incorporate any effective action effects and elements into his latest effort. The most disappointing aspect of 'Mars Needs Moms' is the computer animation; while the genre has spawned numerous hits over the past 15 years, including 'Cars' and 'Finding Nemo,' the graphics in 'Mars Needs Moms' don't have the same allure as the films that have made those films popular.
To continue reading this review, please visit Examiner or Associated Content.
A children's story paired with computer animated sci-fi action in 3D seemed like it would be a perfect combination for Walt Disney Pictures when it first announced its movie 'Mars Needs Moms,' which is now available to rent at select Long Island Red Box locations. However, with its lack of creative graphics and a likeable protagonist, 'Mars Needs Moms' proves that even animated action movies need unique effects and relatable characters to be enjoyable.
'Mars Needs Moms' follows nine-year-old Milo (voiced by Seth Dusky), who claims his life would be better if his mom (voiced by New York native Joan Cusack) wasn't around to make him do chores anymore. That night, Martians kidnap his mom in order to take her maternal instinct and plant it in the robots that are used to raise their children. Realizing that he would really miss his mom if she was no longer around, Milo follows her onto the spaceship that takes her to Mars.
While on Mars, Milo must avoid capture from the Martians and their leader, the Supervisor (voiced by Mindy Sterling). in order to rescue his mom. However, a fellow human, Gribble (voiced by fellow New York native Dan Fogler), is determined to keep Milo on Mars so that he can have a friend. But a rebellious Martian girl, Ki (voiced by Elisabeth Harnois), is determined to help Milo and his mom, and bring love back to the Red Planet.
While director Simon Wells is trying to recapture the box office success he achieved with his last directorial effort, the 2002 Academy Award-nominated sci-fi movie 'The Time Machine,' with 'Mars Needs Moms,' he ultimately failed to incorporate any effective action effects and elements into his latest effort. The most disappointing aspect of 'Mars Needs Moms' is the computer animation; while the genre has spawned numerous hits over the past 15 years, including 'Cars' and 'Finding Nemo,' the graphics in 'Mars Needs Moms' don't have the same allure as the films that have made those films popular.
To continue reading this review, please visit Examiner or Associated Content.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
'The Change Up' Movie Review
'The Change Up' Movie Review, Written by: Karen Benardello
Director: David Dobkin
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Jason Bateman, Leslie Mann, Olivia Wilde
People often envy their friends’ lifestyles, naively believing that whatever job and family relationships other people have are better than their own. Despite all their wishing, no once can change their life with their friends, and don’t always realize that what they have may be the best option for them. But in the new comedy ‘The Change Up,’ best friends Mitch Planko and Dave Lockwood, who lead completely different lifestyles, accidentally switch places, and realize that they shouldn’t take what they have for granted.
‘The Change Up’ follows Mitch (played by Ryan Reynolds) and Dave (portrayed by Jason Bateman), who have been life-long friends, despite their drastically different lifestyles; Mitch is a single, under-employed actor who doesn’t like the responsibility of family, while Dave is a workaholic lawyer, who’s determined to provide for his wife Jamie (played by Leslie Mann) and their three kids. One night while they’re at a fountain, the two wish for each other’s lives. When they wake up the next morning, they discover that they’ve switched bodies, and that the other’s life isn’t as fulfilling as they expected.
Reynolds and Bateman have an exhilarating relationship together as they portray the unlikeliest of friends who envy each other’s personalities and lifestyles. The two seem as though they truly have been friends for most of their lives, and they would do anything to protect each other. While the two both had the taunting challenge of taking on Mitch’s carefree lifestyle and Dave’s stressful, chaotic schedule, they always made the characters seem loyal to each other, despite not always understanding the other’s choices.
Of the two actors’ portrayals of both characters, Reynolds definitely pushed out of his comfort zone when the two characters switched bodies, and he began playing Dave. Known for playing such eccentric characters in such comedies as ‘Waiting…’ and ‘Just Friends,’ the actor effortlessly took on the role of a devoted family man who was also highly committed to his work.
To continue reading this review, please click here.
Director: David Dobkin
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Jason Bateman, Leslie Mann, Olivia Wilde
People often envy their friends’ lifestyles, naively believing that whatever job and family relationships other people have are better than their own. Despite all their wishing, no once can change their life with their friends, and don’t always realize that what they have may be the best option for them. But in the new comedy ‘The Change Up,’ best friends Mitch Planko and Dave Lockwood, who lead completely different lifestyles, accidentally switch places, and realize that they shouldn’t take what they have for granted.
