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The following contains mentions of suicide and domestic abuse.

It has been said that comedies are just dramas in disguise. In fact, the ability to evoke tears as well as laughter has long been held as a benchmark of success in movies, demonstrating that viewers will experience a broad array of emotions within a single story. Even so, audiences are still caught off-guard when they come across a movie that actually can make them laugh out loud and shed some tears along the way.

While some might be classified under the hybrid tragicomic genre, many popular films draw audiences in with the promise of laughter and a good time. They then surprise viewers with the depth of their stories, evoking strong emotions along with the characters. From retro classics like Steel Magnolias to more recent hits like Barbie, here are ten such movies that are great for audiences who need...

On Friday nights, IndieWire After Dark takes a feature-length beat to honor fringe cinema in the streaming age.

First, the spoiler-free pitch for one editor’s midnight movie pick — something weird and wonderful from any age of film that deserves our memorializing.

Then, the spoiler-filled aftermath as experienced by the unwitting editor attacked by this week’s recommendation.

The Pitch: A “Josie and the Pussycats”-Type Spinoff for “The L Word” Crowd

More than a decade ago, “D.E.B.S.” filmmaker Angela Robinson gifted garage band lesbians everywhere “Girltrash: All Night Long.” Too bad most of that delusional target demographic seems to have been too busy obsessing over their ex-girlfriends — and/or future Band Slam prospects — to properly champion this underrated gem from a pioneering voice in queer film. Oh, well! You know what they say: If you want a movie loved right, then you have to throw your own bra at it.

Have you ever woken up next to someone and thought, “Oh, what?” because you didn’t want to deal with the aftermath? That’s what the film “The Morning After” is all about. It follows the stories of eight people – dealing with waking up with someone new or familiar and how they handle their need for instant gratification, intimacy issues and infidelities. The film stars and offers up some terrific performances from Michelle Lombardo (“Entourage”, “Californication”), Vanessa Evigan (“Blood Ransom”), and Roberto Aguire (“Boulevard”, “Struck by Lightning”). Filmmaker Shanra J. Kehl is riding high on her directorial debut, as the film earned her the Spirit of Independents Award at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival earlier this year. Since it’s debut in 2015, “The Morning...

[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...

Title: Redwood Highway Director: Gary Lundgren Starring: Shirley Knight, James LeGros, Zena Grey, Catherine Coulson, Tom Skerritt, Michelle Lombardo, Shadee Vossoughi Last fall it was Bruce Dern who set out on foot, against the wishes of his son; in “Redwood Highway,” it’s Shirley Knight who does the same, delivering an estimable turn in what amounts to a marginal showcase for fans of the legendary actress. Director Gary Lundgren doesn’t waste any time cutting directly to the heart of his film’s conflict, setting its wheels in motion and putting his protagonist on the open road. Unhappy living in an upscale retirement community in Southern Oregon, Marie Vaughn (Knight) rebuffs the entreaties of her son Michael [ Read More ]

The post Redwood Highway Movie Review appeared first on Shockya.com.

Alphonso McAuley discusses Cat Run, his "revealing" moment in the movie, his new TV show Breaking In, and much more.

It may be hard to stand out in a cast that includes Paz Vega, Christopher McDonald, Scott Mechlowicz, and Janet McTeer, but Alphonso McAuley does just that. the up and coming young actor, who previously appeared in movies such as Fat Albert, Pride, and Glory Road, stars as the extroverted Julian in Cat Run, which hits theaters on April 1. The actor plays the best friend of Scott Mechlowicz' Anthony, who convinces Anthony to start up a private detective agency, which lands them in hot water right away. I had the chance to speak with Alphonso McAuley over the phone about this new movie. Here's what he had to say.

This movie is quite a ride, isn't it?

Alphonso McAuley: Yeah. It's a roller coaster without a safety jacket...

Alphonso McAuley discusses Cat Run, his "revealing" moment in the movie, his new TV show Breaking In, and much more.

