The Five Best Films of 2012...So Far

The Five Best Films of 2012...So Far, Written by: Karen Benardello While the official Oscar race hasn't began yet, and some of the most anticipated films of the year, including "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," "Django Unchained" and "The Great Gatsby," are scheduled to be released closer to the holiday season, there are still some notable movies that have been released during the first half of 2012. From independent, lower-budget mumble core films to sci-fi movies about the apocalypse to sports projects and comedies, 2012 has already offered a diverse group of noteworthy Hollywood and foreign entries. The second half of the year will hopefully produce as exciting films as the first half. 5. "Seeking a Friend for the End of the World," Theatrical Release Date: June 22; DVD Release Date Pending "Seeking a Friend for the End of the World" is a refreshing, unique look into what happens to people's emotions when they're faced with their impending deaths. While the subject of the Apocalypse has primarily been saturated by the horror genre, the romantic dramedy stands out as it instead features genuine glimpses into people's reactions to natural disaster. Main characters Dodge and Penny truly undergo an emotional transformation as they not only learn the true meaning of life, but also what it means to truly love someone, as they contend with their imminent deaths. Continue reading the rest of th post on Yahoo! Voices.

Step Up Revolution Movie Review

Step Up Revolution Shockya Movie Review, Written by: Karen Benardello Director: Scott Speer (‘The LXD 2: Secrets of the Ra’) Starring: Ryan Guzman, Kathryn McCormick (TV’s So You Think You Can Dance,’ ‘Fame’) and Peter Gallagher While some film franchises lose their originality and appeal as they release countless sequels just to make guaranteed money, the dance romance series ‘Step Up’ continuously proves its creativity with each entry. The new third sequel in the franchise, the 3D ‘Step Up Revolution,’ revamped the series with a mostly new cast of characters, played by experienced dancers, who put their talent to good use with impressive solo and group dance sequences. While the movie predictably reiterates the story told in the first three films in the series, the high-energy and well-planned dance routines prove the franchise’s worth. ‘Step Up Revolution’ follows Emily Anderson (played by Kathryn McCormick) as she travels to Miami with her father, Bill (portrayed by Peter Gallagher), the owner of a successful property development company. He’s determined to develop, and build ritzy hotels, in a historic neighborhood that’s home to an increasingly popular dance group, the Mob. Led by Sean (played by Ryan Guzman) and Eddie (portrayed by Misha Gabriel), two waiters at Bill’s Dimont Hotel, the Mob stages flash dances across the city to not only win a YouTube competition, but to also save their neighborhood. Emily, who is determined to become a professional dancer, despite her father’s protests, decides to join the Mob to help them with their cause. She risks her relationship with her father as she becomes closer to Sean and tries to stop the development project. Emily, Sean and the rest of the Mob risk their dreams as they turn their performance art into protest art, in order to fight for the greater cause. ‘Step Up Revolution’ welcomingly differentiated itself from its three predecessors in the hit dance romance series by continuously featuring both high-energy flash mob numbers and sensual duets. Through the contemporary dance routines created by four seasoned choreographers, including franchise veteran Jamal Sims, ‘So You Think You Can Dance’s Travis Wall, LXD’s Chris Scott and ‘Stomp the Yard’s Chuck Maldonado, new franchise director Scott Speer was able to implement originality, suspense and creativity into the series. Whether the mob dancers were camouflaged into paintings or part of a 65-person routine in an office complex, or Emily and Sean were privately practicing stimulating routines, the third sequel featured original, impressive dances. Continue reading this review on Shockya.

Interview: Katie Barberi Talks Corazon Valiente and Grachi

Interview: Katie Barberi Talks Corazon Valiente and Grachi, Written by: Karen Benardello Sometimes even the hardest-working actresses who have appeared in Hollywood films and television shows since they were children don't always get the name recognition they deserve. This is certainly true with Mexican actress and singer Katie Barberi, who, after being born in the remote town of Saltillo, Coahuila, began her career in stage productions when she was nine-years-old in Nevada. After relocating to Los Angeles as a teen, she quickly proved her talent in numerous American television shows and movies, before making the transition to Latin series. Barberi generously took the time to speak with us over the phone recently about her two current television projects, Telemundo's telanovela, "Corazon Valiente​," and the Nickelodeon Latin American series, "Grachi". The television actress discussed with us, among other things, what attracted her to her roles of Perla Navarro in the record-breaking telanovela and Ursula in the Nicelodeon family show; why she decided to make the transition to telanovelas after starting her career in Hollywood from the mid-1980s to the early 1990s; and why living in several American and Mexican cities before she was 10-years-old helped her in her career. Question (Q): You portray Perla Navarro in Telemundo's telanovela "Corazon Valiente." What was it about the script and the character that convinced you to take on the role? Katie Barberi (KB): You know, I had never worked with this writer before. This was an Argentina writer. I've also done six projects now for Telemundo. It was interesting to me, and a special performance. Every work I've done with Telemundo has been very, very good for me and my career. I love working with them. Telemundo has something very much in their favor, and that is, they take risks. They work with scripts that are originally from European writers and South American writers, and sometimes even Asian writers, which one might think is odd for a telanovela. But the concept of the genre of soap operas and love and affection and pain are universal. Telemundo takes risks, and I've always really appreciated that about their work. I loved the script, and they asked me to do it. I have yet to turn down a project with Telemundo. I think they're an amazing company that does innovative things for the Latin market. I appreciate the projects that they've given me. Q: "Corazon Valiente" is the first 9PM telanovela since 2006 to pass the one million mark in premiere week among adults 18-49. What was the feeling like, knowing that so many people are watching the show? KB: Up until now, I've done 17 telanovelas for the Latin market. If everyone had the recipe for success, they would all be a tremendous success. But we don't. When you do a project, the writers, the directors and the actors all hope for the best, obviously. It's always a shock, in a very good way, when that many people get behind your project. It was very exciting. I'm doing another project for Nickelodeon Latin America, called "Grachi", which is a tremendous success. It's very exciting as well, because it's for children and pre-teens and teenagers. It's exciting to be liked and to have your work appreciated by so many people. It's a thrill. To continue reading this interview, please click here.

