Robb Sheppard Sep 5, 2017
The fix is in. Here's why Hollywood crime drama Ray Donovan deserves a place among the hallowed TV greats...
Breaking Bad. The Sopranos. The Wire.
See related Star Wars: Rogue One review Star Wars: Rogue One - what did you think?
Three of the most popular and critically acclaimed serialised dramas. The Mount Rushmore of TV. Look up any list and you’ll see them there, digging their elbows in and jostling for position inside the top ten.
But if we’re going with the Mount Rushmore metaphor, there’s a blank space on the mountain and an argument for Ray Donovan to have his face carved into the rock, nestled between McNulty, Tony and Heisenberg.
Donovan’s the answer to Hollywood’s biggest problems: Heavyweight boxing champ has a dead girl in his bath tub? Call Ray. Pop megastar bribed with a sex tape leak?...
The fix is in. Here's why Hollywood crime drama Ray Donovan deserves a place among the hallowed TV greats...
Breaking Bad. The Sopranos. The Wire.
See related Star Wars: Rogue One review Star Wars: Rogue One - what did you think?
Three of the most popular and critically acclaimed serialised dramas. The Mount Rushmore of TV. Look up any list and you’ll see them there, digging their elbows in and jostling for position inside the top ten.
But if we’re going with the Mount Rushmore metaphor, there’s a blank space on the mountain and an argument for Ray Donovan to have his face carved into the rock, nestled between McNulty, Tony and Heisenberg.
Donovan’s the answer to Hollywood’s biggest problems: Heavyweight boxing champ has a dead girl in his bath tub? Call Ray. Pop megastar bribed with a sex tape leak?...
- 8/17/2017
- Den of Geek
Review Michael Noble 18 Sep 2013 - 12:44
Ray Donovan delivers one of the season's best episodes that simply got down to business. Here's Michael's review of Fite Nite...
This review contains spoilers.
1.10 Fite Nite
You see, it can be done. As I said last week, one of the problems with Ray Donovan, indeed, possibly its defining problem, is its lack of structural tension. It has some solid ideas at its core but they’ve been too easily dismissed by a tendency to add more extraneous details, which are then easily abandoned with scant regard for narrative justification. When it strips things down to its bare bones, it’s a much leaner and far more effective show. I’ve come to believe that Ray Donovan is one of those programmes that would benefit from a massive budget cut for its second season. I mean this not as a punishment, but as a...
Ray Donovan delivers one of the season's best episodes that simply got down to business. Here's Michael's review of Fite Nite...
This review contains spoilers.
1.10 Fite Nite
You see, it can be done. As I said last week, one of the problems with Ray Donovan, indeed, possibly its defining problem, is its lack of structural tension. It has some solid ideas at its core but they’ve been too easily dismissed by a tendency to add more extraneous details, which are then easily abandoned with scant regard for narrative justification. When it strips things down to its bare bones, it’s a much leaner and far more effective show. I’ve come to believe that Ray Donovan is one of those programmes that would benefit from a massive budget cut for its second season. I mean this not as a punishment, but as a...
- 9/18/2013
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Star-studded action movies don’t get much more studded with stars than 1978′s The Wild Geese. Filmed, controversially at the time, in South Africa the film finds big screen legends Richard Harris, Richard Burton, and Sir Roger Moore playing mercenaries recruited by Stewart Granger’s sinister merchant banker to rescue the imprisoned president of an central African state. Does all go to plan? It very much does not — and in a manner which involves some of the most thrilling action sequences of the era.
Tomorrow, Severin Films is releasing the Andrew McLaglen-directed film in an extras-packed Blu-ray/DVD set...
Tomorrow, Severin Films is releasing the Andrew McLaglen-directed film in an extras-packed Blu-ray/DVD set...
- 12/10/2012
- by Clark Collis
- EW - Inside Movies
A few weeks back I had the distinct pleasure of attending and serving on the jury of the premiere edition of Napa Valley Film Festival. I want to promote / publicize their 2nd outing later this year but first I want to use this forum to say why I think they at Napa – and events like them worldwide – are so important now.
The Problem with the Movies Today
Distribution is broke. Worldwide, not just here in the Us. This is not an attack on our many dear friends who work in that field but a statement of fact. Or, to put it another way, people cannot see the films they want and need to see. Likewise films cannot find their audiences. The ‘demographic’ that wants to see them – and pay for the pleasure to support the work and the filmmakers – are frustrated by the current chaos and disruption of the system.
There are two (relatively) small but vigorous and important areas in the Us and elsewhere where this ‘existential’ problem is being addressed, acted upon and various solutions being tried. This as the environment is shifting daily.To me the proliferation these days of festivals worldwide reflects basically a demand and hunger of the public to see what’s new, different and good in cinema.
Theaters I refer you to the good work of our friends at Art House Convergence. We attended the recent pre-Sundance Utah meeting and got to meet many friends from around the Us who are passionate about their local theaters and audiences and finding and showing those special films.
