Read Shockya.com's exclusive interview with up-and-coming British actor-musician Alexander Newton, who is making his feature film acting debut in the upcoming thriller ‘Justice/Vengeance.’ In the movie, which is set for a Spring 2012 release, Newton plays the younger version of the late Roy Scheider’s character, Joseph. He is the only survivor of his family’s massacre by members of the Nazi SS during World War II. During flashbacks, the story of Joseph’s escape and his teenage love for a heroic Polish girl, portrayed by ‘The Tudors’ star Sarah Bolger, is revealed.
Newton, who was dubbed the “next Robert Pattinson” by Vogue UK, discusses with us, among other things, what his reaction was when he found out he won Best Young Actor at the Boston Film Festival. He also spoke about what it was like working with his father, Joshua, who wrote, directed and produced ‘Justice/Vengeance.’
Written by: Karen Benardello
ShockYa (SY): In ‘Justice/Vengeance,’ you portray the younger version of the main character, Joseph. What was it about the script and the character that attracted you to the role?
Alexander Newton (AN): (laughs) I was convinced to take on the role because my dad was directing the movie. The opportunity to work with him was great. I had been on set with him a lot in the past. I fell in love with the idea of being an actor at a very, very young age.
Obviously, the fact that Roy Scheider played the role was a great thing. He was an incredible actor, and taught me a lot. I felt very confident with the role, well, actually, doing the role. I was on set, and realized this character is a Holocaust survivor. It became difficult in the sense that it was very, very emotional for me.
SY: Speaking of Roy, did he offer you any acting advice while you were on the set?
AN: He did. One of the things that Roy would say was acting is like a child-like belief in the make-believe. Being with Roy on set was easy. He was very calm and composed in his acting methods.
SY: How did you prepare for the role of Joseph? How did you get into his mindset?
AN: I did a lot of research, I studied the Holocaust a lot. My grandparents were Holocaust survivors, so I spoke with them. I went to see Auschwitz. I spent a lot of time in Poland, and tried to imagine it the way it was.
SY: Speaking of your father as well, he wrote, directed, and produced ‘Justice/Vengeance.’ What was it like working with him on the film?
AN: It was great working with Dad. He’s such an inspiration to me. He’s taught me so much, and he’s such a fantastic director, writer and artist, really. My entire life, he’s inspired me to do art, and be good at what I do. So it was good working with him.
I’ve always wanted to direct a film. I guess this is the opportunity for me to do it, the first of many.
To continue reading this interview, please visit: Interview: Alexander Newton Talks Justice/Vengeance | Shockya.com
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Justice League: Doom Movie Review | Shockya.com
'Justice League: Doom' Shockya.com Movie Review, Written by: Karen Benardello
Director: Lauren Montgomery (‘Justice League: Crisis of Two Earths’)
Starring: (Voices of) Kevin Conroy (TV’s ‘Batman,’ ‘Justice League’), Phil Morris (TV’s ‘Smallville’), Nathan Fillion, Tim Daly and Michael Rosenbaum (‘Smallville’)
Saving the world and stopping immortal villains who want to take control of mankind can be even the most daunting tasks for a team of the most well-known and respected superheroes. The superheroes who are part of the Justice League have finally met their match in immortal villain Vandal Savage, who wants to use their vulnerabilities to kill them all and rule the world. In the new animated film ‘Justice League: Doom,’ which will be released as a Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD, On Demand and for Download on February 28, 2012, such favorites as Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman discover what it’s like when their emotions begin to cloud their judgment and negatively affect their mission.
‘Justice League: Doom’ follows the members of the Justice League as they’re pursued by their enemies, led by Vandal (voiced by Phil Morris). The villains want to take down Superman (Tim Daly), Wonder Woman (Susan Eisenberg), Flash (Michael Rosenbaum), Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), Martian Manhunter (Carl Lumbly), Cyborg (Bumper Robinson) and Batman (Kevin Conroy). They used the Dark Knight’s contingency plans for stopping the superheroes, so Vandal can take over the world.
While the Justice League is upset to learn their enemies plan to kill them, they’re equally upset at Batman for creating the contingency plans, which he would use if he needed to stop a rogue team member. At the same time, Batman must question whether he wants to continue working with his fellow team members when they express their concerns over trusting him again.
