Read Shockya's exclusive interview with actor, voice actor, singer and music producer Josh Keaton, whose career has spanned the mediums of television, video games and film. Keaton will next be heard voicing Hal Jordan in Comedy Central’s ‘Green Lantern: The Animated Series,’ which premieres on September 5, 2011. He will then be heard as The Amazing Spider-Man in the video game Spider Man: Edge of Time, which is set to hit stores in October 2011. Keaton discusses with us, among other things, how the television series and video game differ from their respective big screen adaptations, and how acting in life action series is different than voicing video games and animated series.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Shockya (SY): You will be voicing Hal Jordan in Comedy Central’s upcoming ‘Green Lantern: The Animated Series.’ It has been reported that the show won’t be an origins story to this summer’s DC Entertainment film ‘Green Lantern.’ What will the series focus on?
Josh Keaton (JK): The series focuses on Hal and Kilowog as they patrol Frontier Space. Although stuff happens on Earth, it’s not an Earth-based show – it takes place all over the cosmos.
SY: While the DC comic series The Green Lantern has been a fan favorite and has won awards since its debut in the 1940s, the Ryan Reynolds film opened to poor reviews and has had a lackluster box office gross. Why should devoted Green Lantern fans who were disappointed with the film watch the animated series?
JK: Comic based movies are tough to knock out of the park because a big part of the audience the filmmakers are intending to capture is not going to be familiar with the source material so a lot of stuff gets truncated and otherwise changed up; whereas with a show, there’s a lot more time to explore the characters and more opportunity to tell more than one story. Fans that watch our show will get to see more stories, and many more characters than the film was able to use.
SY: In the video game universe, you are next set to voice The Amazing Spider-Man in Spider Man: Edge of Time, which will feature a new “cause-and-effect” gameplay system where the super hero’s actions affect each other. How is Edge of Time different from, and similar to, the other Spider-Man video games you’ve lent your voice to, including last year’s Shattered Dimensions?
JP: I haven’t actually played it so I can’t really give any input as to the controls or gameplay. But the biggest difference I can see between Shattered Dimensions and Edge of Time is that while Shattered Dimensions was more episodic, the story-lines in Edge of Time are occurring simultaneously, and something done in one affects the other. MvC3 is totally different because it’s a fighting game. All the same because they’re about Spider-Man.
To continue reading this interview, please visit Shockya.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Interview: Kristen aldridge Talks OMG! NOW on Yahoo!
Read Shockya's exclusive interview with television host-entertainment journalist Kristen Aldridge, who’s currently hosting the daily pop culture series ‘omg! NOW on Yahoo!’ Aldridge, who’s interviewed such celebrities as Anthony Hopkins and Emily Blunt, recently branched out into the world of fashion by turning her passion of clothing into a line called Positively Celebrity. The entrepreneur discusses with us, among other things, how she became interested in reporting on entertainment and celebrity news, and who some of her favorite fashion icons are.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Shockya (SY): You’re currently serving as the host for ‘omg! NOW on Yahoo!,’ during which you talk about the latest entertainment and celebrity news. How did you become interested in becoming an entertainment journalist?
Kristen Aldridge (KA): I’ve wanted to be an entertainment reporter since I was 12 years old after I caught “Entertainment Tonight” on TV. Apparently I was hooked! When other kids were playing Barbies, I was using my hairbrush as a microphone to practice asking questions to pretend celebrities on a mock red carpet in my living room. I think it’s safe to say I haven’t stopped asking questions since!
SY: For the last 3 months, ‘omg! NOW’ has been the most watched show on the Internet, and even doubled the views of both TMZ.com and eonline.com. Why do you think the public enjoys your broadcast so much, and how did you react when you found out you beat TMZ and E! Online?
KA: I wish I knew the secret formula! It’s really an honor to be part of the Yahoo! family and I’m having such a blast. I’m so grateful to be doing something that I love, and the fact that people are enjoying it is just the icing on the cake. I’m a huge fan of TMZ and E! Online, and they’re both obviously such big, amazing brands, so I was pretty pumped when we got our numbers back. But Yahoo! and the incredibly talented team I work with every day totally rock, so I shouldn’t be surprised!