It may be hard to stand out in a cast that includes Paz Vega, Christopher McDonald, Scott Mechlowicz, and Janet McTeer, but Alphonso McAuley does just that. the up and coming young actor, who previously appeared in movies such as Fat Albert, Pride, and Glory Road, stars as the extroverted Julian in Cat Run, which hits theaters on April 1. The actor plays the best friend of Scott Mechlowicz' Anthony, who convinces Anthony to start up a private detective agency, which lands them in hot water right away. I had the chance to speak with Alphonso McAuley over the phone about this new movie. Here's what he had to say.

This movie is quite a ride, isn't it?

Alphonso McAuley: Yeah. It's a roller coaster without a safety jacket...

Christopher McDonald discusses his part as a corrupt politician, David Chase's feature directorial debut and much more

Christopher McDonald is an actor you all surely know. From his memorable performances as Shooter McGavin on Happy Gilmore, to Tappy Tibbons in Requiem for a Dream, Christopher McDonald has made a habit out of turning in solid supporting turns in any role he takes on. The actor's most recent project is Cat Run, due in theaters April 1, where he plays a shady ex-Senator who is trying to secure defense contracts in Eastern Europe, when he becomes involved in a murder and a government conspiracy. I recently had the chance to speak with this talented actor over the phone. Here's what he had to say.

This is quite an interesting role you have here. It's almost like an extreme version of Charlie Wilson.

Christopher McDonald: (Laughs) Exactly. He's in big trouble,...

Christopher McDonald discusses his part as a corrupt politician, David Chase's feature directorial debut and much more

Christopher McDonald is an actor you all surely know. From his memorable performances as Shooter McGavin on Happy Gilmore, to Tappy Tibbons in Requiem for a Dream, Christopher McDonald has made a habit out of turning in solid supporting turns in any role he takes on. The actor's most recent project is Cat Run, due in theaters April 1, where he plays a shady ex-Senator who is trying to secure defense contracts in Eastern Europe, when he becomes involved in a murder and a government conspiracy. I recently had the chance to speak with this talented actor over the phone. Here's what he had to say.

This is quite an interesting role you have here. It's almost like an extreme version of Charlie Wilson.

Christopher McDonald: (Laughs) Exactly. He's in big trouble,...

Scott Mechlowicz talks about playing Anthony in Cat Run, shooting in Montenegro and Serbia, future projects and more.

Scott Mechlowicz is an actor I've always wanted to see more of. He burst onto the scene in 2004 with the fantastic comedy Eurotrip (you know you still sing Scotty Doesn't Know every now and then...) and the heralded indie Mean Creek. Since then, though, he has only worked sparsely, with roles in Peaceful Warrior and Gone in 2006, and Waiting for Forever just last month.

Scott Mechlowicz next stars in the hybrid comedy Cat Run, which hits theaters on April 1. Scott plays Anthony, a recluse who packed up and headed to Montenegro to start his own restaurant. When an old friend (Alphonso McAuley) comes to visit, and an exotic stranger (Paz Vega) steals his car, Anthony gets dragged into the private investigator business, where he meets a host of colorful characters including a Mary Poppins-esque assassin,...

Paz Vega stars as a high-paid call girl forced to go on the run with two inexperienced detectives in director John Stockwell's action comedy Cat Run. We have an exclusive clip from this upcoming April Fool's Day release, which features Paz Vega and Janet McTeer.

Click to watch Exclusive: Never Met an Innocent Person!

Cat Run comes to theaters April 1st, 2011 and stars Scott Mechlowicz, Paz Vega, Christopher McDonald, Tony Curran, Karel Roden, Michelle Lombardo, Janet McTeer, Branko Djuric. The film is directed by John Stockwell.

Paz Vega stars as a high-class hooker on the run in director John Stockwell's action comedy Cat Run. We have the first trailer for this upcoming romp, which you can check out in the trailer below.

Click to watch Cat Run Trailer!

