Written by Randy Montgomery on Thursday, 18 February 2010 20:42
Waiting for a week-long film festival to begin is as exciting for a film junkie as is waiting in line in the freezing cold at 4am the morning after Thanksgiving to get a deal for a bargain shopper. (Yeah, it’s like that.) The casual shopper that won’t get up at the crack of dawn to go Black Friday shopping typically won’t find the $99 flat screen television late in the day, yet a casual filmgoer can wander into a festival at their leisure and find an undiscovered, entertaining, thought-provoking selection at any time. Whether you go for the entire festival, a day, or just a movie or two, you will not be disappointed. The Sedona Film Festival, now in its 16th year has quickly become not only Arizona’s top festival destination, but one of the country’s as well as evidenced by the level of talent that attends and the size of the audience that pack the Harkins Sedona 6 Theatres for the week-long event. Interest in the festival has grown so much, that additional venues have been added this year to handle the crowds and the number of films chosen.
A temporary venue has been set up across the street from the theatre at the Sedona Rouge Hotel and up the street at “Studio Live.” In all, 145 short and feature films from 18 countries will be shown. Venues aren’t the only addition this year. Two new series of programming have been added says Executive Director Patrick Schweiss, “We’ve introduced a track to the festival called ‘Sedona Green;’ environmentally and socially conscious films that feature sustainability and the artists’ role in getting messages out through film making.” In addition, the Sedona Community Foundation helped fund a series which features selections that are “safe and appropriate for families.” Not only will attendees get numerous celebrity sightings, they’ll get a change to see and hear them live before and after the films they are there to present.
Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara (Ben Stiller parents) each have a film in the festival. When the World Breaks stars Stiller, while Another Harvest Moon features Meara, Doris Roberts and Richard Schiff, all of whom are scheduled to attend. Many times, viewers will get to ask their favorite actor/actress questions about their role and what it was like to star in, or make the film they have just seen. Director Michael Moore will be on hand to present three of his films; Sicko, Capitalism: A Love Story and the 20th Anniversary of Roger & Me. “Moore will be hosting and speaking at each,” says Schweiss. “An afternoon conversation session has been scheduled with the Director for Saturday afternoon as well.” A returning guest and audience favorite is Turner Movie Classics’ Robert Osborne, “whose name is synonymous with movies and movie history and having him adds a very special, and certainly memorable, element,” says Schweiss. Venues and celebrities aside, the film line-up is the star of the show, and Schweiss says “I can honestly say that these are the strongest 145 we’ve ever had in the festival. It was the hardest festival to schedule.
We have Oscar nominated films showing at 9 am and at 9 at night. We’ve got a very exciting situation on our hands. We don’t have a bad film in the line up.” In terms of Academy Award submissions from around the globe, “We’ve got the Philippines foreign language entry. We have the country of Georgia’s entry. The Other Bank. Columbia’s entry, The Winds Journey. Norway’s which is Troubled Water.
We were fortunate enough to get the crème de la crème of foreign language films. We also struck gold with our animated films this year as well as our short films. Kavi is up for best live action short at the Academy Awards. Additional feature films include The Greatest starring Susan Sarandon and Pierce Brosnan, Saving Grace B. Jones starring Connie Stevens and PollliWood directed by Barry Levinson. An 8-minute short film that should make you giggle is The Kinda Sutra. “It tackles the age old question of where babies come from. Animation is placed in from the Kama Sutra. Our Operations Director discovered it at the Telluride Film Festival,” explains Schweiss.
Which films mov ed Schweiss the most? From the UK is the short Ronan’s Escape, “It’s a short which is one of the most haunting and most powerful message of any film in our line up and it has no dialog, It’s a gorgeous film.” As for feature films… “A Shine of Rainbows starring Aiden Quinn. We’re making it required viewing,” he laughs… “If you come to the festival. We’re requiring you watch it.” That’s a joke of course, but Schweiss says that “the film will make your heart grow ten times over.”
Written by Stan Robinson on Saturday, 06 February 2010 00:00
We’ve all had to read Leo Tolstoy’s classic “War and Peace” or have seen the classic film directed by the legendary King Vidor in 1956. It starred Audrey Hepburn, Henry Fonda, and Mel Ferrer. We’ve all seen photos of the bearded author taken in his later years, but know little of his private life. “The Last Station” gives us a glimpse into the last four years of his life from 1910 to his death in 1914… We are brought into 1910 and to Tolstoy’s world in a period historical drama that illustrates Russian author eo Tolstoy’s (Christopher Plummer) struggle to balance fame and wealth with his commitment to a life devoid of material things. We learn that the Countess Sofya (Helen Mirren), his wife and muse, uses every trick of seduction on her husband’s loyal disciple (Paul Giamatti), whom she believes was the person responsible for Tolstoy signing a new will that leaves his work and property to the Russian people.
“The Last Station” is an engaging film with various plot lines as the picture is painted of each of the closet people to Tolstoy while we examine their motives. The cast of veteran actors, deliver extraordinary performances, and the cinematography along with set design presents a look of 1910 Russian society, political, and religious convictions along with a view of Leo Tolstoy, that’s captivating to watch! Starring Christopher Plummer, James McAvoy, Helen Mirren, Paul Giamatti, Anne-Marie Duff, Kerry Condon, and Patrick Kennedy. Written and directed by Michael Hoffman. Sony Pictures Classics release. Rated R for a scene of sexuality/nudity. Runtime: 112 minutes.