Age of the Dragons DVD Review

Age of the Dragons Examiner DVD Review, Written by: Karen Benardello Stunning visual effects, impressive sets and costumes and excitingly choreographed fight sequences are all important aspects of any successful action thriller. Not only do films in the genre have to visually impress audiences, they must also showcase genuine character portrayals and believable relationships between the actors in order to truly succeed. The new action thriller ‘Age of the Dragons,’ which is now available to rent at select Long Island Red Box locations, unfortunately forgot to include any inspiring visual effects. The success of the films was ultimately left on the believability of the relationship between two of the main characters. ‘Age of the Dragons’ follows Captain Ahab (played by Danny Glover) and his crew as they hunt dragons for the vitriol that powers the medieval realm they live in. Ahab’s adopted daughter Rachel (portrayed by Sofia Pernas) runs his hunting vessel, which he obsessively steers to find the great White Dragon. Ahab is determined to once again battle the dragon that slaughtered his family when he was young and left his body scarred. Watch the official trailer for the new action thriller Age of the Dragon, which is now available on DVD. Video: Age of the Dragons trailer Rachel recruits Ishmael (played by Corey Sevier), a charismatic harpooner, and his friend Queenqueg (portrayed by John Kepa Kruse), to join the crew on Ahab’s ship to hunt dragons and search for the White Dragon. Once in the dragon’s lair, Ahab’s secrets are revealed. Rachel must choose between continuing with her adopted father on his quest or escape to start a new life with Ishmael. With a reported limited budget of $5 million, Ryan Little, the director of ‘Age of the Dragons,’ didn’t have much money to incorporate any stunning visual elements into the film. Even with his directing experience in the action and thriller genres, Little unfortunately neglected to find a way to put the budget he did have to good use. The lack of budget and creativity is evident in Little’s failure to create authentic and impressive sets, costumes, special effects or action sequences for the medieval world Ahab, Ishmael and their colleagues live in. To continue reading this review, please click here.

Jock the Hero Dog Movie Review

Jock the Hero Dog Examiner Movie Review, Written by: Karen Benardello Overcoming diversity and accepting one’s own differences is one of the most important lessons that children, as well as adults, need to learn how to do. The new animated family comedy ‘Jock the Hero Dog’ successfully uses a small, but loveable and strong-willed dog, to prove that accepting everyone’s differences is one important thing that everyone needs to learn to do. The film, which is now available for Long Islanders to buy at Walmart, uses realistic, vibrant animation and memorable musical numbers to help showcase this important message. ‘Jock the Hero Dog’ follows the title character (Bryan Adams) as he accompanies his master Fitz (Donald Sutherland narrating the film and Theo Landey in the movie’s narrative) to search for gold throughout South East Africa. With encouragement from his mother, Jess (Helen Hunt) Jock grows from being the runt of his litter to the most famous dog in Africa. Jess tells Jock not to try to understand human ways, as they’re different from dog values, but to instead support Fitz as much as he can during their journey. Watch the official trailer for the new animated family comedy Jock the Hero Dog, which is now available on DVD. Video: Jock the Hero Dog Trailer Jock first encounters human civilization at Crooks Corner, which is run by the evil Seedling (Rob Hobbs0 and his powerful pet baboon, George (Anthony Bishop). Influenced by Seedling’s corrupt ways and greed, no one stands in George’s way. Jock finds the courage to stand up to George, in order to prove that every animal is equal. Filmmaker Duncan MacKeillie, who served on many aspects of ‘Jock the Hero Dog,’ including directing, writing, producing and as the camera and layout artist, created visually stunning animation for the family adventure comedy. Jock, Jess and their fellow animals move realistically and look convincingly genuine throughout the course of the film. Whether Jock is running and hiding from larger predators in the wild, arguing with George in crooks Corner or sitting and talking to his mother, he perfectly captures the actual movements of dogs. To continue reading this review, please click here.