Anthony always dreamed of being a famous chef. Julian only thought about women. With neither really working out, the childhood best friends decide to start a detective agency. Unfortunately for them, on their first case they must help protect a sexy, high-class escort who holds the key evidence to a scandalous cover up. The two bumbling detectives soon find themselves running from the mob, a corrupt Us Senator, and a ruthless Mary Poppins-like assassin - all of whom would stop at nothing to hide the truth. It's just an average day for two bumbling losers.

Cat Run comes to theaters April 1st, 2011 and stars Scott Mechlowicz,...

Lleju Productions has sent over the official poster for thier upcoming action comedy movie Cat Run, starring Christopher McDonald, Paz Vega, Scott Mechlowicz, Tony Curran, Karel Roden, Janet McTeer, Michelle Lombardo and D.L. Hughley.

Synopsis: Anthony always dreamed of being a famous chef. Julian only thought about women. With neither really working out, the childhood best friends decide to start a detective agency. Unfortunately for them, on their first case they must help protect a sexy, high class escort who holds the key evidence to a scandalous cover up. The two bumbling detectives soon find themselves running from the mob, a corrupt Us Senator, and a ruthless Mary Poppins-like assassin – all of whom would stop at nothing to hide the truth. It’s just an average day for two bumbling losers.

Cat Run, directed by John Stockwell, opens in theaters on April 1, 2011.

Cat Run Poster...

Gaby Christian and Michelle Lombardo attending the 10th Annual Power Premiere "Power Up" Awards in Los Angeles.Photo copyright by Tatiana Beller / PR Photos. Killola attending the 10th Annual Power Premiere "Power Up" Awards in Los Angeles.Photo copyright by Tatiana Beller / PR Photos. Mayala Rivera and Kate French attending the 10th Annual Power Premiere "Power Up" Awards in Los Angeles.Photo copyright by Tatiana Beller / PR Photos. Jonathan Del Arco attending the 10th Annual Power Premiere "Power Up" Awards in Los Angeles.Photo copyright by Tatiana Beller / PR Photos. Amy Aquino attending the 10th Annual Power Premiere "Power Up" Awards in Los Angeles.Photo copyright by Tatiana Beller / PR Photos. 11/07/2010 - Colette Puksau...

Director: Gary Lundgren Writer(s): Gary Lundgren Starring: Alex Frost, Steve Zahn, Jeremy Sumpter, Michelle Lombardo Calvin Marshall (Alex Frost) has always dreamed of playing major league baseball, but he first needs to make the local junior college team – the Bayford Bisons. Calvin loves baseball probably more than most major league players – and definitely more than the rest of the Bayford Bisons. Calvin trains constantly – also more than the rest of the Bayford Bisons. The Bayford Bisons’ coach – Coach Little (Steve Zahn) – appreciates Calvin’s love for the game and his tenacity, but Calvin’s biggest hurdle in succeeding at baseball is that he is not a good player. Enter Tori Jensen (Michelle Lombardo), the gorgeous new student who also happens to be the star volleyball player. Jenson is a major league player who is slumming it in junior college in order to be close with her ailing mother.

To no surprise to anyone, NBC has cancelled quarterlife after a single episode on the air.

The series was conceived by Marshall Herskovitz and Edward Zwick, the creative team behind shows like thirtysomething, Once and Again, and My So-Called Life. The show follows the life of online writer Dylan Krieger (Bitsie Tulloch) and her friends. The rest of the cast includes Kevin Christy, Scott Michael Foster, Michelle Lombardo, Maite Schwartz, Barrett Swatek, and David Walton.

The quarterlife series began as a group of eight-minute episodes that debuted online via MySpace.com. During the writers strike, NBC made a deal to group several segments together and run them in primetime as hour-long episodes.

The series kicked off on NBC with a special preview episode on Tuesday night. Unfortunately, few cared or watched -- quarterlife attracted a dismal 3.1 million viewers and a 1.3 rating/4 share with the 18-49 demographic. This represents a 17-year...