Written by Stan Robinson on Friday, 05 February 2010 23:52
Writer/director Brian Pulido, referred to frequently as ‘the next Roger Corman’ as he masters the art of ‘B-movies’, subtly sketches characters with the nuances we all know in our work-a-day lives, with a jolt of psychological horror along the way! As regular readers know, I’m fond of movie taglines; ‘In Skull City, Death is the least of your problems…’ is the unexpected for the Graves sisters. Megan (Clare Grant) and Abby (Jillian Murray) Graves are inseparable sisters that couldn’t be less alike. Megan just graduated Arizona State University with a degree in marketing. She’s self-assured, naturally attractive, with a ‘rock chick’ air and a black belt in martial arts that she likes to use.
Abby on the other hand, barely graduated high school. She’s cute with a ‘Hot Topic Goth’ flair, a bit caustic, and afraid of her own shadow. They do share a common interest in comics and pop culture. Before Megan is off to a new job in New York City, the sisters decide on a trip together to an uncharted section of Arizona to spend time together before they start the next chapter in each of their lives. While enroute, they happen on Skull City Mine, a weather-beaten, abandoned mining town that’s been converted into a self-guided exploratory tourist attraction.
There are haunting secrets in the legends and folklore surrounding Skull City Mine, and when Abby is seriously injured in a mishap, Megan has to unlock the secrets of Skull City Mine to ensure their survival… Writer/director Brian Pulido has a ‘sure hand’ as guides his story and the actors. It’s the subtle aspects of the horror/thriller genre of movies that makes for a good scare, and Brian Pulido has his finger right on the pulse of it! Starring Bill Moseley, Tony Todd, Jillian Murray, Clare Grant, Amanda Wyss, Patti Tindall, Cathy Rankin, Randy Blythe, and Brian Pulido. Written and directed by Brian Pulido. After Dark Films / Lionsgate release. Rated R for bloody violence.
Written by Stan Robinson on Thursday, 04 February 2010 00:00
“Edge of Darkness”, Mel Gibson returns in dramatic form It’s been quite a few years since we’ve seen Mel Gibson in a major acting role (“Signs” (2002) directed by M. Night Shyamalan), spending his time behind the scenes with his recent projects. As the tagline: ‘Some secrets take us to the edge’ tells us in this action thriller, he’s homicide detective Thomas Craven, who has spent years working the streets of Boston. Things change for him when his daughter is killed near the door of his home. As he starts to investigate, he realizes her death is only one piece of a larger, intricate puzzle filled with a corporate cover-up and government collusion. As he digs deeper into her death and the conspiracy, a mysterious agent with the assignment of ‘tidying up’ any loose ends, presents a ‘no win’ scenario for detective Thomas Craven… There’s more at www. ScreenScene.org Starring Mel Gibson, Ray Winstone, Danny Huston, Bojana Novakovic, and Shawn Roberts. Directed by Martin Campbell. Written by William Monahan and Andrew Bovell. Written by Fran Walsh & Philippa Boyen. Warner Bros. Pictures release. Rated R for strong bloody violence and language. Runtime: 117 minutes. (195 words; artwork in Edge of Darkness folder)
Written by Stan Robinson on Friday, 15 January 2010 00:39
Randy Montgomery’s “Best Movies of 2009!”
December was a time to reflect on the hundreds of films released over the course of the previous twelve months. There were plenty of blockbusters to consider, as well as several smaller independent films that I had the pleasure of viewing, which made a lasting impact. I may be one of the only critics in the country to not include the mega-hit Avatar in my top ten list, but there were just too many others vowing for my attention. The following list are my “Top Ten Films of 2009.” (Listed in alphabetical order)
Brothers
The Burning Plain
District 9
Goodbye Solo
The Hurt Locker
Inglorious Basterds
Julie & Julia
Star Trek
Up
Up in the Air
Of the best movies, my number one pick is The Hurt Locker. Director Kathryn Bigelow’s edge of your seat war pic about officers in the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit within the U.S. Army’s Bravo Company stationed in Iraq packs a punch. Jeremy Renner’s performance is also noteworthy. This one came and went out of theatres quickly. While audiences didn’t flock to it, critics did take note, and trust us… it is an absolute must-see. In 2005, I had the opportunity to see an emotionally charged Danish film called Brødre. The story followed two brothers and the aftermath left on the family when one was pronounced dead during the war in Afghanistan. Brothers, The Hollywood remake starring Tobey Maguire and Jake Gyllenhaal was just as powerful. Watch for the performances by the young girls that play Maguire’s daughters. This is just as good, if not better as the original.
My guess is that you have never heard of The Burning Plain and probably for good reason. The indie played the Phoenix Film Festival but received little love in theatres, although I am not sure why. Intertwining lives connect in this difficult to follow (but well worth the trouble) drama that features mesmerizing performances by Charlize Theron and Kim Basinger. An intricate plot makes for some fancy editing and strong acting. It captured my attention.
Politically charged and intellectual; words not usually used to describe a sci-fi flick about aliens hovering over earth. But District 9 is a well-written, smart film about colonizing space creatures into the slums of South Africa. While the stars of the film were from another planet, the impact they had on their surroundings and the response from locals translates into any language in the world on the immigration debate and the relocating of individuals. Brilliant.
Goodbye Solo played for a few weeks at Harkins Camelview 5 and audiences that took the risk on this little-known film were greatly rewarded. Set in a small town in North Carolina, the plot follows two men of extremely different backgrounds and their odd friendship that culminates into the most memorable endings ever. If it weren’t for The Hurt Locker ‘s heart-pounding bomb sequences, this low-budget film would be my #1 pick of the year.
Quentin Tarantino has come up with some crazy stories before, but none have been as brutal, or as ingenious as Inglorious Basterds. The “basterds” are a group of Jewish- American soldiers that were chosen to stop Hitler and stop the Nazi Army during WWII. No one said this is supposed to be historically accurate. Fans of WWII films and cinephiles will love this bloody romp. Although broken down into “chapters,” I would not study this film for a history exam.