SY: Among the A-listers who you’ve interviewed are Anthony Hopkins, Justin Timberlake, Jessica Biel, Anne Hathaway, Ben Affleck and Emily Blunt. Who has been your favorite to interview, and why?
KA: That’s a tough one… It’s a tie between Anthony Hopkins and Emily Blunt. Interviewing Hopkins is so absolutely intimidating and utterly exhilarating all at the same time. He is such a phenomenal, powerful actor so just being in his presence is an honor. You’re really forced to be on your A-Game with him at all times and I live for that kind of challenge!
I’ve adored Emily Blunt since I first saw her in “The Devil Wears Prada,” so it’s always fun to interview actors that you’re also a huge fan of. She has such a lovely, vivacious personality that brings a smile to my face every time, and her down-to-earth nature is refreshing. It’s been really fun to follow her success along with her after all these years.
To continue reading this interview, please visit Shockya.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Shockya (SY): You’re currently serving as the host for ‘omg! NOW on Yahoo!,’ during which you talk about the latest entertainment and celebrity news. How did you become interested in becoming an entertainment journalist?
Kristen Aldridge (KA): I’ve wanted to be an entertainment reporter since I was 12 years old after I caught “Entertainment Tonight” on TV. Apparently I was hooked! When other kids were playing Barbies, I was using my hairbrush as a microphone to practice asking questions to pretend celebrities on a mock red carpet in my living room. I think it’s safe to say I haven’t stopped asking questions since!
SY: For the last 3 months, ‘omg! NOW’ has been the most watched show on the Internet, and even doubled the views of both TMZ.com and eonline.com. Why do you think the public enjoys your broadcast so much, and how did you react when you found out you beat TMZ and E! Online?
KA: I wish I knew the secret formula! It’s really an honor to be part of the Yahoo! family and I’m having such a blast. I’m so grateful to be doing something that I love, and the fact that people are enjoying it is just the icing on the cake. I’m a huge fan of TMZ and E! Online, and they’re both obviously such big, amazing brands, so I was pretty pumped when we got our numbers back. But Yahoo! and the incredibly talented team I work with every day totally rock, so I shouldn’t be surprised!
SY: Among the A-listers who you’ve interviewed are Anthony Hopkins, Justin Timberlake, Jessica Biel, Anne Hathaway, Ben Affleck and Emily Blunt. Who has been your favorite to interview, and why?
KA: That’s a tough one… It’s a tie between Anthony Hopkins and Emily Blunt. Interviewing Hopkins is so absolutely intimidating and utterly exhilarating all at the same time. He is such a phenomenal, powerful actor so just being in his presence is an honor. You’re really forced to be on your A-Game with him at all times and I live for that kind of challenge!
I’ve adored Emily Blunt since I first saw her in “The Devil Wears Prada,” so it’s always fun to interview actors that you’re also a huge fan of. She has such a lovely, vivacious personality that brings a smile to my face every time, and her down-to-earth nature is refreshing. It’s been really fun to follow her success along with her after all these years.
To continue reading this interview, please visit Shockya.
Interview: Travis Winfrey talks Single Ladies
Read Shockya's exclusive interview with actor Travis Winfrey, who’s presently playing Omar on VH1′s first scripted series ‘Single Ladies.’ The comedy follows three women, including Val, April and Keisha, and their romantic relationships. Omar is the one constant male presence in the women’s lives, as he works at Val’s boutique. ‘Single Ladies’ has been renewed for a second season, after its first season drew a consistent 1.8 to 1.9 million viewers every week since it premiered in May 2011. Winfrey, who has appeared on a variety of different television series, including ‘Dexter’ and ‘The Secret Life of the American Teenager,’ discuses with us, among other things, what Omar’s relationship is like with the women, and why he felt compelled to join a show that heavily focuses on its female characters.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Shockya (SY): You’re currently portraying Omar on ‘Single Ladies,’ which chronicles the lives of the three main characters, Val, April and Keisha. How would you describe Omar’s relationship with the three women?