While ‘Justice League: Doom’ is part of the DC Universe animated original movies line created by Warner Premiere, Warner Bros. Animation and DC Comics, it isn’t a direct follow-up to prior Justice League films as ‘The New Frontier’ and ‘Crisis on Two Earths.’ Therefore, even people unfamiliar with the superhero team will be able to follow and appreciate the pairing of some of DC Comics’ most well-known characters. Even with the multiple sub-plots involving the vulnerability of each of the superheroes, enough emotion and information is provided about each character to spark interest in everyone who believes good can overpower evil.
Famed superhero film and television scribe Dwayne McDuffie, whose last script was ‘Justice League: Doom’ before he died in early 2011, effortlessly proved how vulnerable and humanizing the beloved superheroes can be. Despite creating the seven sub-plots involving each of the members of the Justice League fighting their enemies to stay alive, each superhero’s fear of not being able to protect the world and remain true to themselves was clearly distinct.
Batman, for example, is still adjusting to the fact that he’s the only human in the Justice League. He continuously allows his fear of being perceived as an outsider among the other superheroes and questioning if he’s truly helping the other members leads him to betray their trust. His reluctance to believe that he is indeed doing good in the league in fact leads to the mistrust and alienation from his colleagues.
To continue reading this review, please visit: Justice League: Doom Movie Review | Shockya.com
Director: Lauren Montgomery (‘Justice League: Crisis of Two Earths’)
Starring: (Voices of) Kevin Conroy (TV’s ‘Batman,’ ‘Justice League’), Phil Morris (TV’s ‘Smallville’), Nathan Fillion, Tim Daly and Michael Rosenbaum (‘Smallville’)
Saving the world and stopping immortal villains who want to take control of mankind can be even the most daunting tasks for a team of the most well-known and respected superheroes. The superheroes who are part of the Justice League have finally met their match in immortal villain Vandal Savage, who wants to use their vulnerabilities to kill them all and rule the world. In the new animated film ‘Justice League: Doom,’ which will be released as a Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD, On Demand and for Download on February 28, 2012, such favorites as Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman discover what it’s like when their emotions begin to cloud their judgment and negatively affect their mission.
‘Justice League: Doom’ follows the members of the Justice League as they’re pursued by their enemies, led by Vandal (voiced by Phil Morris). The villains want to take down Superman (Tim Daly), Wonder Woman (Susan Eisenberg), Flash (Michael Rosenbaum), Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), Martian Manhunter (Carl Lumbly), Cyborg (Bumper Robinson) and Batman (Kevin Conroy). They used the Dark Knight’s contingency plans for stopping the superheroes, so Vandal can take over the world.
While the Justice League is upset to learn their enemies plan to kill them, they’re equally upset at Batman for creating the contingency plans, which he would use if he needed to stop a rogue team member. At the same time, Batman must question whether he wants to continue working with his fellow team members when they express their concerns over trusting him again.
While ‘Justice League: Doom’ is part of the DC Universe animated original movies line created by Warner Premiere, Warner Bros. Animation and DC Comics, it isn’t a direct follow-up to prior Justice League films as ‘The New Frontier’ and ‘Crisis on Two Earths.’ Therefore, even people unfamiliar with the superhero team will be able to follow and appreciate the pairing of some of DC Comics’ most well-known characters. Even with the multiple sub-plots involving the vulnerability of each of the superheroes, enough emotion and information is provided about each character to spark interest in everyone who believes good can overpower evil.
Famed superhero film and television scribe Dwayne McDuffie, whose last script was ‘Justice League: Doom’ before he died in early 2011, effortlessly proved how vulnerable and humanizing the beloved superheroes can be. Despite creating the seven sub-plots involving each of the members of the Justice League fighting their enemies to stay alive, each superhero’s fear of not being able to protect the world and remain true to themselves was clearly distinct.
Batman, for example, is still adjusting to the fact that he’s the only human in the Justice League. He continuously allows his fear of being perceived as an outsider among the other superheroes and questioning if he’s truly helping the other members leads him to betray their trust. His reluctance to believe that he is indeed doing good in the league in fact leads to the mistrust and alienation from his colleagues.