I cannot cook. I cannot even make toast without setting off the smoke detector, but I love The Food Network and I loved Julie & Julia, a likeable film about French cooking maven Julia Child and a New York City blogger who chose to devote her life to making every recipe Child wrote in world famous cook book. This was a late summer sleeper hit that had “awards” written all over it. Yummy and funny!
Being a “Trekkie” had never crossed my mind until I saw 2009’s Star Trek. The classic story had been remade for the umpteenth time, but this go-around was unlike any other. It played out much more as a traditional drama than a campy science fiction television series. The performances, storyline and special effects were enough to make me a fan and make this one appear on my Top Ten list.
The first thirty or so minutes of Disney/Pixar’s UP were enough to qualify it for my “best of” list for the year. The remaining hour was a bonus. Far and away the studios’ most touching and heartfelt production to date. Not mention one of the most creative and funny. You will fall in love with the animated human characters and get a kick out of the animals. Pack your bags, you’ll want to go on an adventure of your own.
Being proud of my Southwest Airlines’ A-List Card (having flown nearly two-dozen round trips last year), I had to somewhat identify with George Clooney’s character in Up in the Air. Clooney stars as a lonely soul whose main purpose in life is to rack up airline miles while he flies around the country firing people for work. His mission changes when he meets a fellow female frequent flier and love blossoms in various hotel rooms.
So there you have it… you have some work to do. Head out to your multiplex to catch Brothers, The Hurt Locker and Up in the Air. The rest you can find on DVD (or put them in your queue for when they are released). Here’s to 2010! Off to screen my next film…
Stan Robinson’s “Best Movies of 2009!”
New Year’s signals the start of the movie award season. The “People’s Choice Awards” gave you, the movie going audience, the opportunity to voice your choices for the best movies and performances. Each year at this time, movie reviewers around the world assemble our choices for the best movies of the past year! As a member of the Phoenix Film Critics Society, we voted in more than twenty-five categories, from our best movies to best stunts. Of the 164 movies I reviewed in 2009, these are my best movies of 2009. Best Movies of 2009! (In alphabetical order)
Avatar
Brothers
District 9 I
nglorious Basterds
Nine
Precious
Sherlock Holmes
Star Trek The Informant!
The Road
The Young Victoria
Up in the Air
Of the best movies, my best picture is “The Road”, starring Viggo Mortensen and Kodi Smit-McPhee in a post-apocalyptic story of a father and his young son trying to survive by any means possible, in a world now without rules, laws, or loyalties. The two central characters virtually carry the movie with more than 75% of the screen time and the directing style of John Hillcoat, slowly and certainly steadily, draws us into the film!
“Avatar”; directed by James Cameron, has set a new bar for the next generation of sci-fi adventure fantasy movies. Incorporating the latest in technology, merging with traditional filmmaking techniques including 3-D which didn’t leap out at you but drew one into the world he created, shouldn’t be missed!
“Brothers”; with a story centering on a young man who comforts his older brother’s wife and children after he goes missing in Afghanistan, presents a milieu’ of circumstances for armed forces personnel in the war zone, and on the home front, with exceptional performances by Jake Gyllenhaal, Natalie Portman and Tobey Maguire.
“District 9”; writer/director Neill Blomkamp, on a very limited budget, delivers a first rate sci-fi thriller cinematically and story wise, of extraterrestrials who’s space craft runs out of fuel and are forced to live in slum-like conditions on Earth and find an ally in a government agent who is exposed to their biotechnology.
“Inglourious Basterds”; Writer/ director Quentin Tarantino once again dazzle’s us with his unique chapter style of story telling of Nazi-occupied France during World War II, and a group of Jewish-American soldiers known as “The Basterds” who’s objective is to spread fear throughout the Third Reich by scalping and brutally killing Nazis. It’s irreverent, funny, entertaining, and presented as only Tarantino can! “
Nine”; Directed by Rob Marshall, who won an Oscar® for the musical “Chicago” (2002), delivers another musical/drama with outstanding performances by the cast, with his story of a famous film director who struggles to find harmony in his professional and personal lives, as he engages in dramatic relationships with his wife, his mistress, his muse, his agent, and his mother!
“Precious”; Director Lee Daniels, with many of his cast of first time actors and recording artists in dramatic roles, presents a poignant story that takes place in Harlem, of an overweight, illiterate teen who is pregnant with her second child and invited to enroll in an alternative school in hopes that her life can head in a new direction. It’s an uneasy story to watch yet has one mesmerized by the very depth of basic story.
“Sherlock Holmes”; This presentation of the fictional character with the most movies appearances in cinematic history is an intriguing look at the Detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal partner Dr. Watson who are drawn into a battle of wits and brawn with a nemesis whose plot is a threat to all of England. Actor Robert DowneyJr., Jude law deliver award caliber performances.
“Star Trek”; Director J. J. Abrams who has honed his skills on the award winning TV series “Lost”, undertook and succeeded in bringing to the screen, a chronicle of the early days of James T. Kirk and his fellow USS Enterprise crew members. With many Star Trek TV series’ and movies since 1966, J. J. Abrams presents a fresh view of the timeless phenomenon of Star Trek. “The Informant!”; Actor Matt Damon steps completely out of the dramatic role of Jason Bourne and gained 30+ pounds for the comedy/drama of the story, based on the true events, of The US government’s decision to go after an agribusiness corporate empire with a price-fixing accusation, based on the evidence submitted by their star witness, vice president turned informant, Mark Whitacre.