Travis Winfrey (TW): I think Omar’s relationship with April, Val and Keisha is just like any other brother-sister relationship. He gets in their business, tells them when they’re wrong and cares for them all the same he would his family. I think Omar is the guy you would want to hang out with.
SY: Stacey Dash, who is most remembered for appearing in the ‘Clueless’ movie and television series, stars as Val on ‘Single Ladies.’ What is it like working with her, and how has she grown as an actress since appearing in ‘Clueless?’
TW: I like working with Stacy. Hell, I just like working. As far as how she’s grown as an actress..? Really, you’re asking me? Let me make a few million dollars and last as long as she has in the industry, before I answer that question. I’ll get right back to you on that.
SY: ‘Single Ladies’ initially premiered as a movie on VH1, and it received such great fan response that the network decided to develop it into a series. The show’s first episode debuted to 2.8 million viewers. How did you react when you first heard the movie and series were embraced by the public?
TW: I am extremely grateful. It was an amazing feeling. So many pilots get made, but very few ever see the light of day. It still really hasn’t hit me yet.
To continue reading this interview, please visit Shockya.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Shockya (SY): You’re currently portraying Omar on ‘Single Ladies,’ which chronicles the lives of the three main characters, Val, April and Keisha. How would you describe Omar’s relationship with the three women?
Travis Winfrey (TW): I think Omar’s relationship with April, Val and Keisha is just like any other brother-sister relationship. He gets in their business, tells them when they’re wrong and cares for them all the same he would his family. I think Omar is the guy you would want to hang out with.
SY: Stacey Dash, who is most remembered for appearing in the ‘Clueless’ movie and television series, stars as Val on ‘Single Ladies.’ What is it like working with her, and how has she grown as an actress since appearing in ‘Clueless?’
TW: I like working with Stacy. Hell, I just like working. As far as how she’s grown as an actress..? Really, you’re asking me? Let me make a few million dollars and last as long as she has in the industry, before I answer that question. I’ll get right back to you on that.
SY: ‘Single Ladies’ initially premiered as a movie on VH1, and it received such great fan response that the network decided to develop it into a series. The show’s first episode debuted to 2.8 million viewers. How did you react when you first heard the movie and series were embraced by the public?
TW: I am extremely grateful. It was an amazing feeling. So many pilots get made, but very few ever see the light of day. It still really hasn’t hit me yet.
To continue reading this interview, please visit Shockya.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Interview: Kim Bubbs Talks The Thing
Read Shockya's exclusive interview with actress Kim Bubbs, who plays geologist Juliette in the upcoming sci-fi horror movie ‘The Thing,’ which is set to hit theaters on October 14, 2011. The film follows an investigative team as it discovers and studies an alien craft that lands at its research site in Antarctica. The film, which was directed by Matthijs van Heijningen, Jr., serves as the prequel to helmer John Carpenter’s 1982 movie of the same name. The actress, who has made a name for herself appearing on such television movies as ‘A Near Death Experience’ and ‘Her Only Child,’ discusses with us, among other things, why she was attracted to the role of Juliette, and how the prequel is different than the original film.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Shockya (SY): You portray Juliette in the upcoming horror film ‘The Thing.’ What part does Juliette play in the study of the alien craft?
Kim Bubbs (KB): Juliette is a geologist at Thule Station, the Norwegian base in Antarctica. She, along with her colleagues, takes part in the initial study and retrieval of the alien craft and its specimen. This is new territory for all involved, and she gathers scientific data to better understand this new discovery.
SY: What was it about the script that convinced you to take the role of Juliette?
KB: I thought the idea for the prequel was an excellent opportunity to explain what had happened at the Norwegian base. In (John) Carpenter’s film, we witness the horrific aftermath and can only imagine what could have occurred. Our film delves into uncovering what took place and explains the mystery. I also loved the fact that there are two women this time around, and that both of them are intelligent and strong.