To continue reading this review, please visit: Justice League: Doom Movie Review | Shockya.com
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Gone Movie Review | Shockya.com
'Gone' Shockya.com Movie Review, Written by: Karen Benardello
Being kidnapped and left for dead, and not having anyone believe the terrifying story after escaping, is one of the most devastating experiences a person can go through in life. But having the kidnapper come back to finish the job years later, only to take a sibling instead, and still not have anyone believe the tale, is even more traumatizing. The new film ‘Gone’ puts a new spin on the psychological thriller genre, showcasing the lengths a person would go to in order to save their sibling in that situation. Unfortunately, the film hints at the suspect too earlier in the plot, leaving the rest of the story unintriguing and predictable.
‘Gone’ follows former kidnap victim Jill Parrish (played Amanda Seyfried), who has been spending the past two years since returning home from her abduction trying to convince the Portland police that she was indeed taken by a local predator. When she returns home one night from an overnight shift from her waitress job at a local diner, she discovers that her sister Molly (portrayed by Emily Wickersham) is missing. Jill knows that Molly wouldn’t leave without leaving her a message, especially after her ordeal and the fact that she has an important college final exam that afternoon. Jill is therefore convinced her kidnapper has come back for her, only to abduct her sister in her place when realizing she wasn’t home.
When Jill informs the police of Molly’s disappearance, Detectives Powers (played by Daniel Sunjata) and Erica Lonsdale (portrayed by Katherine Moenning) and Lieutenant Ray Bozeman (played by Michael Pare), who worked on her case when she first returned home, are skeptical of her theory. Even Molly’s boyfriend, Billy (portrayed by Sebastian Stan), questions Jill’s story, as he thinks Molly, a recovering alcoholic, may have started drinking again. However, Detective Peter Hood (played by Wes Bentley), who is new to the unit, believes Jill’s story, and offers to help, much to her reluctance.
The psychological thriller’s director, Heitor Dhalia, who is primarily known for directing and writing films in his native Brazil, deserves credit for taking a different approach to the genre. Instead of focusing on Jill’s own attempts to flee her kidnapper, ‘Gone’ sets out to show that no matter how normal of a life people settle into after living through a traumatic experience, time does little to settle their anxieties or paranoia. While viewers hope Jill safely finds her sister, Dhalia offers scare details on her own abduction two years before. The lack of information about the kidnapper’s motive or Jill’s escape unfortunately provides little sympathies for her reckless actions while trying to find Molly.
‘Gone’s short list of kidnapping suspects also makes the plot-line predictable and unsuspenseful. The man Jill comes to suspect as the kidnapper exhibits obvious actions of stalking her even before she realizes that Molly is missing. The whole premise of the movie is based on her struggle and determination to find out who and where he is, and the obvious, early reveal takes
To continue reading this review, please visit: Gone Movie Review | Shockya.com
Being kidnapped and left for dead, and not having anyone believe the terrifying story after escaping, is one of the most devastating experiences a person can go through in life. But having the kidnapper come back to finish the job years later, only to take a sibling instead, and still not have anyone believe the tale, is even more traumatizing. The new film ‘Gone’ puts a new spin on the psychological thriller genre, showcasing the lengths a person would go to in order to save their sibling in that situation. Unfortunately, the film hints at the suspect too earlier in the plot, leaving the rest of the story unintriguing and predictable.
‘Gone’ follows former kidnap victim Jill Parrish (played Amanda Seyfried), who has been spending the past two years since returning home from her abduction trying to convince the Portland police that she was indeed taken by a local predator. When she returns home one night from an overnight shift from her waitress job at a local diner, she discovers that her sister Molly (portrayed by Emily Wickersham) is missing. Jill knows that Molly wouldn’t leave without leaving her a message, especially after her ordeal and the fact that she has an important college final exam that afternoon. Jill is therefore convinced her kidnapper has come back for her, only to abduct her sister in her place when realizing she wasn’t home.
When Jill informs the police of Molly’s disappearance, Detectives Powers (played by Daniel Sunjata) and Erica Lonsdale (portrayed by Katherine Moenning) and Lieutenant Ray Bozeman (played by Michael Pare), who worked on her case when she first returned home, are skeptical of her theory. Even Molly’s boyfriend, Billy (portrayed by Sebastian Stan), questions Jill’s story, as he thinks Molly, a recovering alcoholic, may have started drinking again. However, Detective Peter Hood (played by Wes Bentley), who is new to the unit, believes Jill’s story, and offers to help, much to her reluctance.