‘The Change Up’ follows Mitch (played by Ryan Reynolds) and Dave (portrayed by Jason Bateman), who have been life-long friends, despite their drastically different lifestyles; Mitch is a single, under-employed actor who doesn’t like the responsibility of family, while Dave is a workaholic lawyer, who’s determined to provide for his wife Jamie (played by Leslie Mann) and their three kids. One night while they’re at a fountain, the two wish for each other’s lives. When they wake up the next morning, they discover that they’ve switched bodies, and that the other’s life isn’t as fulfilling as they expected.
Reynolds and Bateman have an exhilarating relationship together as they portray the unlikeliest of friends who envy each other’s personalities and lifestyles. The two seem as though they truly have been friends for most of their lives, and they would do anything to protect each other. While the two both had the taunting challenge of taking on Mitch’s carefree lifestyle and Dave’s stressful, chaotic schedule, they always made the characters seem loyal to each other, despite not always understanding the other’s choices.
Of the two actors’ portrayals of both characters, Reynolds definitely pushed out of his comfort zone when the two characters switched bodies, and he began playing Dave. Known for playing such eccentric characters in such comedies as ‘Waiting…’ and ‘Just Friends,’ the actor effortlessly took on the role of a devoted family man who was also highly committed to his work.
To continue reading this review, please click here.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Interview: Mem Ferda Talks The Devil's Double
Read Shockya's exclusive interview with British actor Mem Ferda, who portrays Kamel Hannah in the new biographical drama ‘The Devil’s Double,’ which is now playing in a limited theatrical release. The film follows Latif Yahia, played by Dominic Cooper, an Iraqi who’s forced to become a body double for Saddam Hussein’s oldest son Uday. Latif searches for a way to escape the new dangerous lifestyle he’s been forced into, after he discovers how sadistic and power-hungry Uday really is. Ferda discusses with us, among other things, what attracted him to the role of Kamel, and how he prepared for the movie.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Shockya (SY): You portray Kamel Hannah, Saddam Hussein’s body guard and food taster, in ‘The Devil’s Double.’ What attracted you to the role?
Mem Ferda (MF): What attracted me to the role was the actual story of Latif Yahia. He’s written three books, one’s called I Was Saddam’s Son. The other one was The Devil’s Double, and the sequel to that is The Black Hole. I read all three, and I really liked the actual story. I thought it was really well told. When the opportunity came up, the screenplay was sent to my agent. The actual role of Kamel Hannah, in the book The Devil’s Double, there’s a whole chapter dedicated to his death, because he was such an important person to Saddam Hussein. He was his body guard and his food taster. He was also his confidante, he would rely on him and ask him for advice about things. The actual death of him, where he gets attacked by Uday, in reality, in the real story, it was an electric kitchen knife that he used. It was very, very gory and frightening. In the film, we didn’t actually use an electric kitchen knife, we used a machete. But it was frightening. I wanted to do the role because I liked the idea of playing Kamel Hannah. Also, Lee Tamahori was directing. I was a fan of his film ‘Once Were Warriors.’ He also directed the Bond movie, ‘Die Another Day.’
SY: Did you have any reservations about playing Kamel in the film?
MF: Well, not really. I know Latif Yahia personally, and he always speaks about Kamel Hannah in a very good light. He was a good friend of his. Physically, I was not right for the role. Kamel Hannah was very tiny, a very small person with a high-pitched voice. (laughs) Very much unlike me, a big guy. But I had no reservations about playing the role.
SY: How much did you know about Kamel before you began filming the movie, and how much research did you do into his life before the shoot?
MF: Yeah, the research I did, I read the books that he (Yahia) wrote, and I read the screenplay. When I read the screenplay, I thought it would be a very interesting role to do. It was a challenge, really. I had to have a prosthetic stomach made up, with all the internal organs. I was carrying this big, heavy thing on my body, and basically they shipped you overseas. They took a body cast of my body, and they made three bellies, which they put in an iron chest. We had problems going through customs. We flew over with the special effects team with the bellies. They (custom workers) came up to us, asking what was in the bellies. They wanted to open them, but they couldn’t do that because there’s internal organs in there. But I knew it would be challenging psychically, doing that death scene. But I wanted to challenge myself, both psychically and mentally.