SY: The film serves as a prequel to the classic 1982 movie of the same name, which was directed by Carpenter and starred Kurt Russell. The premise of the two films is virtually the same, except the original featured a dog having the ability to take over other bodies, as opposed to the alien in the prequel. What other characteristics makes your film unique from the original?
KB: The great thing about this film is that it not only serves as a prequel to Carpenter’s movie but, it also has its own true identity as a film. It’s viewed from a different perspective and it solves pieces of the puzzle created in the 1982 film. Of course, since it has to make sense as a prequel, there are many similar elements to Carpenter’s version, but it is very much its own film.
SY: While preparing to portray Juliette, what type of research did you do?
KB: I read several books written by scientists working in Antarctica, such as: Mountains of Madness: A Scientist’s Odyssey in Antarctica by John Long. It gave me insight into his work on the continent and the challenges scientists face there due to the weather and the isolation. I also watched films, and Werner Herzog’s documentary ‘Encounters at the End of the World’ is a great film that really gives you a sense of the landscape and what life is like for scientists living in Antarctica.
To continue reading this interview, please visit Shockya.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Shockya (SY): You portray Juliette in the upcoming horror film ‘The Thing.’ What part does Juliette play in the study of the alien craft?
Kim Bubbs (KB): Juliette is a geologist at Thule Station, the Norwegian base in Antarctica. She, along with her colleagues, takes part in the initial study and retrieval of the alien craft and its specimen. This is new territory for all involved, and she gathers scientific data to better understand this new discovery.
SY: What was it about the script that convinced you to take the role of Juliette?
KB: I thought the idea for the prequel was an excellent opportunity to explain what had happened at the Norwegian base. In (John) Carpenter’s film, we witness the horrific aftermath and can only imagine what could have occurred. Our film delves into uncovering what took place and explains the mystery. I also loved the fact that there are two women this time around, and that both of them are intelligent and strong.
SY: The film serves as a prequel to the classic 1982 movie of the same name, which was directed by Carpenter and starred Kurt Russell. The premise of the two films is virtually the same, except the original featured a dog having the ability to take over other bodies, as opposed to the alien in the prequel. What other characteristics makes your film unique from the original?
KB: The great thing about this film is that it not only serves as a prequel to Carpenter’s movie but, it also has its own true identity as a film. It’s viewed from a different perspective and it solves pieces of the puzzle created in the 1982 film. Of course, since it has to make sense as a prequel, there are many similar elements to Carpenter’s version, but it is very much its own film.
SY: While preparing to portray Juliette, what type of research did you do?
KB: I read several books written by scientists working in Antarctica, such as: Mountains of Madness: A Scientist’s Odyssey in Antarctica by John Long. It gave me insight into his work on the continent and the challenges scientists face there due to the weather and the isolation. I also watched films, and Werner Herzog’s documentary ‘Encounters at the End of the World’ is a great film that really gives you a sense of the landscape and what life is like for scientists living in Antarctica.
To continue reading this interview, please visit Shockya.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Interview: Rachelle Lefevre Talks 'The Caller'
Read Shockya's exclusive interview with actress Rachelle Lefevre ('Twilight,' 'New Moon'), who plays troubled divorcee Mary Kee in the upcoming mystery thriller ‘The Caller.’ The film, which was directed by Matthew Parkhill and hits theaters on August 26, 2011, follows Mary as she receives a series of threatening phone calls from a mysterious woman named Rose, played by Lorna Raver, after she moves into a new apartment. Mary learns the hard way that Rose doesn’t like to be ignored, and she seeks her revenge in a terrifying way. Lefevre discusses with us, among other things, what attracted her to the role of Mary, and what her real-life relationship with Lorna was like.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Shockya (SY): ‘The Caller’ tells the story of your character, Mary Kee, who is tormented by a series of phone calls from a stranger, Rose, who reveals she’s calling from the past. Why does Mary almost readily accept the fact that Rose really is calling from 25 years ago?