“The Young Victoria”; a view of Alexandrina Victoria, who became Queen at 18 years old and reigned as Queen for 63 years, longer than any other British monarch before or since, and is the longest of any female monarch in history. The movie presents the splendor, pomp and circumstance of the time, and the insightfulness of her reign known as the ‘Victorian era’ (1837-1901), a period of industrial, political, scientific, and military progress in the United Kingdom.
“Up in the Air”; Actor George Clooney gives us a like-able character with an unlike-able job, a job that has him traveling around the country firing people, and leads an empty life out of a suitcase with which he finds his own brand of enjoyment, until his company does the unexpected: the ground him! George Clooney’s skill of intertwining comedy and drama is the unifying force that makes this movie a treat to watch. So, there you have it, my best movies of 2009! What are some of your favorite movies of the past year? Let me know,
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Written by Stan Robinson on Monday, 11 January 2010 14:52
The tag line for actor Michael Cera’s latest movie, ‘Every “Revolution” Needs A Leader’, could be viewed as the mantra for the next generation of actors as we start the 2010-decade. The Canadian born actor who turns 22 this year, has been developing his craft since his first TV role in 1999. Most viewers became aware of his skills in the hit cable TV series “Arrested Development” (2003- 2006) as George-Michael Bluth of the ‘dysfunctional’ yet entertaining Bluth family. With his big screen performance, Michael Cera captured the movie going audiences’ attention in 2007 with the sleeper hit, “Superbad” and has been steadily moving toward ‘A’ list status ever since with performances in the Oscar® winner “Juno” (2007) starring Ellen Page, the documentary “Paper Heart” (2009) where he was a very interesting character, himself, and co-starred with Jack Black in the prehistoric comedy-adventure “Year One” (2009). For his latest challenge as an actor, Michael Cera has starring status, and, has two roles in “Youth in Revolt”, Nick Twisp and Francois Dillinger! The story centers on Nick Twisp, who has his eye on the girl of his dreams (Portia Doubleday), while his parents’ relationship is at that all-important breaking point. Add to Michael Cera’s acting talent, music composer. He contributed to the music score of “Youth In Revolt”, provided original music for “Paper Heart”, and Michael Cera and Ellen Page sang the song “Anyone Else But You” in the movie “Juno”. As the next generation of young actors take center stage, one can certainly put Michael Cera at the head of that watch list. Read my review for “Youth in Revolt” at www. ScreenScene.org “Youth in Revolt” stars Michael Cera as Nick Twisp and Francois Dillinger, Portia Doubleday, Jean Smart, Zach Galifianakis, Erik Knudsen, Adhir Kalyan, Steve Buscemi, Fred Willard, Ari Graynor, Ray Liotta, and Justin Long.
Written by Stan Robinson on Wednesday, 30 December 2009 16:34
“Broken Embraces” is on my list of best foreign language movies! The story centers on a man who writes, lives, and loves in darkness. Fourteen years ago he was in a severe car crash on the island of Lanzarote. In the accident, he not only lost his sight, he also lost Lena, the love of his life. He’s a writer and uses two names: Harry Caine, the pseudonym which he signs his literary works, stories and scripts, and Mateo Blanco, his real name, which is the life he leads and the name he uses for the film he’s directing. His “two name” lives become intertwined with the lines of reality blurring when unpredictable and hidden events begin to surface. Its in Spanish with English subtitles, and my review is available at www.ScreenScene.org Starring Penélope Cruz, Lluís Homar, Blanca Portillo, José Luis Gómez, Rubén Ochandiano, Tamar Novas, Ángela Molina, Chus Lampreave, and Kiti Manver. Written and directed by Pedro Almodóvar; Sony Pictures Classics release. Rated R for sexual content, language and some drug material. Runtime: 127 minutes.
Written by Stan Robinson on Wednesday, 30 December 2009 16:29
Actor Robert Downey Jr. is on my best actors list for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes! Sherlock Holmes, a fictional character of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, first appeared in publication in 1887 and is the creation of Scottish author and physician Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The fictional character also holds the distinction of having the most appearances in movies of any other fictional characters! In this version, the legendary detective reveals fighting skills as lethal as his intellect when he and Dr. Watson fight to bring down a new nemesis and unravel a deadly plot that could destroy England. My full review is available at www. ScreenScene.org Starring Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Rachel McAdams, Mark Strong, Eddie Marsan, Robert Maillet, Geraldine James, Kelly Reilly, William Houston, Hans Matheson, and James Fox. Directed by Guy Ritchie; written by Michael Robert Johnson and Anthony Peckham; Warner Bros. Pictures release. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some startling images and a scene of suggestive material. Runtime: 128 minutes.
Written by Stan Robinson on Wednesday, 30 December 2009 16:23
“Nine” is on my top films and best director lists. Director Rob Marshall won an Oscar® for the musical “Chicago” (2002), and in this musical drama, he gives us a look using the musical format, at the world of famous director Guido Contini (Daniel Day-Lewis), who reaches a creative and personal crisis of epic proportions while balancing the numerous women in his life, including his wife, his mistress, and his actress/muse as he works on his current movie project! My full review is available at www. ScreenScene.org Starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Penélope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Judi Dench, Kate Hudson, Sophia Loren, and Stacy Ferguson. Directed by Rob Marshall; written by Michael Tolkin and Anthony Minghella; The Weinstein Company release. Rated PG-13 for sexual content and smoking. “The Lovely Bones”, director Peter Jackson’s smaller yet powerful movie! Actress Saoirse Ronan who stars as the 14 year old is on my list of best actresses. Director Peter Jackson, who has become synonymous with his big budget large-scale presentations of “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy and “King Kong”, demonstrates his expertise as a filmmaker and storyteller with “The Lovely Bones”. It’s a smaller scaled thriller centering on a murdered 14-year-old girl, who’s watching over her family, and, her killer, from heaven. Her dilemma is weighing her desire for vengeance against her wishes for her family to heal and for closure. Be sure to read my full review at www.ScreenScene.org Starring Mark Wahlberg, Rachel Weisz, Saoirse Ronan, Susan Sarandon, and Stanley Tucci. Directed by Peter Jackson; written by Fran Walsh & Philippa Boyens; Paramount Pictures release. Rated PG-13 for mature thematic material involving disturbing violent content and images, and some language. Runtime: 135 minutes.