Interview: Jacob Hopkins Talks True Blood

Interview: Jacob Hopkins Talks True Blood, Written by: Karen Benardello Sometimes the family business is embedded in people’s blood. That’s certainly the case with up-and-coming actor Jacob Hopkins, who was discovered at the age of five while accompanying his father, who’s also an actor, to a meeting with his agent. The 10-year-old actor is currently showcasing his talent in his breakthrough role on the fifth season of HBO’s acclaimed fantasy horror drama series ‘True Blood.’ In a recurring arc, Hopkins plays Alexander Drew, the youngest (looking) member of the Vampire authority, who was turned at the age of nine. Hopkins, who made his debut on the June 17th episode of ‘True Blood,’ ‘Authority Always Wins,’ generously took the time to speak with us recently over the phone. Among other things, Hopkins spoke about why he wanted to portray Alexander; what it was like working with his co-stars, including reuniting with his ‘Priest’ co-star, Stephen Moyer, and another also recently cast Vampire Authority member, Christopher Meloni; and how he prepared for the role of the impulsive vampire. ShockYa (SY): You play Alexander Drew, a member of the Vampire Authority, on this season of ‘True Blood.’ Why did you want to play Alexander on the show? Jacob Hopkins (JH): I really like characters like Gollum from ‘The Lord of the Rings’ or Jekyll and Hyde. These guys really fascinate me, and that’s how Alexander is. He’s sort of like that too-he has that dual personality. He’s supposed to be really tough and shy. Also, he’s supposed to be creepy. I can really act like that. SY: How did you get ready for the role of Alexander before you began shooting? JH: Well, my dad helped me prepare for the role. I had the ideas of what he was supposed to be like. He was supposed to be a creepy, sarcastic, wise vampire. He’s not really scared of anything, he’s really calm. He doesn’t really talk a lot, and he knows you better than you think he does. So when I got on set, I was thinking I was more important than anyone in that world, and anyone in the Authority. He’s supposed to be this tough vampire. To continue reading this interview, please click here.

Interview: Padraig Reynolds Talks Rites of Spring

Interview: Padraig Reynolds Talks Rites of Spring, Written by: Karen Benardello Sometimes the most horrifying experiences in life are just the beginning for a surprising, even more heinous event that no one can ever prepare for. That’s certainly the case for both the victims and the kidnappers in the new horror-thriller ‘Rites of Spring,’ which hits select theaters and IFC Midnight Cable VOD and Digital Outlets, including SundanceNOW, iTunes, Amazon Streaming, XBOX Zune and Playstation Unlimited, on Friday. While people may believe they have their lives planned out, the film proves that one unpredictable event can change lives forever. ‘Rites of Spring’ follows a group of kidnappers who abduct the daughter of a wealthy socialite and hide in an abandoned school in the middle of the woods. As several of the kidnappers begin to feel guilty over their decision, the group begins to divide, which puts the plan in jeopardy. The evening further unravels when a mysterious creature that requires springtime ritualistic sacrifices appears, making the school its hunting ground. The scribe and helmer of the horror-thriller, Padraig Reynolds, who is making his feature film directorial debut with the movie, generously took the time recently to speak to us over the phone. Among other things, he discussed where he came up with the idea for the story, the difficulties of having a short shooting schedule on a limited budget and what the casting process for the main cast was like. ShockYa (SY): You both wrote the screenplay for, and directed, ‘Rites of Spring.’ What was your inspiration while you were writing, and where did you come up with the idea for, the script? Padraig Reynolds (PR): I wrote ‘Rites of Spring’ and its sequel back-to-back when I moved to Los Angeles in about 2002. Friends of mine wanted to do two horror movies back-to-back, and approached me about writing and directing. Those two movies fell through, and didn’t happen. I kept plugging away, and kept sending scripts out. In 2007, I met Eric Thompson, who was working at Maverick Red at the time. He fell in love with ‘Rites of Spring,’ and brought it to some investors in Mississippi. They liked it as well. Our plan was to do two movies back-to-back last year. But when we were doing it, they asked if we could only do one. I said yeah, let’s do one, so we did one. I think the influences for ‘Rites of Spring’ are a Don Siegel movie I loved from the ’70s, called ‘The Black Windmill.’ There’s also a Piers Haggard movie from ’81, called ‘Venom.’ It’s about a snake that gets inside a house when kidnappers are there. SY: Speaking of kidnappers, ‘Rites of Spring’ follows a group of kidnappers abduct the daughter of a wealthy socialite. What kind of research did you do while you were writing the script, in order to tell the story? PR: When I sit down and write a story, I always look at locations a lot. the locations will dictate how I write a story. I had the creature’s back-story, and I had the farmer’s back-story already written. So they sort of fell into place. As for the kidnappers, I heard of a story recently that a guy got fired from his job, after like 10 years. He went to his boss’s house and tried to kidnap his kid. I think I read that in the newspaper. I thought that was an interesting idea, especially in today’s economy. Somebody could work at a company for so long and could get fired for somebody else’s fault. I wondered what kind of emotions that could bring. The guy basically said he was going to kidnap his boss’s kid and extort money out of him, because he took away his life. To continue reading this interview, please click here.