Rachelle Lefevre (RL): She doesn’t readily accept it, she doesn’t actually accept it at all, and that’s when the problems start. Mary is being harassed by the phone calls. In the beginning, it doesn’t really start out that way. She thinks it’s a wrong number. Then Rose says something that catches her attention, about Mary’s own problems. They sort of start to bond over life and their own difficulties. They have these conversations with a complete stranger, and start this bizarre relationship, based on Mary’s need to connect with someone after her abusive relationship (with her ex-husband Steven, played by Ed Quinn). It’s only when Rose says that she’s calling from the past that Mary really, really wants her to stop calling, and that’s when the harassment begins, because Mary doesn’t believe her.
SY: What was it about Mary’s personality and background that attracted you to the role?
RL: Everyone has something in their life that is a difficulty or has something from their past that is haunting. It certainly is for Mary. I think everyone has something in their life that gets inside their head that’s disturbing. We all have something that when we’re left alone, we think about it, and it gives us a hard time. In Mary’s case, it’s extreme, and it’s an abusive relationship. It keeps coming back to haunt her. That’s what I really love about Mary, and that’s what I love about the film, that it plays on something that I think is very real. It plays on the possibility that something can be happening inside your head, and maybe not in reality, and it sort of plays with that. There are parts where Mary thinks she’s going crazy, because obviously she’s not going to believe that someone can be calling her from the past. She thinks that she’s going insane, and that starts to torture her. Obviously, we don’t all have those extremes. But certainly I think everyone has something in their life that gets inside your head and starts to play with your head, if you’re left alone with it. I think it’s a psychological thriller that plays on tricks of the mind that we all have.
SY: What kind of research did you do before you began filming ‘The Caller?’ Did you do any kind of research into the possibility of time travel?
RL: No, no I didn’t do that, I just accepted the premise for what it was. The real work for me was just finding out who Mary was, and why she would handle it the way she did. Everyone handles the situation differently, so for me, it was just the way she handled it, and finally getting the courage to tell someone. She tells Stephen Moyer’s character (John Guidi). She finally gets the courage to tell someone and asks for help. She basically tries to take care of herself. She doesn’t get protection from her abusive husband, she just hopes it’s going to go away. All the choices she made, those were the things that I tried to dig deep and figure out why she would be the way she was. As far as the time travel goes, I just believed that the film works on the premise that there are certain things that we don’t understand in the universe, which is true. Sometimes wires get crossed, and I just took that as a possibility.
To continue reading this interview, please visit Shockya.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Shockya (SY): ‘The Caller’ tells the story of your character, Mary Kee, who is tormented by a series of phone calls from a stranger, Rose, who reveals she’s calling from the past. Why does Mary almost readily accept the fact that Rose really is calling from 25 years ago?
Rachelle Lefevre (RL): She doesn’t readily accept it, she doesn’t actually accept it at all, and that’s when the problems start. Mary is being harassed by the phone calls. In the beginning, it doesn’t really start out that way. She thinks it’s a wrong number. Then Rose says something that catches her attention, about Mary’s own problems. They sort of start to bond over life and their own difficulties. They have these conversations with a complete stranger, and start this bizarre relationship, based on Mary’s need to connect with someone after her abusive relationship (with her ex-husband Steven, played by Ed Quinn). It’s only when Rose says that she’s calling from the past that Mary really, really wants her to stop calling, and that’s when the harassment begins, because Mary doesn’t believe her.
SY: What was it about Mary’s personality and background that attracted you to the role?
RL: Everyone has something in their life that is a difficulty or has something from their past that is haunting. It certainly is for Mary. I think everyone has something in their life that gets inside their head that’s disturbing. We all have something that when we’re left alone, we think about it, and it gives us a hard time. In Mary’s case, it’s extreme, and it’s an abusive relationship. It keeps coming back to haunt her. That’s what I really love about Mary, and that’s what I love about the film, that it plays on something that I think is very real. It plays on the possibility that something can be happening inside your head, and maybe not in reality, and it sort of plays with that. There are parts where Mary thinks she’s going crazy, because obviously she’s not going to believe that someone can be calling her from the past. She thinks that she’s going insane, and that starts to torture her. Obviously, we don’t all have those extremes. But certainly I think everyone has something in their life that gets inside your head and starts to play with your head, if you’re left alone with it. I think it’s a psychological thriller that plays on tricks of the mind that we all have.