Written by Stan Robinson on Monday, 21 December 2009 20:26
This sci-fi action thriller takes us to an exotic moon, rich in minerals and bio-diversity. In the future, Jake (Sam Worthington), a paraplegic war veteran, is brought to another planet, Pandora, and finds himself caught between his home planet and the woman (Zoe Saldana) he loves. Battle lines are drawn between her race and those from Earth who find themselves at odds with each other and the local culture and the human encroachment that threatens their very existence. Starring Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez, Giovanni Ribisi, Joel Moore, CCH Pounder, and Wes Studi. Written and directed by James Cameron. Twentieth Century-Fox release. Rated PG-13 for intense epic battle sequences and warfare, sensuality, language and some smoking. Runtime: 162 minutes.
Written by Stan Robinson on Monday, 21 December 2009 20:21
That’s the focus of this documentary as it examines the age-old question, did man while determining that there are forces greater than we, intellectually arrived at the aspect of a higher force? This documentary asks people from all walks of life, from celebrities, to the religious, to atheists and the common Man - the question - “What is God?” The comments from filmmaker Peter Roger, and Hugh Jackman, Ringo Starr, David Copperfield, Seal, Bob Geldof, Baz Luhrmann, Jack Thompson, Princess Michael of Kent, and John Demartini, provide interesting ‘food for mental thought’. Written and directed by Peter Rodger. Gussi Films release. Runtime: 93 minutes.
Written by Stan Robinson on Monday, 21 December 2009 20:11
As the tagline of ‘We’re not in Manhattan anymore’ tells us, a New York City couple (Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker) face the drastic change in their upscale lifestyle when they witnesses a murder. For their safety, they’re placed in the witness protection program and forced to settle in a small Wyoming town! Starring Hugh Grant, Sarah Jessica Parker, Natalia Klimas, Vincenzo Amato, Jesse Liebman, Elisabeth Moss, Sam Elliott, and Mary Steenburgen. Written and directed by Marc Lawrence; Columbia Pictures release. Rated PG-13 for some sexual references, and momentary violence.
Written by Stan Robinson on Monday, 21 December 2009 19:57
Period films are some of my favorites; they provide the portal to travel to the past as a first hand observer of historical events and the essence of the lives of the time. “The Young Victoria” gives us a view of Alexandrina Victoria, (dropping the use of her first name) who’s reign as Queen (20 June 1837 – 22 January 1901) lasted 63 years, longer than any other British monarch before or since, and her reign is the longest of any female monarch in history. Her reign is known as the ‘Victorian era’, a period of industrial, political, scientific, and military progress in the United Kingdom. On her 18th birthday, she (Emily Blunt) becomes queen and is faced with those items she feels necessary to address including the state of the economic condition of her lower class subjects, and tested constantly the power of a monarchy and that of government. And, because of her young age, those around her sought, on various levels and reasons, to further their own gains. The one constant and stabilizing force in her life, Prince Albert (Rupert Friend) her first cousin. This look at the turbulent first years of Queen Victoria’s rule, including assassination attempts, power struggles, and her enduring romance and marriage with Prince Albert (he was 20 years old), who was her foundation for the first twenty years of her reign until his death in 1861. During that time they put in motion reforms in education, welfare, and industry, as well as support for the arts and sciences that are prevalent to this day.
Historians have often commented that it was during the reign of Queen Victoria and the course she set in motion, is the foundation of the relationship between the monarchy and English government as the country moved into the modern era of the 1900’s. If period films are among your favorites, “The Young Victoria” is a ‘must see’ on my list. Starring Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend, Paul Bettany, Miranda Richardson, Jim Broadbent, Thomas Kretschmann, Mark Strong, Jesper Christensen, and Harriet Walter. Directed by Jean-Marc Vallée; written by Julian Fellowes; Sony Pictures Entertainment release. Rated PG for some mild sensuality, a scene of violence, and brief incidental language, and smoking. Runtime: 100 minutes.
Written by Stan Robinson on Thursday, 10 December 2009 16:57
“Crude” is an inside look at the infamous $27 billion “Amazon Chernobyl” case lawsuit by tens of thousands of Ecuadorans against Chevron over contamination of the Ecuadorean Amazon and the events and facts behind the suit. Key aspects, including the environmental movement, global politics, celebrity activism, human rights advocacy, the media, multinational corporate power, and rapidlydisappearing indigenous cultures are examined as the facts unfold presenting a complex situation from multiple viewpoints. “Crude” examines a complicated situation from all angles while bringing an important story of environmental peril and human suffering into focus.
Directed by Joe Berlinger; First Run Features release. Runtime: 105 minutes. “The Princess and the Frog”, in time for the holidays! In the tradition of the Disney classics of old, “The Princess and the Frog” is a fairy tale about a young girl named Princess Tiana. She lives in New Orleans’ French Quarter during the Jazz Age and the magical sound of the music that made New Orleans famous. Voice actors Anika Noni Rose, Bruno Campos, Keith David, Michael-Leon Wooley, Jennifer Cody, Jim Cummings, Peter Bartlett, Jenifer Lewis, Oprah Winfrey, Terrence Howard, and John Goodman. Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker. Written by Ron Clements. Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures release. Runtime: 97 minutes.