SY: Dominic Cooper played Uday in the film. What was your working relationship like with him?
MF: It was fine. Dominic actually graduated from LAMDA (the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) as well. We went to the same drama school. He finished his three-year course degree in 2000, I believe. I was doing my post-graduate degree in acting there. So we kind of crossed paths there. There was another film that I could have possibly worked with him on, ‘Momma Mia.’ I got the audition and the role, but I couldn’t do it because I had a commitment. I met him, and he was a great guy to work with, friendly. We practiced out the scene, which reassured me that we’d be fine. We did a couple of takes.
To continue reading this interview, please click here.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Shockya (SY): You portray Kamel Hannah, Saddam Hussein’s body guard and food taster, in ‘The Devil’s Double.’ What attracted you to the role?
Mem Ferda (MF): What attracted me to the role was the actual story of Latif Yahia. He’s written three books, one’s called I Was Saddam’s Son. The other one was The Devil’s Double, and the sequel to that is The Black Hole. I read all three, and I really liked the actual story. I thought it was really well told. When the opportunity came up, the screenplay was sent to my agent. The actual role of Kamel Hannah, in the book The Devil’s Double, there’s a whole chapter dedicated to his death, because he was such an important person to Saddam Hussein. He was his body guard and his food taster. He was also his confidante, he would rely on him and ask him for advice about things. The actual death of him, where he gets attacked by Uday, in reality, in the real story, it was an electric kitchen knife that he used. It was very, very gory and frightening. In the film, we didn’t actually use an electric kitchen knife, we used a machete. But it was frightening. I wanted to do the role because I liked the idea of playing Kamel Hannah. Also, Lee Tamahori was directing. I was a fan of his film ‘Once Were Warriors.’ He also directed the Bond movie, ‘Die Another Day.’
SY: Did you have any reservations about playing Kamel in the film?
MF: Well, not really. I know Latif Yahia personally, and he always speaks about Kamel Hannah in a very good light. He was a good friend of his. Physically, I was not right for the role. Kamel Hannah was very tiny, a very small person with a high-pitched voice. (laughs) Very much unlike me, a big guy. But I had no reservations about playing the role.
SY: How much did you know about Kamel before you began filming the movie, and how much research did you do into his life before the shoot?
MF: Yeah, the research I did, I read the books that he (Yahia) wrote, and I read the screenplay. When I read the screenplay, I thought it would be a very interesting role to do. It was a challenge, really. I had to have a prosthetic stomach made up, with all the internal organs. I was carrying this big, heavy thing on my body, and basically they shipped you overseas. They took a body cast of my body, and they made three bellies, which they put in an iron chest. We had problems going through customs. We flew over with the special effects team with the bellies. They (custom workers) came up to us, asking what was in the bellies. They wanted to open them, but they couldn’t do that because there’s internal organs in there. But I knew it would be challenging psychically, doing that death scene. But I wanted to challenge myself, both psychically and mentally.
SY: Dominic Cooper played Uday in the film. What was your working relationship like with him?
MF: It was fine. Dominic actually graduated from LAMDA (the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) as well. We went to the same drama school. He finished his three-year course degree in 2000, I believe. I was doing my post-graduate degree in acting there. So we kind of crossed paths there. There was another film that I could have possibly worked with him on, ‘Momma Mia.’ I got the audition and the role, but I couldn’t do it because I had a commitment. I met him, and he was a great guy to work with, friendly. We practiced out the scene, which reassured me that we’d be fine. We did a couple of takes.
To continue reading this interview, please click here.
Interview: Madison Dylan Talks Femme fatales
Read Shockya's exclusive interview with Madison Dylan, who portrays Alexis on the two-part ‘Femme Fatales’ season finale, titled ‘Visions,’ which will premiere on July 29 and August 5, 2011 at 11pm on Cinemax. The late-night, film noir-inspired 13-part anthology series follows powerful, sexy and dangerous women who find extraordinary ways of coping with their problems. Dylan discusses with us, among other things, what inspired her to audition for the role of Alexis, and how the role challenged her beliefs.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Shockya (SY): You’re set to portray Alexis on Cinemax’s ‘Femme Fatale’s two-part season finale, ‘Visions.’ What was it about the show that you found most appealing that convinced you to audition for the role of Alexis?