The psychological thriller’s director, Heitor Dhalia, who is primarily known for directing and writing films in his native Brazil, deserves credit for taking a different approach to the genre. Instead of focusing on Jill’s own attempts to flee her kidnapper, ‘Gone’ sets out to show that no matter how normal of a life people settle into after living through a traumatic experience, time does little to settle their anxieties or paranoia. While viewers hope Jill safely finds her sister, Dhalia offers scare details on her own abduction two years before. The lack of information about the kidnapper’s motive or Jill’s escape unfortunately provides little sympathies for her reckless actions while trying to find Molly.
‘Gone’s short list of kidnapping suspects also makes the plot-line predictable and unsuspenseful. The man Jill comes to suspect as the kidnapper exhibits obvious actions of stalking her even before she realizes that Molly is missing. The whole premise of the movie is based on her struggle and determination to find out who and where he is, and the obvious, early reveal takes
To continue reading this review, please visit: Gone Movie Review | Shockya.com
Interview: Marin Ireland Talks The Understudy | Shockya.com
Read Shockya.com's exclusive interview with actress Marin Ireland, whose black comedy-drama, ‘The Understudy,’ is set to hit select theaters in March 2012. The movie follows Ireland’s title character, Rebecca, an unemployed actress who’s living with her equally unsuccessful screenwriter boyfriend. Rebecca’s luck seemingly starts to change when she is asked to be the understudy to famous movie star Simone Harwin in the play ‘Electra.’
Rebecca’s fame increases as the play’s leading women begin suffering from accidents. To keep the spotlight, Rebecca must protect her freedom and cast off all suspicion that she was involved in the accidents. Ireland discusses with us, among other things, what attracted her to the role of Rebecca, and the natural working relationship she had with ‘The Understudy’s co-writers and directors, David Conolly and Hannah Davis.
Written by: Karen Benardello
ShockYa (SY): In ‘The Understudy,’ you portray Rebecca, an unemployed actress whose luck changes when she becomes an understudy of a play. However, she’s ignored by the cast and crew, and doesn’t receive attention until she begins causing accidents on the set, in order to be promoted. What attracted you to the role of Rebecca?
Marin Ireland (MI): Well, I had a history with David and Hannah, who wrote ‘The Understudy’ and directed it. We had worked on another project for awhile that involved a lot of improvisation, in terms of developing the script. So when they brought me the script, it was about three quarters done. It sat on the shelf for awhile, on the back burner. They wanted to help me improvise my way around finishing that one again.
Those types of experiences, of feeling the rejection, are overwhelming. All of those experiences of being an actor are familiar. So we had a really good time, getting to explore that, and bringing my own personal experiences to the table.
SY: Speaking of David and Hannah, they co-wrote and co-directed the film together. Do you find it easier to work with directors who worked on the script?
MI: Yes. In this case, they’re so special, because they really do co-direct and co-write. It was wonderful to have them have such an insight and input into the script. They were very clear on some points, where they wanted dialogue to be said as it was written. Other moments, it could be a little more flexible. They had a lot of say over where it could have a lot of room.
Also, the way that they worked together is great. Working with a team like that is nice, because they can share responsibility in a really great way.
SY: ‘The Understudy’ was David and Hannah’s second film, after the 2004 drama ‘Mothers and Daughters.’ Were you familiar with their directorial and writing debut before you began shooting ‘The Understudy?’ What was it like working with relatively new filmmakers on the film?
MI: I had seen the film, they had given me a copy to watch of ‘Mothers and Daughters’ before we started working on another project in between ‘Mothers and Daughters’ and ‘The Understudy.’ That hasn’t yet happened, but I think it will. So I had seen that, and I really liked it. Then I went in on that with them.
I worked with filmmakers primarily at this point, in their second or third realms of movies. I haven’t noticed any significant differences. They’re very clear on their vision. So I didn’t think of them as people who had only made one or two things. They’re very clear and smart, and accurate in terms of achieving their vision, and welcoming you into that world.
SY: David and Hannah also briefly appeared in ‘The Understudy.’ What is it like working with directors and screenwriters who are also actors?
MI: Oh, it’s really helpful, because I feel that one of the most important things that they understand is that everybody has their own process. So they were very eager to learn how each of us needed to work. So rather than demanding certain things at certain moments, they were always very trusting that we would deliver what we needed to deliver for them, and that we had our own way of getting there, and our own process.
They were curious about that, and respectful of that at the same time. I definitely feel that was something that came from being performers, and understanding the atmosphere; people need to find their own space sometimes on the movie set, and their own way of working.