Written by Stan Robinson on Thursday, 10 December 2009 16:54
As you know, Orson Welles’ movie “Citizen Kane” (1941) is my all-time favorite film, and is considered one of the best movies ever made. Participating in the classic movie were a number cast members from the Mercury Theatre actors during those early days of theatre and radio drama presentations in the 30’s and 40’s. The radio production of H.G. Wells “War of the Worlds” in 1938 brought national attention to the Mercury Theatre players and Orson Welles.
“Me & Orson Welles” gives us a view of the movie industry icon of Orson Welles, through the eyes of a teenager (Zac Efron) who is determined to make a go of a life in the theatre. Landing a role in the Mercury Theatre production of “Julius Caesar”, directed by a young Orson Welles (Christian McKay) in 1937, presents both a public and private portrait of Orson Welles early days before “Citizen Kane” catapulted him into the national movie limelight. “Me & Orson Welles” captures the spirit and the essence of a person who some call a genius as a storyteller. Be sure to read my full review at www. ScreenScene.org Starring Zac Efron, Claire Danes, Christian McKay, Ben Chaplin, Zoe Kazan, Eddie Marsan, Kelly Reilly, and James Tupper. Directed by Richard Linklater; written by Holly Gent Palmo; Freestyle Releasing release. Rated PG-13 for sexual references and smoking. Runtime: 114 minutes.
Written by Stan Robinson on Thursday, 10 December 2009 16:50
Clint Eastwood has been synonymous with excellence in filmmaking whether its capturing the essence of characters as in 2004’s Award® winning “Million Dollar Baby” or presenting history in “Flags of Our Fathers” (2006), and the plight of a mother’s (Angelina Jolie) quest to find her missing son in last year’s moving film “Changling” (2008). In “Invictus”, Clint Eastwood gives us a view of the behind-the-scene life of Nelson Mandela, after his release from prison and his first term as South African President, and how he joined forces with the captain of South Africa’s rugby team to help unite their country.
“Invictus” focuses on newly elected President Mandela and the knowledge that his nation remains racially and economically divided in the wake of apartheid and segregation’s slow path to ending. Believing he can bring his people together through the universal language of sport, Mandela forms identification and public relations plan of unification through South Africa’s rugby team as they make their historic run to the 1995 Rugby World Cup Championship match. Conceiving the plan is one thing, making it a reality is the challenge for President Mandela. Morgan Freeman as the president, Matt Damon as the Rugby team captain, and Clint Eastwood’s very apt directorial style including rugby matches is like stepping back into history and observing live. Read more on “Invictus” at www.ScreenScene.org. Starring Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon, Tony Kgoroge, Patrick Mofokeng, Matt Stern, Julian Lewis Jones, and Adjoa Andoh.
Written by Stan Robinson on Thursday, 10 December 2009 16:41
Actor George Clooney is very busy and much in demand since his days of television in the multi award-winning series “ER” (1984). With recent starring roles in “The Men Who Stare at Goats”, “Fantastic Mr. Fox”, and “Up In The Air”, he has Oscar® ‘buzz’ surrounding his name! His characters are interesting and likable. In “Up in the Air”, his character is the messenger who is only delivering the message and he’s quite good at it, while the result of the message does not result in a positive reaction from the receiver! Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) is a corporate downsizing expert. In short, is a job that has him traveling around the country firing people.
His cherished, empty life out of a suitcase, being very close to reaching ten million frequent flyer miles, and just after he’s met the frequenttraveler woman of his dreams is about to change, his company does the unexpected: they ground him! His company wants to explore other ways of delivering corporate firings and launch their alternate plans. Revelations come all around as the company realizes there’s some aspects to humanity that need the human interaction while he realizes that his lifestyle is not as empty as one would think. Read more on “Up in the Air” at www.ScreenScene.org Starring George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, Jason Bateman, Amy Morton, Melanie Lynskey, J.K. Simmons, Sam Elliott, and Danny McBride. Directed by Jason Reitman; written by Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner; Paramount Pictures release. Rated R for language and some sexual content. Runtime: 109 minutes.
Written by Stan Robinson on Thursday, 10 December 2009 16:26
James Cameron’s Newest Masterpiece ‘AVATAR’ Set to Change the Way We View Feature Film The way we experience the magic of feature film will soon be forever changed. Enter Avatar, a ground-breaking film that promises to take movie-goers on an entirely new adventure. Set for release on December 18th, the highpowered blockbuster ‘Avatar’ will unveil an entirely new brand of sci-fi adventure, making new claim to the special effects throne. The anticipation and buzz surrounding filmmaker James Cameron’s highly-anticipated film has been a magical event in and of itself. A sort of assured masterpiece feel has already set in for what is projected to be a true ground-breaking achievement in the history of film production. ‘Avatar’ brings movie enthusiasts the very latest in the high-tech world of advanced 3-D technology, combined with photo-realistic computer animation and live action blended with motion-capture . A one-of-a-kind film is born, bringing audiences a look and feel that will capture one’s imagination in a hurry. With the intense buzz surrounding Avatar, one can understand how a film of such magnitude took nearly two years to make. And the cost? An estimated budget of $200 million once everything was captured, wrapped and given final due trimmings.
Among a proud and eager cast of the landmark production are Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver and Zoe Saldana. Terminator Salvation’s Worthington portrays a paraplegic ex-soldier who has agreed to become part of an experiment which in return will allow him to transform himself. He soon enough forms into a mobile avatar of another world, and is relocated to the new planet of Pandora. Made-over-human looks just like the Na’vi who are indigenous to the resource-rich Pandoran planet, which has become of no value to the human race. Worthington’s trans-human evolution soon becomes close with a Na’vi female (Saldana), he’s soon caught in the middle of a looming violent confrontation between Earth’s corporate-backed military forces and the Na’vi warrior clan protecting their resources.