Festivals Years back in my boyhood there were maybe 3 Festivals- Cannes, Venice, New York. When I was in college at Madison in the ‘60’s we had the Film Society. Folding chairs, 16mm scratchy prints but we saw a lot that was different and new.There are 2 kinds of festivals. The ‘big four’ (Cannes, Berlin, Toronto, Sundance) and maybe 5 if you count in Venice, which I normally do not (important, busy but small and limited in mandate). These fests generally go after a certain type of film (Berlin is huge but it really made its name – and still maintains much of its prominence – for showcasing world Glbt cinema) and have power and reach in selection. They also have very active ‘market’ segments (business activity) both de jura (Berlin, Cannes) but also de facto (Sundance, Toronto). The press goes, the trade goes but despite their great influence and reach these fests can be pretty small events, relatively speaking. Cannes – 100 films or so. Sundance – 130 or so. Toronto and Berlin are larger but these are all ‘only’ 10 day events. The other kind, are the thousands of events worldwide, film festivals that have various mandates, mainly to serve regional or local audiences or tastes
So we come to the smashingly successful (after its first year) event in Napa. Their motto?? Film. Food. Wine. Catalysts for Conversation...They really delivered on all counts.
I was impressed by their films this past year but the parties were something special. Anyone who knows me knows we go to a lot of parties for work during the year. Daytime – meetings, films. Nighttime – 2nd shift, parties, more work, eat out of your hands.
I have to say that Napa was very civilized in this regard. The food was exceptional, the wine even better and it was all so comfortable. The locals attending (there were lots!!) were interesting people with much to say. It gave me pause. Napa Valley has been an area I have come to over many years and periods in my life and I thought I knew the place but this was new and special – and impressive.
I next quote freely from their press release announcing Nvff 2012 :
'The Napa Valley Film Festival (Nvff) is now accepting film submissions for the second annual event. Showcasing the best of new independent cinema while embracing the epicurean pleasures of Napa Valley. Nvff unspools November 7 - 11, 2012 with a five-day series of events spread over four of the Napa Valley’s towns. The film festival welcomes submissions of any genre and will be selecting approximately 75 new films, including narrative features, documentaries, world cinema, short films, animation, and student works. Organizers are looking for films that will best entertain, inspire, educate and intrigue audiences.’
Nvff categories eligible for Jury and/or Audience Awards include:
-U.S. Narrative Feature -U.S. Documentary Feature -U.S. Narrative Short -U.S. Documentary Short Subject
Directors of films in competition for Best Narrative Feature participate in Nvff’s Artists-in-Residence program in partnership for the five nights of the festival and are treated to special events and workshops with their competition group and industry mentors.
Mentors who participated in the inaugural Nvff this past November included:
John Sloss of Cinetic Media (who also served as President of the Jury) Michael De Luca producer, (Butter starring Jennifer Garner also screened at the festival) J. Todd Harris, indie producer (Black Irish) James Cromwell, actor (The Artist, and Nvff Narrative Competition Selection, A Year In Mooring).
At 2011’s Closing Night Awards Ceremony, jury members Peter Belsito (Film Finders, indieWIRE) and film critic Kirk Honeycutt presented the $10,000 cash prize for Best Narrative Feature to Mamitas, filmmaker Nicolas Ozeki’s first feature. Meadowood Napa Valley will once again award the Best Narrative Feature Director with $10,000; as well, the Mt Veeder Appellation will present a $1,000 Peak Performance Award to the Best Actor in a Narrative Feature.
Filmmakers can submit films at Withoutabox.com beginning February 1. For early submission with discounted entry fees, deadline is February 29; regular submission deadline is April 16; late submission deadline is May 31; and the final extended submission deadline (for withoutabox members only) is June 28.
Visit www.napavalleyfilmfest.org for full details.
The festival's co-creators (and Cinema Napa Valley Founders) are Brenda and Marc Lhormer, producers and distributors of the feature film Bottle Shock, about the historic upset victory by Napa Valley wines over the French at the infamous 1976 wine-tasting competition in Paris. Bottle Shock premiered at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival before going on to international theatrical distribution. The husband-and-wife team also ran the successful Sonoma Valley Film Festival from 2001 through 2008. In addition to producing the annual Napa Valley Film Festival, Cinema Napa Valley presents special film programs throughout the year and provides support to student filmmaking programs in Napa Valley schools.
The Problem with the Movies Today
Distribution is broke. Worldwide, not just here in the Us. This is not an attack on our many dear friends who work in that field but a statement of fact. Or, to put it another way, people cannot see the films they want and need to see. Likewise films cannot find their audiences. The ‘demographic’ that wants to see them – and pay for the pleasure to support the work and the filmmakers – are frustrated by the current chaos and disruption of the system.
There are two (relatively) small but vigorous and important areas in the Us and elsewhere where this ‘existential’ problem is being addressed, acted upon and various solutions being tried. This as the environment is shifting daily.To me the proliferation these days of festivals worldwide reflects basically a demand and hunger of the public to see what’s new, different and good in cinema.