To continue reading this interview, please visit: Interview: Marin Ireland Talks The Understudy | Shockya.com
Rebecca’s fame increases as the play’s leading women begin suffering from accidents. To keep the spotlight, Rebecca must protect her freedom and cast off all suspicion that she was involved in the accidents. Ireland discusses with us, among other things, what attracted her to the role of Rebecca, and the natural working relationship she had with ‘The Understudy’s co-writers and directors, David Conolly and Hannah Davis.
Written by: Karen Benardello
ShockYa (SY): In ‘The Understudy,’ you portray Rebecca, an unemployed actress whose luck changes when she becomes an understudy of a play. However, she’s ignored by the cast and crew, and doesn’t receive attention until she begins causing accidents on the set, in order to be promoted. What attracted you to the role of Rebecca?
Marin Ireland (MI): Well, I had a history with David and Hannah, who wrote ‘The Understudy’ and directed it. We had worked on another project for awhile that involved a lot of improvisation, in terms of developing the script. So when they brought me the script, it was about three quarters done. It sat on the shelf for awhile, on the back burner. They wanted to help me improvise my way around finishing that one again.
Those types of experiences, of feeling the rejection, are overwhelming. All of those experiences of being an actor are familiar. So we had a really good time, getting to explore that, and bringing my own personal experiences to the table.
SY: Speaking of David and Hannah, they co-wrote and co-directed the film together. Do you find it easier to work with directors who worked on the script?
MI: Yes. In this case, they’re so special, because they really do co-direct and co-write. It was wonderful to have them have such an insight and input into the script. They were very clear on some points, where they wanted dialogue to be said as it was written. Other moments, it could be a little more flexible. They had a lot of say over where it could have a lot of room.
Also, the way that they worked together is great. Working with a team like that is nice, because they can share responsibility in a really great way.
SY: ‘The Understudy’ was David and Hannah’s second film, after the 2004 drama ‘Mothers and Daughters.’ Were you familiar with their directorial and writing debut before you began shooting ‘The Understudy?’ What was it like working with relatively new filmmakers on the film?
MI: I had seen the film, they had given me a copy to watch of ‘Mothers and Daughters’ before we started working on another project in between ‘Mothers and Daughters’ and ‘The Understudy.’ That hasn’t yet happened, but I think it will. So I had seen that, and I really liked it. Then I went in on that with them.
I worked with filmmakers primarily at this point, in their second or third realms of movies. I haven’t noticed any significant differences. They’re very clear on their vision. So I didn’t think of them as people who had only made one or two things. They’re very clear and smart, and accurate in terms of achieving their vision, and welcoming you into that world.
SY: David and Hannah also briefly appeared in ‘The Understudy.’ What is it like working with directors and screenwriters who are also actors?
MI: Oh, it’s really helpful, because I feel that one of the most important things that they understand is that everybody has their own process. So they were very eager to learn how each of us needed to work. So rather than demanding certain things at certain moments, they were always very trusting that we would deliver what we needed to deliver for them, and that we had our own way of getting there, and our own process.
They were curious about that, and respectful of that at the same time. I definitely feel that was something that came from being performers, and understanding the atmosphere; people need to find their own space sometimes on the movie set, and their own way of working.
To continue reading this interview, please visit: Interview: Marin Ireland Talks The Understudy | Shockya.com
Tomorrow, When the War Began Movie Review
'Tomorrow, When the War Began' Examiner Movie Review, Written by: Karen Benardello
The modern stresses of being a teenager, such as declaring independence from parents and authority and navigating the ever-changing dating world, are enough to leave many adolescents self-serving and pretentious. But the new action adventure drama ‘Tomorrow, When The War Began,’ which is now playing in select theaters and is available for New Yorkers to own via On Demand, iTunes and on Blu-ray and DVD, successfully proves they can bond together and fight for the better good. The film is a captivating look into how some people naturally step into the leadership role when emergency strikes, and how that guidance can successfully bond those striving to take a stand together.