The Na’vi prepare to do battle with the humans and their invading spaceships, including the robotic assault units. The transformed human is forced to pick sides, while an ex-Marine physician/scientist (Weaver) tries to intervene before the looming crisis. Cameron has proven in the past to be a widely-admired master of groundbreaking and never before imagined sci-fi special effects. All with a distinct overlying theme of heated confrontation among other-worldly life forms in the presence of total destruction. Setting the tone for Cameron’s unique style of filmmaking includes a powerhouse Terminator franchise, Aliens, The Abyss and Titanic, his most recent directorial effort. Titanic of course earned a record $1.8 billion US worldwide and delivered a total of 11 well-earned Oscars. It’s hard to predict whether Avatar will outshine the tremendous success of Titanic, however the time and determination put into his most recent project has seen an intensive 14-year span. One can safely assume the focus and technical approach he has embraced and endured will result in a true force to be reckoned with for many years ahead.
Cameron and his team have completely refined the art of motion-capture to serve a much higher purpose. In constructing a special fusion 3-D digital-film camera designed to reproduce the surreal and hybrid Avatar environment, the final reward should truly be nothing short of out of this world. The Oscar-nominated Weaver, always impressed by Cameron’s over-achieving efforts, was able to share the Avatar experience upon completing the duties of her role. It was clear her nearly two decade wait to reunite with the perfectionist Cameron was well worth the effort. “Well, it was quite an adventure,” she says. “We were in New Zealand in Peter Jackson’s studio with a lot of his crew. It was a demanding shoot, but it was very exhilarating, because we were all doing something we had never done before.” In short, all that’s left now is to sit back and enjoy. There task is complete - and our time to evolve as an audience has arrived.
Written by Stan Robinson on Wednesday, 25 November 2009 04:21
A bit of a quandary arose while watching the new comedy Mystery Team. What could be written to accurately describe the theme and story of this movie? The best description; The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew meet the humor and language of South Park. In an interview, writer and co-star D.C. Pierson jokingly agreed, “It’s G-rated characters in an R-rated world. The contrast between those two things is what creates the humor for people.” Mystery Team is the feature length film based on the sketch comedy from Derrick Comedy, a group of guys who met while in college at New York University and have been producing wildly popular internet videos since 2005.
Their popularity has grown a cult like following thanks to sites such as YouTube. In fact, their internet fan base combined with modern technology is what has helped bring their film to Tempe’s Harkins Valley Art Theatre. Fans demanded the film be screened in the Valley after using a new tool called “Demand It,” the same service that has fueled the success of Paranormal Activity. “We have been building anticipation for this movie with our fans online for a couple of years now with different trailers,” says Pierson. “This summer we made a short film with a couple of characters from the film, so we have been building interest in it slowly. Now the final piece of that puzzle is getting people to say ‘I want it to come to town.’ Once our distributor Roadside Attractions sees there is enough demand there, and the exhibitor in a specific town will hopefully book it. Harkins and Valley Art were cool enough to bring it to Phoenix.” Pierson is a current Los Angeles resident, but is a Phoenix native, born and raised in Ahwatukee. “I was a bag boy at the Fry’s at Ray and Ranch Circle,” laughs Pierson. “I am very excited because I used to go see independent movies at the Valley Art when I was in high school.” Friends and family will be at the Phoenix premiere, but Pierson is not worried what they will think, “There is some pretty heavy R-rated jokes in the movie, but any family member that I would think would be taken aback by it have already seen the movie at my house. I think my stepmom thinks there are a few things involving strippers that we should cut out of the film. We’re insistent that it’s still in there.
She’ll have to deal with I guess.” So what is Mystery Team all about? A trio of best friends were junior sleuths years ago. They are now eighteen and still enjoy solving mysteries. They embark on their latest challenge; finding a missing ring. Telling you that they find it won’t ruin the story. But you’ll never guess where they find it! The child-like characters are thrown into a seedy, yet comical adult world. Pierson says, “The main characters themselves are very innocent, so they themselves are offended by what they see. They come from an innocent place.” Pierson and the Derrick Comedy team are still thankful to their fans and the technology that made this theatrical run possible. “It’s a little independent movie we made ourselves up in New Hampshire a couple of years ago, and we are able to bring the movie to an audience because we can only really reach that audience through the internet. The movie’s actually coming to a theater and will be seen in a traditional theatrical way because of that.” Mystery Team opens Friday, November 13 exclusively at Harkins Valley Art. Pierson will make an appearance at several opening weekend screenings.
Written by Stan Robinson on Wednesday, 25 November 2009 04:13
The US has its’ legendary football teams like the Green Bay Packers and coach Vince Lombardi, and the Chicago Bears and George Halas. “The Damned United” gives us a look at England’s legendary football team Leeds United and the historic year of 1974. If you’re thinking another sports movie, don’t. It’s more a movie of personality clashes, ideology, and egos that are the prime ingredients of business, any business, it just happens to be the business of football (soccer in England). It’s 1974. The young and upcoming Brian Clough (Michael Sheen) is hired to coach Great Britain’s championship team, Leeds United after the legendary coach Don Revie (Colm Meaney) who’s leaving to coach England’s national team. In contrast to Revie’s quiet, reserved, laid back style, Clough is controversial, quick mouthed, and uses the media at every opportunity to express viewpoints on the long, on-going animosity toward the exiting Revie.