Theaters I refer you to the good work of our friends at Art House Convergence. We attended the recent pre-Sundance Utah meeting and got to meet many friends from around the Us who are passionate about their local theaters and audiences and finding and showing those special films.
Festivals Years back in my boyhood there were maybe 3 Festivals- Cannes, Venice, New York. When I was in college at Madison in the ‘60’s we had the Film Society. Folding chairs, 16mm scratchy prints but we saw a lot that was different and new.There are 2 kinds of festivals. The ‘big four’ (Cannes, Berlin, Toronto, Sundance) and maybe 5 if you count in Venice, which I normally do not (important, busy but small and limited in mandate). These fests generally go after a certain type of film (Berlin is huge but it really made its name – and still maintains much of its prominence – for showcasing world Glbt cinema) and have power and reach in selection. They also have very active ‘market’ segments (business activity) both de jura (Berlin, Cannes) but also de facto (Sundance, Toronto). The press goes, the trade goes but despite their great influence and reach these fests can be pretty small events, relatively speaking. Cannes – 100 films or so. Sundance – 130 or so. Toronto and Berlin are larger but these are all ‘only’ 10 day events. The other kind, are the thousands of events worldwide, film festivals that have various mandates, mainly to serve regional or local audiences or tastes
So we come to the smashingly successful (after its first year) event in Napa. Their motto?? Film. Food. Wine. Catalysts for Conversation...They really delivered on all counts.
I was impressed by their films this past year but the parties were something special. Anyone who knows me knows we go to a lot of parties for work during the year. Daytime – meetings, films. Nighttime – 2nd shift, parties, more work, eat out of your hands.
I have to say that Napa was very civilized in this regard. The food was exceptional, the wine even better and it was all so comfortable. The locals attending (there were lots!!) were interesting people with much to say. It gave me pause. Napa Valley has been an area I have come to over many years and periods in my life and I thought I knew the place but this was new and special – and impressive.
I next quote freely from their press release announcing Nvff 2012 :
'The Napa Valley Film Festival (Nvff) is now accepting film submissions for the second annual event. Showcasing the best of new independent cinema while embracing the epicurean pleasures of Napa Valley. Nvff unspools November 7 - 11, 2012 with a five-day series of events spread over four of the Napa Valley’s towns. The film festival welcomes submissions of any genre and will be selecting approximately 75 new films, including narrative features, documentaries, world cinema, short films, animation, and student works. Organizers are looking for films that will best entertain, inspire, educate and intrigue audiences.’
Nvff categories eligible for Jury and/or Audience Awards include:
-U.S. Narrative Feature -U.S. Documentary Feature -U.S. Narrative Short -U.S. Documentary Short Subject
Directors of films in competition for Best Narrative Feature participate in Nvff’s Artists-in-Residence program in partnership for the five nights of the festival and are treated to special events and workshops with their competition group and industry mentors.
Mentors who participated in the inaugural Nvff this past November included:
John Sloss of Cinetic Media (who also served as President of the Jury) Michael De Luca producer, (Butter starring Jennifer Garner also screened at the festival) J. Todd Harris, indie producer (Black Irish) James Cromwell, actor (The Artist, and Nvff Narrative Competition Selection, A Year In Mooring).
At 2011’s Closing Night Awards Ceremony, jury members Peter Belsito (Film Finders, indieWIRE) and film critic Kirk Honeycutt presented the $10,000 cash prize for Best Narrative Feature to Mamitas, filmmaker Nicolas Ozeki’s first feature. Meadowood Napa Valley will once again award the Best Narrative Feature Director with $10,000; as well, the Mt Veeder Appellation will present a $1,000 Peak Performance Award to the Best Actor in a Narrative Feature.
Filmmakers can submit films at Withoutabox.com beginning February 1. For early submission with discounted entry fees, deadline is February 29; regular submission deadline is April 16; late submission deadline is May 31; and the final extended submission deadline (for withoutabox members only) is June 28.
Visit www.napavalleyfilmfest.org for full details.
The festival's co-creators (and Cinema Napa Valley Founders) are Brenda and Marc Lhormer, producers and distributors of the feature film Bottle Shock, about the historic upset victory by Napa Valley wines over the French at the infamous 1976 wine-tasting competition in Paris. Bottle Shock premiered at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival before going on to international theatrical distribution. The husband-and-wife team also ran the successful Sonoma Valley Film Festival from 2001 through 2008. In addition to producing the annual Napa Valley Film Festival, Cinema Napa Valley presents special film programs throughout the year and provides support to student filmmaking programs in Napa Valley schools.