‘Tomorrow, When The War Began’ follows country Australian high school friends Ellie (played by Caitlin Stasey) and Corrie (portrayed by Rachel Hurd-Wood), as they decide to go camping in a remote valley known as Hell. Corrie’s boyfriend, Kevin (played by Lincoln Lewis), Ellie’s next-door neighbor Homer (played by Deniz Akdeniz), her crush Lee (portrayed by Chris Pang) and their friends Robyn (played by Ashleigh Cummings) and Fiona (portrayed by Phoebe Tonkin) join them as they drive into the mountains. During their first night of camping, Ellie sees military aircraft overhead, but doesn’t think much about it until they return home to their deserted neighborhood.
When the friends arrive at Ellie’s house, they see their neighborhood is abandoned, and the power, internet and telephone lines are down. After exploring the area, they discover everyone is being detained at the showground. After Ellie is discovered, the group is pursued by soldiers.
The group eventually decides to return to Hell until they decide what to do next. Along the way, they encounter their classmate Chris (played by Andrew Ryan) alone in his house, and decide to take him with them. Upon reaching Hell, the group hears a radio transmission, which states that Australia has been invaded by “The Coalition Nations” from nearby Asia, which feels it has a right to the country’s immense natural resources and wealth in order to sustain their growing populations. The group decides to fight back, instead of just waiting to be killed.
Stuart Beattie, the director and writer of ‘Tomorrow, When The War Began,’ perfectly translated John Marsden’s novel of the same name, the first book in the Tomorrow series, to the screen. The filmmaker showcased the true essence of Ellie’s determination to keep her friends bonded together during a time of survival of the fittest and crisis. Ellie serves as a respectable role model to teens, as she isn’t afraid to take charge during a disaster and watch over those she cares about, no matter what they may have done. She proves that a girl can truly be the protagonist that fights for what she believes in, no matter what the consequences.
To continue reading this review, please visit Examiner.
The modern stresses of being a teenager, such as declaring independence from parents and authority and navigating the ever-changing dating world, are enough to leave many adolescents self-serving and pretentious. But the new action adventure drama ‘Tomorrow, When The War Began,’ which is now playing in select theaters and is available for New Yorkers to own via On Demand, iTunes and on Blu-ray and DVD, successfully proves they can bond together and fight for the better good. The film is a captivating look into how some people naturally step into the leadership role when emergency strikes, and how that guidance can successfully bond those striving to take a stand together.
‘Tomorrow, When The War Began’ follows country Australian high school friends Ellie (played by Caitlin Stasey) and Corrie (portrayed by Rachel Hurd-Wood), as they decide to go camping in a remote valley known as Hell. Corrie’s boyfriend, Kevin (played by Lincoln Lewis), Ellie’s next-door neighbor Homer (played by Deniz Akdeniz), her crush Lee (portrayed by Chris Pang) and their friends Robyn (played by Ashleigh Cummings) and Fiona (portrayed by Phoebe Tonkin) join them as they drive into the mountains. During their first night of camping, Ellie sees military aircraft overhead, but doesn’t think much about it until they return home to their deserted neighborhood.
When the friends arrive at Ellie’s house, they see their neighborhood is abandoned, and the power, internet and telephone lines are down. After exploring the area, they discover everyone is being detained at the showground. After Ellie is discovered, the group is pursued by soldiers.
The group eventually decides to return to Hell until they decide what to do next. Along the way, they encounter their classmate Chris (played by Andrew Ryan) alone in his house, and decide to take him with them. Upon reaching Hell, the group hears a radio transmission, which states that Australia has been invaded by “The Coalition Nations” from nearby Asia, which feels it has a right to the country’s immense natural resources and wealth in order to sustain their growing populations. The group decides to fight back, instead of just waiting to be killed.
Stuart Beattie, the director and writer of ‘Tomorrow, When The War Began,’ perfectly translated John Marsden’s novel of the same name, the first book in the Tomorrow series, to the screen. The filmmaker showcased the true essence of Ellie’s determination to keep her friends bonded together during a time of survival of the fittest and crisis. Ellie serves as a respectable role model to teens, as she isn’t afraid to take charge during a disaster and watch over those she cares about, no matter what they may have done. She proves that a girl can truly be the protagonist that fights for what she believes in, no matter what the consequences.
To continue reading this review, please visit Examiner.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Cast and Crew Hit World Premiere of Justice League: Doom | Shockya.com
Aside from all the hype surrounding next summer’s anticipated last installment of Christopher Nolan’s acclaimed Batman trilogy, ‘The Dark Knight Rises,’ fans of the superhero team Justice League have their own film to look forward to, ‘Justice League: Doom.’ The animated movie, which is based on Mark Waid’s ‘Tower of Babel,’ had its world premiere on February 13, 2012 at New York’s Paley Center for Media.