SY: What kind of research did you do before you began filming ‘The Caller?’ Did you do any kind of research into the possibility of time travel?
RL: No, no I didn’t do that, I just accepted the premise for what it was. The real work for me was just finding out who Mary was, and why she would handle it the way she did. Everyone handles the situation differently, so for me, it was just the way she handled it, and finally getting the courage to tell someone. She tells Stephen Moyer’s character (John Guidi). She finally gets the courage to tell someone and asks for help. She basically tries to take care of herself. She doesn’t get protection from her abusive husband, she just hopes it’s going to go away. All the choices she made, those were the things that I tried to dig deep and figure out why she would be the way she was. As far as the time travel goes, I just believed that the film works on the premise that there are certain things that we don’t understand in the universe, which is true. Sometimes wires get crossed, and I just took that as a possibility.
To continue reading this interview, please visit Shockya.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
'Priest' DVD review
'Priest' DVD review, Written by: Karen Benardello
A 3D, post-apocalyptic sci-fi thriller with vampires is the perfect set-up for an entertaining, intriguing plot. Add in director Scott Stewart, who helmed last year's similarly-themed film Legion, and the Screen Gems film Priest, seemed destined to become successful. But unfortunately, the story-line of the action-horror film fell under the pressure, proven by the dismal box office return it received when it was released into theaters in May.
Priest takes place in an alternate world, as Paul Bettany's title character, a veteran warrior, tries to live in obscurity after the last Vampire War. Priest tries to assimilate with the other humans in one of the Church's walled cities after the centuries-old war between vampires and humans ended. Church leaders are trying to make everyone believe that most of the vampires are dying in seclusion, but are still a danger to their society. But Priest is informed that his niece, Lucy Pace (played by Lily Collins), is kidnapped by the vampire leader Black Hat (portrayed by Karl Urban).
Priest defies Monsignor Orelas (played by Christopher Plummer) by breaking his sacred vows to leave the city to search for Lucy. Priest is accompanied by Lucy's wasteland sheriff boyfriend Hicks (portrayed by Gigandet). While the two are searching for Lucy, Warrior Priestess (played by Maggie Q), is sent by the Monsignor to capture Priest and bring him back to the city, dead or alive.
To continue reading this review, please visit Examiner or Associated Content.
A 3D, post-apocalyptic sci-fi thriller with vampires is the perfect set-up for an entertaining, intriguing plot. Add in director Scott Stewart, who helmed last year's similarly-themed film Legion, and the Screen Gems film Priest, seemed destined to become successful. But unfortunately, the story-line of the action-horror film fell under the pressure, proven by the dismal box office return it received when it was released into theaters in May.
Priest takes place in an alternate world, as Paul Bettany's title character, a veteran warrior, tries to live in obscurity after the last Vampire War. Priest tries to assimilate with the other humans in one of the Church's walled cities after the centuries-old war between vampires and humans ended. Church leaders are trying to make everyone believe that most of the vampires are dying in seclusion, but are still a danger to their society. But Priest is informed that his niece, Lucy Pace (played by Lily Collins), is kidnapped by the vampire leader Black Hat (portrayed by Karl Urban).
Priest defies Monsignor Orelas (played by Christopher Plummer) by breaking his sacred vows to leave the city to search for Lucy. Priest is accompanied by Lucy's wasteland sheriff boyfriend Hicks (portrayed by Gigandet). While the two are searching for Lucy, Warrior Priestess (played by Maggie Q), is sent by the Monsignor to capture Priest and bring him back to the city, dead or alive.
To continue reading this review, please visit Examiner or Associated Content.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
'The Conspirator' DVD Review
'The Conspirator' DVD Review, Written by: Karen Benardello
Providing an intriguing, entertaining historical drama that doesn’t make its viewers feel as though they’re sitting in history class is a difficult task for many directors. Instead of trying to push his own conspiracies and theories about what happened immediately before and after President Abraham Lincoln's assassination in 'The Conspirator,' which is now available to rent on DVD at Long Island Redbox locations, Robert Redford instead rightfully focuses on several different angles of without taking away the American leader's dignity. Paired with lead actor James McAvoy’s engaging portrayal of Union war-hero turned new lawyer Frederick Aiken, the drama is surprisingly fascinating.