Madison Dylan (MD): First of all, the name, ‘Femme Fatales’ sounded just so awesome! I was definitely intrigued from the beginning. Then I read the breakdown, which mentioned it was a ‘film-noir’-type of show for Cinemax. I had never really done something along those lines with such a great script! The first episode I did took place in a sorority house; that was cool because I actually went to a sorority myself…for the semester I went to college! Plus, I knew my representation would never steer me in the wrong direction! And I have to say….BEST decision of my life!!
SY: What was your auditioning process like for the role of Alexis? How did you hear about the show?
MD: I heard about the show through my manager. He mentioned that this was going to be a great show, and definitely worth going out for! From the creators of the show (Mark Altman and Steve Kriozere), casting, script…everything seemed to be perfect! It’s funny, because originally I went out for the role of Tiffany, played by Catherine Annett. I believe all the girls did. Then they would cast the other roles accordingly via personality, looks, etc. In the casting session, they made sure that I wasn’t afraid to be topless. I believe my response was, “Not at all! I love being topless!” Though I’ve never been topless on screen before this, I thought the show was definitely good enough to be my first time! I mean, there is a first time for everything! Sometimes I speak too freely, but it’s always the truth!
SY: Alexis lures men into irresistible desires that often lead them into dangerous and deadly situations. How did you prepare for the role?
MD: When I got the call saying I was cast as Alexis instead of the role of Tiffany, I re-read the script, and absolutely fell in love with Alexis! She, out of all the Femme Fatales, is closest to me, to be quite honest! Preparing for ‘Alexis’ was fun. Writing her backstory, finding out why she does the things she does, and what secrets she’s hiding, were extremely fun to figure out. It gave me a lot to work with as in mannerisms, personality, and spunk…all while being able to put on the charming and ditzy act. And one of the best parts was that in the end, ‘Alexis’ has a big turn. You find out that she is actually not ditzy and dumb at all; she was in fact the brains behind the entire operation. I have to say, if I could invent a Femme Fatale of my own, Alexis would be a dead-ringer! She is my ultimate Femme Fatale, and I love her so much! I feel so blessed that Mark and Steve wrote this character, and that I get to play her…what a privilege!
To continue reading this interview, please click here.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Shockya (SY): You’re set to portray Alexis on Cinemax’s ‘Femme Fatale’s two-part season finale, ‘Visions.’ What was it about the show that you found most appealing that convinced you to audition for the role of Alexis?
Madison Dylan (MD): First of all, the name, ‘Femme Fatales’ sounded just so awesome! I was definitely intrigued from the beginning. Then I read the breakdown, which mentioned it was a ‘film-noir’-type of show for Cinemax. I had never really done something along those lines with such a great script! The first episode I did took place in a sorority house; that was cool because I actually went to a sorority myself…for the semester I went to college! Plus, I knew my representation would never steer me in the wrong direction! And I have to say….BEST decision of my life!!
SY: What was your auditioning process like for the role of Alexis? How did you hear about the show?
MD: I heard about the show through my manager. He mentioned that this was going to be a great show, and definitely worth going out for! From the creators of the show (Mark Altman and Steve Kriozere), casting, script…everything seemed to be perfect! It’s funny, because originally I went out for the role of Tiffany, played by Catherine Annett. I believe all the girls did. Then they would cast the other roles accordingly via personality, looks, etc. In the casting session, they made sure that I wasn’t afraid to be topless. I believe my response was, “Not at all! I love being topless!” Though I’ve never been topless on screen before this, I thought the show was definitely good enough to be my first time! I mean, there is a first time for everything! Sometimes I speak too freely, but it’s always the truth!
SY: Alexis lures men into irresistible desires that often lead them into dangerous and deadly situations. How did you prepare for the role?
MD: When I got the call saying I was cast as Alexis instead of the role of Tiffany, I re-read the script, and absolutely fell in love with Alexis! She, out of all the Femme Fatales, is closest to me, to be quite honest! Preparing for ‘Alexis’ was fun. Writing her backstory, finding out why she does the things she does, and what secrets she’s hiding, were extremely fun to figure out. It gave me a lot to work with as in mannerisms, personality, and spunk…all while being able to put on the charming and ditzy act. And one of the best parts was that in the end, ‘Alexis’ has a big turn. You find out that she is actually not ditzy and dumb at all; she was in fact the brains behind the entire operation. I have to say, if I could invent a Femme Fatale of my own, Alexis would be a dead-ringer! She is my ultimate Femme Fatale, and I love her so much! I feel so blessed that Mark and Steve wrote this character, and that I get to play her…what a privilege!