- 3/2/2012
- by Peter Belsito
- Sydney's Buzz
An Aardman Production For Sony Pictures Animation Martin Freeman, David Tennant, Imelda Staunton, Jeremy Piven, Salma Hayek, Brian Blessed, Brendan Gleeson, Russell Tovey, and Ashley Jensen Also On Board
Culver City, Calif. – Hugh Grant will voice the lead role alongside an all-star cast in The Pirates! Band Of Misfits, the new stop-motion, 3D, animated film produced by Aardman Animations for Sony Pictures Animation. The film, which will be distributed by Columbia Pictures, will be released March 30, 2012 in North America.
Hugh Grant, starring in his first animated role, is the luxuriantly bearded Pirate Captain – a boundlessly enthusiastic, if somewhat less-than-successful, terror of the High Seas. With a rag-tag crew at his side (Martin Freeman, Brendan Gleeson, Russell Tovey, and Ashley Jensen), and seemingly blind to the impossible odds stacked against him, the Captain has one dream: to beat his bitter rivals Black Bellamy (Jeremy Piven) and Cutlass Liz (Salma Hayek) to...
Culver City, Calif. – Hugh Grant will voice the lead role alongside an all-star cast in The Pirates! Band Of Misfits, the new stop-motion, 3D, animated film produced by Aardman Animations for Sony Pictures Animation. The film, which will be distributed by Columbia Pictures, will be released March 30, 2012 in North America.
Hugh Grant, starring in his first animated role, is the luxuriantly bearded Pirate Captain – a boundlessly enthusiastic, if somewhat less-than-successful, terror of the High Seas. With a rag-tag crew at his side (Martin Freeman, Brendan Gleeson, Russell Tovey, and Ashley Jensen), and seemingly blind to the impossible odds stacked against him, the Captain has one dream: to beat his bitter rivals Black Bellamy (Jeremy Piven) and Cutlass Liz (Salma Hayek) to...
- 5/17/2011
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
It's St. Patrick's Day: A day when we are confronted at every turn by craven caricatures of Irish people. We drink. We fight. We sing incoherently. We throw up on the sidewalk and then we drink some more. As a counterbalance to all that I offer you a random list of extraordinary Irish people whose reputations were built on something other than drinking, brawling and vomiting. Read it all at once, or use each entry as a palate cleansing sorbet between pints.
Note: to those of you who bemoan the lack of ethnic diversity in many Pajiba random lists, I did want to include Phil Lynnott (to whom we owe the title quote) and the long-awaited biopic of him, but four years on it's still in pre-production and Idris Elba is now too old to play him. By way of consolation, consider that Pierce Brosnan is what's known as "Black Irish...
Note: to those of you who bemoan the lack of ethnic diversity in many Pajiba random lists, I did want to include Phil Lynnott (to whom we owe the title quote) and the long-awaited biopic of him, but four years on it's still in pre-production and Idris Elba is now too old to play him. By way of consolation, consider that Pierce Brosnan is what's known as "Black Irish...
- 3/17/2011
- by Dustin Rowles
This month, "Extra" is spotlighting the top 2011 Academy Award nominees, beginning with the Best Supporting Actress category. After seeing "The Fighter," many asked, "Who was the actress who played Mark Wahlberg's mom?" The answer is Melissa Leo, a character actress with a long and illustrious career in Hollywood, with appearances in many highly acclaimed films.
Here's the "Extra" scoop on this talented actress!
Oscar Nominee Trivia File: Melissa LeoHer Early Years
Melissa always knew...
Here's the "Extra" scoop on this talented actress!
Oscar Nominee Trivia File: Melissa LeoHer Early Years
Melissa always knew...
- 2/2/2011
- Extra
This week has been busy some amazing news coming in from the Sundance film festival. To mix things up here is our weekly post of notable films coming out on DVD/Blu-ray and some cool films you can add to your instant Netflix queue. Which movies are you looking forward to that are set for release this week?
Blu-ray Releases:
Dead Space: Aftermath
Add To Queue
Synopsis:
The year is 2509. The first-responder ship Usg O'Bannon has arrived at Aegis VII, attempting to hold the planet together in the wake of the catastrophe that destroyed the Ishimura. But only four members of the O'Bannon crew have survived, and the catastrophe remains unchecked. What went wrong? What secrets do they hide? And what new threats have been revealed...in the Aftermath!
Enter The Void
Add To Queue
Synopsis:
Controversial and brilliant director Gasper Noe follows his worldwide sensation Irreversible with another triumph.
Blu-ray Releases:
Dead Space: Aftermath
Add To Queue
Synopsis:
The year is 2509. The first-responder ship Usg O'Bannon has arrived at Aegis VII, attempting to hold the planet together in the wake of the catastrophe that destroyed the Ishimura. But only four members of the O'Bannon crew have survived, and the catastrophe remains unchecked. What went wrong? What secrets do they hide? And what new threats have been revealed...in the Aftermath!
Enter The Void
Add To Queue
Synopsis:
Controversial and brilliant director Gasper Noe follows his worldwide sensation Irreversible with another triumph.