Actor Kevin Conroy, who reprises his voice role of Batman, and his co-star Phil Morris, who can be heard as villain Vandal Savage, were joined by Emmy Award-winning casting-dialogue director Andrea Romano on the red carpet at the premiere. Following the screening of ‘Justice League: Doom,’ the three took the time to speak to the audience about their experiences while shooting, during a Q&A session.
‘Justice League: Doom’ is set to be released as a Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD, On Demand and for Download on February 28, 2012. The movie, which was directed by Lauren Montgomery and was the final DC Universe film script from the late screenwriter Dwayne McDuffie, follows the members of the Justice League as they’re pursued by their enemies, led by Vandal. The villains want to take down Superman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, Cyborg and Batman. They used the Dark Knight’s contingency plans for stopping the superheroes, so Vandal can take over the world.
While the Justice League is upset to learn their enemies plan to kill them, they’re equally upset at Batman for creating the contingency plans, which he would use if he needed to stop a rogue team member. At the same time, Batman must question whether he wants to continue working with his fellow team members when they express their concerns over trusting him again.
While on the red carpet and during the Q&A session, Conroy and Morris had nothing but praise for Romano, and expressed their delight with working with her. She has an “artful way of directing, as it’s in what she doesn’t say,” Conroy said of Romano. She’ll “give an approximation” of where she wants the actors to take the characters. While Romano shows a “command of her domain,” she also respects the actors, and allows them to work through finding the right fit for their characters.
Conroy added that he finds Romano’s work habits “refreshing, as she gives us the freedom to go places we’d be afraid to go otherwise.” The actor also said he feels fortunate to have worked with the dialogue director, as she very rarely gives line readings, and doesn’t come off intimidating.
To continue reading this article, please visit: Cast and Crew Hit World Premiere of Justice League: Doom | Shockya.com
Actor Kevin Conroy, who reprises his voice role of Batman, and his co-star Phil Morris, who can be heard as villain Vandal Savage, were joined by Emmy Award-winning casting-dialogue director Andrea Romano on the red carpet at the premiere. Following the screening of ‘Justice League: Doom,’ the three took the time to speak to the audience about their experiences while shooting, during a Q&A session.
‘Justice League: Doom’ is set to be released as a Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD, On Demand and for Download on February 28, 2012. The movie, which was directed by Lauren Montgomery and was the final DC Universe film script from the late screenwriter Dwayne McDuffie, follows the members of the Justice League as they’re pursued by their enemies, led by Vandal. The villains want to take down Superman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, Cyborg and Batman. They used the Dark Knight’s contingency plans for stopping the superheroes, so Vandal can take over the world.
While the Justice League is upset to learn their enemies plan to kill them, they’re equally upset at Batman for creating the contingency plans, which he would use if he needed to stop a rogue team member. At the same time, Batman must question whether he wants to continue working with his fellow team members when they express their concerns over trusting him again.
While on the red carpet and during the Q&A session, Conroy and Morris had nothing but praise for Romano, and expressed their delight with working with her. She has an “artful way of directing, as it’s in what she doesn’t say,” Conroy said of Romano. She’ll “give an approximation” of where she wants the actors to take the characters. While Romano shows a “command of her domain,” she also respects the actors, and allows them to work through finding the right fit for their characters.
Conroy added that he finds Romano’s work habits “refreshing, as she gives us the freedom to go places we’d be afraid to go otherwise.” The actor also said he feels fortunate to have worked with the dialogue director, as she very rarely gives line readings, and doesn’t come off intimidating.
To continue reading this article, please visit: Cast and Crew Hit World Premiere of Justice League: Doom | Shockya.com
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance Movie Review | Shockya.com
'Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance' Shockya.com Movie Review, Written by: Karen Benardello
Directors: Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor, credited as Neveldine/Taylor (‘Crank,’ ‘Gamer’)
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Ciarán Hinds (‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2,’ ‘The Woman in Black’) and Idris Elba
Comic book heroes are often synonymous with self-loathing or conflict, questioning of their own purpose and desire to rid the world of those who wronged them and plan to harm the rest of the world. Their misfortunes, combined with their proven track record of stopping the evil that plagues mankind and impressive stunts and visual effects, usually guarantee success on screen.