To continue reading this interview, please click here.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
'Stake Land' DVD review
'Stake Land' DVD review, Written by: Karen Benardello
With the romanticism plaguing many vampire films and television shows today, including ‘Twilight’ and ‘The Vampire Diaries,’ interweaving a unique story with diverse characters and intriguing, unapologetic killings is often difficult to obtain. But the Belladonna Productions post-apocalyptic horror film ‘Stake Land,’ which is now available on DVD, defies all the current misconceptions about vampire movies; not only does it feature varied, sympathetic protagonists, but it also expertly through-provoking messages of freedom and family bonding.
‘Stake Land’ follows a young teen, Martin (played by New York native Connor Paolo), as he’s first introduced to the new vampirism epidemic that’s sweeping America. He witnesses his parents and younger sibling being killed by one of the bloodthirsty creatures, and is rescued by a stranger, simply known as Mister (portrayed by Nick Damici). Having nowhere else to turn, Martin travels across the country with his new mentor, who teaches him how to hunt down the vampires, who have a mix of zombie qualities in them.
While searching for the rural civilization known as New Eden, which has been set up in Canada as the vampires can’t adapt to cold weather, Martin and Mister kill two men trying to kill a nun, Sister Anna (played by Kelly McGillis). One of the men’s fathers turns out to be fundamentalist militia leader Jebedia Loven (portrayed by Michael Cerveris), who believes the new vampirism plague is the Lord’s work. Acting in God’s name, Jebedia and his followers search the country to find Mister to take their revenge on him. Not only do Mister, Martin and Anna have to fight off the vampires while they travel towards New Eden, they must also stay off of Jebedia’s radar.
Director Jim Mickle, who co-wrote 'Stake Land' with Damici, took an interesting, unique look into the world of vampires with the story. Instead of showcasing the world through the eyes of the vampires, who are usually highly intelligible creatures who can easily blend into society, Mickle took the risky venture of questioning what would happen if they brought on the collapse of modern civilization. As many viewers watch Mister, Martin and the other humans they meet on their journey search for a way to survive, they will surely appreciate Mickle’s message that people can’t take what they have for granted.
To continue reading the rest of this post, please visit Examiner or Associated Content.
With the romanticism plaguing many vampire films and television shows today, including ‘Twilight’ and ‘The Vampire Diaries,’ interweaving a unique story with diverse characters and intriguing, unapologetic killings is often difficult to obtain. But the Belladonna Productions post-apocalyptic horror film ‘Stake Land,’ which is now available on DVD, defies all the current misconceptions about vampire movies; not only does it feature varied, sympathetic protagonists, but it also expertly through-provoking messages of freedom and family bonding.
‘Stake Land’ follows a young teen, Martin (played by New York native Connor Paolo), as he’s first introduced to the new vampirism epidemic that’s sweeping America. He witnesses his parents and younger sibling being killed by one of the bloodthirsty creatures, and is rescued by a stranger, simply known as Mister (portrayed by Nick Damici). Having nowhere else to turn, Martin travels across the country with his new mentor, who teaches him how to hunt down the vampires, who have a mix of zombie qualities in them.
While searching for the rural civilization known as New Eden, which has been set up in Canada as the vampires can’t adapt to cold weather, Martin and Mister kill two men trying to kill a nun, Sister Anna (played by Kelly McGillis). One of the men’s fathers turns out to be fundamentalist militia leader Jebedia Loven (portrayed by Michael Cerveris), who believes the new vampirism plague is the Lord’s work. Acting in God’s name, Jebedia and his followers search the country to find Mister to take their revenge on him. Not only do Mister, Martin and Anna have to fight off the vampires while they travel towards New Eden, they must also stay off of Jebedia’s radar.
Director Jim Mickle, who co-wrote 'Stake Land' with Damici, took an interesting, unique look into the world of vampires with the story. Instead of showcasing the world through the eyes of the vampires, who are usually highly intelligible creatures who can easily blend into society, Mickle took the risky venture of questioning what would happen if they brought on the collapse of modern civilization. As many viewers watch Mister, Martin and the other humans they meet on their journey search for a way to survive, they will surely appreciate Mickle’s message that people can’t take what they have for granted.
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