- 1/25/2011
- by Tiberius
- GeekTyrant
Cinema is filled with multi-talented young actors who bring to life all types of characters. Sometimes, a role is given to the wrong guy - just because he has the looks (pin-up pretty, looks awesome wearing trunks) and the connection (a powerful talent agent at his side). But when the role is given to the right guy - moviegoers get to witness something unique, memorable and powerful, even magical. Anyway, even the 'right guy' needs an agent, of course...
- - -
- - - Underrated versus Overrated: If you've watched Jumper, then you'll notice the difference between Jamie Bell and Hayden Christensen - Bell has undeniable screen presence, I can't say the same with Hayden. It could have been different if Tom Sturridge was retained to play Hayden's part. Anyway, who am I to argue? Christensen has more box office appeal than the relatively unknown Sturridge, but acting-wise?
So,...
- - -
- - - Underrated versus Overrated: If you've watched Jumper, then you'll notice the difference between Jamie Bell and Hayden Christensen - Bell has undeniable screen presence, I can't say the same with Hayden. It could have been different if Tom Sturridge was retained to play Hayden's part. Anyway, who am I to argue? Christensen has more box office appeal than the relatively unknown Sturridge, but acting-wise?
So,...
- 10/13/2009
- by modelwatcher@gmail.com (Jed Medina)
- The Movie Fanatic
Cinema is filled with multi-talented young actors who bring to life all types of characters. Sometimes, a role is given to the wrong guy - just because he has the looks (pin-up pretty, looks awesome wearing trunks) and the connection (a powerful talent agent at his side). But when the role is given to the right guy - moviegoers get to witness something unique, memorable and powerful, even magical. Anyway, even the 'right guy' needs an agent, of course...
- - -
- - - Underrated versus Overrated: If you've watched Jumper, then you'll notice the difference between Jamie Bell and Hayden Christensen - Bell has undeniable screen presence, I can't say the same with Hayden. It could have been different if Tom Sturridge was retained to play Hayden's part. Anyway, who am I to argue? Christensen has more box office appeal than the relatively unknown Sturridge, but acting-wise?
So,...
- - -
- - - Underrated versus Overrated: If you've watched Jumper, then you'll notice the difference between Jamie Bell and Hayden Christensen - Bell has undeniable screen presence, I can't say the same with Hayden. It could have been different if Tom Sturridge was retained to play Hayden's part. Anyway, who am I to argue? Christensen has more box office appeal than the relatively unknown Sturridge, but acting-wise?
So,...
- 10/13/2009
- by modelwatcher@gmail.com (Jed Medina)
- The Movie Fanatic
Cinema is filled with multi-talented young actors who bring to life all types of characters. Sometimes, a role is given to the wrong guy - just because he has the looks (pin-up pretty, looks awesome wearing trunks) and the connection (a powerful talent agent at his side). But when the role is given to the right guy - moviegoers get to witness something unique, memorable and powerful, even magical. Anyway, even the 'right guy' needs an agent, of course...
- - -
- - - Underrated versus Overrated: If you've watched Jumper, then you'll notice the difference between Jamie Bell and Hayden Christensen - Bell has undeniable screen presence, I can't say the same with Hayden. It could have been different if Tom Sturridge was retained to play Hayden's part. Anyway, who am I to argue? Christensen has more box office appeal than the relatively unknown Sturridge, but acting-wise?
So,...
- - -
- - - Underrated versus Overrated: If you've watched Jumper, then you'll notice the difference between Jamie Bell and Hayden Christensen - Bell has undeniable screen presence, I can't say the same with Hayden. It could have been different if Tom Sturridge was retained to play Hayden's part. Anyway, who am I to argue? Christensen has more box office appeal than the relatively unknown Sturridge, but acting-wise?
So,...
- 10/13/2009
- by modelwatcher@gmail.com (Jed Medina)
- The Movie Fanatic
Cinema is filled with multi-talented young actors who bring to life all types of characters. Sometimes, a role is given to the wrong guy - just because he has the looks (pin-up pretty, looks awesome wearing trunks) and the connection (a powerful talent agent at his side). But when the role is given to the right guy - moviegoers get to witness something unique, memorable and powerful, even magical. Anyway, even the 'right guy' needs an agent, of course...
- - -
- - - Underrated versus Overrated: If you've watched Jumper, then you'll notice the difference between Jamie Bell and Hayden Christensen - Bell has undeniable screen presence, I can't say the same with Hayden. It could have been different if Tom Sturridge was retained to play Hayden's part. Anyway, who am I to argue? Christensen has more box office appeal than the relatively unknown Sturridge, but acting-wise?
So,...
- - -
- - - Underrated versus Overrated: If you've watched Jumper, then you'll notice the difference between Jamie Bell and Hayden Christensen - Bell has undeniable screen presence, I can't say the same with Hayden. It could have been different if Tom Sturridge was retained to play Hayden's part. Anyway, who am I to argue? Christensen has more box office appeal than the relatively unknown Sturridge, but acting-wise?
So,...