In parallel presentation, as Clough starts his tenure at Leeds, we learn the circumstances of his feelings, which revolve around the first meeting of the two men while coaching a lower tier team, and feelings of being looked down on, slighted, and ignored by Revie is fuel for winning. Clough is successful in taking his lower tier team to the top, beating the United Leeds, and all the while commenting to the media, on the “not so sportsmanship” conduct of the Leeds players and the coach who allows it! Brian Clough’s mission as he now gets the reigns of the coach of the Leeds, to exert his own philosophy of what a team should be. As we know from history, Brian Clough’s stay at Leeds was short, very short.
What we have with “The Damned United” is a look at the dynamics and the influences of that year in 1974, when the fierce competition of wills and ideology was fought off the field, as well as on. Michael Sheen excels once again as the young coach. His recent performances as real life persons including Prime Minister Tony Blair in “The Queen” (2006) and David Frost in “Frost/Nixon” (2008) which received 5 Oscar® nominations, and the screenplay by Peter Morgan, who also penned “The Queen” and “Frost/ Nixon”, presents a very compelling look at history. I’m sensing some sort of magic happens when Michael Sheen is given the character portrayals of Peter Morgan’s written words to bring to the screen… Starring Michael Sheen, Colm Meaney, Henry Goodman, David Roper, Jimmy Reddington, Oliver Stokes, and Ryan Day. Directed by Tom Hooper. Written by Peter Morgan. Rated R for language. Sony Pictures Classics release. Runtime: 97 minutes.
Written by Stan Robinson on Wednesday, 25 November 2009 04:10
For a lot of us “Boomers” in the 60’s, before Rock & Roll was played on traditional radio stations, we listened to rock on secret mobile units broadcasting the music. The name of “pirate radio” was given to the roving units. And so it was in England who’s music of choice was jazz for the establishment. The younger generation, as in America, was into the sound of Rock & Roll. Not illegal to broadcast, an enterprising owner of a ship, with eight DJ’s, broadcasted the sounds of Rock off the coast of England in the North Sea! The DJ’s lived on board the ship known as Radio Rock and broadcasted the sounds with regular radio show shifts, and, was supported by advertisers. The seven English DJ’s and an American DJ known as The Count (Philip Seymour Hoffman) were heroes to the English young people who listened secretly on their transistor radios.
And yes, hot on their heels were the British government, who consistently tried and search for any means possible, including seeking to pass legislation to make it illegal to broadcast on the high seas, to save the minds of the young people. “Pirate Radio” is look at the history of rock & roll as it fought to be mainstream in England and the driving force from a handful of DJ’s in the middle of the North Sea who risked everything to keep rock & roll alive. The sound track, the music the DJ’s played, are the classic rock tunes of the 60’s and one can’t help but tap to the sounds as history unfolds! Starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, Michael Hadley, Charlie Rowe, Lucy Fleming, Tom Sturridge, Ian Mercer, Bill Nighy, Will Adamsdale, Tom Brooke, Rhys Darby, Nick Frost, and Katherine Parkinson. Written and directed by Richard Curtis. Focus Features release. Rated R for language, and some sexual content, including brief nudity. Runtime: 135 minutes
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while Another Harvest Moon features Meara, Doris Roberts and Richard Schiff, all of whom are scheduled to attend. Many times, viewers will get to ask their favorite actor/actress questions about their role and what it was like to star in, or make the film they have just seen. Director Michael Moore will be on hand to present three of his films; Sicko, Capitalism: A Love Story and the 20th Anniversary of Roger & Me. “Moore will be hosting and speaking at each,” says Schweiss. “An afternoon conversation session has been scheduled with the Director for Saturday afternoon as well.” A returning guest and audience favorite is Turner Movie Classics’ Robert Osborne, “whose name is synonymous with movies and movie history and having him adds a very special, and certainly memorable, element,” says Schweiss. Venues and celebrities aside, the film line-up is the star of the show, and Schweiss says “I can honestly say that these are the strongest 145 we’ve ever had in the festival. It was the hardest festival to schedule. 
We were fortunate enough to get the crème de la crème of foreign language films. We also struck gold with our animated films this year as well as our short films. Kavi is up for best live action short at the Academy Awards. Additional feature films include The Greatest starring Susan Sarandon and Pierce Brosnan, Saving Grace B. Jones starring Connie Stevens and PollliWood directed by Barry Levinson. An 8-minute short film that should make you giggle is The Kinda Sutra. “It tackles the age old question of where babies come from. Animation is placed in from the Kama Sutra. Our Operations Director discovered it at the Telluride Film Festival,” explains Schweiss. .jpg)
Being proud of my Southwest Airlines’ A-List Card (having flown nearly two-dozen round trips last year), I had to somewhat identify with George Clooney’s character in Up in the Air. Clooney stars as a lonely soul whose main purpose in life is to rack up airline miles while he flies around the country firing people for work. His mission changes when he meets a fellow female frequent flier and love blossoms in various hotel rooms. 
“Avatar”; directed by James Cameron, has set a new bar for the next generation of sci-fi adventure fantasy movies. Incorporating the latest in technology, merging with traditional filmmaking techniques including 3-D which didn’t leap out at you but drew one into the world he created, shouldn’t be missed! .jpg)
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For a lot of us “Boomers” in the 60’s, before Rock & Roll was played on traditional radio stations, we listened to rock on secret mobile units broadcasting the music. The name of “pirate radio” was given to the roving units. And so it was in England who’s music of choice was jazz for the establishment. The younger generation, as in America, was into the sound of Rock & Roll. Not illegal to broadcast, an enterprising owner of a ship, with eight DJ’s, broadcasted the sounds of Rock off the coast of England in the North Sea! The DJ’s lived on board the ship known as Radio Rock and broadcasted the sounds with regular radio show shifts, and, was supported by advertisers. The seven English DJ’s and an American DJ known as The Count (Philip Seymour Hoffman) were heroes to the English young people who listened secretly on their transistor radios. 
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