'The Conspirator' follows the wake of President Lincoln's assassination in Washington, D.C. Seven men and one woman, Mary Surratt (played by Robin Wright), are charged with helping John Wilkes Booth (played by Toby Kebbell) kill the president. The group is also believed to have aided Booth's attempts to kill Vice President Andrew Johnson and Secretary of State William H. Seward.
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Frederick is persuaded by former Attorney General and current U.S. Senator Reveredy Johnson (played by Tom Wilkinson) to defend Mary in front of a military tribunal. Convinced that Booth didn't act alone, the military is looking for a group for of people to blame. They believe Mary is a perfect target, as her son John (portrayed by Johnny Simmons) is believed to be Booth's right-hand man. Frederick isn't sure whether his client is innocent or guilty, but is determined to find out the answer, even though he is shunned by society for doing so.
Overall, the American Film Company, the studio behind 'The Conspirator,' took a risky chance deciding to release the historical drama as its first movie. The topic of whether or not northern states should have showed sympathy towards the southern states after the Civil War ended, and the continuous bitterness and urge to take revenge on the opposing side, are still controversial topics. But Redford rightfully decided not to place blame on either side. He also keeps his viewers intrigued by allowing them to decide on their own whether or not Booth acted alone. His approach to the incident was also unique, as the events in the days leading up to President Lincoln's death have been told numerous times before. 'The Conspirator' recounts how the president's death continued to keep America divided after the end of the Civil War in such a way that it allows viewers to feel as though they're right alongside Frederick and Mary.
To continue reading this article, please visit Examiner or Associated Content.
Providing an intriguing, entertaining historical drama that doesn’t make its viewers feel as though they’re sitting in history class is a difficult task for many directors. Instead of trying to push his own conspiracies and theories about what happened immediately before and after President Abraham Lincoln's assassination in 'The Conspirator,' which is now available to rent on DVD at Long Island Redbox locations, Robert Redford instead rightfully focuses on several different angles of without taking away the American leader's dignity. Paired with lead actor James McAvoy’s engaging portrayal of Union war-hero turned new lawyer Frederick Aiken, the drama is surprisingly fascinating.
'The Conspirator' follows the wake of President Lincoln's assassination in Washington, D.C. Seven men and one woman, Mary Surratt (played by Robin Wright), are charged with helping John Wilkes Booth (played by Toby Kebbell) kill the president. The group is also believed to have aided Booth's attempts to kill Vice President Andrew Johnson and Secretary of State William H. Seward.
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Frederick is persuaded by former Attorney General and current U.S. Senator Reveredy Johnson (played by Tom Wilkinson) to defend Mary in front of a military tribunal. Convinced that Booth didn't act alone, the military is looking for a group for of people to blame. They believe Mary is a perfect target, as her son John (portrayed by Johnny Simmons) is believed to be Booth's right-hand man. Frederick isn't sure whether his client is innocent or guilty, but is determined to find out the answer, even though he is shunned by society for doing so.
Overall, the American Film Company, the studio behind 'The Conspirator,' took a risky chance deciding to release the historical drama as its first movie. The topic of whether or not northern states should have showed sympathy towards the southern states after the Civil War ended, and the continuous bitterness and urge to take revenge on the opposing side, are still controversial topics. But Redford rightfully decided not to place blame on either side. He also keeps his viewers intrigued by allowing them to decide on their own whether or not Booth acted alone. His approach to the incident was also unique, as the events in the days leading up to President Lincoln's death have been told numerous times before. 'The Conspirator' recounts how the president's death continued to keep America divided after the end of the Civil War in such a way that it allows viewers to feel as though they're right alongside Frederick and Mary.
To continue reading this article, please visit Examiner or Associated Content.
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