- 10/13/2009
- by modelwatcher@gmail.com (Jed Medina)
- The Movie Fanatic
Cinema is filled with multi-talented young actors who bring to life all types of characters. Sometimes, a role is given to the wrong guy - just because he has the looks (pin-up pretty, looks awesome wearing trunks) and the connection (a powerful talent agent at his side). But when the role is given to the right guy - moviegoers get to witness something unique, memorable and powerful, even magical. Anyway, even the 'right guy' needs an agent, of course...
- - -
- - - Underrated versus Overrated: If you've watched Jumper, then you'll notice the difference between Jamie Bell and Hayden Christensen - Bell has undeniable screen presence, I can't say the same with Hayden. It could have been different if Tom Sturridge was retained to play Hayden's part. Anyway, who am I to argue? Christensen has more box office appeal than the relatively unknown Sturridge, but acting-wise?
So,...
- - -
- - - Underrated versus Overrated: If you've watched Jumper, then you'll notice the difference between Jamie Bell and Hayden Christensen - Bell has undeniable screen presence, I can't say the same with Hayden. It could have been different if Tom Sturridge was retained to play Hayden's part. Anyway, who am I to argue? Christensen has more box office appeal than the relatively unknown Sturridge, but acting-wise?
So,...
- 10/13/2009
- by modelwatcher@gmail.com (Jed Medina)
- The Movie Fanatic
I've been waiting for the good news on Michael Angarano. I think the young actor is not getting the kind of attention he deserves, and he certainly can act - just go watch Black Irish for the dramatic Angarano, and then make sure you seen him with Jackie Chan and Jet Lee in The Forbidden Kingdom for some laughs. And speaking of comedy, Gentlemen Broncos might be the kind of flick that would give him more media mileage.
- - -
- - -
The recently released official trailer from Fox Searchlight looks awesome! More on Angarano and the trailer after the jump!
- - -
- - -
Here's more about the movie: From Jared Hess, the director of Napoleon Dynamite and Nacho Libre comes Gentlemen Broncos.
Benjamin (Michael Angarano), home-schooled by his eccentric mother (Jennifer Coolidge), is a loveable loner whose passion for writing leads him on an...
- - -
- - -
The recently released official trailer from Fox Searchlight looks awesome! More on Angarano and the trailer after the jump!
- - -
- - -
Here's more about the movie: From Jared Hess, the director of Napoleon Dynamite and Nacho Libre comes Gentlemen Broncos.
Benjamin (Michael Angarano), home-schooled by his eccentric mother (Jennifer Coolidge), is a loveable loner whose passion for writing leads him on an...
- 8/17/2009
- The Movie Fanatic
I've been waiting for the good news on Michael Angarano. I think the young actor is not getting the kind of attention he deserves, and he certainly can act - just go watch Black Irish for the dramatic Angarano, and then make sure you seen him with Jackie Chan and Jet Lee in The Forbidden Kingdom for some laughs. And speaking of comedy, Gentlemen Broncos might be the kind of flick that would give him more media mileage.
- - -
- - -
The recently released official trailer from Fox Searchlight looks awesome! More on Angarano and the trailer after the jump!
- - -
- - -
Here's more about the movie: From Jared Hess, the director of Napoleon Dynamite and Nacho Libre comes Gentlemen Broncos.
Benjamin (Michael Angarano), home-schooled by his eccentric mother (Jennifer Coolidge), is a loveable loner whose passion for writing leads him on an...
- - -
- - -
The recently released official trailer from Fox Searchlight looks awesome! More on Angarano and the trailer after the jump!
- - -
- - -
Here's more about the movie: From Jared Hess, the director of Napoleon Dynamite and Nacho Libre comes Gentlemen Broncos.
Benjamin (Michael Angarano), home-schooled by his eccentric mother (Jennifer Coolidge), is a loveable loner whose passion for writing leads him on an...
- 8/17/2009
- The Movie Fanatic
I've been waiting for the good news on Michael Angarano. I think the young actor is not getting the kind of attention he deserves, and he certainly can act - just go watch Black Irish for the dramatic Angarano, and then make sure you seen him with Jackie Chan and Jet Lee in The Forbidden Kingdom for some laughs. And speaking of comedy, Gentlemen Broncos might be the kind of flick that would give him more media mileage.
- - -
- - -
The recently released official trailer from Fox Searchlight looks awesome! More on Angarano and the trailer after the jump!
- - -
- - -
Here's more about the movie: From Jared Hess, the director of Napoleon Dynamite and Nacho Libre comes Gentlemen Broncos.
Benjamin (Michael Angarano), home-schooled by his eccentric mother (Jennifer Coolidge), is a loveable loner whose passion for writing leads him on an...
- - -
- - -
The recently released official trailer from Fox Searchlight looks awesome! More on Angarano and the trailer after the jump!
- - -
- - -
Here's more about the movie: From Jared Hess, the director of Napoleon Dynamite and Nacho Libre comes Gentlemen Broncos.
Benjamin (Michael Angarano), home-schooled by his eccentric mother (Jennifer Coolidge), is a loveable loner whose passion for writing leads him on an...