Unfortunately, the new ‘Ghost Rider’ sequel, ‘Spirit of Vengeance,’ based on the Marvel Comic of the same name, fails to follow in the shoes of other successful movie follow-ups, such as ‘The Dark Knight’ and Sam Raimi’s ‘Spider-Man 2.’ ‘Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance,’ much like its predecessor, includes uninspired acting, scarce plot points and unimpressive stunts.
‘Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance’ follows Johnny Blaze (played by Nicolas Cage), as he continues to struggle with his curse of being the Devil’s bounty hunter, the Ghost Rider. Rebel monk Moreau (portrayed by Idris Elba) asks Johnny to help save Danny (played by Fergus Riordan), the son of the Devil (portrayed by Ciaran Hinds), on the eve of his 13th birthday. If Johnny is able to deliver Danny to the secret sect Moreau is part of, and help prevent the Devil from taking control of his body, the monk will take away the curse of being the Ghost Rider.
But Johnny also faces the obstacles set by Ray Carrigan (played by Johnny Witworth), the ex-boyfriend of Danny’s mother, Nadya (portrayed by Violante Placido), who’s working for the Devil. Ray is ultimately turned into the demon Blackout by the Devil, in an effort to be given the strength to fight Ghost Rider. Despite the struggles he faces against the Devil and Blackout, Johnny is determined to defeat them both in order to save Danny, no matter what the cost.
‘Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance’ had the potential to create a more cohesive plot-line than its predecessor, as David S. Goyer, the screenwriter of ‘Batman Begins’ and ‘The Dark Knight,’ co-wrote the script. The scribe has proven his value and skills in creating in-depth, suspenseful stories for films based comic books, and could have done the same for ‘Ghost Rider.’ But Goyer and his co-writers, Scott M. Gimple and Seth Hoffman, failed to create any motivations for any of the characters in the sequel.
To continue reading this review, please visit: Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance Movie Review | Shockya.com
Directors: Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor, credited as Neveldine/Taylor (‘Crank,’ ‘Gamer’)
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Ciarán Hinds (‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2,’ ‘The Woman in Black’) and Idris Elba
Comic book heroes are often synonymous with self-loathing or conflict, questioning of their own purpose and desire to rid the world of those who wronged them and plan to harm the rest of the world. Their misfortunes, combined with their proven track record of stopping the evil that plagues mankind and impressive stunts and visual effects, usually guarantee success on screen.
Unfortunately, the new ‘Ghost Rider’ sequel, ‘Spirit of Vengeance,’ based on the Marvel Comic of the same name, fails to follow in the shoes of other successful movie follow-ups, such as ‘The Dark Knight’ and Sam Raimi’s ‘Spider-Man 2.’ ‘Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance,’ much like its predecessor, includes uninspired acting, scarce plot points and unimpressive stunts.
‘Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance’ follows Johnny Blaze (played by Nicolas Cage), as he continues to struggle with his curse of being the Devil’s bounty hunter, the Ghost Rider. Rebel monk Moreau (portrayed by Idris Elba) asks Johnny to help save Danny (played by Fergus Riordan), the son of the Devil (portrayed by Ciaran Hinds), on the eve of his 13th birthday. If Johnny is able to deliver Danny to the secret sect Moreau is part of, and help prevent the Devil from taking control of his body, the monk will take away the curse of being the Ghost Rider.
But Johnny also faces the obstacles set by Ray Carrigan (played by Johnny Witworth), the ex-boyfriend of Danny’s mother, Nadya (portrayed by Violante Placido), who’s working for the Devil. Ray is ultimately turned into the demon Blackout by the Devil, in an effort to be given the strength to fight Ghost Rider. Despite the struggles he faces against the Devil and Blackout, Johnny is determined to defeat them both in order to save Danny, no matter what the cost.
‘Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance’ had the potential to create a more cohesive plot-line than its predecessor, as David S. Goyer, the screenwriter of ‘Batman Begins’ and ‘The Dark Knight,’ co-wrote the script. The scribe has proven his value and skills in creating in-depth, suspenseful stories for films based comic books, and could have done the same for ‘Ghost Rider.’ But Goyer and his co-writers, Scott M. Gimple and Seth Hoffman, failed to create any motivations for any of the characters in the sequel.
To continue reading this review, please visit: Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance Movie Review | Shockya.com
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