- 8/17/2009
- The Movie Fanatic
I've been waiting for the good news on Michael Angarano. I think the young actor is not getting the kind of attention he deserves, and he certainly can act - just go watch Black Irish for the dramatic Angarano, and then make sure you seen him with Jackie Chan and Jet Lee in The Forbidden Kingdom for some laughs. And speaking of comedy, Gentlemen Broncos might be the kind of flick that would give him more media mileage.
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The recently released official trailer from Fox Searchlight looks awesome! More on Angarano and the trailer after the jump!
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Here's more about the movie: From Jared Hess, the director of Napoleon Dynamite and Nacho Libre comes Gentlemen Broncos.
Benjamin (Michael Angarano), home-schooled by his eccentric mother (Jennifer Coolidge), is a loveable loner whose passion for writing leads him on an...
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The recently released official trailer from Fox Searchlight looks awesome! More on Angarano and the trailer after the jump!
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Here's more about the movie: From Jared Hess, the director of Napoleon Dynamite and Nacho Libre comes Gentlemen Broncos.
Benjamin (Michael Angarano), home-schooled by his eccentric mother (Jennifer Coolidge), is a loveable loner whose passion for writing leads him on an...
- 8/17/2009
- The Movie Fanatic
The Middleground. The top 30 is the middleground, where you get to find out who are making headways and who are not. We maintain a rather skeptical view of some of the actors' performances (i.e. we're not yet impressed totally!). That's probably the reason why you might notice the low ranking for some of the more popular names, which you thought should have been way up there. Moving down the rankings were Ben Foster, Kevin Zegers, Michael Angarano, Chris Evans and Eddie Redmayne. New on the list are Keiran Culkin and Nicolas Cazale and completing the top 30 are Ben Barnes, Lou Taylor Pucci and Sam Riley. International Appeal. I should have mentioned that during the first time we launched our top 50 list last April, many took note of its 'international flavor' and that we feature French, German and even Italian actors. The trend continues as we get to discover more young talents.
- 9/29/2008
- The Movie Fanatic
Over at Geeks of Doom (http://geeksofdoom.com/), there was a cool interview with The Forbidden Kingdom (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0865556/) writer John Fusco, who talks about the main characters played by Jet Li and Jackie Chan. But there was also mention made of one of tMF's favorite young actors, Michael Angarano. - - - - - - I watched the movie and saw it again on DVD and I'm surprised that Angarano can get into character with such ease and style. After seeing him in Black Irish (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0455915/), one of my favorite Angarano movies, I'm amazed he can play such a different kind of role altogether. Here's what Fusco has to say, when asked about Michael's character: G.o.D: Michael Angarano’s character Jason is obsessed with kung fu and you have already mentioned your own background in kung fu. Did...
- 9/12/2008
- The Movie Fanatic
'Black Irish' is good to go Anywhere
NEW YORK -- New indie distributor Anywhere Road acquired all domestic rights to its sophomore release, Black Irish, starring Michael Angarano, Brendan Gleeson and Melissa Leo.
Writer-director Brad Gann's feature debut follows the trials of an Irish-American family in South Boston. Angarano (Snow Angels) portrays a teen struggling with an emotionally distant father (Gleeson, of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix), a pregnant, unwed sister (Emily Van Camp), a bullying Brother Tom Guiry) and a mother (Leo) who wants him to join the priesthood.
Anywhere Road will release the film Sept. 28 in New York and Boston, followed by a national rollout through the fall. The company's first pickup, the Brazilian musical drama Antonia (jointly acquired with Netflix's Red Envelope Entertainment), will hit theaters Aug. 17.
The film was produced by Gann, J. Todd Harris, Kelly Crean, Jeffrey Orenstein and Mark Donadio. Gann's credits include the screenplay for the football drama Invincible, starring Mark Wahlberg.
The deal was negotiated by Harris on behalf of the filmmakers with Anywhere Road president Robert Ogden Barnum and executive vp Kaiser Wahab.
Writer-director Brad Gann's feature debut follows the trials of an Irish-American family in South Boston. Angarano (Snow Angels) portrays a teen struggling with an emotionally distant father (Gleeson, of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix), a pregnant, unwed sister (Emily Van Camp), a bullying Brother Tom Guiry) and a mother (Leo) who wants him to join the priesthood.
Anywhere Road will release the film Sept. 28 in New York and Boston, followed by a national rollout through the fall. The company's first pickup, the Brazilian musical drama Antonia (jointly acquired with Netflix's Red Envelope Entertainment), will hit theaters Aug. 17.
The film was produced by Gann, J. Todd Harris, Kelly Crean, Jeffrey Orenstein and Mark Donadio. Gann's credits include the screenplay for the football drama Invincible, starring Mark Wahlberg.
The deal was negotiated by Harris on behalf of the filmmakers with Anywhere Road president Robert Ogden Barnum and executive vp Kaiser Wahab.
- 7/10/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
'Irish' shines for Method Fest
Brad Gann's Black Irish, starring Michael Angarano, Brendan Gleeson, Tom Guiry and Melissa Leo, picked up the city of Calabasas' best picture award at the ninth annual Method Fest.
Angarano also won for best actor, while Scout Taylor-Compton won as best actress for her role in Tomorrow Is Today.
"What defined this year's festival was the emergence of so many talented young actors and filmmakers," fest exec director Don Franken said Thursday at Viewpoint School's Carlson Family Theatre in Calabasas, Calif.
Supporting actress in a feature film went to Dagmara Dominczyk for Mentor, while supporting actor went to Black Irish's Guiry.
The audience award for best picture was presented to Destiny, directed by Vage Khacatryan, produced by Haig Bagerdjian and Kolya Khachaturov and starring Gor Vardanyan, Yevgeni Kamash and Svetlana Jukova.
Jim Loftus, who directed Trade Routes, was honored as best director.
The prize for screenplay went to David Gow for Steel Toes, which he also co-directed.
Other winners included:
Ensemble cast: Man in the Chair, starring Christopher Plummer, M. Emmet Walsh and Robert Wagner.
Angarano also won for best actor, while Scout Taylor-Compton won as best actress for her role in Tomorrow Is Today.
"What defined this year's festival was the emergence of so many talented young actors and filmmakers," fest exec director Don Franken said Thursday at Viewpoint School's Carlson Family Theatre in Calabasas, Calif.
Supporting actress in a feature film went to Dagmara Dominczyk for Mentor, while supporting actor went to Black Irish's Guiry.
The audience award for best picture was presented to Destiny, directed by Vage Khacatryan, produced by Haig Bagerdjian and Kolya Khachaturov and starring Gor Vardanyan, Yevgeni Kamash and Svetlana Jukova.
Jim Loftus, who directed Trade Routes, was honored as best director.
The prize for screenplay went to David Gow for Steel Toes, which he also co-directed.
Other winners included:
Ensemble cast: Man in the Chair, starring Christopher Plummer, M. Emmet Walsh and Robert Wagner.
- 4/9/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Hamptons sets lineup, honors
NEW YORK -- The Hamptons International Film Festival, which runs Oct. 19-22, has unveiled its lineup of 53 features, a conversation with Robert Altman, career achievement awards for Ellen Burstyn and Ted Hope and festival panels with Christine Vachon and Darren Aronofsky. The fest opens with Philip Haas' Iraq war drama The Situation and closes with the Polish brothers' sci-fi drama The Astronaut. Between those films are six features in the Golden Starfish Feature competition and five in the Golden Starfish Documentary race. Narrative features vying for more than $190,000 in goods and in-kind services to be used toward the filmmakers' next feature are Brad Gann's coming-of-age drama Black Irish; Jens Lien's existential Norwegian feature, The Bothersome Man; Sven Taddicken's German romance, Emma's Bliss; Guy Moshe's slavery study, Holly; Dina Zvi-Riklis' intergenerational Israeli saga, Three Mothers; and Rajnesh Domalpalli's exploration of class divisions, Vanaja.
- 9/28/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Hamptons sets lineup, honors
NEW YORK -- The Hamptons International Film Festival, which runs Oct. 19-22, has unveiled its lineup of 53 features, a conversation with Robert Altman, career achievement awards for Ellen Burstyn and Ted Hope and festival panels with Christine Vachon and Darren Aronofsky. The fest opens with Philip Haas' Iraq war drama The Situation and closes with the Polish brothers' sci-fi drama The Astronaut. Between those films are six features in the Golden Starfish Feature competition and five in the Golden Starfish Documentary race. Narrative features vying for more than $190,000 in goods and in-kind services to be used toward the filmmakers' next feature are Brad Gann's coming-of-age drama Black Irish; Jens Lien's existential Norwegian feature, The Bothersome Man; Sven Taddicken's German romance, Emma's Bliss; Guy Moshe's slavery study, Holly; Dina Zvi-Riklis' intergenerational Israeli saga, Three Mothers; and Rajnesh Domalpalli's exploration of class divisions, Vanaja.
- 9/27/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
War coming to Hamptons
NEW YORK -- With a recurring theme of women and children caught in war zones, the 14th annual Hamptons International Film Festival unveiled a lineup of 18 features in competition and its opening-night film: the world premiere of Philip Haas' Iraq war drama The Situation. Six narrative and six documentary features will compete for Golden Starfish Awards, and six other pictures are part of the Films of Conflict and Resolution competition. "Submissions went up 30% this year, which has made it more competitive for our films," artistic director Rajendra Roy said. Brad Gann's Black Irish, Jens Lien's The Bothersome Man, Sven Taddicken's Emma's Bliss, Guy Moshe's Holly, Dina Zvi-Riklis's Three Mothers and Rajnesh Domalpalli's Vanaja will compete for the narrative award, which includes more than $190,000 in goods and in-kind services.
- 8/28/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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